Antique Condition

Even antiquing novices know that the condition of an item is the biggest factor in determining its value. Items that are in near mint to mint condition will fetch a far higher price than those that have been “gently loved” or damaged. To ensure that you are getting your money’s worth when purchasing antiques check all items carefully.

In live auctions, when things are getting hectic and exciting, it can sometime be hard to remember to doublecheck the quality of the items. But this is an essential step in purchasing antiques.

If you are simply purchasing an item for your own enjoyment, it may be tempting to overlook chips, cracks or damage. However, it is important to remember that your taste may change overtime. There may be a time in the future when you would like to upgrade the item in your collection, or take your antiques collection in a different direction. Always purchase items as close to mint as you can for antique condition.

For glassware and other breakable items there are a few simple tests that can help you determine the quality of the piece. Run your finger around the entire rim and handle areas of glass, pottery, ceramics and other items that tend to chip. If you feel chips or rough spots, evaluate their placement and overall effect on the item. Damage on an inner surface or hidden area of a vase will have less effect on the price than a crack right down the front of the vase.

After completing the “finger” test, hold glassware up to the light to search for cracks. This technique can be especially helpful when purchasing glass pitchers and items with handles. These pieces can have excess stress around the base
of the handle. This simple test can reveal whether the handle is about to break, or if it has been repaired several times.

Dining pieces and other items that may have been used daily, check for scratching from utensils and wear from washing. A lot of modern dishwashing detergents leave an iridescent film on the surface of glass. Additionally, dishwashing detergents can be very rough on glassware and may etch the surface of pieces.

For checking jewelry, use a jeweler’s loop or magnifying glass to carefully inspect the condition of the pieces. Take note of any connecting pieces and make sure that the stones are securely set. Any repair work that was done to the piece should be of professional quality and almost undetectable. With jewelry, it is also advisable to confirm that the pieces are from the same era. It is a common practice for pendants from one century to be “married” to a chain from another.

You want to make sure that the piece you are buying is as original as possible and manufactured in the same way. Turn the piece over to reveal any repair work done. Pay attention to the “seams” on the back of the piece of jewelry.

Different colors of gold can clue you into repair work along pin backs or where stones have been attached. If there are seams, this can indicate that the jewelry piece has been “remade” from a larger piece, or unprofessionally repaired.

The same goes for wooden antiques. Check furniture and other wooden items for difference in seams. If you see a noticeable difference in wood color that does not appear to be decorative you may be looking at an attempt to repair a damaged item. With bureaus and other pieces with drawers inspect the interior of the drawers. Remove the drawers, if you are able to, and look for signs of repair or damage. Check the hardware used on wooden pieces and try to verify that they are from the same period as the rest of the piece.

With textiles and quilts, inspect the entire piece for stains, tears and signs of wear. Test all of the seams for damage or unraveling. Any repairs made to the piece should look professional and blend into the entirety of the piece. Of course, older pieces will have some noticeable wearing but try to purchase textiles as close to mint as possible. Check both sides of the garment or textile and watch for frayed edges.

Obviously, the hints provided here fall short of being comprehensive. Collecting antiques is an almost infinite hobby, and every collectible will have unique features and, thus, unique ways by which condition should be tested.

All antique enthusiasts should learn as much as they can about their favored niche and understand how the items are “graded” and what constitutes appropriate conditioning for them. This can vary, based upon the nature of the antique under consideration. Again, specific knowledge about the antique in which you are interested is always the best tool a buyer can have.