All About Antiques
Popular Guides
- Pewter vs Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the Difference — Quick visual and magnet tests for identifying metal at home.
- Antique Marks & Signatures: Complete Identification Guide — Decode maker marks on silver, porcelain, glass and furniture.
- Best Online Antique Appraisal Sites (2026 Reviews) — Honest comparison of Mearto, WorthPoint and other appraisal services.
- Online Antique Valuation Tools for Collectors — Free digital resources to research and price your antique items.
- Antique Furniture Periods Chart (1600–1940) — Visual timeline of furniture styles with identification pictures.
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Antique Oil Lamps: How to Identify Makers and Burner Types
Read more: Antique Oil Lamps: How to Identify Makers and Burner TypesAuthentic antique oil lamps (primarily 18th-19th century) can be identified by examining the thumbwheel on the burner, which often bears the maker’s name and patent date. Look for heavy cast iron or brass bases, distinct mold lines in glass fonts (indicating pressed glass), and specific burner styles like the Kosmos or Matador which replaced flat…
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Identifying Pewter vs. Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the Difference
Read more: Identifying Pewter vs. Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the DifferenceAuthentic sterling silver almost always bears a .925 or Sterling hallmark, feels harder to the touch, and produces a high-pitched ring when tapped. Pewter, a softer alloy, marks easily, often displays a duller grey oxidation, and makes a flat ‘thud’ sound. Always check for specific touchmarks on the base to confirm the maker. * Imagine…
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How to Identify Antique Keys: Why Some Old Keys are Worth $50+
Read more: How to Identify Antique Keys: Why Some Old Keys are Worth $50+Authentic antique keys are identified by their material (usually hand-forged iron or brass), specific bit patterns designed for warded or lever locks, and the shape of the bow (handle). Valuable examples often date from the 18th or 19th centuries, feature intricate skeleton key designs, or bear stamped maker marks like “Yale” or “Corbin” from the…
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Antique Metal Tool Value: How to Identify Old Planes and Saws Like a Pro
Read more: Antique Metal Tool Value: How to Identify Old Planes and Saws Like a ProAntique metal tool value is determined primarily by the maker’s mark (like Stanley or Disston), patent dates, and condition. Authentic antique planes often feature cast iron bodies with japanning (black finish), while valuable saws display etched medallions on the handle. Key identification points include specific logos, such as the Stanley “Sweetheart” era (1920-1935), which significantly…
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Gold Hallmark Identification: What 10K, 14K, and 18K Really Mean
Read more: Gold Hallmark Identification: What 10K, 14K, and 18K Really MeanGold hallmarks indicate purity on a 24-part scale: 10K is 41.7% pure gold, 14K is 58.3%, and 18K is 75%. These stamps—along with maker’s marks and assay symbols—are the fastest way to confirm whether a piece is solid gold or merely plated. Any mark reading GP, GF, or HGE means plated, not solid.
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How to Identify Victorian Mourning Jewelry and Its Hidden Value
Read more: How to Identify Victorian Mourning Jewelry and Its Hidden ValueAuthentic Victorian mourning jewelry (1837–1901) is primarily identified by black materials like jet, onyx, vulcanite, or gutta-percha, often featuring inscriptions such as “In Memory Of” or initials. Key motifs include weeping willows, urns, and forget-me-nots. Human hair woven into intricate plaits or scenes under glass is a definitive sign of genuine provenance. Imagine you are…
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Identifying Antique Pocket Watches: Movement vs. Case Value
Read more: Identifying Antique Pocket Watches: Movement vs. Case ValueTo correctly identify an antique pocket watch, you must open the rear dust cover to inspect the movement serial number, as the case serial number only identifies the container. The value is determined by the manufacturer (e.g., Patek Philippe, Hamilton), the jewel count (ruby bearings), and adjustments. A generic movement in a solid gold case…
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Decoding British Silver Hallmarks: How to Read the Lion and Anchor
Read more: Decoding British Silver Hallmarks: How to Read the Lion and AnchorBritish silver hallmarks are a standardized system of four to five stamped symbols that verify the metal’s purity and origin. To identify authentic sterling silver, look for the Lion Passant (a walking lion) which guarantees 92.5% purity. Accompanying marks include a City Mark (like an Anchor for Birmingham or Leopard’s Head for London), a Date…
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Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate: The “Ice Cube” Test and More
Read more: Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate: The “Ice Cube” Test and MoreSterling silver is an alloy containing at least 92.5% pure silver, distinguishable by marks like “925,” “Sterling,” or the British Lion Passant assay marks. Silver plate consists of a thin layer of silver over base metal (usually copper or nickel), often marked “EPNS” or “IS.” The “Ice Cube” test works because silver possesses the highest…
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Antique Ceramic Pitchers: How to Date Them by Their Handle Shape
Read more: Antique Ceramic Pitchers: How to Date Them by Their Handle ShapeYou can generally date antique ceramic pitchers by analyzing the specific silhouette of the handle. Scrolled or high-arching handles with thumb spurs typically indicate mid-19th century Victorian styles (c. 1840-1860s), while angular, bamboo-style handles point directly to the Aesthetic Movement (1870s-1880s). A handle featuring organic, flowing “whiplash” curves that melt into the body suggests Art…
