I have written this article because I am aware of the interest that people have in antiques, both buying and selling, and I hope that it will provide some helpful information which will make the process smoother.
One of the most recognizable Latin expressions is caveat emptor. It translates to buyer beware, and has been used in a variety of situations to express a simple idea, that anyone making a purchase should be sure to be well informed so that they do not suffer in a bad deal.
We often hear the expression used today to refer to situations where a great deal of money may be on the line with no real guarantee associated with it. For instance, the purchase of a car or other expensive item on an as is basis may warrant a cry of caveat emptor. Another area in which the old adage is well suited is antique buying.
When one buys an antique, they generally make the purchase on an as is basis. This means they are making the purchase with no opportunity for exchange or return. The item is handed over in its existing condition and no additional guarantee or warranty is offered. This puts an exceptional burden on the buyer to make sure he or she understands exactly what is being acquired.
Why is this uniquely applicable to antiques? There are a few reasons.
First, in the realm of antique collectibles, condition is a primary factor in determining an items value. Thus, a chipped, dented or scratched antique may be worth considerably less than a model in better condition. Buyers must closely examine the antique to make sure its condition is sufficient to justify the asking price.
Second, originality is a highly valued characteristic of antiques. Thus, items that have been repaired or refinished may not carry nearly the value of a wholly original piece. Buyers must inspect antique buys carefully to make sure that nothing has been done to modify the original. If signs of repair or renovation are apparent, the buyer must know how those actions will impact the pieces value.
Third, although the antique world is populated primarily by honest and trustworthy people, there is always a risk of receiving a phony or otherwise non-genuine item. Sometimes the sale of a bogus piece is an intentional act by a nefarious vendor. More often, however, it happens as the result of ignorance. Many reproductions can be quite compelling to the untrained eye, for instance. Buyers need to be knowledgeable about the kinds of antiques for which they are shopping and should be trained to spot imitations when possible.
Now before you read any further I just want to say that I really do hope that you are finding this helpful, because I have written this as I believe that we need to know more about this subject, so, having said that, lets continue.
The three elements of antique buying which I have previously mentioned make the caveat emptor mantra an apt warning for collectors. With so much risk in the marketplace, what can an antique collector do?
First, they must learn techniques for spotting repair work and imitation products. Buyers should understand how to use long wave black lights and other tools to spot bad products.
Second, buyers should learn all they can about grading the quality of an antiques condition. They should not take a vendors word that the antique in front of them is in great shape. They must, instead, know what kind of wear is acceptable and what types of damage will destroy a particular antiques value.
Third, buyers should seek all available information about the antiques in which they are interested. They should strive to become experts on the antiques. A strong knowledge base will prevent many poor purchasing decisions. As an added benefit, those who are learning more about antiques in which they are truly interested generally find the research and learning process enjoyable.
This is a great advantage to the antique collecting hobby, the work involved can be perceived by the collector as a fun and enjoyable part of the hobby experience.
Even expert museum curators are occasionally fooled by clever reproductions. The most astute collectors sometimes make buying errors or fail to notice something about an antique they should have. Buying antique collectibles is never a completely foolproof enterprise. Although there is no way to completely protect oneself in the marketplace, by following a few basic guidelines an antique collector can heed the warning of buyer beware in a way that will significantly reduce the likelihood of bad decision making.
Let me end this article by saying that there is a lot of information out there in books, on the internet, on video on the subject of antique collecting, buying, and selling, you just need to apply your mind to research in a methodical manner.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
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Taking The Risk Out Of Online Antique Auctions
Online antique auction sites abound like daisies in the vastness of the Internet. And who would not want to graciously get rid of that old piano which is taking up too much dust? Or any of those antique thingamajigs which get accumulated over the years? You can never take too much junk in this lifetime. And just like what the old saying emphasizes: one man's garbage may actually be another man's treasure. Somewhere in the other parts of the world, there must be that person looking for that very antique object you are craving to discard to free up some space for your home. Since you can't literally go from house to house searching for that person, you could just post your object on online antique auctions. Problem solved? Not quite. Just like any other online endeavors, you must be well-seasoned with the tricks of the trade of online antique auctions.
Given the fact that it's online, transactions are much trickier. Watch out, lest you might end up risking more than you are ready to bargain for. Online antique auctions are really convenient, but they come with a catch of increased risk. One good way of learning the ropes of the machinations of your selected online antique auction site is by really experiencing buying from there before you make any of your flying saucers open for public bidding. Once you get acquainted with the buying process, you will gain much more confidence in selling your antiques. In case you find something iffy with the process, you could always bail out and not have much to lose.
