How To Become an Antique Collector

To become an antique collector is to embark on a pastime which is not only rewarding, enjoyable, and fun but one which has the distinct potential of evolving into a very viable livelihood. The world of antique collecting is universal in its scope - antiques are everywhere, if you think about it. Antique collecting can almost be considered an antique profession, in that people were collecting and dealing in antiques a hundred years ago - kind of wheels within wheels.

The vast majority of collectors - as well as many dealers - have a tendency to specialize. Whether it is furniture, pottery, dolls, knives, tools, hats or jewelry - the list goes on and on. Specializing can also be targeted at particular manufacturers or craftsmen: the pottery of a 19th Century English manufacturer, silver flatware made by a two hundred year old New England artisan, Craftsman-period furniture from the early 20th Century, early Elgin watches, pre-Columbian pottery, or perhaps something as specific and specialized as the very desirable furniture created by Thomas Chippendale in England two hundred years ago. Chippendale furniture is only being used as an example here, for when it comes to specialized that's about as specialized as you can get.

Here's a point of interest which comes to mind after mentioning some very old antiques: traditionally, an item is considered antique if it is at least a hundred years old. If it is less than that age, it should be called collectible.

So what would you like to collect? Actually, if you're thinking about building an antique collection, you're probably already underway. Many people start out collecting by simply acquiring antiques or collectibles with which they have a personal connection. Perhaps you would like to collect toys from your childhood, vintage kitchen accessories that you grew up with, or maybe a stamp or coin collection you started a long time ago. Collecting something of which you have an established knowledge gives you a foundation on which to build, and will add much to your pleasure and success.

The thrill of the hunt is one of the truly most enjoyable aspects of collecting antiques. Proven sources are garage sales, thrift shops, estate sales, flea markets, swap meets, consignment stores, and good old-fashioned junk stores. Online searching offers a whole new dimension and gives you the opportunity to be very specific regarding what you are after, as well as putting the entire world at your fingertips.