Antiques

Natalie Halimi asked:


Cultural antiques have always drawn the attention of the collectors. Primitive statues, antique lamps and swords were bought for large sums of money or brought from foreign countries. Each country exhibited its own heritage in museums, and presented to the wide public a variety of beautiful items, brought from different parts of the country. Some antiques were never presented to the wide public, but were kept in museum stores, hidden and well-guarded due to their priceless value. Some antiques were hidden because of their poor condition, which made it impossible for them to be exhibited in the open.

Museums worldwide exhibit different collections of antiques, which represent the country’s cultural heritage. Indian, Chinese, Japanese antiques are presented behind thick glass, and kept in special conditions, which protect them from damage. Antiques include a large variety of items, which differ from one country to another. For instance, African antiques include painted masks and statues, which were used as parts of religious rituals. English antiques are famous by elegant and luxurious items from late 17th and 18th centuries, such as beautiful antiques watches, wall clocks and other special items. Antiques often include expensive items made of gold and silver. For instance, Jewish antiques include many items made of silver, such as silver jewelry, silver rings and menorahs.

Antiques shops in he Internet display different items of antique origin, which are bought by those who can afford it. Antiques are often sold in public auctions, sometimes for very high prices, affordable only to millionaires. The most valuable antique items are kept in museums and presented only for short periods of time, because of their high cultural value. Antiques websites have proved to be very useful, because they enable the buyer to search for special items, which he couldn’t have found in his close surrounding. Buyers can explore the antiques from the other part of the world, and order them by the Net. The interest in antiques has always been part of on-line shopping, and antiques are most likely to continue remaining popular.



ABDUL

Groshan Fabiola asked:


How can one accurately determine the value of an antique or a collectible? The fact that an antique appraisal is more than just using a price guide to set a certain monetary value goes without saying. If anything, this action should only be the beginning of a valuation process. There are certain factors that you must take into consideration and a lot of useful guidelines that you likely to find quite easily. However, no one can make a more accurate valuation than an experienced antiques appraiser can.

One of the first signs that an antique appraiser looks for is a signature of the artist or a mark stamped on the item, giving indications about the manufacturer. Such identifying signs can only add value to your possession, which is why every experienced antiques appraiser will take time to study each item carefully.

Another important factor in an antique valuation is its condition. It is quite simple actually. The more flaws your item has, the lesser its value is. However, not all antiques with condition factors are worthless. An extremely rare antique may still be worth quite a sum of money, in spite of its chips or cracks, tears or stains, or missing components. An antiques appraiser with considerable expertise will be able to tell you if you should hold on to your item or discard it.

You should keep in mind that not everything that’s old is also valuable, especially if there are too many items of the same kind, which makes them too common, and therefore less valuable. Repairs and restorations of an antique can work both ways, that is either add to its value or affect it in a negative way. An antiques appraiser can tell whether the restoration of such an item has been performed by specialists or by amateurs, and your antique or collectible will be valued accordingly.

It is said that asking an expert friend for advice on your antique might prove useful, as this is common practice among antiques appraisers. But not everyone has such a friend, and people who want to get a valuation of their old and valuable possessions turn to TV shows such as Antiques Roadshow.

Antiques Roadshow is a television show, British at its origins, but with high popularity all over the world. The show presents antiques appraisers traveling in various regions or states of the country and appraising antiques that the local residents bring in. The show has been running for almost thirty years now, and its popularity led to the development of international versions of this program.

Antiques Roadshow focuses mainly on the interplay that the owner and the evaluator of an antique create. However, the monetary value of the objects brought in by local people is not the only aspect that the show focuses on. There are people interested in study of certain arts, or particular crafts, or simply the study of the past. Antiques Roadshow addresses these people as well, since more often than not a historical or artist context is given to the antique by a professional evaluator, which adds a rather strong cultural aspect to the show.

The American Antiques Roadshow is already in its eleventh season, when the show goes all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii to discover the hidden treasures of the Aloha State. Pretty much like anywhere else around the globe where this show is popular, these residents have been just as eager to have their prized possessions appraised by experts. Their educated judgement is trusted by people all over the world, and many people are surprised to see that what they thought valuable is actually worthless, or the opposite.

For more resources about Antiques Roadshow or even about Antiques Appraiser please review http://www.Values4Antiques.com



BART

Seo Global Pro asked:


The Incomparable Elegance of Antique Jewelry

From the symbols of love like Engagement Rings to the symbols of commitment like Wedding Rings; Antique Jewelry holds a certain charm that cannot be compared with contemporary jewelry.

Antique jewelries or vintage jewelries are treasures from the past, a glimpse and a perfect example of the beauty of a bygone era. Antique jewelry has that certain aura that draws us into it. It is difficult to pinpoint or determine what exactly draws us to antique jewelry. Maybe because of the item’s history, or its historical value or its elegant appeal, but whatever it is, antique jewelry never goes out of fashion.

