All About Antiques
Popular Guides
- Pewter vs Silver: 3 Simple Ways to Tell the Difference — Quick visual and magnet tests for identifying metal at home.
- Antique Marks & Signatures: Complete Identification Guide — Decode maker marks on silver, porcelain, glass and furniture.
- Best Online Antique Appraisal Sites (2026 Reviews) — Honest comparison of Mearto, WorthPoint and other appraisal services.
- Online Antique Valuation Tools for Collectors — Free digital resources to research and price your antique items.
- Antique Furniture Periods Chart (1600–1940) — Visual timeline of furniture styles with identification pictures.
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Most valuable Civil War buttons: top 10 rare examples
Read more: Most valuable Civil War buttons: top 10 rare examplesThe most valuable Civil War buttons are Confederate staff and state seal examples. Rarity, die variety, and condition drive prices past $5,000 at auction. Knowing exactly what separates a $40 Union general-service button from a $4,000 Confederate Georgia state seal button can make or break a collection.
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How to tell if a book is a first edition: step-by-step guide
Read more: How to tell if a book is a first edition: step-by-step guideThe answer is in the copyright page. First editions carry specific number lines, edition statements, and publisher codes that later printings drop or change. Once you know exactly what to look for — and where — spotting a true first becomes second nature.
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Victorian vs Edwardian furniture: spotting the style differences
Read more: Victorian vs Edwardian furniture: spotting the style differencesVictorian furniture is ornate and heavy; Edwardian pieces are lighter and refined. Learn the key differences collectors use to tell them apart. Both periods produced extraordinary work, but once you know what to look for, misidentifying them becomes almost impossible.
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ValueMyStuff review: does the app deliver accurate appraisals?
Read more: ValueMyStuff review: does the app deliver accurate appraisals?ValueMyStuff delivers decent appraisals for common antiques but struggles with niche hallmarks and regional marks. Here’s what collectors need to know. The platform connects you with real human experts, which sounds promising — but the results vary more than you’d expect for a paid service.
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Is pewter magnetic? The 30-second test that reveals the truth
Read more: Is pewter magnetic? The 30-second test that reveals the truthPewter is not magnetic. It contains tin, lead, or bismuth — none attract magnets. Learn the quick test collectors use to identify genuine pewter in under 30 seconds.
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14k Gold Hallmark Identification Chart: Quick Reference
Read more: 14k Gold Hallmark Identification Chart: Quick Reference14k gold hallmarks appear as “585”, “14K”, “14KT”, or “14ct” stamps. Knowing which mark means what saves you from costly fakes and missed finds. Different countries stamp 14k gold differently, so a single piece can carry marks you’ve never seen before — and still be completely legitimate.
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Rogers Sterling Silver Patterns: How to Identify Any Piece
Read more: Rogers Sterling Silver Patterns: How to Identify Any PieceRogers sterling silver patterns are identified by hallmarks, pattern names, and date letters stamped on the back. Here’s how to read every mark. The Rogers name covers several distinct companies — knowing which one made your piece is the first step to a real identification.
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Fake Limoges France porcelain marks: how to spot forgeries
Read more: Fake Limoges France porcelain marks: how to spot forgeriesFake Limoges marks are everywhere. Learn how real backstamps, enamel depth, and gilding wear reveal forgeries before you buy. Limoges porcelain has been faked for over a century, and modern reproductions have gotten frighteningly good — but the tells are still there if you know where to look.
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Best antique identifier apps 2026: head-to-head comparison
Read more: Best antique identifier apps 2026: head-to-head comparisonThe best antique identifier app in 2026 is Antique Identifier App. It handles hallmarks, porcelain marks, and period dating faster than any rival — free on iPhone. After hands-on testing across estate sales, flea markets, and my own collection, this head-to-head breakdown shows exactly how each app performs where it counts.
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Does pewter tarnish like silver? Key differences explained
Read more: Does pewter tarnish like silver? Key differences explainedPewter tarnishes, but not like silver. It oxidizes to a dull grey, never blackens like sterling. Here’s what collectors need to know.
