Surefire Tips to Collecting Antiques

Many people today have developed a penchant for collecting antique accessories. It is truly exciting as your collection gets bigger. Being able to acquire unique and older pieces seems to be the icing on the cake.

It's like falling in love everytime a new piece is introduced into the collection.It could be a daunting task. Finding a priceless antique is quite difficult. Here are some tips to help you gather those priceless accessories.

Many women fancy antique dolls. Most antique dolls still have intact bodies but worn out clothes. If you know how to sew, you could design your very own collection of original dresses. Sometimes, it will be necessary to replace eyes, wigs, shoes… and they can get very expensive.

If you are willing to spend, it would be good to look at the face paintings, the more intricate, the more priceless. You will be able to see if the face has been hurriedly painted, its artistry will determine its worth. If you want to save, buying rare dolls that are slightly-damaged will save you a lot of money. Most of the time, the damages are hardly noticeable.

Collecting and maintaining antique furniture is another thing. You have to maintain its beauty by applying constant touch-ups every now and then. Dry cotton cloth is best for dusting. Wipe off spills immediately to avoid stains with a dry cloth.

Apply beeswax like Lakeone or Dugay along the grain with a small rag in even strokes. Allow to dry for around two hours then buff with a shoe brush. White spots are simply rewaxed to bring back the old shine.

Clocks are wonderful things to collect. It is important for a collector that each of his clocks be in tip-top shape. Here are some tips. Keep your clocks away from extreme temperatures. Don't overwind to keep the key snuggly-fit and wind at the same time daily. Leveling pendulum clocks is important to assure a balanced swing.

When your clock stops working, it may have accumulated dust so keep it clean at all times. A horologist may help you in cleaning and oiling them every couple of years or so. The wood cases should be dusted and waxed regularly.

Collecting antiques will call for experience on your part. It is necessary for you to see as many collections as possible to ensure the authenticity as well as quality in the items you purchase. You could browse through books, the internet or get in touch with other collectors so you can view theirs. Collectors may also give you invaluable tips.

Guides to Saving Money when Collecting Vintage Vehicles

Nowadays, some people think that an antique car doesn't belong on the wide-open roads.  It could still hit the road and be driven, but people think that it isn't much compared to the fancy and larger cars that are available on the market these days.

But for some people, it is considered as a good collection and for others, vintage cars are much more of a hobby since they are thinking of the return for their investment in the long run because vintage cars are much more expensive than that of the new models on the market, and actually the market price can go up because of its uniqueness and the historical facts of these cars. 

One example is the Porsche Spyder, it still hits the road and catches attention, this is indeed a very expensive vintage car, and only a number of people own one.

The following are some guides to collecting vintage cars as well as saving money.

1.            You can still buy a vintage classic car; first it should be acquired through dealership.

2.            Another thing is to browse the internet, find websites that offer affordable prices but still have good quality, moreover, you can ask your friends, they might know where you can actually get one, making it cost free.

3.            If you've considered buying a car, start by seeing the advertised car, you can also ask for photos.

4.            Examine the cars, make sure they aren't rusted, rust is inevitable, but then make sure that they aren't eroding the important parts.

5.            Seek assistance from a knowledgeable mechanic when you aren't aware of the cars parts and accessories, they will serve as a great help to finding your vintage cars.

6.            If you decide that the car is worth buying, you must ask for help from a trained technician to examine the inside of the vintage car.

7.            Take a test drive and see if the machine is in tact and working.

8.            Lastly, seek help from the vintage car associations when you need to assemble some parts of your vintage cars, as a matter of fact they help the vintage car owners to find the parts which are missing to complete the vehicle. 

You can find new companions with them, they will help you with your problems, they can also tell you how much money, time and even give a little wisdom and expertise you need to restore your vintage car.

Antique cars are the pioneers of the modern vehicles today; they represent a part of history.  Politicians, celebrities and prominent people and even the ordinary ones have ridden these model antique cars during the last two decades. 

Try to look around, ask advise from the experts and see if there is a vintage car you can bring home.  Always try to research, you will save money as well, by then you can have the vintage car you've always dreamed of.

The Different Antique Collector Clubs… Join Now!

Generally, collectors share the same interest of preserving the heritage so they can study the development of antique items. As you uncover all the antique collections of the various club members, you'll realize that sooner or later you will also be one of the owners of hundred year old antiques.

If you really want to be an antique collector, one way of increasing your knowledge is to join an antique collector club. Here is a list of different antique clubs which might be of interest to you:

1.            ACCCI or Antique Comb Collectors Club International. It is an American Club comprising of several members in Belgium, France, Netherlands and the UK. The club’s activities include publication of bi-monthly newsletter containing past issues and topics about comb collection and the roster of members.

Members are also entitled to a free annual advertisement. The new service being offered by ACCI is the question and answer section which is generally handled by experts.

2.            The Antique Metalware Society includes archaeologists, museum curators, dealers and metallurgists. It aims to increase the members’ appreciation and knowledge of objects comprised of alloys and the non-precious metals as well. The many facets of metalware are being studied together with their uses, history, styles, and methods of production.

The activities also include 2 meetings annually and the publication of 2 newsletters and 1 journal. There are also books written by the members which have been cited as standard references.

3.            Dorset Antique Bottle is a collector club with activities like annual shows, monthly meetings and publication of 6 newsletters per annum. Its purpose is to promote recovery and collection of antique bottles and related items.

4.            AFCA or Antique Fan Collectors Association is devoted to the promotion and preservation of all kinds of mechanical and electrical fans. The society aims to form regional and local organization by giving members awareness and encouragement to exchange fans among different members.

The organization also publishes “The Fan Collector, a bi-monthly magazine which includes stories of manufacturers, fans and their collectors; it also includes pictures of members and their activities. 

Once you've been into antique collection it’s impossible that your next interest will be on meeting people with the same interest as yours. Once you’ve met them, you’ll discover that they have diverse backgrounds; such as such as professors, consultants, optometrists, publishers, museum curators, dealers or even executives.

Even though these people are highly remarkable, there are also ordinary people who love collecting. You shouldn't be intimidated by professional members because you all have the same aim of preserving the many artifacts. So join your preferred club and further your antique hobby!

Forums for Antique Collectors

For you antique collectors out there, it is time for you to take advantage of your internet services by joining different antique collection forums that will take your hobby to a whole new level.

The internet provides you with forums focused on your particular type of antique collection. Joining in will give you the benefits of being able to communicate with other collectors and share insights, tips and opinions. You can actually gain friends from all over the world who share the same interests as you. The forum services are usually free.

There are forums for practically any kind of antique collection. Separate forums can be found that deal with coins, dolls, old bottles, clocks, books, fabrics, marbles, porcelain, pottery, records, silver, etc. You name it, they have it all.

Learning the history of your collection can be an adventure. It will give you an even-deeper love for the items you have already gathered. It is knowing the story behind each item.

Forums can give you information on this. Believe it or not, many collectors are doing the same thing, and they may know more about your items than you do, so it would be great to get to know them.

Forums also deal with the identification, dating, maintenance, displaying and finding collectible items. You may also find that there are activities on antique collections that you may want to attend like antique shows, auctions and even sales.

You may also want to share what you know by posting pictures of your collection and contributing your views and tips in the different forum sections. You may also find other websites that link to your common interest. You can share all these things with the others, your expert knowledge may be just what they need.

