September 16th, 2009 — Antique, Antique Lamps, Decorative Arts, Lamps
There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds of thousands of these currently on the market and you should be able to find one that matches your tastes quite easily. Here’s a quick buying guide to get you started.
1. Does the lamp still work?
While this shouldn’t be a deal break since lamps are easy enough to repair, it is important to find out if the antique lamp is still in working condition. Remember, restoring or fixing an antique can impact its overall value, especially if you have to use brand new parts to get the job done. Ideally, an antique lamp should work, but you may want to have it checked out by a professional, depending on the age of the lamp, to make sure that it is safe to run in your home.
2. How old is the lamp?
This is a big issue when it comes to running the lamp on your standard house electricity. Some older antique lamps should probably only be used as decorative objects since they may be unsafe to plug in. Again, getting an expert opinion on this is probably necessary to make sure that you are dealing with a lamp that is safe to use as well as pretty to look at.
3. Does the lamp have any interesting history?
Antique lamps are great for conversation starters and it always helps to find out if there is an interesting history behind the lamp. This shouldn’t necessarily be something that would convince or keep you from buying, but it is information that is nice to have. In fact, in many cases, a lamp with a better history will actually be worth more money than one that does not have a known origin.
4. Is the cord in good condition?
We really can’t stress safety enough when it comes to antique lamps. Our other points covered whether the lamp still works, but you should also consider the state of the power cord before making your purchase. Antique lamps will commonly have older cords that may be frayed. These can easily be replaced, but doing so may lower the value of the lamp.
5. How many lamps of that type were made?
This is a question that any serious collector of antique lamps should ask. If you are looking for an investment in a collectible, it’s always important to find out just how many were made since this can greatly impact the overall value of the item, both real and perceived.
Antique lamps are a great collectible and many people prefer this type since they are actually quite useful in the home. Just remember to put safety first before purchasing and using an antique lamp in your home to avoid fire and electrical hazards.
Originally posted 2008-09-14 14:00:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Antique Tube Radio Collectibles -> Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone -> Radios -> Tube Radios: Pre 1930, 1930-49, 1950-59, 1960-Now If you are in the market for an antique tube radio to restore, or you are looking for a working model, there are a few things that you will need to know before making...... -
Finding Antiques and Collectibles If you are interested in the art of antiquing, then you should know that there are antiques and collectibles that you can find in all shapes, all sizes and all kinds of locations. All of these antiques and collectibles have history, a past, a story to them. People can find...... -
Guide to Buying and Selling Antiques If you're looking for something unique to adorn the rooms of your home, then a hobby that you may want to delve into is buying and selling antiques. There are a couple of different things that you are going to need to consider when it comes to buying and selling...... -
Tiffany Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts Tiffany lamps offer collectors a chance not only to find something valuable but also a collector’s piece that is functional and beautiful. If you are looking for a piece that will enhance your home as well as your bottom line, then this is definitely a collectible...... - Collectible Mantel Clocks Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Clocks Many people have a fondness for timepieces of all varieties, but collectible mantel clocks hold a special place in many collectors' hearts Perhaps because mantel clocks were placed on mantels above fireplaces years ago, in the eras before electricity and digital clocks with their......
Related Websites - Calling All Face Painters And Entertainers - I’m Very Excited About Our Secret Sales Process And Would Like To Share The Techniques With You Don’t let you Face Painting or Children’s Entertainment business down by not following up on each lead with a solid system. And don’t be one of those business owners who receive a call from an interested customer, deal with the enquiry and never do anymore than that! This is......
-
Spring Trends in Home Decor Spring cleaning? Well, why you're at it- how about giving a room in your home a spring makeover? It's wonders what a vibrant coat of paint can do! Check out a few of the hot new color combos in home decor this Spring. Fun and flirty teal and fuchsia Natural...... -
Valuing of Old Postage Stamps If you are interested in collecting stamps, then you probably already realize that stamp collecting is something that can be very valuable for a number of different reasons. Some old postage stamps are valuable simply because they are the only one of their kind, while others are valuable because they...... - Usher Spring into Your Home Decorating When spring approaches, you might make a few changes in your closet. Your long-sleeved sweaters are banished to the back of the closet while more lightweight shirts make their way to the front of the closet. Your chunky winter boots are replaced by fun sandals. Why should the rest of......
