Tips in antique collecting
Antique collecting is one of those hobbies that require a lot of attention. This is because the details of the
antique items will determine its value in the present as well as in the future.
If you are just starting with antique collecting, it is a must that you familiarize yourself with all the things
about antiques. You should be very well aware about the antique trade including where to buy unique pieces, how to
look for fakes, basic terms that are used by the seller or the vendor, and the best time to buy antiques.
But, among other things, are how to spot the real ones from the fake. This is very important because it won't
just save you money but also time and effort.
If you are a beginner in antique collecting, make sure that you learn to differentiate the fake ones from the
real ones by category.
In wooden antique furniture, real ones are those that bear signs of age like shrinks, cracks, and warps, slightly
jagged edges, not symmetrical shapes, unequally widths and sizes, inaccurate sizes of each piece, shrunk inlays,
and very thin filming when it comes to the mirrors.
You will know that the furniture isn't real if the construction is too accurate. (REMINDER: One of the easiest
ways to spot a fake when it comes to furniture is that it was made after 1860.) Others hints include drawers that
fit too perfectly, a polished finish, long screws and fasteners, and more popular types of wood such as walnut or
mahogany.
When it comes to glass items, take note of the length and width the glass. Real ones are those that are thick
and blurry while the restored ones may be a bit thinner and clearer. For cloth items, it is best to seek the
assistance of a textile expert because it can be hard for an ordinary person to gauge the age of a certain fabric.
In pottery, real items can be hard to find because they can easily be reproduced. But you can still find original
pieces by using history books as references.
When it comes to antique collecting, being knowledgeable is the basic investment you need. It is always best to
educate yourself about antiques to avoid acquiring fake items. If you are knowledgeable about antiques, you can
also benefit from it by sharing it with your fellow antique collectors.
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