| When you buy antique furniture, you should be aware | | | | many collectors will purchase an item and then re-sell it |
| that these pieces are objects that belonged to a | | | | if they find another that they prefer more...and so the |
| previous period of history and there's a great many of | | | | quest continues for them. |
| them that are valued for their craftsmanship, artfulness, | | | | These pieces are important objects of past periods |
| rarity and age. The term antique originates from the | | | | and, therefore they help historians and archaeologists |
| Latin word "antiquus", meaning "old" or "ancient". | | | | understand those periods of history. All of these pieces |
| Experts and collectors use different components | | | | have certain values, due to the fact that they are |
| when analyzing them,, but the most common thing they | | | | objects representative of the past. Moreover, some of |
| look at is the piece's age. For any piece to be of value, | | | | them are considered priceless because they are |
| it must be at least one hundred years old to even be | | | | important reminders of the history of a specific place in |
| considered antique by the specialists. | | | | a specific time and, these are acquired, and displayed |
| There are others who consider a hundred years just | | | | to the public, by museums. Others can be bought in |
| not old enough when compared to a piece that's three | | | | antique shops for the pleasure of and use by |
| hundred years old and, what's considered old in one | | | | collectors. Many of these pieces are also considered |
| country (like the US) may not be old to someone in | | | | heirlooms and, therefore priceless to their owners. |
| another country (like China). Not only does qualifying an | | | | The value of any piece can greatly depends on it's |
| antique piece vary from one person to another, it also | | | | age, designer or maker, how many like-kind items are |
| varies from location to location. | | | | available in the market, the condition of the item, and |
| In addition to a piece's age, there are some specialists | | | | the amount that collectors are willing to pay for it. |
| who would only consider a piece antique if it is of the | | | | Appraisal is a process for determining the value of |
| highest quality and rarity, a one of a kind item. | | | | antique pieces and is important to every collector. |
| The art of antique furniture collection involves the | | | | Finding a qualified antique appraiser, before you buy |
| process of shopping, identifying, negotiating, bargaining | | | | antique furniture, requires meticulous research as |
| and buying these objects. Antique furniture pieces may | | | | antique appraisers have different specializations. An |
| encompass tables, chairs, desks, or commodes and | | | | appraiser whose specialty is antique silver may not be |
| armoires, among others; other pieces such as clocks, | | | | able to provide valuable details on antique furniture. |
| chandeliers. mirrors, etc are also highly desired and | | | | It is also important to keep in mind, when you buy |
| considered collectible antique accessories, as well. | | | | antique furniture, that some pieces can be in need of |
| Antique furniture is one of the most desirable collectors | | | | professional restoration, while others are more valuable |
| items because of its practical uses. | | | | just as they are. A professional antique restorer or |
| Each collector has their own preferences, interests, | | | | conservator can provide you with expert help in |
| likes and passions...some prefer a certain period, style, | | | | determining what a piece may need in essential |
| wood, etc. They are known to spend a great deal of | | | | restoration that will add more value and restore it to its |
| time and money acquiring a piece to add to their | | | | original appearance and function. |
| collection. This can be a very expensive hobby and so, | | | | |