Vintage Antique http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog Shop Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:58:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en Antique silver http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/silver/antique-silver/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/silver/antique-silver/#comments Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:58:13 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=19 Antique silver

You may want to organize your antique silver collection by time period, style, or maker. Or, you may want to collect a certain kind of piece, such as antique silver-plated serving forks. Notice the hallmark, or stamp, which often indicates the standard of silver, origin, and other valuable information.

There are two major categories of antique silverware:

  • Antique flatware: Antique flatware includes utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons.
  • Antique hollowware: Antique hollowware includes vessels like bowls, tea services, trays, and vases.

Sterling silver is the highest-quality silver, but silver plate is affordable and retains all of the beauty of sterling. American silver that is slightly lower in value than sterling is often referred to as coin silver.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/silver/antique-silver/feed/ Antique Furniture Basics http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-furniture-basics/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-furniture-basics/#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:39:16 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=10 By: Simon Oldman
Antiques may be of many different kinds and of all the antique
collectibles and furniture happens to be the most popular and
practical choice. Antique furniture is distinct from other
categories of antiques in the sense that no one collects the
same type of object repeatedly. It means that you would not want
to buy and collect only tables or chests and fill up your home
with everything the same. However, you may have a specific
liking to certain wood or style.

Regardless of your preference, if you are planning to purchase
antique furniture, you need to know the basics. In other words,
you should have some idea about various styles, techniques of
construction, finishes and variety of woods used. You will need
this knowledge to determine if a particular piece is original
(in its original state without any major changes) or altered (if
some major alterations or additions have been made to it.)

Once you are acquainted with the basics, go to as many antique
furniture dealers and auctions as you possibly can. When
inspecting the merchandise, don’t hesitate in pulling out
drawers, getting down on your knees to look at the underside of
tabletops or lifting chairs to have a look at their legs. If you
don’t get down and dirty, you will never learn.

In the beginning, furniture was crafted from solid wood but
with improvement in cabinet making techniques, furniture
decoration by applying veneers (thin sheets of wood) was
developed. This provided an inexpensive method of creating
decorative effects from different grains and patterns. It was
also an economical technique that made inexpensive woods look
like expensive hard woods. Such furniture had a solid body
called a carcass that is made of a different, generally less
expensive wood, like pine. Some of the woods used in antique
furniture are beech, cherry, chestnut, ebony, elm, mahogany,
pine, oak, satinwood, walnut etc.


The following features are significant when determining the
age, authenticity, quality and worth or price of antique
furniture:

I> Color and Patina: Patina is the glow of the wood after years
of accumulation of wax polish and dirt. A rich subtle color is
also an important characteristic of antique furniture.

II> Proportion: A disproportionate piece of furniture may well
be a “marriage” of different parts from different furniture.

III> Construction: Before the late 17th century, furniture was
made using mortise and tendon joints and pegs were handmade.

IV> Condition: Do not ignore pieces with marks or blemishes as
the wood has not been damaged. A good restorer can undo surface
spots. Antique Furniture in it original pristine condition is
worth the highest price.

V> Alterations: Altered furniture is always less desirable than
the original piece. Telltale alterations include large pieces
reduced in size, freshly cut surfaces, plugged holes,
repositioned handles etc.


Now that you know what to look for, the question is where to
look for antique furniture?

Well, apart from auctions and dealers, you can always check the
classifieds section in the paper to see if anybody’s selling
furniture and go check it out. You might even find a good
bargain this way. Also, you will find many sites that sell
antique furniture on the internet or you could use the internet
to find out where you could go to get good deals on antique
furniture.


Simon Oldmann has been experimenting with internet auction sites for some years now, he is writing about his experience in researching and buying Antiques online, Simon writes articles antiques.zupatips.com/

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-furniture-basics/feed/ Antique Box http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/antique-box/antique-box/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/antique-box/antique-box/#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:29:48 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=32 An antique box can be irresistible for many people who are into antique collections. Collecting antique boxes made in the 18th and 19th centuries will make you feel the history of the box.

The woodwork that is primarily seen on the surface clearly indicates the broad spectrum of the craftsmanship. You will see most antique boxes that are designed with inlay or lacquers.

Details on how these antique boxes were made can be seen on the designed elements that were used. If you are into collecting antique boxes, you will be fascinated with the different types and designs that display the antiqueness and royalty of the box.

