How to Determine the Value of an Antique Item

Antique items come in many shapes and forms. While it can be difficult knowing what to look for when buying an antique, there are several characteristics that will help you determine whether or not an item is a genuine, rare find.

Knowing the history of the piece, if it’s an antique at all, is the best way to determine if it’s a true antique or simply a re-decorated item. Some of the most important things to look for when assessing an antique include:

The Age Of The Piece

True antiques are generally considered to be something antique which has been around for a long time. The term is sometimes used loosely to define any object which is over one hundred years old, but in essence is considered an old item that holds historical or aesthetic value, usually perceived to have historical or aesthetic value due to its age. Most experts would agree that objects over one hundred years old are generally considered to be rare finds. However, if you’re looking into an antique for investment purposes, keep in mind that as time wears on, what were once vintage pieces would eventually become antiques.

The Period Of Time

This is the time the item was created or produced. Most antiques that are considered as being extremely old must have been made in the last two thousand years or so, but you can also find lots of antiques of the recent past, which can be anywhere from one hundred to three hundred years old. Things such as cannons which are more than two hundred years old can still hold some value today, though with their production, they are usually used for reenactments or museums, as opposed to their use during the Civil War. You can see lots of antiques and collectables for sale at a reputable antique dealer’s shop.

The Style Or Design Of The Piece

True antiques are generally made from materials such as metals, wood, or ceramics, and their design may have remained consistent over the years, or it may have changed significantly. If you’re looking into investing in an antique piece, you should look for one that has a similar style or design to the other ones in style during the time it was manufactured.

The Condition Of The Item

Of course, the absolute most important thing when considering buying any type of antique is to make sure that it’s in good condition. Antiques, which have been poorly maintained over the years will usually be considered to be of poor or bad quality and might not hold any real or significant value. Items with minor dents or scratches, but otherwise in excellent or top condition will also likely be considered as great investments. Another thing to keep in mind when trying to determine the overall value of a particular antique item is how the item is being handled. If an item’s been well taken care of, but you find that it’s not properly stored or isn’t properly protected from the elements, then you’ll probably expect that it won’t appreciate very much.

These are some of the ways that you can determine the value of a particular antique item. If you’re planning to buy antiques or if you’re looking into purchasing any antique items for your collection, it is always best to start out small. Antiques are usually considered to be items that are under a lot of financial risks because they are usually made of very valuable materials and are very old in comparison to modern-day antiques. By keeping a relatively small amount of money invested in this type of investment you can protect yourself against any kind of major losses while still gaining plenty of appreciation.