How To Find the Perfect Antique Chandelier

Crystal chandeliers are a beautiful addition to any home. They can really spruce up a room or become a focal point around which you can decorate. But sometimes you want more than just a modern looking chandelier. Antique chandeliers have a very distinct, old-world look about them. Whether you get a new brass chandelier in an antique style, or find a truly old piece to hang, it can really become a point of interest in the home.

The definition of antique is an item that is old, usually at least 100 years of age, and are considered collectibles. If an antique item has been restored by more than 50 percent, it loses its title as an antique. As of right now, antique chandeliers and other furniture would have to be from at least 1910, though some will argue whether pieces dating in the '20s or '30s can count as well.

Antique style chandeliers are new chandeliers made to look as if they are true antiques and to the naked eye, they'll convince most people. Only an expert will really be able to tell if it's a reproduction or not. Taking this route is a perfect way to get the look for a lot less. You also won't have to spend most of your time searching and you'll have plenty of choices in style.

The antique look for chandeliers spans different designs. Wooden carved chandeliers are a great choice, with overly decorative carvings and a old world finish. Bowl chandeliers have a French or Italian antique look. This means the middle piece is shaped like a bowl. Beaded designs are also a very French antique style. These are the kind of things you want to look for, whether getting a reproduction or the real thing.

Finding truly antique chandeliers can be tough, but not impossible. Road shows are common where people sell their old pieces. Look up any coming near your area and take some time to browse. Also consider browsing thrift stores. They all have home sections and you will be amazed at the things people donate, not realizing their worth.

If you do choose an antique chandelier, make sure the rest of the room you are installing it in follows suite. You do not want a piece like this in the middle of modern decor. Stick with wooden furniture in deep colors and ornate, luxurious fabrics. Dark colors like burgundy and brown will really set the tone. A Victorian style will work perfectly to showcase your chandelier!

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How To Set Up An Old Striking Clock

First of all pick a permanent location for the clock. For reasons you will understand later, these clocks do not like to be moved after they have been set up. Choose a place with a nice firm and level surface away from excessive heat or cold, dust, and out of direct sunlight. The clock will keep more accurate time if the temperature remains relatively stable. Dust can damage the bearings of the clockwork because it will combine with the oil, drying it out to produce an abrasive paste, and causing rapid wear. Strong sunlight will soon cause unsightly fading to the finish of the clock case. Bear in mind that what is level on a spirit-level is not necessarily level to an old clock. This is because of previous adjustments made to the escapement, or warping of the clock-case, for example.

Next you must remove any packing materials from inside the clock and hang the pendulum carefully on to the hanger (crutch) usually by hooking it onto a small pin or projecting barb, but sometimes the hook is on the pendulum rod itself. Now that the pendulum has been fitted you must be very careful when moving the clock, as there is potential to do great damage to the escapement if the pendulum is allowed to swing around freely. Reach in through the back door and gently hold the pendulum steady while you move it to its final position.

The next thing is to wind both springs up until the key will turn no further. To start the clock, carefully lift one side of the case no more than an inch or two then gently set it down again. If it does not start ticking, simply repeat this action from the other side this time. You may find that the clock will tick perfectly while held at an angle, but will stop when set down on the level surface. If this happens, the crutch has been moved out of calibration and must be moved to one side to correct the alignment. There are two ways to accomplish this: Either you can place something under one side of the clock to hold it at the required angle, which is ok if the angle is small, otherwise it may look a little odd. The other way is to physically move the crutch with your hand, so that the crutch is correctly aligned when the clock is level on the mantel. This is easy to do, but a delicate touch and a fair bit of patience are needed. Most clockworks have a 'sliding clutch' at the pivot, which allows easy adjustment to the correct angle of the pendulum hanger. Looking in through the back door you will see the pendulum suspended on its hanger - the 'crutch'. If you need to lift the clock on the left side to make it run, then push the crutch gently but firmly to the left side until it only just moves. Now try the clock to see if it runs when level. If it does, then you are done. If not you will have to make further adjustments. If you have to lift the clock on the right to make it run, then you must move the crutch to the right. Once the clock is running when level, you should listen carefully to the sound of the ticks. If they are exactly even, the clock is said to be 'in beat', and the adjustment is complete. If you can hear the ticks as two close together followed by a pause, like a person limping, you still have to move the crutch a very small amount until the ticks are exactly evenly spaced. This whole process is one of trial and error - there is no way to say in advance how much movement will be needed. Your patience may well be sorely tested!

