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