As an award-winning TV expert and Ph.D. antiques appraiser, I tell people how to recognize valuable antiques. When you are searching around your house, you might overlook those unexpected old items, such as vintage handbags, chenille bedspreads, old board games, 8-track tapes and music cassettes, ceramic, silver tea sets, mid-century modern desk blotters, etc. Many people don't realize collectors want everything from antique fountain pens to circa 1990s video games. If you are trying to figure out what is trash and what is treasure, remember these key points:
Condition is key to value. If you have an antique and it is in good shape, then try to preserve its good condition. Keep the object free from damage, dirt, pets, water and direct sunlight.
Fine works of art (paintings and sculpture) hold their value over the long term. If Grandma's painting from the late 1800s is still hanging over the fireplace, keep it there for posterity and for your pocketbook's sake. Odds are, it will increase in value over time.
Antique furniture in its original, un-refinished condition will hold its value and provide great conversation pieces for future generations.
Objects that connect to history - like your great-grandpa's military uniform - will command high prices in the antiques marketplace.
Vintage collectibles that demonstrate an interesting tidbit about culture - like cookie jars, tea cups or celebrity autographs - can bring big bucks, too.
Objects with a documented history or family legacy connect with collectors. Always retain any records relating to art, antiques or collectible objects when possible. The provenance of an object - its background or history - is important. If an object that you own was once owned by a prominent public figure, celebrity or famous person, that information could impact its value and interest in the marketplace.
An antique is defined as something of special artistic merit that is also more than 100 years old. However, that does not mean that a newer object cannot have significant value. An object doesn't have to be 100 years old or older to be valuable; it just has to be 100 years old or older to be classified as an antique.
Famous name brands or illustrious makers/artists/designers will impact value. Look for important names like Tiffany, Cartier or Picasso when assessing value.
Collections should be retained intact whenever possible. Don't break up a collection if you don't have to do so.
Less is more when it comes to cleaning your art or antiques. Don't over-polish silver, over-dust paintings, or be over-zealous when cleaning ceramics. Be gentle.
When it comes to art, antiques and collectibles, their backstories are most interesting to collectors. Document the history of an antique item by writing down all you know about its previous owners, location and history. Look around your own home to reveal the fascinating objects that are part of your family history. Heirlooms are the best antiques of all because they recall cherished memories.
(Dr. Lori Verderame presents antique appraisal events nationwide and is an appraiser on Auction Kings on the Discovery channel. To have Dr. Lori appraise your antiques in person, check out her event schedule at www.DrLoriV.com or www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.)