Forums can also provide a venue for you to tell your unique stories on your finds. Surprisingly, other enthusiasts will find your stories on how you found those rare items very interesting. Dedication in antique collections can be found among fellow collectors.

Joining a forum may find you a home that will give a heart to your collection. You can share everything with others of the same interest. The most knowledgeable collectors are oftentimes members of forums such as these. Their wide-range collection can be a feast to your eyes and soul.

The years of experience of seasoned collectors will naturally rub off on the novice, deepening the passion for collection.

Useful Tips on How to Collect Antique Dolls

There are many categories of antique dolls. There are Queen Anne Dolls, Papier Mache, Wax, China and Parian, French and German, French Bebes and German Dolly Faced Dolls, etc. Noticeably, these dolls were named after the country where they were manufactured.

Whatever kind of antique doll you collect, it will be better to consider the price, the condition and the places where dolls can be acquired. Accessories of antique dolls should also be looked into.

For people who love collecting dolls or for those who want to start their own collection, here are some helpful tips:

1.            Buy and choose what you love. Don’t let other collectors and dealers influence your preferences. Your collection will reflect your personality, not anybody else’s. If you really love every doll you bring home, then you won't be dismayed with your collection.

2.            Buy the best dolls that you can afford. Many collectors perceive that they can’t afford antique dolls but in reality these dolls are almost the same price as some collectors’ items. Dolls are good investments since their values increase every year. Purchase the best doll within your budget.

3.            Be picky. Choose to have a small doll collection with quality rather than a big one comprising merely of low valued dolls. Be patient and enjoy your search of different dolls. You don’t have to buy all the dolls that you find!  Remember that your collection should last a lifetime.

4.            Read good books about doll collecting. Knowledge is power! After knowing the kinds of dolls and their composition, you can identify what you really want; you will also appreciate your dolls and will gain knowledge on how to take care of your dolls properly.

5.            Purchase from a reliable dealer.  There are doll dealer associations which adhere to a code of ethics. During purchases, there must be written information ensuring the dolls’ physical condition and age. The ethics committee subsists to oversee certain conflicts. You must check if your dealer is a member of any of these associations to ensure that your doll is of good quality.

6.            Join a club. Joining a doll club is one great way to develop your knowledge about antique dolls. You can also get acquainted with                other collectors with the same interests. These clubs regularly host dolls shows and give programs and educational seminars on antique doll collecting.

All the tips above are just starters for doll collecting. The most important tip is to have fun! Treasure your dolls and take care of them. Doll collecting is a meaningful hobby which you should really enjoy.

Bring Life to Old Pieces - Antique Furniture Restoration Tips

Restoring antique furniture to its former glory can be an expensive and painstaking process, but it’s also the best way to keep its value intact. If a piece of antique furniture has been with your family for generations, you no doubt think of it as family too, and if so, don’t you owe it to your “family” to do your best in resuscitating it

Antique Furniture Restoration Tips to Bring Life to Old Pieces

Tip #1 Leave it to the professionals. Antique furniture pieces are irreplaceable. It’s highly unlikely that you’re going to find an exact replica. If you try restoring it yourself, the slightest mistake can lead to its total destruction. Are you willing to risk that?

Tip #2 Know the extent of the damage. Museum curators, furniture experts, and restoration professionals are usually able to give estimates and detailed analyses – it can be free of charge in some cases – of what you need to fix and how much it will cost.

Tip #3 Know your choices. Antique furniture restoration always offers you choices. Most times, full restoration is associated with greater risks so you’ll usually be asked if you wish to fix only the damage that’s most easily fixed then implement an alternate solution to other parts when restoration seems risky.

Know what else you need besides money to have your antique furniture restored.

Would you have to scour the market for a fabric match?

Are there gems that you need to replace?

How much time will restoration take? Know exactly what restoration entails.

Tip #4 Find the ideal antique furniture restoration expert for you. Consider the following factors when choosing an expert:

EXPERIENCE – How long has he been in the business? Does he have any experience in working with similar projects? Can he give you any referrals and proof of his expertise

SKILLS – What makes him qualified for the job besides his years of experience? Does he possess any educational degrees that could help him in this job? Does he have any specialized skills?

RATES – Restoration projects are always expensive so it’s best to know beforehand how much he’s going to charge you for giving your antique furniture a second lease on life.

Lastly, look for someone you feel easy and comfortable around. This way, if you find any part of the process uncomfortable, you won’t hesitate in inquiring about it. Choose someone who knows that you’re the boss, and what you say goes because you care the most for the item.

Old Clubs Swing Better - Antique Golf Club Buying Tips

Creating a collection of antique golf clubs is a great way of channeling your golfing passions if playing on the greens just isn’t enough. Be warned, however, that buying antique golf clubs can be quite an expensive hobby.

History of Golf Clubs

Knowledge will help you assemble a great collection of antique golf clubs because you'll know which golf clubs will make you exceptional, unique, or best. Getting to know the history of golf clubs will help you know which ones your collection is missing.

The origins of golf – as we know it, that is – can be traced to 15th century Scotland. Wooden balls were used and which therefore required plain wooden golf clubs.

Making them even the slightest bit more artistic would have been a waste of time because frequent contact with the ball would eventually damage the club’s design. Consider yourself extremely lucky – and rich – if you get the chance to own a golf club belonging to this era.

In the 18th century, golf balls were made of “feather”, allowing golf club designers to be more artistic with their creations. And in the mid-1800’s, iron head golf clubs began to enter the market.

Many new designs of golf clubs began to crop up in the 20th century. Hickory golf clubs became popular in this era, although it was soon replaced by steel shafts.

Various alloys were also used, and there were lots of strangely designed golf clubs like giant niblicks that started appearing as well. 20th century was also when the use of grooved golf clubs began.

In the 80’s, computers were utilized for creating innovative concepts for golf clubs. Golf clubs that used a combination of metals and woods also gained in popularity

Tips for Buying Antique Golf Clubs

Know what you’re looking for. Be sure that you’re buying something that will truly add value to your collection. Antique golf clubs can be expensive, but their prices don’t mean they’re valuable or necessary all the time.

Buy only from a reputable seller. You can purchase antique golf clubs from land-based or online antique stores. If you are buying online, always check with the Better Business Bureau first to verify their reputation. Don’t give your credit card details right away. Entrust your payment only to certified online payment handlers.

Verify the condition of the antique golf clubs, and lastly, look for a certificate of authenticity if possible.

Antique Home Ornament Collection Tips

A collecting hobby is always fun to have, and the fun can last for a long time depending on how fickle your taste. Either way, you’re sure to have fun collecting home ornaments if you love to see and collect objects that can make your home even more beautiful.

Anything can be considered a home ornament, but if you want your antique home ornament collection to be treated as an art collection, there are two types of home ornaments that you can collect: antique or historical pieces and handmade crafts.

Tips for Making Your Antique Home Ornament Collection Grow

Tip #1 Consider the size of your home ornaments. You must have special items of all possible sizes: those that easily fit the size of your hand and are portable, those that are moderate in size, and those that are life-sized.

Tip #2 Classify your home ornament collection according to their purpose. Do you have home ornaments for the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, dining room, office, and garden?

If you lack any, purchase one immediately so it will make your home ornament collection complete.

