Antique collecting is a fascinating hobby that connects you with history, art, and craftsmanship. Starting an antique collection can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you are drawn to vintage furniture, old coins, tins, classic jewellery, or rare books, the world of antiques offers endless possibilities. This guide will help you begin your antique collecting journey with confidence and knowledge. Why Start an Antique Collection? Collecting antiques is more than just acquiring old items. It is about preserving stories and appreciating the beauty of objects that have stood the test of time. Many collectors find joy in hunting for unique pieces, learning about their origins, and sharing their passion with others. Starting an antique collection can also be a smart investment. Some antiques increase in value over time, especially if they are rare or in excellent condition. However, the true value lies in the personal satisfaction and connection to history that each piece brings. Before you dive in, it’s important to understand what interests you most. Do you prefer decorative items, practical objects, or something with historical significance? Narrowing your focus will make your collecting journey more enjoyable and manageable. Tips for Starting Antique Collection Starting an antique collection requires patience, research, and a keen eye. Here are some practical tips to help you get started: Educate Yourself Read books, visit museums, and explore online resources about antiques. Understanding styles, periods, and makers will help you identify genuine pieces and avoid fakes. Set a Budget Decide how much you want to spend initially and stick to it. Antique collecting can become expensive, so it’s wise to start small and gradually build your collection. Visit Antique Shops and Fairs Local antique shops, markets, and fairs are great places to find unique items. Talk to dealers and ask questions. They often have valuable insights and can guide you to interesting finds. Inspect Items Carefully Check for signs of authenticity such as maker’s marks, age-related wear, and craftsmanship details. Avoid items that look too perfect or have obvious repairs unless you are knowledgeable about restoration. Join Collectors’ Groups Online forums and local clubs can connect you with experienced collectors. Sharing knowledge and experiences will enhance your understanding and enjoyment. Keep Records Document your purchases with photos, receipts, and notes about the item’s history. This will help you track your collection and its value over time. Antique wooden cabinet with detailed craftsmanship How to Identify Authentic Antiques One of the biggest challenges in antique collecting is distinguishing genuine antiques from reproductions. Here are some key points to consider: Age Indicators Genuine antiques usually show signs of age such as patina, wear in expected places, and minor imperfections. For example, a wooden chair might have worn armrests or faded finish. Materials and Construction Older items were made with different materials and techniques than modern reproductions. Hand-cut dovetails in furniture or hand-blown glass are good signs of authenticity. Maker’s Marks and Labels Many antiques have marks or labels from the maker or manufacturer. Research these marks to verify the origin and date. Provenance Provenance refers to the history of ownership. Items with documented provenance are often more valuable and easier to authenticate. Expert Appraisal When in doubt, seek an expert’s opinion. Professional appraisers can provide detailed assessments and certificates of authenticity. Where to Find Antiques for Your Collection Finding the right antiques is part of the thrill. Here are some popular sources to explore: Estate Sales and Auctions Estate sales often feature a wide range of antiques from a single household. Auctions can offer rare and valuable items but require careful bidding. Antique Shops and Dealers Established dealers usually have vetted items and can offer guarantees. Prices may be higher but the risk is lower. Flea Markets and Car Boot Sales These venues can be treasure troves for collectors willing to hunt. Be prepared to negotiate and inspect items closely. Online Marketplaces Websites like eBay and specialist antique platforms provide access to a global market. Always check seller ratings and request detailed photos. Charity Shops Occasionally, charity shops have hidden gems at affordable prices. Regular visits can pay off. Antique pocket watch with detailed engravings Caring for Your Antique Collection Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and value of your antiques. Here are some tips: Cleaning Use gentle methods and avoid harsh chemicals. For example, dust wooden furniture with a soft cloth and clean silver with a mild polish. Storage Keep items in a stable environment with controlled temperature and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and damp areas. Handling Handle antiques with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging surfaces. Repairs and Restoration If restoration is needed, consult a professional. Poor repairs can reduce value and damage the item. Insurance Consider insuring valuable pieces to protect against loss or damage. Starting an antique collection is a journey filled with discovery and delight. With careful research, patience, and passion, you can build a collection that tells a story and brings joy for years to come. Remember, every antique has a unique history waiting to be uncovered! For more detailed advice and resources, visit Antique Collecting Guide . Happy collecting!

