If you're like me and love shopping thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales, you need this information. You might even want to make a list and keep it with you while treasure hunting. Be sure to leave room on your list to add your discoveries as you go.
- Don't buy a vase with a hole in the bottom. A vase that has been drilled for a lamp, even if the hole for the wiring is original, is worth 30% to 50% less than the same vase without a hole.
- Refinished Mission furniture is worth 10% to 25% less than furniture with the original finish.
- Do not have old monograms or engraving removed from silver. It lowers the value. Unusual inscriptions about events or prizes add to the value.
- Don't repair old metal toys. It lowers the value by as much as 75%.
- A rug with good fringe could be worth $1,500; without a border, the same rug could be worth only $100.
- Broken silver or gold pieces have meltdown dollar value. Take a piece to a reputable local jeweler. Don't mail it to an unknown advertiser promising cash for gold. That's like mailing dollar bills to a stranger.
- The signature of a maker on a piece of jewelry adds 30% to the value. Look at the pin shank, pin back, and catch for the signature. Costume jewelry by name designers like Coro, Trifari, Chanel and Haskell you'll want to keep a lookout for. As well as carved plastic jewelry.
- Don't wash ivory. The yellow color is preferred and white ivory sells for a much lower price.
- Do not wash or restyle the hair on an old doll. Dolls with original hair and hair-do bring the most money.
- A signature adds 25% to the value of cut glass.
- Don't try to restore old Christmas ornaments. A little damage and wear add to the charm of old ornaments. It indicates an antique that has seen many holidays of use.
- If you buy an Art Deco bronze-and-ivory figure, be very careful to examine the ivory. Slight cracks or damage lowers the price.
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