ShareThisMany people love antiques. Perhaps the antiques are a link to the past, they have investment value or they are rare, with that one-of-a-kind allure. Whatever the reason, the yen is there for some aficionados.So what exactly is considered an antique? Formerly, a piece was just old and not considered truly antique unless it was made before 1830. Why was that particular year the turning point? Who knows? The answer doesn't seem to be all that important anymore because, currently, an antique is "genuine" if it is 100 years old or more.Still, how do we determine if it is junk or valuable? Comparison-shopping is a great way to start separating the real from the fake. Look at the condition the piece is in. An antique in mint condition will obviously cost more, but beyond checking the price, check out the piece's intricacy. The more detail in the workmanship, the more exceptional the value.The material the piece is made of is also important. Fine woods with brass or silver hardware will increase value. Beveled and leaded glass will, too.If signed and dated, the piece takes on even greater authenticity -- and a greater price. If the item happens to be signed by a famous craftsman, a healthy Swiss bank account might be helpful when making the payment.Shopping auctions, estate sales and antique stores can be overwhelming. Check out the reputation of the seller. Some estate sales are just glorified garage sales and some antique stores are really junk dealers. Though some real gems can be found at these not-so-on-the-up-and-up places, there is more of a chance of getting stung, particularly for the amateur buyer.Auctions are fun. Generally, a piece at auction should sell for about 1/3 the price of the same piece at an antique store. Start by obtaining a catalog or description of the items in advance so when the bidding starts a more intelligent call can be made. Be sure to understand the multiples of the bid. Is the price for one chair or a pair? Make note of your winning bid and the bidding number.And get a receipt for all payments.(Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer, is the author of an award-winning book, "Mystery of Color." For design inquiries, write to Rosemary at DsgnQuest(at)aol.com.)
What's an antique?
Submitted by SHNS on Mon, 06/09/2008 - 12:55
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