Although online price guides and local antique dealers set the market value of most antiques, the value of antiques are also subjective to the two people involved in the buying and selling of them. These two people set the value of any particular item. You can find some antiques being sold at higher than normal value. These items have sentimental value to someone! You cannot put a price value on these items and are usually better off being put away until you have someone in the family who appreciates the family value in them.

If you own an antique that has been passed down through your family as an heirloom you are very fortunate. The values of these particular antiques are priceless. I have an old dresser that came from my Great Grand Mother’s house. I have babied it for years as I moved from one place to another. Every time I look at it I see my great grand mother. She actually lived to be 100 years old. Even she was an antique!

Just because something looks old doesn’t mean it is an antique. Authentic antique furniture will always increase in value due to its solid wood construction and unique detail. Much of the furniture in stores today is not made of solid wood but instead they are made from veneer or plywood. It is then finished to obtain the antique look.

There are a few factors that are greatly affected when determining the value of antiques. Wood type is one major factor. Hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, pine and oak are the more popular types of wood that antique dealers look for. Original hardware is superior to that which has been replaced. The value of antiques is improved if they have original hardware as opposed to fixed-up parts.

The condition of the antique piece is vital in determining the value of it. Take your time and do your research to make sure you buy a true antique treasure that you can be proud of.

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