Authenticity

Antique Coin Collecting

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Old and New Shop

The hobby of coin collecting has existed since at least the 12th century, and it remains a popular pastime for many people today. The practice of collecting rare and antique coins can also be a lucrative investment strategy. Still, the world of antique coin collecting can seem daunting to outsiders first stumbling into the space. Perhaps you have just inherited a large coin collection and are wondering how to determine its value, or maybe you have just been inspired to start your own coin collection. Either way, the Old & New Shop has compiled this guide to antique coins to help budding collectors and others new to the field understand antique coins.

Tips for Antique Coin Collecting

“Buy the book before you buy the coin.” The saying is a popular adage in the numismatist (coin collector) community. The book in question is The Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book. The book will share the basics of coin collecting and get novices ready to begin their coin-collecting journeys.

Know the categories. There are several notable categories of coins sought after by collectors, including circulating coins, error coins, commemorative coins, bullion coins, ancient coins, proof coins, brilliant uncirculated coins, and foreign coins. Different collectors are drawn to different categories based on their interests, budgets, and collection themes.

Pick a theme. Coin collecting is more fulfilling when you pick a specific theme. It’s best to go with an inexpensive and simple theme when you first start. Coin collecting themes involve focusing on a specific category or characteristic. For example, collecting a specific set of coins like US state quarters, a specific minting year, national origin, coins depicting a specific place or animal, a historical era, commemorative coins about a certain event, or anything else you can imagine.

Store your coins safely. While we may typically think of objects like metal coins as durable, the surfaces of coins are actually very delicate and can be damaged easily by things like human contact, the weather, and even prolonged exposure to air. Store your coins in a safe coin tray, coin envelope, coin album, or cabinet.

Handle them correctly and do not clean them. Collectors should only handle their coins along the edges, not on the face of the coin. Valuable coins should only be handled while wearing cotton or latex gloves. You should never clean your coins because this can lower their value and possibly even make your coins monetarily worthless.

Engage with the antique coin collecting community. The best tip for getting into antique coin collecting is to engage with the numismatist community. Join a collecting club, attend coin collecting shows, or visit your nearest rare coin shop. Inhabit spaces where you can interact with and learn from other coin collectors. If you are serious about coin collecting, you should also build a relationship with a reputable coin dealer.

Valuable Coins To Look For While Antique Coin Collecting

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was a gold US coin minted between 1907 and 1933. It was once worth only $20, but examples of this coin minted in 1933 are valued at over $20 million. The coin was rapidly taken out of circulation in 1933 as part of a gold recall, which explains its rarity and high value.

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar depicts a woman with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the other. It was the first silver dollar coin minted in the US, minted between 1794 and 1795. Its value today can be up to $13 million.

1787 Brasher Doubloon: The first gold coin to be minted in the United States actually predates the establishment of the US Mint, and was instead created by George Washington’s neighbor, Ephraim Brasher. Only seven of these coins are known to have been produced, and only one of these coins bore the initials of its creator. That specific Brasher Doubloon is worth $10 million today.

The 1343 Edward III Florin: The 1343 Edward III Florin is an English coin also known as the Double Leopard. Only three of these coins have ever been uncovered, two in 1857 and one in 2006. These coins are valued at almost $7 million.

The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar: The Umayyad gold dinar was minted in the year 723 AD by the Umayyad Caliphate. Only about a dozen of these 1,300-year-old coins are known to exist today, and they are each valued at over $5 million.

1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: According to the official records of the US Mint, these coins never existed, yet five specimens of this coin have nevertheless been discovered. The coin depicts Lady Liberty on one side and the Roman numeral ‘V’, for five cents, on the other. These rare nickels have a value of over $5 million.

1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny: In 1943, during the height of WW2, most pennies were made of steel because copper was being redirected to the war effort. However, one batch of pennies was mistakenly minted with copper. About 40 of these pennies are known to have survived to the present and they can be worth between $100,000 and $500,000, with one unique specimen even selling for over $3 million.

The 1787 Fugio Cent: The Fugio Cent may have been the first coin circulated in the US after the revolution, but this is disputed. The coin is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Rare variants of the Fugio Cent in pristine condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars today, while others can be worth just hundreds.

