Three Tips On Starting Your Antique Collection
by: Dakota Caudilla
Tip 1: Understanding antiques
In strict antique-speak, an antique is any collectable item
that is seventy to one-hundred years old. Newer items can also
be quite valuable; if you know how to pick them. In all instances,
a collectible item has value if someone, somewhere, wants to buy
it. Just remember: "One man's trash is another man's treasure".
You may already know what you want to start collecting, but
finding your antique niche means doing the relevant research first.
For every item--furniture, clothing, books, or other odd collectibles--there
is a general code of understanding as to their value in dollars.
In order to be a successful antique collector you need to learn
about the era in which you item was made, and what this means
about its value.
Tip 2: Understanding the antique market
Whether you are interested in building a collection of Victorian
furniture or vintage baby clothing one of the best places to start
is the Internet. Use the search engine of your choice to begin
researching your antique niche from the comfort of your own home.
Or you may like to log onto eBay: eBay offers a great atmosphere
to get a feel for what is valuable, what isn't and how much things
are selling for. In eBay search for something like "antique"
and "silver" or "leather" and see what the
search brings up. Watch a few of these items for a few days. Note
the price, item details, or use the eBay interface to ask questions
about the piece you are watching: age, condition, previous owner,
etc.
Once you get an idea of what is on offer, how people buy and
how much people are willing to pay for an item, you may like to
head off to markets, antique stores and shows where you can engage
other enthusiasts or shop owners into discussion.
Tip 3: Determining what to collect
Choosing your antique niche is more about what interests you;
it also depends on how deep your pockets are. Try to budget a
certain amount of your income per month to see how much you can
spend. Also, ask yourself how quickly you want to start building
your antique collection. If you have lots to spend you may choose
to locate items in mint condition. If you have less to spend you
may go after items in less than mint condition. It's always best
to research before you buy. In all cases, try to learn as much
as you can about the certain type of collectible or antique: where
it comes from, the style or era, and even, the maker or artist
or designer. Be it silverware or clothing or furniture or paintings,
the more you know about the items you choose to collect the better
you'll be able to judge its value. Otherwise you'll just have
to take other people's word for it.
About The Author: Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website
builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor
of http://www.antiques-shows.net
on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this
article.
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