Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps

Whether you are trying to restore an older home and would like to keep it in the period style, or you just appreciate older light fixtures, antique lighting has much to offer. There are many different styles from Victorian, to Art Deco to Modern that can adorn any home, working or non, and give it a certain special charm. Before you buy antique lighting however, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you will need to make sure whether or not the antique lighting is operational. There is a risk for electrocution or fire whenever you are dealing with older lamps, and it is vital to have it properly checked out before you plug it in. If there are any loose wires, or the cord appears to be frayed, you should have it repaired immediately. Failing to do so could result in serious injury and lose of property.

Although antique lighting is beautiful, there are few issues that are present with older shades. Some of the material that was used back many years ago was quite flammable. Add that to a dried out and old shade, and you have a very serious fire risk. Consider replacing the shade, or look for antique lighting that has a glass shade so that you don’t have to worry about it.

Another thing to think about when you are buying antique lighting is the bulb that will be needed. Many very old lamps will have used bulbs that are no longer available and converting them may be impossible. While they make great display pieces, they won’t be able to be used. Always think about the type of bulb and make sure that replacements are easily available.

If you are buying a chandelier, it will be necessary to make sure that the cables are intact and not frayed, for safety reasons. You may also need to dip the crystal in an ammonia solution if it is very dirty. Chandeliers made of other materials will need to be cleaned as well. Always test the chandelier to make sure it works before you actually install it. Some antique lighting may not be operational and it’s best to find this out before you go to the trouble of installing it in your ceiling.

Lastly, if you are interested in Tiffany style antique lighting, it is important to make sure you are getting an authentic piece. There are many different styles of lamps that look very similar to the ones popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany, but they are not as valuable as his original creations. Read up about this style of lamp before you go shopping to ensure that you are getting the best deal. With a little extra care, you can be assured that your lamp will be the valuable collectible you think it is.

Antique lighting is a unique decorative collectible and it’s one that is easy to find. If your home décor needs a bit of a boost, consider adding an antique lamp for a special touch.

Photo Credits: Rennett Stowe

Originally posted 2008-10-06 14:16:13. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Dealers -> Furniture -> Cabinets-Armoires-Cupboards

A sideboard is a piece of furniture used to display China or to set food out while dining. The sideboards we’re familiar with first appeared in the 1700s, but became more popular in the 1800s when more people had dining rooms to eat in, and fewer people ate in their kitchens. Today, sideboards are often referred to as servers, buffets and credenzas.

Commonly made of oak or pine, a sideboard can be just a column for food to be placed on top of with some drawers for things like silverware, or it can be taller with shelves, sometimes glassed-in rather like a hutch. Home’s today will usually have a China cabinet or a hutch, but sideboards seem to have gone out of vogue in modern dining rooms. Some people still have vintage furniture that was used as sideboards back when more people ate from good dishes or China in a dining room, rather than using everyday dishes for most meals like is common today.

A sideboard can vary in price and value depending on the type of wood used, the style, the time period and the condition. Some Arts & Crafts period sideboards can cost well over $1000, and some Victorian period pieces can go well above that price, while some smaller and more modern sideboards can be had for only a few hundred dollars. Estate auctions are great places to find a sideboard. You can probably find one cheaper at an estate auction than you’ll ever find in an antique store.

Online auctions offer a huge variety of furniture, more than you will probably ever find in one estate auction or antique shop, but the size of the items can make shipping costs prohibitive. Still, if it’s worth it to you to pay fairly exorbitant shipping costs for such a large and usually heavy item, then you might enjoy browsing the dozens and sometimes hundreds of different sideboards available at places like eBay.

An oak sideboard from the early 19th century will most like be more valuable than anything produced in the 20th century, but it’s possible to find a situation where that isn’t true. Spending some time learning about the different furniture styles and manufacturers can only help you in your search for a valuable vintage sideboard.

If you can talk to an antique dealer or a seller and sound knowledgeable about revival styles like Arts & Crafts, Mission, Victorian, Gothic, Spanish and Renaissance style, you’ll be much less likely to end up paying far too much for a piece because the seller will guess that you know about what a piece might be worth. And knowing these furniture periods will help you estimate the value of a piece. Not only will you know if a seller is charging far too much for a sideboard, but you’ll also know when they’re charging far too less. Always ask about damage, whether it has replacement hardware, and whether the piece has been refinished, all things that can drop the value drastically

Originally posted 2008-12-08 05:00:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Mirrors

Antique mirrors are a highly collectible item, with many of the frames boasting decorative carving and detail much like elaborate, wooden picture frames of old. A mirror itself is little more than glass covering a reflective surface and not very impressive—many of us carry tiny mirrors with us, they’re one of the most common items found households today. But antique mirrors are set apart by their frames and the work and artistry that went into them.