Many antique boxes are said to have been popularized since the rise of cabinet making is recognized as a professional craft.

Most boxes are painted with a nice picture of life and exquisite design for those who are in the higher classes of the society.

In those times especially in the 18th and 19th century periods, boxes were basic things and they function to unlimited variations. It depends on the person using the box and the needs of time.

Boxes are said to be art objects in the 16th century. One of the most famous craftsmen to be recognized during this period was Chippendale.

He was so popular in making state of the art cabinets and with his unique designs of small boxes such as the jewelry box. Since then, boxes were made with decorative designs and styles.

For antique box collectors, taking good care of these valuable items is important. There are also some who may have inherited antiques boxes but they do not know how to maintain their condition.

Caring for antique items properly has many benefits to offer you in the future. It ensures the owner that it can be passed to their loved ones and may also be sold with a higher value.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/antique-box/antique-box/feed/ Antique Rugs http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/rugs-carpets/antique-rugs/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/rugs-carpets/antique-rugs/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:54:37 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=15 Antique Rugs

Many antique rugs are handmade and are truly folk art. Rugs can have a flat surface, like on a tapestry or a pile surface. Anything smaller than 9 x 6 feet is a rug, while anything larger is a carpet. Runners refer to long, narrow carpets. Antique rugs refer to rugs more than 50 years old.

Oriental rugs are of Chinese or Persian origin.

Persian rugs include prayer rugs, urban-made rugs, village rugs, and nomadic rugs.

Other rugs include those of American Indian origin, and folk rugs.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/rugs-carpets/antique-rugs/feed/ Antique Chests http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-chests/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-chests/#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:33:23 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=3
Antique Chests

By: Brijesh

English Antique Chests are exquisitely made by artisan craftsmen that favor the open environment of a richly stocked library and comfortable study setting to place their works of art where they will be seen. As people socialize in their day-to-day business dealings, these sturdy crafted stands creatively offer female guests a conversation piece on which to pass the day. Sought by collectors who value true beauty, these chests are Era timepieces that have stood up to the test of time.

With the limited size available within many of the homes, these crafted storage areas were often used as home furnishing due to their large size and permanent location within the home. Antique chests were adapted to provide bedding areas for children in poorer homes, as well as articles for the family to dine on.

Rich land owners used these antique chests to hold ballroom gowns and assorted undergarments such as corsets and stockings, as well as storage devices for every change of clothes need for the various seasons.

These trusted antique chests were a crafted container, meant to hold precious household belongings, and were easily loaded onto ships for long journeys across the seas, or sit dockside for weeks awaiting passage.

These antique chests were crafted in fine, hard wood planking that craftsmen found to be very durable, and provided artisans an open canvas on which to apply ornate carvings with raised ridges and exquisite designs. This wood was later stained and then finely glazed with shiny surfaces that were easily polished to a bright glow.

These aged furniture pieces have faired well over time and represent a crafted rendering of antique chests that many collectors seek to adorn their homes with their beautiful style and usefulness, while cherishing the history that is imbedded in each exquisite piece.

The www.elisabethjamesantiques.co.uk”>Elisabeth James Antiques collection changes rapidly, As our furniture items are sold, new items are continually added to replenish our wonderfully exquisite furniture offerings. Visit often to find exquisite pieces, at marvelous pricing.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/furniture/antique-chests/feed/ Taking Care Of Antique Books http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/taking-care-of-antique-books/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/taking-care-of-antique-books/#comments Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:10:31 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=23 Benedict Smythe asked:

The knowledge of the value of antique items is no longer a secret among the select few. Almost everybody has an idea that something, even if it's centuries old is still known to function the way it was meant to. It is because of this fact that antiques (especially those in good condition) are highly valued and are equally highly priced.

Auction houses are a good gauge of how much people value their antiques. Houses like Christie's and Sotheby's gets a high market auctioning off antique items and sometimes even at record breaking high prices. When you buy an antique object, you of course are not just claiming the aesthetic quality that it will bring your house, but also the investment you have made. After all, the older an antique item is and the better condition it is in, the higher the price it will fetch you someday. As always, the value of antiques is only kept if the item itself is maintained in top quality, as close to its original state as possible. Safeguarding and maintaining the quality of antiques does not only apply to furniture, but is also heeded when caring for beautiful antique books.

