Collecting Antiques

Do you love the idea of finding hidden treasures? Are you fascinated by by bygone eras? If so, then collecting antiques may be the perfect hobby for you! In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what it takes to make collecting antiques a hobby.

What is an Antique?

The first step in becoming a successful antique collector is understanding what an antique is. Generally speaking, an antique is any item that is at least 100 years old. However, some items are considered antiques even if they’re not quite that old. For example, certain items from the Art Deco period are highly sought-after by collectors, even though they were produced less than 100 years ago.

Collecting Antiques is a Good Hobby

It’s a great way to learn about the history

When you collect antiques, you are essentially holding a piece of history in your hands. You can learn a lot about a particular time period or culture by studying the items that were made during that time. For example, you might collect old coins from different empires and learn about the rise and fall of those civilizations.

It’s a fun way to decorate your home

Collecting antiques is also a great way to decorate your home in a unique and interesting way. Rather than filling your home with mass-produced items from big box stores, you can fill it with one-of-a-kind pieces that have been carefully selected by you. This can give your home a much more personal and inviting feel.

It’s a great conversation starter

If you have guests over to your home, they are sure to be impressed by your collection of antiques. This can provide you with a great conversation starter, as people will be curious to know more about the items in your collection and where you got them from. Additionally, collecting antiques can be a great way to meet new people who share your interests.

It’s a good investment

If you choose wisely, collecting antiques can also be a good investment. Some antiques appreciate in value over time, so if you purchase items that are likely to increase in value, you could make some money down the road when you sell them. Of course, it’s important to do your research before making any purchases, as not all antiques appreciate value equally.

It’s a fun hobby!

Most importantly, collecting antiques is simply a fun hobby! If you enjoy doing it, then that’s all that matters. Don’t worry about whether or not it’s a good investment or if it will impress your friends and family members – just do it because you enjoy it!

A Beginner’s Guide

Where to find antiques

One option is to scour local flea markets and garage sales. With a little patience and some haggling skills, it’s possible to find some amazing deals at these kinds of venues. Of course, the downside is that you never know what you’re going to find (or not find).
Another option is to visit antique stores or malls. This can be a great way to find specific items that you’re looking for. However, it’s important to remember that dealers who operate these kinds of businesses are in the business of making money. As such, they’re likely to charge more for their wares than you would pay at a garage sale or flea market.
In recent years, online auction sites like eBay have become a popular option for buying and selling antiques. The main advantage of buying online is that it gives you access to a much wider selection of items than you would find at your local store or flea market. However, it’s important to exercise caution when buying anything sight unseen. Be sure to do your research so that you know what you’re bidding on – and be prepared to accept the risk that the item may not be exactly as described.

Start by collecting antiques you love

It’s easy to become fixated on the idea of finding valuable antiques, but it’s important to remember that the most important thing is to find pieces that you love. After all, you’ll be the one living with them. So start by collecting items that make your heart race, that fill you with a sense of excitement and possibilities.

Don’t worry about what they’re worth or whether they’ll appreciate. Just let yourself be drawn to the things that speak to you on a gut level. As your collection grows, you’ll naturally become more knowledgeable about the market and will develop a better eye for spotting potential investments. But in the meantime, just enjoy the hunt and let your heart be your guide.

20 old things in your home that are worth a fortune

Ever hear the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” This couldn’t be more true than when it comes to your home. You might not have realized this, but there are plenty of items in your home that could actually be worth a fortune! In this blog post, we will explore 20 things you have at home that could be worth a fortune. Some of these items may surprise you – and some may even make you feel like a genius for never having thrown them away!

