| What constitutes an antique and what is it worth? | | | | has it's original hardware and wood panels it will be |
| You should know everything there is to know about | | | | worth a lot more than a piece that has been |
| your area of antiquing to make wise buying decisions, | | | | "re-done" due to broken parts. If you have a piece |
| including what to look for in a valuable piece. This | | | | of furniture that is not in top condition, with |
| article will give tips on value, searching, finding and | | | | scratches on the finish, leave it alone if you believe it |
| condition of antique furniture. | | | | has some value. Never strip and refinish it. If a leg is |
| The word antique is used to describe anything old | | | | loose on a table you can leave it alone or put a dab |
| that is fairly rare. Old is considered to be anything | | | | of wood glue in the joint. Never remove a leg and |
| that is over 100 years old. Rare is used to described | | | | re-fit it. If a piece is a bit wobbly this is a good |
| an item that is limited in its supply or, in other words, | | | | indication that it is authentically old. Make sure you |
| there are hardly any of the item around anymore. | | | | inspect the entire piece of furniture for matching |
| You must have a discerning eye while shopping for | | | | wood. Sometimes the back panels had been |
| antiques because even if a piece looks old does not | | | | damaged and they will be replaced with another type |
| mean it is an antique. Furthermore, even when | | | | of wood. |
| something really is old, if no one wants it; it will be | | | | Caring for a piece of antique furniture is important in |
| worthless. On the flip side, an item can be newer | | | | preserving it and the value it holds. You should always |
| than 100 years old and will be very collectible if it is in | | | | use pure beeswax (carnauba) to clean and polish |
| high demand, thus it will have a high value. A pieces | | | | your antiques. |
| value is based on demand in connection with limited | | | | Lemon oil is a big mistake because it dries out the |
| supply. | | | | wood, darkens the patina and will definitely decrease |
| There are approximately 15 major areas of antiques, | | | | the furniture's value. When shopping for furniture, rub |
| to name a few: furniture, toys, ceramics, and jewelry. | | | | your finger across the finish and if an oil film is left on |
| When you decide to start collecting antiques you will | | | | your finger the dealer has used lemon oil on it. Don't |
| need to choose an area or two and study and learn | | | | buy it. |
| all you can about it to really be successful. You want | | | | You can find antique furniture just about anywhere. |
| to be able to know a really valuable find when you | | | | First search your attic and your parent's attics. You |
| see it, and know you are getting it at a good price. | | | | can even try and get into the attics of the neighbor's |
| Each area of antiques has its own history, value, | | | | homes. Attics are the best places to find antiques |
| rules, frauds, junk and exciting finds. For this article | | | | people have forgotten about. To find some more real |
| we are going to go over what to know about | | | | deals, go to rummage sales, garage sales, estate |
| antique furniture. | | | | sales, yard sales, thrift stores, pawn shops and flea |
| Antique furniture is popular and will almost always | | | | markets. You might be able to pick up an antique at |
| appreciate in value because of it's solid wood | | | | a really low price. Estate sales are usually the best |
| construction and beautiful craftsmanship. Furniture | | | | place to find antiques because the items belonged to |
| today is not built like it used to be and people want | | | | an elderly person. There are also antique stores, |
| pieces with style and character that will hold up over | | | | malls, dealers and auctions. You will be able to find |
| time. When you buy antique furniture you should | | | | tons of furniture and antiques here, but you may |
| always buy what you like and what you will want in | | | | have to pay more, and you will definitely need to be |
| your house, unless you are going to turn around and | | | | savvy so you won't get ripped off. You can expect |
| sell it for a profit. | | | | to pay or get a variety of prices on antique furniture. |
| There are four sub-categories in antique furniture: | | | | When you are new at buying antiques stick with one |
| English, European (which is usually French or German), | | | | item and then start learning about other types of |
| American, and Far Eastern, which is usually Chinese. | | | | antiques. |
| English furniture is divided into Victorian or | | | | Remember, condition is the most important aspect in |
| Pre-Victorian. American furniture will be Shaker, New | | | | determining value, so inspect each piece thoroughly. |
| York or Western. And Far Eastern furniture is | | | | Do not buy on impulse, take your time and do some |
| described by the period or date of manufacture. | | | | research to make sure it is an authentic piece. Don't |
| Most people will enjoy one of these types of | | | | do all your research in the store you will be |
| furniture and begin collecting and decorating their | | | | purchasing it from, go elsewhere and get second |
| home with that one type. | | | | opinions. Most of all, have a good time and only buy |
| The type of wood the piece is made from is of | | | | what you like and you will never be stuck with |
| significance in determining value. Mahogany, walnut, | | | | something you don't want. |
| oak and pine are the most sought after. If the piece | | | | |