The great thing about antique jewelry/ vintage jewelry is that its value does not depreciate but only appreciates with time. Some pieces may well become collector’s item or museum pieces and it may fetch as much as a small fortune. As it ages, its value rises and its importance becomes more prominent. Antique jewelry also stands out when placed along and together with contemporary jewelry, making you the focal point or the center of attention in any occasion.

But finding real, authentic antique or vintage jewelry is very hard to do. Antique jewelries are never sold in department stores and jewelry shops rarely have them on collection. The only time you can see one is on exhibitions of private collections and various social gatherings. The only way you can surely acquire original and authentic ones is through inheritance, when jewelries are handed down as heirlooms or during auctions of estate jewelry or chance sales by vintage jewelry owners/collectors.

Original antique jewelry pieces are also replicated and reproduced by many jewelers. They often sell these to people claiming that they are unique and original antique jewelry. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if a piece is original or not. So it is important that you just buy antique jewelry from reputable dealers and jewelers who have proven their worth in the industry of antique jewelry trade. It is also important that you do a little research before you buy an antique jewelry. You can readily do so with your local library or through the internet. Auctions often have instructive manuals and booklets that would help you understand, identify and know the history and statistics about each of the pieces.

All in all, hunting and acquiring becomes a great experience once you know the ins and outs of the antique jewelry trade. Unique, one-of-a-kind and exotic ancient treasures abound, all you have to do is find them. And the moment you find one for yourself, the joy that it will give you in the years to come will be worth all the effort.



OMAR

flyd2standby asked:


I do not wish for an appraiser. I simply wish to find out what I have. I have identified art work with the help of art finders, so I am sure that there are antique enthusiast that can help.

Thanks in advance

LONNIE

Mico Blanco asked:


Most of us are fun of collecting antiques or old things that varies for its sensational craftsmanship, the quality, the age, and the uniqueness of a things which called or belongs already to antique items. Antique items are pertains to every things that meet the characteristics of being old but still engage on its quality and sensibility in preservation of it. In auction system, the older the certain thing the higher the price if you buy it. Some of antiques are very expensive. It was expensive because they are one of a kind craftsmanship that evolves from its extinction and social existence. Some of antiques mostly displayed from the museums. From smallest things up to the biggest antiques, you can see how valuable it is. Most of them are in total existence of more than a thousands of years, and even hundreds of years or even a number of decades from the time they are made or they are form. Antiques are usually made by old mankind or old folks that exist from their time here on earth. There craftsmanship that exist in this present time of the world. There are certain kind of antiques which is common to us. You can build your own antique items also as long you can preserve it and more valuable. The valuable antiques are merely involve on the uniqueness that capture the interest of every individual that saw the thing. In that matter, the system of auction or bidding is required to race up the price of the antique. For example, you have the antique car which model 1896 which really hot to the eye of antique lovers. And this antique stuff you want to sell it. You  can do an auction in order to race up the price. In that matter, those people who want to buy your antique item will compete in your desired price of your antique car. 

If you have antique collections, you must have maintenance or protection measure in order to keep them valuable and make it higher in value or price if you want to sell it. There are steps in preserving and maintaining the value and quality of your antiques. Her are they: preserve them in a safety area which unable to damage by children or any insects or pests around your house, clean them  if necessary; a proper handling and proper care must needed while cleaning it, and build a stand or transparent cabinet for security purposes. In every antique items, there are appropriate steps on caring them. The steps are varies depends on the kind and structure of the antique item. Some of antique items are fragile and very risky in handling it because of the old quality of it. Make sure that your antique items are in safety places which protected from any danger. Because one way of preserving the high value of antique item is the quality of preservation and the complete structure of it. If it is damage already, the price will lowered or else if it has greater damage, your antique may be useless and out of  value already.



MARGARITO

Sue Jan asked:


The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished though you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

Before buying you must do proper research on the antique item. The internet is the best place to do research on antique items as it can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. You should also be careful about antique reproductions. If you are new and have not done proper research, it will be difficult to tell the difference between a reproduction from the original. Antique pieces should show some wear and tear and these small details are something to look out for. If the item looks flawless than it probably is not an authentic antique.

The best places to buy antiques are at antique auctions. Buying from a reputable auction house or an antique store will ensure that the antique collectible is genuine, as it should also come with certificates of originality. To get that coveted item you should visit the antique auctions regularly. Garage sales are also a good place to buy as you may often get rare antiques at a very cheap price, but do make sure that it is original. Though the internet is a useful source of information, this is not the case when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos often hide the defects and deficiencies.

Proper care and maintenance should be taken to preserve antique items for ages. When buying an item, gather information about proper antique storage and antique preservation methods. Items should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. The antiques should be handled carefully. Excessive cleaning sometimes ruins the originality of the antique.

First-time buyers can also buy general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. Guides on specific antique items are also available.



LINCOLN

Dave Poon asked:


Have you ever seen or touched an antique small box? You will surely feel the thrill of holding or touching the object which were once touch or used by ancient set of hands.

