10 Key points to remember in buying antiques

1 ) Buy the best you can afford in a category. Take paintings as an example. It’s always better to buy one good painting than 10 average ones. Every artist has good and bad days. In the long run, when you look at the investment potential, it’ll be the best work by an artist that commands the most money. This is also true in other categories of antiques.

2) Trust your eye. Sometimes you’ll find a piece for sale that comes with a “highbrow” story, a history about where it’s been, who it belonged to, and how old it is. You want to put the story aside for a moment and look at the piece in its own right. Does it speak to you? Does it seem to be a good quality piece? Is it worth the asking price? If not, move on. Art and antiques is a field where you have to develop a “good eye” if you want to become a discerning collector. In the end, you have to trust your own judgment and gut reaction to an object.

3) If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. But not always. The antique field is loaded with forgeries, reproductions and married pieces (ex: furniture pieces fitted together that don’t really belong.) A mine field. It’s your eye and your knowledge of the delicate distinctions that will keep you afloat. There are still “real” finds out there. The trade papers report stories about rare paintings uncovered behind inexpensive framed pictures, and valuable old advertising signs originally used as insulation in the walls of old houses. Be cautious, but also be open to the possibility of a find.

4) Ask questions. Lots of questions. It’s your money on the line. Be willing to look dumb. If you’re not satisfied with the answers, move on. If you’re really serious about the field, invest in a good reference library. If you don’t want to spend the money on a reference library then go to the library, or quietly pore over the collectible guides in your local bookstore.

5) Know who you’re dealing with, and deal with people you trust. This field has its share of fast-talkers looking to make a quick buck. Ask around. Bad news travels fast. If someone or someplace has a questionable reputation, stay away.

6) Bigger is not always better. A few years ago I bought a bronze sculpture by a well-known 20th century sculptor. How could I miss? The price was right. Lots of strong auction sale results for the artist. What I didn’t factor in was the size. How many homes can accommodate a 6foot 11inch naked woman? I eventually sold the bronze, after a great deal of aggravation, for a little more than I paid for it, and was happy. I also learned a lesson about factoring in the size of an object.

7) Original condition is everything. Whenever you can, buy things in their original condition. It makes a huge difference when you turn around to sell. Damaged, restored and refinished items usually command less interest and money.

8) Beware of reproductions. They’re everywhere, and they weren’t necessarily made to fool anybody. Cookie jars are an example. People want the ones they grew up with. You know the Aunt Jemima and the Big Red Apple. Old ones are often hard to find so reproductions appeared on the market. Many collectors don’t care if they’re reproductions. They just like seeing them lined up on a shelf in the breakfast room. Mechanical banks are another example. So you have to keep a watchful eye.

9) If you’re uncertain about a pricey antique, pass it by. Sometimes it’s hard to do, but you have to. If you just can’t resist, start researching, or find someone who knows about the object and ask him or her before you take the plunge.

10) Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes. Many of us paid for our education in this field through the mistakes we’ve made. It’s part of the game. Think of it as a learning curve, what you have to go through to develop an expertise. Finally, don’t forget to have a good time on your treasure hunt. Perfection isn’t the point, fun is.