Let’s start with the definition of the term ‘antique’, a word that is used widely to describe old items. If you are talking antique furniture or jewelry, the piece should be at least 100 years old to be classed as an antique. Any item that is less than a century old would be vintage, which begins at 20 years old. If you are looking to gain an insight into the world of antiques, here are the factors that can determine the value of an antique piece.
Condition -
As you would expect, the actual condition of a piece has a great bearing on its value; of course, you would expect some wear and tear on a 300-year-old bookcase, which is part of the charm of antiques, but the general condition will be reflected in the price tag.
Once you become an owner, it is your responsibility to take the greatest care of the piece and restoration is always an option. If an image doesn’t tell you enough, you can request a physical viewing in order to closely inspect the piece. The dealer would be able to answer any questions you might have regarding the origin of the piece.
Age -
Generally speaking, the older an item, the more valuable it is; a 17th-century chest of drawers would be worth a lot more than a similar design made in the 1900s.
Take vintage paintings as an example, age is a major factor in determining the market value and if you would like to view genuine antique oil paintings, the online antique dealer has a great selection and you can search by era, artist, or price.
The Maker -
Of course, a cabinet hand-crafted by a famous 18th-century name is going to add to its value. It is often the case whereby an antique dealer comes across a piece that was an early version of a later famous maker and because of that, the piece in question might be several times more expensive than other items of similar age and condition.
Rarity -
The world of antiques is governed by the supply-demand factor and rare pieces command very high prices. Shrewd collectors snap up certain pieces when they encounter them and knowing which items to acquire comes with hands-on experience.
Whether an antique Victorian desk or an Edwardian military chest, if the piece is hard to find, it will be in the upper price bracket.
Knowledge -
A person selling old furniture is not aware of the value of a particular item, they will happily sell it for next to nothing, and that is a common occurrence and for the dealer, it is an unexpected bonus.
If you are planning to deal in antiques, you should always be adding to your knowledge base and the Internet hosts a wealth of information.
If you are considering making a purchase and would like an independent appraisal, talk to a local antique dealer who would be happy to oblige.
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