Mirrors began as hand mirrors, used to look at one’s reflection, and were quite common in households by the end of the middle ages. The first large mirrors, big enough to reflect a person’s entire body, weren’t used until the 1st century AD. Often the mirrors were silver or polished bronze during their surge of popularity in the middle ages. Venice mirrors produced in the 12th and 13th century were of exceptional quality and craftsmanship, with their mirror-making secrets leaking to London and Paris, who became centers of mirror production in the 17th century. Few antique mirrors had survived, but even the new mirrors that were produced were very expensive, particularly the large ones used in places like the royal palace at Versailles.

From then on, mirrors became more than reflective pieces of glass, but rather were prized as decorative items. Frames were typically made from silver, ebony, ivory, tortoiseshell or veneered wood, though other frames like those from beads or crafted with needlework were produced, too. Carved frames became popular thanks to craftsmen like Grinling Gibbons, and soon it because vogue to put mirrors, often those in glass frames, above mantelpieces. Robert and James Adam are recognizable names from this period, as antique mirrors they designed usually stretched from the mantelpiece to the ceiling.

Antique mirrors from the late 18th century will often have painted frames rather than carved ones. And the movement began in France to creative oval or round mirrors with spots for candles on each side. Dressing mirrors made from cheval glass that stood alone also appeared as mirror-makers skills improved. The 19th century saw mirrors used in other furniture like wardrobes, because it was becoming less expensive to produce mirrors. Composition frames became common in less expensive mirrors. These were plaster frames on wire bases, that unfortunately didn’t hold up to long term use because of he easily damaged nature of plaster.

Antique mirrors that you can find today are typically valuable, especially those that are part of antique furniture. Things to watch out for are online auctioneers who use the world “antique” to describe a technique used in making the mirror, like antiquing as a finish. Ask about the history of the piece, and how they know it’s antique, because modern furniture can be made to look surprisingly aged and vintage. If you’re shopping flea markets or antique shops, be aware that a true antique mirror was made with more expensive materials than mirrors today. The glass is thicker, so antique mirrors weight much more than modern pieces.

Photo Credits: Nat Pikozh

Originally posted 2008-10-18 14:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Figurines

One of the most popular forms of antique collectibles are antique dolls and there are some that can bring in an astonishing amount of money. Whether you have an old collection of vintage dolls, or you are trying to find one to complete your collection, there are several collector’s items that can be worth a lot of money. Here’s a quick guide to the most valuable antique dolls that are currently on the market and widely available to collectors.

Madame Alexander Dolls

These are incredibly popular antique dolls and many of them are worth a great deal of money. If you can find older editions that are in good shape, you can end up with quite a good investment. These dolls are among the most ornate and can fetch five figures or more at auction. Look for dolls that are hand painted and still have their original outfits in good shape. They will be the ones that will have the highest values.

Barbie Dolls

America’s love affair with Barbie has been going on for decades, and these dolls remain some of the most popular on the market. While the new ones produced every year have some value, especially the collectible editions, it is the antique dolls that will have the highest sale prices. One of the best places to find a huge amount of Barbie dolls are online auction sites. However, you can come across a rare find at a garage sale, if you keep your eyes open.

Raggedy Ann Dolls

Who would think as simple rag doll could be valuable? Antique dolls of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy are actually worth a pretty penny and they are incredibly hard to find. If you have an old doll sitting up in the attic, it may be time to dust it off and get it appraised. Originals are highly sought after and collectors will pay a great deal of money to get their hands on one.

Limited Edition Dolls

There are many companies that put out dolls many years ago, and although they may not have the prominence of Madame Alexandar dolls, many of these antique dolls are worth a lot of money today. If you come across a porcelain doll that is more than fifty years old and in great shape, you may want to get it appraised. You never know, you may just have a gold mine on your hands.

Antique dolls are a great collectible and it is fun to get children interested in them. Keep in mind however that valuable dolls don’t belong in their little hands, since it is all too easy to break them. If you do decide to display them in your home and you have young children, it is best to lock them up so that they are not harmed. Children may not mean to break things, but it can be devastating to lose a valuable doll. It is simply easier to do all that you can to protect them.

