I have been going to yard sales for years. While in an antique shop last week there was a like item I had just purchased for $1 and they were selling for $40. How do I begin to learn the value of the room full of dishes, furnature and misc items I have collected over the year?
The best reference book that I have is (for depression glass) Warman's Depression Glass Identification and Price Guide 4th Edition. Just trying to identify something can be a chore too! I spend hours on replacements.com just looking for patterns. It is time consuming though! Unless you hone in on one manufacturer (which would bore me to death!!) be prepared to do a lot ot research. I love glass and crystal so it's all worth while to me. Jan
Hi, Try searching completed listings in ebay. Although this will not give you the textbook value of antiques, it will show you what an item has been selling for during the last few weeks. Good Luck! Sarah
The easiest way I find prices of items is to go to antique web sites and check the items price and details. That is also the easiest way to find the name and description of an item. I tried bringing home books from the library but it would take days and days to find just a few items and details. Plus you have to have a good memory to continue to remember all the different types of colors, designs, and companys. My favorite web site is "Ruby Lane". Hope this helps.
I study the book of marks on Pottery and Vintage China. I collect it but as of yet I have not started selling my collection. I can pretty much look at a name and recognize it if it was in my book of marks. Hate to say it but it takes a great deal of research and time.. Once I identify something I add it to my Collection Inventory notebook so I don't have to go thru the search again. Keep in mind a Antique store sells things usually much higher then you can sell it on e-bay. I have a ton of McCoy and Bauer that I cannot sell online. Pottery is a touchy thing, know what you are buying and if it will sell on e-bay or not..
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