My Great Antique Superblog
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Antique Information
Our Featured european antique furniture Writer
Antique Furniture Buying Guide
By Drew Dulgar
What constitutes an antique and what is it worth? You should know everything there is to know about your area of antiquing to make wise buying decisions, including what to look for in a valuable piece. This article will give tips on value, searching, finding and condition of antique furniture.
The word antique is used to describe anything old that is fairly rare. Old is considered to be anything that is over 100 years old. Rare is used to described an item that is limited in its supply or, in other words, there are hardly any of the item around anymore. You must have a discerning eye while shopping for antiques because even if a piece looks old does not mean it is an antique. Furthermore, even when something really is old, if no one wants it; it will be worthless. On the flip side, an item can be newer than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in high demand, thus it will have a high value. A pieces value is based on demand in connection with limited supply.
There are approximately 15 major areas of antiques, to name a few: furniture, toys, ceramics, and jewelry. When you decide to start collecting antiques you will need to choose an area or two and study and learn all you can about it to really be successful. You want to be able to know a really valuable find when you see it, and know you are getting it at a good price. Each area of antiques has its own history, value, rules, frauds, junk and exciting finds. For this article we are going to go over what to know about antique furniture.
Antique furniture is popular and will almost always appreciate in value because of it's solid wood construction and beautiful craftsmanship. Furniture today is not built like it used to be and people want pieces with style and character that will hold up over time. When you buy antique furniture you should always buy what you like and what you will want in your house, unless you are going to turn around and sell it for a profit.
There are four sub-categories in antique furniture: English, European (which is usually French or German), American, and Far Eastern, which is usually Chinese. English furniture is divided into Victorian or Pre-Victorian. American furniture will be Shaker, New York or Western. And Far Eastern furniture is described by the period or date of manufacture. Most people will enjoy one of these types of furniture and begin collecting and decorating their home with that one type.
The type of wood the piece is made from is of significance in determining value. Mahogany, walnut, oak and pine are the most sought after. If the piece has it's original hardware and wood panels it will be worth a lot more than a piece that has been "re-done" due to broken parts. If you have a piece of furniture that is not in top condition, with scratches on the finish, leave it alone if you believe it has some value. Never strip and refinish it. If a leg is loose on a table you can leave it alone or put a dab of wood glue in the joint. Never remove a leg and re-fit it. If a piece is a bit wobbly this is a good indication that it is authentically old. Make sure you inspect the entire piece of furniture for matching wood. Sometimes the back panels had been damaged and they will be replaced with another type of wood.
Caring for a piece of antique furniture is important in preserving it and the value it holds. You should always use pure beeswax (carnauba) to clean and polish your antiques.
Lemon oil is a big mistake because it dries out the wood, darkens the patina and will definitely decrease the furniture's value. When shopping for furniture, rub your finger across the finish and if an oil film is left on your finger the dealer has used lemon oil on it. Don't buy it.
You can find antique furniture just about anywhere. First search your attic and your parent's attics. You can even try and get into the attics of the neighbor's homes. Attics are the best places to find antiques people have forgotten about. To find some more real deals, go to rummage sales, garage sales, estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops and flea markets. You might be able to pick up an antique at a really low price. Estate sales are usually the best place to find antiques because the items belonged to an elderly person. There are also antique stores, malls, dealers and auctions. You will be able to find tons of furniture and antiques here, but you may have to pay more, and you will definitely need to be savvy so you won't get ripped off. You can expect to pay or get a variety of prices on antique furniture.
When you are new at buying antiques stick with one item and then start learning about other types of antiques.
Remember, condition is the most important aspect in determining value, so inspect each piece thoroughly. Do not buy on impulse, take your time and do some research to make sure it is an authentic piece. Don't do all your research in the store you will be purchasing it from, go elsewhere and get second opinions. Most of all, have a good time and only buy what you like and you will never be stuck with something you don't want.
Article Source: http://agedfurniture.com/buying_guide
More Info On european antique furniture
As a general rule of thumb the beginning collector can take the year 1830 as a demarcation line. After 1830 many goods such as furniture and decorative items began to be mass produced. This is not to say that these items cannot be valuable or collectible but the criteria for judging their value will be different than that of earlier pieces.