Photo Credits: gailf548

Originally posted 2008-09-29 05:35:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese

Chinese antique jade isn’t just beautiful in its own right, but carries a deep cultural significance for the Chinese people. Historically, it was used for jewelry, in religious ceremonies, culturally, monetarily, and was believed to hold great mystical and healing powers. Today, it’s still an important stone for the Chinese people, whether used in jewelry or in a traditional jade carving.

Its beauty is admired worldwide, and often jade appears without any link to China or its history at all, in jewelry and other mediums. While most people think all jade is green, that’s merely the most popular color. Jade actually comes in a variety of hues. The Chinese had several different stories about the origins of jade, with one of the most popular holding that when the Mongols invaded China, dragons cried for the people. Their tears became Chinese antique jade.

Jade was revered above all other stones and minerals in ancient times. It was given as an award for the winners of contests of skill, intelligence and strength. The nobility owned jade, and often carved seals and symbols were passed down through the ages, much like a crown or sceptre, as a sign of rank and honor. When someone died, jade might have been given to the grieving family and then placed in the tomb. It was a valuable stone for much more than its beauty. The Chinese people believed that there were certain qualities inherent in the stone that made it desirable. If you find Chinese antique jade, the story behind it, one you’ll likely never know, could be fascinating.

A truly ancient piece of jade could have been used in marriage, birth, death, fertility, healing or other ceremonies. It could have been an amulet used to bring luck, or keep bad luck away. It might have belonged to someone of high rank or great importance. Those who collect Chinese antique jade do so in part because of the rich history of the pieces, even if one can only guess at the true purpose of a piece. When you find a piece that speaks to you, whether anyone knows its history or not, then that’s the perfect piece for your collection.

Often you’ll find Chinese antique jade in the form of carvings. While there won’t be a date or any other outward sign of the actual age of a carving, most carvings were relatively small figures until the advent of Buddhism, when the carvings expanded in size a bit to encompass landscapes and larger scenes, including large statues of Buddha. Statues of dragons, flowers and animals were some of the most popular. If you find a rare antique jade that’s a creamy white color, it’s probably much older than the green jade.

When collecting Chinese antique jade, you may want to specialize in a particular type of jade, like carvings of a certain type, or pieces from a certain period. Places like eBay are great for looking at a variety of pieces, but find a knowledgeable dealer so you know you’re getting genuine jade.

Originally posted 2008-11-11 06:17:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Antiques -> Textiles, Linens -> Lace, Crochet, Doilies

Many people today want to wear a vintage wedding dress when they get married. Vintage clothing in general has become hugely popular. You can purchase actually vintage clothing in various states of wear, vintage fabric which to make clothing from, or reproduction vintage clothing made from new fabric in old-fashioned styles and designs. A good place to find vintage clothing of all types, including wedding dresses, is eBay. The drawback to purchasing clothing from an online auction, though, is the inability to try the item on for a good fit before purchasing, and most clothing sellers don’t accept returns, especially if they’ve given detailed measurements in the auction to help people determine whether an item will fit or not.

If you decide to purchase a vintage wedding dress from an auction, read the measurements and any other available information. Unless you’ve measured yourself very recently, measure again just to be sure. When purchasing vintage clothing of any kind, you’ll want to ask the seller questions, whether you’re trying the item on in their shop or purchasing it online.

Even if you don’t want to purchase a vintage wedding dress online and instead want the convenience of trying it on first, you should search online for vintage items to learn more about the different styles and time periods available, and the general cost of items like the one you’re looking for. This can help you from paying far too much for a wedding dress, and help educate you about which styles were most popular during the era from which you’d like to find a dress.

A vintage wedding dress from the 1930s, for instance, is more likely to have detachable train than dresses from other eras, so the bride could wear the dress as an evening gown after the wedding. The sleeves were typically long and tapered, and often the satin gowns were buttoned down the back. Netting and frills became popular in the 1940s, as were hidden zippers and buttons and loops, rather than the long line of back-buttons. Tapered sleeves with the point extending over the top of the hand were also in vogue.

A vintage wedding dress from the 1950s is more likely to have extensive lacework and a long train, while the wedding dresses from the 1960s reflected the movement toward nature and simplicity, with dresses more often ankle-length, and even mini-skirt length.

