The fact that three of the four sides will be made from glass (most likely) means that views of your antiques or figurines (for example) are not hampered and they can be appreciated from different angles. Glass display cabinets with internal lighting add that extra element again furthering the ability to display your collection to its maximum potential, and as a collector of antique Toby jugs I know that showing our collections off in the best manner is all we really want, as well as the security element. Believe me (sadly from experience) that a display cabinet is much sturdier than a flimsy shelf.

So if your collection of antiques is growing rapidly and you want to find a method of displaying your pieces or key pieces then a display cabinet might be the perfect solution for you, much better than a wobbly table, poorly fitted shelf or mantelpiece.

Be Enthusiastic

The first of these characteristics is enthusiasm. With enthusiasm you can do anything. You’ll need enthusiasm to encourage you to learn as much as you can about your chosen field. The field of antiques is teaming with subjects – since just about everything will become an antique sooner or later – if it’s older than 100 years, by definition its an antique. But even objects less than 100 years old are also included in that genre if they are thought to be worthy of the label. Because the scope of the subject is so vast most antique collectors specialize in one or two aspects of it. They might collect antique clocks, or old paintings, books, period furniture, you name it, the list is endless. Or they might specialize in a particular period in time, like the Victorian era, or the early settlers period in the mid-western region of the States. Following your particular branch of the subject requires knowledge and you’ll only acquire this knowledge with enthusiasm.

Be Inquisitive

Another antique hunting characteristic vital to your success is the ability to be inquisitive. Have you ever wondered what was up in your grandma’s old attic? Or what grandpa kept in that box in his bureau? One source of finding antiques is to attend house clearance sales. What’s in that pile of old papers in that cardboard box? Go along to auctions and snoop around. Go into antique shops, especially ones off the beaten tracks – many a treasure has been discovered by hunters being nosey.

Be a Detective

And having an inquisitive nature is no much good without having its sister characteristic – that of being a detective. Once an interesting item has been found there’s usually a good deal of detective work required to uncover its history. You’ll need to know at the very least when it was made or approximately the era that it was made in. Who owned it, is it rare? Can its background be determined with any degree of certainty? Can its history be traced? The provenance of an antique piece can add tremendous value to it. Provenance is anything to do with its origin or life history which is of great interest. For example if that recently discovered set of cutlery was once owned by George Washington then that cutlery would immediately achieve some notoriety – provenance – and be that much more valuable than cutlery for whom no famous owner or user could be determined. The detective’s expertise is extensive. You need to be able to tell the real from the fake; the restored from the original; and the repaired from the whole.

Be Knowledgeable

This expertise is only acquired through knowledge, which leads me to the next attribute – the ability to learn. You need to absorb as much as you can about your chosen field – it would be impossible to learn all about all antiques, so specialize on one area. Choose a genre – furniture, watches, old toys, farming implements, postage stamps, manuscripts – it’s an infinite list, and study the subject with a passion. The sources of achieving this knowledge are almost as endless as the subjects themselves. Books are an obvious mine of information but do visit auctions, house clearances, and antique dealers and ask questions – be inquisitive! The only silly question is the one you don’t ask!

Be Adventurous

Finally, be an adventurer. Explore your surroundings, go off into the neighboring town and walk around the curio shops, the old stores, the antique shops, the auction houses. Go into libraries and search out long forgotten manuscripts and books and search for information about local people and places. Find clues as to the whereabouts of the contents of old houses, or details about ownership of property passed down through generations – where are they now? Take the journey – search, be an explorer in the antique world.

With your enthusiasm, your inquisitive nature, your detecting ability and your intelligence born of knowledge you never know what you might find. Life is fun, history is thrilling, discovery satisfying, follow the antique collecting trail and enjoy it.

Where would you find such an elegant gift? Is it a daunting task to choose from all the different varieties of rare maps for sale? It’s easier than you may think but there are some things you need to consider beforehand. Firstly, you first need to find a specialist shop or antique dealer. Secondly, you need make sure your map is the genuine article so you need to check they are members of one of the professional organisations such as the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, the International Antiquarian Mapsellers Association or the International Map Collector’s Society.

There are a huge variety of antique maps to choose from such as ancient hand coloured maps, illustrated maps and those that are fragile and centuries old. Most antique maps have been meticulously cared for, coming pre mounted and framed, providing them protection from damage. Each and every map will be unique and a masterpiece of the creator making them a perfect gift for your loved one. Over the centuries, each new discovery whether it was land or sea has been meticulously charted and sometimes stamped with the religious or political views of that era. They can represent the globe, a continent or a country but you’ll also find something with a personal meaning for the recipient.

