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Tips on How to Look for Authentic Antique Lamps

Tips on How to Look for Authentic Antique Lamps

 

If you are a budding collector of antiques, you must know the basic steps in antique-hunting. Experience is one factor when looking for a genuine antique item because it helps you become more familiar and more critical of each piece you are looking for.

 

Antique pieces such as lamps add style and class to ones home. Authentic antique lamps are hard to find especially if you live in a city that sells reproduction antiques. You may find it hard to determine which piece is the real deal from the fake especially if you aren't well-versed with finding antiques.

 

Below are some useful tips to help you in finding authentic antique lamps:

 

1. Know where to look. If your area has many antique stores, chances are they may be selling both authentic and reproduction antique pieces. If possible, antique shops around your area should be your last resort when looking for antique lamps.

 

Try looking for antique items in your friends’ and family’s storage or attics because you never know what they might have. Try looking for real deal antique lamps at garage sales and flea markets. You may also ask other antique collectors if they have particular pieces for sale, and if you are lucky you might find the antique lamp you’ve been looking for.

 

2. Know the difference between antique and vintage. An antique item’s age should be 100 years or older, while a vintage item is from 50 years to less than 100 years. If you've found an old lamp, make sure to ask for the age of the lamp or look for the manufacturing date. If it is from the 1800's, then you have hit the jackpot.

 

3. Look for marks, stamped details and dates. When you are looking for an authentic antique lamp, it is important to know when and where it was made. You can't always trust the seller, and don’t always take their word for it. If you can check the item for any marking, scribbling or any info that will tell you the background of the item, then look for it if you can. Remember that you are paying for the antique lamp you are looking for, so you should be the first to judge if it is worth every dollar.

 

4. Ask for an expert’s assistance. If you aren't sure of where to look for authentic antique lamps, it is advisable to ask someone with experience to help you in your search. Make sure your expert companion has the reputation and know-how so you’ll get value for your money once you find the antique lamp of your choice.

 

 



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