Buy antique jewelry today!
Ask questions: about what you read on the label and what's not there. How old is this piece? Where was it made? How did you (the dealer) get it? Have you done any repairs or restoration? Is the hardware original? What refund/return policy does the dealer offer if the item is discovered later to be not as claimed? What is the dealer's policy on returns? What they tell you isn't worth the paper it's printed on. So make sure you -
Buy an remier antique radios today!
european antique furniture Stories
Estate Jewelry - Antique or Vintage - Which is Which
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:21:51 -0600
When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much confusion about what is and what is not estate jewelry. Although many pieces of estate jewelry are antique, many pieces are also vintage, retro, or fairly modern. Estate jewelry also does not mean fine jewelry. Estate jewelry can be costume or ...
Antiques Poll of the Week
...
Win a Copy of "Vintage Halloween Collectibles"
The Antique Trader Sweepstakes for October offers a great prize: the latest edition of Vintage Halloween Collectibles by Mark B. Ledenbach. Have you entered yet?
You can also learn about...
antique wood radio | tube radio antique
¶ 7:47 PM 0 comments
Our Featured european antique furniture Writer
Antique Furniture Buying Guide
By Drew Dulgar
What constitutes an antique and what is it worth? You should know everything there is to know about your area of antiquing to make wise buying decisions, including what to look for in a valuable piece. This article will give tips on value, searching, finding and condition of antique furniture.
The word antique is used to describe anything old that is fairly rare. Old is considered to be anything that is over 100 years old. Rare is used to described an item that is limited in its supply or, in other words, there are hardly any of the item around anymore. You must have a discerning eye while shopping for antiques because even if a piece looks old does not mean it is an antique. Furthermore, even when something really is old, if no one wants it; it will be worthless. On the flip side, an item can be newer than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in high demand, thus it will have a high value. A pieces value is based on demand in connection with limited supply.
There are approximately 15 major areas of antiques, to name a few: furniture, toys, ceramics, and jewelry. When you decide to start collecting antiques you will need to choose an area or two and study and learn all you can about it to really be successful. You want to be able to know a really valuable find when you see it, and know you are getting it at a good price. Each area of antiques has its own history, value, rules, frauds, junk and exciting finds. For this article we are going to go over what to know about antique furniture.
Antique furniture is popular and will almost always appreciate in value because of it's solid wood construction and beautiful craftsmanship. Furniture today is not built like it used to be and people want pieces with style and character that will hold up over time. When you buy antique furniture you should always buy what you like and what you will want in your house, unless you are going to turn around and sell it for a profit.
There are four sub-categories in antique furniture: English, European (which is usually French or German), American, and Far Eastern, which is usually Chinese. English furniture is divided into Victorian or Pre-Victorian. American furniture will be Shaker, New York or Western. And Far Eastern furniture is described by the period or date of manufacture. Most people will enjoy one of these types of furniture and begin collecting and decorating their home with that one type.
The type of wood the piece is made from is of significance in determining value. Mahogany, walnut, oak and pine are the most sought after. If the piece has it's original hardware and wood panels it will be worth a lot more than a piece that has been "re-done" due to broken parts. If you have a piece of furniture that is not in top condition, with scratches on the finish, leave it alone if you believe it has some value. Never strip and refinish it. If a leg is loose on a table you can leave it alone or put a dab of wood glue in the joint. Never remove a leg and re-fit it. If a piece is a bit wobbly this is a good indication that it is authentically old. Make sure you inspect the entire piece of furniture for matching wood. Sometimes the back panels had been damaged and they will be replaced with another type of wood.
Caring for a piece of antique furniture is important in preserving it and the value it holds. You should always use pure beeswax (carnauba) to clean and polish your antiques.
Lemon oil is a big mistake because it dries out the wood, darkens the patina and will definitely decrease the furniture's value. When shopping for furniture, rub your finger across the finish and if an oil film is left on your finger the dealer has used lemon oil on it. Don't buy it.
