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How to Know if an Antique Is Valuable

An antique is a piece of furniture or household decoration that's at least 100 years old. Whether you're curious about an item you own or are shopping for an antique piece worth the asking price, it's important to have some idea of an antique's value. Doing a little homework and knowing what to look for will help you determine if a particular item is valuable.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the piece to see if it's in good condition. Flaws such as chipped paint or cracks will decrease its value.
- 2
  Learn how to identify trademark designs that denote a particular period or designer. For example, after 1840, furniture builders began using circular saws, which leave a curved pattern in wooden furniture. If you are told a piece is older than 1840, checking for these marks would be one way to determine the truth of that statement.
- 3
  Look for details like fine carving or ornate handiwork that typically increase an item's value.
- 4
  Contact an antique specialist for an appraisal if you are unsure about the value of an item. You may want to ask the appraiser what kind of items are currently popular, and therefore seeing an increase in value due to demand.

Antiques