Great Ways To Get Antique Dealers In Australia To Aid You In Starting Your Collection
There are many reasons for starting an antique collection. You may be looking for an investment that is also aesthetically pleasing. Or, maybe you inherited an antique teapot, and you’d like to collect matching pieces to leave a complete tea set for your descendants. Some people simply like the individuality that is not available in the mass produced goods of today. Antique dealers in Australia can help you find what you are looking for no matter the reason.
Whatever the reason you decide to start collecting antiques it is useful to understand how to tell if a piece is really old, or if it is merely a reproduction. For example, the tools that were available more than a hundred years ago were very different to those that are used today. And, the finish is discernibly different if you know what to look for. Visit museums and antique dealers and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
Start your collection with just one piece that you really like. It may be a hand stitched cushion or an elegant side table. When you get it home put it somewhere you and your guests can enjoy it, but where it will not be damaged. You won’t get much pleasure from an item that is stored away in a lock box. A dealer can give you advice on how best to care for your treasure while still having the freedom to enjoy it.
Don’t rush out to buy too many pieces quickly. Buy one and learn from the experience. Then buy a couple more. Gradually build your collection as you keep researching and learning. Over time you will develop relationships with your dealers. They will get to know what you like and will let you know when suitable pieces become available.
An insurance company will require an independent valuation before they will cover your prized antiques. A dealer can arrange for this to be done for you. Be sure to take photographs too. If the worst does happen the police will be able to use the photos in their investigation. And, they will be able to identify the item as yours when it is recovered.
You can find dealers by looking in the yellow pages and searching online. It is also useful to visit antique shows, fairs and conventions. At these displays you can talk to the dealers, ask questions and learn from what they know.
It helps if you can find a dealer who comes recommended by someone you know and trust. If not a good place to start is with the Australian Antique and Art Dealer Association. Its members follow an ethical code of conduct. This does not mean that dealers who are not members are not honest. But, if you have a problem or issues arise, the AAADA provides a conciliation service to help you come to a resolution.
There are many pitfalls when you start collecting antiques. You can pay more than you should for a piece or worse still, pay for something that is not the genuine article. Antique dealers in Australia can guide you through the obstacles and help you to learn more about what will be your passion, if it is not already.
Looking for simply the best Antique Dealers Sydney to help you start your collection? We’ve got the ultimate low down now in our comprehensive Antique Furniture Sydney guide.