What You Need to Know when Shopping for Antiques
Jan 29, 2015Antique shops are fantastic places to find a variety of antiques and collectibles. However, many people shop for antiques at flea markets and estate sales due the occasional lower price. Nonetheless, an antique shop will generally have a larger selection of merchandise and will sometimes bargain the price.
There are also methods that can help you find a special deal when shopping at antique stores. One of the biggest keys to getting a good deal is having a little knowledge about particular artisans that you favor. For instance, if you collect tea caddies then you should be able to distinguish the different styles and their origin or be well-informed about a certain artisan that you admire.
It is also important to know the terminology that is often used in the antique marketplace. Even knowing the basic terms will make a huge difference.
Antique: An antique is commonly defined as an object that is at least 100 years old.
Collectable: A collectable is any object considered as being of value or interest to a collector. The age of a collectable is not significant.
Vintage collectible: A vintage collectible is an object that is at least 50 years old.
Reproduction: A reproduction is an object that is created to look like an original. Sometimes reproductions can be expensive but are not as exclusive in price as the original. Many repos are not antiques or vintage collectibles but are mere copies with little value except for aesthetics to the eye of the beholder. For instance, furniture can be manufactured to look like styles from the 17th & 18th century such as Georgian, the George Hepplewhite collection, Thomas Chippendale and Queen Anne. M.
Repo: The term repo is not short for reproduction. Repo is generally used to describe objects that are intentionally created to look like and original but is sold as an original not as a reproduction. Basically, a repo is an imitation.
Tips for Buying and Shopping
It is always a good idea to do a little research before you purchase antiques. There are various ways to do research such as on the Internet, antique books and magazines, personally at antique shops or auctions, price guides for antiques and auction catalogs. The more knowledge you attain, the more you will know what to look for.
It is also very beneficial to get to know an antiques owner or their employees. Developing a personal relationship will likely lead to updates on items you may be looking for. What is more, once you get to know an owner, your prospects of getting a good deal are greatly increased.
Finding a reputable antique dealer is also important. The dealer will have the expertise in appraisals, the value of certain antiques and will be able answer many of your questions. One of the most respected antique dealers is someone who does both restoration and antique enquiries. This eliminates the middleman and lowers the cost.
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