-
15 ways to make your 9-to-5 a 10 I like to think of myself as being a step past the normal employee grind, but I still get up most days and schlep to my client's office. Sure, I take off when I feel like it and work moderately flexible hours, but I do the lunchpail shuffle. I......
Online Stores Online Stores
September 13th, 2009 — Antique, Antique Singer Sewing Machines, Machines and Machine Parts, Sewing
If you love sewing collectibles and are trying to build up your collection, one of the best additions you can find is an antique Singer sewing machine. These machines can enhance any personal collection and may even be the focal point in your display. Before you run out and buy an antique Singer sewing machine however, there are a few things to consider.
First, you will need to take a look at the overall condition of the machine. If you don’t mind something that is a little worn, then you will have plenty of options. In some cases, having an antique Singer sewing machine that does show some wear will make a collection more interesting. However, if you are looking for a model that is also valuable as a collector’s item, it is a good idea to make sure that it is in the best condition possible.
Next, you will need to find out how the antique Singer sewing machine is powered. Early electric models are very valuable, but by far, many collectors look for the machines that were entirely powered by the user, usually through a foot pedal. There are a lot of reasons to get this type of sewing machine, especially if you love to sew but need to have a backup. Even if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to use your machine if it is not electric.
If the antique Singer sewing machine is powered by electricity, it is vital to see what condition the power cord is in. If you plan to actually use the machine, then this is absolutely paramount. Many older collectibles that still have their original cords can be fire hazards, despite the fact that they are valuable. The one exception to this rule would be if you just plan to display the machine and have no plans to actually use it in the future.
It is also a good idea to ask the seller of the antique Singer sewing machine if the machine is in good working order. You’d be surprised by just how many 100 year old machines still function as well as the day they were made. Again, if you will be using the machine, it’s a good idea to get one that works. Finding people to repair antique Singer sewing machine is not easy in some areas and you’re better served by having one that already works.
Last but not least, you’ll need to know where to find antique Singer sewing machines. The best place to look is at local garage sales or at second hand stores, especially if you can find one from an owner that is serious about sewing. You can also find many great deals at online auction sites for antique Singer sewing machines. Keep an eye out whenever you’re out and about or just searching the internet. You never know what kind of gem you’ll be able to uncover if you keep checking back at these sites or in your local area.
Originally posted 2008-09-17 14:00:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts - Antique Lighting 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......
-
Curio Cabinet 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...... - Antique Dolls 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......
-
Gothic Art Antiques -> Decorative-Arts Gothic art refers to any art, whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or some other medium, created from about the mid-12th century through the end of the 14th century. Art was still created over the next century that’s often called International Gothic, but this type of art...... -
Silk Screen Dealers -> Antiques -> Asian For anyone who enjoys Asian art, an antique silk screen can make a gorgeous addition to your home. Paintings and even silkscreened prints with an Asian theme can give a room a distinct atmosphere, but there’s nothing quite like a paneled screen that can be......
Related Websites - Ideas for Finding a Serger for Free/Cheap... Quick preamble, a serger essentially "finishes" seams. It's the #1 way of preventing fraying and is especially useful on garments which will be washed and worn a lot. I don't have one because...well they're expensive and I didn't save up for one before the debt. I have my own little......
- Weekend Roundup - New Sewing Machine Edition Well my old sewing machine finally quit working so I was able to treat myself to a new one. I purchased a Brother 50 Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine model. I am eager to start work on some Christmas projects I have lined up and with this new machine, sewing them......
-
US Stamps Stamps -> US Stamps : 19th Century Unused, 19th Century Used Collecting stamps from around the world is a popular hobby for many, but there are also many valuable stamps that are hard to find. US Stamps in particular can be very rare, and there are quite a few that...... - Why I Love My Sewing Machine and How It Saves Me Money I am fortunate that I learned to sew at a very young age. My Mom was a great seamstress and she made all of our clothes when we were growing up. Some of it was out of necessity - we were a big family. But Mom really did enjoy sewing......
-
Choosing a Home Improvement Project Before you engage in a home improvement project, you luckily do not need to be trained technically in order to be successful. There are standing landscaping and home improvement project ideas that you can implement that will enable you to work quite similarly to the pros. The secret that you......