Nothing beats the scent of old books, first editions that still have traces of slight editorial imperfections that make them all the more endearing and valuable. An important step in taking care of antique books is first to check the book. Look through it and try to identify the most fragile parts. You need to pay closer attention to it and that would also give you an idea on the proper handling of the item. The spine is known to be the most fragile part of the book as it is the thinnest portion. It is also the part that suffers the most damage each time the book is opened. Most antique books are leather bound; if this is the case then you can protect the spine by applying mild leather moisturizer to that part to keep it from being brittle.

Keep your books in a clean dry place and like any antique, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight and an excess of moisture or humidity. These books have to be kept away form Ultraviolet light, because UV rays can cause a great deal of damage to the external parts of the book and if the contents are exposed, it can cause the ink to fade. To further protect the book, try covering it with a clear plastic cover found in most bookstores and school supply stores. Repairing a book should be done with the aid of an expert, because a misguided attempt of a novice can only cause the book further damage, therefore inevitably reducing its value.

Antique books are an important relic of days past. It gives us a glimpse into the manner of thinking of our ancestors. The romantic language and the innovative ideas bring the past closer and in turn keeping us grounded to our current beliefs and values. Taking care of antique book items proves to be a way to show our appreciation and gratitude to days past.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/taking-care-of-antique-books/feed/ How to Quickly Find and Sell Old, Valuable Books and Cookbooks http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/how-to-quickly-find-and-sell-old-valuable-books-and-cookbooks/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/how-to-quickly-find-and-sell-old-valuable-books-and-cookbooks/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=25 Helen Hecker asked:

Old books can make for a fun home-based business while giving you a profitable side business that will make you money and cultural experiences too. You may already have a nice collection of old, rare, vintage or antique books or cookbooks.

Cookbooks are the third most popular category among new books and a good one to start with. People often raid their parents' and grandparents' collections to find good used cookbooks.

To find and buy old books, first check your local library for its "Friends of the Library" book sales. They have annual sales of donated books and many antique dealers line up for these. Of course it helps to know your prices, so to begin with you might stick to a particular category, for example cookbooks. You can usually get books for 25 cents to a dollar and on the last day they have a bag sale.

Sometimes you can get books free at the end of the sale. But the best time to go is the night before the sale when they let the members of the "Friends" buy cheap, in advance of the sale. Membership usually runs about $10 a year and you can easily make your money back with your first sale. It's a good cause besides.

You want to look for books that you've done your research on, of course, but also look for any book from the pre 1900s in fair condition. They will usually get you at least ten times what you paid for it.

Also look at flea markets, garage sales, estate sales and auctions. We found a signed copy of a rare, signed Julia Child cookbook with dust jacket intact in fine condition at an estate sale. It was also signed by her husband Paul Child, the illustrator. The book was appraised at $500.

The house was in an area of little houses with older folks. Don't judge a book by its cover or a house by its appearance I guess is the lesson here! You never know what you'll find. We also found some other great cookbooks and books there.

To research the value we would avoid the usual rare book price guides. Many of these are outdated. The actual price is today's price.

To find out what the books should sell for, go to your favorite search engine and type in the title. You should be able to find sites that are selling the same title and give you a broad range to choose from. Finding 'sold' book prices are much better.

One you've established a price, the fastest way to sell these books is to sell them online at your own website or get a free one from any of the sites who are offering this service.

Be sure to add photos of the books. They should be of high quality. Take close up shots of the title page and a sample recipe page. Take shots from different angles. Pick about six of your best shots.

If you're in hurry, price them lower than the other books. If you aren't in a hurry price them at the high end of the range. Then when the others are sold your price will be a bargain. Antique books will generally rise in price as they become rare.

Of course there are many other ways to sell your old books. eBay is another of course. And there are lots of ways to sell them offline too. Be open to different venues.

Finding and selling old, rare, vintage or antique books or cookbooks is great fun, with very little upfront costs. With these tips and this information, it should help you know how to start buying and selling used books and cookbooks, have a nice side home-based business, a cultural experience, and lots of fun too.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/how-to-quickly-find-and-sell-old-valuable-books-and-cookbooks/feed/ Guide to Antique Books http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/guide-to-antique-books/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/guide-to-antique-books/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=24 Masni Rizal Mansor asked:

Antique books are a fascinating glimpse into world history and the people who once made that history. Antique book collecting can be a guessing game sometimes since the actual age of the book may have nothing at all to do with the appraised value. We’ve all heard about that person who found an antique in a dusty corner of their attic, and it was appraised for a whopping sum of money. Books especially may be found just about anywhere because they are and were usually fairly portable and small.

