September 24th, 2009 — Antique, Antique Bird Cages, Antiquities, Collectible, Decorative Arts, Furnishings
Years ago, before the introduction of plastics and resins, even animals’ indoor homes like antique bird cages were considered beautiful pieces of furniture. Of course, some were plain and utilitarian, but many more were actually created in the popular furniture styles of the times. Bird cages were designed to fit into the home’s aesthetic and enhance a room rather than stick out because they were different, or worse, be an eyesore.
Antique bird cages can be quite valuable, depending on the material, the style and the age. An important thing to remember about these cages is that years ago, materials were used that we know aren’t exactly healthy for pets today. Some cages may contain lead-based materials or paint that isn’t healthy for anyone, let alone the occupant of the cage. If you’re looking for a cage that’s not just for decoration, but will be home for your feathered friend, choose a modern cage. You can find bird cages today in many different styles and designs. Just look beyond your local pet shop or pet superstore to the more niche stores and you can find bird cages just as ornate as those from 100 years ago.
If you’re looking at antique bird cages as purely decorative and collectible items, then you can worry much less about the materials and concentrate on the design, instead. You can pay hundreds of dollars for some cages, so it pays to know what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend before you start.
You can be eclectic and collect several different antique bird cages, representing many different styles and cultures, or you can focus on a particular country of origin, or furniture style. You might want to buy only those bird cages that look Georgian or Victorian, with ornate designs and scrolls popular in the furniture of the time. Or you might want only very exotic Tunisian-style bird cages with their recognizable shape and curvy wire design. Wooden bird cages that look like large mansions, or small ones with ornate wire and beadwork—it’s your choice, and you have lots of variety to choose from, especially if you search through online auctions.
Unfortunately, many auctions will say little other than “old bird cage” or “wooden bird cage, looks antique.” If antique bird cages don’t bear a manufacturer’s name, artist’s name or date, it can be difficult to tell how old they are, what materials were used, and even where they came from. Some styles are pretty obvious, as with most Asian bird cages, but other times it can be very difficult to tell a reproduction bird cage from an actual antique. And sometimes the country of origin is just a best guess depending on the style and materials.
Antique bird cages can be stunning pieces of art as well as interesting conversation pieces. In the end, you’ll want to purchase them for their beauty and how much they interest you, rather than their age or whether they’re made of wood or bronze.
Originally posted 2008-12-02 05:00:40. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 24th, 2009 — Antiquities, French Antiques
Although the first thing that springs to mind in many people when the term French antiques is mentioned is Louis XVI furniture, there are numerous antiquities from this region that are incredibly valuable. France was the site of some of the first Paleolithic peoples and they left behind many different antiquities and interesting artifacts that are highly collectible.
The location of France made it the prime place for these early peoples to live. It was close to water, the terrain was not terribly difficult to cross and the area was quite lush. During this time period many monoliths were constructed, but few know their exact origins. This is a time of mystery for many people, but scientists can use French antiques from this time period to learn more about these people.
Whether it’s a piece of pottery, a drawing on a cliff side or the leavings of an entire village, French antiques from this time period open up the doors and let in light on this unique time in history. Without these antiquities, much of what we now know about the ancient world would have never been discovered. Although other French antiques are certainly valuable, beautiful and interesting, for many it is the antiquities that tell the whole story.
Many of these priceless French antiques are stored at the Louvre, or in other museums across the world. However, there are many private collectors that are quietly building up massive collections of these priceless items. If you are interested in history, or you are just looking for a unique collectible that is unlike any other, you may want to think about investing in one of these antiquities.
French antiques from this time period are not easy to find however, and it may take some time to build up your collection. The best place to start is by looking at high end auction houses to see if they are going to include any of these items in an upcoming auction. These are the places that the high end collectors will go when they need to sell off an item, or reduce the size of their collection.
In many cases, shopping at one of these auctions will give you access to world class French antiques that cannot be purchased anywhere else. The next time you see one of these auctions advertised, take the time to look through the catalog. You never know what incredible finds you may come across.
There is always controversy over private collectors having access to French antiques from this time period, but without their efforts, many of these items would have been lost to natural disasters or wars. No matter what side of the issue you belong on, everyone can agree that there is a market for antiquities from this time period. You can decide to loan yours out to a museum after finding it, or keep it for yourself, but you will get the rare change to own a real piece of ancient history and hold it right in your hand.
Originally posted 2008-09-22 05:00:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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