Collectibles and Appraising
What is a collectible?
What is an antique?
What is a vintage collectible?
What is the difference between vintage and retro collectibles?
Does an item's label affect its value?
How do I know whether an item is worth the investment?
Which holds its value better, antiques or collectibles?
What is the best collectible to buy for a gift that will retain its value over time?
What if I don't know the value of my antique or collectible?
Can you help me sell my antique or collectible?
Can you help me find an appraiser?
Framing Terms
What is matting?
What is a filigree?
What is a fillet?
What is conservation framing?
What is museum quality framing?
Collectibles and Appraising
What is a collectible?
Collectible is a term that describes valuable objects less than a hundred years old, often distinguished from antiques, which as a rule are more than a hundred years old. Collectibles are also any item that one enjoys collecting as a hobby. We offer a long list of collectibles on this website, but the list could be infinite.
What is an antique?
Antiques are usually defined as an object of considerable age valued for its aesthetic or historical significance. In the antique business world, the term refers to objects more than 100 years old. This is the definition we use Karen’s Collector’s Cottage, Inc.
What is a vintage collectible?
The term "vintage" originally applied to the age of a bottle of wine. This term was adapted by the collectible world and has now been applied to items older than 20 years. In popular terms vintage is used to describe items in the time period of 1960-1979.
What is the difference between vintage and retro collectibles?
The time period of 1950-1959 is generally referred to as "retro," but both vintage and retro can be applied to items less than 100 years in age.
Does an item's label affect its value?
No. The labels "antique" or "collectible" have no actual effect on the value of an item. The value is determined more by whether there is a demand for it. There are very rare antiques which are sold for much less than a newer collectible, but this is because there is no demand for the rare antique and a high demand for the newer collectible.
How do I know whether an item is worth the investment?
When it comes to purchasing items on the antique or collectible market, the buyer should read and research items before purchasing if you are looking for long term investment. There are many books available on collecting antiques that you can use.
Which holds its value better, antiques or collectibles?
If you compare antiques to collectibles, antiques stand the test of time. Their value remains stable. Collectibles, however, are priced more on a whim and their long term value is speculative.
The important thing is to buy what you love. If you buy something that brings you enjoyment and you like looking at the collectible or piece of art you cannot go wrong. Most of us will not live another 100 years to watch the investment grow in value. If it does, and you can pass it on to your children, family, or next generation!
What is the best collectible to buy for a gift that will retain its value over time?
Actually, all items are collectible and increase in value over time if they are well kept. They become more valuable if they are kept in their original condition and with their original certificate.
What if I don't know the value of my antique or collectible?
If you do not know the value of your collectible or antique and would like to learn its value, it is best to take your item to a reputable appraiser near you. If you do not want it professionally appraised, Karen's Collectors Cottage, Inc. will estimate its value for you if you want to consign it with us for sale.
Can you help me sell my antique or collectible?
Once your item is appraised, we invite you to contact Karen’s Collectors Cottage, Inc. and Art Gallery to learn more about our consignment program.
Can you help me find an appraiser?
We will do our best to help you. Karen’s Collectors Cottage Inc. & Art Gallery is always interested in working with reputable appraisers. We are happy to subcontract with appraisers who contact us regarding available services, contracting conditions, and applicable fees. If you are an appraiser and would like to subcontract with Karen’s Collectors Cottage Inc. & Art Gallery, please fill in the form below. |