Tip #3 Consider the color or design. Home ornaments may have solid colors or a combination; they can be printed or dyed. You can add anything as long as it’s a beautiful and unique piece.

Tip #4 Consider the materials. Most home ornaments are made from wood, plastic, glass, and metal. Find home ornaments that use different materials like cloth, seashells, volcanic ashes, or even semi-precious metals if you can afford them!

Tip #5 Read and be familiar with the world’s history to learn about typical home ornaments for each important period. Look for mosaics from Ancient Rome, religious ornaments from the Middle Ages, paintings from the Victorian and Regency era, and Art Deco items from the early 1900’s.

Tip #6 Know your geography. With the help of the Internet, you’ll be able to obtain access and competitive rates to traditional home ornaments of various countries all over the world.

Tip #7 Religious statues and other symbolic items can also serve as home ornaments, so see if you can find something interesting within the realms of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions.

Tip #8 Don’t forget about Hollywood and sports memorabilia as well as other famous pop symbols that have been turned into home ornaments.

Most, if not all, of these items can be purchased on the Internet. Choose wisely, and make sure that you check the authenticity of any antique you buy!

Antique Rose Collecting Tips for Both Types

Antique rose is a term that can be used for a specific group of roses or a specific design used for furniture, kitchenware, dining ware, and ornaments. Either way, they are extremely beautiful to look at!

Collecting Natural Antique Rose Pieces

If you are interested in pressed flowers or other things that resemble antique roses, the first thing you should learn are the different species of antique roses. Knowing their characteristics will help you identify which pieces are indeed using designs of natural antique roses.

Albas – Also known as rosa alba, this flower is believed by many as the most elegant of all antique rose types because of its pastel colored blooms and elegant gray and green tinted leaves. For such beautiful flowers, they can however grow as tall as eight feet and are have hardy constitutions.

Only a few diseases can affect their health. Albas, however, are annuals which means you can only enjoy their picture-perfect beauty once a year. To end with a good point, albas don’t need direct sunlight and they’re fairly easy to grow.

Centifolias – This is one of the oldest species of roses as it’s been around as early as 400 BC. Imagine the stories these blooms can tell! This characteristic is actually what makes them an exceptional choice for homes with lovely antique décor.

Centifolias have a lovely scent, but it’s a fragrance that you can only enjoy once a year as well. Colors can range from pastel whites and pinks to deep reds.

Chinas – This particular species of antique rose unfortunately requires certain weather and temperature conditions in order to grow. They are quite small in contrast to other antique roses but they’re just as pretty! Chinas grow in a rainbow of colors and most of them possess beautiful scents.

Damask – These antique roses also grow as high as eight feet and like albas, their colors are only pastel whites and pinks.

There are many other antique roses beside this, but all of them are can certainly be beautiful additions to your collection!

Collecting Manmade Antique Rose Pieces

When it comes to actual antique rose pieces, these are lovely items that are more suited for female or family use. They are characterized with plain backgrounds with antique rose décor.

Furniture and décor made of antique rose have been around for a long time, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to find actual antiques. You can browse for them online or look for them in antique stores and garage sales.

Happy antique rose hunting!

5 Antique Sewing Machine Collector Tips for the Novice

Collecting antique sewing machines is a great hobby to have. Old models are especially more ornate looking than newer models because of the amount of time and effort exerted in their designs. Don’t expect that all the units in your collection will work though!

History of Sewing Machines

Although it was as early as 1790 that the first ever working sewing machine was invented by Thomas Saint of England, it was only for making boots.

The first sewing machine as we know them now however was the one created by Isaac M. Singer in 1851. After a number of years, he had been able to establish a company and sold thousands of units to the public.

If you are interested in a collection of antique sewing machines, you’ll be extremely lucky to find any sewing machine that’s older than Singer models.

How to Buy an Antique Sewing Machine

Tip #1 Build your knowledge of antique sewing machines so you’ll know if someone’s trying to overcharge or deceive you into buying a fake. It’s fairly easy for professional conmen to create false copies of certificates of authenticity so you can’t always trust what you read on paper. When buying an antique sewing machine, it’s best that you trust what you know and what others tell you.

Tip #2 Join the nearest club for antique sewing machine collectors. With a club, you’ll be able to exchange important information and tips with other collectors. You might even get access to rare opportunities for buying antique sewing machines.

Tip #3 Browse the Internet for photos of antique sewing machines so you’ll have an idea of what you would like to add to your collection. Afterwards, you can inform agents or other collectors of what you’re looking for and tell them you’re willing to pay a commission fee if they can help you find it.

Tip #4 Online purchases can be quite dangerous so if you’re determined to buy an antique sewing machine online, make sure that you obtain a warranty contract from your seller first. Secondly, only agree to a certified payment handler to take care of your transaction.

Tip #5 Ask about the condition of the antique sewing machine: are there any physical or mechanical defects? If it’s good but not working, ask how much it would cost to have it repaired.

If you’re serious about establishing a collection of antique sewing machines, just make sure your home has adequate space for it!

Tips for Getting Started with Antique Stove Collecting

If you are interested in antique stove collecting, the first step to building a complete antique stove collection is learning its history and knowing the different types of ancient stoves.

You should know for instance that it was around 1728 that there was a mass production of stoves made from cast iron. So if someone sells you an ancient cast iron stove was made in the 1680’s then you should immediately know you’re being hustled into buying a fake.

Some two decades after that, closed stoves began entering the market. A better version of it was created by Benjamin Franklin and was called the Pennsylvania Fireplace.

In the 1760’s, companies began manufacturing ten-plate stoves. And in the early 1800’s, initial designs of Step-top cook stoves appeared. It was in this century that box stoves became quite popular. These are just a few of the facts that you should be aware of if you’re serious about collecting ancient stoves.

Main Types of Stoves According to Purpose

Domestic – Several models of domestic stoves were produced starting in the mid 1800’s. Wick stoves were powered by kerosene fuel and could be virtually used in any room.

To know if an ancient stove is of this type, check if it has a noiseless burner, cast iron support ring for the pan, and permanently attached rods to serve as additional support for the unit.

Camping – It was in early 20th century that people truly found the need, time, or even the desire for stoves that were specifically made for camping or outdoor use. At the start, camping stoves used pressurized kerosene burners or alcohol for power. To make them travel-friendly, manufacturers did their best to make them streamlined, or even better, collapsible.

Industrial – As the name itself implies, this type of stove was used by commercial companies. Because of its size and features, industrial stoves weren't suitable for home or camping use. To identify if an ancient stove is of this type, look for something noticeably larger than usual, uses a roarer burner and has no feet.

How and Where to Look for Ancient Stoves

There are many land-based and online shops today that specialize in selling ancient stoves. You can contact or visit their store to see if they have anything you like. You can also inform them of what you want, and they’ll usually be glad to find it up for you.

Sometimes, there are ancient stoves sold at garage sales as well. You can purchase these and have them repaired by professionals.

Simple Ways to Care for Your Antique Wood Floors

If you're living in a house with antique wood floors, consider yourself blessed.  Antique wood floors have a timeless elegance that, when given very good care, can maintain their beauty for many years to come. 

