| I will start with the most important part of the | | | | Restoring antiques: |
| process: Not being fooled. There are a lot of | | | | Sometimes the value of antiques increases after |
| people out there that are trying to sell you stuff | | | | a professional cleaning. Other times the value is |
| that is fake. They have methods to make | | | | ruined by the removal of the patina or other |
| objects look old. In fact almost all the "antiques" | | | | amateur repairs. Always ask an expert if you'll |
| you can find are not really antiques. Those are | | | | need to perform expensive restorations before |
| really good copies. | | | | buying artistic antiques and always ask the seller if |
| How Far Are You Willing To Go? | | | | any restorations have been made. |
| The more money and time you invest in antique | | | | Buying an Antique Piece: |
| hunting, the better results you will have. If you | | | | If it's possible, try to negotiate. If you are a |
| find something you like, you can afford it and you | | | | serious buyer and you're buying an expensive |
| can afford to go and check it out personally - don | | | | piece, you should be able to negotiate and get it a |
| not hesitate. Ask other people about the seller, do | | | | bit cheaper then you expected. Usually sellers do |
| a basic background check about the products he | | | | think about the fact that a serious customer may |
| sold before and make sure he's not the only one | | | | want to negotiate and they add an extra amount |
| who is claiming that what he sells is indeed an | | | | to the price. If you see that the seller is not willing |
| antique. | | | | to negotiate, don't insist. He/She might be |
| Local auctions are usually a lot cheaper then the | | | | offended and not sell anything. |
| "Big City" auctions. | | | | |