You will also be amazed by just looking on the rare and ancient boxes made from a hundred year old wood. It could be made of amboina, satin wood, coromandel, or burled yews that were mostly used hundred years ago to make boxes and other furniture.

An antique box can be irresistible for many people who are into antique collections. Collecting antique boxes made in the 18th and 19th centuries will make you feel the history of the box.

The woodwork that is primarily seen on the surface clearly indicates the broad spectrum of the craftsmanship. You will see most antique boxes that are designed with inlay or lacquers.

Details on how these antique boxes were made can be seen on the designed elements that were used. If you are into collecting antique boxes, you will be fascinated with the different types and designs that display the antiqueness and royalty of the box.

Many antique boxes are said to have been popularized since the rise of cabinet making is recognized as a professional craft.

Most boxes are painted with a nice picture of life and exquisite design for those who are in the higher classes of the society.

In those times especially in the 18th and 19th century periods, boxes were basic things and they function to unlimited variations. It depends on the person using the box and the needs of time.

Boxes are said to be art objects in the 16th century. One of the most famous craftsmen to be recognized during this period was Chippendale.

He was so popular in making state of the art cabinets and with his unique designs of small boxes such as the jewelry box. Since then, boxes were made with decorative designs and styles.

For antique box collectors, taking good care of these valuable items is important. There are also some who may have inherited antiques boxes but they do not know how to maintain their condition.

Caring for antique items properly has many benefits to offer you in the future. It ensures the owner that it can be passed to their loved ones and may also be sold with a higher value.

Here are some tips on how you can take care and restore your antiques and other collectible items.

1. Place your items on a proper display storage area. You have to keep such valuable items out of the reach of children.

2. When cleaning an antique box, make sure to use lint free cloth to get rid of the dust.

3. Wooden boxes should only be waxed with quality beeswax.

4. Always remember to avoid placing furnishings in bright light and avoid over exposure to sunlight.

5. Place your items on an average temperature area. Secure them in a place to keep them protected from moisture. Temperature and humidity changes can damage the wooden surfaces of the box.

Owning valuable collection of antique boxes and other collectible items is a privilege. It is important to take proper care on your antique boxes.

This will not only help you to increase their current values but you may also pass its history to many generations to come.



EMORY

mojotc99@prodigy.net asked:


I am trying to figure out how much my antique dressers are worth.

FELIX

googoodollsss asked:


Sometimes I see things that look like Antiques, but I’m not really quite sure if they are. Some things don’t have dates on them. What are items to look for at garage sales that can be antiquey. Any websites that do appraisels? Im pretty open to collecting anything. Please let me know. Thanks!

MONROE

Maurice Robertson asked:


An antique is not held to be an antique until it’s had its 100th birthday.  It’s this centenary that gives it the title “antique”.  However, it is not just the age of the object that classifies its value.  

By example, a little Roman oil lamp in original condition can be purchased for a very small price, although the lamp was made in some provincial Roman pottery in the year A.D 100.  The reason is that these little oil burning, pottery lamps were made by the thousand, lamps of this style being the standard throughout the vast Roman Empire.  Even with losses through breakage and damage over the past 2000 years, very large numbers are still available for a small price today.

Availability and condition are two major factors which influence the value of antique lighting, in fact, all art and antiques are subject to this rule.

Other influencing factors are –

The aesthetic value, i.e. “the look of the lamp”

The functional value as a source of lighting

The complimentary value to the interior

The rarity of the lamp

If it were produced by a famous maker

The provenance of the lamp

The Antique and Vintage Table Lamp Co understand these combined factors and, in fact, include many more in offering their range of antique and vintage lamps.  Not generally understood is that the careful restoration of an antique lamp, can be, and mostly is, an expensive exercise, with the input of fine metal turners, wood turners, gold platers, water gilders, polishers, electricians etc.

A good antique lamp combines two principal factors, form and function, with the leading factor being function ie to provide satisfactory interior lighting.  Besides being a functional light however, it also offers a constant visual pleasure.  It is well worth noting, that a fine quality antique lamp is not just a light!  It can and does offer a lot more as an investment, not only from a monitory point of view, but also as an investment in our quality of life.

                            

A very fine, large pair of 19th century, Paris, porcelain table lamps.

The porcelain produced at Limoges and, as was the practice,

sent to Paris to be decorated.

Paris was the centre for the decoration of porcelain with many small

one-person decorators to substantial workshops.

The lamps enamelled with a pale pink ground known as

“angel skin” or “blush”.

The lamps with oval shaped reserves in a rich burgundy ground,

painted with classical Roman busts en grisaille,

a painters’ technique by which an image is painted in shades of grey,

giving the image a modelled appearance,

creating the illusion of sculpture.

The lamp bases and caps of turned, gold plated bronze.

The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co has had a combined 27 years of practical experience in the design and restoration of antique lamps.  The company invites you to visit their web site at www.antiquelampshop.com 

© The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co 2008



REED