In fact, they have a character that will repay your kindness and care with appreciating value.  Rich, warm, naturally beautiful, antique wood floors can last for generations.  Keep them that way with the proper care and maintenance.  Here's how:

Prevent dirt

The first step in taking good care of antique wood floors is to clean them and keep them that way.  Antique floors don’t do well with dirt and sand.  Imagine putting sandpaper on your precious hardwood and rubbing away.  Dents, scratches and lines produce dull surfaces and damage the floor.

Maintain clean floors by sweeping with fine-edged brooms.  Vacuum using a brush attachment at least once a week.  Pay particular attention to the dents between boards to make sure you get rid of all the dust and dirt that accumulates in the cracks.  Keep your antique wood floors safe by placing floor mats or rugs near doors and entrances to keep dirt from touching the floor surface.

To damp-mop or not

Whether or not to use a damp mop on your antique wood floors is still highly debatable.  However, damp-mopping is certainly one of the quickest ways to clean wood floors.  Damp-mop your antique wood floors only if the finish is in good condition and make sure to wring the mop when you do.

Buffing to a shine

There's no reason why antique wood floors shouldn’t shine.  Use products such as wax, oils and acrylics to protect the finish.  Penetrating seals can even protect the wood floors from within.  Apply wax and oils only after you've thoroughly cleaned the surface.

Testing for condition

You can test your antique wood floor's condition by simply inspecting areas that usually receive the highest foot traffic.  See if the finish is chipped, gouged or worn off.  If the finish is bad, the wood underneath will be exposed and become damaged. 

Test this area by pouring a small amount of water onto it.  If the wood soaks up the water immediately, the finish is totally worn. 

If it takes a while, the damage is only partial.  But if the water remains in drops or beads on the floors surface, your antique floor is safe.  Do this test only in areas that receive a lot of traffic.

Avoid sun, heat and cold

Antique wood floors are sensitive to sunlight and heat.  Close curtains and draperies and protect floors from extreme changes in temperature.

Recreating the Kitchen of Yesteryears: Tips for Collecting Authentic Antique Kitchenware

Do you know what the great thing is about collecting antique kitchenware? 

You're more likely to find them than other types of antiques.  Antique kitchenwares were manufactured in batches and many were even mass produced so there is a good chance you can find some really nice pieces to add to or to start your collection. 

Here are tips to help you with finding authentic antique kitchenware:

Antique kitchenware isn’t just about metal and utensils

When you're looking for antique kitchenware, don’t just keep your eyes peeled for the more obvious things like knives, forks, spoons and ladles.  There are also antique items like skillets, waffle irons, vases, bowls, trays, tea sets, tart tins, metal scoops and even kitchen thermometers and small appliances that can be valuable assets to your collection.

Don’t pass up on the opportunity to get an antique piece that can core, chop, mash and cook food made from metal.  There are also antique kitchenwares that are made from wood, ceramics, stone and glass.

Some eras are cheaper than others

When it comes to antique kitchenware, most newbies expect to pay more simply because the item is old.  However, there are certain antique kitchenware items that aren't as expensive because there is little demand for them. 

A 1930s cherry picker, for example, will cost you less than a hundred bucks simply because people don’t know what it is.  Even if you find one in mint condition, you still won't have pay a lot for it.

Shine like silver

If you're collecting authentic antique kitchenware, you might come across some silver items.  Of course, nothing beats the true value and beauty of sterling silver but if you find antique kitchenware made from silver plate, don’t discount them. 

Silver plate is as beautiful as high quality sterling silver but it is more affordable.  And if you know how to take care of it, it can last as long as real silver.

Look for a guide.

You can't find what you're looking for if you don’t know what it is.  You could be looking at the real deal and then just ignore it simply because you didn’t recognize it as a real antique. 

Read books on the subject and find out what type of kitchenwares were in use during what era.  If you're trying to find items that were used in a colonial kitchen, for example, you might want to refer to history books, old magazines and item catalogues. 

If you want to recreate the look of a 40s or 50s kitchen, you can even refer to old movies or TV shows during that era.

Should You Appraise Your Own Antique Jewelry?

Antique jewelry holds a special place in many collectors and admirers' hearts, mainly because of its history.  There is also a certain romance to having antique jewelry that has passed hands many times. 

Just the thought of owning antique jewelry gives the item a certain romantic aura and exceptionality, since you know that there is probably nothing in the world that is quite like it.  So if you have a piece and want to know its value, you naturally would want to know how to appraise your antique jewelry.

Why you can't do it yourself

Unless you have undeniable proof that your jewelry is truly an antique (your great-great-great grandfather gave it to your great-great-great grandmother as an engagement present), there is a high likelihood that you'll have difficulty determining the value of an antique jewelry without proper training. 

In fact, if you know nothing about jewelry, you probably won't be able to tell whether it's genuine or just a really good reproduction.

While there are certain ways to tell the genuine from the fake (some people, for example, rub pearls against their teeth to check if they are real), not all methods involving the naked eye and bare hands are fool-proof. 

Remember that jewelry appraisal isn't only about identifying the material(s) that makes up your jewelry; it is also about putting a dollar value on the item either for purchase or for insurance.

Turning to a professional

The only person who can give you the proper appraisal of your antique jewelry is a professional appraiser.  They have the high level of training, education, product knowledge and experience to qualify as an appraiser of antique jewelry. 

Look for someone who is an Accredited Senior Appraiser or Master Gemologist Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers.

Beware of names

Not everyone who took some courses in gemology is a qualified to be an antique jewelry appraiser.  A graduate gemologist, for example, can identify gemstones and their grades but that skill doesn't make him an appraiser.  And just because someone sells jewelry or repairs watches doesn't mean they, too, are qualified to appraise.

Becoming a professional

If you want to be able to perform reliable antique jewelry appraisals, you'll have to learn the trade.  Contrary to what most people believe, the jewelry business isn't exclusive and you can, in fact, learn what other jewelers and appraisers know. 

You can also start by doing research on the makes and styles of jewelry during specific periods to help you identify your antique jewelry in case you don’t have the proper papers.

Useful Tips for Buying an Antique Boat

Got your heart set on buying an antique boat?  Here are some tips to help you find a piece that's not only beautiful but also good enough to sail:

Decide on the boat you want.

Antique boats come in all shapes and sizes, including kayaks, rafts, canoes, sailboats, etc.  Choose which type of boat you want to buy so you can narrow down your choice. 

There's nothing stopping you from buying any kind of antique boat that suits your fancy, but knowing what types are available will make your search that much easier.

Set your budget.

Buying an antique is almost always expensive, unless you happen to stumble upon a miracle.  But these cases are extremely rare so if you have your eyes set on an antique vessel, be prepared to spend.  Provide some extra cash for the boat's transportation, docking fees and insurance.

Learn to look.

Educate yourself with the necessary information needed to help you identify authentic antique boats.  There are many fake antique sellers out there who could be selling you a very good reproduction for the price of an antique. 

Learn from antique collectors, read books, magazines and other references and go to auctions, shops and club meetings.  The more you expose yourself, the more you'll learn.

Know your boat.

There are antique boats constructed with plywood, such as those that were made in 1918, that were either paneled or molded.  You can also get an antique boat made with canvas.  This type involves smaller-sized vessels covered with primed canvas, making it easy to carry and use.

Another type of antique boat you might want to look for are those made from aluminum.  These boats became popular after the war and were often used for fishing.  Other antique boats to look out for are those made from fiberglass and ferrocement.

