Info about Antique Dealers
Antiques / antique dealers
The word antique is derived from Greek “antiquitas” which stands for the “ancient”. The term antique is attributed to objects dated from 8th century A.D. till mid 20th century. The first question that a person interested in the antiques will have in mind is what to collect? and, which principle to follow? There are two streams of collecting antiques: the traditional and the liberal. The traditional style rests on the works of art, pieces of furniture, etc. that has been tested by time, whereas the liberal is ready to take risks purchasing contemporary works. Contemporary art is mostly popular in the United States where a dubious painting may cost several times as high as in Europe. Europeans are more passionate about antiques.
Classical and antique furniture add special flavor and comfort to interior and create an illusion of involvement in the cultural events belonging to the past. Some people regard antiques as a profitable investment, others – as collectibles, ownership of a piece of a history, or a means to stand out and pad their prestige. There also are some eccentrics who simply long for the old times.
Antiques live their own lives; preserve the history and signs of the days to be no more. Paintings, weapon, jewellery, china are being inherited from one generation to another. For an object to be of some antique value it should be no less than 50 years old. Antiques are being examined and certified by relevant experts. If an antique has a chip or a crack its value drops drastically and can be not more than 5 per cent of the price if in the perfect condition. To be on the safe side, buy antiques in accredited saloons, reputable art auction houses, and hire expert and reputable antique dealers.
The antique dealers should have expertise in a particular area of antiquity, maintain responsibility and confidentiality, be adequate in evaluation, and adhere to the professional code and ethics. If antique dealers buy an item they pay the price straight – unlike in the auction where it can take several weeks till the payment procedures are accomplished. The agents usually charge around 30 per cent of the “hammer price”. The antique dealers should provide their clients with competent advice on sales and help them get the best possible price for their belongings. The agents’ tickets will normally indicate the 100 per cent price of the antiquity, manufacture date, specify the item’s material and provenance, the maker’s mark, provide information on any later additions, reproductions, and restorations if any.
• Among the top art auction houses are Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Christie's begun in 1766, now number one world auction. Its auctions and private sales sometimes make over 5 billion USD. Present in 32 countries it has up to 500 sales in more than 80 classifications annually. It is a focal point of the art that is extraordinary, services unparalleled and utmost glamour.
Sotheby's begun in 1744 as an auction. Now it is second central auction of art and private sales. It restores art items, provides various financial services, purchases and re-sales antiquity, holds auctions in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, as well as maintains marketing and brokerage of luxurious residential real estate.