Are Your Antiques Desirable?

ARE YOUR ANTIQUES DESIRABLE?

What makes antiques desirable? Age is only one consideration of many when it comes to evaluating antiques. Some other important factors include condition, rarity, style, material and provenance. A closer look at these variables will help assess any antique item:

AGE: Technically, the current U.S. legal definition of an antique is an item that is over 100 years old. Congress declared this sliding scale definition in 1966. Prior to that, an antique was defined as “predating 1830”. Why? Because prior to 1830, furniture was created by hand, not by machine. After 1830, furniture production became increasingly mechanized. By 1860 the Industrial Age and mass-production was transforming the furniture industry, making goods that were previously destined only for the wealthy available to the middle classes. Items handmade by master craftsmen, whether furniture, silver, ceramic or glass, typically possess a degree of skill and ornament that is lacking in mass-produced items. The proper term for an older item that has not aged enough to be antique is “vintage”.

CONDITION: Condition is of supreme importance when assessing antiques. The value of something that is damaged or improperly restored will plummet, especially if the piece is not particularly rare and similar examples can be obtained in perfect condition. Why? Because a collector will not pay top price for an item with flaws if another in better condition is readily available in the marketplace. From a valuation standpoint, certain items can be expected to have normal wear like nicks, chips and scratches, while for other items, any kind of damage is considered unacceptable. It is not absolutely mandatory for an authentic 18th century Chippendale chair to retain its original upholstery, but original legs and feet should all be intact. Wood shrinks across the grain over time, so certain kinds of subtle distortion are expected on antique wood items. Chips, nicks, cracks and scratches on breakable pieces will usually mean significant loss of value to fine glass, porcelain and pottery items. Chips on the rims of glass and china plates, saucers, cups, or spouts of antique pitchers or teapots are common. Therefore, examples without defects are generally more valuable. Cracked or broken porcelain, even if professionally restored, almost always has significantly lower value than porcelain in pristine condition. Tarnish on silver occurs naturally and thus is expected. It should be cleaned carefully and only with proper high quality products. Over–polished silver is called “skinned” and loss of the desirable natural patina of age will reduce its antique worth. In general, compromised condition can devalue the marketability of an item by 60%-75% or more.

RARITY: Many mass produced items from the early 20th century through WWI still exist in large quantity today. Though old, most of these items are not yet antique, nor are they scarce. Generally, such items (for example: Singer sewing machines, Haviland or Limoges tableware and dresser sets, depression glass, Nippon tea ware, silver plate bowls, reproduction colonial style furniture), which many people have inherited from their grandparents, are collectible in the marketplace yet often have higher sentimental value than monetary worth. These types of items are frequently found at estate sales, antique malls and on eBay. Checking current and completed auction listings on eBay can be an easy first step towards determining how rare or common a particular piece might be on the market.

STYLE: The style of an antique has an large impact on its desirability. Furniture styles and forms go in and out of fashion in cycles, just like clothing. Sometimes the flowing, asymmetrical Rococo Louis XV style is fashionable, sometimes the linear Neoclassical Louis XVI style is preferred. Also, furniture forms can lose their functionality, thus rendering them obsolete. 19th century French armoires, so popular in the late 20th century for housing entertainment systems, have lost appeal in the market as the popularity of plasma televisions has risen. Size, as well as form, has an impact on utility; an item that is too large or too small for most average living spaces will not be as desirable in the general marketplace as one that fits well in today’s standard size homes.

MATERIAL: Antiques made from select materials like precious metals, gems, or exotic woods have an intrinsic value, in addition to a marketable value, if they are in good condition. Typically, items made from the finest materials are also likely to be well constructed, since the unskilled worker would not have been able to afford expensive precious raw materials. Guilds existed for tradesmen and many years of training were required before an artisan could become a master craftsman. Fine craftsmanship, whether in design, ornament or virtuosity, is a separate consideration in itself. In conjunction with superior materials, it will always add to the desirability, and often the rarity, of a piece.

PROVENANCE: The definition of provenance is “the record or history of past ownership of an item.” A distinguished provenance adds historical or celebrity value to an antique. Provenance must be documented with paperwork, signatures, photographs, or other evidence in order to be established as truth and not just wishful thinking. An ashtray once belonging to Jacqueline Kennedy with provenance is far more desirable and valuable than just about all otherwise identical ashtrays belonging to practically anyone else. Proof must be indisputable, however, for claims of provenance to have worth.

Listed above are just some of the many elements that should be considered when examining antiques. Still others include authenticity, construction techniques, finish materials, the laws of the country of origination, and last but not least, maker’s marks. Whether you inherit antiques or actively shop for them, learning more about these factors can enhance your enjoyment of them.

Rebecca Markman, ISA CAPP, AM is a certified personal property appraiser specializing in 18th, 19th and 20th century American, British and European antique furniture, tableware, silver, glass, porcelain, pottery and paintings.