In the line of talking about the iffy feel of some websites, it might do you a lot of good if you trust your instincts. True, the site may look good and there may be no known casualties to the transactions made in the website, but if you don't feel too good about it, don't go for it. You can never be too careful when it comes to things like these. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Privacy policies, no matter how long and tedious they are to the eyes, are your best allies should any legal problems arise in the midst of the transaction. It is best to be well-prepared for possible risks and difficulties which investing in online antique auctions entail.
Ratings are also good ways to gauge how good a website is when it comes to marketing your antiques. Be wary also of deceptive bidders who are not really bent on buying your antique. Frequently shortlist and evaluate your available bid lists, so that you will not be piled up in time and to give ample time to evaluate each bid carefully and meticulously.
Communication with companies is also important when it comes to making the sale. Contact the concerned credit card companies regarding the account of the person involved in your sale, and get as much background check as legally possible. It is not enough that you know yourself and what you want in the business. It is equally important to know who you are doing business with and what specific terms is he or she willing to agree to.
Always, always check validity of each message. Do not allow identity theft to victimize you and put your entire life on a leash. Be very careful of your personal information. Do not just divulge them to anybody. Screen your email messages carefully. And do not allow any third party to have access to your business accounts online. If it's possible, access only a single PC with which you do all your business transactions. This way, there will be no accidental leakage with multiple users who are able to tamper with your business files with a single click.
It will also do you a lot of good if you study the style of many good online antique auction sellers and bidders. Observe from a distance and see what makes good sellers sell well and secure their earnings amidst the very competitive nature of the online business.
And in any transaction, never make an impulsive decision. At the very least, give yourself at least an entire day before you concretize any decision.
Given the fact that it's online, transactions are much trickier. Watch out, lest you might end up risking more than you are ready to bargain for. Online antique auctions are really convenient, but they come with a catch of increased risk. One good way of learning the ropes of the machinations of your selected online antique auction site is by really experiencing buying from there before you make any of your flying saucers open for public bidding. Once you get acquainted with the buying process, you will gain much more confidence in selling your antiques. In case you find something iffy with the process, you could always bail out and not have much to lose.
In the line of talking about the iffy feel of some websites, it might do you a lot of good if you trust your instincts. True, the site may look good and there may be no known casualties to the transactions made in the website, but if you don't feel too good about it, don't go for it. You can never be too careful when it comes to things like these. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Privacy policies, no matter how long and tedious they are to the eyes, are your best allies should any legal problems arise in the midst of the transaction. It is best to be well-prepared for possible risks and difficulties which investing in online antique auctions entail.
Ratings are also good ways to gauge how good a website is when it comes to marketing your antiques. Be wary also of deceptive bidders who are not really bent on buying your antique. Frequently shortlist and evaluate your available bid lists, so that you will not be piled up in time and to give ample time to evaluate each bid carefully and meticulously.
Communication with companies is also important when it comes to making the sale. Contact the concerned credit card companies regarding the account of the person involved in your sale, and get as much background check as legally possible. It is not enough that you know yourself and what you want in the business. It is equally important to know who you are doing business with and what specific terms is he or she willing to agree to.
Always, always check validity of each message. Do not allow identity theft to victimize you and put your entire life on a leash. Be very careful of your personal information. Do not just divulge them to anybody. Screen your email messages carefully. And do not allow any third party to have access to your business accounts online. If it's possible, access only a single PC with which you do all your business transactions. This way, there will be no accidental leakage with multiple users who are able to tamper with your business files with a single click.
It will also do you a lot of good if you study the style of many good online antique auction sellers and bidders. Observe from a distance and see what makes good sellers sell well and secure their earnings amidst the very competitive nature of the online business.
And in any transaction, never make an impulsive decision. At the very least, give yourself at least an entire day before you concretize any decision.
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Antique Books. Worth the Reading
An antique book is more than a collection of pages by your favorite author. It is a piece of history, a glimpse into the past. One in which the binding was done by hand the paper often likewise and if far back enough in time, the pen was a quill.