Be ready to make repairs.

If you're buying a well-maintained antique boat, count your blessings.  You have a perfectly functional but extremely valuable piece of work you can be proud of for years to come.  However, if your purchase is far from perfect, you'll have to spend money on repairs not just to make the boat look good but also to restore it to its former glory. 

Also good to know: if you spent a lot of money on restoration because you want to sell your boat later, make sure that there really is a market for it.  Classic boats are often priced lower than what you have to spend for them, so it pays to be careful.

Practical Tips for Buying an Authentic Antique Table

Having an authentic antique table adds a lot of character to a room.  Ask any antique collector and they'll tell you that they treat collecting antique tables and furniture almost like a religion. 

The quest for the perfect piece alone can take them months, even years to accomplish and can even induce them to travel. 

So now that you want a piece of that magic yourself, how do you start? 

Better, yet, how do you know it's authentic

Antiques should be incorporated into your home.

Don’t buy an antique table just because it's old.  You might have a problem trying to match it with other items in your home or vice versa.  An antique table can be a very effective focal point but it should never stick out like a sore thumb.  That just destroys its purpose.

So when you go out to buy an antique table, think about what you want, what effect you want to achieve and whether or not the table will work with the particular room or area you intend to place it in. 

Victorian?  Art Deco?  18th Century American?  The choice is up to you.

Come armed to the teeth.

Antiques cost a lot of money and if you must buy an antique table, better make sure it's worth every cent.  Before you go out antique hunting, learn a few things about antiques. 

Find out what specific styles and looks are prevalent for certain periods, how to check for authenticity, how to verify history and basically just know whether it's a fine reproduction or if it's authentic.  If you need to ask someone for guidance, do so.

Next, learn the tools of the trade.  Seasoned antique hunters often bring levels, measuring tapes, pins, magnifying glasses and references with them when they go out to find a hidden treasure.  You should be able to make an informed decision about your purchase so you don’t end up looking like a fool armed with nothing but his money.

Learn to recognize value.

An antique table's value is based on its condition, history and rarity.  The older and well-kept it is, the higher its value.  There are also certain pieces that are sometimes valued higher than others, only because it is extremely rare.

Ask for advice.

If you're new to the antique hunting club, don’t be shy about asking an expert's opinion.  They will be able to help you spot a fake, a reproduction or just simply a bad buy.  Subscribe to trade publications and visit antique shops often, if only to window shop. 

Buying an antique table takes some skills and these are definitely not the kind you can learn overnight.

How to Catch Fake Antique Sellers and Protect Yourself

So you've decided to buy antiques and want to be sure that whatever it is you have set your heart on is the real thing.  Or maybe you've been burned by a fake antique seller before and have never forgiven yourself for not knowing how to spot a bogus item from an authentic piece. 

If you want to know how to spot a fake antique and its seller, here are some things that you need to know.

Know how to play the game.

You know why seasoned poker players are difficult to fool?  It's because they know the game.  You can't pull a fast one on these guys simply because they can read the game like the back of their hands and can smell a bad trick from a mile away. 

If you must know how to catch fake antique sellers, you must know how to spot a fake antique.  It's that simple.  Now the real work begins.

Study.

Unless you have the uncanny ability to read people's minds, there is no way you can catch a fake antique seller without a little research.  Get books, magazines and antiques price guides.  Spend time looking at photographs and learn what types of logos, symbols, water marks and other indications are associated with real antiques.

Read on everything you can about craftsmanship, different materials, period styles, style variations and distinguishing characteristics that mark real antiques.  Find out about manufacturing methods.  Remember, the trick is to know the game in order to play it.

Expose yourself.

Go out and visit reliable shops that sell antiques to see for yourself what the real thing looks like.  Go to flea markets, visit old homes and museums, attend auctions and antique fairs and take a look at the pieces to learn how they are valued and what makes them highly coveted.

Once you've seen the genuine article, meet the fakes.  Go to stores that sell reproductions (yes, it's perfectly legal) and study their similarities and differences from the real antiques.  Some reproductions exhibit glaring discrepancies but there are those that are so cleverly reproduced only an expert can spot them.

If the story is too tall to be true…

Some fake antique sellers will try to appeal to your emotions by telling you a story of an old lady or a great-great grandfather from someplace just to sell you their wares.  Don’t take these stories to heart.

Sometimes, though, the story can be half-true.  Some dealers disassemble antique furniture and replace some parts with newer materials.  Learn to take a good look at items because if there's a pair of eyes you can trust, it's yours.

Collecting Antique Gold

Gold is an alluring jewelry that can catch the attention of anyone. Antique gold jewelry is an even better choice if you want to cherish valuable treasures. This is why you must know how to collect antique gold to find the right pieces.

Collecting antique gold will definitely give you pleasure but it is more cherished because of it's historic value. If you are lucky enough, you may get some antique gold that are considered relics.

Antique Gold Jewelry

When you seek for antique gold jewelry, it means to aim for the old-fashioned jewelry. To be able to call it antique, it must be at least 75 years old, something that has been passed on for many generations. There are even antique gold items found that are claimed to date back as early as 3000 B.C.

There is so much value in a single piece of antique gold. If you do venture into collecting this precious item, be sure to know how to collect antique gold properly. Don't be a victim of false items.

How to Collect Antique Gold

If you want to know how to collect antique gold, then take into account the points provided below.

1.            Places to Go

There are jewelry stores that specialize in selling antique gold jewelry. Antique shops can also give you a good choice. This is one step on how to collect antique gold. Some public and private auctions can also bid on antique gold items. Just be cautious of shops that will only deceive you. Take the other factors to detect a real item. 

2.            Purity of Gold

Be aware of the purity of gold. This tells you the value of the antique gold. This is expressed in carats. A carat is an expression in the 24th part. The carat digits will indicate the portion of the gold contained. The difference of the digit with 24 will tell the portion of the hardening metal.

3.            Gold Restoration

Some gold antiques eventually become dull. You can have the shine restored by polishing it using chamois leather. There are also antique gold items that will need repair and restoration. Leave the job to a skilled goldsmith.

4.            Cleaning the Antique Gold

Once you have your antique gold items, be sure to maintain them properly. Keep them in a safe place. Wash the antique gold using warm water. Polish it by using a soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the item.

Conclusion

There are many ways to how to collect antique gold. Just be cautious that you get authentic antique gold pieces for your collection. You will surely cherish this special treasure.

Antique Postcards to Collect

Antique postcards aren't ordinary postcards. Through the years, collecting antique postcards gained considerable popularity among collectors because of the special characteristics you can find on a single antique postcard.

A postcard in its own serves its purpose to convey a message from the sender to the receiver. It can convey a simple greeting, display a view, illustrate an art or serve as a remembrance of a historical event.

Antique postcards are postcards that have been around for at least 50 years. There is much value given to the memories and historical events possessed by the old postcard. These are reasons why it is a good venture to learn how to collect antique postcards.

How to Collect Antique Postcards

1. Growing Your Collection

The first step in knowing how to collect antique postcards is to have your own set. You can start rummaging your attic for old postcards that your grandparents kept. It is possible to find ones sent earlier than the 1950. Visit an antique shop and see if you can buy some. Ask friends and relatives if they can have any old postcards.

