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What is an antique? -

If you're new to the world of antiques, but curiosity has gotten the better of you, you might be wondering what exactly qualifies as an antique.

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What is an antique? -

An antique is an object that is (at least) over 100 years old. Although there are other criteria that determine whether an item is an antique or not, the age requirement remains the same.

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Vintage items and collectibles -

The word "antique" is often used interchangeably with items that are considered vintage or collectibles, but the 100-year rule must apply.

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Objects -

Different kinds of objects can be considered antiques: jewelry, furniture, or art, for example; but what these items will have in common is a distinctly 'old' look.

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Value -

Several different factors will determine the value of an antique. These include: quality, age, historical significance, rarity, and current taste.

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Value -

The majority of antiques were made pre-20th century. This is because technology changed manufacturing so much that items created after 1900 can't really be considered antique.

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Ancient antiques -

Some antiques have been around for thousands of years. The earliest discovered antiques date back to the times of ancient Egypt.

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Antique dealers -

Today, pieces are collected and sold at auction houses or galleries around the world by professionals known as antique dealers.

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Getting started: lists and mood boards -

For the amateur antique shopper, start at the beginning. Take measurements inside your home, take pictures of the space, and browse online to see what you're drawn to.

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Getting started: lists and mood boards -

Make lists and mood boards of the color palettes, eras, and design styles that you're most drawn to, to get clear on your personal style and how it fits in with your home. This will make it easier to find items in the wild!

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Getting started: research -

Some background knowledge is essential when shopping for antiques. Chances are there's already a time period you're drawn to if you've begun searching.

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Getting started: research -

If there's a piece from a certain time period that you're on the hunt to find, make a list. Outline the popular characteristics, furniture makers, and details of the time, to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for.

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Getting started: know where to shop -

There are lots of options for where to shop to find your antiques. Antique shops are the obvious starting point, and you can research online to find the ones closest to you.

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Getting started: know where to shop -

Flea markets are another place you can find antique items, but it might take some digging. The upside is reasonable prices; the downside is it's hard to tell if an item is an antique without an appraisal if you're just starting out.

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Aging an antique -

There are a number of factors to consider when determining the age of an item. To estimate of the age of a piece, observe the following criteria carefully.

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1. Materials -

Patterns, fabrics, and woods can be used to help age an antique. If you make yourself familiar with a particular era, you can discover patterns associated with it.

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1. Materials -

Doing enough research, about the time period you're seeking an item from, will make it easier to spot the materials when you go antique shopping.

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2. Uppers, insides, and unders -

Don't forget to take a good look at every single part of the antique item. Usually, handmade antique items will have a imperfection somewhere in the design.

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2. Uppers, insides, and unders -

These irregularities in the item aren't flaws, but show that it's unlikely it was mass-produced by machine, rather being the result of human error.

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3. A perfect match -

Again, items that are antiques typically won't be impeccable. Where the design is a "perfect match," for example all of the details are regular, it suggests machine production.

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Getting started: other places to source antiques -

Car boot sales, thrift shops, and charity shops can also be worth a rummage, and are places you can apply your newly acquired antique knowledge.

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Getting started: careful inspection -

Take your time when inspecting an item. Look for chips and cracks, examining pieces from every angle so you don't miss anything.

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Getting started: careful inspection -

This is also a time to ask the seller as many questions as possible, as they might be able to fill in the gaps about details that aren't immediately obvious to the naked eye.

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Getting started: making an offer -

There's usually some room to negotiate on the price when it comes to buying antiques. You shouldn't tell the seller an offer if it's something you're not willing to pay.

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Don't buy antique: where there's potential for lead -

Unfortunately, some items deemed antique run a risk of containing lead. Look out for chipped paint, painted dishes, and crystal glassware.

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Don't buy antique: baby furniture -

Safety standards didn't catch up for baby crib furniture until the 2010s! Don't buy antique baby furniture for use, as it poses a safety risk.

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Don't buy antique: upholstered items -

Upholstered items can contain unwanted mold, mildew, or bed bugs. If you plan to get them reupholstered, great. Otherwise, items such as headboards, sofas, or armchairs are best left behind.

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Don't buy antique: where there's a suspicious price tag -

Prices that seem excessively high or suspiciously low should be approached with caution. Without in-depth knowledge, it's easy to fall for imitation pieces.

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Get stuck in! -

Go to fairs, shops, and boot sales early to take advantage of the best items, get stuck in examining the items, and don't forget to bring cash just in case. Happy antique shopping! 

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Bridport Antiques) (Antique Collecting Magazine) 

See also: The world's favorite flea markets and street fairs

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