There are many factors which influence the value of an antique book, as in all antiques. First there is the condition of the book. The binding, the pages, whether dog-eared or torn, or God forbid, missing. The pages may have notes written on them. (Which can often be valuable in themselves if penned by a famous person or under unusual circumstances) or they may be damaged or stained or any number of factors which will affect their desirability. In the same way if a book is signed by it's author this usually increases it's price, although in the modern world not necessarily as "book signings" are all too common as a marketing tool and have helped to downplay the importance of a signed edition. All of these factors contribute to the overall value of your antique book.
The overall availability is a factor in price but is not necessarily the main factor as a book may be hard to find but not desirable. In other words it may be rare but nobody wants it! Confusing? Yes it can be. It is prudent to consult a dealer to appraise your antique book whether for insurance purposes or because you are attempting to sell it. In the final analysis, antiques are always only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it.
Appraisals Dealers usually need to see the book itself in order to identify and appraise it. You may submit photographs if you cannot see the dealer in person due to distance or time. They will require usually a photograph of the title page, the back side of the title page (also called the copyright page), the first and last pages of text, and the outer covers and spine in order to evaluate an individual copy. It is best to have very close up, quality photographs if you must go this route. If you are not proficient with a digital camera, ask one of your friends to do it for you. The popularity of digital cameras today makes quality photos easy to accomplish. Do not try and photocopy the book! This produces very poor results and may in fact damage the book due to the pressure exerted upon the spine in this process.
You often hear the phrase "first edition" in reference to books and this can influence the price of the book if there were, in fact more than one edition! Many times there were not. Be careful when someone touts the first edition status of an antique book and attempt to determine for yourself if there were indeed subsequent editions. Again remember to use all of the resources online and elsewhere to obtain valuable and often free information on your antique book. There are several national societies of book dealers, "antiquarians" and of course appraisers that you may take advantage of in the search for information. There are also book collecting societies that you may investigate. Take your time and learn all you can before you buy or sell your antique book.
There are many factors which influence the value of an antique book, as in all antiques. First there is the condition of the book. The binding, the pages, whether dog-eared or torn, or God forbid, missing. The pages may have notes written on them. (Which can often be valuable in themselves if penned by a famous person or under unusual circumstances) or they may be damaged or stained or any number of factors which will affect their desirability. In the same way if a book is signed by it's author this usually increases it's price, although in the modern world not necessarily as "book signings" are all too common as a marketing tool and have helped to downplay the importance of a signed edition. All of these factors contribute to the overall value of your antique book.
The overall availability is a factor in price but is not necessarily the main factor as a book may be hard to find but not desirable. In other words it may be rare but nobody wants it! Confusing? Yes it can be. It is prudent to consult a dealer to appraise your antique book whether for insurance purposes or because you are attempting to sell it. In the final analysis, antiques are always only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it.
Appraisals Dealers usually need to see the book itself in order to identify and appraise it. You may submit photographs if you cannot see the dealer in person due to distance or time. They will require usually a photograph of the title page, the back side of the title page (also called the copyright page), the first and last pages of text, and the outer covers and spine in order to evaluate an individual copy. It is best to have very close up, quality photographs if you must go this route. If you are not proficient with a digital camera, ask one of your friends to do it for you. The popularity of digital cameras today makes quality photos easy to accomplish. Do not try and photocopy the book! This produces very poor results and may in fact damage the book due to the pressure exerted upon the spine in this process.
You often hear the phrase "first edition" in reference to books and this can influence the price of the book if there were, in fact more than one edition! Many times there were not. Be careful when someone touts the first edition status of an antique book and attempt to determine for yourself if there were indeed subsequent editions. Again remember to use all of the resources online and elsewhere to obtain valuable and often free information on your antique book. There are several national societies of book dealers, "antiquarians" and of course appraisers that you may take advantage of in the search for information. There are also book collecting societies that you may investigate. Take your time and learn all you can before you buy or sell your antique book.
The Fascinating World of Antique Chairs
This article has been written because of a growing interest that people have in all things old.
There is more than one way to create a chair. And if we are talking about antique chairs that date far back into human existence, then we can expect to be faced with styles and designs from more than just a measly number.
The concept of chairs was first introduced in the late 1600s, during which the Pilgrims from Holland created a sort of joint stool that was reserved only for special and esteemed people. Yes, at that time, not everybody had the opportunity to sit on chairs. Chairs were a privilege then, not the common household furniture we all have (and often take for granted) today.
History tells us that, perhaps, the first antique chair style was the Wainscot chair, which stories say was brought around by Governor Carver, who then brought it on the Mayflower. While the existence of the Wainscot chair at the time has already been verified, the real story behind it remains obscure. Whatever it was and whoever made it first happen, we are forever grateful. Imagine, if nobody had thought of making a chair in the first place, we would all be sitting on the ground until now.
