Lara Gilbert Antiques have always been popular with lovers of history and fine art, but recent years have seen their popularity boost to a new level. Our television screens are filled with programmes of people looking for a bargain that may turn into a goldmine; of people displaying their heirlooms and finding out that they are worth a small fortune. Antique dealers have grown to a whole new status. They have become glamorous thanks to the addition of the antique to the television schedule. As a result, antiques themselves have also become glamorous and their popularity continues to rise.
But what are the most popular antiques for sale on the market at the moment and what should you be looking out for if you wish to purchase that special item?
Toys
Antique toys have been fetching more and more on the market in recent years. Our old friend the teddy bear is always popular, particularly if it was created in the halls of one of the great bear makers such as Steiff. Unusual games have proved popular and old clockwork toys are always eye-catching. Victorian toys, particularly the animated variety, have always been collectable. An original, decorative box adds to the value of a toy, especially if the toy has never actually been played with, as it will be worth far more than some well-thumbed hand-me-down (unless of course it is very rare).
Porcelain
Always popular porcelain comes in many shapes and forms, from the dinner plates of Wedgewood to the figurines of Royal Doulton. The most valuable being the Chinese vases from the Ming dynasties. Last year saw a rise in the sale of porcelain dolls. The quality of the piece is key; some cracks and chips can be expected of a really old piece, but any repair should only have been attempted by an expert and of course the highest price will go to the best-preserved piece.
Glassware
This is a type of antique product that has been flying off the auction room shelves in the last year as buyers fought to obtain a piece of the highly collectable Carnival Glassware. Carnival Glass was not always so popular; indeed, it was actually given away as prizes at the events of the same name. With a distinctive metallic, almost iridescent surface, the shine is the give-away. With a range of colours and styles there may well be a piece of Carnival Glass hidden in the back of your grandmother’s cupboard, as this was once considered the poor man’s Tiffany.
Product Brands
Collectors still love a piece of original brand ware such as Coca Cola, whose memorabilia are still holding their own on the open market. Remember the company displayed its name on more than just the bottles that held the product and buyers have unearthed trays, cigar labels and even original gum wrappers. Other product brands are still collectable, particularly the named brand boards that used to be on display in shops.
Any antique has to be in the best condition possible, but the rarity of the object is the overriding factor in deciding its value.
This view of the current market and antiques for sale was written by Jane Straddon; an experienced article writer with a lifelong interest in antiques.
