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Our Featured antique cabinet radio ArticleIs There A Difference Between Vintage And Antique?
By Herbert Sanchez
Antiques, simply put, are old items, things left over from a bygone world, markers of eras past. The Titanic wreck is an antique, although we don't think of it as such. The only difference between this and what we normally consider antiques is that the Titanic, though having value, can't be bought or auctioned off.
Thats another distinction regarding antiques: They have a market value. Although in an economic sense this is true, in the true definition of the word and concept of antiques, its irrelevant. Antiques are known for their age and, quite often, their rare and/or unusual design. Hey, even the Titanic has a particular design which represents it as an icon of a certain era, with a history all its own.
Of course, when it comes to antiques, its important to distinguish between antiques, collectibles, and vintage:
Antiques: Items of the past, usually identifying a particular era, with some value--economic, personal, cultural, artistic, but always intrinsic. Think: 1915 one-piece bathing suit, a 'Model A' automobile, an authentic revolutionary tricorn hat, and, of course, the Titanic.
Collectable: Items produced to be collected and can comprise a series, such as baseball cards. Of course some arent produced for this reason, such as butterflies or coins, but, like antiques, they can form interesting collections and are each of a particular type which distinguishes them from the rest in the series. Think: a 1912 penny or a 1956 Buffalo nickel. These are distinctively different but are both unique coins, therefore they are collectable. They are also antiques! Collectables usually have some monetary value, but they are always sought for their personal value.
Vintage: This is synonymous with 'antique,' but there is a difference. Vintage wine, for example, is that which is made primarily of grapes harvested within a specific year. Its not too unreasonable to presume, then, that vintage items are not only identifiers of a particular historical era, but also a particular year, such as the 1912 penny, or the 1956 Buffalo nickel--or the Titanic!
Antiques cannot be discussed without mentioning road shows. Begun in England during the 1950s, road shows are collectives of antique enthusiasts (dealers, collectors, specialists) who travel around a particular country (sometimes internationally) appraising the monetary value of old items for those who are interested. Sometimes auctions take place where interested owners can sell their antiques (or collectables) to others who are interested in buying them. Nowadays, both road shows and auctions take place online as well as in some physical place.
Modern antiques, a seeming contradiction, are those items that are either technologically obsolete, such as computer hardware no longer being made, or items that are more recent yet still old enough to be considered antiques. Customs laws and dealers vary on the stipulation of age, but the commonly accepted age range for modern antiques is anything made within the previous 100 years. The 1956 Buffalo nickel, a Beatles album, and, yes, even the Titanic fit into this category.
Historically, however, antiques hold a particular reference. Those relics from Old Greek and Roman civilizations--called the 'Age of Antiquity'--are particularly considered antiques, but this is only applied in certain contexts, not in the true sense of definition.
Antiques are all around us! They describe our world and who we are as a people, and measure where weve been and where we are now. Antiques are an ongoing commodity of human civilization and will always hold significance to us. Without antiques, we can never know ourselves.
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Hints About antique cabinet radioMany families have passed antique grandfather clocks or antique wall clocks down as heirlooms and others purchase antique style clocks to add style to their homes as the focal point of a living or family room. Old clocks, or those that appear old, come in a variety of styles.
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LEARN ABOUT THE WOOD. Most antique furniture is made primarily of wood. Study the wood in the item that you'd like to repair. Soft woods should be handled differently from hard woods. Veneers and inlays require special treatment as well. Unless the wood has been damaged by insects or repeated wear, you probably won't be repairing the wood itself. Wood is one of the longest-lasting materials in household items. Many ancient Egyptian furnishings and Scandinavian churches remain in excellent condition after hundreds or even thousands of years. However, if surface damage is a problem and it's safe to strip the item, research paint and varnish removers. Some are safe, some are not, and some work well on only a limited range of surfaces.
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Is the item worth thousands of dollars? If so, take no chances; have it professionally repaired or restored. Even if it is worth a few hundred dollars, you may want to hire an expert. Get some estimates. The cost may be lower than you expect.
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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.)
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antique cabinet radio GaloreAntique Clocks - Grandfather, Cuckoo Clocks, Wall and MantelFri, 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.
