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There has long been confusion when it came to these two terms-antiquities and collections. If you have set a unique goal in your career, first you have to know the major differences.

Have you set your mind on an antique collection? Then you have to know that the definitions, alone, are numerous. An antique is something that is rare and really old. A real antique has to be a century old or more. But the term antique is also now used to describe obsolete gadgets such as cell phones or calculating machines, or even computers. This is the negative connotation of the word antique as it deems an item to be useless or out of date.

An antique isn’t an antique if the item doesn’t show a certain grade of craftsmanship and distinctive design. So if you are settling on having a career in dealing with antiques, first you must make certain that you have a keen eye for details (such as the physical condition of the item, its rarity, its age, and much more). It is also important that you have knowledge on history, art and culture. For example, if you want to focus on Pre-Columbian antiques, then you should first study the civilizations that crafted these works of art. Think of the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, and all other civilizations which helped shape the very culture that South America now has. Aside from historical, cultural and artistic knowledge, it is most important to have the passion for the acquisition of such genuine pieces.

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Every niche subject has its specific, descriptive words, its recognised terminology.  These are words of international understanding, conveying a clear picture of the object being described.

In the world of antiques this is extremely important, particularly when the object is not able to be seen and handled by the person receiving the descriptive information.

Antiques are a vast subject and each category under the title of “antiques” has its own specific terminology.  Key descriptive terms are used for antique categories such as silver, furniture, ceramics, glass, pictures, textiles, jewellery etc.

Within my subject of antique ceramics, porcelain and pottery, I have noticed a consistent confusion over a particular group of ceramic terms.  These include the terms, “soft paste” and “hard paste” porcelain.  

The term “soft paste” is sometimes thought to mean that soft paste porcelain is “softer” than hard paste porcelain, (also known as, true porcelain), however, both of these terms actually refer to the kiln temperature, not the porcelain itself.

It is actually the temperature that the porcelain is fired at; soft paste referring to a “soft fire”, which is usually about 1200°C.  Soft paste is also known as “artificial porcelain”, or, “pate tendre”, when referring to French porcelain.

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Beauty -  Pottery is an art.  Creating a pottery piece is labor intensive, dangerous and fairly unpredictable.  (especially in the old days)  A number of steps and devotion goes into its creation.  In some sense I believe the potters energy is transferred to the clay he or she works.  I appreciate the skill and artist vision required to produce these aesthetically pleasing pieces of art. Yesteryear -  As a kid I would often accompany my parents to antique stores, flea markets and garage sales.  I had a happy childhood.  Perhaps picking through layers of dust latent items in stale smelling air takes me back to that time? Utility -  Pottery items have purpose, even if it is only to look pretty.  The majority of pottery items hold or support something else.  Food is served, flowers displayed, books supported, liquid mobilized and plants grown with ceramic assistance.  They are essential tools that have enabled our modern lives to become more civilized and beautiful. Important History -  Pottery has been produced for 10′s of thousands of years.  It was probably discovered by our ancestors building a fire on ground rich with clay.  After discovering the rock like result in the fire pit, someone came up with a life altering idea.  I believe that it is in my innate  makeup to appreciate the stuff and it forms.  When I buy and clean an under appreciated garage sale find, I am in essence reintroducing it into the world by assigning it its rightful importance.  I become the pottery’s temporary caretaker for future enthusiasts. Imagination -  Along with the ancient history goes the more recent history of antique pottery.  When I find and buy a piece, of let’s say Rookwood, my imagination begins to travel back and through time.  I dream of the time period in which it was created.  What was America like then?  Where was this made?  Who specifically had there hands in its birth?  Where may this piece have traveled in its eighty plus years of existence?  Who and how many may have owned it.  What items may have been in it or used with it?  How long will this pottery item remain on earth in its current form?  Etc. Etc.  I’ve found that posing and focusing my attention on these imaginative questions is almost meditative. Mystery -  Discovering an antique pottery piece that is pleasing to my eye is just the beginning.  After getting the item home, a rewarding bit of sleuthing commences.  The process of investigating marks and initials, studying forms, glazes and  techniques can be not only interesting but, lends itself to enrich the other bullets on this list.  For example, if I’m able to nail down that a piece of pottery was created by Niloak around 1915, I can more easily imagine prewar WWI Arkansas and the hands that may have taken part in its development.  (Such as Charles Dean “Bullet” Hyten or a potter named Arthur Dovey)  The more specific the details concerning the ware, the more interesting and valuable it becomes. Discovery -  There is a certain rush of adrenaline associated with spotting a valuable piece of antique pottery on a thrift store shelf.  The excitement of picking it up and hastily checking for chips while glancing over the ridiculously low price is oh so much fun.  A sense of personal satisfaction comes with purchasing a two dollar piece of pottery while knowing that the item is coveted and valuable to collectors. Education -  Antique pottery collecting has become a way for me to not only learn about the past but also remain current with technology as well.  By combining my passions for pottery and computers, I’ve created and maintain two websites and a blog concerning the topic.  (http://www.oldantiquepottery.info, http://www.artpotterymanufactures.com and blog http://www.artpotterycollectors.com) Hunting – Looking for places to uncover cool pieces of antique pottery is fun.  It takes me to different towns, cities and out of the norm places.  While in the hunt there are many different things to see, new locations to experience and unique (sometimes weird!) people to meet.  It’s nice to stop and smell the flowers along the journey.  There is always something new in the pursuit of the old. Value -  Antique pottery can be quite valuable.  Hoarding a collection of worthy pieces is as good as having money in the bank.  It’s also pretty nice to get a hundred dollars on Ebay for something I bought for three bucks!

