Valuable Antique Finds

It does not matter if you are an antiquing expert or a beginner, everyone knows that some antiques can be very valuable. However, the antiquing novices may be wondering what antiques and collectibles they should be keeping an eye out for while they’re browsing tag sales and antique stores. 

On the Lookout

Here is a list of some of the valuable antique finds as well as vintage, and retro items budding collectors should get excited about: 

  • Rare coins
  • Original paintings
  • Antique furniture, clocks, and doorstops
  • First-edition books, vintage comic books, and postcards
  • Early baseball cards
  • Musical instruments 

…And More

  • Antique maps and globes 
  • Jewelry
  • Dishes, china, flatware, and depression glassware
  • Vintage toys
  • Old cameras and lenses
  • Decoy ducks

Valuable Collectables

These items can be very valuable, selling in the hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Certain specific items, of course, can stand above their peers in terms of both rarity and value. First-edition copies of certain famous and well-loved books can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. A first-edition copy of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” can be worth up to $70,000 and a copy of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald can be worth up to $30,000. Rare vintage toys can be even more valuable than even the most cherished first-edition novels. The “Redline Hot Wheels Car” released in 1968 can be worth $100,000 to $200,000 today, as can the Star Wars First 12 Action Figures released in 1977. Antique furniture is another realm of antiquing that contains highly valuable items. Certain items of antique furniture such as the Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sofa and the Sheraton Banjo Wall Clock can be worth up to $500,000. Others like the Hepplewhite Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard can be worth up to $1 million, while the Chippendale Rococo Mahogany Highboy can be worth up to $3 million.

Other Rare Finds

Particularly rare and beloved comics can be even more valuable than even the rarest vintage toys and the vast majority of antique furniture. For instance, a surviving copy of Action Comics #1, the 1938 DC comic that introduced readers to Superman, is valued at $2 to $3 million. Batman’s 1939 debut comic Detective Comics #27 is valued at $1 to $2 million.. However rare coins can be even more valuable than these debut superhero comics. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is worth an eye popping $10 to $15 million today and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coin is worth $7 million to $10 million on the coin collecting market. These two American coins are the most valuable in the world, but coins from other countries like the British 1703 Queen Anne Five Guineas, the Spanish 1715 Fleet Treasure Cob, and the German 1743 Vereinskrone Thaler are also worth millions of dollars. These are, of course, just a small smattering of the valuable antiques and collectibles waiting to be discovered in the attics, basements, tag sales, garages, and thrift stores of the world.

 Valuable Antique Finds

While it can be very exciting to imagine finding a valuable antique worth large sums of money, it is best to practice and love antiquing for its own sake. You may not find a multi-million dollar comic or coin on your antiquing journey, 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. Isn’t that the true spirit of antiquing? If you do find an antique item you believe to be valuable you can have it appraised at the Old & New Shop.

https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/23-types-valuable-antiques-look

https://www.fleamarketinsiders.com/top-10-most-valuable-vintage-collectibles/

https://www.bidsquare.com/blog/12-unexpected-types-of-valuable-antiques-to-look-for-985

Shopping for Antique Art

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.Shopping for antique art

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.