2. Displaying the Antique Postcards

A collector will also want to know how to display the antique postcards they collect. Be sure to keep the items from being damaged. Find an album that will keep harmful chemicals in the environment from damaging the antique postcards.

3. Choosing the Right Album

Choose an album that will has sufficient space for the postcards. This will keep the antique postcards from getting creased or torn. It should be stiff and durable enough to protect the items.

Be sure also that the plastic covering doesn't contain additives that can produce acidic oil. Polyester, polyethylene and triacetate are good choices to ensure that postcards are free from compounds that will cause discoloration of the cards.

4. Changing the Storage Material

It is good to change the storage materials you use every 20 years at the most. This is the key to keep harmful elements to build up in the environment of the antique postcards.

5. Climate and Temperature Changes

Climate and temperature also play a big role in maintaining the antique postcards you collect. Keep a watch on these factors. Excessively high temperature and humidity contribute to the immediate deterioration of the items. Find cool storage for your antique postcards.

Conclusion

There are proper ways on how to collect antique postcards. These will help you in ensuring that you get your favorite antique postcards.

Great Finds: The Authentic Antique Silverware

One of the greatest pieces that antique collectors take delight on is collectible silverware. Antique silverware serves more than just the usual show and display. Antique silverware possesses both practicality and elegance.

There is beauty in the delicate materials of the silverware and promise in being able to use them when hosting a fine dinner.If you do decide to start your own vintage silverware collection, be sure that you only take hold of the real items.

Know how to find authentic antique silverware for your collection. Thus, it is helpful to know something about antique silverware when buying your precious items.

How to Find Authentic Antique Silverware

Here are a number of things to keep in mind to access the authentic antique silverware pieces on the market.

1.            Sterling Silverware

It is very fortunate if you find sterling silverware. This used to be the indicia of wealth in the earlier times in England and Europe. These items are very rare. Be wary that the authentic types are marked only with the name of the maker.

There are silverware pieces with silver plating. This is the more affordable type and you are most likely to find them.

2.            Pattern Types

It is best to choose your authentic antique silverware among pattern types. There are hundreds of styles, patterns and designs made. To be sure of the authenticity, be aware of the maker of the flatware.

That maker will have a particular pattern or style under its name. If the pattern coincides well with the maker, then it is most likely an authentic.

3.            Appearance of the Silverware

When you go looking at antique shops for silverware items for your antique collection, you will find all sorts of pieces. Some of these items look good to your eyes, but be aware if the piece is repaired.

Repairs may retain the appearance of the silverware but this will reduce the value. Be careful also of some appearances. Some silverware pieces may be altered by the seller to make them look rare.

4.            Educate Yourself

It pays to know essential facts about antique silverware items. Read books about silverware and get to know the many characteristics that make the antique silverware. This will also introduce you to the history of these items.

Conclusion

These are the ways that will help you find the authentic antique silverware pieces. Be sure to take these into account when you scout for the items to add to your collection.

Helpful Tips to Know the Authenticity of an Antique Item

Collecting precious items is a good hobby. This reflects the things that a collector values. This can also challenge a person to be persevering and dedicated to be able to accomplish the endeavor. This can also get more challenging if one ventures into collecting antique items.

There are all sorts of antique items that you can choose to collect. There are antique pieces of jewelry that can definitely be a valuable treasure. Antique silverware, postcards, books magazines are also precious items to the eyes of an avid collector.

Of course, if you do venture in the task of collecting antique items, it is very crucial that you know how to find the right items for your collection. You will be visiting antique stores, flea markets, garage sales and auctions to find old stuff.

However, the more important question to consider is on how to know the authenticity of an antique item. This will ensure that you have a genuine collection of antique items.

How to Know the Authenticity of an Antique Item

There are some helpful tips that you can keep in mind to make a good buy. These will help you on how to know the authenticity of an antique item.

1.            Consider the Age

To be an antique, your item must be really old. It is something that must have gone through generations. Generally it should be at least 50 years old, but considerations may further depend on the kind of antiques you are collecting. Magazines and postcards before 1950 are considered antique while antique gold must be at least 75 years old.

2.            Read On

Read more about the item you are collecting and get to know the rare ones that you must look for. It pays to know the history behind your collection to identify the authentic antique items offered on the market.

3.            Be Cautious of Appearances

You should know how antique items really look. They have distinct characteristics. For example, authentic antique silverware will have certain makers and patterns. Knowing these details will help you in identifying the authentic items against the fake ones.

4.            Consult an Appraiser

You can also ask for tips from an appraiser on how to identify the authentic ones.

Conclusion

Antique collecting will be worth your while. This will definitely prove to be an exciting hobby. It pays to grow a collection of something you really love. You can display it and have your family and friends see your progress and your passion in fulfilling your goal to collect authentic antique items.

How to Look for Antique Books

Antique books are more than just old books. These are precious items that possess high value and worth. These books are the ones that were published long ago, even before the titles became popular and well-circulated.

They also provide a glimpse into past history. Given these considerations, antique books are good investments and very fine possessions.

How to Look for Antique Books

If you feel like starting your own precious collection of antique books, then it is best to keep in mind the points provided here. These steps will help you to learn how to look for antique books properly.

1.            Know Where to Go

Your local library can be your first step to find antique books. The local library holds annual sales where antique dealers may also go. Antique shops, flea markets and garage sales are also good venues to find old books.

Most of the time, households are able to keep old books passed through generations without even knowing that these are of considerable value. You can get the antique books at very cheap prices.

There is also the option to explore the internet community. Most auction sites will lead you to some rare and old books by your favorite authors. This will help you access those antique books. However, the bidding system will surely make you subject to higher prices.

2.            Check the Book Condition

The condition of the book will influence the value of the item. Some books may have torn binding or dog-eared pages. Some pages may have been written on. Some may even be missing.

Be sure to check on these aspects. Evaluate these before buying a book, even if it is antique because they affect the value and desirability of the item.

There are instances when you have to check on the notes written in the book. It may happen to be written by someone famous. This will increase the value. Also, a book signed by the author will be more desirable to your collection.

3.            Research the Value or Consult an Appraisal Dealer

Be sure to research on rare books before buying from an antique shop. This will help you identify books that are good for your collection. You may also want to consult an appraisal dealer for some of the old books you've found at the flea market.

The dealer can indicate the overall value of the old book you found. This way, you will know if you really have a valuable antique book collection at hand.

Conclusion

These are ways to look for antique books. Take these into account and you will surely grow your collection.

Tips on How to Look for Authentic Antique Lamps

If you are a budding collector of antiques, you must know the basic steps in antique-hunting. Experience is one factor when looking for a genuine antique item because it helps you become more familiar and more critical of each piece you are looking for.

Antique pieces such as lamps add style and class to ones home. Authentic antique lamps are hard to find especially if you live in a city that sells reproduction antiques.

You may find it hard to determine which piece is the real deal from the fake especially if you aren't well-versed with finding antiques.

Below are some useful tips to help you in finding authentic antique lamps:

1. Know where to look. If your area has many antique stores, chances are they may be selling both authentic and reproduction antique pieces. If possible, antique shops around your area should be your last resort when looking for antique lamps.

Try looking for antique items in your friends’ and family’s storage or attics because you never know what they might have. Try looking for real deal antique lamps at garage sales and flea markets.