Online Stores Online Stores
September 11th, 2009 — Antique, Collectible, Radio
If you are in the market for an antique tube radio to restore, or you are looking for a working model, there are a few things that you will need to know before making your purchase. It is relatively easy to find broken antique tube radios, but finding them in good working order can be a bit difficult. If you are purchasing your antique tube radio online, then you will need to ask a few questions before proceeding with the sale.
- Is the original documentation included or will they provide you with a schematic? This is vital in case you need to repair the unit or if it is in need of restoration. Without a schematic, you are pretty much lost. While it is possible to find old copies of these user manuals and schematics, it is much easier to simply have it included with the unit. If the seller does not offer this, you may want to think twice about purchasing the antique tube radio.
- Is the unit in working order, and if not, does the seller know what is wrong with it? It is a lot easier to know what you are getting into before you buy your radio. Be wary of vague answers unless the seller truly does not know much about radios. If the listing simply says “does not work,” but offers no additional information, it could have a myriad of problems that will be costly to fix. It is best to err on the side of caution and look for a radio that is in either working order, or where the seller knows exactly what needs to be fixed.
- Is the power cord still attached? This is a problem that most buyers overlook. Finding old power cords for antique tube radios is pretty easy, installing them is a whole other matter. If you are not familiar with this process, you will need to hire someone to do it for you. This is yet another expense that will have to be factored into the overall purchase price. Look for radios that still have their original cords, or find one that has a proper cord that was installed by a professional.
- What method of shipping/handling will the seller use? This is actually quite important. It is very easy to break the internal parts of an antique tube radio and this will mean additional work on your part. Make sure that the seller provides with you information on how they intend to pack the radio safely and how it will be transported to your location. Make sure that you get the seller to provide you with insurance on the package, even if you have to pay extra for it.
With the right questions, you can be assured that you are getting the right antique tube radio and that you won’t have to deal with any nasty surprises or further issues that may require more money to repair.
Originally posted 2008-08-03 17:36:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Successfully Selling Antiques If you are interested in a new and interesting way to make money, then selling antiques is a good way to go. If you enjoy dealing in old heirlooms, yard sales, estate sales and flea markets, and you think that selling antiques is a hobby that you will enjoy doing,...... -
Antique Furniture Repair The first piece of advice when you are thinking of antique furniture repair is to stop. Don't do anything until you've read this blog - it could save you (or gain you) thousands. Every antique dealer has horror stories to share --- there's the woman who stripped the old paint...... -
Restoring Antique Books 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...... - Antique Lamps Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps There is a huge market right now for collectible antique lamps and these functional decorative collectibles can brighten any home. If you’re looking for a collectible that is not only beautiful but also functional, antique lamps are the perfect answer. There are literally hundreds......
-
Purchasing Antique Rings for an Engagement If you are looking for the perfect engagement ring, you just may want to consider antique rings and the sentimental value that can be associated with them. Antique rings are capable of being purchased through reputable dealers in second hand jewelry stores. You may even be able to find antique......
Related Websites -
Gramophones Collectibles -> Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles Gramophones are a truly unique collectible and when they are in good condition, they offer not only enhanced value, but you may actually be able to use it. When you are shopping for a gramophone, there are a few things that you need...... -
10 Reasons You Should Never Short a Stock or Index Fund Short sellers are often cast as the big bad villains on Wall Street. After all, they are the all knowing, short term traders placing big money bets hoping your portfolio goes down in value while they turn a quick profit. Unfortunately, for all of the bearish sentiment they spew...... - Five Questions I Ask Myself Before Making a Purchase When I was learning to drive, my mom decided she would teach me herself to make sure that I was well educated and wouldn't get in an accident when I was of age to get my license. She told me to be the key in the ignition and turn the......
-
Don’t Buy That New Car In the last few decades, Americans have moved to a faster lifestyle. Weâre up and out more hours of the day, and thereâs always so much going on. Part of this movement toward a faster pace of life is making more extravagant purchases. We often buy new cars every...... -
Gold Nuggets Coins and Paper Money -> Bullion -> Gold-> Nugget When it comes to finding a money collectible that immediately has a sense of value, it’s hard to come close to a gold nugget. For centuries, gold fever has been inspired by the talk of immense gold nuggets and to this......
Online Stores Online Stores - Work Womens Shoes
- 1960-Now Tube Radios Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
- Tube Radios Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
- 1930-49 Tube Radios Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
- Parts Tubes Radios Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles
