Antiques

Shady Ann asked:


I would like to know how to send pictures and information via e-mail to the Antiques Roadshow regarding two World War bayonettes and a classic Champion Rifle. If you have any information as to how this can be done please let me know! Thank you

OLIVER

Jb Anthony asked:


Crucial for any interior designer or any common homeowner is creating the focal point in a room. One just wants to create an impact with people walking in and immediately admiring your sense of taste and style. One enduring focal point in any home is the fireplace mantel. Somehow no matter how modern the age becomes there is simply something admirable about a good old fireplace mantel.

There are many types, kinds and designs of mantels. Fireplace mantel material alone can be very confusing. Your fireplace mantel can be made of stone or wood, both of which each have a host of many kinds to choose from. You can also choose to have a fireplace mantel that is imitation wood or stone for a cheaper buy. For others however, there is always the option of getting an antique fireplace mantel.

Not everyone wants to have an antique fireplace mantel, but many are already considering the option. The fact is there are just as many varied design choices for a antique fireplace mantels. You can have the ornate marble or wooden scroll and all the works on your fireplace mantel. You can also have more subdued Edwardian designs or the simple combination of wood and stone in Gothic designs. Just as with any modern design, you can have your pick with your antique fireplace mantel. If there are just as many options and design types, then why would some people choose and antique fireplace mantel over modern ones?

Among the top reasons for getting an antique fireplace mantel is the sense of classic style, elegance and history one gets from an antique piece. No matter how simple your antique fireplace mantel looks, a lot of people simply recognize the beauty of an antique when they see one. Owners of mansions and old colonial houses or even average houses with spacious living rooms would do well to have and antique mantel.

Contrary to popular belief, an antique fireplace mantel may also come cheap if you know where to look. You can choose to buy your antique mantel from companies who really specialize in the restoration of such antique pieces or you can purchase from a salvage store. In any case, most stores that sell antique mantels will help you with the stripping and the restoration. Try scouring the net or your local salvage shops for bargains and you’ll find a good, cheaper deal.

There are two big considerations though when you purchase an antique fireplace mantel. The first one has something to do with style. You have to be certain of course that your fireplace mantel fits the general design and style of your home. Otherwise your antique mantel will be overkill and will seem preposterous. Then again, you are the mater of your home and you can do with it as you please.

The other major consideration however for buying an antique mantel cannot be ignored because it involves safety. Since your piece is an antique, it naturally does not fit modern house specifications. The purpose for modern safety, fire and building codes and regulations is to ensure your safety and the preservation of your home. Aside from making sure that your mantel is the right size for your firebox, you also have to be certain that your mantel can comply with modern safety standards.



BROOKS

BK asked:


I would like to start importing some antiques from another country (Mexico only right now) do I need Licenses, special permits, etc?

Thank you,

Brian

ARON

Donna O asked:


im purchasing a pie hutch i hope its a true antique. it stands flat instead of legs. most ive seen have legs maybe its not quality? or not even old?

DWAYNE

John Grant asked:


Many people love collecting antiques. This is a passion that many people know too well. This is the same passion that people collecting antique clocks share as well. They would go out of their way just to find the best items. With the advent of the Internet, many of these people have discovered the convenience of buying collectible antique clocks online.

Most of the antique clocks made from the 15th century to the mid 17th century can be found in museums. Only a small number of these clocks are privately owned. Fortunately, with the Internet, many people have now better chances of gaining access to these clocks online.

There are more clocks made from the 1800s to the 1900s. These clocks were made in mass quantities so you will find them easily online.

Buying collectible antique clocks online differ from buying them in the conventional manner. You will find clocks that are worth well over $60,000. You will find models that are priced over $100,000. It is wise to get hold of a clock appraisal before you actually purchase a certain item.

Collecting and buying collectible antique clocks online is not that easy. If you are new to antique clock collection, you will be surprised to know that there are a lot of things that you need to do or to research before making a purchase. This is especially true these days because there is a widespread proliferation of reproductions, knock offs and fakes. If you are not an experienced collector, you could end up confused or worse, scammed.