Antiques hold a special place in our lives, connecting us to the past while enriching our present. These timeless objects are more than just old items; they carry stories, craftsmanship, and cultural significance that modern products often lack. In today’s fast-paced world, where mass production dominates, antiques remind us of quality, history, and individuality. Let’s explore why antiques matter and how they continue to influence our lives. Antiques hold a special place in our lives, connecting us to the past while enriching our present. The Importance of Antiques in Preserving History Antiques serve as tangible links to history. Each piece tells a story about the era it came from, the people who made it, and the culture it represents. For example, a Victorian-era chair is not just furniture; it reflects the design trends, materials, and social customs of the 19th century. By preserving antiques, we keep history alive in a way that books or photographs cannot fully capture. Museums and collectors often use antiques to educate people about different periods. These objects provide insight into daily life, technology, and art from centuries ago. When you own or appreciate antiques, you become a custodian of history, helping to maintain a connection between generations. Victorian-era chair showcasing craftsmanship and history How Antiques Add Value to Modern Living Spaces Incorporating antiques into modern homes adds character and uniqueness. Unlike mass-produced furniture or décor, antiques bring a sense of authenticity and charm. They often feature superior craftsmanship and materials that stand the test of time. For instance, a hand-carved wooden cabinet from the early 1900s can become a stunning focal point in a contemporary living room. Antiques also encourage sustainable living. By reusing and repurposing old items, we reduce waste and the demand for new resources. This eco-friendly approach aligns with growing awareness about environmental responsibility. Here are some practical tips for integrating antiques into your home: Mix antiques with modern pieces to create a balanced look. Use antique mirrors or frames to add elegance. Restore worn antiques to preserve their beauty and function. Choose items that reflect your personal style and interests. Antique brass lamp blending with contemporary interior design The Economic and Emotional Value of Antiques Antiques often appreciate in value over time, making them smart investments. Unlike many modern goods that depreciate quickly, well-maintained antiques can increase in worth due to rarity and demand. Collectors and enthusiasts seek out unique pieces, which can lead to profitable sales or auctions. Beyond financial benefits, antiques carry emotional value. They can be family heirlooms passed down through generations, holding memories and sentimental significance. Owning such items creates a sense of continuity and belonging. This emotional connection often inspires people to care for antiques meticulously, preserving them for future generations. How to Start Collecting Antiques: Practical Advice If you’re interested in antiques, starting a collection can be rewarding and enjoyable. Here are some actionable steps to guide you: Research - Learn about different types of antiques, styles, and periods. Books, online resources, and antique fairs are great places to start. Set a Budget - Antiques vary widely in price. Decide how much you want to invest initially. Visit Antique Shops and Markets - Explore local shops, markets, and auctions to see what’s available. Inspect Items Carefully - Check for authenticity, condition, and any repairs or restorations. Ask Questions - Don’t hesitate to ask sellers about the history and provenance of items. Start Small - Begin with affordable pieces and gradually expand your collection. Join Communities - Connect with other collectors and experts for advice and support. Collecting antiques is not just about acquiring objects; it’s about appreciating craftsmanship and history. The Role of Antiques in Cultural Identity and Sustainability Antiques contribute to cultural identity by preserving traditional crafts and designs. Many antiques showcase regional styles and techniques that might otherwise be lost. For example, a handwoven rug from a specific area tells a story about local artisans and their heritage. Moreover, antiques promote sustainability. In a world increasingly concerned with environmental impact, antiques offer an alternative to disposable consumerism. By valuing and maintaining antiques, we reduce the need for new production and help conserve resources. Incorporating antiques into daily life encourages mindful consumption and respect for the past. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for quality and longevity. Embracing Antiques for a Richer Future Antiques matter because they connect us to our roots, enrich our environments, and promote sustainable living. They remind us that beauty and value can endure through time. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the charm of an old object, antiques offer something unique and meaningful. By embracing antiques, we honour craftsmanship, preserve history, and contribute to a more thoughtful way of living. So next time you come across an antique, take a moment to appreciate its story and the importance of antiques in today’s world! Antiques Roadshow

