Country Babe asked:

ok my neighbor just gave me a really cool thing and he wants me to find out if it is an antique. it is a really old cup that has pirateships and a lighthouse on it. it is true brass and the label on it says made in england.

the company wanted it too look old like the origional 1 and the closest antique store is in Hebron illinois near mchenry county.

i live in johnsburg also near mchenry county. my real question is does anyone know how far hebron is from johnsburg? hebron area code is 60034 and johnsburg is 60051 if that helps.

please answer

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

Live Talapia asked:

Okay, I am not a gun nut but I would like to get my hands on a 14″ 1917 Winchester rifle after watching “Antique Road Show”. While watching the appraiser said it is illegal to own any rifle that is 14 inch or shorter.
1) Why is it illegal?
2 What is the difference between a short (14″) and long (15″ and up)?
a) range wise?
b) impact?

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

Big Frank asked:

UK has many popular antique shops. These establishments present a huge array of products from furniture, to instruments, to clothing, to paintings.

For people who are visiting the UK to search for antique products, here is a list of UK’s most popular antique shops.

The Uzella Court Antique Centre presents more than 20 dealers offering a wide array of collectibles and antiques. Located in Cornwall, this shop specializes in fine silver, paintings, jewels, and vintage furniture. Prices of these antique products start at around five pounds. Furthermore, the shop itself is a historic building, being a part of the Duchy Palace.

Nanadobbie is another popular antique shop in Cornwall. This shop focuses in all things retro, from ceramics, to lighting and furniture, to glass items. Other related products such as instruments and devices from the 60′s and 70′s can also be purchased from this antique shop. Nanadobbie lets its customers purchase most of its products online through its website.

The Antiques Centre York is the largest antique shop in York. With five showrooms in three floors, visitors can definitely find the item they are looking for. This shop features Products taken from eras that range from Ancient Rome, to Victorian, to Edwardian, to modern day. After browsing through its catalog, guests can relax in the coffee shop in the center.

Truthteller asked:

Someone gave us some antique silver cups from Berkeley Hotel in England. I know they opened in 1891 and I have been researching a little and have come up with nothing. I could not find anything like it on Ebay. Could someone please help me?

Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia

adshaw32 asked:

I have two pairs or WWI boot spats. One pair is in really good condition, the second pair is in a worn condition, but still nice.I am wondering if they are worth anything? How do I find out if they are worth anything?

If anyone knows of a place to find out, besides antique road show (lol), please let me know. I am clueless as to where to start with them.

Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

pink asked: I have a vey old clock that my Mom got from her Mom and her Mom before. It was put away and sort of forgotten about. I’m so determined to get it going as I’m so obsessed with clocks. The chains were out when I opened the old box. I put them back but I’m not sure if they are going in the right way.

Do the chains have to go into the works on a certain side? Do the weights have to be at the center? If you can help me fix my great Oma’s clock..I’d be so happy!Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2010-2011

Big Jim asked:

Antique collecting is one of those hobbies that can last a lifetime. This is because the “hunt” never ceases to fuel the drive of people to look for and eventually possess the finest things in their lives. This is also the reason why many are eager in learning how to spot the best pieces of antique there are.

Aside from giving people a chance to possess items that are truly works of art, antique collecting can also provide them an enriching learning experience as well as the possibility to meet people with various cultures and backgrounds in life. Collecting antiques can also be a helpful diversion especially to very busy people who don’t have enough time to assuage their personal hobbies.

But, among all the advantages of antique collecting, being a venue for a lucrative financial gain is one of the major reasons why more and more people get into it. No matter what are the reasons behind your antique collecting – whether it is for future investment, for pure appreciation of art, or for satisfying your need to possess beautiful things – you will never go wrong with the hobby as long as you know what your limitations are.

Annie asked: 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.

Frank asked:

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.

John asked:

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!