We’ve all seen them: those people on television who, when their antique is appraised, can only respond, “Wow!” Chances are, they had that same response when they first laid eyes on the item. For this is the Number One Rule of Antique Shopping: Buy only what you like and are sincerely interested in. Anything else will likely collect more dust than value and is almost sure to be sold for a song by some unimpressed family member.
Now, once an antique has caught your eye and you’re experiencing that initial infatuation, there are steps you can take to make sure your love will last. Especially if you’re new at this, do some quick research either online or in the library so you know some of the backstory, like how such items were produced 100-plus years ago. You should handle the antique at length, looking at it from every angle so flaws don’t surprise you later. Always ask if there has been any restoration work done because this can lower its value. And when you’re ready to commit, make sure you get a receipt that lists the antique’s age, material, any damage or restoration, and price.
Wow! That wasn’t so hard!
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