Antiquing

Dealers -> Glass -> Plates

Collecting antique dishes can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s probably not going to be an easy one! Because of the wide variety of dishes available from so many sources, you’ll probably have to brush up on your knowledge of dishes and dinnerware. You may have to do a little research into the collectibles in general, as well as specifically investigating an individual dish. It’s great fun for those who like to dig for information and uncover mysteries, and can be exciting when you get surprises, like realizing you’ve just purchased an ordinary-looking dish that’s a valuable collector’s item.

If you’re ready to start collecting antique dishes, you should first realize that just because a dish is 60 or 70 years old, it’s not necessarily any more valuable than it was when it was new. Much depends on how many of that exact dish was produced and how in demand it is now. Many people mistakenly think that old China is particularly valuable simply because it’s old, and that’s pretty far from the truth.

If it’s extremely old, China is almost certainly worth a little more than it was new (and might be worth much more). Some antique dishes with patterns that were discontinued quite soon after their release are worth a little more because they’re more rare. But antique China dishes are most valuable to those who have entire sets and want a piece to replace one that’s broken or lost. If you’re interested in antique China, though, it would pay to do some research into the kind of dishes you want.

The older the antique dishes are, regardless of what they’re made from, the more valuable they typically are, if they’re valuable at all. Antique porcelain dishes can be valuable, all depending on how popular they were when they were new. Antique handpainted dishes are inherently more desired and valuable than mass produced dishes, because even if the same pattern was used on many, the handpainting renders each one unique. And uniqueness is an important consideration when determining the value of a dish, or any item.

A problem with antique dishes is that often not even the seller will know how old a dish may be. This is where the detective work becomes necessary. You’ll need to find any marks on the bottom of the dish indicating the artist, the company, the serial number, the pattern name or anything that has the potential to help identify the dish. You can search online on all of these things, or ask a local antique dealer or appraiser if they have knowledge of it. For China specifically, don’t forget the many websites that specialize in replacements of pieces from discontinued patterns; they can be a wealth of information.

Finding the origin of antique dishes can be a challenge. If you can’t see the dish in person, ask about chips and cracks, and have the seller give you all of the information from the bottom so you can do your research!

Originally posted 2008-12-04 14:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Dragon Statues Antiques -> Asian -> Statues Many ancient cultures have their own dragon myths, some that are traced back as far as 4000 BC, but the ancient Chinese believed that dragon statues represented a creature that symbolized strength and good fortune. Other cultures saw dragons as rather wicked and dangerous creatures......
• French Antiques Antiquess -> Antiquities -> Neolithic, Paleolithic 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......
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Some people falsely believe that the passion for accumulating a variety of antique treasures in an antique collection is an addiction, such as being a pack rat, but this is not actually true. The truth about going antiquing is that while it may be infectious, it is certainly not a disease and there is nothing wrong with having a passion for going out and looking for your favorite objects, especially since antiquing is a sure fire way for you to improve your mood. The feeling that stirs up our interest in going out looking for antiques is definitely a universal one among collectors. People who go out looking for collectibles are enjoying themselves, having a ball and feeling good all around.

A lot of people who regularly visit flea markets and other popular sources for collectibles meet a lot of other people who are just like them. These people enjoy the art of creating an antique collection so much that they actually become relaxed by it. Browsing through these second hand stores, flea markets and other places for antiquing collectibles is popular because it is an inexpensive habit and allows us to collect a wide variety of different things without spending an arm and a leg in order to do so.

Improving upon our mood while we are out hunting for treasures is not only a psychological thing because there is also a physiological explanation attached to it as well. Shopping has been considered to be therapy for many people, and buying antiques or starting an antique collection can prove to be a really beneficial form of therapy because just like exercise, shopping can boost the feel good chemicals that are associated with mood, such as the runners high, or how people feel who take Zoloft or Prozac. For some people, shopping for antiques is capable of providing a thrill that is capable of offsetting a bad mood. Finding things that are exciting can build tension, adding significantly to the thrill and making antique hunting even more enjoyable and therapeutic accordingly.

