Many people enjoy antiques, because the antiques are really a piece of the past. Perhaps there are certain items that remind a person of their youth, or perhaps there is just a specific collector’s interest. Whatever the reason, many people acquire their antiques through antique auctions.

Antique Auctions are for Buyers and for Sellers

If you are an antique seller, you might be interested to know that if you have some pieces that you cannot sell through your regular store, you can often have them sold at an antique auction. The first thing that you will need to do is go to an antique appraiser, and if they show an interest in the item, they will pay you for it and put it in an antique auction themselves.

They will either do that, or you will pay them to put it up for antique auction, and you will get whatever it sells for. If you are in the antique business, you most likely know a reputable appraiser, but if not, Antiques Roadshow is a popular television show that can be a wonderful resource.

If you want to buy something at an antique auction, you should definitely have some extra money put aside specifically for that purpose. The reason being is that while you can get very unique things, those things will sell for at least a few hundred dollars.

Some people will bid themselves into debt over the right thing. However, what you will need to do is exercise restraint! Have a budget, and make sure that whatever you bid for you can purchase immediately. Remember, you might be able to find certain antiques through other sources.

So, what are those sources for antiques? First of all, make sure that you purchase an antique buyer’s guide, which will list the current prices of items, and places that you might be able to purchase them. Of course, your local antique store might also be of help in finding reputable resources.

When it comes to the internet, be more hesitant. While the internet has many different antique websites, some of them sell fakes. Fakes are unfortunately very prevalent in the antique world, so make sure that you have reputable certificates of authenticity.

Antique auctions can be a lot of fun. You can meet fellow antique enthusiasts and see many different items. So, with the proper research, not only can you find interesting auctions, but also beautiful antiques.

Just like clothing, hats, handbags and shoes go in and out of fashion; the same is true of American furniture in this country. Here are a few quick rules of thumb to help identify the style and age of a chest of drawers:

Rhode Island Chippendale Chest in Cherry CA 1760

Chippendale (CA 1760-1780)

A stack of 4, 5, 6 or (rarely) 7 graduated drawers sit atop a molded bracket base or ball-and-claw feet. The drawer construction will feature bold hand-cut dovetails in front and back. The underside or bottom of the case will be dovetailed as well. The top would also be dovetailed - some blind, some exposed. The handles are simple bails with rosette backs or a batwing type of shield.

Hepplewhite (CA 1780 -1810)

The cabinet-makers of this era make an attempt to streamline their work. Artistic use of veneers and inlays, shaped bowfront drawers and graceful, flared bracket feet are often formed as extensions of the sides. The brasses are typically oval and often are embossed with thistles, flowers, birds or other fanciful motifs.

Hepplewhite Four Drawer Tiger Maple Chest, CA 1810

Sheraton (CA 1810 - 1840)

Oval “pulls” give way to round handles in brass or wood during this time period. Rather than standing on feet that are splayed and tapered, the base is formed by round, turned “legs.” Fine Sheraton pieces have very delicate turnings and fancy veneers glued over native pine.

Empire (CA 1840 - 1860)

These pieces could be described as Sheraton on steroids. Massive drawers with large and showy brass or wood knobs, heavier tunings and carved columns flanking the drawers characterize this style. In the antique business, this style hasn’t seen its heyday yet. Although good Empire sells well, 70% of the pieces are still viewed as cumbersome despite great material and craftsmanship.

English Georgian Bowfront Chest in Mahogany, CA 1810-1820

The guidelines I’ve outlined here just scratch the surface - a little knowledge on any topic can be a dangerous thing. I always tell my customers, buy what you like; you are the person who will live with it. Buy the best you can afford; view it as waterfront property. Do business with reputable dealers who will stand behind what they sell.

Awareness toward reuse and recycling in the US seems to be at an all time high. I even found myself buying cloth bags at the local Stop & Shop to save paper and avoid using plastics that remain in some landfill for hundreds of years.

Thinking about this and the antique business – reuse and recycling is exactly what antiques are all about. Who in their right mind would throw away an antique anything? You just don’t. For years, people have been visiting flea markets, auctions, estate sales and shops – looking for that special find. Three things usually are true. The piece was at one time cherished by the original owner and handed down in the family. It is made well and has seen generations of service.

Except in a few rare instances when something is all original and functional, it probably needs a bit of TLC or restoration. Once restored, the piece will serve future generations who will continue to admire its beauty and enjoy the added “character” that comes with age. I’m pleased to think that Leonards was green long before it was fashionable.

Keep in mind, only restore when necessary. You don’t want to overdo repairs and devalue your latest investment. However, be mindful of the fact that most of what turns up at auction, shops and estate sales will need or has had attention. When it comes to antiques, reuse and recycling have less impact on the environment and bring value to your home.