How to become educated?

[DKott21]

I'm new to all of this but it's something that interests me and I would like to get into. It's exciting going to garage and estate sales looking for antiques and collectibles. How do I go about learning whats of value, whats fake, whats a reproduction, etc.

[mart]

Welcome to the group !!  It takes years of mistakes and a lot of study for that !!  Best way to start is to decide what your main interest is !! Glassware, primitives, furniture, or whatever and concentrate your research on that !! Then expand as your knowledge grows !!  Trying to learn it all at one time only confuses !! Hang around here a lot ,, you will be surprised at what your learn !!  And believe me,, its a constant learning process !! Books and the internet are good but nothing beats hands on experience !!  Just start small !!  Glad to have you join us !!

[cogar]

How do I go about learning whats of value, whats fake, whats a reproduction, etc.

To learn “whats of value” I suggest you purchase a copy of Schroeder’s Antique Price Guide at your local bookstore or from Amazon.com -

http://www.amazon.com/Schroeders-Antiques-Price-Guide-Huxford/dp/1574324284

and just leaf thru it from front to back, noting the names, heading or titles only ….. and I’m sure 2 or 3 of them will “catch your fancy”.

But now the learning of “whats fake” or ”whats a reproduction” is oftentimes an on-going ….. costly education.  Just don’t be “jumping” to buy things because you heard they were “hot on the list” of collectibles.

[talesofthesevenseas]

I would suggest going to antique stores during times when it is quite, talk to the owner and tell them that you are learning and could they show you some items that would give you a feel for age- ask to see examples of patina and examples of items that have wear from years of use. You don't have to buy them. Most folks who are still in the antiques business during these difficult economic times are probably still in it because they are passionate about it. Chances are, if it is quiet, they would be happy to do a little teaching. I've learned a lot by asking questions of people whose business it is to be able to identify age, style and value.

[ironlord1963]

    For sure a good way to learn is just to visit these stores, Antique malls, and etc. Touch feel is worth it weight in gold.  Auctions if you don't mind hanging out are a good learning place too.  One thing is it will take time, but I assure you it is great fun just doing this.

[mariok54]

Hi, All good advice, and not much more to add, especially as this is akin to the quest for the Holy Grail ... but remember that 'original' does not always = high value, and likewise 'repro' does not always = 'Low value'  ... The value is determined by the buying public (you and me) and we are fickle creatures!

[KC]

Great information everyone.  Wish there was a site like this when I started the quest for knowledge! 

In addition to the above.  Be patient.  Be ready to make some mistakes (think it is worth big bucks and it isn't).  Unless you have the money to burn...buy it because you like it.  When it comes to family hand me downs....realize that most of the time sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value!

[CuriousCollector]

If you're wanting to collect, just collect what you like.  You'll start off with junk or near-junk, you'll discover that things in better condition (cleaner, less rust, with original packaging, with dust jackets, with whatever your field of interest demands) are worth more and you'll find them, and then you'll build a collection worth something.

And even if it's not worth much, so what? -- if you enjoy them!  I've bored this list many a time with my collection of old farm and kitchen tools -- butter molds, straight edge razors, plows, scythes, etc -- and probably not a single piece is worth more than two digits, and most are probably worth single digits, but they were things my husband's ancestors used, and they are interesting, and so we like them.

If you're in it to try to make a living out of a hobby, I agree that you should start with what you like, and read valuation books.  And keep practicing -- look around antique stores and compare items you see/like with the books.  Go to flea markets and fairs -- look, study, read, ponder.  Buy when you like something and can afford it.  And enjoy it!

[mart]

Hey CC  Thats exactly the kind of stuff that I like !!  As well as anything made about the 50`s era !!

[GreenhornGirl]

I wholeheartedly agree with what everyone said here!  I have not been doing this for long at all, but several times I've driven a couple of hours away just because there is a friendly antique dealer store out there with an owner who will talk when it's slow and give good information and tips.  I'm glad I found this site though so hopefully I can save some gas money    I agree that you should go with what you like.  One of the things he told me was to look more for "names" than for "old world crap," like antique straight edge razors or the cricket box I posted, but you know what sometimes I drawn to beautiful glassware and china that would be considered "collector" items and sometimes I'm drawn to those really age-worn, lower value items, and I go with my gut because when you see beauty in it it's easy to convey that beauty to others, and I end up making more profit then I expect usually if I do decide to resell the piece(s) when I go with my gut and buy those pieces that aren't some "hot" collector brand or whatever because I personally find value to them.  (Also if you like what you buy, and you are in the buying & selling arena, you won't mind what you might get stuck with/not be able to sell.)  Once you find area(s) you like, there are all kinds of great books, ebooks, and online information out there, but of course like others said there is no replacement for "hands-on."  Auctions, estate sales, garage sales, antique shops, sometimes even thrift shops, etc.

[Oceans64]

..... and I go with my gut because when you see beauty in it it's easy to convey that beauty to others ....

Well said!!

[mart]

That gut feeling usually works to your advantage !!   You should do well !!