From then on, as artistry advanced and other royals started to have chairs made to suit their particular style and ergonomic needs, a lot of antique chair styles and designs were born.
The Goddard Townsends of Newport, for instance, came up with chairs that were inspired by the Chippendale and Queen Anne traditions, while Benjamin Randolph made the Chippendale all the more in demand and popular when he brought them to Philadelphia.
But, perhaps, the most popular antique chair style was the Windsor chair, which came to be in the early 1700s also in Philadelphia. The first Windsor antique chair styles were meant to satisfy the lower class citizens only. In fact, they were priced so low that most households had one. And in the more affluent houses, the Windsor style chair was placed in the less intricately garbed rooms.
However, because of its popularity at the time and also due to the improvements that have been made with wood quality and carvings, and the history that went with it, the Windsor chair style is one of the most sought after pieces of antique furniture nowadays, with its value hitting impressive levels. It is amazing how much age can do to make a certain piece of object become more expensive.
There are many other antique chair styles that have been developed over the past centuries. These include the Carver chair, the Bainster Back chair, the Hepplewhite chair, the Sheraton chair, the Maple Fancy chair, and the Hitchcock chair, just to name a few.
Each style is unique, with their prices varying according to carving and design, age, maker, and historical background. As with any other antique, antique chairs are also appraised based on these four factors.
Antique chair styles have evolved through the years. What was once a symbol of authority or affluence has now become a commonplace implement in all households all over the world. No matter the style and make, chairs will definitely hold their value based on their ergonomic function. However, if you are referring to antique chair styles, then their value resides not just on their use, but also on the stories they tell.
Finally let me say that you may be surprised to know that there is a lot more information out there on this subject in such places as your local bookstore and library, and there are also a number of very helpful Blogs written on Antiques in general.
There is more than one way to create a chair. And if we are talking about antique chairs that date far back into human existence, then we can expect to be faced with styles and designs from more than just a measly number.
The concept of chairs was first introduced in the late 1600s, during which the Pilgrims from Holland created a sort of joint stool that was reserved only for special and esteemed people. Yes, at that time, not everybody had the opportunity to sit on chairs. Chairs were a privilege then, not the common household furniture we all have (and often take for granted) today.
History tells us that, perhaps, the first antique chair style was the Wainscot chair, which stories say was brought around by Governor Carver, who then brought it on the Mayflower. While the existence of the Wainscot chair at the time has already been verified, the real story behind it remains obscure. Whatever it was and whoever made it first happen, we are forever grateful. Imagine, if nobody had thought of making a chair in the first place, we would all be sitting on the ground until now.
From then on, as artistry advanced and other royals started to have chairs made to suit their particular style and ergonomic needs, a lot of antique chair styles and designs were born.
The Goddard Townsends of Newport, for instance, came up with chairs that were inspired by the Chippendale and Queen Anne traditions, while Benjamin Randolph made the Chippendale all the more in demand and popular when he brought them to Philadelphia.
But, perhaps, the most popular antique chair style was the Windsor chair, which came to be in the early 1700s also in Philadelphia. The first Windsor antique chair styles were meant to satisfy the lower class citizens only. In fact, they were priced so low that most households had one. And in the more affluent houses, the Windsor style chair was placed in the less intricately garbed rooms.
However, because of its popularity at the time and also due to the improvements that have been made with wood quality and carvings, and the history that went with it, the Windsor chair style is one of the most sought after pieces of antique furniture nowadays, with its value hitting impressive levels. It is amazing how much age can do to make a certain piece of object become more expensive.
There are many other antique chair styles that have been developed over the past centuries. These include the Carver chair, the Bainster Back chair, the Hepplewhite chair, the Sheraton chair, the Maple Fancy chair, and the Hitchcock chair, just to name a few.
Each style is unique, with their prices varying according to carving and design, age, maker, and historical background. As with any other antique, antique chairs are also appraised based on these four factors.
Antique chair styles have evolved through the years. What was once a symbol of authority or affluence has now become a commonplace implement in all households all over the world. No matter the style and make, chairs will definitely hold their value based on their ergonomic function. However, if you are referring to antique chair styles, then their value resides not just on their use, but also on the stories they tell.
Finally let me say that you may be surprised to know that there is a lot more information out there on this subject in such places as your local bookstore and library, and there are also a number of very helpful Blogs written on Antiques in general.
