Many people shop at auctions, estate sales and garage sales in search for that priceless antique. For some it will be furniture, to others books, pictures, jewelry, even letters. Whatever it is, antiques usually show some degree of craftsmanship, or a certain attention to design as can be found on ornate furniture or late-model cars. Many antiques are handed down from one family member to another; however, some valuable antiques can be bought from antique dealers and auction services or purchased online through websites and online auctions. Antique dealers are often members of national trade associations, many of which themselves belong to CINOA, a confederation of art and antique associations across 19 countries, representing 5000 dealers.

What actually defines an antique? The old saying “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” just doesn’t seem to apply to genuine antiques. The definition of antique varies from source to source, product to product and year to year. First, the actual dictionary definition describes antique as a noun: Any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity. This definition allows people to make a distinction between genuine antique pieces, vintage items or collectible objects. However, there are some other time-tested definitions of antique that seem to endure:

An antique is an item that is at least 50 to 100 years old and is collected or desirable due to it’s rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature. Motor vehicles, tools and other items subject to vigorous use in contrast, may be considered antiques in the U.S. if older than 25 years, and some electronic gadgets of more recent vintage may be considered antiques. The alternative term “antiquities” is commonly used to refer the remains of ancient art and everyday items from antiquity, which themselves are often archaeological artifacts.

Visit these other sites under “Related Interest” on the left-hand side of this page to find some great antiques and other antiquities being sold on auction. Who knows? you just might find that valuable piece you've been looking for.