Every antique item has a story to tell. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, antiques provide a great way for you to unravel their unique story and are a great way to grab a piece of history. Mastering the world of auctions and antiques poses its challenges, requiring a keen understanding and accurate knowledge of the industry. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you navigate the antique world with confidence.
What is an antique?
Antiques are objects or items considered to be of historical, cultural, or artistic significance due to their age, rarity, craftsmanship, or other unique features. Typically, items are classified as antiques if they are at least 100 years old, although this specific definition can vary depending on the context and the item in question.
Words such as vintage or antique can often be confused. However, many antique dealers will differentiate between the two as anything younger than 100 years will be classified as vintage. Antiques can encompass a wide range of objects, including furniture, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, books, paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. These items are often valued for their aesthetic appeal, historical importance, and the skill and craftsmanship involved in their creation. Here are a few tips when heading to your next antique auction:
Research
Research is always a great first step to better understanding something, including the antique/auction world and its inner workings. You don’t have to understand everything when you’re just starting but understanding the basics can help you better navigate the industry and make it less intimidating. Take a proactive step and head to an upcoming antique auction without the intention of buying anything. This can provide useful insight into how things work. If stepping onto the auction floor is not an option, you can read books, articles and online resources about antiques and auctions to gain valuable knowledge.
Set a Budget
Purchasing antiques at auction can be valuable, both financially and emotionally. However, understanding how much you are willing to pay for an item is crucial to ensuring you don’t suffer from buyer’s remorse. Research the current market prices for the type of antiques you’re interested in and then consider how much you can comfortably allocate to purchasing your desired items without compromising your financial stability. It’s important to note that auctions often have additional costs beyond the purchase price, and may include anything from the auctioneer’s commission to shipping costs.
Attend Auction Previews
Auction previews provide you with the opportunity to closely examine items, gather information, and make more informed decisions before heading to your next auction. Auction Calendar allows you to contact auctioneers directly, which enables you to ask for extra pictures and a condition report. This is a good way to assess an item. Additionally, you can visit auction previews to examine items in person, allowing you to look for condition issues, craftsmanship, and overall appeal. However, make sure you take note of the provenance (history of ownership) and any available documentation.
Document Your Purchases
When building an antique collection, it’s essential that you document your purchases. Proper documentation not only helps you keep track of your acquisitions but also serves as a valuable resource for appraisal, insurance, and potential future sales. Here are a few things to keep when documenting:
- Your record should have the item’s description, dimensions, materials and notable features.
- Take high-quality photos of each item from every angle. Include unique details, signatures or marks.
- Retain any documentation provided by the auction house or seller.
- Document the provenance and history of each item to the best of your knowledge.
- Maintain a record of the condition of each item at the time of purchase.
- If you obtain professional appraisals or valuations for any items, keep these documents in your record.
How Can You Tell The Age of An Antique
Determining the age of an antique involves a multifaceted approach that combines research, keen observation, and, when necessary, consultation with experts. Examining marks and signatures, such as hallmarks on metals or maker's marks on furniture, provides valuable clues linked to specific periods. Construction techniques and materials used, like dovetail joints and wood types, offer insights into the craftsmanship and age of furniture. For example, handmade antiques will often have irregularities and imperfections can sometimes help you determine the age of an item. Additionally, style and design elements, reflecting the characteristics of historical periods, can be instrumental in dating decorative arts. Assessing patina, wear and tear, and understanding technological advances and manufacturing methods contribute to the overall analysis. Most machine-made items are often dated after 1860, so while these are considered antiques, they may not look as old as one may assume.
Provenance and historical documentation, if available, can shed light on an item's age and origin. Consulting experts, studying reference materials, and engaging with collector communities are essential steps in this intricate process. Recognising reproductions and staying aware of common forgeries also play a role in authenticating antiques. Ultimately, a holistic approach that considers the collective evidence from various angles is key to accurately dating and understanding the age of an antique.
Investing in antiques allows us to connect with the past through the preservation and appreciation of unique artefacts. The market for antiques is dynamic, reflecting changing trends in taste and collecting, making it a vibrant and ever-evolving aspect of the cultural landscape.
Doing the necessary research, exploring different antique scenes, and starting to understand different trends can make the art of discovering hidden treasures an incredible experience.
