Everything old is new again. Thankfully, there are some trendy items and ideas that have not experienced a period of resurgence. However, it is almost impossible to argue that vintage is has never been more en vogue.
Like many activities that take on an active following of devoted and passionate participants, antiques have become an industry in and of itself. As such, there are some things that would prove helpful to know before you set out on your antique-hunting adventure.
First of all, there are some important legal aspects of purchasing (and selling) antiques to consider. Just because something is old doesn’t make it an antique. It just makes it old. According to the Federal Trade Commission, an item has to be over 100 years old to be considered an antique by law.
Be careful for dealers who try to make a play on words by promoting with words like collectible and vintage. There are even legal definitions concerning those as well. While a collectible is, well, anything you choose to stockpile, a vintage collectible has to be at least 50 years old.
When shopping for antiques, be sure to give the dealer as thorough of an inspection as you do the piece of furniture you’re interested in. Ask them if they are members of any professional organizations. Find out which type of merchandise, if any, they specialize in. How long have they been dealing?
It is also important to find if they sell reproductions along their antiques. If so, reproductions should be clearly labeled. If they are not, or the dealer appears caught off guard by the question, tread carefully.
Keep in mind, it’s fine if you fall in love with a piece of furniture and it just happens to be a reproduction. Just be sure you’re not paying antique prices for it. Speaking of prices, ask the dealer how he or she came to the asking price. What criteria did they use? Returns on antiques? You bet. Any reputable dealer should agree to a return in the event the item can be proven to have been misrepresented.
If shopping for antiques proves to be an overwhelming errand, keep in mind that many current furniture manufacturers have made great strides in creating furniture that comes direct from the factory with an antique feel. This includes a varying array of textures, colors and finishes.
This can be beneficial if there are no authentic and reputable antique markets or auctions in your area or the price of authentic antique furniture is not the most cost-conscious option for you.