Start Collecting Antiques
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Whether you’re a beginning antique collector, or you’ve been doing it for years, whether you do it as a hobby or a career, the most important thing you must have is knowledge. You have to be able to know a real item as opposed to a fake one.
This is true for antique furniture, textiles, glass, or any other type of antiques. For instance, did you know that a real antique glass vase will be much more thick and blurry looking than a newer one? You absolutely have to know what you’re buying so that you can gauge the item’s value in the present as well as in the future.
Here are some quick tips for collecting antiques that every collector should know:
Do Your Homework
You simply must do your research, both about the items that you’re collecting as well as the people you’re purchasing from. And, with the internet at your fingertips, there really is no excuse to go in to any potential deal blindly. An hour on the web can potentially save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
Paranoia Is A Good Thing
Authenticity is always a hard thing to prove. So, you need to be suspicious of every item you see. A little caution will go a long way when you’re antiquing.
Go With Your Gut
Aside from the knowledge your experience allows you to acquire, you will develop gut feelings. Learn to listen to what your head and your heart are telling you. That old saying is true, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” If you feel that something is wrong, most likely it is.
Learn From The Experts
There’s no better way to learn about collecting antiques than to hang with people who have the experience. Read their books, join antique organizations, search the web for antique forums and develop relationships. Others’ experience can be invaluable to you.
Develop Your Eye
A dealer’s claim is one thing when you’re considering buying that antique bureau, however, it’s not nearly as reliable as your own eye. Study that bureau. Are there marks on it from years and years of use? There should be. Do the drawers fit perfectly? They shouldn’t. It is little things like this that will help you determine the age and value of any item.
Beware Of Online Dealers
It’s true, the web has brought with it some incredible opportunities for acquiring rare, “hard to find” antiques. However, it’s also become a haven for scammers who prey on beginning antique collectors. If you take just one of these quick tips on collecting antiques to heart, make it this one. Yes, the internet makes it much easier for you to browse through hundreds of items quickly, but it also makes it easier for the dishonest sellers to sell you something that isn’t authentic. Beware.
Aside from the hard work of researching and learning, collecting antiques can be rewarding, profitable, and just plain fun. So, learn from these tips, but have a good time, too.
