All About Antiques
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Antique Costume Jewelry: Identifying Signed vs. Unsigned Pieces
Read more: Antique Costume Jewelry: Identifying Signed vs. Unsigned PiecesAuthentic antique costume jewelry is primarily identified by examining construction quality, weight, and findings (clasps and hinges). While signed pieces bear specific maker’s marks like “Trifari” or “Coro,” unsigned pieces require attribution through distinct design traits, such as prong-set stones rather than glue, heavy rhodium plating, and specific soldering techniques used by manufacturers like DeLizza…
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Cast Iron Cookware Identification: How to Spot a “Griswold” Original
Read more: Cast Iron Cookware Identification: How to Spot a “Griswold” OriginalAuthentic Griswold cast iron cookware is identified by the distinctive “cross” logo on the bottom, the “ERIE” or “ERIE PA” location stamp, and a unique pattern number. Produced between 1865 and 1957, genuine pieces feature a satin-smooth interior finish and generally weigh less than modern counterparts. Imagine you are at a dusty estate sale in…
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Identifying Antique Belt Buckles: Civil War vs. Victorian Era
Read more: Identifying Antique Belt Buckles: Civil War vs. Victorian EraCivil War belt buckles are typically made of stamped sheet brass or cast brass with lead-filled backs, featuring “US” or “CS” lettering and specific puppy-paw hooks used from 1861-1865. Victorian Era buckles (1837-1901) are decorative fashion accessories often made of silver, cut steel, or brass, prioritizing intricate floral motifs and Rococo Revival aesthetics over military…
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Antique Oil Lamps: How to Identify Makers and Burner Types
Read more: Antique Oil Lamps: How to Identify Makers and Burner TypesAuthentic antique oil lamps (primarily 18th-19th century) can be identified by examining the thumbwheel on the burner, which often bears the maker’s name and patent date. Look for heavy cast iron or brass bases, distinct mold lines in glass fonts (indicating pressed glass), and specific burner styles like the Kosmos or Matador which replaced flat…
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Identifying Pewter vs. Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the Difference
Read more: Identifying Pewter vs. Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the DifferenceAuthentic sterling silver almost always bears a .925 or Sterling hallmark, feels harder to the touch, and produces a high-pitched ring when tapped. Pewter, a softer alloy, marks easily, often displays a duller grey oxidation, and makes a flat ‘thud’ sound. Always check for specific touchmarks on the base to confirm the maker. * Imagine…
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How to Identify Antique Keys: Why Some Old Keys are Worth $50+
Read more: How to Identify Antique Keys: Why Some Old Keys are Worth $50+Authentic antique keys are identified by their material (usually hand-forged iron or brass), specific bit patterns designed for warded or lever locks, and the shape of the bow (handle). Valuable examples often date from the 18th or 19th centuries, feature intricate skeleton key designs, or bear stamped maker marks like “Yale” or “Corbin” from the…
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Antique Metal Tool Value: How to Identify Old Planes and Saws Like a Pro
Read more: Antique Metal Tool Value: How to Identify Old Planes and Saws Like a ProAntique metal tool value is determined primarily by the maker’s mark (like Stanley or Disston), patent dates, and condition. Authentic antique planes often feature cast iron bodies with japanning (black finish), while valuable saws display etched medallions on the handle. Key identification points include specific logos, such as the Stanley “Sweetheart” era (1920-1935), which significantly…
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Gold Hallmark Identification: What 10K, 14K, and 18K Really Mean
Read more: Gold Hallmark Identification: What 10K, 14K, and 18K Really MeanGold hallmarks indicate purity based on a 24-part scale: 10K is 41.7% pure gold (marked “417”), 14K is 58.3% gold (“585”), and 18K is 75% gold (“750”). Authentic stamps also often include maker’s marks or assay office symbols. Any piece marked “GP,” “GF,” or “HGE” is plated, not solid gold. Imagine you are at a…
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How to Identify Victorian Mourning Jewelry and Its Hidden Value
Read more: How to Identify Victorian Mourning Jewelry and Its Hidden ValueAuthentic Victorian mourning jewelry (1837–1901) is primarily identified by black materials like jet, onyx, vulcanite, or gutta-percha, often featuring inscriptions such as “In Memory Of” or initials. Key motifs include weeping willows, urns, and forget-me-nots. Human hair woven into intricate plaits or scenes under glass is a definitive sign of genuine provenance. Imagine you are…
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Identifying Antique Pocket Watches: Movement vs. Case Value
Read more: Identifying Antique Pocket Watches: Movement vs. Case ValueTo correctly identify an antique pocket watch, you must open the rear dust cover to inspect the movement serial number, as the case serial number only identifies the container. The value is determined by the manufacturer (e.g., Patek Philippe, Hamilton), the jewel count (ruby bearings), and adjustments. A generic movement in a solid gold case…