There are specialist categories such as sea charts and these would undoubtedly appeal to sailors or anyone with an affinity for travel over the seas. Beautifully drawn charts such as those drawn up for navigation detail things such as hazardous rocks, depth soundings, compass readings and difficult navigational passages and sounds. Some chart particular trade routes such as the capes and seas like the Caspian. Another fascinating category are the celestial charts detailing magnificent discoveries and theories about the stars and our own solar system. Drawn over many centuries, some show stellar constellations whiolst others illustrate the orbit of planets and paths of comets.

The unique appeal of antique maps, make them an ideal gift and something your loved one will cherish for a long time. There is a wide range of charts and maps available and you are bound to find one meaningful or relevant. For an unusual and unique gift that will also become an investment, you can’t go wrong by giving the gift of a vintage map.

However, there are so many military antiques and they cover such as wide range of areas that it is often difficult to know how to begin a military antique collection. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Pick One Particular Collectible or One specific War Period

The best place to start is by choosing one particular collectible or one particular war to begin your collection. For example you might concentrate on only collecting antique medals or guns. Or perhaps you will want to choose to collect only antiques from the Second World War and from a certain battle or two.

Look For Antiques in Good Condition

An antique bayonet that looks almost new is worth more than one that is rusted through. A well preserved uniform is more collectible than one that is filled with moth holes and has missing buttons. However, keep in mind that if you are collecting an antique gun that is supposed to have a bayonet attached having that bayonet even if it is in poor condition will make the gun worth more than one without a bayonet at all. You will also need to keep in mind that an item that is not in pristine condition but is extremely rare to own may be worth far more than military antiques that are in great condition but are extremely easy to come by.

Learn All You Can About the History That Surrounds Your Chosen Memorabilia

Make the effort and take the time to research the history surrounding your chosen memorabilia. For example if you have chosen to collect medals given out during WWI learn what each medal was given for, how many were given out during the conflict and what the criteria was for awarding the medal. Knowing more about the general history will help you determine which medals were more valuable and what additions will round out your collection.

Know the Places to Search

Know where to go to find the type of military antiques you want. While auctions are always a good bet there are also less known places to look such as eBay, estate sales and other places. When you do make a find take the time to find out as much as possible about the individual antique you are interested in. Personal stories adds to the joy of your collection and records, photographs and other materials may increase the items value.

Collecting military antiques can be an interesting and lifelong hobby that will bring you many hours of pleasure both in searching for items to add and in viewing your collection. By starting slow and only purchasing those items you truly want to add to your collection you can build a military antique collection of which you can be truly proud.

There is a popular desk known affectionately as the secretary with such antique value and quality that many seek after it. It has hidden spaces and mysterious shelves with a flat top piece when closed. It sits elegantly with a slight angle to the top flat wood. These are heavy and large units of furniture.

The more recent desks produced are smaller and lighter for easy portability. The older ones were heavier and one solid piece to last for more than a hundred years. These had many spaces, drawers, hidden holes that they can store so many variety of useful desk items.

The next popular and famous item of antique nature is the roll top desk. The roll top also has many hidden cubbyholes, spaces and drawers. The main distinction is the rolling nature of closing the top. The secretary cannot be closed if items are on top but the roll top will work around the objects and close.

The other more common but expensive antique desks are the large, wooden and ornate kind. These are most popular for their design, beauty of carved ends and edges. They are not secretary or roll top types but plain old flat top desks. These are expensive because of their look, elegance and beauty.

The older antique desk were made by hand and worked on with details to look beautiful but heavy and to last longer for about 100 years. The newer desks are made assembly line and made for storage of computer and telephone cables and lighter for such needs. When you buy an antique desk you should be aware that they are not flexible for today’s needs.

There are many in the market with less expensive price tag if you are looking for one for your home and not with an intention to sell for profit. Look for strong joints and good structure. Check the drawers by opening and closing to know their general condition. There may be minor blemishes that you can live with.

Antique desk of old are not anymore useful for today’s technologically challenged work place. But you can buy one if you like it and want to add taste and tradition to your office or home. This will certainly enhance the look and your reputation for tradition and elegance.

The real antique hunters have a great and effective tool called black light. As an antique collector or trader this is the first tool you should have. This tool will spot any repairs or modification and help you determine the age of the item.

If an antique expert worked on your item and made some incredible repairs you will not ever spot it under normal light. There are also age-paint test that you cannot detect. The black light is able to bring them out in ultra violet test.

This is amazing that what your naked eye cannot detect this ultra violet light can. That is because the small repairs are so hidden and done well only the black light has the capability to reveal. This is proved scientifically.

