Antiquing Master Key and 5 Top Tips
As is the case with many other things the cornerstone to being successful in antiques is found in the amassing of good information. By definition anything over one hundred years old is an antique and this means there is a vast array of items that fall into the antique category. Regardless of why people collect antiques, and the reasons are many and varied, each collector has at least one thing in common. The all want to get the best price and this means knowing your stuff!
Most people tend to get into antique collecting because of an interest in a particular type of antique. Whatever it may be from books and coins to mirrors or toys each hold a fascination for different people and each has its own particular history and body of knowledge. Discovering this information is the key to being successful. With it you are well armed to find those hidden treasures!
Whilst this discovery of information about antiques is a process that takes time and experience there are some great antique hunters tips that can make a huge difference in your success. Here are five that will put you one step ahead of the other antique collectors.
1. Antique dealers are a great place to get information, not a bargain.
Especially if you are new to antiquing and are still researching and developing a store of antique information it is very difficult to get a good bargain. This is their profession and they will have developed their knowledge, perhaps over a lifetime, to a point where they know with accuracy the price of each piece. So it is hard to get a bargain but on the flip side they are a great resource for information and are generally only too happy to share with interested people.
2. Specialize.
To get to a point where you can spot a bargain quickly choose to specialize in a particular type or style of antique. If you have a particular interest or passion such as coins, or furniture or maybe lamps choose that area and learn all you can about it. Spreading your study over multiple areas will mean a longer time to be sufficiently knowledgeable in any of them.
3. Be the first!
Garage sale, flea markets, estate sales, thrift stores and yard sales are all places where undiscovered treasures can lurk. The early bird really does get the worm. The first one there gets the best opportunity to look over the pieces available and see if there are any items of interest. The later you arrive the more chance others have had pick up the good items. Have an early night, get up early and be the early bird!
4. Use the internet for research and comparison.
The internet is a brilliant source of antiquing information which most people already realize. Overlooked sometimes is it's great ability to allow you to compare the piece you have with others in the market. You can ask questions, compare pictures against similar items for sales and see the asking price for them. You can compare many different examples of the same item to get the best idea of value and go with confidence to make a purchase.
5. If you're not sure don't buy first time.
If you have reservations about a piece or are unsure if it's what you think it is then don't buy it. One of the great traps in antique hunting is that you can end up with a bunch of 'old stuff' that really has very little value. Be sure that what you are buying is the real thing. Antiques can involve a lot of money and there are unscrupulous people who will claim things which are untrue. If you are not sure yourself - don't buy it. Being undisciplined in this area can quickly lead to discouragement not to mention financial loss!
Use these tips to help you find great buys, make good, fact based assessments and to ensure you spend just what you should and no more. Antiquing is great fun and gathering the information on your particular area of interest is really exciting. It pays off too when you venture forth, early in the morning hunting for that wonderful antique bargain.
Most people tend to get into antique collecting because of an interest in a particular type of antique. Whatever it may be from books and coins to mirrors or toys each hold a fascination for different people and each has its own particular history and body of knowledge. Discovering this information is the key to being successful. With it you are well armed to find those hidden treasures!
Whilst this discovery of information about antiques is a process that takes time and experience there are some great antique hunters tips that can make a huge difference in your success. Here are five that will put you one step ahead of the other antique collectors.
1. Antique dealers are a great place to get information, not a bargain.
Especially if you are new to antiquing and are still researching and developing a store of antique information it is very difficult to get a good bargain. This is their profession and they will have developed their knowledge, perhaps over a lifetime, to a point where they know with accuracy the price of each piece. So it is hard to get a bargain but on the flip side they are a great resource for information and are generally only too happy to share with interested people.
2. Specialize.
To get to a point where you can spot a bargain quickly choose to specialize in a particular type or style of antique. If you have a particular interest or passion such as coins, or furniture or maybe lamps choose that area and learn all you can about it. Spreading your study over multiple areas will mean a longer time to be sufficiently knowledgeable in any of them.
3. Be the first!
Garage sale, flea markets, estate sales, thrift stores and yard sales are all places where undiscovered treasures can lurk. The early bird really does get the worm. The first one there gets the best opportunity to look over the pieces available and see if there are any items of interest. The later you arrive the more chance others have had pick up the good items. Have an early night, get up early and be the early bird!
4. Use the internet for research and comparison.
The internet is a brilliant source of antiquing information which most people already realize. Overlooked sometimes is it's great ability to allow you to compare the piece you have with others in the market. You can ask questions, compare pictures against similar items for sales and see the asking price for them. You can compare many different examples of the same item to get the best idea of value and go with confidence to make a purchase.
5. If you're not sure don't buy first time.
If you have reservations about a piece or are unsure if it's what you think it is then don't buy it. One of the great traps in antique hunting is that you can end up with a bunch of 'old stuff' that really has very little value. Be sure that what you are buying is the real thing. Antiques can involve a lot of money and there are unscrupulous people who will claim things which are untrue. If you are not sure yourself - don't buy it. Being undisciplined in this area can quickly lead to discouragement not to mention financial loss!
Use these tips to help you find great buys, make good, fact based assessments and to ensure you spend just what you should and no more. Antiquing is great fun and gathering the information on your particular area of interest is really exciting. It pays off too when you venture forth, early in the morning hunting for that wonderful antique bargain.
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