6 Myths about Antiques You* Still Believe

*Maybe

1) Dates

A lot of people assume that antique furniture generally has a date of manufacture carved on and think that is the best and only way to really tell the age of a piece of furniture. Of course that's simply not true and one should never make assumptions based on a written, or carved number.

2) Metal castings

One of the most persistent myths is related to the quality of details on cast metal items. Often any inconsistency, pitting, lack of definition, parts cast in worn moulds, or visible seams are seen as a sure sign that the item is not antique. I urge those of you to look at close-up pictures of a wide variety of items at different auction sites and really notice that antique cast metal items weren't always perfect.

3) Wear and tear

This one is a great oxymoron. In one hand, people expect an antique to have maximal wear and tear as a sign of originality, but yet we like to often buy ones that are as flawless as possible. Some look at wood surfaces and say something's not antique, because there's not enough wear or patina. What is good to remember, is that items have been used differently: some less, some more in way different environments and they've received different cleaning treatments. 18th century wood can still have a light color.

4) Added parts

See a modern day screw? Think again before throwing your item in the reproduction pile. A lot of items have been restored and repaired not only recently, but at any point of their existence. Lost patina, parts that aren't original and confusing painted surfaces can easily lead to a incorrect valuation.

5) Generalizations

Reading and accumulating knowledge is good, but don't take everything you read as a universal truth. One rule of thumb can be true when it comes to certain objects from a certain place and time, but not have anything to do with others. A common mistake is to read something in a book, maybe even misunderstand it and apply incomplete or false facts when valuating an item. After all, one can never learn absolutely everything.

6) Damage vs. worth

Is aunt Selma's tureen cracked? The first instinct for a lot of people is to avoid, or toss damaged items. Considering the age of the object, its decorative value and what can be done to make it presentable, a well-repaired item is usually always better than one in the bin. Embrace the damage and make sure you don't just assume a cracked dish is always worthless.

 

Good post. Thank you.

Just want to add:

Particularly if found on the internet. One false statement that gets copied and shared, suddenly becomes fact.