Antique Collecting

History

People have collected historical books, maps, art, furniture, and metal ware since the Middle Ages, but modern antique collecting is a relatively new hobby. Antiques, objects that are one hundred years old or older, cover many categories. The most common types of antique collections include glassware and crystal, porcelain, pottery, jewelry, toys and dolls, silver, clocks, furniture, firearms, books and manuscripts, ephemera (printed materials of temporary importance, such as ticket stubs), and folk art and oil paintings. Specialized antique collections can encompass hundreds of categories.

In 1876, at the World’s Fair in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thousands of America’s historical relics and industrial exhibits were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition. More than 9 million people saw the collection of items. This exhibit introduced Americans to the idea of collecting items from the past, not only for their historical significance, but for their beauty.

In 1891, Dr. Irving W. Lyon published the first antique reference book, The Colonial Furniture of New England. Dr. Lyon and other collectors in New England began amassing collections of seventeenth-century furniture. New England’s reputation as an antique center was formed.

The early twentieth century brought increased interest in the collection of art, furniture, books, silver and other antiques. Antique stores opened and the first magazine devoted to antiques was published in Boston, Massachusetts. Museums including the Smithsonian in Washington, DC and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City introduced average Americans to antique collections.

It wasn’t until 1930 that the definition of "antique" was formed, when the US Customs Office needed to determine what an antique was for tax purposes. After consulting with many antique dealers, the Customs Office decided that if an item was one hundred years old or older it should be classified as an antique. The Customs Office’s definition is still used by many dealers and collectors today.

Throughout the twentieth century, Americans continued to collect and appreciate antiques. Akin to fashion, trends in antiquing have changed a great deal over the decades.

Online commerce and the television show Antiques Roadshow have contributed to the popularity of antique collecting. Many reference books and mainstream magazines are published to support the hobby. Collectors use antiques in furnishing their homes because of the uniqueness and beauty of the pieces, as well as their popularity and value.

Things to Look For

Generally speaking, antique collectors look at condition, quality, desirability, authenticity, rarity and provenance. Provenance, which is the documented history of the item, can greatly increase the value of an antique.

Most antique dealers will list their piece as mint, excellent or good condition. Mint antiques (antiques in perfect condition) will demand the highest dollar. A very rare antique may bring top dollar regardless of the condition.

When shopping for antiques, a collector should carefully inspect the piece for damage. Chips, scratches, breaks, repairs, and cracks will all affect the value of an antique. Patina, which is a natural finish that develops with age, is very desirable on antiques from silver spoons to furniture.

Collectors should be aware that there are a lot of reproductions and restorations in the antique market. If the price is too low or if something looks too good for its age, it may be a reproduction. Antique pieces are often altered to appear older or more valuable. A good reference book will indicate what characteristics to look for in each field of antiques.

Buying from a reputable dealer or auction house will increase your chances of owning an authentic piece. A reputable dealer will always guarantee the condition, age and authenticity of a piece in writing. An independent appraiser will also be able to evaluate the authenticity of a piece.

Trends

Online auction sites, such as eBay, and peer-to-peer e-commerce sites like Craigslist have changed the field of antique collecting. Regional antiques, which were once limited to a specific geographic area, can be sold worldwide. The availability of antiques on the internet has made antique collecting as a hobby easier than ever before. Software developers have also created mobile apps to guide antiques collectors to stores, estate sales, online auctions, and antique shows; others allow dealers to list items for sale, and facilitate purchases. Still other software helps dealers to rent space, manage inventory, and process purchases, among other business tasks.

Items from the 1940s through the 1980s, while not true antiques yet, increased in popularity as baby boomers and generation X became nostalgic for the items they grew up with. Millennials overall have had less space, less interest in traditional home décor and formal entertaining, less disposable income to spend on antiques, and more desire to collect experiences and intangible digital assets than their predecessors. As a result, traditional antiques, such as furniture and tableware, have decreased both in popularity and value.

However, vintage items, defined as at least twenty-five years old, have increased in popularity. Vintage and antique costume jewelry, textiles and fashion, collectibles, and toys remain popular. Moreover, interest in sustainable living has begun to spur a desire for older goods among younger buyers as a means of reusing existing materials and of obtaining unique, high-quality items. Likewise, refinishing unfashionable antiques has become popular.

Television programs such as Antiques Roadshow, mainstream magazines, and the popularity of antique malls have increased the public’s awareness of antique collecting. The public perception of antiques has shifted from being an elite collectible to one that appeals to the general public.

Collecting Antiques for Fun vs. Profit

Most antique collectors enjoy collecting for the thrill of the hunt. For many collectors the excitement of finding an authentic piece is more rewarding than the monetary value of the antique. "Buy what you love" is good advice when it comes to collecting antiques.

A carefully purchased, quality antique collection will only increase in value. A serious collector will only buy the best, even if it means a smaller collection of quality pieces. It is easy to get carried away at antique auctions and spend more than the value of the antique. Researching the item thoroughly and knowing the top price you can bid can prevent overspending.

Antique collectors who want to profit by their passion can sell online or at flea markets, auctions, antique shows, fairs, or in cooperatives and consignment shops. Those looking to build a brick-and-mortar business should research locations, local business laws and taxes, and markets. Alternatively, they might seek to become professional appraisers or auctioneers.

Learning More

Organizations

American Society of Appraisers <www.appraisers.org>

Antiques & Collectible National Associations <http://www.acna.us/>

Books

Jackson, Albert, and David Day. Care & Repair of Antiques & Collectables. London: HarperCollins Publishers, 1998.

Miller, Judith. A Closer Look at Antiques. London: Marshall Editions Ltd., 2000.

Ohrbach, Barbara Milo. Antiques at Home. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., 1989.

Ohrbach, Barbara Milo. A Passion for Antiques. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, Inc., 2004.

Prisant, Carol. Antiques Roadshow Primer." New York: Workman Publishing Co., Inc.. 1999.

Zoglin, Ron, and Deborah Shouse. Antiquing for Dummies. Foster City: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., 1999.