Antiquing
Hunting for antiques and vintage objects — part history, part treasure hunt, part interior design.
At a Glance
Category
Cost to Start
Difficulty
Time Commitment
Space Needed
Physical Intensity
Solo or Social
Overview
Antiquing is searching estate sales, auctions, flea markets, and shops for older objects of quality or interest. Knowledge is the main advantage: knowing makers, marks, and periods is what finds bargains.
It is also a very good way to furnish a home with better-made objects than most current retail.
Getting Started
Specialize in something. Broad knowledge is shallow; deep knowledge of one category finds real value.
Learn to spot reproductions and check for repairs before buying.
Go to estate sales and auctions early in your learning, and watch what dealers buy.
Buy things you would keep even if they turned out to be worth nothing.
