It’s always exciting to find out an old antique that has been in your family forever, or that you just purchased for next to nothing, is actually a rare item worth a high price. Since one can never assume an antique’s value upfront, there are several steps you should take to find out the real worth of what you have. Learn the signs you have a valuable antique by reading below.
The Item Is Rare
If the item’s something you’ve never seen anywhere else, there’s a good chance you might have something rare. Check how many of the item were made in the first place. Old pieces that were only made in a very limited number tend to be very sought after. Another aspect that will make something rare is if there are very few still in existence. Items that were at risk of being easily damaged may not have had a large number last throughout time. You should also check if what you have is in the color, design, shape, size, or some sort of variant that is unlike most that are seen.
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It Holds Aesthetic Value
Many items, especially antiques, can have an increase in value due to their aesthetic qualities. Numerous antiques and collectibles are in high demand because of their beauty. Items such as wood-carved furniture, colorful glassware, and fine china can increase in value due to the popularity centered around their look, especially if they’ve been well-taken care of and are in pristine condition.
The Antique Is Desirable
This refers to the level of demand the item generates on the current market. You might have a very old item such as a glass lamp that’s in great condition. But, if there isn’t a demand for the item, it’s unlikely to sell at a very high price. The desirability of an item can fluctuate over time, so it’s always good to check online and see what prices people are able to sell the same item for periodically. Even if an antique is considered to be worth a certain price, you still have to find someone willing to pay that much for it.
Your Antique Is an Authentic Original
When wanting to know the signs you have a valuable antique, the last thing to consider is if it can be authenticated as an original. This means, if it’s a valuable, original piece, it was made during a specific time period. Many antiques can turn out to be fake, meaning it was not made at the time the originals were constructed. Buying an antique without checking if it’s been authenticated is one of the common antique collecting mistakes. The last thing you want is to pay the price for an original piece and find out you were duped. Check for details like a maker’s mark and the type of materials it’s made from to ensure authentication.
