Antique Furniture Collecting
April 27, 2008 – 3:24 amHave you observed the quantity of antique shops there are in your city? There is an explanation for that. There is a huge demand for antiques. As ever more people observe the craftsmanship and quality of older pieces of furniture they are making the decision to invest in these pieces.
It may be a bit overwhelming for the beginning collector to get started. There are many different styles, eras, and designs to choose from, so it is often hard to decide where to begin. Typically you should begin with what is appealing to you.
Unlike collecting figurines or stamps which are often hidden away on shelves or in albums, antique furniture frequently occupies a prominent place in collector’s homes. So, one of the best pieces of advice on what to collect is to collect what you fancy. As these pieces will be displayed in your home they should be something that is not out of place there and that you enjoy owning. If you don’t like having it in your home then you are unlikely to appreciate it regardless of its value as a potential investment.
There are a lot of elements that bear on the value and price of an antique furniture object. One of the primary considerations is the piece’s age which generally has the biggest consequence on the value of the object. As a general formula: the older it is, the more priceless it is.
The collector needs to also assess the condition of the antique. Two tables of similar age and style could command very different prices if one of them has visible scratches on it, for instance. Check closely for evidence of repairs, dents, gouges, and cracks as these factors will all affect the value of the piece.
It is also a good idea to consider the type of wood used to construct the furniture. Items made from hardwoods such as teak and mahogany typically are worth far more than ones made from softwoods such as pine or poplar. Further, hardwoods hold up better over the years and are richer in color and have a more desirable graining to collectors. Be aware of any treatments, waxes, or polishes which have been applied to the furniture as these can also decrease the value.
If you’d care to begin collecting now it is generally best to start with more modest, less pricey pieces then any miscues are less expensive. As your knowledge grows around antique furniture you might then add a few objects which are bigger and more costly.
Tags: Antiques
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