Old & New Shop Can Help!

If you are looking to determine the value of your coin collection, liquidate your coin collection, or start your own antique coin collection, call the Old & New Shop for help!

Collecting Antique Maps

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Old and New Shop

The great joy of antiquing is that it allows you to own your very own little piece of history with a unique story. Few antiques embody this ethos quite as well as antique maps. Antique maps are more than beautiful pieces of valuable cartographic wall art, they act as windows into other times and places. Consequently, old maps make for a wonderful addition to any home. However, the art of antique map collecting can be complicated to newcomers so today our experts here at the Old & New Shop are telling you everything you need to know before purchasing an antique map!

What is an Antique Map?

An “antique map” is any map printed more than 100 years ago. Antique maps were printed using one of three methods depending on their exact age: wooden block printing, copper and steel engraving, and surface printing (lithography). The earliest maps were generally printed from a wooden block cut in relief with the printed area standing out from the rest of the map and then inked usually without any color. However, copper and steel engraving-based maps are from the vast majority of antique maps that have survived to the modern day. Copper engraving-based maps emerged in the 1500s and were popular until steel replaced them in the early 1800s. In this printing process, a reversed version of the map’s image was cut into a metal plate, inked, and then placed with a sheet of paper in a press. The ink in the grooves would then produce the image of the map. Lithography emerged in the early 1800s as well allowing map makers to draw their maps directly onto a specially prepared stone (ending the need for engravers) this method used color but created maps with a fuzzy quality. By the 1880s modern machine lithography and printing methods took over the industry.

Building an Antique Map Collection

If you are looking to start collecting antique maps as a hobby it is best to build a personal theme for your collection. A map collection can be meaningful in many ways. A collection can showcase your home state/city/country/region, document your travels, trace your family tree, or spark your curiosity about a particular historical era. No matter what theme you pick it is also important to act as a proper steward for your collection to protect the maps for the next generation. You should handle your maps with care (never holding them by the edges of the paper) and you should store them in ways that will protect them from sunlight and humidity such as in a professional frame or in clear archival sleeves.

How to Tell if a Map is a Genuine

The fact that antique maps are no longer being produced lends them an inherent rarity and therefore value. However, anyone considering purchasing an antique map needs to consider the possibility that the map they intend to purchase could be a facsimile, reproduction, or fake. It is also important to understand these three terms. A facsimile is meant to be an exact copy of an original antique map that is not meant to trick would-be map buyers. Facsimiles are expensive to produce so they are fairly rare and typically only copy very famous important maps. They can be identified easily because somewhere on the image a disclaimer will be printed in modern typeface stating the company that created the facsimile and the date the facsimile was printed. A reproduction is a copy of an antique map produced for commemorative, decorative, or educational purposes and not to deceive would-be map buyers. Reproductions are much more common than facsimiles, or fakes because they are mass-produced to be sold in museum gift shops and on the internet for low prices. Reproductions can be identified as reproductions if they are printed on modern paper or if they have folds, creases, or tears that are simply photographically reproduced and printed on the map and do not reflect actual damage to the paper. Finally, a fake is an attempt to make so exact a facsimile of a map, that can be passed off as an original to an unsuspecting buyer. It is difficult and time-consuming to forge an old map, so convincing fakes are few and far between, and buyers are not likely to encounter one if they are buying a map from a reputable source. It is, however, always advisable to have a map appraised for its value by independent experts before final purchase to help determine the map’s authenticity and value.

Collecting Antique Maps

If you find an antique map (or any other antique) and want to have the item appraised please reach out to the Old & New Shop for help!

Missing American Artifacts

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Old and New Shop

The exciting thing about antiquing is the thrill of finding a piece of the past to call your very own. But some pieces are a lot more valuable and important than others. Sometimes true treasures and priceless historical artifacts slip through the cracks and end up out in the world where any antiquer can find them.

