How To Collect And Preserve Antiques: A Useful Guide For Beginners
Whether you desire to collect antiques for profit-making, pleasure, or a little bit of both, this guide for beginners will help you get going!
Collecting antiques does not necessarily have to be expensive or feel intimidating. If you are a novice collector who wants to try a new hobby or simply wishes to add a splash of art and history to your space with an elite antique collection, the guide below can help you.
Track auctions
Renowned auction houses are the best and safest places to purchase antiques because they are published and vetted. Popular institutions like Sotheby’s, Pundole’s, Christie’s, AstaGuru, and Saffronart cater some of the greatest sales each year.
Purchase from a tested and recognized source
Authentic antique items must have a stamp from an expert. You may scour for antiques at flea markets and antique markets but always purchase from a reputable and authentic dealer or gallery. The reputation of the gallery and its provenance is important if you want to avoid getting fooled.
Identify which antique items are unsafe to collect.
It is crucial to determine what items you want to collect and learn what items are unsafe to collect. Some types of antique goods are considered illegal to sell or purchase, so it is best to stay away from such shady transactions. A few examples of illegal antique items include ivory (or items made of ivory), eagle feathers, Native American artifacts, and more. The legality of the item depends largely on its place of origin and where it is coming from; hence, as a beginner, it is best to avoid such goods.
Learn to identify a fake item
If you want to collect antique pieces that people often forge and reproduce, like highly coveted coins or pottery, it is vital to learn how to identify a fake piece. The identification procedure may vary based on the item. For example, if you collect antique Depression glass, make some time to acquire knowledge about specific pieces and how they are faked by manufacturers. In general, any item that appears too new or carries the impression of modern manufacturing is likely a fake reproduction.
Focus on the systematic organization of antiques to allow easy retrieval
After having assessed the pieces making up your collection, look for a storage unit that can fulfill the preservation needs of the home décor items, furniture, and other keepsakes. Move all your vintage pieces into the storage and maintain an inventory to record precisely what items you have stored there. You may also use shelves for more vertical space, and remember to put labels on the boxes to optimize your storage setting.
Finally, remember to have fun while building your collection!