Walking into a dimly lit study — leather-bound volumes stacked high, a heavy oak desk, the faint scent of old paper — and there, shining softly, is a bankers lamp. Not a modern replica or mass-produced homage, but an original piece from the 1920s: a true relic of the Art Deco era. This lamp isn’t just a source of light. It’s a time capsule. The bankers lamp first emerged in the early 20th century under the pioneering design of Harrison D. McFaddin, patented in 1909 under the name “Emeralite.” The classic version combined functionality with elegance: a weighted brass (or metal) base, a gently curved shade — often green glass — and a subtle pull-chain switch. By the 1920s and 1930s, as the world embraced the sleek lines and modern sensibilities of the Art Deco movement, lamps evolved too — some kept the green glass shade, while others adopted metal shades, chrome or brass finishes, and more angular forms reflecting the period’s aesthetic. Why This Lamp Matters — More Than Just Light • A Statement of Style and Era The Art Deco period was all about modernity, glamour, and streamlined elegance. This lamp, with its chrome finish and minimalist lines, encapsulates that spirit — a small but potent example of design history. For lovers of vintage interiors, it’s like owning a piece of the 1920s, a time of transition from ornate Victorian excess toward modernist restraint and industrial confidence. • Functional Design — Beauty Meets Purpose Originally designed for banks, libraries, law offices, and clerical workspaces, bankers lamps offered focused, glare-free light for reading, writing, and bookkeeping — tasks requiring concentration and clarity. The curved shade and downward-directed light minimized eye strain, while the heavy base kept the lamp stable and dependable. Owning an original lamp like this means you’re not just getting a decorative object — you’re getting a piece that was made to perform, and perform well under the rigours of everyday use a century ago. • Authenticity — Original vs. Reproduction There are many “banker-style” lamps on the market today. Some look the part, but lack soul. What sets this lamp apart is that it is an authentic 1920s piece — not a modern re-issue. The wear in the chrome, subtle pitting, patina or tiny imperfections all speak of genuine age and history. As with fine antiques (and as you know well, given your own collection), those little marks aren’t flaws — they’re part of the story. How to Appreciate (and Display) It Today As a centrepiece on a vintage or antique desk. Pair it with dark woods, leather-bound books, or a classic writing set — you recreate the look and feel of a 1920s study or bank office. In a reading or writing nook. With its focused and gentle glow, the lamp makes an ideal companion for late-night reading, letter writing, or sketching. As part of a mixed antiques collection. Given your background as an antique dealer and restorer, this lamp would sit beautifully among other early 20th-century pieces — it harmonizes well with Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, and even late-Victorian furniture. As a photo prop or blog subject. The lamp itself tells a story about design evolution, industrial materials, and early 20th-century working life. Perfect for a post about the history of lighting, office furniture, or the evolution of working environments. Reflections on Time , Light , and Legacy There’s a quiet poetry in owning a lamp like this. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand attention. But when switched on — a soft pool of light glowing across wooden surfaces — it connects you to a moment long passed, where work was done by hand, lighting was modern and hopeful, and design meant long-term quality. For collectors, dealers, history-lovers, and anyone who appreciates objects with personality, the Antique 1920s Art Deco Chrome Bankers Lamp is more than décor: it is history, utility, and elegance in one.

Use this space to provide us with feedback about our antique and vintage shop. Submit your email address to receive a discount coupon on submitting the feedback. FEEDBACK We're thrilled that you shopped with us! We're always looking for ways to improve our service and our antique and vintage products and your feedback is the key to making that happen. So, please take a moment to share your thoughts with us. We can't wait hear what you have to say! Thank you for choosing us for your antique and vintage shopping! Give Us Your Feedback We’d love to hear what you thought about us. First name Last name Email Choose an option How did you hear about us? How easy was our website to use? Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent How would you rate the product information provided? Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent How was the customer service? Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent Please rate the postage and packaging Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent Was your antique/vintage item value for money? Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent If you have any particular comments that you would like to leave... I want to subscribe to the newsletter. Send Feedback Thanks for sharing your feedback with us! What our customers say Fast delivery excellent Ebayer. A++++++++++++ Vintage cast iron train Love the item. Arrived promptly and as described. Good communication. Excellent EBayer- A+++++++ thank you! Cantrell & Cochrane vintage wooden pine crate Thank you for an easy, pleasant transaction. Excellent buyer. A++++++. I am very happy with the purchase and service. Antique silver William Dudley 1909 Birmingham shoe horn Absolutely delighted with this. Even better than I expected 👍👍 5 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thank you! Lalique sitting naked lady Careful packaging and tin exactly as described and as in photos. Very pleased. Vintage sifta table salt large tin 1920s Just as promised. Many thanks. 