You can find antique furniture just about anywhere. First search your attic and your parent's attics. You can even try and get into the attics of the neighbor's homes. Attics are the best places to find antiques people have forgotten about. To find some more real deals, go to rummage sales, garage sales, estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops and flea markets. You might be able to pick up an antique at a really low price. Estate sales are usually the best place to find antiques because the items belonged to an elderly person. There are also antique stores, malls, dealers and auctions. You will be able to find tons of furniture and antiques here, but you may have to pay more, and you will definitely need to be savvy so you won't get ripped off. You can expect to pay or get a variety of prices on antique furniture.
When you are new at buying antiques stick with one item and then start learning about other types of antiques.
Remember, condition is the most important aspect in determining value, so inspect each piece thoroughly. Do not buy on impulse, take your time and do some research to make sure it is an authentic piece. Don't do all your research in the store you will be purchasing it from, go elsewhere and get second opinions. Most of all, have a good time and only buy what you like and you will never be stuck with something you don't want.
Article Source: http://agedfurniture.com/buying_guide
More Info On european antique furniture
As a general rule of thumb the beginning collector can take the year 1830 as a demarcation line. After 1830 many goods such as furniture and decorative items began to be mass produced. This is not to say that these items cannot be valuable or collectible but the criteria for judging their value will be different than that of earlier pieces.
Buy antique jewelry today!
Ask questions: about what you read on the label and what's not there. How old is this piece? Where was it made? How did you (the dealer) get it? Have you done any repairs or restoration? Is the hardware original? What refund/return policy does the dealer offer if the item is discovered later to be not as claimed? What is the dealer's policy on returns? What they tell you isn't worth the paper it's printed on. So make sure you -
Buy an remier antique radios today!
european antique furniture Stories
Estate Jewelry - Antique or Vintage - Which is Which
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:21:51 -0600
When it comes to estate jewelry there is always much confusion about what is and what is not estate jewelry. Although many pieces of estate jewelry are antique, many pieces are also vintage, retro, or fairly modern. Estate jewelry also does not mean fine jewelry. Estate jewelry can be costume or ...
Antiques Poll of the Week
...
Win a Copy of "Vintage Halloween Collectibles"
The Antique Trader Sweepstakes for October offers a great prize: the latest edition of Vintage Halloween Collectibles by Mark B. Ledenbach. Have you entered yet?
You can also learn about...
antique wood radio | tube radio antique
Antique Bargains
antique radio zenith Article Of The Month
What Sort of Antiques Should You Collect?
By Allison Thompson
Antique collecting has now become one of the most competitive and exciting hobbies around the world. So if you are just starting out you are in for a real treat.
However, do not take the decision of collecting antiques lightly; it will change your life. But first you need to choose the type of antiques you want to collect and then concentrate on it, carry out as much research as possible before you rush in to your first purchase. What ever you do don�t do what some collectors have done where they have not chosen a niche item and just collect piles and piles of junk.
What you really need to consider as well when choosing what you are going to collect is as follows:-
Look at a period or time in history that has always held an interest for you?
Next look to make sure that you can afford to purchase items in your chosen item, you may be fascinated say by rare art, but unfortunately it may be unaffordable. So pick an item that is affordable to you.
But should you be collecting an item as an investor, and then it is good to invest in the best and highly recommended pricing guides that are available.
Next will you be placing your collection on display or will then be kept in a safe place? Are you going to display for all the world to see or are you just purchasing as an investment for the future.
Are you specifically collecting this item for a particular purpose, such as you wish to pass the collection on to your children or grandchildren, or great grandchildren or are they just to add decoration to a room.
It is advisable to consider all these points before you begin your collection.
What you should remember is choose what you want to collect, how you are going to collect it and in which way it will be displayed (if at all).
Allison Thompson webmaster of several sites a work at home mum now living in Spain. Who has become extremely interested in the antique market due to living in an area where history is rife and antiquities are common. or further information on this product please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info.
Hints About antique radio zenith
To prevent mildew damage to old photographs and art work hung on damp or outside walls, tape or glue a sheet of plastic to the back to create a vapor barrier.
Buy antique furniture today!