One more thing to check is whether the clock counts the correct number of strikes on the hours. The easiest way to do this is to push gently on the minute hand, so that it turns clockwise. NEVER PUSH THE MINUTE HAND BACKWARDS. THIS WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE! Note that it does not matter if the clock is stopped or running at this point. If you must pass through a half-hour, pause briefly and allow the gong to strike and reset before moving the hand to the next full hour. As the minute hand touches the 12 you should hear the mechanism begin to activate. Move the hand a little further and it will begin to strike. Count the number of strikes and note if these are the same as the indicated time. If so, the clock is now fully set up. If the strike-count is wrong it can be easily put right. Stop the clock and move the minute hand to 2 or 3 minutes past the next full hour. Looking in from the back, you will see a lever high up on the left side of the clockwork. Flick this lever up and down with your finger. The clock will begin to strike. Repeat this action, pausing each time to allow the strike-sequence to complete, until the clock counts the correct number of hours. The clock is now ready for use.

Now that the clock is running and striking correctly, you will need to observe it over a few days to see if it keeps good time. It is generally possible to get a pendulum clock to an accuracy of +/- 1 minute per week. If your clock runs too fast, make the pendulum longer by winding the little nut under the weight down a little. If the clock runs too slow, make the pendulum a little shorter by winding the nut up a little. One full turn of the nut can make a difference of several minutes per day, so go easy. By making small adjustments once each day, you should have your clock running at the correct speed within a week. At last you may now sit back and enjoy your new clock!

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Most Important Things You Should Know About Antique Furniture

Antique items are very famous nowadays. With the real estate market in the state it is in right now, many real estate marketers believe placing some antique furniture in a home will significantly increase the assumed sale value. In addition, spending money on buying antique beds etc. for a home is a wise investment. The vintage furniture never loses its value, and in many cases appreciates; the value of the vintage furniture may increase as time passes. Although it is very easy to buy vintage furniture nowadays (you can even get the delivered to your doorsteps by ordering it online), several factors are to be considered to make your purchase more rewarding. This guide will help you to identify and buy the best vintage furniture available out there.

Identifying the Real Antique Furniture
You should remember the fact that the word "antique" refers to any object that is more than 100 years old. When it comes to vintage furniture, there are two types such as "real antique items" and "Antique design inspired furniture". The genuine vintage furniture is a great treasure, which will be many years old. However, the antique design inspired ones will only reflect the antique design. The material will not be really antique. Figuring out the real antique pieces is extremely simple. You may be aware of the fact that woods shrinks due to aging. Antique furniture will have irregular measurements. If the finishing of the furniture is fantastic and new looking then it may not be a genuine antique.

Determining the Value
All kinds of antique objects will not have the same value. It depends upon several factors like age, quality, application, design, make etc. In order to find the value of the furniture, you need to be experienced in antiques. You can get lots of information about antique furniture if you spend a little time researching on the web. Generally, antique furniture will be valued based on the condition, rarity, and background.

Checking the Solidity of the Furniture
You should also keep in mind the fact that antique furniture retains its value only if it is fully functional. Most antique specialists insist on moving and using the furniture to ensure the solidity and functionality.

Buying Antique Online
You can buy antique furniture on the web and get it delivered to your doorstep while you just relax. However, it is very much important to make sure that the online antique furniture store of your choice is authentic as you won't be able to check the furniture before they get shipped to you. No matter how you buy it, the real vintage furniture is a valuable asset in any house.

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Music Boxes - A Treasured Gift For Years To Come

Music boxes are considered special treasures by a great many people. Originating in the 19th century, these automatic musical devices generate music when a set of pins are positioned on a revolving disc or cylinder. They are not widely manufactured nowadays and tend to be regarded as collector's items. Those that I remember as a child would often have a ballerina or an angel inside which would spin to a tune. They are a terrific gift for a friend, mother, sister or granddaughter and can quickly cheer someone up and bring a smile to their face. They are available in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, with many being designed for wedding cakes. Four distinctive kinds to collect are traditional, vintage, reuge, and porter.

