Heirlooms are the best antiques of all as they recall cherished memories. Look around your own home to reveal the fascinating objects that are part of your family history. Document the history of an antique item by writing down all you know about its previous owners, location, and history. When it comes to art, antiques, and collectibles, their backstory is most interesting to collectors. Don’t over polish silver, over dust paintings, or be over zealous when cleaning ceramics. Less is more when it comes to cleaning your art or antiques. Don’t break up a collection if you don’t have to do so.ġ0. Collections should be retained in tact whenever possible. Look for important names like Tiffany, Cartier, Picasso, etc. Famous name brands or illustrious makers/artists/designers will impact value. An object just has to be 100 years old or older to be classified as an antique.Ĩ. An object doesn’t have to be 100 years old or older to be valuable. However, that does not mean that a younger object cannot have significant value. An antique is defined as something of special artistic merit that is also more than 100 years old. If an object that you own was once owned by a prominent public figure, celebrity, or famous figure, that information could impact its value and interest in the marketplace.ħ. The provenance of an object-its background or history-is important. Always retain any records relating to art, antiques, or collectible objects when possible. Objects with a documented history or family legacy connect with collectors. Vintage collectibles that demonstrate an interesting tidbit about culture can bring big bucks like cookie jars, tea cups, or celebrity autographs, too.Ħ. Objects that connect to history like your great grandpa’s military uniform will command high prices in the antiques marketplace.ĥ. Antique furniture in its original, un-refinished condition will hold its value and provide great conversation pieces for future generations.Ĥ. Odds are it will increase in value over time.ģ. If Grandma’s painting from the late 1800s is still hanging over the fireplace, keep it there for posterity and for your pocketbook’s sake. Fine works of art (paintings and sculpture) hold their value over the long term.
#DR. LORI VERDERAME FREE#
Keep the object free from damage, dirt, pets, water, and direct sunlight.Ģ. If you have an antique and it is in good shape, then try to preserve its good condition. If you are trying to figure out what is trash and what is treasure, remember these key points.ġ. Many people don’t realize that collectors want everything from antique fountain pens to circa 1990s video games. When you are searching around your house, you might overlook those unexpected old items such as vintage handbags, chenille bedspreads, old board games, 8-track tapes and music cassettes, ceramic, silver tea sets, and mid-century modern desk blotters, etc.
#DR. LORI VERDERAME HOW TO#
antiques appraiser, I tell people how to recognize valuable antiques.