Antique Value Needs Expertise

When cleaning out the attic or basement have you ever come across an old book or trunk and wondered if there was any value to it today. Many antique pieces are worth quite a bit today but there are strict stipulations as to how the antique value is determined. There are experts in the field of antiques who know the rules in determining antique value. So be wary of the average antique dealer who spouts off prices of their wares. Getting credentials before buying or selling an antique piece is advisable.

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.