Research key to finding bargain antiques, collectibles Appraiser and author offers her suggestions for research and list of today’s hottest antiques and collectibles
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Iola, Wis.—Antiquers and collectors have no shortage of places to purchase items. A quick check of eBay yielded nearly 2 million auctions in the antique and collectible categories. Those not on the information superhighway can visit any of the hundreds of thousands of flea markets, antique shows and auctions held every year. With so many items, it can be difficult for buyers to research fair prices. “Not so,” says Ellen Schroy, editor of “Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, 39th Edition.” “Research can be as easy as looking up items in a price guide, checking auction prices realized, or just being happy with an long-awaited item no matter what the price.”
Schroy writes in her book, “Examine your piece as objectively as possible. As an antiques and collectibles appraiser, I spend a great deal of time telling people their treasures are not ‘rare’ at all, but items readily available in the marketplace.” A simple buying and selling philosophy is that “a good purchase occurs when the buyer and seller are happy with the price. Don’t look back. Hindsight has little value.”
An item can command a greater value if its provenance can be authentically tied to a celebrity, important collector or just an interesting history. Schroy quotes fellow appraiser and author Frank Farmer Loomis IV, “It is fascinating to observe how much how much a pedigreed provenance can increase the value of an antique. The more famous the former owner, the more expensive the object becomes.”
With a little research and some old fashioned footwork, Schroy says, collectors will find that special addition at a decent price. “We are well into the summer season of flea markets, auctions and antique shows. Expect people to be looking for carnival glass, fine art, silver items, fine pre-owned furniture and Halloween collectibles.”
Schroy is a regular contributor to Antique Trader Weekly, gives lectures about collecting, hosts appraisals and has written several antiques and collectibles price guides. She is available for interviews by contacting Bill Hahn, as noted above. Her books are available from KP Books, Dept. PR05, 800-258-0929, www.krausebooks.com or from major bookstores. KP Books is an imprint of F+W Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, a special interest publisher serving hobbyists and enthusiasts in writing, fine art, genealogy, crafts, antiques, collectibles and outdoors categories.
BOOK AT A GLANCE
“Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, 39th Edition” edited by Ellen T. Schroy, 7 x 10 inches, 768 pages, 1,800 color photos, paperback, ISBN 0-87349-990-5, $21.99.
