Hummel figurines can have a variety of numbers on the bottom. Each number refers to specific information about that figurine.  In this article I will explain what each number is used for and what information this number refers to. The HUM number is one of the most important numbers on your figurine, this is the model number and it identifies what the Hummel is. This number is called the HUM number. Continue reading ››

I get asked this question all the time. There are many options when it comes to selling your antiques and collectibles. Choosing an option all comes down to your personal circumstances. In this article I have covered the most common ways to sell your antiques and collectibles. You can use this information as a guide to help you when making the choice of where to sell your items. Private Sale: Private sale is when you negotiate a sell between you and other parties. This can be done by yourself or through a broker. If you choose this option I would suggest using a broker. Brokers usually have a network of buyers and they also know how to negotiate in these situations on your behalf. Continue reading ››

Estate sales can be fun and exciting. They are also a great way to make some extra money. Once you know how an estate sale works and what to do you will have no problem having one. Follow the guidelines in this article and you will have an enjoyable estate sale. What is an Estate Sale Company? An estate sale is where a company comes into your home and evaluates the estate you are interested in selling. After you hire the company they will sort, clean, organize, research, price, market/advertise, and sell your Continue reading ››

As a Personal Property Appraiser I get asked many questions about antiques. In this article I have answered 7 of the most commonly asked questions. These questions come up at almost every appraisal I have done.   How old does an item have to be to be an antique? There is a great debate about how old an item has to be to be considered an antique. The standard is 100 or more years. There are some antique dealers out there that like to say 50 years. This is so they can sell more items as antiques and charge higher values. Continue reading ››

There are many terms used in the antique industry. In this article I have defined 25 commonly used antique terms. Knowing these terms can help any collector understand the antique industry a little better. Antique Terms: 1. Alabaster: A fine grained stone that is usually gray or white in color and is slightly translucent. This is used a lot in lamp shades. 2. Armoire: A large, often ornate cabinet or cupboard with shelving, which stands alone. 3. Art Deco: Named after an exposition held in Paris in 1927. Art Deco items are angular with simple lines. The art deco period was during the 1930's. This style is currently making a strong come back amongst collectors. Continue reading ››

Wedgwood is just over 250 years old. This makes any piece of Wedgwood made from the first year to 150 years into production an antique. For an item to be an antique it has to be at least 100 years old. Read the differences between antique, vintage, and collectible item for more information. The Wedgwood Company keeps thorough records of all the designs they produce. Pieces of Wedgwood can be easily and accurately dated. Continue reading ››

There are many different woods used to make antiques. It can be difficult to tell these woods apart and if the wood has been stained or painted it can be even harder to identify them. Many times lesser value woods will be stained to look like expensive woods. In this article I have provided some information to help you identify the wood used regularly to make antiques. Here is some basic information about wood: There are two kinds of wood, soft and hard: Continue reading ››

We have all heard the stories about someone finding a painting at an estate sale or flee market for 10 dollars then selling it at an auction for thousands. While I was working at an auction house in the Chicago area I would see this happen regularly. For example a lady bought a stein for $12.00 at a garage sale on the way to the auction house. This turned out to be a Meissen stein that sold at an auction for $1,200.00. This happens more often than people think. Many times people will have an estate sale without researching the items being sold. I have put together a list of the 5 common antiques and collectibles you can find cheap and resell for a profit. Continue reading ››

As an antique appraiser I get asked many questions about caring for antiques and collectibles. The proper care is essential to maintain the value of your antiques and collectibles. Once your antiques and collectibles have any condition issues the value declines. In this article I have provided some tips on how to care for popular antiques and collectibles. Antique and Collectible Furniture: Dust antique furniture frequently. Use a soft cloth to dust and polish antique furniture. Polish antique furniture only once or twice a year. Use a good beeswax based polish.  Apply the polish, leave overnight and then buff. Continue reading ››

As an antiques and collectibles appraiser I see many antique insurance claims. The most common mistake I see from collectors is that they assume their home owners insurance covers their antiques and/or collectibles. In this article I have talked about how to protect yourself from this common mistake. Most insurance companies in the United States will cover up to $2,500 of arts, collectibles and antiques. If you have an art, antique or collectible collection, this amount will cover about 1% of your collection. Insurance companies categorized artwork, collectibles and antiques together. Continue reading ››