When you decide which era you prefer in your vintage wedding dress, something else to consider is the state of the dress. Is it ready for you to wear down the aisle? (Or display, if you’re purchasing as purely a collector’s item?) Can it be altered? Some vintage dresses don’t lend themselves to alterations very well, because they were often made for one specific person, rather than purchased from a shop and altered as is common today. Also, look into the cost of cleaning your vintage wedding dress as the cost of archival cleaning could actually be more than you pay for the dress itself.

Photo Credits: HA! Designs – Artbyheather

Originally posted 2008-10-23 05:00:03. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Dealers -> Furniture -> Bookcases

Patented in 1892, a barrister bookcase is a special type of bookcase that’s enclosed with clear glass covering the front, differentiating it from a typical open-shelf bookcase. These bookcases got their start in the UK, but became popular worldwide because of their unique stackable design. Dust within is minimized by the glass front, protecting the books and items inside. Special tempered glass can even be used to block most light, making these bookcases ideal for antique books as they can minimize the slow damage that comes with age like fading and cracking.

Antique barrister bookcases range in price a great deal, depending on the manufacturer, the age of the case itself, the glass and hardware used, and the wood. The first bookcases of this type were created by the Globe Wernicke Co. so these are some of the most valuable pieces, and if they were cared for properly, they can still be displayed and used today.

Barrister bookcases were made in a wide variety of styles, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one or several that suit your tastes. You can find antique barrister bookcases in antique shops, maybe even flea markets and variety shops, or you can search online for dealers and for sales on auction sites like eBay. You’ll want to ask whether or not the piece has been refinished, and where the piece came from. Unlike with most antiques, a refinished barrister bookcase doesn’t necessarily drop in value. It’s always best to find one that’s been refinished and is in good condition, than one that’s in bad shape.

To make sure the barrister bookcase you’re looking at is an authentic original case, check for the manufacturer’s label on the back of each section. Each section will have metal side bands—they should be there, and you should ask if they’re the original metal pieces or whether they’ve been replaced. Again, replacement is not bad necessarily, as long as the piece is in good shape.

Also, ask about glass replacement. Antique barrister bookcases used a glass with a distinctive look. Stand next to the piece and look at the glass. If it doesn’t have a slightly wavy or rippled appearance, it’s either not the original glass, or the case itself isn’t really an antique. If you can’t see the piece, such as with an online purchase, ask the seller these questions so that if you get the piece and its not what you’re looking for you have to reasons to cite for the return.

While antique barrister bookcases can be pricey, you can get the same look with modern reproductions, if the history of the piece itself isn’t important to you. Many companies manufacturer barrister bookcases today, in styles that look antique, and those that look pulled right out of a modern home. Choosing new or antique is up to your preferences, but keep in mind that the antique barrister bookcases benefit from quality construction and craftsmanship that’s already allowed them to last up to 100 years.

Originally posted 2008-11-12 14:00:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Antiques -> Books and Manuscripts -> American

If you are interested in finding a collectible that has a true story to tell, antique books are the ideal choice. These offer the ability to collect something that has value, not only in the actual worth of the item, but in the knowledge that is contained within its pages. Antique books are very popular and it is not terribly difficult to find some truly remarkable ones at sale. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect antique books.

1. Pick your author or subject

One of the easiest ways to start looking for antique books is to find an author that you admire, or one that is very popular. For example, many are in the market for original Jane Austen volumes, while others prefer to find vintage F. Scott Fitzgerald. If you don’t have a particular author in mind, you can start collecting antique books by subject. There are many different ways that you can build up a great collection, but it does help to have at least some idea of what you are interested in before you start.

2. Considering the condition

Once you know what kind of antique books you want to collect, it’s a good idea to learn about how to tell what kind of condition they are in. The most valuable books are the ones that are in pristine shape. One of the major problems facing collectors of antique books is mold, mildew and spine rot. This can greatly impact the overall value of a book, as well as making them undesirable for display or even to have in your home. Always do the “smell test” when buying old books to see if they are overly musty or mildewed. This is perhaps the easiest way to gauge the actual condition of a volume.

3. Look for first editions

While some authors bring in a good price regardless of the edition, the most valuable volumes are going to the best the ones that are first editions. You can find this information in the copyright section of a book. The ideal combination is to find a first edition antique book that was actually signed by the author. These are rare, but they are incredibly valuable if you can come across one.

4. Know where to shop

In order to get the best deals on antique books, you have to know where to shop. In some cases, you can come across a rare find in a second hand or used book store. Frequent these stores often and keep an eye out for a potentially valuable item. You can also find antique books at auctions or in special stores. However, one of the best places to find antique books is online, where you can have access to collections from around the entire world.