Hobbies can become boring when finding collectibles for an antique collection becomes too simple. This is one of the most prevalent reasons for why seasoned antique collectors choose to spice up their collections by consistently upgrading the collections that they have, looking for rare antiques and other pieces and constantly hunting for more. People have found that becoming more selective about what they purchase allows them to add a suitable level of challenge to the process. Collecting antiques such as antique furniture and antique home décor is an endeavor that should be fun, exciting and enjoyable.

Most collectors actually rarely ever become frustrated when it comes to finding things for their antique collection, because they have fun hunting for treasure, and enjoy the chase involved in finding the antiques that they seek. As long as you are being smart about your antiquing, there is nothing wrong with being a little bit of a pack rat, if it means bringing yourself pleasure and lifting your mood.

Photo Credits: rocket ship

Originally posted 2009-05-27 08:02:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Weather Vanes, Lightning Rods

One of the most interesting collectibles you can run across is a weather vane. These used to adorn the roofs of houses and every one in awhile you’ll still see one up there. They range from simple roosters to ornate structures that can weigh several pounds. If you have been thinking about collecting weather vanes, there are a few things to think about before you get started.

1. Is the weather vane still operational?

If you plan to actually use your weather vane, it’s always nice to make sure that it will actually work. It will need to be able to spin around freely once it is installed and it’s also important to make sure that it has all of the connecting parts that you will need to be able to install the piece on your roof. A weather vane must also be balanced properly so that you can tell which direction the wind is blowing. Otherwise, it’s a nice decorative collectible, but it’s not really serving any purpose.

2. When was it made?

This is a consideration that is important for those that have older homes and are trying to stay within that certain time period. Adding a weather vane to an older home is a great way to complete the look, but it’s a good idea to take the time and do the research to make sure that you are getting an authentic piece. Older weather vanes will usually be quite heavy and will have a unique balance system that allows them to take the brute force of a strong wind without being taken down.

3. What material is it made of?

Older weather vanes that are more collectible are usually made out of wrought iron. This allows them the ability to withstand most of the elements. Even if one is brightly painted, it should still be wrought iron underneath. This does add weight to the piece, but it also ensures years of durability. This is the main reason that it is so easy to find collectible weather vanes – they were made to last for many, many years.

4. Does it have the original propeller?

If the weather vane was intended not only to gauge the direction of the wind, but also the intensity of the wind, it will have a propeller. Ideally, you should look for one that already has the device, preferably an original one. If you do find an older weather vane that is missing its propeller, you may be able to get it restored. However, try to find someone that is knowledgeable in the repair of old weather vanes and make sure that they use the right material so that you’re adding value to the piece instead of taking away from it.

Collecting weather vanes is a fun past time and once you really start looking for them, you can see just how many different varieties that there are. Look for one for your roof, or start a table top collection – either way, they provide much enjoyment.

Photo Credits: Loren Javier

Originally posted 2008-08-30 05:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• Antique Bench Antiques -> Furniture -> Benches, Stools: 1800-1899, 1900-1950, Post 1950 One great way to add function and beauty to any home is by purchasing a unique antique bench. There are many different types of collectible benches that can be found in antique stores around the world, but it is important......
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Do you know how to use the internet for the purpose of obtaining antique appraisals? There is no reason why you cannot make good use of the internet in order to determine the value of your collectibles and your antiques. Keep reading.

So, do you think that you may have something that is valuable on your hands? Are you trying to determine how much it is going to be worth? There are a myriad of different websites online for antiques and collecting, and many of them do offer plenty of information on the concept of antique appraisals. Here are some things that you should keep in mind when it comes to using the internet while searching for antique appraisals. Keep in mind that these tips will improve your capability of getting the right answers and the right price for your vintage or antique items.

