How do I identify and valuate antiques and collectibles?
The first step in identifying and valuing antiques and collectibles is often determining the maker of the item by researching a mark or signature. It's very common to find marks on costume jewelry, for instance, they're just really small and often hidden in an obscure spot.
What does the serial number on an Inglis pistol mean?
The serial number was applied at the Inglis factory after the pistol’s finish was applied, so that the numbers appear “in the white.” In this case, the fact that the finish covers the indentations left by the serial number indicates that this pistol has undergone at least one factory overhaul.
How do I research antiques for sale?
Knowledge is power in the antique marketplace and anything you can do to research your antiques or those you're thinking of buying will help. You might turn to internet research for some quick tips, but having a good library on the topics you specialize in can also be very helpful.
What is a southern antique reproduction wholesaler?
A southern antique reproduction wholesaler is offering a series of Black American images resembling original pencil or charcoal sketches. The series depicts five different pre-Civil War plantation images of slave life. ... A 1940s 'Honest' Reproduction?
How many Hi Powers did Inglis produce?
All in all, Inglis produced a total of only 66,350 Chinese contract Hi Powers over an 18-month production span from February 1944 to October 1945. The most obvious way to identify these historically ...
Where was the Inglis factory in 1938?
One of Inglis’ abandoned factories was located on the western outskirts of Toronto.
How many Chinese contract pistols were produced?
Apparently, most of these 4,000 pistols were eventually flown over the “hump” by American pilots and delivered to Chinese forces. Another 14,500 +/- Chinese contract pistols had been produced when the original contract was cancelled in September of 1944. All of these undelivered Chinese- contract pistols were accepted by the Canadian and British militaries, and were given a designation of “Pistol No 1 Mk 1” and “Pistol No 1 Mk 1*.”
What does the CH prefix mean on a pistol?
The sample pistol features the “CH” prefix, indicating that it was originally intended for shipment to China. The serial number was applied at the Inglis factory after the pistol’s finish was applied, so that the numbers appear “in the white.”.
What is the sight on a Chinese contract pistol?
The Chinese contract pistols feature the 500-meter tangent rear sight, as mentioned above. While probably not the most useful feature, these sights are unique and add to the collector interest of this firearm. The front sight is set in a dovetail, and is heavily staked to prevent movement.
Did Belgium armorers find magazines that worked with that pistol?
Since part of the problem was magazine feed, the Belgium armorers would find two magazines that worked with THAT pistol and numbered them. The pistols were gradually withdrawn from service and put into storage, and were replaced with new-production FN products. Most, if not all, of the Belgium Chinese contract pistols have been imported into the U.S., and collectors will pay a considerable premium for these rare variants.
Where are Chinese contract stocks made?
The original Chinese contract stocks were produced by Small Arms Limited (“S.A Ltd.”) of Long Branch, Canada. They are made out of walnut, and have been finished in a medium brown stain. Most of the original stocks are marked with the year of manufacture (1944 or 1945) under the “S.A. LTD” stamp:
How to tell if pottery is old?
Pottery and porcelain marks are often very visible, you simply need to look on the bottom or back of a piece to locate them. Many of the best pottery houses have very well-known marks that are easy to identify. The marks sometimes changed over the years they were doing business, so these identifiers may be able to tell you more about the age ...
What is the power of knowledge in antiques?
Knowledge is power in the antique marketplace and anything you can do to research your antiques or those you're thinking of buying will help. You might turn to internet research for some quick tips, but having a good library on the topics you specialize in can also be very helpful.
What is the difference between Queen Anne and Chippendale?
Chippendale is a style of furniture that was crafted in the mid- to late-1700s while Queen Anne furniture dates to earlier in the century. The two styles look similar, but to the trained eye, there are distinct differences.
What do silverplate marks mean?
Likewise, silver and silverplate marks are often a series of small symbols placed inside squares. If you know how to read them, they can tell you the maker, the country of origin, and in some cases even the date they were made.
Where to find manufacturer's name on furniture?
Furniture can also be labeled, so be sure to check inside drawers and on the backs and undersides of pieces for a manufacturer or craftsman's name.
Can you find a glassware mark on costume jewelry?
It's very common to find marks on costume jewelry, for instance, they're just really small and often hidden in an obscure spot. Glassware marks are not as common as on other items, like pottery and porcelain, but they do present from time to time. Pottery and porcelain marks are often very visible, you simply need to look on the bottom or back ...
Can you get stung by reproductions?
Getting stung by a reproduction is one way to "pay for your education." Learning how to distinguish reproductions from genuine antiques may not be the easiest thing you can do, but it's worth the effort and sure is a lot easier on the pocketbook.
