All About Antiques
-
Identifying Antique Cameras: Leica, Kodak, and the Value of Film
Read more: Identifying Antique Cameras: Leica, Kodak, and the Value of FilmAuthentic antique cameras can be identified by their serial numbers (often found inside the film door or on the lens ring), specific shutter mechanisms like the Compur or Prontor, and the weight of materials—brass and leather indicating pre-WWII production. High-value models like the Leica I or early Kodak Brownies feature distinct maker’s marks and patent…
-
Antique Buttons: How to Identify Valuable Civil War and Fashion Buttons
Read more: Antique Buttons: How to Identify Valuable Civil War and Fashion ButtonsValuable antique buttons are identified by their material (Bakelite, Celluloid, Jet), shank construction, and specific backmarks. Civil War buttons (1861–1865) must be authenticated by checking the rear for period-correct maker marks like Scovill or Horstmann. Genuine fashion buttons often feature intricate carving and lack the molded seams found on modern plastic reproductions. Imagine you are…
-
Identifying Antique Marbles: Rare Swirls and Materials That Pay Big
Read more: Identifying Antique Marbles: Rare Swirls and Materials That Pay BigAuthentic antique marbles are distinguished by pontil marks (rough patches where the glass was cut from the cane), specific handmade patterns like Latticino core swirls or Mica flakes, and evidence of age-appropriate wear. Most valuable examples date from the 1840s to the 1920s and were produced by German glassmakers like Elias Greiner, featuring vibrant, unpolished…
-
Antique Book Identification: How to Spot a True First Edition
Read more: Antique Book Identification: How to Spot a True First EditionA true first edition is primarily identified by matching the date on the title page with the date on the copyright page, ensuring no later printing years are listed. Look for a complete number line (e.g., “1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10”) or a specific “First Edition” statement. The presence of…
-
How to Identify Valuable Antique Quilts: Patterns and Stitching
Read more: How to Identify Valuable Antique Quilts: Patterns and StitchingAuthentic antique quilts are primarily identified by hand stitching (look for slightly uneven stitches, ideally 8-10 per inch), the presence of cotton seeds in the batting (common in pre-1900 pieces), and specific historical dyes like Turkey Red or Double Pink (popular 1880-1910). High-value examples often feature intricate Baltimore Album or Crazy Quilt patterns, while synthetic…
-
Identifying Antique Perfume Bottles: From Commercial to Art Glass
Read more: Identifying Antique Perfume Bottles: From Commercial to Art GlassAntique perfume bottles can be identified by examining the stoppers (which should be ground to fit the specific bottle), looking for pontil marks on the base of blown glass examples, and checking for acid-etched or molded signatures from makers like Lalique, Baccarat, or Steuben. Commercial bottles from the 19th and early 20th centuries often feature…
-
Antique Mirror Identification: How “Mercury Glass” Proves Age
Read more: Antique Mirror Identification: How “Mercury Glass” Proves AgeAuthentic antique mercury mirrors, produced primarily before 1840, are identified by the sparkling, crystalline degradation of the backing, often looking like scattered glitter or pools of oil. Unlike modern silvered mirrors, the reflection appears soft and silvery-blue. Genuine examples feature hand-cut bevels that follow the glass’s waviness and a heavy weight due to the tin-mercury…
-
Identifying Antique Clocks: Mantel vs. Wall Clock Maker Signs
Read more: Identifying Antique Clocks: Mantel vs. Wall Clock Maker SignsAuthentic antique clocks are best identified by inspecting the movement’s backplate rather than just the dial, which often bears a retailer’s name instead of the maker. Look for stamped trademarks from major US manufacturers like Seth Thomas or Ansonia alongside patent dates pre-1920. While mantel clocks typically rely on spring-driven mechanisms, genuine wall clocks often…
-
How to Identify Antique Dolls: Looking for Bisque Marks and Stamps
Read more: How to Identify Antique Dolls: Looking for Bisque Marks and StampsAuthentic antique bisque dolls are primarily identified by incised marks on the back of the neck or shoulder plate, often featuring maker initials (like A.M. or S&H) and mold numbers. Look for pale, matte ceramic skin (bisque) rather than glossy china, and check for a specific country of origin stamp (e.g., “Germany” or “France”) used…
-
Estate Sale Scouting: 10 Items to Always Buy for Resale Profit
Read more: Estate Sale Scouting: 10 Items to Always Buy for Resale ProfitEstate sales are treasure troves for resellers, but knowing exactly what to look for is the difference between a cluttered garage and a profitable flip. Always buy authentic mid-century modern furniture (Eames, Herman Miller), sterling silver flatware (look for the “925” or lion passant mark), vintage advertising tins (especially tobacco and oil), Pyrex in rare…
