It is generally considered within the UK that to qualify as an antique an item has to be at least fifty years old, however, some antique collectors and dealers will not consider anything as a true antique unless it is at least one hundred years old.
Although antiques are defined predominantly by their age there is an increasing fashion trend for furniture designs from the 1960s and 70s to be included and defined as antiques. These items also command very high prices and include all aspects of these eras such as clothing, furniture, jewellery and chinaware. Many antique collectors prefer to call articles from these eras as memorabilia rather than antiques.
Antiques from around the world are highly sought after and in general terms the older the piece the more highly sought after and valued it becomes. The condition of the article is also taken into serious consideration as to an antique’s worth and value, however, it should be realised that anything which has survived through the passages of time will inevitably have signs of wear or damage.
Most antique collectors and dealers will collect specific articles or articles made by specific people, examples of this practice can be found within all areas of antique collecting such as collectors who seek Clarris Cliffe items or Lalique glassware and will travel hundreds of miles to obtain the rarest items.
Many people who adore antiques and chose to buy antique furniture and home furnishing items can find a whole host of very reasonable in good condition and affordable pieces from antique shops and auction houses, it is even possible to buy some pieces from places such as eBay, however, they need to be aware that there are many reproductions which are claimed to be a authentic and genuine articles are in fact reproduction or fakes. It should also be noted that unless the seller is out to deliberately deceive by making false claims it is not illegal in the UK to make and sell reproduction articles as long as the buyer is informed, it is a case of studying and looking for tell tale signs that the article is not as old as the claims. Simple checks can be made which will give an indication as to the authenticity of an item, for example with antique furniture the overall patina of the wood should show signs of age and by simply looking at the joints and types of nails or tacks used it is possible to quite accurately determine whether the item is genuine or not.