Researching Antiques & Collectibles Online
By Pamela Wiggins, About.com Guide to Antiques
Resources for researching marks and signatures, reproductions, pattern and style identification and more in reference to your antiques and collectibles.
Marks & Signatures
The first step in identifying and valuing antiques and collectibles is often determining the maker of the item by researching a mark or signature.
- Glassware Marks and Signatures
- Pottery and Porcelain Marks
- Silver and Silverplate: Best Spots for Researching Marks Online
- Mark & Signature Resources Elsewhere on the Web
Testing Antiques
There are a number of ways to test antiques and collectibles for authenticity, some of which employ very clever methods.
Pattern and Style Identification
Identifying patterns and styles can be crucial when researching antiques and collectibles. These useful resources will help you get started.
- Chippendale Style Furniture
- Depression Glass Pattern Guide
- Eastlake Furniture Identification
- Furniture Glossary with Illustrations
- Making Sense of Confusing Furniture Terms
- Queen Anne Style Furniture
- Silver Patterns - Where to Research Online
- Utilizing China Matching Services for Pattern ID
- Pattern and Style Guides Elsewhere on the Web
Reproduction Information
Getting stung by a reproduction is one way to "pay for your education." But researching before you buy is sure a lot easier on the pocketbook.
- How to Distinguish Reproductions from Genuine Antiques
- Roseville Pottery Reproductions
- R.S. Prussia Reproductions
- Reproduction Information Elsewhere on the Web
Tools & Resources
With all the information and tools available for antiques research, sometimes it just takes a point in the right direction to get started.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Antiques & Collectibles
- Items Every Antiquer Needs
- Researching Online: Making the Most of Web Resources
Book Reviews
Building a good reference library goes hand in hand with identifying and valuing antiques and collectibles.