1954 original motor racing poster sterling moss Beautiful freshwater mussel porte-monnaie souvenir. Mint condition and thankfully uncleaned. Packed to the nines! Very fast shipping via Royal Mail. BRAVO objetdart-stuff! Vintage could be older mussel shell trinket box souvenir du mont-dore Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. Clock Round Quartz Movement Replacement Insert Small Inserts Embedded AAA+++ Seller!! Thanks for a great buying experience! Antique Victorian teak pokerwork pocket watch box Excellent service - thank you ★★★★★ Copper large ladle spoon This is wonderful! Do you have another one? My father would like to have a pair…. Antique 1903 silver 925 marked top cut glass box Very happy ,good communication, well packed .great ebayer ....many thanks would use again Lamp in shape of lightbulb excellent items , well parcelled, many thanks. Vintage Horse Brasses on Leather Straps Collectible Decorative Set Very good condition very happy with it, well packaged and promptly delivered Medicine bottle Lovely item. Very well packaged. Thank you. Faux white Orchid Plant Exactly as described thanks Antique Victorian 1898 solid silver vesta case Excellent condition and fast delivery, well packaged, very pleased with my item. Pinnochio large sitting wooden vintage toy Speedy delivery, arrived exactly as advertised. The Merchant of Venice William Shakespeare This little cat is so gorgeous! He arrived well packaged (took a while to break through the packing tape 😂😂) & in perfect condition. I love his amber eyes almost like he’s trying to tell me something! He’ll look great in amongst my pittasporum plants. Would you please let me know if you come across any more not necessarily cats? Kind regards Sandy Cat figure stone All fine, many thanks ! Small mahogany hand made box Quick response and fast payment. Perfect! THANKS!! LARGE FLAG 2 PACK SCOTLAND 5FT X 3FT NATIONAL COLOUR BANNER WITH BRASS EYELETS Fast dispatch, well packed and exactly as described. Recommended seller, would happily buy from again. Antique Victorian or early Edwardian print portraits set of 22 super fast post, well packed, good comm's, pleased with item,great ebayer A +++++ Fireman's helmet My mirror arrived a few minutes ago! I took a few pictures of the outside of the box, as it had a couple of tears along the flaps and it was a little worn from the trip! But I opened the box to find it so beautifully wrapped in bubble wrap and a nice bed sheet. It is everything you said it was and I am very happy to include it into my collection. Thank you so much!! Donna Skill Barbola antique mirror Great vintage item, described well and arrived promptly, packaged well. Thank you Vintage tool caddy Great seller- arrived quickly, very well packaged 1940s Arts and crafts oak framed dressing table mirror Highly recommended seller, item exactly as described, speedy delivery and well packaged. Would definitely buy from again Brilliant Thank you. First class item, just as described . Very happy and highly recommended to do business with . Thank you . Silver dressing table mirror ARRIVED SAFELY TODAY AT 5.15 P.M. MY NURSE AND BABY SITTER TOOK CHARGE. SHE ALSO DOUBLES UP AS MY GREAT GRAND DAUGHTER, AGED 3. SHE HINTED THAT IT WOULD LOOK GREAT ON HER SIDE OF THE BED, FILLED WITH GREEN AERO CHOCOLATE BALLS. ( GRRR). COST ME A PEPPA PIG AND ICE CREAM. TO NICE FOR CHOCOLATE. PACKED AND WRAPPED PERFECTLY. NEVER BEEN USED. MIGHT PUT MY LITTLE APPLES WITH INVITE CARDS ON IT. GOOD EBAY SELLER, I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL BUYERS ON EBAY. I HOPE TO BID AND BUY FROM YOU AGAIN. Bon bon dish Amazing eBay purchase! Exactly as described, beautifully packaged.😊 Seller communication was exceptional, such a pleasure to deal with. Will use this seller again and would highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enamel and glass jar Lovely charms. Very happy with the transaction. Thank you! 😁 Vintage silver charms Item just as described arrived on time. Really happy with it West German fat lava vase red Great item thank you Easel small wooden retro Excellent communication Tudor rose urns Delivered on time. Great Ebayer Egg timer Amazing service and communication. One of best sellers I have dealt with in 20 years. Thank you. Vintage Children's Fiction Books Lovely items thank you...going on to an old classic boat..perfect 😊 Book ends wooden FANTASTIC SELLER, Highly recommend 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Magnifying paint brush Great antique, good communication, efficient service, well packed, speedy delivery, very satisfied. Thank you. Antique Victorian Moustache spoon 1879 Excellent service and packaging. Thanks. Limoges inkwell vintage Item as described, no problems, good seller. Pair of small hip flasks Very good! Chinese enamel match box cover Lovely item, thanks 😊 Enamel and copper arts and crafts style tray or dish Prompt delivery, very well packaged. Item exactly as described. Highly recommended seller. Glass and copper box Most excellent buyer ***** Vintage antique inkwell collection glass ceramic metal Lovely item, expertly wrapped 🙂 Large Glass Vase Pleasure to do business with this seller. Solid silver bucket with spade salt cellar Nice little ink bottle, fast delivery, great communications, thank you. Small glass ink bottle Top quality object, knowledgeably and accurately described, reasonably priced, lovingly packed, and speedily despatched. What’s not to love about this seller? One of the very best I’ve encountered on any site selling antiques. Arts and crafts mirror Perfect thank u so much very quick delivery 🚚 thank u Michael Kors Smart watch hashtag #stufftoyouandme Email objetdart.stuff@gmail.com Follow

