Learning More about Antiques

[mankind79]

Hi, I have been collecting Ceramics for a year now and REALLY HOOKED. Admire the workmanship that goes into them and would really love to learn more about them. I have tried searching online for Courses and can't find anything. I don't know anyone in the Antique Business, so I was really hoping someone might be able to send me in the right direction.

[siddieswans]

I am sure others will have useful ideas but as a starting point

http://www.pristineantiques.com.au/collectors-clubs

has a handy list of collecting clubs. Some may have their own web site, others may have a magazine, or may be able to put you in touch with enthusiasts in your own geographical area. There are 2 regular Australian antique collecting magazines that I know of, and several on-line reference repositories where you pay a fee to access information. I am sure everyone would agree that the best way to learn is by handling, but as you are buying and selling, you must be doing this already!  There are some remarkably informative specialist web sites out there - people are often very generous with their expertise.

[bsal6160]

Hi Mankind. As siddie suggested look around for a club. Antiques is a very broad area. You may want to consider a bit more specialised interest, though most genuine antiques are very interesting in themselves.

[a_beautiful_room]

If it were me I would look up your local auction houses and go and spend an hour inspecting the goods, asking questions, buy a catalogue and go to the auction. Just to look - not buy at first. Watch people bidding, see what's popular, get a broad overview. It's fascinating stuff - even if you're not that interested in most of the stuff.

[kitty-kat1234]

Hi mankind,you came over.

As i said on the DBoard,show n tell coz we like to see.

Now you are hooked its hopeless trying to stop!

Have fun,kat

[oldworldlady]

Where do you live? There are lots of clubs out there.

[bsal6160]

Hi mankind, again,

A little about collecting antiques.

1. Dont try to know or collect every type of antique. Try to find what really floats your boat first.

2. You mentioned Ceramics. Now this is a subject with a multitude of twists and turns. What type of ceramics, as ceramics is a very   b   r   o   a   d   term. Do you like Pottery? Soft Paste Porcelain (very early stuff) ? Hard Paste Porcelian (The stuff most know as Porcelain or China). What country of origin etc etc etc.

3. Start off with something that you can research and trace through markings, backstamps, makers name etc such as Sterling Silver. If you start this way then go for a particular year or maker. Start cheap then work your way up as you get to know your subject, like in S/Silver, start with a particular year say 1910 and then work up to a well known maker such as Nathaniel Mills or Elikington or Walker & Hall.

4. If furniture is for you then read up about the different styles and makers, eg Addams, Sheraton, Hepplewhite (way out reach of most mere mortals) or Beards (if you want Aussie furniture) AND get to know different timber types as this gives a very clear indication of where and when a piece would have been made eg Huon Pine now a protected Tasmanian timber since about 1920.

5. Most importantly JUST LOVE them for what joy they give you and also remember that just because something is Antique (100+ years old) does not make it valueable. Its all about condition, rarity, aesthetic beauty to your eye.

Best advise RESEARCH READ RESEARCH READ

[Anonymous]

Here is one of the best places to learn, it's amazing how much folk here know.

[lakeland27]

buy what you like!  most importantly of all..:-)

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I did a correspondence course with Asheford Insitute of Antiques in America.  It covers everything about antiques and appraising them.  Fantastic course.