Four Dollar Frame

Sometimes artifacts can be found by happenstance. For instance, in 1991 a man bought a thrift store painting for four dollars because he liked the frame. When he opened up the frame he found a copy of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1776 that later sold at auction for seven million dollars. We cannot promise that you will be that lucky when you come and shop with us at the Old & New Shop or elsewhere on your antiquing journey. However, just in case, there are a few missing national treasures that you should be keeping an eye out for as an antiquer.

Stolen from The National Archives

One major way that historic artifacts become lost to time is theft. The National Archives in DC, for example, has had many of its priceless records and artifacts stolen over the years and maintains a website dedicated to educating the public about what’s missing. The missing documents include numerous letters, and pardons documents signed by presidents George Washington, John Adams, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and more. Other presidential artifacts currently missing include FDR’s official painted portrait, LBJ’s class ring, and several swords bejeweled with precious gems gifted from the Saudi royal family to Truman. However, perhaps the most significant artifacts stolen from the National Archives are some of the original maps used during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of WW2. It is likely that they were stolen for sale on the black market but it is very possible that you may come across them while antiquing.

Other Missing American Artifacts

Some irreplaceable and historic artifacts never made it to the National Archives or any other museums or archives. The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments, also known as the Seneca Falls Declaration or simply The Declaration of Sentiments, is one example. The document started the American woman’s rights movement and nobody knows what happened to it. The original copy, signed at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass, and 97 other women’s rights pioneers, has been lost to history. The Declaration borrowed the language of the Declaration of Independence to declare that “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are created equal.” The Obama administration launched an effort to find The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments and compared their efforts to the National Treasure franchise but their nationwide search was unsuccessful. Antique collectors may have more luck. Sometimes a shopper is just in the right place at the right time and successfully runs across this national treasure.

Missing American Artifacts – Pop Culture

Not all of America’s missing historic artifacts involve presidents, wars, or suffragettes. Many involve America’s artistic heritage and the missing pieces of cinematic history are among the most interesting. In the early days of Hollywood, most movie props were simply repurposed, thrown out, or burned after shooting. In the 1970s MGM started auctioning off movie props to private collectors exposing the lucrative money-making opportunity of the collectors markets. Today movie and TV props from popular works are often held in private collections and even museums. However, even in recent years valuable props are put out on the open market, thrown away, or even stolen. This means that keen antiquers and collectors can make money or lifelong memories by snatching up the right prop. Many stolen and missing film props could be in a local antique shop. For instance, of the four known surviving pairs of ruby slippers worn in The Wizard of Oz one pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and the museum has offered a $1,000,000 reward for information on its whereabouts. Other valuable collectibles missing include the suit from Iron Man, the map from Goonies, and costumes from the original Star Trek series.

Antique and Vintage Finds

Shopping for antiques, vintage and retro collectibles can be exciting, and finding a valuable missing American antique would be even better! But for most antiquers, it’s best to practice and love antiquing for its own sake. You may not find a multi-million dollar artifact, but you can definitely find beautiful and unique items that link us to our collective past. You can definitely find a piece of the past that you and your family can cherish and call your very own. If you do find an antique item you believe to be valuable you can have it appraised at the Old & New Shop.

Shopping for Antique Art

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Old and New Shop

Antique art is an excellent way to add character and elegance to any space. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting, shopping for antique art can be enjoyable and rewarding, however, it can also be intimidating.

Before You Shop

Before you walk out your door, consider these recommendations. Here are some tips to guide you buy antique art:

Do your research

Before you start buying, do your research. Learn as much as you can about the style of art you’re interested in, as well as the period and the artists associated with it. Read books, attend exhibitions and shows and visit museums. This will give you a good understanding of what you’re looking for and what to expect in terms of price.

Buy from reputable dealers

When buying antique art, it’s essential to buy from reputable dealers. Look for dealers who have been in business for a long time and have a good reputation. They should be knowledgeable about the art they’re selling and be able to provide you with information about its history, provenance and authenticity. The Old & New Shop is an experienced dealer that will always provide you with a fair market value.

Check the condition

Antique art can be delicate, so it’s essential to check its condition before you buy. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips or fading. Make sure the art is in good condition, and if it needs restoration, factor that into the price.