Well, there you have them.  If these reasons don’t suffice in answering the question why I collect antique pottery, perhaps this simple explanation will do…Maybe I’m just as quirky and unique as some of the pieces I collect!

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The term antiques refers which is of 100 years old and it is collected due to scarcity, condition or some other methods. It also refers to decorative object that is produced in former period because of its scarcity. It is refered that is of ancient in nature.The antiques are not same as the normal furnitures. The antique furniture includes display cabinet, center table, wardrobes, desks, sideboards, tables, beds etc.The frequent type of woods used in antique furniture is mahagony, walnut etc.

The french furniture consists of civilized furniture. The approach of french furniture makes your shopping and easy expirence. That type of furniture is purchased in various range, quality, style as well as money.

There are wide varieties of antiques of over three million pounds of original antique furniture on display, from late 17th Century to the early 1900′s suitable for all markets. Centre Table, cocktail tables.

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Are you an antique collector? Are you a serious collector that is looking for a specific antique such as a certain piece of furniture, a unique car, or perhaps a specific antique painting that suits your taste? If so, then you know it is not always an easy task to find the items you are looking for, especially if you don’t know where to look.

Maybe you just love to shop for different antiques on a smaller scale. This could include collectible items such as toys and figurines. There are many different types of antique art that can be purchased and even a wide variety of antique books may be found. The key is to know where to find all of the great items that are out there.

Finding your antiques

So the question that many collectors have is just where to find the good stuff anyway? The thing that makes being an antique collector different is that you can’t just go to the store and buy the item you want, no matter how much money you have. It can literally be an Easter egg hunt to try to find the treasures you seek.

When you are shopping for antique collectibles but do not have a specific item in mind or if you do not plan to spend a large amount of money, then a flea market is a great place to shop. However, if it is a specific item you are looking for, then many sites on the Internet can provide you with the location of these items. For instance, if you are looking for an automatic musical instrument, then MBSI is an organization that can provide you with many of these antiques. Several of these musical instruments may be viewed, bought or traded by its members at the conventions that are held. There are also many advertisements on the organization?s site that list antiques that people sell all over the country.

Another great organization that can supply you with automatic musical instruments is AMICA. This site can stun its visitors with their elegant antique player pianos. Organizations such as these can provide you with information on dealers both locally and from around the world. There are also many organizations that let you subscribe to lists that will tell you when they have sales and auctions for antiques.

Looking Online

There are many places online where you can look for antiques. The great thing about the internet is that it brings a much larger world straight to you. GoAntiques.com is a site that can help you locate a specific item by pinpointing precisely where you should look. If the item is being sold in more than one place, they can give you this information, allowing you the opportunity to find the best price available for the antique of your choice.

