Isaacs Antiques Educational and Information Blog

Last month I gave some tips for collecting. This month will address how to buy safely from an Antiques Dealer.

This is the easiest and safest way to buy an antique. First and most importantly, you may assume that an antiques dealer has chosen his merchandise carefully and with a purpose. He feels a responsibility to sell quality and value and wants to have a reputation of trust. He wants you to return for future purchases. So with this in mind, choose someone who is established, recommended by someone whom you trust or someone with whom you have already established a rapport. If he doesn’t have what you are looking for, ask him if he knows of one, can get you one, or if he can recommend another dealer. He will not steer you in the wrong direction.

Do not be afraid to ask questions and know which questions to ask. You want to know all about the piece you are buying and he should be eager to share his information with you. Remember, he has or should have looked this piece over with a careful eye. If you’re not sure what to ask, just ask him to tell you about the piece and ask him how old it is, what work if any has been done to it, and if it needs any restoration. Many people who want to appear knowledgeable will ask if the handles are original.  In truth, handles are not very significant, frequently wear out, and a replacement is usually quite evident. I would be more concerned if the feet have been replaced or if the whole piece is reveneered!

You should know if he has a return or exchange policy. And always insist on a receipt with description, date of origin and price, for your records.

Next month I will address the difficult task of buying at auction.

Gray Isaacs

isaacs Smart Antique Investments

As I see it, there are two types of serious collectors.There is the category collector and there is the home furnishings collector.

The category collector wants to have a collection of something he particularly enjoys and appreciates. He may want to have an example of each type in his category, or he may just want to buy everything he sees that fits his collection.

The home furnishings collector wants to have beautiful antiques surrounding him, but out of necessity he must buy the furnishings that are useful to him, a dining table, sideboard, bed, etc.

In either case – and sometimes they overlap – one must be discerning if one is to invest wisely.

Now, I think this is a very good time to invest in antiques. Along with real estate, there is a dip in the market. One might say it is a buyers market.

So shop around. Look for high quality always. It will hold its value. Make criteria, know what to expect, and how much to pay. Then follow your heart, your instincts, and love what you buy.

Next month, I will give you same tips on how to buy wisely and safely from antique dealers.

Sincerely,

Gray Isaacs

isaacs Smart Antique Investments category collector, serious antique collectors, smart antique investing