Please read our shipping and returns policy before completing your purchase. Fees are based on size and weight of item. Shipping & Returns Policy Objet D'Art-Stuff Shipping Policy All orders are processed within 3 to 5 business days (excluding weekends and UK bank holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email, 'without undue delay'. You will receive another notification when your order has been dispatched. If tracking information has been specifically requested and/or is available, this will be supplied to you once the item has been dispatched. All international shipped orders will have tracking on them. Please allow for any potential delays due to a high volume of orders, seasonal (e.g Christmas) effects or postal/courier service problems that we may experience. If you are concerned about where your stuff is, please send us an email in the first instance. Shipping charges for your order, if applied, are explained within the product description, under a separate section and will be calculated and displayed at the checkout. Charges for items shipped in the UK are based upon the weight and size (L x W X H) of the item you have purchased and are in line with Royal Mail shipping rates for the UK or third party courier rates . The default shipping method is Royal Mail 48 (or equivalent) which may or may not be tracked. For larger items DPD UK is our preferred courier for UK orders and UPS for US orders. One of these shipping methods will be used unless the customer specifically requests an alternative. We cannot guarantee to use the customer's requested courier if we feel that the item would be safer in transit another way. Charges for items shipped internationally are calculated at a flat rate for small to mid size items and an agreed rate for large, fragile or bulk items. For an item which is oversized and/or weights up to 30kg postage is calculated individually depending upon the location of the buyer. To get an estimate of the likely courier charges for an oversized item please use this calculator tool: We do not offer in-store pick up. It may be possible to provide local delivery if the destination is within a 10 mile radius of our storage facility. On receipt of an order we will check the destination and if local delivery is possible we will contact the customer directly to arrange drop off. When your order has shipped, you will receive an email notification from us which will include a tracking number (if applicable) that you can use to check its status. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available. If you haven’t received your UK order within 14 days of receiving your shipping confirmation email, please contact us at objetdart.stuff@gmail.com with your name and order number, and we will look into it for you. Please allow up to 28 days for international deliveries. Returns Policy We want you to love your purchase from Objet D'Art Stuff! If for any reason you are not satisfied with your order, the following will apply (please read in conjunction with, 'our consumer protection policies ': Refunds will not be issued under the following circumstances: if an item is known to be faulty at the time of purchase and was described as such in store under the product description, or in our communications with you at the time of sale. if labels, maker’s marks or anything identifying or adding provenance to an item have been removed* an item has been damaged by trying to repair it or getting someone else to do it* Online and EMail order sales: customers who purchase from us online have the right to cancel an order even if the goods aren’t faulty within 14 days of the date of purchase (whether payment has been made or not) we will issue a refund to customers if you’ve told us within 14 days of receiving your goods that you want to cancel. You have another 14 days to return the goods to us once you’ve told us. it is your responsibility to arrange and pay for the return of that item, if the item is not faulty. If the item purchased is faulty or not as described on the online shop, Objet D'Art (That's Stuff to You and Me) will reimburse any costs involved. we will refund you within 14 days of receiving the goods back in the condition they were purchased in.* the refund issued will be the cost of the item only and does not necessarily include packing/delivery costs to send the item to you. the refund will be processed using your original payment method we do not offer a ’buy back’ service for items purchased from us Repairs and replacements if you have ‘accepted’ an item, but later discover a fault, we will not repair or replace it, unless required by law. Our definition of acceptance is as follows: you have told us you have accepted it (having had enough opportunity to inspect the item before confirming you’ve received it) altered the item Items returned by someone other than the buyer: we only accept returns from the person who bought the item. We recommend this guide as a good source of information regarding the buying and selling of antiques: https://pages.ebay.co.uk/buy/guides/antiquities/ Returns Policy Shipping Policy

Answers to questions about antique and vintage shopping. What we stock, who we sell to, where and how we charge. FAQs Welcome to our FAQ page! We've compiled a list of the most common questions we receive from our customers to help you find the answers you need quickly and easily. If you don't see your question listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us using either the chat (below left) or email objetdart.stuff@gmail.com ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. SHOP