First Edition Books: There are all sorts of first edition books that have been published and could be worth a lot of money. If you happen to find one, take it into your local rare book store (or even an antique bookstore) for verification!
Vintage Packaging: Do you still have those retro cereal boxes from childhood? You may want to dig them up and check on the prices. Some of those cereal boxes from decades ago are worth a lot because they’re vintage!
Vintage Magazines: If you have old magazines lying around, this is another thing that could be worth a fortune. Old National Geographic issues or even series like True Romance can sometimes sell for thousands of dollars in mint condition since these items were so popular back then! Check eBay to find out how much your magazine is currently selling for – if it’s more than $20-30, keep it safe until you decide where to put it (or, better yet – buy yourself an extra one to save).
Old Documents: If you happen across any sort documents with signatures on them, consider having them appraised. You never know what may be on there. If it is a historic document, such as the Declaration of Independence or even something like an old football contract, these could be worth quite a bit!
Old Photographs: If you have any old photographs at home, you could easily find out that the items inside are worth a lot of money too – even if it’s just because they’re very rare or vintage! Keep in mind that these types of photos can vary from $20 to thousands of dollars, so don’t automatically assume they won’t be valuable until you get an appraisal first.
Postcards: We’ve all seen those incredibly cheesy postcards lying around our grandparents’ homes with picturesque views and cute messages written on them – but did you know how much some people would pay for these? Seriously, check eBay and other sites like Etsy for current prices. Postcards are vintage and people pay big bucks for them.
Old Documents: If you have any old documents at home, this could be worth a lot of money! Take it to your local antique or rare bookstore to find out how much they’re selling for on eBay – if they’re going for higher than $20-30 then keep an eye on these items in case their value skyrockets like some other vintage goods do!
Pokemon Cards: Do you still have any Pokemon cards from your childhood? They might not be worth much once they get all beaten up or lost under your bed – but if you happen to own some rare ones it may be time to dig these suckers back out and see what’s up with them.
Antiques: Old furniture can definitely be considered antiques – but just about anything that is older than 50 years can get the title as well, so don’t forget to check around and see what types of items might actually qualify as an antique. You never know when something from 1959 will sell for thousands because it’s cherished!
Vintage Board Games: If you have any vintage board games, now may be the time to cash in on them. Some of these are worth hundreds – even thousands – of dollars and since they’re older than 50 years old, they can definitely get this title as well. Check out eBay for current prices before selling or keep your eyes peeled for auctions that might feature similar items. And don’t forget to check with friends and family members who might also own some retro board games – there’s a chance someone else has valuable ones!
Original Fiestaware: Do you still use your grandmother’s original fiesta ware? You should probably keep an eye on it because according to Reverb Nation , pieces from the 40s and 50s are considered “collectible and can cost upwards of $500.” That’s a lot for some dinnerware!
VHS: VCR tapes might be old news, but that doesn’t mean they’re totally worthless – especially if they’re rare or vintage. Check around before selling these or consider keeping them in a safe place until you can find out their value. If they’re the original version of a certain movie, for instance, that could mean big money!
Sony Walkmans: Remember the first time you ever went on a jog or walked to school listening to music? That was probably done with this awesome device – and now it’s old enough that people might actually want to buy your original Sony Walkmans! According to eBay, these can sell for hundreds of dollars depending on their condition.
Old Cell Phones: If you still have an old cell phone lying around or stored in your parent’s attic somewhere, there are plenty of resources online where people buy/trade vintage electronics so check around before selling yours. And don’t forget that you can check with family members who might have some old cell phones in storage as well.
Cast Iron Skillets: A person who is passionate about collecting old stuff may think your pan would make an interesting addition to his or her collection and could pay thousands of dollars for such items.
Baseball Cards: If you still have baseball cards from your childhood lying around, there are plenty of places that will want them. Check out eBay for current prices before selling or consider keeping an eye on these items so you can sell when market values increase like some other types of memorabilia do!
Dollhouses: Do you remember playing with dollhouses as a kid? You probably don’t think about them much anymore – but if they’re older than 50 years old then they could definitely get this title and therefore make good money. Keep checking back on these or consider keeping an eye on these items so you can sell when market values increase like some other types of memorabilia do!
Game Consoles: Did your parents ever buy one of the first Nintendo’s, Sega Genesis’, or Playstation systems? They might not be worth much now. Keep checking back on these or consider keeping an eye on these items so you can sell when market values increase like some other types of memorabilia do! And don’t forget that old game consoles are a prime candidate for collecting because there are still plenty out there who want those specific classic games and will pay top dollar for it (or trade with others).
Duck Decoys: Vintage duck decoys are a popular collectible even though not many people know about it. These items can sell for hundreds of dollars depending on their condition, material they’re made out of, and how rare or valuable they are (all things that you should look up online). If you want to keep these then consider keeping an eye on these items so you can sell when market values increase like some other types of memorabilia do!
Jewelry: Jewelry is such a good investment because the prices go up every year – but if your family has old jewelry lying around that’s been passed down through generations than now may be the time to get rid of them before someone loses them or forgets where they put them. Keep checking back on these or consider keeping an eye on these items so you can sell when market values increase like some other types of memorabilia do!