You may also ask other antique collectors if they have particular pieces for sale, and if you are lucky you might find the antique lamp you’ve been looking fo2. Know the difference between antique and vintage. An antique item’s age should be 100 years or older, while a vintage item is from 50 years to less than 100 years.

If you've found an old lamp, make sure to ask for the age of the lamp or look for the manufacturing date. If it is from the 1800's, then you have hit the jackpot.

3. Look for marks, stamped details and dates. When you are looking for an authentic antique lamp, it is important to know when and where it was made. You can't always trust the seller, and don’t always take their word for it.

If you can check the item for any marking, scribbling or any info that will tell you the background of the item, then look for it if you can. Remember that you are paying for the antique lamp you are looking for, so you should be the first to judge if it is worth every dollar.

4. Ask for an expert’s assistance. If you aren't sure of where to look for authentic antique lamps, it is advisable to ask someone with experience to help you in your search. Make sure your expert companion has the reputation and know-how so you’ll get value for your money once you find the antique lamp of your choice.

Tips on How to Care for Antique Clothing

Antique clothing and linens have grown in popularity as collectibles. Turn of the century fabrics may look antique, but the real deal antique clothing and fabrics come from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Early century textiles and fabrics can still be saved and restored with the proper technique and solutions. However, don't attempt on just using everyday fabric detergents and softeners to clean dusty antique fabrics for they can turn brittle and become fragile over the years.

Here are some easy and useful tips to care for antique clothing:

1. Do-it-yourself cleaning and restoration. You can clean and restore your inherited antique clothing if you have the patience and the right tools.

First, don't just stick your antique clothing or fabric in the washing machine. Be gentle with the fabric at all times because the older it is, the more fragile it is.

If the antique clothing is dusty, use a handy vacuum cleaner to suck all the dust and dirt on the surface of the fabric. If there is beadwork, use fine-mesh screen or tulle to prevent loose beads from being sucked away.

Hand wash with natural-based detergents such as Orvus. Common detergents tend to yellow old fabrics because of the chemical reaction. Woolite is also a good substitute.

Rinse your antique clothing thoroughly but gently. Use deionized water instead of regular tap water. Tap water may contain mineral deposits and high PH levels which may damage the antique clothing.

Don't wring the antique clothing. Press the fabric gently on top of a flat surface or squeeze gently to remove most of the water. Don't dry in a dryer or under direct sunlight. Let the excess water drip from the antique clothing while it is hanging to dry.

If you wish to iron your antique clothing, use parchment paper in between the iron and the fabric to prevent the fabric from getting burned. Use a lower temperature when ironing directly on to the fabric, but you need to be extra careful when doing so especially with very old antique clothing.

When storing your newly cleaned antique clothing, use parchment paper or clean white paper to wrap your fabrics before placing them in the cabinet. Wrapping your antique clothing before keeping them will prevent dirt and dust from accumulating.

2. Let the professionals do it. You may seek the help of museum restoration professionals to check on your antique clothing. You can also ask your local antique shop or needlework shop to recommend someone who knows how to restore antique clothing and textiles.

Where to Shop for Antique Cameras

Collecting antique and vintage cameras is a form of passion for collectors. Finding the right place to shop for antique cameras seems to be hard these days, because of the scarcity of authentic classic antique cameras.

If you are internet savvy and you've just found a new hobby of collecting antique cameras, the internet isn't the best venue to shop. Though there are legitimate sellers on eBay and other online shops, it is still best to look for land-based establishments.

You never know the authenticity of the item until you have it, so it is advisable to go and look for the antique camera personally.

A good place to start looking for antique cameras is at a flea market. Here you can check on the item and ask for good deals.

Ask the seller about the antique camera’s history and ask for a demo if it is working. If you are looking for an antique camera for the sole purpose of displaying it with your other collection, you can ask the seller for a discount.

Another place to go to is an antique show. Check with the coordinator if they have antique cameras for sale and if they are offering special deals.

Garage and estate sales are also good places to look for antique cameras. You'll never know who has a collection of antique pieces until you hear they have a garage sale, so try to check them out.

Check newspaper classifieds for sales and auctions. Narrow your search by checking on upcoming antique sales and auctions especially in your area. It is a great way to meet other collectors and find wonderful antique pieces.

Try to check your local thrift stores too. You never know until you ask the friendly store clerk. Sometimes, even if you don't find an item in a thrift store, you can always ask the manager to recommend someone they might know.

Or you can meet people who have the same interest as you, and from there you can start your antique camera-hunting with your newfound pals who can also give you tips on collecting and purchasing antiques.

Look for photo swaps and photo shows in your local area. Ask the coordinator for any antique camera sales or swaps with other collectors and enthusiasts. Though these events don't happen often these days, try to take your chance once you’ve heard of an announcement.

Lastly, check your local antique dealer for any classic cameras on sale. Prices at an antique dealer’s shop are usually high, but if you have established a loyalty with them, you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.

How to be a Smart Antique Cookie Jar Collector

Cookie jars have found their way into America as one of the favorite collectible items. Thanks to the British, we now know of this functional but collectible item.

Collecting antique cookie jars is another fad. For people who love to collect antique cookie jars, having too many isn’t enough. Buying antique cookie jars sounds easy, but buying smart is another thing.

If you are a budding antique cookie jar collector, you’ll find it difficult to purchase a real find if you haven’t done your homework. Here are some tips to help you buy and store the smart way:

1. For a newbie antique jar collector, it is wise to ask for an expert opinion. You can also join groups or clubs of the same interest like the American Cookie Jar Association where you can find useful tips and updates from their newsletters.

2. Equip yourself with the know-how. Do your homework before going to a flea market or before purchasing that $150 antique cookie jar online. It is best to have enough knowledge and skill in identifying the genuine item from a fake. Ask an experienced antique cookie jar collector for advice.

You’ll never know which is which until you have the know-how. You can purchase books about pottery and cookie jars to start with. Do some research about antique cookie jar reproductions to help you determine the real from the fake.

3. Invest on “investment-worth” antique cookie jars. Collecting the finest or rarest antique cookie jars is surely a huge investment especially if you have more than 10 pieces in your collection.

You should know when and where to get the best antique cookie jar pieces, and if the price is worthy of its appearance and condition. If you have done your homework, you can always hit the jackpot in return.

4. Beware of online purchases. If you love online shops and auctions be careful because it isn't the best place to buy antique cookie jars. There’s always a huge risk when doing so because you never know the real condition of the item until you open the box it was shipped in.

If you can avoid buying online, do it, because there is a big difference in buying from a reputable antique shop than someone who advertises online.

5. Know where to keep your precious collection. Make sure your antique cookie jars are kept safe in a cupboard. If you love to showcase your collection, you should have a durable glass cabinet to keep and display them.

6. Do periodic checking and cleaning of your antique cookie jars. You may also take inventory while you’re at it.

Antique Furniture Collector Tips: Setting a Theme

Antique Furniture collections are rewarding because you gain works of art that are both beautiful AND functional. Unlike collecting vases, tools, portraits, and similar antiques, furniture makes for an equally impressive showroom but at the same time can actually be used for day to day activities. If you prefer to use them for purely show purposes that's fine too.

One of the best things about antique furniture, however, is that you can use it to actually set the mood for your antique showrooms. This is especially true if you collect other antique household items aside from furniture.