1 – Never simply walk up and ask an antiques dealer to tell you what something is worth, because the standard response is going to be to ask how much you want to get for it. Many antiques dealers have spent years and years acquiring their knowledge, and they are very rarely ever going to want to pass out free advice to a complete stranger, even if they do otherwise specialize in antique appraisals. Do not sell you item to the person that you asked to evaluate it for you, because these people make their living by buying low and then selling high, and you may end up being taken for a ride.

2 – Next, when it comes to antique appraisals you are going to want to understand that quality plays a really important role in any antique appraisals that you receive. Just because you have something that happens to be old, that does not mean that it is inherently valuable. The better the condition of something is, generally the more it is going to be worth, but take this info with a grain of salt because there’s no telling what you have on your hands or how much it is worth until you get the antique appraisals you are looking for.

3 – Finally, no matter what information that you receive regarding the value behind your collectible or antique, you need to understand that antique appraisals are only worth what someone is really willing to pay you for the item. Just because your antique doorknob is priced at $100 in a price guide, that does not mean you’ll fetch that price for it on eBay. You need to keep this in mind because there is a relationship between antique appraisals and what people are actually willing to pay for things, and both numbers matter in the grand scheme of things.

Photo Credits: BVNA

Originally posted 2009-09-14 03:35:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Furniture -> Chairs

In the market for a collectible that will not only be useful but also beautify your home? Antique chairs are the perfect solution. These are a very popular type of collectible and no matter what type of furniture you’re interested in, chances are you’ll be able to find just the right chair to complete your collection. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

If you enjoy rocking, there are many antique chairs that offer this feature. In fact, these are probably some of the most collectible chairs you can find. Often made with cane backs, or slats, these chairs used to adorn parlors and cabins alike during the past few hundred years. If you have never sat in one of these antique chairs, you are missing out on an experience. For those that enjoy primitive, western or Americana collectibles, this type of antique chair would fit perfectly with any collection.

For those that prefer a more modern twist, there are antique chairs from the Danish Modern movement that are quickly coming back into style. In fact, you can find brand new replicas of this style in just about any store today. These chairs are incredibly comfortable, even though they have that sleek modern look and if you can find an original, you’ll be surprised at what they can do for a room when it comes to finishing touches.

If you’re looking for an antique chair for your den, office or study, consider getting a leather club chair from the art deco period. These are the epitome of luxury and many are still fully functional today. Ideally, look for a club chair that still has its original ottoman, since these are worth quite a bit more money, especially at auction. Club chairs are typically leather and will usually come in black or dark brown.

Queen Anne and Chippendale antique chairs are always popular, especially if your home already features this kind of décor. While these may not be the most comfortable chairs on the planet, they are among the prettiest and many of them are actually incredibly valuable. Look for chairs that have their original upholstery if at all possible, or if you’re looking for a deal, you can find a run down one that just needs a little TLC.

Last but not least, there are antique chairs from the Shaker style that are ideal for any home. These are quite valuable and many will be rockers. If you’ve got a dining room you’re trying to furnish, consider using Shaker style antique chairs for a great authentic look. These chairs are very durable and it is typical to find them in fantastic condition at local auctions.

No matter what kind of antique chairs you are interested in, from oriental, to art deco and everything in between, thanks to their popularity, they are incredibly easy to find. Start shopping for an antique chair now and see just how much it can add to your home, making it very special indeed.

Photo Credits: flo21

Originally posted 2008-09-20 05:00:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Dealers -> Furniture -> Cabinets-Armoires-Cupboards

A curio cabinet is a piece of furniture that encompasses so many different varieties that it’s hard to sum up in a short space. The thing each one has in common is that it allows for “curios” to be displayed. Knick-knacks, trinkets, collectibles and other small, and sometimes fairly large, items can be displayed in a curio cabinet. Some will have glass fronts on the doors so that the items are protected from dust while on display, in fact most will have some sort of glass-fronted display on at least part of the cabinet. Others have open shelves, or some open areas for trinkets alone with the glass-covered main portion of the cabinet.