Before venturing into buying collectible antique clocks online, you need to term the terms used by antique sellers and enthusiasts. Knowing the language and antique collection jargons will help you make your decisions.

There are also several things that you need to take into consideration before you purchase any item online. First of all, you need to know the history of a particular piece. This is where buying collectible antique clocks online can be a bit challenging. Most of antique items come with an expensive price tag so you cannot afford to be careless when you are making your purchases. Do not buy antique clocks that are defective. Make sure that it is carefully preserved and well-taken care of to ensure that you are paying for good value.

It is very important, therefore, that you do your research before you buy any item. The Internet is a good reference. You will find valuable information about antique pieces. You will also know the history of certain items. The need for research before buying collectible antique clocks online has always been emphasized by experienced collectors.

Of course, you also have to make sure that your online seller is trustworthy and reputable. You cannot be careless with your money. Do a background check of the online seller before you purchase anything. There are online auctions that you can check and join. You will often find great items from these online auction houses.

With the advent of the Internet, buying antique items has never been easier. As long as you are careful with your purchase, there is no reason why you should not consider buying collectible antique clocks online.



KEN

David Faulkner asked:


Anyone who has a minimal interest in antique furniture will know that there are many types of furniture to choose from. If you are seriously considering investing in antiques as a source of profit then you really should do your research. A specific kind of antique that you should look into is antique Paine furniture.

Antique Paine furniture was made by the Paine company and has a number of unique characteristics that make it a beautiful addition to any home. It was made in Boston in the late 1800s and is highly sought after today.

Antique Paine furniture is more valuable than a lot of other antique furniture types purely because it is in demand. Paine himself was a master craftsman and made the most beautiful furniture. It is steadfast, reliable and still serviceable over a hundred years on. Although your initial outlay can be quite large, you would be comforted to know that it actually becomes more and more valuable as the years go on so a piece in good condition can actually double in price within the space of a few years.

Antique Paine furniture can be obtained for any given room in a house. The family business made patio, dining room, bedroom and living room furniture amongst other items and so it is viable that you could fill your home with antique Paine furniture. It would certainly be a different and expensive theme, but a theme nevertheless!

It is worth taking time over the antique Paine furniture pieces that you will eventually choose because they will prove to be focal points of your home. They automatically attract attention because of their gorgeous color and fantastic design. You should exercise patience if you on a limited budget because there may be several items that take your eye when you can only afford one or two.

Antique Paine furniture is extremely valuable so it may be worth assessing the value independently from the store that you plan to make a purchase from, just to double check that the value is actually as advertised. You should also check for any imperfections, as just one would significantly lower its value. A given price should reflect the condition and age of each individual antique Paine furniture piece so beware of any problems before handing over cash.

Buying any antique furniture is an investment today, whether you mean it to be or not. Antique Paine furniture is one of the types of antique that is worth ever penny. Beautiful and powerful, it can fit into any home and enhance it significantly with few problems. Have patience, buy the right piece and make the most out of it!

The type of wood a piece is made of, its basic design and even the way it is connected together may have an impact on whether or not it is called antique furniture or not. However, the individuality of an item often has an impact on that and if your piece is one of a king then the likelihood is that you have antique furniture on your hands! This is extremely valuable and will be a worthwhile investment in the years to come!



DANIAL

Regent Antiques asked:


Many of us share a love for Old World tradition and the classic elegance to be found in a fine piece of English or Continental antique furniture, but few of us can afford the four or five figure price tag that comes with the genuine article. Fortunately there is a solution. Antique reproduction furniture can provide the same look and feel at a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can enjoy a high quality reproduction of an antique item that could otherwise only be found in a museum or royal palace for little more than you would pay for the typical contemporary mass-produced item of the High Street.

From the traditional old English designs of the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian Eras to the unparalleled opulence of the court of Louis XV and the French Empire, the timeless designs of the Old World offer inspiration to a wide array of tastes.