By no means make this your ultimate test. I am only introducing you the start of many tests you will have to perform before you can trust an antiques and buy it. Let me show you what you do with test on porcelain and glassware.

For porcelain take it to a dark room and shine your black light on it all over looking carefully for any break in the pattern. There are versions of black light which you can even carry in your pocket. If there are modifications or repairs it will show clearly and you cannot miss it.

What you should be looking for is the break up in the final finish that is where it will show. Any small curve or line that is out of the pattern is your clue. You will know it. You cannot miss it. The glow on it will reveal if there is recent paint work on it. This determines your age.

In glassware you need to be aware two important varieties, the Depression and Vaseline glass work. These items should glow in the ultraviolet black light. During the period prior to 1930 artists used uranium oxide with their finish on glassware. This will show in the test. If it does nothing the work is recent and not antique.

So if you are a beginner this article on ‘Why Is A Black Light Effective On Antique Porcelain And Glass’ will start your hunting in the right direction.

There are many places you can find antique tables for sale that don’t involve an antiques dealer. Dealers though certainly have advantages. Antique dealers generally have made sure the pieces they are selling are authentic and will be able to prove it. You will know also if any repairs have been done they will usually be of a high standard. Of course you will certainly pay extra for these benefits.

The real thrill in antiquing is hunting for bargains or maybe finding a treasure that has not been appreciated for years. The first place to start looking is around your home town. If you can find what you are looking for close to home then being able to inspect it and transport home are a whole lot easier and less expensive. Also if you have a problem later the seller is not far away.

Another place to find antique tables for sale is on the internet. Especially on auction sites like eBay for instance. There are hobbyists and professional dealers making some pretty good money just buying and selling antique tables over the internet.

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying and selling over the internet.

- Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions, either by email or by phone.

- Don’t forget to use the Internet also to fully research each antique you are considering bidding on.

- Don’t forget to look and see what similar items have sold for.

- Don’t forget to get a guarantee from the seller that if the table is not as advertised, or is flawed in any way not disclosed, or it’s a reproduction or a fake, that you can get your money back.

- Don’t forget to find out who is responsible for insuring the shipping.

Other places to look for antique tables are local live auctions or estate sales and antique shows. Estate sales and live auctions are a particularly good way to find antique tables at great prices. They also can possibly be found in any second hand shop or at garage sales or even thrift markets. Here again the hunt is part of the fun in antiquing. These are great places to find real bargains but you have to really know a genuine antique from a fake or you can easily get stung. Also at any of these places you need to check each item out thoroughly especially for hidden damage or repairs.

Of course not everybody is planning on making money out of buying and selling antiques. There are some of you who just want to buy something for your own home or know the value of a piece of antique furniture you already own.

But if you’ve got the antique furniture bug, be aware that it is very addictive. Even though you make a few mistakes or get ripped off, this will only slow you down temporarily. If you truly have the antiquing bug the most you can hope for is good hunting without many mishaps.

There are many different types of hobbies. Some like the simple life and prefer a simple hobby like travel. Others prefer something where they have the opportunity to enjoy it and make some money at the same time. Knowing essential antiquing information is where you need to start if you want to spend your spare time antiquing or even make it a second carrier.

One of the reasons why antiquing has become so popular is because of movies like the “Indiana Jones” movie “Raiders of the lost ark” or “Tomb Raiders” starring Angelina Jolie. In these movies the main story is around antique hunting. These movies depict that antiques have stories behind each of them and that is one of the reasons why people get into antiquing.

It’s because of this history behind an antique that a lot of antique hunters are willing to sacrifice a lot for them. An old topper hat has some value as an antique but Abraham Lincoln’s top hat well that’s a different story. The history behind the item is what captivates the interest of an antique hunter or collector. This is another reason why a lot of people are now getting involved in this hobby.

Collecting antiques is also a way of feeling connected to the past. Antique items give you knowledge about the traditions and cultures of the past. Most of those who collect antiques have a passion for the past. They want to know and understand how a particular antique was used, why it was created and who might have used it. Through this we gain insight into the past and how our world has evolved into the technological wonder we are often confused by today.

Antiques are elegant and they are a good investment. Hunting for antiques can be both fun and profitable at the same time. Whatever reasons you have for purchasing antiques, they really are items that are both interesting and valuable.

Some of the most popular items to collect are china, furniture, books, and toys. Although, any item that is over one hundred years old is considered an antique.

Some people purchase antiques for profit, while others purchase them for decorative purposes. This means that antiques are not only limited to those that were mentioned above; they can be anything that is old and someone wants to collect.

But there are a lot of “fake” items out there proposing to be genuine antiques. If you want to become an antique collector you must have the right antiquing information in order to know which one is original, and which one is not. A good antique collector knows right away if a certain item has value or not.