The Joys of Collecting Antique Toys
You may have your favorite childhood toy. Like your favorite toy train that you kept near your bed. These items nowadays can bring back the old memories of your childhood and the happy moments when you were still a kid playing your favorite toy.
These days, you will find antique toy collectors converting his entire basement, room, garage or a part of the living room into a miniature train set with complete resemblance of trees, bridges, and streams.
However, this hobby could be expensive because of the set up you will need. Fortunately, an expensive train set can offer lucrative profits in return. Because of its antiqueness and the memory it evokes, it can be sold at a more expensive price for toy train collectors.
In fact, a pre-World War 2 Mickey Mouse collection set was auctioned for the amount of $1500.00. Usually, a person may purchase a toy because he wants his children to play with toys. Another reason could be collecting and preserving a particular time manufactured only for a limited time.
Enthusiasm is one key element when you are collecting antique toys. You may come to a point where you are more than willing to pay any amount for the last piece needed to complete your toy collection.
Others also opt to purchase a particular antique toy that has defined its formative years of existence. For example, the first ever Batman comic book has an auctioned price of approximately $10,000.00. Factors that you have to look at when you prefer collecting antique toys is the condition and years of existence of the toy you will purchase.
A particular antique toy that is still in good condition will certainly become scarce and may have a high asking price in some point in time. Toys that are still sealed in their original boxes are the most expensive. These are called toys which are in their mint condition.
Toys that were already opened and used could be less valuable because they may have lost their quality. Storing toys in a dust free environment is highly recommended.
But if you prefer to handle, clean and display them outside their storage area. Make sure that you use cotton gloves in transferring your toys. This is to prevent any dirt or oil from your hands to tarnish or damage the surface portion of the toys.
Toys that are widely popular and well recognized are safer purchases compared to the items that are only recognized for a limited time. The shortages and fads that made the toys appealing and popular for short periods may not have the same appeal and attraction when you talk about long term.
Those popular Tickle Me Elmo Dolls that were really in demand were selling with an added thousand dollars of its original selling price right before Christmas. The best way to invest on toys, such as in cases like this, is to purchase directly to the manufacturer of these toys.
If you are really into antique toy collecting, you may search web sites for informative guides on the current auction prices of the more widely popular antique toys. The internet is also a great place for sellers and buyers in this kind of market.
These days, you will find antique toy collectors converting his entire basement, room, garage or a part of the living room into a miniature train set with complete resemblance of trees, bridges, and streams.
However, this hobby could be expensive because of the set up you will need. Fortunately, an expensive train set can offer lucrative profits in return. Because of its antiqueness and the memory it evokes, it can be sold at a more expensive price for toy train collectors.
In fact, a pre-World War 2 Mickey Mouse collection set was auctioned for the amount of $1500.00. Usually, a person may purchase a toy because he wants his children to play with toys. Another reason could be collecting and preserving a particular time manufactured only for a limited time.
Enthusiasm is one key element when you are collecting antique toys. You may come to a point where you are more than willing to pay any amount for the last piece needed to complete your toy collection.
Others also opt to purchase a particular antique toy that has defined its formative years of existence. For example, the first ever Batman comic book has an auctioned price of approximately $10,000.00. Factors that you have to look at when you prefer collecting antique toys is the condition and years of existence of the toy you will purchase.
A particular antique toy that is still in good condition will certainly become scarce and may have a high asking price in some point in time. Toys that are still sealed in their original boxes are the most expensive. These are called toys which are in their mint condition.
Toys that were already opened and used could be less valuable because they may have lost their quality. Storing toys in a dust free environment is highly recommended.
But if you prefer to handle, clean and display them outside their storage area. Make sure that you use cotton gloves in transferring your toys. This is to prevent any dirt or oil from your hands to tarnish or damage the surface portion of the toys.
Toys that are widely popular and well recognized are safer purchases compared to the items that are only recognized for a limited time. The shortages and fads that made the toys appealing and popular for short periods may not have the same appeal and attraction when you talk about long term.
Those popular Tickle Me Elmo Dolls that were really in demand were selling with an added thousand dollars of its original selling price right before Christmas. The best way to invest on toys, such as in cases like this, is to purchase directly to the manufacturer of these toys.
If you are really into antique toy collecting, you may search web sites for informative guides on the current auction prices of the more widely popular antique toys. The internet is also a great place for sellers and buyers in this kind of market.
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