Collecting antique books is fun, but remember to keep them in good condition when you do get them. Sealing them off from air and dust is the best way to keep them pristine.

Photo Credits: Muffet

Originally posted 2008-09-25 05:10:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Unless you are shopping around in a museum, it may be difficult to buy antique furniture dated before the 16th century. Collectors are generally only able to obtain pieces of furniture from the 1485 to 1600 Tudor Period and onwards, and even the furniture selection from this period is relatively small in comparison.

It was not until the middle of the seventeenth century that things began to change. Before then, most furniture was made simply with oak and with peg joints. Some of these antique furniture items were inlaid or painted, but if there was any décor at all, it was typically carved directly into the wood. The most common antique furniture that you are going to find today includes paneled oak chests intended for linen, and many of these are hand carved in order to feature unique figures and architectural shapes. If the carving is to regular or geometrical, then there is a chance that the piece is either a reproduction, or that the decorations have been improved upon or added much more recently.

The chest of drawers is a piece of antique furniture that has evolved gradually since the latter half of the 17th century. It began with a simple carcass that contained a couple of drawers which were mounted on a stand that featured turned legs. This piece of furniture gradually progressed into what we now know as featuring drawers from top to bottom. This is also the same period of time where using veneer became popular. Thin pieces of carved wood or wood featuring interesting colors were glued onto the piece’s outside frame to serve as decorative paneling or to cover the entire structure.

At this point, chairs and settlings were also beginning to change from their basic, square and relatively plain designs into designs that were significantly more elaborate and featured backs and can backs and seats were being introduced. The very best antique furniture pieces were destined to suit aristocratic homes and they were upholstered lavishly. The backs became significantly higher and the seats became significantly lower.

Another influencing factor on antique furniture was trade with the Far East. Lacquered cabinets featuring two doors and a variety of drawers began to be imported from Japan and China. They were mounted on stands upon reaching England. This was the birth of a process that is known as Japanning, which involves imitating the Oriental style lacquers using spirit and oil varnishes.

Toward the end of the century, the influx of European craftsman brought about a radical change in what types of antique furniture were available. The writing bureau, for example, came to be during this period of time as an arrangement of a cabinet with a drop down, hinged front and an arrangement of cubbies and drawers that provided ample space for writing.

If you are interested in learning how to buy antique furniture, learning the history of the pieces is definitely a good way to go.

Photo Credits: mezzoblue

Originally posted 2009-08-28 05:21:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Maintaining the integrity of old books that are considered to be archives, historic or heirlooms can be a challenging task given the wide variety of elements and types of situations that are capable of causing damage to them. Fire, water, mold and smoke are all elements and situations that are capable of causing damage to books that are archived or historic if the proper level of prevention is not practiced in order to keep these books in worthwhile shape. Although much of what was once in print has been converted into an online format as a result of the digital age, there is still a great amount of value that comes from preserving the books that history has been built on.

Restoring antique books that have been in some way damaged is a unique and challenging task that is not impossible but may sometimes seem it. Depending on the severity of the damage, the type of binding and paper and other details, books are capable of being restored by way of freeze drying as well as vacuum drying methods. Both of these methods for restoring antique books is going to require professional services, meaning that you are going to want to work with a professional that understands how sensitive each of these methods is and how sensitive the books are to them.

When restoring a book that is damaged by water, it is recommended that the book be left in its original found condition. If the book was closed, do not open it. If it was open, do not close it. If there was coated paper on the book, then you can use wax paper between the pages. To store or move the books prior to treating them, pack them with their spines down in crates or boxes with freezer paper keeping individual books separated.

Mud and dirt should absolutely only be removed from the book if it has been allowed to dry fully. Do not use detergents or bleaches in order to clean the books. Dry the wet books using a fan. Do not use the sun. If you want to prevent mold and absorb extra moisture, you should use talcum powder or cornstarch. If the pages of the books are folded or wrinkles, then you need to wait until the book is at least partially dry before placing the book between two dry boards using a clamp or a vice for a period of at least 24 hours to allow for straightening of the pages.

If the delicacy and the detail involved in managing the restoration and drying of an old antique book seems too daunting for you, please find a service that can do the work for you. If you become overwhelmed by the process you may end up hurting the book sooner than helping it. Contact a professional immediately to find out what your options are and you may have better luck.

Photo Credits: Patrick Q

Originally posted 2009-08-19 05:05:21. Republished by Blog Post Promoter