A History of Antique Collectibles
As you read about antiques, you’ll learn:
How to tell the difference between an antique and a vintage item
How to store antiques properly
Many people enjoy scouring yard sales, consignment shops, and thrift stores in the hopes of finding old items that have hidden value. Antiques, collectibles, and vintage items can all make beautiful additions to your home decor or help you complete a collection you have been working on for many years, but it is important to understand what you are looking for when you are searching for old items. Although many people use the words vintage and antique interchangeably, they are two distinct categories. Here is everything you need to know about old items before you dive into the world of antiquing.
What is an Antique?
By definition, an antique is an item that is more than 100 years old. Most antiques also hold some kind of historical value, although this does not always make them valuable. Some antique items only have sentimental value to the families that own them, while other items that are more widely known have a high monetary value. The more demand there is for an antique item, the more valuable the piece is.
How Do I Know the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Items and Collectibles?
While items must be more than 100 years old to be classified as unique by the legal definition, vintage items are slightly more contemporary. The word “vintage” by itself is meaningless. The term “vintage furniture” simply means that the pieces were made at some point within the last century. However, this doesn’t mean that vintage pieces do not have value. Many of them are quite valuable, particularly if the term is attached to a specific item such as a vintage 1925 Ford T Model, which is quickly approaching antique status.
What are Some of the Most Uncommon Antiques?
Many types of antiques are common. Items like antique farm equipment and dishes were once mass-produced and are easy to find. Uncommon types of antiques are items that were never mass-produced, such as paintings, jewelry, and pottery. The rarest types of antiques are one-of-a-kind items.
What Kinds of Antiques are Most Valuable?
Just because an item is antique doesn’t necessarily make it valuable. Demand and rarity are the two factors that determine the value of an antique. The general rule of thumb is that the rarer an antique is, the more value it has.
How Can I Tell If an Antique is Real?
Unfortunately, there are many duplications of antique items. This can make it difficult to know if an item you have is an authentic antique or not. Many types of older items, including artwork, furniture, and pottery, have defining marks or signatures, but you have to know where to look to find them. It is best to have an antique appraiser, a person who understands the history of antiques, to analyze the item to verify its authenticity.
Antique Appraisal
Before you can sell an antique, you’ll need to get an appraisal. Not only does an appraisal verify the authenticity of the item, but it also tells you how much the antique is worth.
How Do You Get an Antique Appraisal?
In some cases, an informal appraisal is sufficient. If you are selling a common antique and can already verify its authenticity, you can visit any antique shop or show to get a verbal appraisal from the owner. However, these informal appraisals are not always accurate, so you probably want to get two or three estimates before pricing your antique.
A formal appraisal is necessary if you have a rare item or need to prove that it is authentic. These appraisals are much more accurate than informal ones, but they do come with a price because they require much more effort. You should expect to pay at least several hundred and even up to several thousand dollars if you want a certified antique appraiser to appraise your item.
What Makes an Antique a Collectible?
While antiques must be very old by definition, collectibles must be part of a collection. Collectibles were once mass-produced with the intention of creating a collection. An antique collectible is any item over a century old that is part of a collection. Common collectible antiques include but are not limited to:
Dishes
Furniture
Paintings
Coins
Pottery
Toys
Tools
Where Can I Find Antiques and Collectibles?
There are many places you can find antiques and collectibles, but you have to know what you are looking for. Once you know how to recognize antique and collectible pieces, you can browse estate sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for great deals on vintage pieces. However, if you’re looking for a specific item, you may do better browsing the collections of other antiques.
Antique Dealers
Buying from a dealer increases the likelihood that you are purchasing an authentic antique rather than a good reproduction of the item. Dealers have a vast knowledge of the antique world and can explain the history behind what makes certain items so valuable. This is great information to have, but you want to work with a reputable dealer that won’t take advantage of your naivete when it comes to antiques.
Antique Shops
You may get a better price for an antique if you buy from a shop. Shop dealers are usually willing to haggle, so don’t be afraid to try negotiating when you find an item you want. However, you need to keep in mind that the shop dealer has a good understanding of the value of the item in question. You may walk away with a deal you are satisfied with; you probably won’t feel like you got a good deal. Those tend to happen when you buy from people who don’t understand the value of the items they are selling.
Where Can I Sell Antiques?
You’ll probably get the best price for your antiques if you try to sell online in a global market such as Ruby Lane, GoAntiques, or TIAS. You can also take your items to a local antique dealer, although you will likely only get a fraction of what the item is worth.
How Do I Store Antiques?
Whether you plan to sell your antiques or not, you need to keep them in good condition. Store them in a location that receives little direct sunlight and has a humidity of under 50%. You should also avoid exposing antiques to sudden temperature swings and make changes gradually.
Antique Insurance for Vintage Items, Antiques, and Collectibles
While homeowners insurance often covers the cost of antiques up to a certain value if they are damaged in an accident, it is a good idea to invest in additional coverage if you have a special collection. You will likely have to get a formal appraisal done to qualify for antique insurance.
Old Crows Antiques is located just outside of Denver in beautiful Littleton, Colorado. Whether you live near or are just visiting, Old Crows is an antique destination not to be missed. With your newfound knowledge of what is antique vs. vintage, you can find great pieces to complete your collection in our shop. Visit us today to find your next antique item!