When is an antique an antique.
If like me you have notice the abundance of antique shows on the television these days you will also have notice how much the word antique is banded about.
When I was young I remember my parents saying to me “don’t touch that, it’s an antique” like it was delicate about to break if you dare touch it. Would cost them millions of pounds to replace. It conjures up an image of something dusty delicate rather uninviting, well sometimes but not always. But when is an antique an antique to be honest technically if it was made over a hundred years ago it can be called antique, but I have often found this term used to describe items that where made only forty to sixty years ago plus. Then again so long as you know what it is and you love it then what do’s it matter how old it is. Some antiques are not worth the price tag there written on and like fashions/trends things change, come and go. But you will always find someone who is interested. It’s just a case of what are they prepared to pay.
An antique is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.?
WHEN IS AN ANTIQUE NOT AN ANTIQUE.
Simple when it’s a fake, but don’t confuse this with a repro, there is a difference . Let me explain.
A reproduction is a piece that was made to compliment an original, it is sold under that label and appreciated by people who perhaps can’t afford the original but still appreciate the beauty of the piece. Unfortunately there are some dealers who would sell such an item as the real thing, its unethical it gives the rest of us a bad name and its quit simply theft by deception. Unfortunately in this business the chances are that you will at some time get caught out. However some basic things you can try to avoid being caught out are.
Being discreet lick your finger, use a damp hanky or just wipe a table or chair, under it is best cause it’s where a fake is less likely to be as good. As new wood to old wood will show even if its been dyed new dye’s to old will show the colour has not aged. Some dye will be on the hanky/cloth. Not just dirt-dust that comes with age. Tops will fade slightly with the sun compared to the underside, aging happens its hard to fake well. If in doubt leave it.
Look at the fittings, screws are they as old as the piece you are looking at. Hinges handles due they match, is the wear on them as you would expect. Many lazy con’s are done by people who don’t look for the detail, make sure you do.
Dovetails or nails, old furniture was put together by craftsmen, skilled in there art. It took time to put them together. Banging in a few nails was not there style.
Glue as above was used but sparingly not slapped on, a feature I have notice by repro firms and cons that show cause they are more concerned about the fast buck, not the detail.
Look at the detail, its something I will go on about but can save you pounds.
With china look at the crazing, it happens with older pieces nothing wrong with that as long as its not to uniform.? It should be irregular. Dirt would be in some parts of the crazing, it becomes ingrained .There should be some. The base should be dirty where it has stood over the years not polished clean. Repro work tends to have brighter colours then the original and the moulding will match the poor quality of the piece.
Weight? I know you cant asked a dealer if you can weigh it, well perhaps not but sometimes a piece will just feel right. The weight as you pick it up, move it is well..balanced. To heavy not heavy enough again if in doubt, leave it. Save your money.
For more see antiques and antiques
Read realistic tips to unusual wedding favour – your own guide.
