People have different questions when it comes to antiques and collectibles, and while many of us like to think that we have some hidden gems that are worth a fortune stored away in our attics, it often isn’t that easy to know for sure.
When it comes to antiques and collectibles, it is essential that you spend the time doing the right research, which requires a considerable amount of patience and perseverance. Failure to do the correct research on an item could leave you very disappointed if the antique you thought was worth a considerable amount of money turns out to be a fake.
Therefore, we have put together some top tips on how to research antiques and collectibles and some of the main pointers you should look out for!
Look for Any Signatures or Marks
The very first step that can help you to research and identify an antique or collectible is to look out for any signatures or markers that may appear on the item. This is usually an indicator of where or when the item was made, and who by; which is a key part of finding out how much an item is worth.
You are most likely to find markers or signatures on costume jewellery, but they are often difficult to spot as they are very small and often in obscure places. If an item is very old, then you may find that the marker has faded considerably and is difficult to read. You may find glassware marks on porcelain and pottery, but this isn’t as common.
Once you have identified a marker, you can start to do our own research and reach out to experts.
Watch Out for Reproductions
It is important that you are aware of the many different reproductions out there that people will claim are the real deal. Therefore, you need to learn how to distinguish a real item from a reproduction to avoid getting stung. Quite often, a reproduction can look identical to the real artifact, which makes them difficult to spot, so you should do some research on what the real antique should and would look like before you go ahead with any purchases. If you aren’t sure, consult with an independent antique and collectibles expert before you exchange any money.
Always Test Authenticity
There are a few ways that you can test the authenticity of an antique and collectible, and it is important that you make these checks before you go ahead with any deals. For example, many experts use a black light when testing how genuine items are, from works of art to glass items. One of the best tools you have when it comes to testing authenticity is your experience and knowledge of the item. Be sure to trust your gut and if doesn’t seem right then it probably isn’t.
Initially, researching antiques and collectibles seems like a difficult task, but by using the resources available to you online and doing research on the items you have, you will soon know how to carry out the required checks.
