5 Indicators Of A Valuable Antique
Sure, finding any old antique is easy – but finding a valuable antique is rare and extraordinary. Simliarly to when you walk into a record store and finding that one-of-a-kind vinyl album that no one has access to – remarkable. When finding that special piece, be sure that it encompasses these 5 signs: Rarity, Aesthetics, Authenticity, Condition, Desirability.
RARITY
Before purchasing, do your research! Find out where the piece came from, and if there are any others. Go for items that there were only a few of to begin with.If a piece is not being reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, its rarity increases.
When finding a rare piece, figure out the types of goods were used more frequently in the past but are less commonly utilized now – such as porcelain dishes or tea sets. Another way to measure the rarity of an antique is by its size and shape. Some examples of rarities in terms of size or shape include silver spoons or other utensils with a specialized purpose, such as silver stuffing spoons used for stuffing a turkey.
AESTHETICS
If you have any question in your mind about the way an item looks, it is not the right antique for you. The pieces must fit perfectly in your own mind. It all comes down to personal taste. However, as all art, some work is an acquired taste, and must be studied before finding its appeal. One strategy to further understanding an antique is by staying the time period in which the piece came from. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces.
AUTHENTICITY
Think of it as a mystery investigation. Part of the fun in hunting for antiques is separating truth from fiction. As technology continues to advance, so does our ability to reproduce items to a tee, thus making it truly a puzzle to distinguish authenticity. When looking for an authentic piece, pay close attention to the time period, the artist or company and the material it is made from. Close the case before putting down a payment.
CONDITION
A lot can happen in a hundred years. Finding a piece that is in the same condition it was in from day one is nearly impossible. But what you can do is follow this general rule of thumb: The less that was done to the original item to alter it, the more it’s worth. Anything beneath “mint condition,” “excellent condition,” or “good condition” is not worth your time. Another question to ask yourself, is “how much does the damage bother you?” Don’t buy something that makes the value decrease in your own mind.
DESIRABILITY
Desirability is measured by what is in vogue or trending at the time of your purchase. A few decades after Tiffany created his now-famous lamps, Many people thought of them as tacky. As a result, prices were steals by today’s standards. Now people covet the artistry that Tiffany displayed.