Best Suggestions to the Antique Collectors

Considering the breadth and diversity of the topics discussed in this article, I just want to provide some general suggestions for beginners who want to slowly build their own collection of classic antique furniture, which will enable them try to avoid fakes and avoid detours. For example, the situations that may occur are as follows:

• Some copper parts of the French desk of the 18th century may be newly made.

• The entire bookshelf may be an object from the 18th century to the first generation. However, after a later renovation, some old partitions may be replaced by some new partitions and so on.

Generally speaking, the sale of antique furniture is usually carried out through auction houses or antique dealers or antique shops as intermediaries. Many of the latter have their own workshops and employ a large number of craftsmen to carry out renovation work under the supervision of the foreman.

If your close friend who thinks he/she is an expert after reading a few books doubts the table or chair you just bought, and it confuses you, I suggest that you should go to some qualified experts. Sometimes, although there will be some costs, it is still worthwhile compared to expensive antique furniture.

18^th Century French Louis XIV Console Table                  

18^th Century French Louis XV Console Table                                                                                                      

The following are the general steps:

1. In the interests of collectors and antique shops/dealers, please do not choose the foreman who works in the workshop as an expert to answer your questions, no matter who recommended it. Because the so-called expert foremen are inextricably linked to antique dealers and the gold masters behind them, so that their recommendations lack credibility. They may agree with any modifications to the furniture. In the long run, any adverse comment or suspicion may itself cause irreparable damage to the image of antique shop and the dealers and experts in related areas, and have a deterrent effect on existing and potential collectors.
2. Contact as many experts as possible.
3. If you are asked to provide the source of the identified item, you must declare that the item has been owned by you or your family for a period of time, has been renovated or has recently been renovated.
4. Only those qualified experts can and are willing to provide you with clear and convincing written reports. Verbal appraisals are always countless. The advantage of a written report is that the report can provide a clear explanation in case of financial or legal needs in the future.

In summary, in view of my nearly two decades of experience in the international art market, I advise you the following suggestions:

Before you start collecting antiques, please carefully read the relevant books about the antique category and compare the knowledge you have learned with the objects displayed by the antique dealer. If you still have questions, you can consult the staff in the professional field to answer your questions. After that, you will slowly enter a new realm. You can easily identify the "brick houses" with B installed. The most important thing is that you will gradually reach the point where you can communicate with antique dealers on an equal footing, thereby gaining a sense of self-satisfaction. If you can, it is best to find a dealer who owns an antique shop or an antique shop run by his family to help you.