UNDERSTANDING ANTIQUES

Stemming from the Latin “antiquus” meaning old or ancient, antiques are items that are sought after due to their age, beauty, rarity and even emotional connection - more than this, antiques represent a previous era or period in time of human society, thus telling a story and becoming an intrinsic piece of history.

What Classifies an Item as Antique?

There has been much deliberation and debate surrounding what classifies an antique. The term is generally loosely used and often applies to the age of the individual using it, rather than a sound definition. The rule of thumb, used by collectors, antique dealers and appraisers, is that an item about 100 years or older is an antique - while items younger than a century is seen as ‘vintage’.

If you are wondering about what factors contributes to antiques; here is a short guide:

Rarity

The rarity of an item will increase if the following applies:

• Few Items were made or remains.

• Unusual colouring/appearance.

• Uncommon style or subject matter.

• Unique size or shape.

• Difficulty to reproduce.

Aesthetics

Though aesthetics finally does come down to personal taste, all the elements of an antique usually blends together to deliver a pleasing appearance.

Desirability

The desirability of an item is determined by current trends in its particular market. Depending on what is popular in certain collectors circles, the value of certain antiques will influx while others will remain at a plateau.

Authenticity

Probably the most important factor of any antique is its authenticity. Due to reproductions becoming more advanced and detailed identifying the real mackoy becomes harder. The following are crucial points to keep in mind.

• Time Period/Era - although an item may appear old, it could have been manufactured only yesterday.

• Artist/Company/Manufacturer -the signature or stamp of the person/company who produced the item further validates its authenticity, although not by itself. Taking into consideration the type of items made in certain time periods, in conjunction with the signature is vital.

• Materials Used - copies may appear to be made from the correct materials, though they may be made from cheaper “look-alike” materials. Checking this will help to determine the authenticity of an item.

Condition

Ideally you want your antique to be in the exact condition it was in the day that it was created - but over a century a lot could have happened to it. Damages affects different types of items in different ways and does not necessarily diminish the items value considerably.

Common flaws to look for include; cracks, scratches, dents, fractures and signs of repairs.

When searching for antiques you may come across these ‘condition’ terms:

• Mint Condition:This means the item is perfect.

• Excellent Condition: This means that the item may have minor flaws.

• Good Condition: This means that the item has seen a little bit of wear and might have been expertly restored.

Ultimately if you are buying an antique, the piece should speak to you regardless of its worth or condition. It all comes down to personal preference, if you fall in love with an item that is more valuable than anything else.

For more information on how to spot an antique read this article by Antique Marks.

At The Shop we acquire and sell collectables vintage and antique items. A myriad of unique pieces perfect for the most discerning buyers and lovers of history, culture and literature. Contact us to arrange a viewing or visit our premises to take a step back into yesteryear and explore our treasures.

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