Top Vintage items To Purchase

Antiques have increased in popularity within the last couple of years.  The interior design industry shabby-chic movement encourages the use of vintage items in decoration to add character to any space.  Not everyone has caught on to the phenomenon but this article may just change your opinion.  Continue on if you haven’t yet fallen in love with the idea of repurposing items for the golden era of home entertainment.  Vintage items allow you to decorate on a dime while getting quality products that money just can’t buy you now-a-days!

Vintage Art

Most vintage art pieces that can be found at auctions, flea markets, garage sales and the likes are truly interesting.  You can purchase antique art at a fraction of the retail price of a poster.  In fact many vintage art pieces will also come framed in wooden antique frames that can hang the art or be used separately elsewhere in the home.

Antique Canes and Umbrellas

Antique canes and umbrellas are a purchase that serves multiple purposes.  First there is the practicality of a vintage cane or umbrella in everyday use.  Secondly they make a beautiful conversation piece when displayed within your homes entryway.  Antique canes were the go to fashion accessory of the day showing class and sophistication.  When used today in home decorating or for added stability they are sure to be a conversation starter.

Wooden Furniture

The greatest benefit of purchasing older furniture is that it actually made completely from wood.  Unlike furniture that is made today from particle board, formica and plastics.   This means you are not only getting a piece of well made furniture when purchasing antique wood dressers, head boards and more; you are also getting a piece that can be customized with paint and new hardware for your home.

Antique Dishes and Glassware

Matching glassware and dishes are a thing of the past.  Even with fine china mixing patterns is seen as a very chic thing to do.  Purchasing vintage dishes is often done so at a price far lower than you would pay for new.  The best part is if a pieces break there is no worry about replacing it as there is always an abundance of mismatched dishes for sale at antique outlets and vintage flea markets.  The same is true of glasses and stemware.  Stemware that varies in shape and size is a popular option especially if you tend to host gatherings.  Guests can differentiate their drink easily from other guests.

Not everything is better vintage though.  Be wary of furniture that has been reupholstered, vintage appliances and electrical light fixtures.  Upholstered furniture could harbor an irremovable scent or worse yet, bugs!  Lighting and appliances may not be up to today’s electrical standards and therefore should not be used that is unless you are willing to shell out the money to have them refurbished to today standards of safety.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Deciphering Antique Cane Condition Descriptions

Vintage cane prices vary significantly depending on a number of aspects.  Antique cane prices differ due to the condition of the cane, the canes materials and the age of the cane.  When you are purchasing a classical cane it is important inspect these three things before committing to purchase an antique cane for your collection.

Definitions of Cane Conditions

New Cane Conditions

When an antique cane is listed as a cane in new condition it means that the cane itself has never been used.    The cane is in perfect condition and should show absolutely no signs of deterioration.  Yellowing or discoloration is not uncommon when certain materials are used in the construction of a cane.  It is also important to make note that a cane that is antique may be fragile because of the overall age of the cane.

Like New or Mint Cane Conditions

Vintage canes that are listed in like new or mint condition may have been used at some point but show very little signs of wear.  Overall, most of the canes original components are in place in canes listed in like new or mint condition.  Caps and tips may not be the original ones that the cane came with but the overall appearance of the cane should be restored to their original appearance.

Used Cane Conditions

Used is vague when involving antique canes especially with sellers that have little experience with vintage items.  In order to determine a fair market value for a cane listed in used condition should be heavily inspected by the individual looking to purchase it.  Examine the vintage canes condition in order to allow a value to be placed on the piece.  Consider the material that the cane is created from as well as the canes age and used condition before settling on a solid price to pay for a cane in this condition.

Good Cane Conditions:  A vintage cane in good condition is one that is still fully functions.  It will show normal signs of wear and deterioration.  Original components will make up most of the cane but it is important to note that a replacement handle, cap or tip may be in place.  If you are purchasing antique canes based upon the originality of the pieces handle a cane that’s handle has been replaced is probably not the best option to add to your collection.

Poor Cane Conditions:  Antique cane conditions that are listed in poor shape will often show incredible amounts of wear and tear.  In order to publically use these canes users will want to restore them.  Poor condition canes are hardly ever purchased to add to a true collector’s collection.
For Salvage Canes Conditions:   Canes listed in salvage condition should be considered part only canes.  Canes in these conditions are only being sold for parts.  If a collector is looking for a specific knob or badge for canes in their collections they should look for canes in salvageable condition.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.