Antiquing could be the right choices for you, if you are looking for something to do in your spare time and you want to really enjoy yourself while doing it.

Where to Find Antique Mirrors

Antique mirrors can be found all over the world. You truly never know when you might come across one in your daily life. Do you like to go to garage sales or estate sales? These are the best places to find antique mirrors because they are generally sold at significantly low prices.

Most people that sell one in a garage sale or estate sale have no idea they have such a treasure. They are just happy to get rid of the “old stuff.” This is great news for someone with the trained eye. This will take a lot longer than having one handed to you. However, it is also the best way to get that feeling of getting a great deal and that feeling of excitement from the thrill of the hunt.

If searching all over the place for an antique mirror is not for you then there are places that have done the leg work for you. You will pay the price, but this price may well be worth it to you. You can find the treasures you are looking for in local antique shops, estate auctions, and online.

If you choose to go the online route, you will need to do some research to ensure the company is reputable. Check reviews for this company; however, do not believe everything you read. Anyone can write a review. You will want to find less formal reviews that are written by people who have actually had experiences with the company.

Identifying Styles of Antique Mirrors

Styles vary in architecture and artistry depending on the different periods that they were designed in. Most features are intricately curved and glided frames. The mirrors also differ in the techniques in which they were produced. Most of the mirrors you will find are oval or rectangular. The different styles include:

• Mirrored Glass – This type of glass was coated on one side with a reflective substance. These were generally seen in mirrors from the 16th century to the 1840s. The process for making these mirrors was called silvering.

• Baroque Mirrors – These are large mirrors made from small pieces of glass that were joined together. These mirrors were made of mostly oak and walnut. The frames were usually finished with a gold or silver leaf that was meant to enhance the reflection of sunlight and candlelight.

• Plate Glass and the Rocco – This mirror made its debut at the beginning of the 18th century. This mirror was made with large sheets of plate glass. The mirrors were rectangular in carved mahogany or walnut frames of curlicues and seashells. These started off as French mirrors. The English and American manufacturers began using the technique of plate glass in 1770.

• Classical Elegance – These mirrors are generally rectangular. Different countries have their own design based on the era of classical values and artistic tastes. The French Empire style mirrors were simple with mahogany frames. English Regency style mirrors were more elegant with gilded flowers and scrollwork carved at the tops of the frames.

• Victorian Imitations – These were mirrors produced in the 19th century that combined different aspects of one period with other aspects of another. For example, a Renaissance frame might have a large factory made plate glass from the 19th century surrounded with 15th or 16th century motifs.

The different styles are unique and can help you identify the type of antique mirror you are considering for your home.

There are many reasons for this. One of them is the amazing quality. The craftsmen often spent years as apprentices and a lifetime to harness their skills. Older vases are rarer, sometimes a vase will be unique and thus is scarcity will make it valuable.

As with a lot of Chinese antiques vases, there are so many varieties that many items are not catalogued and this adds to the interest. appeal and the chance of a valuable find.

Another reason for the popularity is the mystique that applies to them. In fact this applies to most oriental antiques. To people from western culture, oriental culture is often mysterious and intriguing and collecting something from these far away places can be fascinating.

It is difficult to know which area to specialise in, but the first thing to achieve is a general knowledge of Chinese vases, then you will have a clearer idea of what to collect. Some of the oldest antiquities from China are over two thousand years old and little remains from this period. From the Han dynasty (from 206 B.C to 220 A.D.) some items can be found.

These are usually items that have been found in tombs. These pieces often showed a green glaze and contained lead.

In the Tang dynasty (618 A.D. to 906 A.D.) Large tomb figures of animals with glazes of orange, brown and green have been recorded, these often have a silvery glaze to them. Stoneware vases were also found with a high quality glaze.

In the Sung dynasty (960 to 1279) carved and incised designs of great beauty are prevalent

The Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) saw the area south of Nankin grow in to a very large and important area for manufacturing high quality porcelain. It was from this area that China owes its recognition for quality porcelain and its fame throughout the world. Such an abundance of good porcelain vases were produced here and although relatively rare some survive to this day. These can be distinguished by their under glaze of blue.

Other very popular and highly regarded vases from this period are the three coloured ones with raised threads filled with coloured glazes with an under glaze of blue. and an over glaze of red, yellow, green or brown-purple. This became known as famille verte.

Other factories produced fine white vases that are called blanc-de-chine (Chinese white). This style has been produced by other Chinese manufacturers for hundreds of years.

These are some of the main areas that you can collect the older vases from. What ever you decide to collect you will find this a fascinating and thoroughly absorbing hobby.