Antiques

Roger R asked:


I inherited a large theatrical collection dating from 1850 which the V&A museum says is of inestimable value. I found museums in the UK & USA who are interested but I don’t know how to market the collection or how to converse with these types of people.Auction dealers get toffee-nosed & only want to auction the Will-Look-Good-In-Our-Auction-Brochure Oil Painting, ignoring the collection as a whole. I have already been advised not to separate the collection. There are some items there which are famous. All I have to work with in my search is the internet - but the antiques & collectibles sites only deal with Beanies or thimbles or comic books, and so on. I have not found a really serious site where really serious people look for the stuff of museum collections.
Before anyone gives the answer - the library is of no help whatsoever.
Has anyone got a clue?

GILBERT

young61021 asked:


I really don’t want to get rid of the antiques, and some I won’t. But how do I get rid of the mold growing. It is even growing on the window sills. The only thought that I have (besides water and bleach-and I am AFRAID to try it on the wood) is to get central air. Does insurance cover this, and is there any hope out there. All we have are antiques passed down from the 1800’s, I could care less about the rest. What do I do?
I really don’t want to get rid of the antiques, and some I won’t. But how do I get rid of the mold growing. It is even growing on the window sills. The only thought that I have (besides water and bleach-and I am AFRAID to try it on the wood) is to get central air. Does insurance cover this, and is there any hope out there. All we have are antiques passed down from the 1800’s, I could care less about the rest. What do I do?
We currently have a dehumidifier running (non-stop) in the basement and are going to get another one this weekend. With the weather how it has been, hot and rainy and extremely humid, that’s the cause. I have every window open in the house-so the air is circulating. Today I cleaned most of it with bleach and water. I just hope that it stays away. Would central air work for future summers?

BRENT

MochaBear asked:


We have a lot of antiques and NOTHING to do with them. We don’t know what their worth, we tried ebay, and we don’t want to just sell them at really cheap, random prices because we already got ripped off on some items. Please help.

DORIAN

Anime lover asked:


I have some old old antiques from germany and I was wondering how high is the german market is today.

DEAN

JohnM asked:


Antique diamond rings are now the coveted engagement rings of almost every woman who dreams of walking to the altar to wed her dream man, her soul mate. And you wonder why antique diamond rings are becoming more popular than contemporary designs?!

 

Antique diamond ring types

The best antique engagement ring is often made by hand, usually the handiwork of the best goldsmith or silversmith in town. Each curve and twist is intricately crafted and formed, each stone, painstakingly placed. Much hard work has been poured into the accomplishment of antique diamond rings that only those in the upper class were able to have one made. Here are several types of antique diamond rings made in the past hundred years, with those in the late 19th century supposedly being the best:

· Victorian Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

During the years 1835 to 1900, these antique diamond rings were made using rose gold or yellow gold. Their designs range from the most simple to the highly intricate ones. They often have set the diamonds in several rows, often with a mine cut or one extra bottom facet. Each design was meticulously shaped and made accordingly. Reminiscent of this era is the antique diamond solitaire ring of six prongs, set in a classic Tiffany design, which came out in 1886.

· Edwardian Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

In the early 20th century, between 1900 and 1930, with the introduction of oxyacetylene welding processes , antique engagement rings shifted to a platinum setting. Pierced shapes and lacy designs became the trend of most jewelers during this period. Fine filigree detailing was found on the markings of each ring, as well as scrollwork. Rose cut diamonds were the stones of choice.

· Art Deco Antique Diamond Engagement Rings

This period in history depicted a boom in discoveries in all fields. People were now concerned with exploration and discovery. Machines were now being introduced side by side with exoticism and jazz. Because of this, art deco antique style diamond rings became known for their smooth, polygonal look. Different cultures influenced its design, including Asian, Egyptian, and American. The early art deco designs of antique engagement rings were suggestive of the Edwardian era, but with a twist and style of their own. They added more oomph without losing the classic lines that has made it popular once again. This is in fact the most popular of all the antique diamond engagement rings.

