Tips in antique collecting

Antique collecting is one of those hobbies that require a lot of attention. This is because the details of the antique items will determine its value in the present as well as in the future.

If you are just starting with antique collecting, it is a must that you familiarize yourself with all the things about antiques. You should be very well aware about the antique trade including where to buy unique pieces, how to look for fakes, basic terms that are used by the seller or the vendor, and the best time to buy antiques.

But, among other things, are how to spot the real ones from the fake. This is very important because it won't just save you money but also time and effort.

If you are a beginner in antique collecting, make sure that you learn to differentiate the fake ones from the real ones by category.
In wooden antique furniture, real ones are those that bear signs of age like shrinks, cracks, and warps, slightly jagged edges, not symmetrical shapes, unequally widths and sizes, inaccurate sizes of each piece, shrunk inlays, and very thin filming when it comes to the mirrors.

You will know that the furniture isn't real if the construction is too accurate. (REMINDER: One of the easiest ways to spot a fake when it comes to furniture is that it was made after 1860.) Others hints include drawers that fit too perfectly, a polished finish, long screws and fasteners, and more popular types of wood such as walnut or mahogany.

When it comes to glass items, take note of the length and width the glass. Real ones are those that are thick and blurry while the restored ones may be a bit thinner and clearer. For cloth items, it is best to seek the assistance of a textile expert because it can be hard for an ordinary person to gauge the age of a certain fabric. In pottery, real items can be hard to find because they can easily be reproduced. But you can still find original pieces by using history books as references.

When it comes to antique collecting, being knowledgeable is the basic investment you need. It is always best to educate yourself about antiques to avoid acquiring fake items. If you are knowledgeable about antiques, you can also benefit from it by sharing it with your fellow antique collectors.