Treasure hunter's delight

‘I love antiques
– they’re the only type of product that never wears out. In
fact, it gets better with age,

said Jane Miller, owner of Lady Jane’s Antiques in Morgan
Hill.
‘I love antiques – they’re the only type of product that never wears out. In fact, it gets better with age,” said Jane Miller, owner of Lady Jane’s Antiques in Morgan Hill.

Miller started collecting antiques at a very early age and now owns a shop that specializes in turn-of-the-century restored American furniture.

“I breathe … I buy antiques,” said Gracie Garcia, owner of Gilroy’s Antiques.

Whether you are now an antique lover or you are flirting with the idea of acquiring a few antique items, the dealers have a few

helpful tips.

On top of Garcia’s list was: “Buy for passion. If you don’t have the passion for it, do

something else.”

Although antiques can be good investments, Garcia believes that without passion, wrong decisions and wrong choices can be made. She herself has a passion for high-quality antiques and a solid bank of experience in the industry.

“Educate yourself. Get books on the type of items you like and learn about them,” said Joyce Duarte of Monterey Street Antiques in Gilroy. “Books have pictures, history and pricing

information.”

And talk to dealers.

“Any dealer worth their salt will be willing to educate beginner collectors,” Miller said.

She had more tips: “The Internet is a very good source. Attend shows. Touch, feel the items and ask questions.

“Ask to speak with the dealer and ask questions about the product: ‘What is it made of? What timeframe?’ If the dealer is hesitant to give you details, beware. Determine if he/she is unwilling to share information or just doesn’t know because he/she is more of a hobbyist than an experienced antique dealer.”

And use your common sense – just as you would not let anyone in your house without assessing if you can trust them, make sure you listen and gauge if the dealer you are talking to seems trustworthy.

Ask other collectors if they have had experience with the dealer you are considering.

Jody Ayars from Old Flower Mill in Hollister suggests talking to other collectors who will be more than glad to share their experiences and the knowledge they have acquired.

There are a number of popular magazines, newsletters and newspapers on the market. They tend to be regionally based.

Many antique stores also

have free publications that come in handy.

Jane Miller suggested the Antique Journal, which lists antique shows, where to get what, and other such things. Other national publications include The Antique Trader, and Antique Week.

To learn more, Miller further suggests a collector attends auctions a few times. That’s how she got started.

If you haven’t been to a shop before, call ahead especially if you don’t have a lot of time – on Gilroy Antique’s door one nice afternoon, there was a sign that read: “Out walking Honey.”

You wouldn’t want to drive out of your way only to find a shop closed – many have unconventional hours, have special days each month when they close or may only be open during certain months of the year. Others are by appointment only.

Garcia had a logical tip: “Especially if you are buying for investment, never buy from someone without an address.”

You can go back to a dealer that has a shop, but if all you have is a post office box and you find out later that the piece you bought is a reproduction, you are stuck with no recourse.

As with anything, dealing with someone who plans to be in the business on a continuing basis is better for the

customer.

“Buy at a price that makes you comfortable. Research what a similar but new item costs. If the antique piece is less expensive, how can you go wrong?” Garcia said, not expecting any arguments.

Miller suggested starting small. “Buy what you need. Don’t make a purchase until you are ready.”

And Ayar recommended buying what pleases you.

“Collect what you like and enjoy,” she said. “Things go in cycles as far as

investments go.”

Miller agreed. “It’s like stocks that go up and down … stay away from fads. Once the fad is gone, the price of your collectible drops. If you love it, and you think you will enjoy it, get it and don’t worry so much.”

There is a myth among beginner collectors that suggests that smaller stores with lower capital expenses provide better prices. This isn’t always so.

According to Duarte, who has run her antique store for 15 years, spaces are rented to different dealers in many instances so the pricing of the items has little to do with capital expense.

“Check out every shop and then return to the shop that has the quality of items you were looking for,” Garcia advised. If you want a price break, Garcia recommended avoiding cutting down the merchandise to get a lower price.

Keeping the doors to negotiation open is important and is more likely to happen if you say, “this has a crack, but I still like it, although the price is a little higher than I would like to go. Can you do better on the price?” instead of saying “this has a crack on it, I will only pay X.”

Garcia suggested this approach to avoid insulting the dealer about the worth of the merchandise.

“And please don’t whip up a credit card after a dealer gives you a discount, and expect that dealer to give up another 3% to the credit card company,” she added.

And finally, Garcia said, “hard work brings good results. The more you spend time looking, the more likely you are to find a good bargain.”

How does a beginner safeguard against misrepresentation besides getting educated?

“Ask the dealer to write on the receipt the specifics of the product – especially its age and composition,” Miller said.

Asking specific questions about the items will help you determine if they have done the research to know a piece’s true value or not.

Garcia, whose personal collection of antiques is grand, also suggested the following: “Find a time period and try to have a unified look to your antique collection.”

All the dealers echoed the same message: Take the time to visit and ask questions. Most of the dealers are in the business because they love antiques and like to talk about them, take pride in sharing information about their merchandise and share experiences with you. Be a good listener.

Enjoy your trip back in time, and you could find antique collecting intriguing and pleasurable.

As Miller put it, “antique collecting is another way to preserve history.”

Previous articleFire stations added to safe haven list
Next article101 work will alter traffic

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here