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Archive for October, 2007

Reproduction Antiques

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

There are two reasons why anyone would want to reproduce an antique, one reason is because the demand of the style of the original antique in demand and there aren’t many people who can afford a high price for an antique so a manufacturing company will reproduce the originals so other people can buy it. These are the honest people because these people are reproducing a style to sell as a reproduction. Then there is the other people who but a reproduction only to pass it off as an original.

These people who may find on EBAY, they will fill their auction with descriptions of the original and just list it as an original and there are even people who go as far as to file a certificate of authenticity. You have to be care of reproductions. The fact that a piece may be a reproduction is ok only if the seller is presenting it as a reproduction; it is only when they try to pass if off as an original is where it gets tricky.

The reproductions of these beautiful antiques is a high demand business, there are some people who don’t want an antique but they want the style of it and the cost fits their budget. People who collect reproductions do it because they like the style of the original for a fraction of the price. There are many people out there who actually like to furnish their homes with period pieces but cannot afford it and what better way to get a certain style of antiques without spending the money.

There are some companies that can do a reproduction and have it look exactly like the original. You want a reproduction to look so much like the original that you can’t tell them apart, that is the sign of a good reproduction. The reproductions are done in Mahogany, Beech, Burr Elm, Cherry, Oak, Rosewood, Walnut and Yew.

If you are looking for the style of antique but trying to keep the price down then reproduction art is for you. Shop around and get the best price and order your reproduction antique today.

Buying Antique Chairs: Advice For Beginners

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

Many people like to buy antique furniture, including antique chairs, because of the blend of style and history. Antiques have a story to tell about the people who owned them and how they were used, even if you have to imagine what that exact story is. Whether you buy antiques because of their style, as an investment, to preserve a piece of history, or for sentimental reasons, beginners should educate themselves about the pieces and the time period they come from.

One of the biggest issues for beginning antique buyers is that it can be hard to know when you’re getting the real thing and when you’ve come across a reproduction or imitation piece. In addition, pieces that have been fixed or changed in some way can have a reduced value if the fix wasn’t done correctly or if the piece wasn’t restored properly.

Beginners should try to learn as much as they can about particular areas of antiques. If you are interested in antique chairs, do as much research as you can about the period or style that you’re interested in. It’s often easier to start with one particular item and increase your knowledge from there. Study how the antique chair was made, what materials were used, and so on. In addition, research the issues that individuals can run into in buying the particular style or chair so that you’ll have a better idea of what to watch out for.

Sometimes you can find a class or workshop covering the antique chair period that you like which will help you learn not only about its construction but also its history. Check with local universities, community centers, or larger auction houses to see if they offer any classes on the topic. Buy a few books on the topic and read online sites as well. The more knowledge you gain, the better able you’ll be to buy good pieces.

Hands on looking will greatly improve your skills at spotting the real deal. If you know of an expert in the area, have them help you. Otherwise, try to find a good dealer or restorer that knows the topic and will work with you. Although books and research are helpful, you’ll need to be able to work with and recognize actual pieces.

If you focus on pieces that you love, you’ll be less frustrated when you find that you’ve paid more for something than it’s worth. Even with the most careful research, sometimes it will happen and you need to be ready for that. Do all you can to ensure that you’re getting an authentic piece, but recognize that sometimes you’ll miss something, particularly as you’re starting out.

Finding antique chairs can be great fun for treasure hunters. When you start out, it’s important to gain as much knowledge about the topic as you can and to practice looking for good pieces. Soon, your hard work will pay off in amazing finds.

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