In order to qualify as an antique in the Untied States an item has to been at least one hundred years old and also have some historic or artistic value and interest. Buying authentic antiques requires in depth historical knowledge of the type of antique such as furniture, paintings or jewellery, particularly as rare and unusual pieces can demand very high prices.

 

Due to the vast amounts of potential or actual money which antiques can be brought and sold for there are many unscrupulous people who try and imitate and replicate antiques and try and sell these fakes as a genuine and authentic articles. The trend of forging antiques has been occurring for many hundreds of years, to such an extent that good legitimate imitations and reproductions can themselves command high prices.

 

Typically the older the antique and the better the condition the more they are valued and prized. American furniture from one of the thirteen colonies on the east coast before the revolutionary war are highly sought after and command extremely high prices. Any discernable antique collector will endeavour to add pieces from this era in American history to their collection.

 

Although furniture which is antique usually generates interest at the auction houses, furniture which was made by famous cabinet makers are more highly sought after. For example Chippendale furniture from England which is in excellent condition can fetch thousands of dollars.

 

Antique collectors and dealers will also look for articles which are in good condition and not been altered or tampered with, very old pieces which have inevitably become damaged or broken over the years will need to have been repaired and restored in a sympathetic manner in order for them to still be valuable.

 

One of the most common mistakes people make when buying antiques is to try and restore or clean them without giving consideration and care in the techniques they use. In the case of furniture one of the worst and most common errors people make is to try and remove the patina and wear which has accumulated over hundreds of years. This habit does not only devalue the antique but typically causes more damage. Restorations and repairs should be carried out by experienced and professional craftsmen and women and this should only be done when absolutely necessary.

 

Antique collectors and dealers generally specialise in one or possibly two areas of items, as such auction houses catalogue articles according to which area they fall into, this makes it far easier for the expert antique collectors to focus their attentions on their chosen specialized areas. 

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