Antiques And Collectibles: Coins, Bottles, Glass, Lamps And Antique Stores

A bright, cool, crisp fall day is a wonderful excuse to get outside and do something. Many might go apple picking, while others might opt for a brisk run. Yet perhaps one of the most entertaining ways to spend a beautiful day is collecting antiques. There is truly something magical about delving into antique stores. Some are bright, with large windows, and cheerily lit lamps, while other antique stores are darker, dustier and a little bit mysterious. Collecting antiques is enjoyable in that it provides a treasure hunt for anyone. A knowledgeable collector might find an invaluable coin or lamp, while a novice might purchase a relatively inexpensive bottle because it fits the décor of their living room. Collecting antiques provides an enjoyable, and perhaps even profitable, adventure for enthusiasts of all ages.

Although browsing through antique stores can be fun, doing a little research can make collecting antiques an even more exciting experience. With the advent of the hit television series “Antiques Roadshow,” more people than ever are taking an interest in collecting antiques, and thus, more information is available on appraising and collecting antiques. The “Antiques Roadshow” is the game show of collecting antiques, where individuals bring in their collectibles to have them appraised and hopefully valued at far more than what they paid. Everyone from book to glass collectors wait with bated breath, as the show's hosts assess the value of various trinkets and treasures. Not only does the “Antiques Roadshow” provide a fun and entertaining show to watch, its website also provides a wealth of information on collecting antiques.

Articles are subdivided into collectibles such as Silver, Photographs and Musical Instruments. The site also provides insightful tips on appraisals and sales. For example, an article on American Gypsy Jewelry provides a brief history of the jewelry, detailed descriptions, and helpful photographs of what to look for.

Necklaces for example, were often made as a means to transport currency, thus, many gypsy necklaces are made of gold coins. The jewelry also contains filigree wirework, flowers, hearts and stars. The article then provides some estimates for the jewelry, including a collectible gold belt that would retail for approximately $25,000. This figure is especially astonishing, given that the cost of the gold itself would only be $5,000.

The internet also provides a vast array of information for those focusing on collecting antiques of a specific nature. For example, the Professional Coin Grading Service website provides everything one needs to know about coin collectibles. The collector merely chooses a coin type and series type from a drop down list, to find all the information they want about specific coins. Glass collectors can find information on valuable antique bottles at the Antique Bottles website. Everything from case gins, to perfumes to pickles and chutney bottles are available for viewing on this site, along with descriptions of each.

Not everyone may be an expert at collecting antiques. Yet today, researching collectibles is as easy as ever. One can visit several websites to find out what kind of items interest them, and then make a day of shopping at their local antique stores to uncover hidden treasures. Even if the collectibles do not have a high monetary value, they still make wonderful keepsakes to be cherished for a lifetime.


Sources:
"Tips of the Trade." Antiques Roadshow.  2007. 30 July 2007. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/tips/previo us_tips.html.

"Coin Guide." PSGS. 2007. 30 July 2007. http://www.pcgs.com/coinguide/display_guidesubcat. chtml?guidecategoryid=47&end=here&category />
Glass Bottles. Antique Bottles. 30 July 2007. http://www.antiquebottles.co.za/Pages/Categories/G lass.htm.