7 min read · collector guide
Antiques Value Guide: How to Find What Your Antiques Are Worth
Antiques present a unique valuation challenge: their value depends on age, maker, condition, provenance, and current collector demand — all of which require expertise to assess. This guide covers practical methods for any antique owner.
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What Qualifies as an Antique?
The general definition of an antique is an item over 100 years old. US customs defines antiques as 100+ years old for duty-free import purposes. Items 20–99 years old are typically called "vintage." Age alone does not determine value — a plain 150-year-old wooden box might be worth $20, while a fine piece of period American furniture could sell for $100,000.
How to Identify Maker's Marks
Maker's marks are the single most important value indicator for many antiques. Pottery, silver, and furniture often have marks impressed, stamped, or painted onto them. For pottery: look on the underside for impressed or painted marks. For silver: US silver carries "Sterling" or "925"; British silver has a complex hallmark system with date letters. For furniture: look for paper labels, branded marks, or chalk signatures inside drawers or on the back.
Furniture Styles and Period Dating
American furniture is typically categorized by period and style: William and Mary (1690–1730), Queen Anne (1720–1755), Chippendale (1750–1790), Federal/Hepplewhite (1785–1815), Empire (1810–1840), Victorian (1840–1900), Arts & Crafts (1880–1920), Art Nouveau (1890–1910), Art Deco (1920–1940), Mid-Century Modern (1940–1970). Construction methods — hand-cut dovetails vs. machine-cut, wooden vs. metal screws — help date a piece. Reproductions are common; original period pieces carry significant premiums.
Where to Find Antique Auction Prices
LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable are the best databases for recent antique auction results. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams publish all their realized prices online. For more modest antiques, eBay Sold Listings are an excellent reference. Worthpoint provides a subscription-based archive of millions of past sales. PriceSnap cross-references these sources automatically for AI-powered estimates.
When to Get a Professional Antique Appraisal
For antiques potentially worth over $500, a professional appraisal is worth the investment. Find appraisers certified by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), or category-specific groups (e.g., NAWCC for watches). Always specify whether you need an insurance appraisal (replacement value) or a fair market value appraisal (for selling or estate purposes) — they can differ by 50% or more.
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FAQ
Antiques Value Guide: How to Find What Your Antiques Are Worth — FAQ
Straight answers about accuracy, platforms, and how PriceSnap fits your workflow.
What Qualifies as an Antique?
The general definition of an antique is an item over 100 years old. US customs defines antiques as 100+ years old for duty-free import purposes. Items 20–99 years old are typically called "vintage." Age alone does not determine value — a plain 150-year-old wooden box might be worth $20, while a fine piece of period American furniture could sell for $100,000.
How to Identify Maker's Marks
Maker's marks are the single most important value indicator for many antiques. Pottery, silver, and furniture often have marks impressed, stamped, or painted onto them. For pottery: look on the underside for impressed or painted marks. For silver: US silver carries "Sterling" or "925"; British silver has a complex hallmark system with date letters. For furniture: look for paper labels, branded marks, or chalk signatures inside drawers or on the back.
Furniture Styles and Period Dating
American furniture is typically categorized by period and style: William and Mary (1690–1730), Queen Anne (1720–1755), Chippendale (1750–1790), Federal/Hepplewhite (1785–1815), Empire (1810–1840), Victorian (1840–1900), Arts & Crafts (1880–1920), Art Nouveau (1890–1910), Art Deco (1920–1940), Mid-Century Modern (1940–1970). Construction methods — hand-cut dovetails vs. machine-cut, wooden vs. metal screws — help date a piece. Reproductions are common; orig
Where to Find Antique Auction Prices
LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable are the best databases for recent antique auction results. Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams publish all their realized prices online. For more modest antiques, eBay Sold Listings are an excellent reference. Worthpoint provides a subscription-based archive of millions of past sales. PriceSnap cross-references these sources automatically for AI-powered estimates.