Apart from furniture, high quality antique reproductions can bring a variety of practical as well as decorative treasures to life. With fine porcelain, glassware, silver and silver plate wares, bronzes, clocks, and a wide range of other unique antique decorative pieces often carrying price tags as high as those on furniture, reproductions of these kinds of items can as well bring enjoyment and splendour without breaking the bank.

Find an established specialist who deals in both antique as well as reproduction items that understands the difference between the two and represents them accurately. Use of the terms “style” or “in the manner of” generally mean that the item is a contemporary or vintage reproduction. The terms “antique,” “period,” and “circa” will usually mean that the piece is original to the historical era mentioned – and much more expensive!



WILFRED

Barb asked:


I have an old dresser, probably from the 30’s, that I want to do some decorative painting on. I’m planning to use regular acrylic paints. Do I need to sand the spots I’ll be painting and prime them in any way, or can I just paint directly over the old stain and varnish? What kind of sealer should I use on the whole piece when I’m done? I’d like to avoid stripping the whole piece, I like the color and the way it looks, I just want to add to it.

ABE

Lena L asked:


Going to Istanbul in a few weeks time and staying at Antiques Hostel in Istanbul. I’ve read reviews online and they seem great, just wanted to check in case anyone here has come across this hostel?

MILTON

Mithun Rao asked:


a large difference between the overall affect that an antique cut diamond has as compared to the brilliance of modern cut diamonds. While antique cut diamonds exude a certain subtle panache, the modern cuts provide a brilliance that is unparalleled in its own intense way.

Many jewelry designers have been attracted by the subtlety of the antique cut and have adopted it in their jewelry designs to enhance the overall look of the setting. Another aspect that makes the antique cut so appealing and mesmerizing is the fact that each antique cut diamond looks different and reflects the shape of the rough diamond. The subtlety of the piece also ensures that the attention of the onlooker is directed towards the overall design and setting and not only on the glittering diamonds.

The antique diamond cuts that are being patronized these days are

Briolette - The round teardrop shape finds use in earrings and necklaces and other designs of jewelry where a dangling piece can enhance the look. A simple diamond drop can add to the look of earring piece and multiple such pieces are fit to adorn the neck of a princess. The briolette has triangular facets and no girdle. The size that they are most popular in is between 0.50 carats to 1.00 carats.

Rose - The rose antique cut has a flat base and a triangular facet that makes a peak. The flat base can have a round, triangular or pear shape and therefore lends itself to being used in various kinds of settings and designs. This antique cut was the most popular prior to the discovery and development of the round one. Most rose cuts are available in the range of 3mm to 6mm.

Bead - This completely faceted diamond is like a bead, as the name suggest. It can be drilled longitudinally through the center to be used in a string. A string of diamond beads like a pearl string can make many heads turn. These diamond beads are also a favorite among the designers when they want to space pearl necklaces and other jewels. The average range of diamond beads found in the market range from 2mm to 4mm.

Rondelle - Rondelle is a diamond disk and has faceted edges. Due to the nature of the cut, it is generally cut from rough diamonds that are extremely flat to begin with. These are mostly used as spacers between colored stones, jewels, gold beads or pearls. The range that the rondelle is found in is larger and these flattened disks come in the range of 2mm to 6mm.

Among these antique cuts, the round brilliant is considered the most superior. The nature of the cut allows for a higher and more efficient light return. Though modern designers consider brilliance and light return efficiency as important, they lay a far higher emphasis on design layout, setting and the sculptural artwork. The emphasis on these elements makes the antique cut diamond a more attractive option.

Given the high demand for antique cut diamonds, these started to be produced in bulk. The orchestrated unevenness in shape and design is not appreciated by many designers since it is against the ethos of antique cuts. But the benefits of using these antique cut diamonds far outweigh the negatives associated with mass production. The fact that the antique cuts are subtle, bring out the best in the setting and design and draw attention to the shape of the face up are reasons enough for the jewelry designers to choose antique cut diamonds over regular ones. And with the ever increasing demand for designer jewelry, antique cut diamonds are set to take the industry with their grace, elegance and panache.



CARL