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Wood Antiques and The Basics About WoodFri, 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.
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antique zenith tube wood radio Article Of The MonthAntique Furniture - A Buyers Guide
By Lindy Vaughan
You can add style to your home with distinctive antique furniture, but what should you think about before you buy that special period antique?
An antique is classified as a piece of furniture that is older than 100 years and has retained an appeal to the buyer. Georgian period items, Regency furniture, Victorian and Edwardian pieces offer their own distinctive style to fit with the surroundings of many modern homes.
Scarcity of
antique furniture reflects the values of antiques. A rare antique will be higher in value. Be sure you are buying from a reputable buyer, LAPADA (the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) antique dealers observe the codes of practice set down by the association so that you can buy antiques with confidence and peace of mind.
The condition of an antique will affect its value. Do not be tempted to buy 'flawless' antiques that have been thoroughly refurbished. The effects of ageing reflects the genuine nature of an antique. Antiques look their best in their original condition (provided they have been well cared for). The originality of antique furniture is what makes an antique retain its value.
You can now find a lot of information about antiques on the internet, for example, searching for Victorian furniture will show a plethora of sites, and will provide an indication of price range (depending on the condition of the antique). But remember, if the antique piece looks perfect, it is unlikely to be genuine (it may be a reproduction), or has had its value reduced by 'over-enthusiastic' refurbishment.
The internet is a useful source of information; however exercise care when buying antiques online. A first hand look at the antique product is not possible on the internet and the website photos may hide possible defects and deficiencies. A reputable antiques dealer will be happy to send you detailed photos to highlight any blemishes with the antique furniture.
Buying from a reputable antique dealer will reassure you that the antique is genuine, a certificate proving its originality (provenance) may also be provided.
When you have purchased your antique, take care to handle and care for it appropriately. Your dealer will be able to offer advice on its care and maintenance. Make sure you avoid over zealous cleaning of your antique, this removes the 'patina' (develops over the aging process) that adds value to your antique.
Be Discerning, Buy Quality Antiques
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More Information On antique zenith tube wood radioCollectors are able to determine the age of bottles by looking at several features. Early bottles were either hand blown or blown into a mold. Bottles that were made between the late 17th century and the mid 19th century have a pontil mark. The pontil mark is a circular depression on the bottom of the bottle. It is made when the pontil rod is transferred from the blowpipe for final shaping and finishing. After 1800, the pontil was usually ground down and polished so it was not as noticeable, but it was still visible.
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An all-in-good-fun, see-what-you-can-do-for-me attitude gets you alot further with most dealers than a negative, attacking stance. Most dealers are not crooks, they just need to make a profit. Avoid cutting down the merchandise to get a lower price. This implies they don't carry quality and is a fairly obvious ploy. They have priced the item with any defects in mind. For example, avoid phrases like "Well, it has this big crack in it, so it's really not all that great of a piece." Instead, try "Despite the crack, I like this and would like to buy it. However, the price is a little higher than I'd care to go. Could you do better on this?"
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If displaying paper items, remember that light of all kinds (electric and sunlight), will eventually harm paper.
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Essentially these two glass-making techniques remained the same until the invention of the press-molding machine in the 1820s. With the development of this technology, the molten substances used to make glass could be pressed into a mold instead of being hand blown. The new technology enabled the production of a variety of glass tablewares such as pitchers, decanters, glasses, plates, and bowls. Eventually pressed glass replaced hand blown glass, although hand blown glass is still being made today by contemporary artisans.
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Don't assume too much about the dealers knowledge from their dress or demeanor. There are veritable Phd's in antiques walking around out there who don't care much about the suit and tie look (maybe that's part of why they chose this profession). Some dealers are very knowledgable about every item they carry, others aren't. Talking with someone a while about the items in their selection will help you determine if they have done the research to know a piece's true value or not.
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Chinese Cabinets, Chests, Tables, Statues and Carvings - Ancient Chinese Vases, jewelry of Brass, Bronze and Wooden Art - and an Introduction to Calligraphy.
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Chinese Antiques - CalligraphyFri, 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.
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