Ask for provenance

Provenance is the history of ownership of a work of art. It’s important to ask for provenance when buying antique art to ensure that it’s authentic. A good dealer should be able to provide you with documentation that shows the artwork’s provenance, including previous owners, exhibitions and sales.

Determine authenticity

Authenticity is a critical factor when buying antique art. There are many forgeries and reproductions on the market, so it’s essential to do your due diligence. Look for tell-tale signs of authenticity, such as the artist’s signature, the style of the artwork, and any documentation that accompanies it. Here are some other ways to determine the art’s authenticity:

inspect oil painting surfaces. Texture indicates authenticity while flat surfaces indicate fake.
perfect edges indicate that the paintings may be fake.
check the back of any painting to see any sign of aging.
check the mounting method of the painting. An authentic old painting should have nails or empty nail holes around the frame not staples.

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of the art, consult with an expert.

Know your budget

Antique art can be expensive, so it’s important to know your budget before you start buying. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Remember that the price of antique art can vary widely, depending on the artist, the period, the condition and other factors.

Buy what you love

Ultimately, buying antique art is about acquiring pieces that you love and that will bring you joy. Don’t just buy something because it’s valuable or because someone else thinks it’s beautiful. Choose pieces that reflect your personality and taste, and that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Consider restoration

If you find a piece of antique art that you love, but it needs restoration, consider the cost of restoration when determining your budget. Restoration can be expensive, but it can also be worth it if you’re passionate about the art and want to preserve it for future generations.

Shopping for Antique Art

Buying antique art can be fun, but it’s essential to do your research and buy from reputable dealers like the Old & New Shop. Check the condition of the artwork, ask for provenance, and determine authenticity. Know your budget, and buy what you love. With these tips in mind, you can build a beautiful collection of antique art that will last for generations.

Vintage Christmas Collectibles

Posted on December 8, 2022 by Old and New Shop

It’s that time of the year to go up to the attic and pull out your Christmas tree (if you have an artificial one) and decorations. Some of those older decorations passed down from family members, may be valuable. Over time, vintage Christmas items can become collectibles. So, before you throw out that old plastic Santa or ceramic gingerbread house, check if they have any monetary worth.

Top Valuable Vintage Decorations

You may not have any of these coveted Christmas pieces, but knowing the value of some vintage collectibles may inspire you to go back into Grandma’s attic.

1900s Vintage St. Nick. The most valuable Christmas decoration collectible currently sells for almost $8,000. This candy container Santa stands two feet tall and has a lavender mohair coat and a beard made of real lamb’s wool. It has unusual facial features that are almost scary.
57-Inch Santa. This Victorian-style Santa wears a long coat made of wood and acrylic and carries a lit Christmas tree. It’s value is $6,250.
Empire Blow Mold Wreath. This molded wreath measures 21 inches across and created by the Empire company in the 1990s. It’s value is $4,750.
Snow Angels. This set of four vintage ceramic Christmas angels have round, red chubby cheeks typical of the 1950s or 60s Christmas decoration style. Their coats and wings are trimmed with textured snow. This set of angels is has a value of almost $4,700.
Pink Evergleam Aluminum Christmas Tree. Yes, a pink Christmas tree! Aluminum trees were popular in the 1960s and came in a variety of colors. This particular tree is six feet tall and has glittering branches. It’s value is about $4,550.

While these collectables are rare finds, some are much more attainable and can be found more commonly at flea markets and garage sales. Many decorations from Department 56 have become vintage. Depart ment 56 has been making decorations and collectables for years. Some of them are licensed, such as Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch figurines, and others are retired, making them valuable.

On the lower end of the Christmas vintage decoration spectrum, but not any less popular, are the ceramic lighted trees, plastic lawn nativity sets, and village houses. A vintage simple wooden hand painted Nutcracker, for example, can sell for several hundred dollars.

Real Vintage Christmas Collectibles?