If you’re looking to buy a curio cabinet, obviously you can look for an antique or vintage cabinet in antique shops or flea markets, or maybe even yard sales. Often people won’t realize that fine piece of furniture might be valuable and worth hanging onto simply because they’re tired of it and want something new. Online auctions like eBay are a great place to look for a curio cabinet because you’ll find such a wide variety of different sizes, shapes and styles there at one time, instead of being limited to the few you might find in an antique shop each time you visit.

And you have the option of purchasing a new curio cabinet through a store or eBay as well. The newer cabinets are sometimes made to look like a brand new, modern piece of furniture and other times they’re made to look as vintage as possible. Very cheaply made curio cabinets don’t seem to reach for either of those, they’re simply cheap or pressed wood cabinets that allow for display, with very little character as a stand alone piece of furniture.

The best way to approach the purchase of a curio cabinet is first to decide what you’ll do with it. If you already have a collection you want to display, that will narrow down your choices and make it easier. Plan where you’ll put the cabinet. Then you’ll know about how large the cabinet needs to be and how much room it will need to have in order to display your collection. Then you’ll need to decide between vintage or new, depending on your personal tastes.

If you want a curio cabinet for its own beauty, then you’ll almost always want to shop for a vintage cabinet. Many of these cabinets, even though they might be well over 100 years old, were display pieces in their own right, quite beautiful even before the knick-knacks were added to them. If it’s the appearance of a fine, vintage piece of furniture you’re after, then the size and shape of the cabinet will be less important to you. Decide where the cabinet will go in your home and you’ll know whether you want a short, small cabinet or a large, tall one with lots of room for your favorite collectibles to be displayed.

Originally posted 2008-11-19 05:00:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese: Chests

A Chinese chest can improve the look of any room, in addition to providing storage space and serving as a conversation piece, especially if it’s an antique. A chest can function as more than just storage, it can be used as a coffee or side table, or it can simply be on its own, with collectibles displayed on top as well as stored inside.

If you’re after the look of an authentic antique Chinese chest, first examine your budget. An antique Asian chest can cost a great deal, depending on its age and the period in which it was created, and of course, on its condition. The price can also depend on the intended use for the chest. While many were created simply as beautiful storage pieces, many were designed for a specific purpose, like to hold blankets or books, and some have drawers for hiding away small items. Some feature a single compartment, some are designed to be quite tall and some were designed to have a low profile.

Chests and trunks were used by the Ancient Chinese to store almost everything they needed, from food to bedding. They often stacked chests on top of one another, with the highest chests containing those items used regularly, and lower chests holding things used only occasionally for convenience. The Ancient Chinese considered this an efficient method, to eliminate time spent searching for items. A Chinese chest is likely to feature drawers of some type, an invention attributed to the Chinese and their sense of neatness and efficiency.

A true ancient Chinese chest will be made of wood, usually camphor or elm because these woods repelled insects and fungi that can destroy wood over time. Tropical wood is often used today that’s imported from other Asian countries, and is often painted black or red featuring landscape scenes. New Chinese chests are sometimes even made from steel which can last longer than wood and is less expensive. But authentic ancient chests will be wood, with a simple design, and decorative handles and hinges. Some things do vary by period, though. For instance, a Chinese chest made during the Ming Dynasty will be more ornate than those constructed during some other periods. Handles, locks and hinges as well as other accessories on the chest would most likely be made from precious stones, brass or copper.

If you’re looking to buy a Chinese chest, a local dealer is a good starting point, even if only for research. Research online to find the popular attributes of the time period you’re looking for. And if you shop online on eBay for instance, ask the seller many questions about damage and repair to see if the piece has been altered.

A Chinese chest can cost $150 or thousands of dollars. While the lower priced authentic chests aren’t going to be much more than their reproductions, the older chests than range from several hundred to thousands of dollars are probably best passed over for reproductions, unless you’re purchasing for the investment rather than the aesthetic.

Photo Credits: taiyofj

Originally posted 2008-10-31 14:00:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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