Antique Correspondence Course Teaches Buying Savvy

Knowledgeable antique dealers are frequently askedToday's business world actually offers many
"How did you learn all the things you know aboutopportunities undreamed of a generation ago. Not
antiques?" The simple answer given by most is,only well-paid jobs with long-established firms, but
"Many, many years of experience and constantalso interesting professions away from the normal
never-ending study, study, study."routine, and antiques is one of those professions.
During the 1960s antiques began to emerge from theFor those wishing to pursue home-study training in
part-time, side-door curio shop, to a moreantiques for either professional or personal use there
mainstream full-time business, incorporating dealers,are courses available from various sources. Individuals
pickers, and some franchised stores.considering thepossibility of home-study should
Today antiques represent a multi-billion dollar industryinvestigate the material offered by the company and
supported by a variety of enterprises from the smallsatisfy themselves that it will meet their needs.
one-owner shop to the largest metropolitan auctionOne such company offering a complete and thorough
homes, including the latest marketing concept - thehome-study training program in antiques is the
online antique mall.Asheford Institute of Antiques. For a free information
Today's collector finds himself with more leisure timepackage concerning their course, you can write to
to search for, and more "spendable" income to paythem at 131 Bloor St. W., Suite 200, Dept. 124,
for, antiques and collectibles. This combination ofToronto, Ontario M5A 1RS, or if you wish to write
more time and extra money naturally makes thethem in the U.S. they can be reached at 981 Harbor
collector want to know more about either hisBlvd. Ste. 3, Dept. 275, Destin, Florida 32541. (Tel. 877
particular field of interest or, as is the case with most444-4508)
antique enthusiasts, more about antiques in general.I have included with this article a condensed outline
Far-sighted entrepreneurs are never far behind whenof subjects covered in the Asheford Institute of
a need arises, and the desire for more knowledgeAntiques course. Some of the titles include:
about antiques and collectibles was no exception.Furniture Periods, Types of Classical Styles, Care and
Some 35 years ago correspondence courses beganRestoration of Antiques, Tools and Materials, Finishing
to appear, and offered for those fostering theMaterials, How the Antique Business Works, Houses
dream of one day being a part of the antiqueand Restorations, Victorian Furniture and Early
marketplace, an opportunity to study antiques in aAmerican Furniture, History of Styles, How to Sell
proper comprehensive manner.Antiques, Rough and Smooth Styles, Pricing,
As with any other area of correspondence study,Catalogues, Consignment Pricing, Hardware, How to
one must be self-disciplined enough to follow throughRemove Old Paint and Varnish, Decorating with
and complete the prescribed home study in a timelyStencils, Repairing Springs and Recovering Furniture,
manner for it to be effective.Curtain Styles and Fabrics, Rugs and Wallpapers, How
And, like all education, the information and knowledgeto Create New Finishes (this is only a very partial list).
gained must be applied in the "real world" and usedI think it is worth mentioning in closing that upon the
on a regular basis. To read about Georgian furnituresuccessful completion of the training program the
for example but never to go to a museum or otherstudent is awarded a diploma and a full certification in
exhibit and personally examine the exquisiteprofessional appraising. So, if you have the necessary
craftsmanship cannot possibly make one an expertinterest and time, it might be worth a try.
on the subject.See you next week.