Do you like old and pricey stuff? This means that you are into antiques. But how to distinguish between a genuine thing and a fake?
There are many people that like to collect stuff from old cars, stamps, pottery to boxes and ancient tools. So, which of these qualify as being antiques? The definition of an antique is a piece that is older than 100 years. However, there are things that are older than 100 years, but they still do not qualify as valuable items.
The provenance of the antiques is also important. So, find out where the antique piece comes from to determine the value of it. The provenance of antique furniture may be established according to the style in which these are manufactured or the manufacturer’s trademarks. These things can also tell you about the age of the item. For antique clocks, also the manufacturer is important, and the year in which t was made.
Next, in determining the price of the antiques is to answer to the question: How common is the piece? If everybody has such a piece, than you have most likely a piece of junk (well it might have some sentimental value for you instead).
So far you have seen the three factors that may verify the value of a certain antique piece. If all of these are verified, you will still have to watch out for fakes. Faking antiques is a vast market, and the replicas are very minute. The best way to find out if what you have is a genuine or a fake is to ask the opinion of a knowledgeable person. An antique specialist will tell you exactly what you are dealing with and will most certainly give you an unbiased verdict. Also, in case you want to buy some antiques, make sure you do this in an approved antique store. Stay away from special offers and prices that are too good to be true offered by people who might try to fool you. Take your time and make sure you get an advised opinion.
However, you can check out your grand-grand mama’s attic for some antique pieces, take part in auctions and even try to fish some pieces at a bargain price from EBay. Who knows what you might find, and these findings may be an incentive to go on with your antique collecting hobby.
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