Guide To Antique Auction
By Jill Andrus | June 21, 2008
An antique auction is an auction where the things sold are very old. Usually, antique auctions sell things that other collectors have offered or they sell antiques that people have left behind after they died. Whatever the reason, there are many great deals to be had at an antique auction. The best thing about an antique auction is that you can get great deals on items that have endured many, many years for sometimes pennies on the dollar. Depending on how many people are participating in the auction, you could get an antique item that’s much more expensive than what you paid for it. That’s why going to every antique auction around you can really pay off.
If you, too, have items that you’d like to get rid of to make room for something else, you can even offer your items to the antique auction. If you offer it to an antique house, they will likely receive a commission for allowing your item to go up for bids. If, however, you choose to auction the item off yourself, say on an auction site, you may have to pay a small fee to include it in the listing but all profits will be yours. Depending on the item, there’s no limit to what someone will pay. Sometimes, something you see as worthless can mean thousands or more to someone else. Whether you’re a collector, a dealer or just a hobbyist, looking for that certain piece to add to your collection, try an antique auction near you. You’ll be surprised at the deals you can find and you’ll complete your set in no time. Or, if it’s you who is holding the auction, think of all the money you can make to help someone fill up their antique collection.
Topics: Tips & Guides | No Comments »
How To Value Your Antique Clocks
By Emma | June 2, 2008
Antique Longcase clocks like antique artwork or other collectable items are so individual in nature that it is almost impossible to make a fixed valuation on them. Unlike motor vehicles there is no standard value list guide, antique clocks hopefully go up in value, whereas motorcars depreciate the moment you drive them off the sales room forecourt
A price asked for and offered is determined by the personal interest of the seller and the buyer, and also on the market trend, but it is interesting to note that the antique markets, like all other markets are cyclical and are in and out of vogue.
Topics: Antique Collection | No Comments »
A Primer for Appraising Antique Wood Furniture
By Giberto Alex | May 20, 2008
The aging of wood alters its colour according to the timber from which it is made, and according to the treatment it has received over the years. Even the hidden inside parts change with time; if a drawer-lining is scraped it will show at once how the surface has aged. Equally, the old polished outside surfaces mellow, and repolishing changes the colour of the wood completely. New screws differ markedly from old; prior to about 1850 they did not taper to a point, Also, the slot in the head was hand-cut and seldom central; in modern machine-made screws it is invariably exactly across the middle of the head. Old veneers were cut with a saw by hand, and are consequently quite thick; many of them almost an eighth of an inch. Modern veneers, however, are cut with a machine-driven saw, and are much thinner. This, with other factors, is a useful indication of the genuineness of a piece.
If you are really interested in discovering more ways to appraise antique wood furniture, then the most comprehensive book on all aspects of old English furniture is The Dictionary of English Furniture, by Percy Macquoid and Ralph Edwards. It is in three large volumes, copiously illustrated, and was first issued in 1927. A further edition, revised and enlarged by Ralph Edwards, was published in 1954. Also, an excellent guide to the period 1720-1820 is Georgian Furniture, issued by the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1951. A standard work on French furniture is Les Ebenistes du XVIW Siecle, by Comte Francois de Salverte, of which the fourth edition was published in Paris and Brussels in 1953. Also written in French, but less exhaustive and cheaper in price is Les Meubles Francois du XVIW Siecle, by Pierre Verlet. It is in two volumes: i, Menuiserie, ii, Ebenisterie, published in Paris in 1956. In English the Wallace Collection, London, Catalogue of French Furniture, by F. J. B. Watson, issued in 1956, containing a great deal of information and many illustrations. The more you educate yourself on the matter of fine wood furniture, the better eye you will develop over time, resulting in an antiques collection to make you the envy of all your house guests!
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Getting To Know More About Your Antique And Vintage Jewelry
By Sarah Baltic | April 12, 2008
Begin by gathering relevant information about classic jewelry. You can do this by either attending shows that display antiques and collectibles and browse through antique shops. The Internet can also serve as a good source of information and will enable you to assimilate all the necessary information pertaining to classic jewelry. Reading books on similar topics and making inquiries with dealers will also be very beneficial for you. This way you will be able to familiarize yourself with the several styles of jewelry from different eras and can use these findings to establish the authenticity of the jewelry piece.
Another way to assess your antique and vintage jewelry is to examine it cautiously from all angles. You can tell if the piece is genuine even by inspecting and scrutinizing it carefully. Old pieces always have clues and telltale signs that will help you to confirm validity. Besides this, checking the piece of jewelry for markings, signs and hallmarks is definitely a very good idea. You will find the pieces signed or marked in unusual places like on the stem of the pin, along the edges, the back of the pin stem or inside of the bale. These will help you to learn and ascertain the true value and worth of your classic jewelry. Another way to learn and get to know more about antique and vintage jewelry is to constantly keep comparing new designs to the old ones. Once you learn to differentiate and recognize the salient features of antique and vintage jewelry, you will be in a better position to judge.
Topics: Jewelry & Vehicles Collectible | No Comments »
The Art of Stamp Collecting
By Giberto Alex | April 10, 2008
Stamp collecting takes place all over the world. Indeed, there are likely few, if any, hobbies that are as widespread as stamp collecting. Stamp collectors come from all backgrounds, which is again reflected in the diversity of stamp collections, as each individual will find a particular type of stamp that interests them. Stamp collecting can also be a relatively inexpensive hobby, making it accessible for individuals on any budget.
Stamp collecting is an extremely popular and old hobby all over the world. For this reason, there is no shortage of hobby groups that any prospective or experienced stamp collector can join. The main organization in the United States is the American Philatelic Society. The American Philatelic Society is one of the oldest and most well known organizations. All of these stamp collecting groups often sponsor trade shows, conventions, and other events, which promote networking, trading, and transactions involving stamp collections. And of course, as with so many things, there are also a host of online resources available for anyone interested in stamp collecting. Online beginner’s guides are a great place to start for those new to stamp collecting, while price guides, social stamp collecting networks, and other resources are available for more seasoned collectors.
Topics: Stamps & Art | No Comments »