Where to Sell Your Antiques

Few people enjoy the process of cleaning out their old attic or basement. It can be a daunting task, but when you finally make it to the other side, there is usually a sense of relief and accomplishment. There’s also likely some money in all that junk! If you’re like many people these days, one question comes up: where do I sell my antiques? The answer may surprise you – here are 10 places to consider selling your antiques so they don’t take up space in your home anymore.

Ebay

One of the most popular and well-known places to sell your antiques is Ebay. There are many benefits that come with selling on this platform, including a built in audience and ease of use for buyers. Sellers can also list their items quickly while setting their own prices – perfect if you have an item you need to get rid off quickly.

Etsy

If you want the added benefit of making a few bucks from your old stuff, consider selling on this platform.

Etsy is an online marketplace that allows sellers to create their own storefronts and sell handmade and vintage items directly to buyers looking for those types of products.

The great thing about opening a store here instead of on another site like eBay is that there’s no need for high-volume sales; it’s more targeted toward individuals who are passionate about what they’re selling – which means higher chances you’ll find someone willing to pay full price.

Amazon Handmade

Another popular place to sell antiques through third parties is Amazon Handmade. Here, artisans can sell their own handmade items while avoiding the hassle of running an entire online store.

This is a good place to list your antiques if you make them yourself or know someone who does. And Amazon is a big name that buyers trust, so it may be easier to find a buyer for your unique items in this market.

RubyLane

This marketplace is similar to Ebay in that it allows customers to browse for antiques by category. Sellers can list their items quickly and easily, plus there’s no transaction fee – meaning you’ll get full price on the sale .

If you’re a semi-pro antique enthusiast, RubyLane is the best place to sell your antiques.

Tias

This online auction site is a good place to sell your old treasures if you’re looking for an alternative option. It has over half-a-million registered users, allowing buyers from across the globe easy access to thousands of unique products at any given time.

The selling fees are about average compared with others out there , but keep in mind that this percentage is calculated as a flat rate before tax and shipping costs have been added into the figure.

Craiglist

Craigslist has become a popular place to sell anything from old furniture, cars or even mobile phones.

The benefits of using this platform include never having to pay a dime (unless you want to post your ad on their premium version), plus it’s fairly easy-to-use and free for buyers as well .

Ebth.com

Even if you’re not much of an Ebay fan, this option is worth considering because listings can be easily managed through the website itself without extra account software being downloaded onto your computer.

They are the most popular marketplace for estate sales. If you have a truck full of belongings and antiques, give them a call.

Flea markets

Flea markets have also been known places where people and sell items at low prices.

This is a good option for those on the hunt for antiques but don’t want to pay too much.

Antique shops

If you have an item that’s more valuable or harder to sell, consider taking it into an antique shop and letting them handle the sale.

There are many out there who specialize in different eras of furniture, jewelry or home goods; ask around your area until you find one worth checking out.

Just remember: Shop owners have reputations they need to uphold so if something goes wrong with this arrangement (or they refuse payment), report their business immediately.

Conclusion

Collecting antiques can be a fun and rewarding hobby—but it’s one that takes some time and effort to get into. By understanding what an antique is and where to find them, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful collector!