Antique diamond engagement rings – getting engaged in classic style

Antique diamond engagement rings are those with the classic setting, signifying eternity, romance, reverence, and innocence. And, they often exude character and quiet elegance, giving a sense of history of those who first used that particular design. Was it designed for the engagement of a queen? Did it signify the undying love of a knight for his lady? It would be interesting to discover who was the first lucky bride to own such as ring, and certainly it would make it even more romantic.

When the time comes for your loved one to propose, you will want it to be a memorable event in your life. Opting for an antique diamond ring as your engagement ring can make the event even more memorable. Your loved one might propose at one of your popular hangouts, or in the park under the stars. Once he slips that engagement ring onto your finger, and those diamond stones sparkle in all their glory, it will become an event that you will remember forever.

You can also design your own antique diamond ring based on the different types of ring that were popular during different historical eras. The ring can be made according to your specifications, and what’s more, it can all be accomplished online: the design, commissioning a jewelry maker, and placing the final order.

A diamond ring is still the classic engagement ring that every woman loves. But an antique diamond ring has extra character, history, and elegance.

 



TED

scoopmorgan asked:


I have inherited an attic full of treasures- but many of them are not common enough to be found on e-bay. Some of things may be facinating, but of little to no $ value, others could be worth a lot of money. I can’t afford to hire an auction house, just to see if there is anything of interest. Any suggestions?

HUBERT

Monique Hawkins asked:


u an antique collector? Are you a serious collector that is looking for a specific antique such as a certain piece of furniture, a unique car, or perhaps a specific antique painting that suits your taste? If so, then you know it is not always an easy task to find the items you are looking for, especially if you don’t know where to look.

Maybe you just love to shop for different antiques on a smaller scale. This could include collectible items such as toys and figurines. There are many different types of antique art that can be purchased and even a wide variety of antique books may be found. The key is to know where to find all of the great items that are out there.

Finding your antiques

So the question that many collectors have is just where to find the good stuff anyway? The thing that makes being an antique collector different is that you can’t just go to the store and buy the item you want, no matter how much money you have. It can literally be an Easter egg hunt to try to find the treasures you seek.

When you are shopping for antique collectibles but do not have a specific item in mind or if you do not plan to spend a large amount of money, then a flea market is a great place to shop. However, if it is a specific item you are looking for, then many sites on the Internet can provide you with the location of these items. For instance, if you are looking for an automatic musical instrument, then MBSI is an organization that can provide you with many of these antiques. Several of these musical instruments may be viewed, bought or traded by its members at the conventions that are held. There are also many advertisements on the organization?s site that list antiques that people sell all over the country.

Another great organization that can supply you with automatic musical instruments is AMICA. This site can stun its visitors with their elegant antique player pianos. Organizations such as these can provide you with information on dealers both locally and from around the world. There are also many organizations that let you subscribe to lists that will tell you when they have sales and auctions for antiques.

Looking Online

There are many places online where you can look for antiques. The great thing about the internet is that it brings a much larger world straight to you. GoAntiques.com is a site that can help you locate a specific item by pinpointing precisely where you should look. If the item is being sold in more than one place, they can give you this information, allowing you the opportunity to find the best price available for the antique of your choice.

Anteq.com is another useful site. This company caters to antique collectors, antique dealers, and antique malls of the world. Anteq.com is committed to meeting the needs of the antiques & collectibles community by providing professional software and support.

eBay is yet another popular place to look online for antique collectibles. There are people from all over the world buying, selling, and trading collectibles and antiques on eBay. Some of the best deals out there can be found on eBay. Another great thing about finding your collectibles online is the wonderful and wider selection than you would find at a local show or sale. If you do not have a specific item in mind but are looking in certain categories such as, books, paintings, or coins, online sites such as eBay is a terrific place to look for these types of antiques. Antique jewelry and dishes are also a big hit with collectors and can be found on this site. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to shop for collectibles.

Joining Clubs and Groups

You might also want to check to see if your local town or city has an antique collector’s club or group that you can join. This would be a way for you to meet other people who share your passion and who can guide you to some of the best places to find what you are looking for. If none can be found in your town, why not start one yourself?

