Antique ID 101: How to Spot Value in Grandma’s Attic (Beginner’s Guide)

Antique vs vintage vs collectible: quick definitions

It's easy to get these terms mixed up. Here's a simple breakdown:

• Antique: An item that is 100 years old or older.
• Vintage: An item that is typically between 20 and 99 years old. The term often refers to items that are representative of a specific era, like the 1950s or 70s.
• Collectible: An item that is desirable to collectors, regardless of its age. Think baseball cards, comic books, or specific toy lines.

Hallmarks, maker’s marks, and date clues

These are the signatures of the past. Look on the bottom of pottery and glassware, the back of furniture, inside drawers, or on the clasps of jewelry. A 'hallmark' on silver or gold tells you its purity, where it was assayed, and the year it was made. A 'maker's mark' is the logo or name of the company that produced it. A quick Google search of the mark can often tell you a lot about the item's age and origin.

Materials and construction indicators of age

Look for signs of hand-craftsmanship. Dovetail joints in furniture, hand-stitched seams in textiles, or the slight imperfections in hand-blown glass are all clues. Modern furniture often uses staples or Phillips head screws, while older pieces might have flathead screws or wooden pegs. The weight of an item can also be an indicator; older pieces are often heavier.

Items that commonly hold value (furniture, porcelain, silver)

While trends change, some categories consistently hold value. These include:

• Solid wood furniture: Especially from well-known makers like Stickley, Herman Miller, or from specific periods like mid-century modern.
• Sterling silver: Flatware, tea sets, and decorative objects. Check for marks that say "Sterling" or "925".
• Fine porcelain and ceramics: Look for marks from companies like Meissen, Wedgwood, or Royal Doulton.
• Fine art and signed prints: Even a lesser-known artist can have a following.

When to get a professional appraisal

If you suspect an item has significant value, or if you need a valuation for insurance or estate purposes, it's time to call a professional. An accredited appraiser can give you a definitive value and a formal document that can be used for legal and financial purposes. Don't rely on guesswork for your most important pieces.