5 Ways to Tell if your Antique is Valueable

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What is the difference between Vintage and Antique?

Both terms are used quite widely and in certain situations, each may be valuable in some manner, but there are set differences that set the two titles apart.

The distinction between an antique item and a vintage one is that antiques will be over 100 years at a minimum and a vintage age is usually from 20 to 99 years.

Valuation of Antiques

It might be a difficult process to determine if your antique is valuable or simply a rather lovely and aged artifact.

Antique valuers and auction houses may be able to assist you. Although, in some instances, it is recommended to seek advice from a specialist in the appropriate field.

A specialist in the field you are investigating is an expert and will most likely have many years of experience in that one area.

They may also have contact details and access to collectors or interested parties if you elect to sell your piece.

It should be noted that this service usually come with a fee and the cost may vary depending on how much the object is worth. Prices generally range from approximately $200 plus per hour and upwards.

Some pieces that contain high value have been found in the most unusual places and were thought of as being standard run-of-the-mill junk.

An original copy of “Alice in Wonderland”(first published in London in December 1865) for example is worth an estimated $2 million dollars! Not too shabby for a dusty old book.

In 2000 the Mint printed some $1 coins with a double rim by mistake. These Antiques are now valued between $1000 – $3000.

An unopened Nintendo game of “Kid Icarus” has previously sold at auction for $9000.

More recently, certain items of Corningware cookware might potentially be worth thousands of dollars. In some instances, one of these seemingly outdated items of kitchenware might be worth upwards of $10,000!

That makes investigating your pantry quite worthwhile.

It can take a bit of time and patience to ascertain if your antiques are worth money. Here are some tips to help you along the way.

1. Physically look it over. closely…

Inspect closely to ascertain if the a has any unusual features or imperfections. What might be viewed as a mistake can in some cases add to its value. An example of this is that $1 coin we discussed earlier.

It might be a different style of shape, texture, or size than standard items in the same category.

These defects add to the rarity of an item, which can greatly increase its value.

Naturally, the better condition the artifact is in, the better. Unopened and sealed items in original pristine condition are usually worth more than their handled, worn or broken competitors.

Use your intuition and be wary of accepting the value of materials based on the object looking old. Old wood can be used to manufacture a piece that has a weathered and ancient look, and handling and sunlight can vastly change the appearance of fabrics and other materials.

2. Do your research.

A quick Google may assist in investigating its rarity. The less you can find, the more probability it might be worth investigating further.

It might be rare as few were made or there are limited numbers still available.

Other reasons for limited availability might be that it was only available to a select few people when originally introduced to the market.

This means that not very many of them were made as the demand was low, meaning there would’ve been a bit of an outlay to manufacture.

An example of this is gold snuff boxes.

In the 1800s these were the pinnacle of indulgence, only the very rich could afford to purchase them. This makes them very scarce and of course, super costly.

These particular items start at just over $2000 and can go all the way up to a mind-blowing $68,000. The average cost is approximately $11,000.

Bear in mind that the online figure will be different from what a valuer or collector may pay you. Generally, expect between 30% – 50% less, as the person purchasing them from you also needs to make a profit.

3. How authentic is it

Be sure to check for stamps, dates, signatures, and other identifying marks which can set originals apart from copies.

These stamps or impressions can greatly assist with determining the date and historical reference of antiques.

Some of these markings may detail, the country of manufacture, the company where it was made, along with an approximate date of production.

Other information may include how many of each artifact was crafted.

Not all of these are easy to find, and in instances of very aged and weathered items, it may only be partially visible.

Some items may come with a certificate of authenticity or date stamp or manufacturer details for you to use to be able to investigate the history and authenticity of the piece.

4. Who made it?

There may be situations where there a variety of the same item available.

If the company which produced the original item is no longer in existence, then it could mean their products are rare as they are no longer being made.

In other cases, it may be the reputation of the company is one that is famous for forging high-quality items.

For example, a piece embossed with “Tiffany’s” will likely fetch higher interest than a more generalised item.

5. Is there a story behind your artifact?

A guitar used and signed by a well-known musician (especially signed) who is deceased can have significant value.

If it has a one of and special relevance, such as the last concert, or has been shown in media such as newspaper or television, it’s value could skyrocket.

Documentation that demonstrates easy tracing back to original ownership or manufacture can also help make your much-cherished item more pedigree than standard.

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