Antiques are old or vintage items, often made of natural wood, metal, or stone. They are typically characterized by their historical or cultural significance, craftsmanship, and decorative or aesthetic value.
An antique is generally defined as an object at least a hundred years old and representing a previous era or time in human history. Antiques often hold historical, cultural, or aesthetic significance. Collectible antiques are those sought after by collectors for their scarcity, craftsmanship, or historical relevance. While all antiques can be collectibles, not all are antiques, as collectibles may be less than a hundred years old.
Antiquing refers to shopping, identifying, negotiating, or purchasing antiques. It is often pursued as a hobby or profession by enthusiasts who appreciate the historical and artistic value of these items.
Commonly collectible antiques include furniture, jewelry, art, books, ceramics, glassware, and textiles. Some examples are Victorian chairs, Georgian tables, Art Deco cabinets, vintage brooches, paintings, sculptures, porcelain figurines, antique vases, and stained glass windows.
Antiquing is a popular pastime for those who enjoy exploring flea markets, estate sales, antique shops, and auctions. It involves learning about the history, provenance, and value of items and negotiating prices. Antiquing can also include restoring or repurposing antique items.
There are several organizations supporting antique collectors, providing resources, networking opportunities, and events. For example, the Antique Collectors' Club offers publications, exhibitions, and educational resources for collectors. The International Society of Appraisers provides appraisal services and education for antique enthusiasts. The National Antique and Art Dealers Association of America promotes ethical practices and expertise in antique dealing. The American Antiquarian Society focuses on preserving and studying historical artifacts and documents. These organizations often host events, workshops, and conferences to help collectors deepen their knowledge and connect with others in the community.
Antiques are more than just old objects; they are pieces of history that offer a glimpse into the past. Whether through collecting, antiquing, or joining organizations, enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the community of antiques and collectibles.
Topics relating to antiques or antiquing are appropriate for this part of our guide, although retail antique sites are listed in the corresponding category within our Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
Antique Answers is a website focused on disseminating and preserving knowledge about vintage and antique items. It aims to offer precise information regarding the history, identification, and valuation of collectibles. The site is intended as a resource for individuals keen on learning about their vintage heirlooms or those interested in beginning or expanding their antique collections. Categories include glassware; china, porcelain, and ceramics; grandfather clocks; and various (others).
https://antiqueanswers.com/
Antique Dealers' Association of America
Established in 1984, the ADA is a non-profit trade association that promotes professionalism in the buying and selling of antiques. ADA members are dedicated to integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in the antiques trade. Members agree to guarantee their merchandise in writing, and provide details regarding the age, condition, and restoration of items. Member information, a dealer directory, educational resources, antique shows, and contacts are posted on the website.
https://adadealers.com/
A leading United States publication, Antiques and The Arts Weekly focuses on the world of antiques and the arts, providing in-depth reporting on auctions, antique shows, and the arts trade. The publication is available in print and online, offering a platform for buying and selling, and showcasing events and exhibitions. Its electronic edition may be viewed for free, and a subscription to the print edition may be purchased from the website. An archive is also available.
https://www.antiquesandthearts.com/
British Antique Dealers' Association, The
BADA is a prestigious trade association established in 1918 that represents the fine art, design, and antiques community. BADA members are vetted for their expertise, professional integrity, and exceptional quality of their collections. The association enforces a strict code of conduct among its members, ensuring confidence for buyers and sellers. The organization is introduced, and objects, dealers, fairs, and events may be found, along with resources for valuations and services.
https://www.bada.org/
Online since at least 1998, Harry's Old Engine is a resource for enthusiasts of antique stationary gas, gasoline, and steam engines. It features collections, restoration projects, engine show photographs, and even manuals for lesser-known (hit-and-miss) engines. Included are an active online discussion forum (SMOKSTAK Forum), a classifieds section, show calendars, and featured site sponsors, along with information on engine restoration and other content. The forum requires registration.
https://old-engine.com/
Journal of Antiques & Collectibles
The national, special-interest magazine and social platform provides dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts of antiques and collectibles with curated original and aggregated content, editorial opinions, marketplace news, auction results, and resource directories. The publication also connects buyers with sellers, collectors with dealers, and enthusiasts with collector clubs. Advertising opportunities are also available, and Brimfield Show Guide schedules are included.
https://journalofantiques.com/
Kovels is a vibrant magazine that combines the expertise of Kovels and Antique Trader to offer a collector experience. The official website of Kovels introduces the noted publisher. Antiquers can subscribe to the Kovels' magazine from this website to learn about antiques and how to acquire rare items. The website also has postings about interesting, rare items found in antique shops and other places, including exclusive content from industry experts, sales reports, and a dictionary of marks.
https://kovels.com/
Online since 1998, Medical Antiques is an ongoing educational project for those interested in collecting and learning more about medical history. Specializing in cased surgical and dental sets and other early medical instruments, it is a resource for collecting early medical, Civil War, surgical, apothecary, dental, textbooks, and bloodletting antiques. The site features more than 900 pages and 10,000 images on Civil War history and hundreds on instruments from 1840 to 1870.
http://www.medicalantiques.com/
National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America
The NAADAA is a non-profit trade organization representing some of the leading antique and art dealers in the United States. Established in 1954, the organization seeks to promote ethical trade practices and ensure the authenticity, provenance, and condition of antiques and artworks. Membership is selective and by invitation only, ensuring high standards of expertise and integrity among its members. The NAADAA organizes exhibitions, conferences, and lectures.
https://naadaa.org/
WorthPoint is a platform designed for collectors, antique enthusiasts, and resellers to research, value, and preserve art, antiques, and collectibles. It offers tools like a Price Guide with historical pricing data, a Marks Library for identifying items, and a Vault for cataloging and tracking possessions. WorthPoint can also be accessed through a mobile application from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Upcoming auctions, an antiques dictionary, and a blog are also featured.
https://www.worthpoint.com/
