Abacus
Antique Dealers: Tips For Buying And Collecting
Antiques
Antiques
hold a fascination for a huge amount of people, they
get started in the world of antiques for many reasons
with some turning it a thriving business and others
collecting for pride and the beauty of the pieces
they have chosen to collect. Some just have a knack
and an eye for antiques while others struggle when
it comes to buying their few pieces, here are some
tips for the new and old alike.
When
going into antiques you should decide if you are just
a collector or a buyer and seller, if you are going
to be buying with an eye to sell then it is extremely
important never to get too attached to a particular
piece.
Getting
obsessed and developing an attachment means that you
will have real trouble when it comes to parting with
the item in order to make a profit. Always bear in
mind that you are going into the antique business
to make a profit and when buying, cleaning and restoring
do not get attached to it, remember you are going
to be passing this on sometime down the line.
If
you are going into one particular area of antiques,
say porcelain, rugs, brassware e.t.c then do everything
you can to find out as much about your chosen form
when first starting our before you even attempt to
start collecting. Different areas will have different
problems associated with it and if you want to get
off on the right footing and not be left with junk
then it is essential that you learn everything there
is to learn about the antiques you are going into.
Always
remember that valuations for antiques can go down
as well as up, this is essential if you are going
into antiques for your lively hood. While the majority
of pieces will hopefully increase in value you cannot
always take this as a given.
When
going into collecting for fun and profit then stick
with one theme, for example wedge wood pottery, Ottoman
Empire if you are going into rugs. Don’t become
too diverse and head off into different directions.
Building up just one collection will be more profitable
in the long run if you should wish to sell.
Always
buy the best that you can possible afford when starting
out, buying reduced items that have markings with
the hope of restoring and cleaning them to make a
profit is not the best way for the beginner to get
off in the world of antiques, looking for bargains
is best left to the expert.
Always
assess the item that you purchasing very carefully,
this mean treating it with kid gloves and inspecting
all aspects of the item. Always turn it upside down
and inside out looking for blemishes, any sign that
is has been damaged and signs of restoration. If the
item is less than perfect this can significantly reduce
its value when it comes to making a profit.
Finally
never be tempted to buy for the moment, for what’s
in fashion right now. What’s popular now could
last and remain popular for the next five or ten years
but them it could be out of fashion the very next
week and something else has taken its place. Use and
rely on your instinct more than anything else and
in time of course your experience in antiques.
