All About Antiques
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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…
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Decoding British Silver Hallmarks: How to Read the Lion and Anchor
Read more: Decoding British Silver Hallmarks: How to Read the Lion and AnchorBritish silver hallmarks are a standardized system of four to five stamped symbols that verify the metal’s purity and origin. To identify authentic sterling silver, look for the Lion Passant (a walking lion) which guarantees 92.5% purity. Accompanying marks include a City Mark (like an Anchor for Birmingham or Leopard’s Head for London), a Date…
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Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate: The “Ice Cube” Test and More
Read more: Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plate: The “Ice Cube” Test and MoreSterling silver is an alloy containing at least 92.5% pure silver, distinguishable by marks like “925,” “Sterling,” or the British Lion Passant assay marks. Silver plate consists of a thin layer of silver over base metal (usually copper or nickel), often marked “EPNS” or “IS.” The “Ice Cube” test works because silver possesses the highest…
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Antique Ceramic Pitchers: How to Date Them by Their Handle Shape
Read more: Antique Ceramic Pitchers: How to Date Them by Their Handle ShapeYou can generally date antique ceramic pitchers by analyzing the specific silhouette of the handle. Scrolled or high-arching handles with thumb spurs typically indicate mid-19th century Victorian styles (c. 1840-1860s), while angular, bamboo-style handles point directly to the Aesthetic Movement (1870s-1880s). A handle featuring organic, flowing “whiplash” curves that melt into the body suggests Art…
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Identifying Milk Glass: Why Some “White Glass” is Worth Hundreds
Read more: Identifying Milk Glass: Why Some “White Glass” is Worth HundredsAuthentic antique milk glass is defined by its dense, opaque white color and often displays a “Ring of Fire”—haloes of iridescent reds or blues—when held up to natural light, particularly in pieces made before 1900. Key makers to look for include Fenton, Westmoreland, and McKee. Genuine pieces feature sharp detail in pressed glass patterns or…
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Limoges China Identification: Decoding the French Porcelain Backstamps
Read more: Limoges China Identification: Decoding the French Porcelain BackstampsAuthentic Limoges china is identified by specific backstamps featuring the word “Limoges” alongside “France,” which became mandatory for exports after 1891. Look for two marks: an underglaze maker’s mark (often green) indicating the factory, and an overglaze decorator’s mark (often red or blue) stamped later. High-quality pieces exhibit translucency when held to light. Imagine you…
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How to Identify Antique Mason Jars (The “Ball” Logo Evolution)
Read more: How to Identify Antique Mason Jars (The “Ball” Logo Evolution)To accurately date a Ball Mason jar, examine the cursive script logo. The rare “3-L” logo (with a decorative loop on the ‘B’) dates from 1900-1910. An underscore was added from 1910-1923, but dropped by 1933. Jars with a simple block letter style usually date after 1960, while the earliest “Buffalo” jars (1880s) command the…
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Antique Teapot Identification: Finding English Silver and Ceramic Marks
Read more: Antique Teapot Identification: Finding English Silver and Ceramic MarksAuthentic English antique teapots are identified by examining the base for specific hallmarks or backstamps. For silver, look for the Lion Passant (guaranteeing .925 sterling silver) and date letters. For ceramics, inspect the backstamp for maker names like Wedgwood or Spode, often accompanied by a Registry Diamond (used 1842–1883) to pinpoint the exact manufacturing date.…
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Carnival Glass Identification: How the Iridescence Reveals the Age
Read more: Carnival Glass Identification: How the Iridescence Reveals the AgeAuthentic antique Carnival Glass (produced circa 1908–1930) is distinctive for its multicolored, iridescent sheen applied over pressed glass patterns. To identify it, check the “base color” by holding the item to a light source, look for crisp mold details characteristic of makers like Fenton or Northwood, and ensure the iridescence lacks the “greasy” or peeling…