Negotiating. Part of the fun of antiquing is that it is one of the few areas of modern U.S. culture where negotiations between buyer and seller go on in the way most other countries do it. In many countries of the world, negotiation over the price of fruit, meat, animals, building materials and most good is carried on in a bantering, friendly manner daily. In the U.S. most of our exchanges are accomplished in a rather impersonal, computer-scanner-manner.
Buy antique stands today!
Newspapers and Phone Book. The local newspapers will list antique shows and have advertisements for local shops. And the local phone book will have addresses and phone numbers for area shops. If you are traveling and haven't been to a shop before, you'd better call ahead. You may drive out of your way and get there only to find the shop closed - some shops have unconventional hours, special days each month they are closed or they may only be open during certain months of the year. Others are by appointment only. By appointment only shops will usually open for you if they are home when you call.
Buy antique tables today!
All The Latest News From The antique radio zenith World
Antique Clocks - Grandfather, Cuckoo Clocks, Wall and Mantel
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:23:25 -0600
And an article about the value of antique grandfather clocks. To be
certain of a clock's authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique.
Wood Antiques and The Basics About Wood
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:06 -0600
Find primitive wooden crafts, old wood boxes, frames, magazine racks, rocking chairs, vintage signs and decorative art. Oak, mahogany, walnut, pine, rosewood, maple, elm - different uses were made of these throughout the centuries. Learn the basics about the different kinds of wood that are regularly seen in antique furniture and some common wooden decorative treatments.
Silver Antiques - Sterling and Silverplate
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:14 -0600
Vintage sterling and silverplate, antique silver frames, and decorative silver art forms. Periodically, silver enjoys great popularity in jewelry and now is one of those times..
¶ 6:58 AM 0 comments
antique radio zenith Article Of The Month
What Sort of Antiques Should You Collect?
By Allison Thompson
Antique collecting has now become one of the most competitive and exciting hobbies around the world. So if you are just starting out you are in for a real treat.
However, do not take the decision of collecting antiques lightly; it will change your life. But first you need to choose the type of antiques you want to collect and then concentrate on it, carry out as much research as possible before you rush in to your first purchase. What ever you do don�t do what some collectors have done where they have not chosen a niche item and just collect piles and piles of junk.
What you really need to consider as well when choosing what you are going to collect is as follows:-
Look at a period or time in history that has always held an interest for you?
Next look to make sure that you can afford to purchase items in your chosen item, you may be fascinated say by rare art, but unfortunately it may be unaffordable. So pick an item that is affordable to you.
But should you be collecting an item as an investor, and then it is good to invest in the best and highly recommended pricing guides that are available.
Next will you be placing your collection on display or will then be kept in a safe place? Are you going to display for all the world to see or are you just purchasing as an investment for the future.
Are you specifically collecting this item for a particular purpose, such as you wish to pass the collection on to your children or grandchildren, or great grandchildren or are they just to add decoration to a room.
It is advisable to consider all these points before you begin your collection.
What you should remember is choose what you want to collect, how you are going to collect it and in which way it will be displayed (if at all).
Allison Thompson webmaster of several sites a work at home mum now living in Spain. Who has become extremely interested in the antique market due to living in an area where history is rife and antiquities are common. or further information on this product please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info.
Hints About antique radio zenith
To prevent mildew damage to old photographs and art work hung on damp or outside walls, tape or glue a sheet of plastic to the back to create a vapor barrier.
Buy antique furniture today!
Negotiating. Part of the fun of antiquing is that it is one of the few areas of modern U.S. culture where negotiations between buyer and seller go on in the way most other countries do it. In many countries of the world, negotiation over the price of fruit, meat, animals, building materials and most good is carried on in a bantering, friendly manner daily. In the U.S. most of our exchanges are accomplished in a rather impersonal, computer-scanner-manner.
Buy antique stands today!
Newspapers and Phone Book. The local newspapers will list antique shows and have advertisements for local shops. And the local phone book will have addresses and phone numbers for area shops. If you are traveling and haven't been to a shop before, you'd better call ahead. You may drive out of your way and get there only to find the shop closed - some shops have unconventional hours, special days each month they are closed or they may only be open during certain months of the year. Others are by appointment only. By appointment only shops will usually open for you if they are home when you call.
