| The knowledge of the value of antique items is no | | | | idea on the proper handling of the item. The spine is |
| longer a secret among the select few. Almost | | | | known to be the most fragile part of the book as it |
| everybody has an idea that something, even if it's | | | | is the thinnest portion. It is also the part that suffers |
| centuries old is still known to function the way it was | | | | the most damage each time the book is opened. |
| meant to. It is because of this fact that antiques | | | | Most antique books are leather bound; if this is the |
| (especially those in good condition) are highly valued | | | | case then you can protect the spine by applying mild |
| and are equally highly priced. | | | | leather moisturizer to that part to keep it from being |
| Auction houses are a good gauge of how much | | | | brittle. |
| people value their antiques. Houses like Christie's and | | | | Keep your books in a clean dry place and like any |
| Sotheby's gets a high market auctioning off antique | | | | antique, make sure that it is not exposed to direct |
| items and sometimes even at record breaking high | | | | sunlight and an excess of moisture or humidity. These |
| prices. When you buy an antique object, you of | | | | books have to be kept away form Ultraviolet light, |
| course are not just claiming the aesthetic quality that | | | | because UV rays can cause a great deal of damage |
| it will bring your house, but also the investment you | | | | to the external parts of the book and if the contents |
| have made. After all, the older an antique item is and | | | | are exposed, it can cause the ink to fade. To further |
| the better condition it is in, the higher the price it will | | | | protect the book, try covering it with a clear plastic |
| fetch you someday. As always, the value of antiques | | | | cover found in most bookstores and school supply |
| is only kept if the item itself is maintained in top | | | | stores. Repairing a book should be done with the aid |
| quality, as close to its original state as possible. | | | | of an expert, because a misguided attempt of a |
| Safeguarding and maintaining the quality of antiques | | | | novice can only cause the book further damage, |
| does not only apply to furniture, but is also heeded | | | | therefore inevitably reducing its value. |
| when caring for beautiful antique books. | | | | Antique books are an important relic of days past. It |
| Nothing beats the scent of old books, first editions | | | | gives us a glimpse into the manner of thinking of our |
| that still have traces of slight editorial imperfections | | | | ancestors. The romantic language and the innovative |
| that make them all the more endearing and valuable. | | | | ideas bring the past closer and in turn keeping us |
| An important step in taking care of antique books is | | | | grounded to our current beliefs and values. Taking |
| first to check the book. Look through it and try to | | | | care of antique book items proves to be a way to |
| identify the most fragile parts. You need to pay | | | | show our appreciation and gratitude to days past. |
| closer attention to it and that would also give you an | | | | |