If you are looking for real vintage collectibles – beware! Many pieces are sold or made to look vintage, but are just reproductions. Many of these vintage Christmas items are sold on the internet, but there a few things you could look for and actions you can take to check an item’s authenticity:

Make sure unopened items are in their original boxes.
Do research. Certain materials were not available in some decades. For example, metal ornament caps were replaced with paper during world war II, specifically between 1942 and 1944.
Shop at a reputable dealer. Antique dealers, such as The Old & New Shop, will verify an item’s authenticity and give you the best offer for your vintage Christmas ornament or decorations.
If the vintage item sounds like a really great deal, it probably is too good to be true.
Ask for a certificate of authenticity for larger valued collectables.

We wish happy holidays and successful vintage shopping to all from The Old & New Shop!

Sources: https://www.workandmoney.com/s/valuable-vintage-christmas-decorations-25542494e38b4c06

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grinch_(film)

https://department56.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm7hQBMBNE8&t=152s

An Antique Shopping Guide

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Old and New Shop

A Guide to Antique Shopping There is so much fun in shopping for antiques. Sometimes, we find the best items from the flea market and in specialized shops. From hand-painted teapots to ornate sofas, these antiques make an excellent addition to your home. An antique shopping guide will help!

Be Prepared

The best way to start your shopping trip is to be prepared for moving your antiques from the shop to your home. A simple kit containing items you already have in your house should be ready to go. Your kit should have cardboard boxes (preferably foldable), a blanket or bubble wrap for padding, and wipes for dusty pieces. It’s also helpful to measure the space you want to fit the item into before you go. If your find is too big for your vehicle, have a Plan B to transport it such as a rental van.

Identify the Best Market for Your Needs

Depending on your needs, you should decide which type of market is the best place to find it. If you’re looking for affordable, second-hand items, shop at a flea market. If you want “old” heirlooms, try an antique mall. Genuine antiques are usually found in a shop owned by an antiquities expert.

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings. These differentiations can help determine the value of the item. The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining the age is a bit more subjective, vintage usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles. Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes only slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40.

Antiquing Etiquette

When you enter an antique market or mall, it’s always best to greet the vendor, setting a friendly tone. It is acceptable to haggle or ask for a discount. Some people may feel uncomfortable, but these tips can help you along.

You should also inspect the item carefully for dents, scratches, or chips. If you find a flaw, you should ask for a discount.

Keep the Vision

When shopping for pieces to decorate your home, keep in mind the style you are trying to achieve. Are you going for farmhouse chic, rustic, or something retro? If you are not sure what your style is, start with a major piece that you like that ties the room together and decorate accordingly.

If you are new at this, you probably don’t have experience determining the authenticity of an antique. There are some ways to verify its claim:

Distinguish sterling silver from plated by its authenticating mark. Look for a marking that says “9.25”, “Sterling”, “Sterling 925”, or “S/S.”
To check whether a porcelain item is genuine, hold a flashlight (your phone works well for this) up to see if the light shines through. If it does, it’s genuine.

Also, consider the function of the item you’re interested in. A fragile piece should not be in a place where it can be easily damaged.

Additionally, before you make a purchase, you should find out what the return policy is, especially on large valued items. If anything should be wrong, or it just doesn’t fit with your decor, you’d want to know if you can take it back.

Let’s Shop

With an antique shopping gude, you are ready to shop. Get your antiquing kit, cash, and transportation, and go! The Old & New Shop is one of the favorite antique and vintage dealers in the New York metro area.

Antique, Vintage, or Retro?

Posted on August 24, 2022 by Old and New Shop

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings, and these differentiations can help determine the value of the item.

The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. If an item is over 300 years old, it can fall into one of two categories. If it’s natural and from a living thing, it is called a fossil. If it’s man-made, then it qualifies as an antiquity or artifact.

Vintage has a meaning that is less defined. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining what age counts as vintage is a bit more subjective, it usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles.

Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40. Retro usually imitates a certain “years ago” style, for example, a letter or varsity jacket which dates back to the 1920s, and the style regained popularity again in the 1980s.

Items that are not necessarily antiques, vintage or retro may still look old and are commonly bought as collectibles. These are referred to as reproductions. They are not sold as old themselves but as copies of older items.

The Market Value

There are several ways to estimate the value of your antique, vintage, or retro item. Visiting a local appraiser is a good option, as they have experience in this area and the tools to accurately research the piece and determine its worth. Appraisers will offer a fair price and give you a report. However, they can charge a hefty fee for their services of up to $200 or more. The Old & New Shop will provide a more personal appraisal with a one-on-one phone call and/or meeting.

