For many years, I have used antiques and collectibles as decorative and functional appointments in my home and office. I enjoy my little pieces of the past, just as you may. Yet, many things being bought and sold in the antiques world today are not quite antique. Most are vintage goods: items our grandparents and parents had in their homes. Some of these we can remember as a small child visiting Granny and Papa. Their aging furnishings, dishes, knick-knacks and wall décor approach becoming antiques, one day at a time.
When do they become antiques? This is a very simple question, yet it cannot receive a quick answer. You see, there is not a set or agreed upon definition for the word. Many consumers would probably agree that an antique is something that is old, precious, and has survived the past. That is a good answer. If you were to ask the U.S. Customs Service, you would be informed an antique is something that is at least 100 years old, by federal law. For taxation or duty purposes, this definition is also correct.
What could we all call an antique? Could it be something from the 1920s? It is certainly right around the corner from becoming one. Some on the East Coast may argue that a true antique is something created before the use of machinery. Others suggest that antique furniture could not contain a screw in the making. This is also a simple concept. However, did you know that the screw was made by hand before 1800? Many were being partially machined in the 1830s. That is over 150 years ago.
Does it really matter? For most of us who want to decorate our homes or offices with warm old furnishings, it really doesn’t. It means something to a museum curator or dealer of 18th-century furniture. What matters is whether we like the item and how the price and quality compare to a new item that would serve in the same manner. Some would be surprised to discover that the vintage or antique item may cost much less than a new counterpart. So what is the moral of the story? Go antique shopping. You may be in for an exciting day as you stroll into the past. There are a number of antique outlets in the Santa Clarita Valley waiting to share their information and merchandise with you.
Terry Sonntag is a long time collector, dealer, consultant, accredited appraiser, student of antiques and fine arts and is currently working with College of the Canyons in the Community Extensions Program facilitating seminars in Antiques Appreciation.
For more information, he may be reached at 661-478-8935 or view his website at www.scantiques101.com .