What is an antique?

What is an antique?

An antique is a Latin term for “old”.   An antique is an old collectible item.  What makes an antique item old and collectible is the desire of the age, beauty, rarity, condition, utility, personal emotional connection and other unique features.  The item will represent a previous era or time period in human society.  Another word it will more than likely have rust on it or look in rough shape which doesn't mean it’s useless.  Rust means it’s old or aged.  You might even see tears in items such as art pieces.  And lots of times rust and tears add to the value of the item.

In society we define “Antique” as applying to objects at least 100 years old.  And collectibles are the possible antiques of the future and generally less than 100 years old so that’s not always the case.  

Antiques are usually objects that show some craftsmanship, or a certain attention to detail.  Usual items could be things like automobiles, desks, glass, signs, pottery and multiple other items.  Most antique items are purchased through antique shops, or passed down as an estate.  In return you will see antique items being resold threw flea markets and even traded through swap meets.  Keep your eye open because lots of antiques that get traded or sold the sellers are unaware of the value or story.  You can also find antiques threw online stores or even auctions. 

Determining what is antique is something a lot of people have problems with.  The only known exception to the “100 year rule” would be vehicles.  Cars have generally been considered to be antiques if they are at least 25 years old.  Other items such as furniture, collectibles and guns you would want to get appraised or make sure where and when the item was made. 

A lot of people that are used to searching for antiques are accustomed to the word “Antiquing”.  Antiquing is what I consider happens at every flea market and swap meets daily.   Antiquing is being in the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for items.  Whether you’re searching for items for yourself, to sell, or barter you at some point will be antiquing. 

Some of the most popular items you will find and want to look out for would be items such as tables, chairs, chests, signs, guns, and anything else that looks before your century.  But don’t be surprised if you find unusual items like car parts or even art work that is worth thousands.  When searching through swap meets and flea markets the first items that should catch your eye should be old rusty pieces.  Even if it’s not what you’re looking for you might be happy you did.  Some of the most valuable items ever found at swap meets or flea markets have been antiques.  So even though you might have your list of certain items you want the best suggestion I have ever received was look for antiques first and your list second.  

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