Another way to find the market value is to visit a site that will appraise your antique. Websites can give you a professional estimate by providing you with a description and photo. Additionally, consulting an antique pricing guide can give you detailed information about the value and resale of the items.

Trends in Antiques, Vintage, or Retro Items

Interest in shopping for vintage and antique items has grown over the years. Millennials are growing older, and the things they once had as children are now becoming vintage. And it’s not only Millennials; Gen Z’s is also looking for vintage and retro pieces. Current purchasing trends indicate interest in vintage advertising signs, books, toys, and jewelry. Other items with Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles are also popular. Whatever your preference, the Old & New Shop has a wide variety of items and collectibles for buying and selling.

5 Clues To Help You Learn Value of Your Antique Tapestry

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Old and New Shop

Tapestries are beautiful pieces of art that often tell a story, but they don’t always fit within the modern decor of today’s homes. If you have inherited an old tapestry, you may be wondering if it has any value. Selling your inherited tapestry could be lucrative for you if it is authentic. But how do you know if your tapestry is actually worth anything? You’ll have to do some detective work and, like for a true detective, a magnifying glass will prove to be useful in looking for clues about the authenticity of your tapestry. Below are a few clues that can help you piece together a more complete story about the value of your antique tapestry.

1. Uneven Stitching

Using your magnifying glass, examine the stitching in your tapestry. A skillfully crafted tapestry will have stitches that are neat and close together, but the human hand still adds variety to even the most expert stitching. Uneven stitches are a helpful clue in how that tapestry was made. Machine-made tapestries have perfectly even stitches with no or little variety. Antique, hand-made tapestries have slight irregularities in the size of the stitches and they use yarn processed using an older method that causes inconsistencies in the threads. These irregularities will add to the authenticity and value of your antique tapestry.

2. Types of Thread Used

Looking closely at the actual threads used, you can learn a lot about the type of person who may have originally owned this tapestry and how long ago they lived. Modern tapestries will be made of nylon or polyester, but true antiques dating back as far as the 15th century will use cotton, linen, or wool threads that were hand-dyed. If the original owner was upper-class or royalty, the tapestry might have been made of silk with silver or gold threads woven in.

3. Range of Colors

Hundreds of years ago, people didn’t have access to the vast array of color dyes that we have today. Back then, dyes were made of natural materials and only came in about 20 different varieties. Not only were the color choices smaller, but the same color used in a tapestry would not always match perfectly with itself due to natural unevenness that occurred in the dying process. Additionally, check to see if the hues are just as rich on both sides of the tapestry. If the tapestry has a clear front and back, it is likely made on a modern machine.

4. Location of the Signature

Artists of older tapestries would often incorporate their signature into the weave on either the bottom corner or the border of the tapestry. More modern tapestries have a tag on the back with the artist’s information, which is a clear giveaway that you are not dealing with an antique. You want a signature or initials in the weave that you can see from both sides of the tapestry.

5. The Story in the Design

Another big clue that can tell you valuable information about your tapestry is the kind of story being told in the design. Antique tapestries often told stories about the time period in which they were created. Tapestries from churches often depict a saint or biblical figures, whereas old tapestries that hung in palaces may show scenes of royalty or important battles. Modern-day tapestries can also use similar designs, so it’s important to make sure your tapestry has the other features of an antique as described above.

Although you can analyze all the above elements on your own, a professional like the ones at Old and New Shop will be able to expertly analyze all these elements to help determine the value of your antique tapestry. At Old and New Shop, not only will we help you learn more about your tapestry’s history and how much it is worth, but we will offer you the best price for it. Be sure to contact us to learn more about how we can help you learn the true value of your tapestry.

5 Elements to Consider When Determining the Worth of a Piece of Art

Posted on September 24, 2019 by Old and New Shop

Do you own or have you inherited several paintings or other forms of art? You may be wondering if your art is worth anything. The thing about art is that it’s super subjective. You may feel that the art you own is a masterpiece, or at least looks absolutely stunning, but the beauty of your piece of art doesn’t always dictate its worth. In fact, there are a variety of factors that are important in determining the value of your art piece.

