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Enjoying Old Age It seems like everything is being labeled an antique these days.
Heck, the first cellular telephone is considered an antique by some. Still, there was a period in the 1990s when it became fashionable to stock up on furniture from decades past while decorating a house. China hutches, apothecary tables, and dressers became highly sought-after items at antique stores and flea markets. An appreciation for fine craftsmanship and unique designs won over those folks who’d lived through the mass-reproduc©istockPhotos.com/leezsnowleezsnow/Spiritartist/largeformat4x5
tion of the ‘70s and ‘80s, when new was in. It didn’t hurt that
Antiques Roadshow had everyone rummaging through their attics looking for treasures from eras gone by. Figurines, clothing, paintings; everything was up for appraisal. To this day, people love antique furniture, knick-knacks, and works of art. There are avid collectors and then there are the people who just look for a few items to dress up a living room or home library. Most people fall into the latter category. After all, it’s tough to know what to look for in a collectable, and it can be expensive. There are things to look out for and things to do if you’re planning on taking a trip to an antique store in the near future.
It’s neve ra bad idea t get a wr o itt guarant en ee of authent icity.
1. Make sure you’re shopping from a reputable
their professional experience; if they specialize in any certain
dealer. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),
items; if they belong to any professional dealer or appraiser or-
it’s important to ask any dealer or store owner a few things
ganizations; and, if you’ve found a piece you like, find out how
to ensure you’re happy with your purchase. Ask them about
the dealer came to determine it was genuine and how they set the price. And unless you have a dealer you’ve used for years, it’s not a bad idea to get a guarantee of authenticity in writing. If they’re not willing to give you a written guarantee, that doesn’t mean you should walk away...just make sure the price is reflective of that fact. After all, paying top dollar for something that the dealer claims is an antique without a guarantee is foolhardy. Most importantly, you should find out if
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they have a return policy for certain items.
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2. Know what you’re buying. There are a lot of people
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who claim to sell antiques, but the FTC warns consumers that, by law, an antique is an item that is over 100 years old! Also, for an item to be considered a vintage collectable it has to be at
an By law, is an antique t is item tha over 100 . years old
least 50 years old. So make sure you’re not being overcharged for something that is simply a “collectable.” Be on the lookout for reproductions, too. Many designers can model new furniture in styles from past centuries and you’d be surprised how many people are mislead. >> www.bakersfieldmagazine.net / Health 2011 103