Buy antique tables today!
All The Latest News From The antique radio zenith World
Antique Clocks - Grandfather, Cuckoo Clocks, Wall and Mantel
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:23:25 -0600
And an article about the value of antique grandfather clocks. To be
certain of a clock's authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique.
Wood Antiques and The Basics About Wood
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:06 -0600
Find primitive wooden crafts, old wood boxes, frames, magazine racks, rocking chairs, vintage signs and decorative art. Oak, mahogany, walnut, pine, rosewood, maple, elm - different uses were made of these throughout the centuries. Learn the basics about the different kinds of wood that are regularly seen in antique furniture and some common wooden decorative treatments.
Silver Antiques - Sterling and Silverplate
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:14 -0600
Vintage sterling and silverplate, antique silver frames, and decorative silver art forms. Periodically, silver enjoys great popularity in jewelry and now is one of those times..
Labels: antique radio parts | antique radio restoration
The Best Information On Antiques
Our Featured antique radio cabinet Article
Antique Furniture - Antique Mahogany Can't Be Beat
By Shane Dayton
There are many different types of antique furniture out there, but if you want really beautiful, well made wooden antique furniture, then you need to look for mahogany. Furniture made of mahogany wood tends to have a stunningly beautiful and majestic appearance.
Mahogany is a hard wood native to northern South America and the West Indies, and was an extremely popular choice for furniture in England during the mid-1700's.
Mahogany is either a dark deep red color, or sometimes a deep dark brown, or often times a mix between the two. Red mahogany is generally from the West Indies while brown mahogany is generally native to South America.
This type of wood isn't only pleasing to the eye, but it is also durable. This is a favorite type of wood for many uses, from boat making to furniture, and also one of the most expensive types of wood because of its relatively rare occurrence, and its undeniable beauty.
Antique mahogany furniture comes mostly from English tradition. Most of the antique mahogany furniture you'll find was made in the 1700s. Not only did it look good, but it would hold up for generations, giving buyers a possession they could hand down through the generations.
Antique mahogany furniture tends to be really expensive, so if you love the look but the prices are too high you might want to consider either reproduction furniture, or look in smaller town antique stores. It can be far cheaper to rent a truck and move several cheaper pieces from a small town than it is to buy it in a large city antique store.
About The Author
If you are interested in learning more about antique furniture or other types of antiques, please visit the website I made for my mom's store at: http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques
Thanks for reading!
Shane
Tips About antique radio cabinet
Take the time to visit and ask questions. Dealers are in this business because they love antiques. They like to talk about them, show off their new acquisitions and tell you tales of good and bad deals. Listening is learning and will later help you save yourself money and grief. Also, many dealers just like people and enjoy a good conversation. That "I like you" edge does count in the price they will be willing to give you - plus there is the chance you'll make a friend.
Buy an Atwater Kent antique radio today!
A good reputation with other dealers and collectors. Word of mouth is the primary advertising medium for antique dealers. Collectors tell one another when they have had good and bad dealings with particular dealers. Dealers tell one another what they have heard. This communication is a vital part of keeping everyone honest. Without it there is no mechanism for removing disreputable dealers (and collectors) from the trade. - see the first note above. So ask around. Ask at least 4 people who don't know each other, so you are sure to get a good and fair estimate of the general opinion. Remember that there will always be one or two people who don't like someone, but if 4 unacquainted people you talk to have horror stories of being ripped off by a dealer, steer clear of them. (This is fairly rare by the way.)
Buy antique chaises today!
Antiques is their primary business. As in any exchange, dealing with someone who plans to be in the business on a continuing basis is much better for the customer. The reason for this is that those who have an ongoing antique business live or die by reputation. If they treat someone badly or cheat them, word of mouth will kill their business rather quickly. Therefore, they are motivated, if they wish to make a living selling antiques, to be honest.
Buy antique furniture today!
Comparison shop: some rare items cannot be compared for price, but you might be able to compare more common items. Also, look at reproductions. Some are good value for money as alternatives to antiques. And, knowing the features of repros may help you in the quest for the real.
Buy an RCA Victor Kent antique radio today!