Where is the serial number on a bottle?
Serial number. The serial number should be indicated on the bottom of the bottle (and not glued on!). The serial number on the bottle should match the number on the bottom of the box. It should be imprinted on the base of the box or printed with ink.
How to tell if perfume is counterfeit?
Even the smallest mismatch is a sign of a counterfeit.
What is the difference between fake perfume and authentic perfume?
An authentic perfume will have a high-quality bottle with a smooth and fine surface. The bottle of a fake perfume is a bit rough and contoured. From packaging to the bottle's cap, every detail of an original perfume is thought out. However, if you inspect a fake perfume thoroughly, you'll find a lot of imperfections. Preview photo credit bubr.
What is the packaging of a perfume bottle?
Real packaging is made from high-quality paperboard and is designed to protect the bottle from damage. That is why inside the box there is a special construction that keeps the perfume bottle in place. The paperboard should be white, not grayish.
Is perfume authentic?
If the plastic wrapping of the perfume box is sealed in an unattractive way (the seam is more than 5 mm wide, it is uneven, or it has excess glue on it), then the perfume isn't authentic. The wrapping of genuine perfume always has flawless seams.
Can you buy fake perfume?
Buying counterfeit perfume can not only make you feel tricked and upset, but it can also be harmful to your health. However, there are several signs that will help you to spot even the most brilliant counterfeits.
How to tell if a poster is vintage?
Look at authentic vintage posters so that you can more easily spot the difference when you see a reproduction. The paper will be different, for one thing, with the reproduction papers being shinier and smoother. They just feel new. Also check the print in the lower corner of the poster. On original posters this print will be clear while on reproductions it is often blurry.
Where did posters originate?
Origin of the Poster. Posters got their start in the 1870s when Jules Cheret, a Parisian artist, developed a printing method that allowed him to produce images with both intense color and texture. The idea took off and soon posters were everywhere in Paris, their bright colors and stylized images advertising nearly everything imaginable.
What does R65 mean on a movie poster?
Always check the bottom of the poster. A number like R65 means that that poster was reissued in 1965 and will not be worth as much as the original issue.
How much is a vintage poster?
Values vary but even very rare or collectible posters can be found in the $400.00 to $2,000.00 range . A poster is considered vintage if it is at least twenty-five years old and is an original advertising print.
What is the acid in a poster?
Posters were originally printed on the most inexpensive papers available. This paper is high acid and over time it creates a condition known as acid burn. The acid in the paper destroys the fibers of the paper until it is nothing but dust. Keeping the poster in a cool, dark place will help but not totally keep this from happening over a period of time.
What was the Belle Epoch?
This was the period known as Belle Epoch, the beautiful era. It was a time of peace and a renewed interest in the arts that affected every aspect of social life.
Do movie posters have to be reissued?
The poster's image will have a large impact of the value of the poster. Someone will have to want to hang that image in their home and look at it daily. Movie posters are often reissued when the movie is. Always check the bottom of the poster.
Why do publishers put a credit on giclee prints?
Most publishers add a credit or an embossed seal on the giclee print to make it easy to identify them as a reproduction. Finally, when examined with a 10X or 15X magnification loupe, the coloring on the image in the giclee print does not quite show the finish of the hand-coloring of the 19th century originals.
Why did they trim the Havell edition?
Some of the early collectors have trimmed down the Havell edition prints drastically to the plate mark (primari ly to save on framing costs, and occasionally to remove any damage (like tears) outside the plate mark), and in that process have trimmed the Whatman watermark too (thereby unwittingly and drastically diminishing the value of the print).
How old is the Havell giclee?
The cotton rag paper used for this giclee printing, though of high quality, will look very new and doesn't show the typical age (and blemishes) of the nearly 190 year old Havell (or 175 year old Imperial folio) original prints.
What does it mean when the plate marks do not match the dimensions of the plate marks?
If the plate mark dimensions do not match the listed dimensions of the plate marks for the original Havell prints (within ~1/8", to allow for possible expansion/contraction of the paper over the years), they are not originals (e.g., some of the facsimile edition prints have false plate marks, to mimic the appearance of the Havell edition prints.
Where are watermarks located on paper?
These watermarks are generally located parallel and close to the longer edge of the paper. A couple of examples are shown below. The letters J and W in the watermark are about one inch in height.
Is the Double Elephant Folio original?
These are not considered originals. (a) Restrikes of Double Elephant Folio Birds: These are restrikes pulled in the 20th century from a few surviving original 19th century copper plates used in the production of the Birds of America. They lack the J Whatman watermark of the original Havell edition prints.