Reuge music boxes are a wonderful gift for a special someone in your life. As they are often much too expensive for many people, purchasing contemporary Reuge products is a good option. Several online stores that sell gift items have a good variety, including those specially designed for children.

Carousel music boxes are extremely popular and have been for many years. Some of them not only play music and spin around but light up as well. A few sources for antique carousels are internet auctions, newspaper ads, estate sales and garage sales.

Vintage music boxes are often prized possessions, and most people will cherish them for a great many years. They are excellent collectible items, however purchasing them requires a great deal of knowledge and planning. They are available in various styles, and may play tunes longer than contemporary kinds.

Musical jewelry boxes have been around for many years and will make you smile every time you open them up. Piano music boxes are now as popular as musical jewelry boxes with a twirling ballerina. Made in the shape of a piano, they are quite likely to be handed down as a family heirloom. They are much more than just a music box, they are a thing of beauty.

There are numerous classic and antique music boxes and collectibles available to collectors. They may be purchased in retail stores, gift shops, or specialty boutiques. Egg-shaped varieties are also popular with both children and adults, and make an excellent Easter gift. These treasured collectibles are a great sentimental gift to let someone know how special she is. They are also a wonderful gift for the person who has everything.

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Selling Online? The True Definition of a Collectible

Seasoned antiques and collectibles dealers may find the concept to be 'old hat,' but the truth is, the more popular and desirable a thing is, the greater likelihood it will sell quickly. That truth is not always readily apparent to those who are new to this rather specialized sales arena, however. So the 'True Collectible' guideline is an attempt to convey the principle.

The online selling field may seem infinite in scope, too, with millions of potential customers worldwide. But, success in selling collectibles on the Web is gained in much the same way as it is in the physical world, by knowing buyers' needs and meeting them. Success can depend to a great degree on whether or not you are offering collectible properties able to meet at least one of these three key commercial elements:

1. Not easily obtainable locally. 
2. Wide appeal due to a current surge in popularity or because an item is able to 'cross over' collecting boundaries. 
3. Competitive pricing.

Consider the Market's Opinion of the Item
Say that whenever she can, your neighbor's Great Aunt Mable clips articles about David Hasslehoff out of current periodicals. She collects these by pasting them into a scrapbook. Is it likely that multitudes of other people share her desire to do this? If she were to try to sell said scrapbook full of modern clippings online, would very many buyers react favorably and vie to buy it? While her scrapbook may be factually described as 'rare' or a 'one of a kind' item, who else but Mable might care to own it, even so? How can such an item be assigned sure status as a 'true collectible' with an established and recognizable monetary value?

Because collectors often look upon their collections as having investment potential, collectibility always contains monetary implications. So, manufacturers often hype the 'limited' nature of new items they have to sell, or they might place a public declaration on the item itself, to imply sure and certain future value.
But, neither limiting production, nor printing the words 'Fine Collectible' on either an item or the box in which it came, can ensure that future collectors will want items more than others do today - or that they will be willing to pay more to own them. Great Aunt Mable's scrapbook illustrates that simply knowing someone, somewhere, collects a particular thing can't automatically grant that thing status as a 'true' collectible. Maybe 50 or 100 years in the future Mabel's scrapbook will be all the rage. Today, and probably for the near foreseeable future, others will judge it to be just a scrapbook full of common clippings.

Only the market at large can decide which things are highly desirable or more valuable than other objects. The individual collector or manufacturer has little actual ability to impact secondary market choices in regard to preferential items.

So, What is a 'True Collectible?'
Basically a True Collectible is an item for which a reasonably well numbered audience of avid buyers can be expected to exist and for which a pattern of recognizable trade on the secondary market has been established.

If that statement doesn't clarify the notion sufficiently, it may help to mentally replace the word 'true' with the word 'legitimate.' A 20-year-old sock previously owned by a musician would not be a 'legitimate' collectible. But a sock of the same age, and the unimpeachable provenance of having been on the right foot of Elvis Presley while he performed 'Jail House Rock' on the Ed Sullivan show, would be legitimate, since trade in Elvis memorabilia is a well established collecting niche.

To 'collect' means to accumulate as a hobby or for study. A 'collection' is a group of objects or works to be seen or kept together. But a 'collectible' is a group or class of objects sought by collectors. Note that the definition is expressed in plural form, 'by collectors.'