Anteq.com is another useful site. This company caters to antique collectors, antique dealers, and antique malls of the world. Anteq.com is committed to meeting the needs of the antiques & collectibles community by providing professional software and support.

eBay is yet another popular place to look online for antique collectibles. There are people from all over the world buying, selling, and trading collectibles and antiques on eBay. Some of the best deals out there can be found on eBay. Another great thing about finding your collectibles online is the wonderful and wider selection than you would find at a local show or sale. If you do not have a specific item in mind but are looking in certain categories such as, books, paintings, or coins, online sites such as eBay is a terrific place to look for these types of antiques. Antique jewelry and dishes are also a big hit with collectors and can be found on this site. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to shop for collectibles.

Joining Clubs and Groups

You might also want to check to see if your local town or city has an antique collector’s club or group that you can join. This would be a way for you to meet other people who share your passion and who can guide you to some of the best places to find what you are looking for. If none can be found in your town, why not start one yourself?

Antique collecting is a passion for many people. Finding the right collectibles may not always be easy. However, with perseverance and patience, you will be sure to find that perfect antique collectible you have been seeking.

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Antiques can be understood as furniture that have a history, or they can be viewed as a textured glimpse into the past. We continuously hear from browsers and customers alike, that the more time they spend in our shops looking at the wide range of antiques and collectables that we have, the greater their insight into the link between history, art and antiques becomes.

For the uninitiated browser, this may seem confusing. Surely antiques are relics of the past that can only be understood as old or used furniture? This simplistic view is one perspective, but as with any aspect of life, reality has many layers, and the deeper you look, the more you are able to discover.

Yesterday’s Dream’s antiques are available for all levels of antique aficionados, and have advice to answer most questions. Whether you are looking for a retro piece to fit your home design, or you have a collection that you are interested in adding to, you will be able to find your fit in one of our emporiums.

The Waterkloof Pretoria branch has just opened, with a coffee shop that adds an element of luxury and relaxation to the experience. Set aside a few hours and take a scenic drive to the Bethelehem antique store, or visit the Waterkloof emporium and have a steaming cup of coffee while you enjoy the atmosphere of this world class antique establishment.

Visit the Yesterday’s Dreams website for more information.

Visit our premises or website for a wide range of fine antiques and period furniture, glass, silver, plated ware, porcelain and anything your heart may desire at the most competitive prices in South Africa.

A frequent visit to our website or store, will keep you up to date on our stock reduction sales, before the arrival of our new containers from Europe.

Whether you are a serious collector, or just have a taste for the finer things in life, we are here to please, at our one stop antique and collectable store.

Jadey asked:


We can get Barbie dolls stuck in the tree by their hair. We can draw happy faces on our toes and take pictures of them. We can run around like idiots at the Antiques Roadshow. We can rip up our stuffed animals and them give them stitches. We can get those Cash for Gold envelpoes and send them random bullsheet. We can pee on the floor and blame it on the dog.

Weeeeeeee! So will you be my friend?

Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia

your name here asked:


im not sure what century ive been told 16th it has some sort of weight ball and looks like it has the ability to have a adjustment of height. and ideas of what this is and where i can research any information and find some type of picture? i do know its very old ive taken it to only a few antique shops here and the two said they never seen nothing like it. i really would like any pictures anyone has that maybe helpful please and thanks

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

Gramma Might Know asked:


Would you play with it? Or leave it unopened for “Antiques Roadshow”???
Beelnite…Your not old, you’re seasoned! I still have all the Star Wars figures in their packages, because my daughter didn’t want her brother to get into them.
I’m probably older…I still have the ET lunchbox from when the movie came out…The storm trooper Halloween costume, from when the movie came out…I even have my old plaid lunchbox from the late fifties, and the thermos glass isn’t even broken!
Still feel old???????????

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

Elizabeth m asked:


in OLD SAN JUAN LIKE FURNITURE POTTERY OIL PAINTINGS LIKE A STORE ANTIQUE SHOP I WENT IN ONE THEY HAD NICE THINGS BUT I DON’T REMEMBER WHERE COULD ANYBODY HELP ME

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011