Is It Worth Keeping?

Antiques can be worth keeping for a number of reasons. They may be a sentimental piece, they may have monetary value, they may be practical or decoratively stunning. However, if you are wondering if it is something you should keep in the first place, you are probably thinking about it’s worth in terms of money.

If this is the case, you can begin by conducting some research yourself. Look at the item and examine it for any markings, brand names, or artists’ signatures, such as Wedgewood, Chippendale or Waterford Crystal.

A date is also helpful when trying to establish the value of the item, otherwise it might require further information.Once you know a little bit about what the item is, you can then try to figure out which period it comes from by looking up the style of the object and/or the company that made it. There are distinguishing characteristics from various eras that are specific to that time.

For example, a teddy bear may not be worth keeping. However, if the teddy has a metal button in his ear with the word Steiff stamped into it, it is probably worth a second look. Although the teddy might not have a year on it there are certain tell-tale signs of how old your antique bear might be. If the button features a little elephant and is 6mm, then it dates from 1904-5, as this was what the button tag was like at the time. So, with a simple label you have established the year, and the maker. A little more research will tell you that a turn of the century Steiff bear is certainly worth keeping.

This demonstrates that a little research goes a long way. The internet is an invaluable resource for conducting such an investigation. However, sometimes even the best information might not tell you that your piece is a copy, or it is in such bad condition that it is irreparable, or, on the other hand, that it has been restored so far from its original that it has lost all of its authenticity and worth.

The best way to know if something is worth keeping is to get it valued. Your local dealer or auction house are great for this, or if you can’t bring the piece out, there are some excellent online resources where top experts in the industry can value your piece with a photograph and a little background information. Some basic factors to consider when trying to establish if something is worth any money is:

· Age

· Rarity

· Maker

· Having a full set

· Condition

· Provenance

For further information on antique dealers and appraisers, visit http://www.worthpoint.co.uk/.

The author, Ciara Harrison, is a researcher, writer and blogger who regularly contributes to online publications, specialising in the fields of art, design and antiques.