When something can stand the 'test of time' and even though an older item (or perhaps because it is older) people seek it, then offering it to collectors on the open market at an attractive price can logically be expected to result in its sale. If something very new cannot yet be found in a printed price guide book, printed for collectors, then a sale will likely be slow or non-existent, or the price at which it must be sold in order to move it out of inventory will not create an appreciable profit.

Confirming whether a piece has been mentioned in a printed price guide book as required by site listing requirements can help to ensure it meets the designation of a 'true collectible,' as defined above. If determinations like this are always made before listing newer items, shoppers are likely to begin to find a wider variety of the kinds of things they are actively seeking. And a gradual increase in sales may very well be the welcomed result.

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The Friendly Asian Tiger Collectible

The stories about the Asian tiger are very powerful. The legends are genuinely alluring because the tiger is something many people throughout the world find interesting. There is something about the tiger that is seductive, but it also warns us of danger. When it comes to the Asian tiger collectible, the enticement to have one in your home or office is seemingly irresistible. When a person learns even a few of the stories about these Asian tigers, it is not difficult to be tempted to get your own Chinese tiger figurine!

In old Korea, only unmarried, young people would wear brightly colored attire. This way their youth and beauty would stand out for all to see, especially other young people. The married people had to wear drab tan or gray clothing. The elderly people would wear white, which is quite interesting. In any case, the worship of nature spirits was very commonplace among Asian people no matter where they came from. In one story a Korean teenage boy follows a very beautiful, young girl home one day. However, the boy got more than he bargained for! A tiger was her guardian and protector. The tiger was a powerful ally and capable of fierce retribution. The young girl's innocence was safeguarded by this tiger, who may have been a nature spirit in physical form. No one really knows for sure, but the implication is certainly there. There is also an exquisite painting of this story called "The Tiger Girl."

The ancient symbol for the Chinese tiger is famous throughout Asia. The emblem itself signifies dignity, ferocity, sternness, courage, and (by itself) is considered Yin energy. Therefore, as a symbol of protection, the image is often worn on clothing or is placed around one's home. In doing this it is thought that the power of the tiger will help ward off harm and assure safekeeping. In fact, the people in certain areas of China and Asia consider the "Tiger" to be the God of Wealth. While the Tiger symbol may not be as dominant as the Dragon, it is still a highly honored piece to own.

In reality, the South Chinese tiger species is worthy of consideration as the possible source for much of Asia's fascination with the Tiger symbol. The South Chinese tiger (Panthera tigris amoyenis) is also known as the Chinese Amoy or Xiamen tiger. It is a subspecies of tiger native to the forests and jungles of South China in particular. The tiger is one of the smaller species. Sadly, it is also the most critically endangered of any living tiger species. Experts in this area of study insist that there are possibly fewer than 20 of these special tigers left in the wild. They also warn that the South Chinese tiger could become extinct within the next decade or so. The Chinese tiger is thought to be the stem tiger which all other tigers may have originated, according to these experts. No matter the case, the South Chinese tiger has been listed more recently as one of the world's 10 most endangered animals.

This subspecies of tiger is one of the smallest of its known breed. Male tigers measure about 2.6 m or 8 ft. from head to tail. They weigh about 150 kg or 330 lbs. The female tiger is smaller, measuring about 2.3 m or 7.5 ft. long. The female weighs about 110 kg or 240 lbs. It is noteworthy that the short, broad stripes of this tiger are spaced far apart when compared with the stripes of the Bengal or Amur tiger breeds.

Since the year 1990, China's State Forestry Administration has been leading the effort to preserve the South Chinese tiger from extinction through the establishment of special Nature Reserves for the 10 to 30 Chinese tigers believed to be left in the wilderness. A 1987 study by Chinese scientists also reported a few tigers remaining in the Guangdong mountain area, which borders Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces. Still, another survey in 1990 noted evidence of about a dozen tigers in 11 reserves in remote mountain areas of Guangdong, Hunan, and Fujian Provinces. These provinces are all located in South China. However, no actual tigers were seen.

All these reasons cited are valuable information to the collector of the Asian tiger figurine. They inform us all of the special place that the Asian tiger has in a anyone's home or place of business to enhance their decor strategy. The are indeed enchanting pieces to own simply because of their legendary appeal, their beloved history, and their actual existence in our world today. There could easily be a Tiger on the Asian collectibles market right now who is ready for you to bring it home to serve as your personal protector. Good luck in finding your new friend!

