Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Consult an American flatware guidebook. Get flatware guidebooks online or borrow from the local library. They offer collectors a history of their chosen manufacturer, silver marks, and manufacturing dates, laying the groundwork for specific research.
Research Oneida flatware using Oneida guidebooks, catalogs and websites to choose the pattern you wish to collect. Of course, you could collect several patterns over time, but it's easier to become familiar with just one design at the beginning to hone your collecting skills.
Decide whether to collect full services of a specific type of flatware. Some collectors prefer to collect a whole dinner service for eight or 12, whereas others like to collect sugar spoons. If the flatware is for selling, collect full services, if displaying flatware or giving as a gift then individual pieces is completely acceptable.
Visit online auction sites to pick up pieces for your collection and research current values for your flatware. Although many vintage flatware services book at high prices, it always comes down to what the market will bear. Online auctions show the current going rate for any item.
Go to yard sales to add pieces to your flatware collection. Non-collectors have a habit of throwing all old silver and flatware into a big box, as they don't have enough knowledge to determine prices. This is a great opportunity for barter and bargains.
Contact local antique dealers and stores to receive notice of Oneida items for sale. Making friends with antique dealers and providing them with contact information along with the brand, pattern and a list of needed pieces for your collection is a great way to keep on top of new items on the local market.
Store pieces in airtight containers and label individual collections clearly. Slip an acid-free note card with purchase and origin details into each flatware set to save time and keep your growing collection in order.