To that end, you can set a theme for your antique collections. For example, if you're fond of the victorian era you can buy an antique four poster bed, coffee table, and cabinets.

THEN you can ramp up the collection by adding antique books published during that era for the shelf, old porcelain cups and saucers for the coffee table, silverware, and other similar items.

Setting a theme like this is a good way to channel your hobby, as it will separate your showroom from the average collector's. Regular antique collector's showrooms often wind up looking like a shop, with items displayed like they're at an art gallery or museum. By setting a theme for your work, people who enter your showroom will wind up feeling like they've been transported to another time and place.

As I said earlier, the backbone of a theme showroom is the furniture. The very act of doing research for a theme can also be a pleasure in itself, as you will start off by finding out more about that time and place, then moving on to the culture and lifestyle of the people.

After this initial research, then you move on to find out what furniture was often used in certain rooms, and in what combinations they were found.

After determining the furniture then you can move on to the other accessories that can make your theme come alive, so you'll probably wind up looking for antique dining ware, weapons and weapon racks for the walls, antique rugs to set near the couches, brass bookends for the shelves... the possibilities are endless and can provide you with months of pleasure as you scout around for everything you'll need.

So if you collect antique furniture but want to add an extra element to your hobby, you can't go wrong by setting a showroom theme!

Locating Antique Garden Tools

Gardening tools are a branch of antique collecting that has a small but loyal following. Due to it's relative obscurity compared to collecting other types of antiques as a hobby, finding good pieces to add to your collection can be a bit trickier. Here are some of the common places you can browse to find good antique garden tools.

Specialty Auctions - people who head for regular antique auctions will often find "common" collectible antiques, and only rarely will they find something like an antique garden tool. Don't write off antique auction houses as an option, however.

Some auction groups host regular specialty options, offering items from an off the wall category. An Antique Tools auction, for example, would be a good place to scout for old gardening tools.

"Finder" Antique Shops - antique shops in general are a good place to browse and find antique gardening tools. Just like a regualr auction, however, your choices will be limited to whatever stock they have on hand.

Smaller scale antique shop owners, however, usually offer their personal services to track down a certain antique for their customers. Larger and more commercialized antique shops rarely offer this service any more, so your best bet is to dig around for one of those privately run shops where the owners themselves are also collectors.

Online Antique Providers - this option is a bit of a gamble, but can pay off well if you find a reliable source. Online marketing is all the rage these days, and the advantage of the internet is that you can narrow your search engine's parameters to locate specific items you want.

The biggest problem with this is that you can't physically inspect the goods you see, and thus run the risk of getting scammed. Which brings us to the fourth option...

Antique Collector Forums - alongside online shopping, you should browse forums of other antique gardenin tool collectors. From this option you can contact fellow enthusiasts who may be able to give you some solid leads for finding authentic antiques.

Additionally, they can also help you verify the reliability of online shops offering antiques for sale, particularly if they've got any good deals - or rip offs - from a certain online shop.

Foreign Bazaars - this is the best option if you happen to be a shopaholic and like to travel. Being able to merge your hobbies together is always satisfying, and taking a trip to a foreign country to visit their bazaars and find antiques can be a very rewarding experience on many levels.

Where to Buy Antique Quilts

Antique Quilts are attractive to the eye because of the intricate stitches and the colorful fabrics. These qualities capture onlooker’s attention, some of them are even collectors. Therefore, it only makes sense that there are places where one can buy antique quilts.

By combining ancient traditions of patchwork and quilting, antique quilts have become quite popular to the modern day consumer. Some get one and reserve it in their family treasure, giving it as an heirloom to their children.

Because of these, stores selling antique quilts are given the assurance that they will always have customers who can enjoy their products.

Check out the nearby bargain stores in your area. Sure enough, they have quilts for sale. Oftentimes, these bargain stores have antique quilts on display, making it easier for you to know which particular store you can find what you are looking for.

Whether the quilt is for you to use in your home or to give as a present to a friend, these stores have a variety of designs you can choose from.

They are quite careful in presenting their quilts because artificial light and sunlight can cause the fabric to fade. Therefore, the rooms where these stores put the quilts they sell must have low light levels.

Go to a store that has this kind of lighting. You will be sure that the quilts they are selling don't have faded fabrics.

If you are thinking of hanging the quilt that you buy in your home, then display it for six months. If you have another quilt, then you can rotate them one after the other so that fading fabric won’t be a problem you’ll face.

You can do what stores do with the quilts they sell. They distribute the quilt’s weight over its total width in order to prevent damages from occurring. They also sew four inches of wide tube on the fabric or the sleeve of the quilt.

They stitch each inch together and take care to sew into the layers of the whole quilt. Then they attach it on the wall of their stores for display. This is done without damaging the fabric.

How the store takes care of the antique quilts they sell says something about the product. Since you are in the market to get an antique, you might as well get one that has been cared for.

Antique Wall Clocks are In

Lately, it seems that people are going back to the traditional and the antique. More and more people are on the look-out for authentic and antique wall clocks. They shouldn't have a hard time doing so because there are tons of stores selling what they are after.

You can buy them online or you can go to your nearest furniture store. There are antique wall clocks of variable designs for you to choose from. In fact, some stores even provide the service of restoring antique wall clocks.

The easiest way for you to get the clock that you’ve been wanting is through the internet. There are countless sites out there on the World Wide Web that have antique clock onlookers and buyer lined up for that timekeeper’s find.

Don't be too overwhelmed when shopping for the authentic antique clock online. You can compare prices by browsing through one site then another. These sites also have pictures of the clock for the buyer to have a clearer picture of what the item looks like.

However, most items are second hand. When you are checking them online, it is hard to determine if it is still in mint condition. Of course, pictures won’t show that the clock you are eyeing with minor scratches and chips.

That is why some clock collectors find it more convenient to just go to the stores and see the item up close.

Here are secrets to buying the antique wall clock which best reflects your style. You have to know what kind it is. For example, there are the automaton clocks which come with moving parts and mechanical figures. There are bracket clocks that have pendulums which are usually positioned on shelves and mantles.

Some go for carriage clocks, cartel clocks and chronometers. These are all dated in the 19th, 18th and 17th century respectively and hailing from Europe. There are dial clocks, four glass, lantern clocks and longcase clocks which can either be used in the household or in the office.

The point is a consumer must know what kind of antique clock he is looking for before he goes online and compares prices or goes to the nearest store and gets one. He or she must get the antique clock that best reflects his or her personality.

And most importantly, the clock should be in mint condition and worth every cent.

Collectors’ Dilemma: When is an Item an Artifact and an Antique?

Collecting different types of objects is truly an inspiring and amusing hobby. That is because there is so much value that can be found from old items that can be acquired to expand the collectors’ portfolio.

The art of collecting objects is based on the basic assumption and fact that an item will get higher in value as time goes by. That is why a coin that can be dated way back in the 1700s will definitely be worth more than its face value today.

Paintings done by famous painters like da Vinci and Michaelangelo can be prized like fortunes nowadays not just because they are so beautiful, but because of the historical value. Porcelains that can be dated from thousands of years ago from ancient China are very expensive when sold on the market nowadays.

Collectors collect items in hope that someday, the objects will be prized more than their current face value. For some, the collection is just an expression of interest to one particular type of object.

For example, comic books are collected not because collectors hope that the items will be worth more than they are now but in the future.