The Skinny on Antique Books

Probably the most important factor when determining the value of an old book is its condition. It is very rare to find a really old book in great condition simply because of how long it has been around. Pages are often dog-eared, missing or may have writing on them. The binding may be loose or the covers may be damaged. All of these contribute to the book’s overall value.

The overall availability of an antique book may add to its value, especially if the book is in demand. However, even if a book is rare, it may not be in demand by book collectors. Sometimes it can almost feel like a guessing game trying to figure out if the book you have is old, rare or collectible.

A first edition is often considered the rarest of a book’s printing runs. The term first edition can often be used in odd ways and can often confuse a person who is interested in antique books. Most books only ever have a first edition, so you will usually want to have an expert take a look at your book to determine its value.

Often people will assume that because a book is signed by the author it is more valuable. In the 20th century, book signings have been a quite common occurrence, so signed books are not that rare overall. However, generally speaking, a signed book is somewhat more valuable than its unsigned counterpart. Then again, a lot of this will also depend on the demand that is current in the antique book-buying market.

Antique books can be a wonderful item to collect. The overall interest in antique books is fairly steady, so if you are interested in the world of antique books, information is easy to find. There are also book collecting societies that try and help their members become more adept at book collecting. So, look around, you just may find an antique book lurking in a dusty corner.

]]> http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/guide-to-antique-books/feed/ Antique Books Give a Sense of Pleasure to All the Reading Lovers http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/antique-books-give-a-sense-of-pleasure-to-all-the-reading-lovers/ http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/books-manuscripts/antique-books-give-a-sense-of-pleasure-to-all-the-reading-lovers/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000 admin http://vintageantiqueshop.com/blog/?p=22 Muna wa Wanjiru asked:

Antique books can be used books and antiquarian books, prints, maps. Independent professional book dealers present them. All of them are a part of professional organizations with high standards and strive to satisfy their customers fully.

New methods and technology have made possible the restoration of old antique books. These books can also be termed as the old books of ancient times, that dates back way behind on the history, the classic or vintage books. They can be available in any vast libraries or through the internet. Antique books are also available in this form, in fact it has become a fad to read these by accessing them through the web and they can be preserved for a very long time as they are in digitized form.
The antique books give a sense of pleasure to all the reading lovers. They form one of the major attractions for the book readers. This is similar in spirit of people to preserve antique furniture and other items. The old books are very valuable and can be preserved in the library as an asset. The antique books are best when the pages of the book looks as the new ones appear.
Even little discoloring of pages and pictures is considered to be okay. However, the main objective of the antique books is to present the book as it originally appears, approximating the experience to the user of reading the actual book.If someone is interested in buying the antique books of special category, they can do so either from bookstalls or by ordering through the web sites.
The prices of the antique books are quite high. Each book’s price is decided after carefully examining the book. Only book lovers purchase these books and who have intense reading as their hobby. It can also serve as a good investment. Most of them get thrilled just by viewing an old book, which compels them to collect it. The most widely liked way is to read the book online. They are possible through the digital libraries that create the digital forms of the antique books.
The restoration of antique books is available now through many new methods and technologies. The different ways are by scanning, print separation and enhancement, and many other standard processes. The important aspects for these old books are their condition and the edition. To elaborate a little on the methods and its hierarchy we start with the scanning method.
Scanning is also known as digitally photographing the pages at a resolution of at least 600 dots per inch in full 24-bit color. The resolution can vary from one book library or press to others. The main motive of this technique is to print all the details comprehensibly captured in the original image with partial over sampling.After capturing the image, the next step is to process separately the printed and the non- printed components of the image. This concept is easily done.
Print enhancement commences from Laplacian enhancement then it is averaged down to display resolution. Then, the Laplacian technique is used to print at the display resolution. It is a standard signaling process that smoothes and makes the edges sharp simultaneously.Print Storage consists of saving the result as a transparent GIF file. The translucent part shows through the background.
The non-print processing consists of turning the background by processing it into a true HTML background type. Once all the above-mentioned steps are done and computed, the view then can be merged in the browser.  ANTIQBOOK is a searchable database of used books presented by individual professional book dealers. This web site brings you directly in touch with the booksellers. Many other sites do the similar type of work.
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