Antiques and Collectibles: A Research Guide
Antiques and collectibles come in all forms including dishes, furniture, pottery, books, cookery, dolls and toys. If you are not sure about the value of an item that you currently own or one you want to purchase, check the materials listed below for matching or similar items. You may find out that the old painting you found in the attic is worth more than your car! The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library’s catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.
Books
Antiques Roadshow Primer: The Introductory Guide to Antiques and Collectibles from the Most Watched Series on PBS edited by Carol Prisant. New York: Workman, 1999. ISBN: 076111775X.
Deals with traditional collectibles, such as furniture, glass, pottery, and silver. Includes tips on telling reproductions from the real thing and a basic introduction to the appraisal process.
Antiques Trader’s Antiques and Collectibles edited by Kyle Husfloen. Iola, WI: Antique Trader Books, 2000. ISBN: 0873418905.
Guide for collectors of rare vintage items and contemporary collectibles, includes detailed descriptions and photographs.
Antiquing for Dummies by Ron Zoglin and Deborah Shouse. New York: For Dummies, 1990. ISBN: 0764551086.
Contains advice about talking with antique dealers, participating in auctions, and how to locate hidden treasures at garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, auctions, and antique shops.
Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price List by Ralph M. and Terry H. Kovel. New York: Crown, 1981–. Annual. ISSN: 07382405.
Yearly price guide. Includes record setting prices from the last year, and predictions about what items will be “hot” in the future.
Kovels’ Yellow Pages by R. and T. Kovel. New York: Random House, 2003. ISBN: 0609806246.
Directory of collectors, appraisers, auction houses and clubs with names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail, and Internet addresses.
Maloney’s Antiques and Collectibles Resource Directory by David J. Maloney. Radnor, PA: Wallace-Homestead, 1995–. Annual. ISSN: 10838449.
Published every 2 years. Provides some information about specific kinds of antiques and collectibles. It includes Web site and e-mail addresses of clubs, experts, and buyers.
Schroeder’s Antiques Price Guide by Sharon Huxford and Bob Huxford. Paducah, KY: Collector Books, 1983–. Annual. ISBN: 1574323105.
Popular price guide with hundreds of sharp photos and updated values of over 50,000 items.
Web Sites
Antiques
The British Antiques Roadshow site. Information on how to properly clean and preserve your items, tips on identifying your item, and what to look for when buying an antique.
Antiques Roadshow
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Online version of popular TV show. Offers sneak previews of appraisals on upcoming shows.
Kaleden
Antique dealers and members of the site put items up for auction. Contains articles from 19 antiques publications.
Kovel’s online
Contains in-depth articles, many of which are alerts about reproductions. Also has twelve of the authors’ books online.
Sotheby’s
One of the world’s premiere auction houses. Offers appraisal service.
Organizations
American Society of Appraisers
Find an expert appraiser in your area. You can search for appraisers by their specialty.
Appraisers Association of America, Inc.
Professional appraisers association, also with an appraiser database, searchable by location and specialization.
Subject Headings
•antiques—catalogs
•antiques—collectors and collecting
•antiques—United States
•collectibles—United States
•collecting