Five Signs of a Valuable Antique

When you find an antique that meets these five criteria, you’ve probably found an item that’s likely to appreciate in value as the years go by.

Rarity
What constitutes a rarity? If no one else on your block owns one, you know that it’s worth something. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. And if no one in your area code has one, chances are, you have a piece that’s pretty valuable.

Of course, something might be rare because it just didn’t make it in the marketplace. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage.

Aesthetics
You may look at a piece, and think “If only that orange line weren’t painted down the middle of it . . .” or, “If only that carving weren’t slightly off-center. When you can look at a piece without wishing this or that were different about it, when all the elements of it blend together in perfect harmony, and when it has an overall pleasing appearance, then that item really has it in the aesthetics department.

Some folks believe that an object’s aesthetic value is a matter of personal taste. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces.

Desirability
Desirability is defined by what’s in vogue in the current market. A few decades after Tiffany created his now-famous lamps, some people thought of them as gaudy, and so prices were steals by today’s standards. Now people covet the artistry that Tiffany displayed.

Authenticity
Is it the real thing or is it a mere shadow of the original? Is it from the time period the seller says it’s from? Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? If it’s signed, is the signature real? Is it the type of antique the seller says it is?

Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult.

Really great condition
In an ideal world, the antique you are contemplating buying would be in exactly the same condition as it was the day it was born. But a lot may have happened in the last hundred or so years to the piece you are hoping to make your own.