If there is one area of the antique market that is quite secretive, it’s taking an antique and deciding if it’s worth something. Valuing antiques requires a level of advice and experience that is hard to find. Many antique shops will tell you valuations are based on ‘opinion,’ so how do you know how much your item is worth? Here’s a detailed look at five signs of a valuable antique:

Authenticity

The first sign of a valuable antique is authenticity. When purchasing an antique, it is essential to ensure that the piece is authentic and not a reproduction or knockoff. One way to determine if a piece is original is to examine the craftsmanship and materials used in making it.

If you notice any signs of poor craftsmanship or if the materials used are cheap, there is a good chance it is not authentic. Look for handmade nails, hand-forged hinges, and original screws to determine whether or not your piece is genuine.

Condition

The condition of an antique can be just as crucial as its authenticity when determining value. Some items may appear in good condition but may be damaged on the inside, such as an old lamp, while others may be in poor condition but still worth more than their appearance suggests, such as an old chair.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics is an essential aspect of an antique. If your piece has a lot of value, it will be because it is aesthetically pleasing.

Aesthetic value is based on color or how well the piece is made, so if you have a broken item with a lot of aesthetic value, it may still have some worth.

Rarity

The first sign of a valuable antique is a rarity. If only a few items exist, they will be more valuable than mass-produced ones. Rarity can be determined by researching the item’s origin, history, and production. You could also consult with an expert or museum curator to determine if your item is rare or not.

Age

Age is the easiest way to determine whether an antique you’ve come across is valuable. Antique collectibles and antique dealers have online databases and reference books available to help people identify their items by age.

In addition to looking up specific items online or in books at the library, there are several different ways you can identify age just by looking at an item’s physical characteristics.

Desirability

If an item doesn’t have much demand, it’s not likely that many people will pay more than the cost of the materials used to make it, which means they won’t be worth much money. But if an item has high demand, its value will increase over time.

The most desirable items are those that are rarer or harder to find than others of the same type. However, even fairly common items can be desirable if they’re made well or uniquely.

Conclusion

Many factors factor into the piece’s value when it comes to antiques. A unique history or a particular feature can significantly increase the value of an item. Recognizing these unique factors can lead you to valuable pieces at thrift stores and flea markets.