Antique collecting is a passion for many people. Finding the right collectibles may not always be easy. However, with perseverance and patience, you will be sure to find that perfect antique collectible you have been seeking.

FRED

kramerdnewf asked:


I have inherited more antique furniture than I can use. I want to put some into a high quality consignment store or antiques auction that will allow a reserve. Haven’t found much on the internet. Looking for references in Dallas area.

Yes, I have tried Craig’s List and eBAY.

MATTHEW

Natalie Halimi asked:


Collecting antiques is an expensive, but exhilarating hobby. Antique collectors explore the Net in search of antique items, regularly visit antique stores and read the ads of public auctions. Antique Roman and Hellenistic items, different items of Asia and China draw the attention of private collectors worldwide. Antiques websites inform the collectors about the news in the antique business, which gives them the opportunity to check and verify the latest discoveries and special offers.

There are numerous ways to collect antiques. Some people collect items of specific country or historical period. Others choose antiques of a specific origin or related to a certain tradition. For instance, some people collect armor and store at their homes Antique swords and daggers from foreign countries. Others choose to collect works of art, antique figurines, statues and drawings. Collectors often search for items from one particular country or region, such as ancient Byzantine or ancient Jewish figures. In other cases collectors search for figures of specific material and look for ancient glass or ancient oil lamps.

Some items of antique origin can be adapted for everyday use, while others are bought exclusively for aesthetic purposes. For instance, antique table clocks, antique mapping rings and wrist watches can be put to use in our days. Other items, such as African masks or antiques statues, are not used but put in a special place so that they should serve a part of the owner’s collection and make his life happier.

Large sums of money are offered sometimes for original ancient charms and amulets, for clay antiques and other interesting items. These remnants of the past continue to represent our history and the history of the people we choose to explore, and the monetary value of such items sometimes means less than the cultural, aesthetic and historical value.



DANNY

Niall Roche asked:


The bathroom is usually seen as the most practical room in the house as well as being a room for people to escape from modern life in. This means that your bathroom has to be functional so that you can keep yourself clean but also give you a sense of serenity when you need it; in the case of winding down after a hard day and just needing some “me” time. Some people don’t always like the clinical look of modern bathrooms and for those of you who don’t you can always go for the antique effect in your bathroom.

You don’t have to do a total overhaul to get that antique look in your bathroom. You don’t have to be an antique expert either when it comes to down to it. A total novice can create an antique bathroom without too much effort. With a little imagination, you can easily turn your bathroom into a space of old-fashioned quaintness.

Keep in mind that anything considered to be an antique is usually more than 100 years old. However, not all collectible items are considered antiques. Also, not all antiques are collectible items - it’s just how things work out. If you have ever watched the Antique Road Show on TV, you’ll have seen a lot of people with items that have been in their families for over 100 years but are pretty much worthless.

It’s possible to get your hands on antiques without paying insane prices too. You can go down the route of looking for genuine antique items which can and will cost quite a bit of money. But you can also get replica antique items that look the part without costing the earth. A lot of hardware stores (online and offline) have items like soap dishes, door handles, mirrors, vanities and shelves that can create the antique look you’re wanting to create at home. Even adding a few items like these to your bathroom can start the antiquing process. Some places even sell these items in matching sets.

You can also turn your modern bathroom into an antique one by purchasing antique mirrors. How much you are willing to spend depends on your budget and just how badly you want to create that perfect look in your bathroom. You can shop for antique mirrors online or in high-end stores. Sometimes a great antique mirror is all that you need to transform your bathroom.

Another aspect of creating an antique bathroom is what paint you’re going to use. Look at pictures of the décor using the Victorian era or other similar areas and you’ll have an idea of what colors were used. You could also consider some faux painting techniques to artificially age or weather your bathroom décor to give it a more authentic antique feel to it. Getting your paint scheme right is critical to your antique bathroom looking just right.

If these ideas for antique bathrooms are not enough, consider the fact that many companies are making fixtures that have an antique look in order to satisfy this customer trend. You can buy new antique pieces without worrying about the problems that you might have with authentic antiques or the cost involved with genuine antiques. The cost of maintaining antiques makes using modern replicas more practical and cost-effective.



WOODROW