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The Fun of Shopping For Antiques

There are many hobbies out there but for many nothing could be as satisfying as antiquing. This is one hobby that takes time and effort but once you get started, you will not be able to stop. It is fun and you just never know what you might find out there. For many, antiques are very interesting.

The first thing that you should do before you start is to read. Read up on different genres and styles. Think about what you would like to collect and why. Once you have narrowed your focus a little, it can be easy and a lot more enjoyable.

Once you have a focus, you can then begin looking. This is the fun part. Go to antique stores, thrift stores, any place that you might find what you are looking for.

Only get what you can afford. You truly need to stick to a budget. This should be a fun experience. Not one that puts you into debt. You want to enjoy this experience. It should be a hobby, not something that will break the bank.

When you really know what you are looking for, you will not be scammed as easily. There are many replications out there. You do not want to purchase a replicated item thinking it is real. That can make this hobby miserable.

Half the fun is looking to see how much your newly acquired antiques are worth. You may be surprised at which items are actually worth more than what you paid for them. With the invention of many online auction sites, many items have really been devalued. Many times there were no way of knowing how many of a certain item there were out there - the internet has put all of this in perspective.

You may also want to research a particular item before you go shopping. Comparing prices online can put things in perspective. It can also help to bring a device with you shopping so you can actually look online in real time as you are shopping. This helps many antiquers get great deals and know just what they should be paying for an item. It also helps to know how rare an item is.

Really, the best way to antique is to shop online. You can get the best deals this way. The selection is also much larger on the internet. Most antiquing experts will tell you that this is the number one way to shop. While it can be a lot of fun to shop in real stores, doing it online is more time efficient as well as less expensive.

So if you are thinking about antiquing as a hobby, do your homework first. Know what you want and what your focus will be. Decide if you want to look for large pieces, like furniture, or smaller pieces, like figurines. Whatever you chose, it should be your passion. Get into something that you love. You will be glad you did and it will make the entire hobby much more fun.

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The Reasons Behind Antique Collection

A lot of antique collectors have already increased in the number all throughout the time. These people have a certain connection in which they alone can completely understand and appreciate the same things that they are up to. For us, collecting antiques is perhaps just a waste of time, an addiction, a reckless spending or merely a nonsense activity. However, for the people who are greatly inclined with arts, this kind of collection is an achievement on their part that is tagged with elegance, brilliance, money and superb taste.

What are antiques, by the way? To give us better understanding on what really these things are, we will try to look on its meaning. An antique in its simplest definition, is a form of an old and historical collectible item. It is among those that are highly collected simply because of the beauty, condition, emotional connection or attachment, and some other distinctive features that are behind it. It represents the old times or the previous period for at least somehow 50 years old or more. The longer and older the item is, the better value it has.

We may wonder why antique collectors have to go through a very unbelievable degree of passion, where they really spend much and take a trip to the different sides of the globe, just to see and personally the buy items that have been buried long ago. What could possibly be the reasons for this zeal and enthusiasm for such an old item?

One of the reasons and explanations behind antique collection are the monetary returns that it gives to the collectors, most especially for those who are in the buying, trading and selling scene. These items have very high value in the market and in the business world. There are certain antique dealers, who even really travel to some countries that are history wise, just to dig up and unravel items that may appear of no value to the ordinary people, but are certainly magnificent masterpieces to artists. Moreover, this collection signifies fame and social acceptance. It has been a usual norm that having excess views of our wealth through the material possessions already creates a very nice impression.

Furthermore, an added ground for such a collection is personal fulfillment and satisfaction. To them, the art of collecting these items, may it be antique picture frames, furniture, or other ornaments, is a very good therapy. It gives a rewarding feeling and sense of pleasure and happiness that are beyond compare. Seeing over their magnificent collections is undoubtedly a stress relieving and a healing thing to do.

People may have different reasons for collecting, but whatever is behind it, the most important thing is the contentment and gratification that the activity provides. Engaging in the collection of any items, may this appear to be an antique or not, is not bad for as long as it has served its purpose well. We just have to inculcate into our minds that in everything we do, tagged along are the responsibilities that we have to take.

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