1. Authenticity

Authentic antique paintings are rare, but they’re out there. The interesting, and somewhat problematic, issue of authenticity of paintings is that master painters sometimes had their students paint copies of their pieces or contribute to the original, and then all those pieces were sold under the master painter’s name. Leonardo da Vinci is famous for doing this with his painting Virgin of the Rocks. That means that many “authentic originals” out there are actually copies or collaborations. When discovered, these paintings become labeled “inauthentic” and their worth goes down.

2. Size

Amongst more contemporary artwork, the size of the piece often plays a significant role in its price. Smaller works are usually priced lower, and works that are too big to comfortably hang in a residential home are also priced lower because they are more difficult to sell. Large works that hang nicely in someone’s home will often have a higher price tag.

3. Medium

Oil paintings are extremely durable, which gives them a higher value. In addition, paintings done on canvas are worth more than those done on paper.

4. History

What is the history of the piece? Is it an original? If it belonged to anyone famous or significant, that will drive up its value. In addition, does the artist have an interesting backstory? Is the artist still alive? These are all important questions to consider when thinking about how much a piece of art is worth.

5. Artist

The popularity of the artist is a strong determining factor in the value of a piece of art. Has the artist been to several exhibitions? Won any awards? Is the artist popular right now?

Ultimately, whether or not you keep a piece of art is a highly personal decision. If you do decide you want to sell it, the experts at Old & New Shop will help you determine its worth and pay you the same day we pick it up. Either way, it’s always interesting and useful to know the history and worth of any piece of art you own!

Is Your Antique Furniture Authentic? Top Three Categories to Consider.

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Old and New Shop

If you have an antique piece of furniture in your home, you may want to know more about it and learn how much it may be worth. There are several different criteria to consider when evaluating the authenticity of a furniture antique. Below are the top three important categories of elements that can help you learn if your antique furniture is authentic – or at least if it is worth bringing to a professional appraiser!

Consider the Era

There are several different styles of furniture from different time periods, and each piece has its own story to tell. Furniture is usually considered antique if it is over 100 years old. Identifying the era from which your piece of furniture comes can help you determine if your piece is authentic and how much it may be worth.

Queen Anne and Chippendale styles are both from the 1700s and were popular in the early American colonies, particularly Boston and Philadelphia. They have subtle but distinct differences from one another in their shape and details.

Eastlake furniture came later, towards the end of the Victorian period. Charles Eastlake, who wanted to move away from the ornate Victorian styles, designed furniture that was simpler and more practical. Famous manufacturers of Eastlake furniture were the Herter Brothers, though they added elaborations to the classic Eastlake style. Any piece of Eastlake furniture manufactured by the Herter brothers will be worth more than other Eastlake pieces.

Eames furniture is more modern and also quite collectible. Charles and Ray Eames–husband and wife–highly influenced modern American furniture, creating functional and affordable furniture out of plywood in simple, comfortable designs that embrace the clean mid-century modern style.

Examine Its Construction

Antique furniture was made before machines, which means the edges will not be 100% perfectly straight. If you check inside the drawers of your furniture piece, you may notice irregular dovetail joints. In addition, multiple types of wood were often used in antique pieces, as artisans would not use expensive wood in areas that weren’t seen, such as the bottom of chairs.

Evaluate Its Condition

Antiques are old and they look it. They often have uneven coloring as well as black marks indicating water damage. Nicks and scratches can also indicate a piece is a true antique, although anyone can nick or scratch a piece of furniture to make it seem old, so be careful with that criteria. Drawer runners will usually be worn from so many years of use, and hardware pieces will frequently not be completely identical. Check the insides of drawers or the underside of your piece for any labels or markings that can provide clues as to when and where the piece was made.

A Professional Can Help Figure Out If Your Antique Furniture is Authentic

At the end of the day, a professional is probably the best person to tell you if your furniture is a true antique piece or a reproduction. At Old & New Shop, our professionals can help you determine the true history and worth of your piece of furniture.

Old & New Shop