An antique dealer is trying to sell their pieces to whoever walks in the door. When the dealer gives you the value of the piece be sure and ask him questions as to where he got the information from and then when you get home check the internet and get the name and phone number of an antiquities expert and find out exactly how much the particular piece you were interested in is really worth. If the dealer was spot on the mark in his antique value, then return to his establishment and purchase your item. If you want to sell an item then check the intended price before you go see the antique dealer so you have a frame of reference to start your bidding.

Markings

There are particular marking on an antique piece which will give its antique value. These markings can either be the initials or name of the maker of the item or it can be a date on the inside or bottom of the item. Antique value always goes up when a piece is dated and signed by the original maker. Books in their first printing are very valuable as are paintings that are signed by the original painter.

Jewelry that has the designers mark on it somewhere is always a good sign of antique value as is a piece of antique furniture that has the artisan’s markings on the bottom or inside of the piece. Some glassware will have antique value if it has the name of the factory of its origin on it. Having a very old antique can have quite a bit of value even without markings if it is made in a particular manner. In some centuries only certain types of furniture were made and with all of the copies made in modern day it is hard to determine which is the real thing. But an antiquities expert will know the difference because he will know what to look for and the antique value can be high or non-existent depending on which century the piece was made.

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Numerous people collect older items as a window into history, with such things as furniture, jewelry and even household appliances. Of course to qualify as an antique age plays a role, but for many people how something works is more important. For example, in the early and mid-19th century electrical appliances were not available any many household appliances were hand operated. If a person can find a manual butter churn for instance that is still in working condition, they may add it to their antique collection.

People may collect items from a certain area throughout history, not so much due to the age of the item, but because of their interest in the era. Furniture that was handmade in the Queen Anne fashion are some of the prized possessions of antique furniture collectors.

Not All Collectables Have Monetary Value Beyond Age

Persons who collect antique jewelry may be disappointed when they learn of the value of their collections as age and functionality may be the only thing the items have going for them. A two-hundred-year-old ring for example, may have been made of cheap metal, as they were before someone decided that gold and silver was the metal that should be used, and rarely would valuable gemstones be used, especially outside of royalty. As a result, many pieces of antique jewelry will be worth very little based on the content of valuable metals or stones.

In most states a motor vehicle has to be at least 32 years old to qualify for antique license plates, but if the vehicle is a rusting hulk of metal it is not worth more than the cost of the scrap metal. However, it someone is able to restore it with original parts and maintain it it near new condition, the value of the vehicle goes up exponentially. Less than 32 years they are usually referred to as classic, but their value is still judged by condition and functionality.

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