Why I Like Antiques
Our Featured discount antique furniture Writer
Antique Furniture Buying Guide
By Drew Dulgar
What constitutes an antique and what is it worth? You should know everything there is to know about your area of antiquing to make wise buying decisions, including what to look for in a valuable piece. This article will give tips on value, searching, finding and condition of antique furniture.
The word antique is used to describe anything old that is fairly rare. Old is considered to be anything that is over 100 years old. Rare is used to described an item that is limited in its supply or, in other words, there are hardly any of the item around anymore. You must have a discerning eye while shopping for antiques because even if a piece looks old does not mean it is an antique. Furthermore, even when something really is old, if no one wants it; it will be worthless. On the flip side, an item can be newer than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in high demand, thus it will have a high value. A pieces value is based on demand in connection with limited supply.
There are approximately 15 major areas of antiques, to name a few: furniture, toys, ceramics, and jewelry. When you decide to start collecting antiques you will need to choose an area or two and study and learn all you can about it to really be successful. You want to be able to know a really valuable find when you see it, and know you are getting it at a good price. Each area of antiques has its own history, value, rules, frauds, junk and exciting finds. For this article we are going to go over what to know about antique furniture.
Antique furniture is popular and will almost always appreciate in value because of it's solid wood construction and beautiful craftsmanship. Furniture today is not built like it used to be and people want pieces with style and character that will hold up over time. When you buy antique furniture you should always buy what you like and what you will want in your house, unless you are going to turn around and sell it for a profit.
There are four sub-categories in antique furniture: English, European (which is usually French or German), American, and Far Eastern, which is usually Chinese. English furniture is divided into Victorian or Pre-Victorian. American furniture will be Shaker, New York or Western. And Far Eastern furniture is described by the period or date of manufacture. Most people will enjoy one of these types of furniture and begin collecting and decorating their home with that one type.
The type of wood the piece is made from is of significance in determining value. Mahogany, walnut, oak and pine are the most sought after. If the piece has it's original hardware and wood panels it will be worth a lot more than a piece that has been "re-done" due to broken parts. If you have a piece of furniture that is not in top condition, with scratches on the finish, leave it alone if you believe it has some value. Never strip and refinish it. If a leg is loose on a table you can leave it alone or put a dab of wood glue in the joint. Never remove a leg and re-fit it. If a piece is a bit wobbly this is a good indication that it is authentically old. Make sure you inspect the entire piece of furniture for matching wood. Sometimes the back panels had been damaged and they will be replaced with another type of wood.
Caring for a piece of antique furniture is important in preserving it and the value it holds. You should always use pure beeswax (carnauba) to clean and polish your antiques.
Lemon oil is a big mistake because it dries out the wood, darkens the patina and will definitely decrease the furniture's value. When shopping for furniture, rub your finger across the finish and if an oil film is left on your finger the dealer has used lemon oil on it. Don't buy it.
You can find antique furniture just about anywhere. First search your attic and your parent's attics. You can even try and get into the attics of the neighbor's homes. Attics are the best places to find antiques people have forgotten about. To find some more real deals, go to rummage sales, garage sales, estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops and flea markets. You might be able to pick up an antique at a really low price. Estate sales are usually the best place to find antiques because the items belonged to an elderly person. There are also antique stores, malls, dealers and auctions. You will be able to find tons of furniture and antiques here, but you may have to pay more, and you will definitely need to be savvy so you won't get ripped off. You can expect to pay or get a variety of prices on antique furniture.
When you are new at buying antiques stick with one item and then start learning about other types of antiques.
Remember, condition is the most important aspect in determining value, so inspect each piece thoroughly. Do not buy on impulse, take your time and do some research to make sure it is an authentic piece. Don't do all your research in the store you will be purchasing it from, go elsewhere and get second opinions. Most of all, have a good time and only buy what you like and you will never be stuck with something you don't want.
Article Source: http://agedfurniture.com/buying_guide
Hints About discount antique furniture
Ask questions: about what you read on the label and what's not there. How old is this piece? Where was it made? How did you (the dealer) get it? Have you done any repairs or restoration? Is the hardware original? What refund/return policy does the dealer offer if the item is discovered later to be not as claimed? What is the dealer's policy on returns? What they tell you isn't worth the paper it's printed on. So make sure you -
Buy an remier antique radios today!
