People who would like to start investing in antiquities often ask our experts at what antiques are worth money. It is so common that we thought it would be a great time to share some industry wisdom with fellow New Englanders. So, here is what you should know about antiques. If you have your eye on a piece now, you can always call us to receive an accurate appraisal.
What Antiques Are On-Trend In 2021?
Experts will tell you that antique trends change often depending on marketplace interest. In 2021, buyers are showing keen interest in old-style furniture, antique décor, mid-century home goods, ironstone, and vintage kitchenware. While on-trend, the industry has collectors who are looking for diverse antiques, so appraisers can help you figure out what something is worth and where to acquire it.
Here Is a List of Antiques That Collectors Routinely Buy and Sell:
- Artwork
- Jewelry
- Fine Art
- Clothing
- Firearms
- Porcelain
- Classic Cars
- Memorabilia
- Novelty Items
- Antique Home Décor
- Baseball Cards, Stamps & Coin Collections
- Ornamental or Intricately Designed Home Furnishings
- Musical Instruments, Vinyl Records & Artist Memorabilia
What Is the Difference Between Antique and Vintage?
An antique is a piece that was made more than a century ago. Vintage pieces are dated between two and nine decades and usually have significance to the people who lived during the production period.
How Can You Tell If an Antique Is Real?
Antiques are highly sought after, so it is foreseeable that the antique market is filled with reproductions. A buyer should expect to see some signs of aging on dated pieces. If you do not see any, ask for an appraisal report to authenticate an antique’s mint condition grade. If buying furniture, there are telltale signs a buyer should look for, including structural imperfections, material usage, and design aesthetics.
As a cautionary rule of thumb, in any community where antiques are bought and sold, a collector should expect to meet a few scammers along the way. A buyer should also understand industry lingo because a lack of knowledge can lead to overpaying for an antique. Pieces that have been refinished will not retain the same value as an original. This is generally why collectors choose to work with antique evaluators.
Common antique industry scams (other than the marketing of reproductions as originals) include theft resales, price manipulation, investment fraud, signature forgery, fake antique authenticity, and undervaluing. Scammers rely on the manipulation of buyer behaviors to prey on those who are more susceptible to scams. Without research, it will be difficult to tell an antique’s origins or its actual value.
How Do I Know If an Antique Is Valuable?
Antiques are rated in value, meaning some pieces have a mint condition while others show signs of wear and tear or damage. It is important to remember that antiques can also lose their value, so before you buy or sell, you should work with an appraiser to authenticate collectibles and establish their worth.
For the past two decades, our staff has helped antique buyers and sellers when making financial decisions. Call us at 617-995-0022 or visit us at www.facebook.com/ManziAppraisers/ to learn more.