When repairing dolls remember that changing the original hair in any way will lower its value.
Buy antique dining sets today!
The Latest antique radio cabinet News
Chinese Antiques - Calligraphy
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:44 -0600
Chinese Cabinets, Chests, Tables, Statues and Carvings - Ancient Chinese Vases, jewelry of Brass, Bronze and Wooden Art - and an Introduction to Calligraphy.
Antiques Poll of the Week
...
antique bedroom furniture
¶ 6:58 AM 0 comments
Our Featured antique radio cabinet Article
Antique Furniture - Antique Mahogany Can't Be Beat
By Shane Dayton
There are many different types of antique furniture out there, but if you want really beautiful, well made wooden antique furniture, then you need to look for mahogany. Furniture made of mahogany wood tends to have a stunningly beautiful and majestic appearance.
Mahogany is a hard wood native to northern South America and the West Indies, and was an extremely popular choice for furniture in England during the mid-1700's.
Mahogany is either a dark deep red color, or sometimes a deep dark brown, or often times a mix between the two. Red mahogany is generally from the West Indies while brown mahogany is generally native to South America.
This type of wood isn't only pleasing to the eye, but it is also durable. This is a favorite type of wood for many uses, from boat making to furniture, and also one of the most expensive types of wood because of its relatively rare occurrence, and its undeniable beauty.
Antique mahogany furniture comes mostly from English tradition. Most of the antique mahogany furniture you'll find was made in the 1700s. Not only did it look good, but it would hold up for generations, giving buyers a possession they could hand down through the generations.
Antique mahogany furniture tends to be really expensive, so if you love the look but the prices are too high you might want to consider either reproduction furniture, or look in smaller town antique stores. It can be far cheaper to rent a truck and move several cheaper pieces from a small town than it is to buy it in a large city antique store.
About The Author
If you are interested in learning more about antique furniture or other types of antiques, please visit the website I made for my mom's store at: http://www.squidoo.com/modernantiques
Thanks for reading!
Shane
Tips About antique radio cabinet
Take the time to visit and ask questions. Dealers are in this business because they love antiques. They like to talk about them, show off their new acquisitions and tell you tales of good and bad deals. Listening is learning and will later help you save yourself money and grief. Also, many dealers just like people and enjoy a good conversation. That "I like you" edge does count in the price they will be willing to give you - plus there is the chance you'll make a friend.
Buy an Atwater Kent antique radio today!
A good reputation with other dealers and collectors. Word of mouth is the primary advertising medium for antique dealers. Collectors tell one another when they have had good and bad dealings with particular dealers. Dealers tell one another what they have heard. This communication is a vital part of keeping everyone honest. Without it there is no mechanism for removing disreputable dealers (and collectors) from the trade. - see the first note above. So ask around. Ask at least 4 people who don't know each other, so you are sure to get a good and fair estimate of the general opinion. Remember that there will always be one or two people who don't like someone, but if 4 unacquainted people you talk to have horror stories of being ripped off by a dealer, steer clear of them. (This is fairly rare by the way.)
Buy antique chaises today!
Antiques is their primary business. As in any exchange, dealing with someone who plans to be in the business on a continuing basis is much better for the customer. The reason for this is that those who have an ongoing antique business live or die by reputation. If they treat someone badly or cheat them, word of mouth will kill their business rather quickly. Therefore, they are motivated, if they wish to make a living selling antiques, to be honest.
Buy antique furniture today!
Comparison shop: some rare items cannot be compared for price, but you might be able to compare more common items. Also, look at reproductions. Some are good value for money as alternatives to antiques. And, knowing the features of repros may help you in the quest for the real.
Buy an RCA Victor Kent antique radio today!
When repairing dolls remember that changing the original hair in any way will lower its value.
Buy antique dining sets today!
The Latest antique radio cabinet News
Chinese Antiques - Calligraphy
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:22:44 -0600
Chinese Cabinets, Chests, Tables, Statues and Carvings - Ancient Chinese Vases, jewelry of Brass, Bronze and Wooden Art - and an Introduction to Calligraphy.
Antiques Poll of the Week
...
antique bedroom furniture
Labels: antique radios