You can think of late 1960's to early 1970's fashions when you hear the term Bohemian used to describe a style. Called Boho for short, the look is earthy and layered, with flowing bottoms and tops that are often made from natural materials. You can have some fun developing a Boho chic look, especially when you add jewelry and accessories to the mix. Here's how to get started.
Buy antique beds today!
Does It Look Old? Examine the finish for natural signs of wear. Authentic pieces will have dirt in crevices or in places that are hard to clean, and wear around knobs and on drawers caused by friction. The absence of such wear may indicate that the piece is not old, or that it has been refinished. The latter is not necessarily bad if it�s been done well, but it will lower the piece�s value in most instances. Look inside and underneath the piece for dribbles of stain that indicate a sloppy refinishing job.
Buy antique jewelry today!
Newspapers and Phone Book. The local newspapers will list antique shows and have advertisements for local shops. And the local phone book will have addresses and phone numbers for area shops. If you are traveling and haven't been to a shop before, you'd better call ahead. You may drive out of your way and get there only to find the shop closed - some shops have unconventional hours, special days each month they are closed or they may only be open during certain months of the year. Others are by appointment only. By appointment only shops will usually open for you if they are home when you call.
Buy antique tables today!
Clocks are intricate mechanisms and can be delicate. When you are interested in a piece, try to find out if the clock is in good working order. Some older clocks will only run well if they are absolutely level. If possible, try to have the piece examined by an independent clockmaker. In some instances a clock will retain its value even if the workings have been reconditioned but in other cases the piece becomes virtually worthless without the original mechanism.
Buy antique jewelry cabinets today!
More discount antique furniture Info
Money-Saving Tip: Half Price Listing Fees on eBay
According to the New Year's Resolutions for Collectors poll, many of you are planning on selling some of your collection(s) in 2009. If you're one of these enterprising people,...
Antiques Show Calendar for January
Antique shows can be a great place to not only shop, but learn about antiques and, in some cases, support local charities, museums, and historical societies. If you're looking for...
Antiques Poll: How Often Do You Attend Antique Shows?
...
antique radio bench
oak antique furniture
reproduction antique furniture | antique dining room furniture
Antique Furniture Buying Guide
By Drew Dulgar
What constitutes an antique and what is it worth? You should know everything there is to know about your area of antiquing to make wise buying decisions, including what to look for in a valuable piece. This article will give tips on value, searching, finding and condition of antique furniture.
The word antique is used to describe anything old that is fairly rare. Old is considered to be anything that is over 100 years old. Rare is used to described an item that is limited in its supply or, in other words, there are hardly any of the item around anymore. You must have a discerning eye while shopping for antiques because even if a piece looks old does not mean it is an antique. Furthermore, even when something really is old, if no one wants it; it will be worthless. On the flip side, an item can be newer than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in high demand, thus it will have a high value. A pieces value is based on demand in connection with limited supply.
There are approximately 15 major areas of antiques, to name a few: furniture, toys, ceramics, and jewelry. When you decide to start collecting antiques you will need to choose an area or two and study and learn all you can about it to really be successful. You want to be able to know a really valuable find when you see it, and know you are getting it at a good price. Each area of antiques has its own history, value, rules, frauds, junk and exciting finds. For this article we are going to go over what to know about antique furniture.
Antique furniture is popular and will almost always appreciate in value because of it's solid wood construction and beautiful craftsmanship. Furniture today is not built like it used to be and people want pieces with style and character that will hold up over time. When you buy antique furniture you should always buy what you like and what you will want in your house, unless you are going to turn around and sell it for a profit.
There are four sub-categories in antique furniture: English, European (which is usually French or German), American, and Far Eastern, which is usually Chinese. English furniture is divided into Victorian or Pre-Victorian. American furniture will be Shaker, New York or Western. And Far Eastern furniture is described by the period or date of manufacture. Most people will enjoy one of these types of furniture and begin collecting and decorating their home with that one type.
The type of wood the piece is made from is of significance in determining value. Mahogany, walnut, oak and pine are the most sought after. If the piece has it's original hardware and wood panels it will be worth a lot more than a piece that has been "re-done" due to broken parts. If you have a piece of furniture that is not in top condition, with scratches on the finish, leave it alone if you believe it has some value. Never strip and refinish it. If a leg is loose on a table you can leave it alone or put a dab of wood glue in the joint. Never remove a leg and re-fit it. If a piece is a bit wobbly this is a good indication that it is authentically old. Make sure you inspect the entire piece of furniture for matching wood. Sometimes the back panels had been damaged and they will be replaced with another type of wood.
Caring for a piece of antique furniture is important in preserving it and the value it holds. You should always use pure beeswax (carnauba) to clean and polish your antiques.
Lemon oil is a big mistake because it dries out the wood, darkens the patina and will definitely decrease the furniture's value. When shopping for furniture, rub your finger across the finish and if an oil film is left on your finger the dealer has used lemon oil on it. Don't buy it.
You can find antique furniture just about anywhere. First search your attic and your parent's attics. You can even try and get into the attics of the neighbor's homes. Attics are the best places to find antiques people have forgotten about. To find some more real deals, go to rummage sales, garage sales, estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops and flea markets. You might be able to pick up an antique at a really low price. Estate sales are usually the best place to find antiques because the items belonged to an elderly person. There are also antique stores, malls, dealers and auctions. You will be able to find tons of furniture and antiques here, but you may have to pay more, and you will definitely need to be savvy so you won't get ripped off. You can expect to pay or get a variety of prices on antique furniture.
When you are new at buying antiques stick with one item and then start learning about other types of antiques.
Remember, condition is the most important aspect in determining value, so inspect each piece thoroughly. Do not buy on impulse, take your time and do some research to make sure it is an authentic piece. Don't do all your research in the store you will be purchasing it from, go elsewhere and get second opinions. Most of all, have a good time and only buy what you like and you will never be stuck with something you don't want.
Article Source: http://agedfurniture.com/buying_guide
Hints About discount antique furniture
Ask questions: about what you read on the label and what's not there. How old is this piece? Where was it made? How did you (the dealer) get it? Have you done any repairs or restoration? Is the hardware original? What refund/return policy does the dealer offer if the item is discovered later to be not as claimed? What is the dealer's policy on returns? What they tell you isn't worth the paper it's printed on. So make sure you -
Buy an remier antique radios today!
You can think of late 1960's to early 1970's fashions when you hear the term Bohemian used to describe a style. Called Boho for short, the look is earthy and layered, with flowing bottoms and tops that are often made from natural materials. You can have some fun developing a Boho chic look, especially when you add jewelry and accessories to the mix. Here's how to get started.
Buy antique beds today!
Does It Look Old? Examine the finish for natural signs of wear. Authentic pieces will have dirt in crevices or in places that are hard to clean, and wear around knobs and on drawers caused by friction. The absence of such wear may indicate that the piece is not old, or that it has been refinished. The latter is not necessarily bad if it�s been done well, but it will lower the piece�s value in most instances. Look inside and underneath the piece for dribbles of stain that indicate a sloppy refinishing job.
Buy antique jewelry today!
Newspapers and Phone Book. The local newspapers will list antique shows and have advertisements for local shops. And the local phone book will have addresses and phone numbers for area shops. If you are traveling and haven't been to a shop before, you'd better call ahead. You may drive out of your way and get there only to find the shop closed - some shops have unconventional hours, special days each month they are closed or they may only be open during certain months of the year. Others are by appointment only. By appointment only shops will usually open for you if they are home when you call.
Buy antique tables today!
Clocks are intricate mechanisms and can be delicate. When you are interested in a piece, try to find out if the clock is in good working order. Some older clocks will only run well if they are absolutely level. If possible, try to have the piece examined by an independent clockmaker. In some instances a clock will retain its value even if the workings have been reconditioned but in other cases the piece becomes virtually worthless without the original mechanism.
Buy antique jewelry cabinets today!
More discount antique furniture Info
Money-Saving Tip: Half Price Listing Fees on eBay
According to the New Year's Resolutions for Collectors poll, many of you are planning on selling some of your collection(s) in 2009. If you're one of these enterprising people,...
Antiques Show Calendar for January
Antique shows can be a great place to not only shop, but learn about antiques and, in some cases, support local charities, museums, and historical societies. If you're looking for...
Antiques Poll: How Often Do You Attend Antique Shows?
...
antique radio bench
oak antique furniture
reproduction antique furniture | antique dining room furniture
posted by The Antique Lover | 6:04 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home