Learn about antiques before making any purchases.
Antiques can appeal to people on many levels. They typically have aesthetic qualities or craftsmanship lacking in modern furniture. Antiques can also provide historical, cultural and personal associations that create a link to the past. Plus, they can be investments that potentially make owners a lot of money. It helps to know the terminology for the antique field to be a wise buyer and not prey for the unscrupulous. Does this Spark an idea?
Definition of Antique
By law, an antique is an item that's at least 100 years old, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Some items that aren't as old as furniture might be defined differently. Cars, for example, qualify as antiques after 25 or 30 years.
Other Terms
Other terms commonly associated with older items include collectible, vintage and rare. According to the FTC, a collectible is whatever people have interest in collecting. While a beanbag chair from the 1970s might be considered collectible today, it is not an antique or even vintage. A vintage collectible is an item that is at least 50 years old, which means that a dining room set from the 1950s would be a vintage collectible. Rare pieces may have been made for the extremely wealthy or have an unusual shape, color or design.
Reproductions
Reproductions are items created to resemble styles from previous eras and are labeled reproductions. But unscrupulous sellers might try to pass off a reproduction, or "fake," as a genuine antique to the unwary.
Price Guides
Prepare to buy antiques by reading and taking along guidebooks with specific details on pieces, photos and average retail prices, although guides typically are not able to provide information on price relative to a piece's condition or location. Some of the best price guides, according to Drexel University's ipl2, include Kovel's, which is very thorough; Miller's Antiques Price Guide, which is comprehensive, authoritative and includes antiques from around the world; and Warman's, which offers a "year-in-review" for antiques and provides a hobby trend report.
Popular Styles
Popular antique furniture styles today include Mission (circa 1886 to 1930), which places emphasis on craftsmanship and geometric and sturdy forms. This style is frequently found in houses Frank Lloyd Wright designed. Art Nouveau (circa 1890 to 1930) features floral ornamentation, including tulip carvings and asymmetrical, curvilinear shapes. Pieces often lend glamour to a room, some recalling "Old Hollywood" glamour. Golden Oak (circa 1890 to 1930) is ornate oak furniture made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The furniture included inexpensive, practical items such as chairs, roll-top desks, tables and bow-front china cabinets.
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