Antique Can Have Different Meanings
Some sellers are rigorous in their use of the word antique, others use the term more loosely and yet others may mistakenly or perhaps intentionally use the word incorrectly.
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I have learned the only dumb question is the question I didn’t ask, and sometimes that I must question my trust in the word’s usage especially if something looks too good to be true.
Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines antique in the noun form as:
1 : a relic or object of ancient times
2 a : a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago b : a manufactured product (as an automobile) from an earlier period”
Usually it is the 2 a definition that applies to ‘antique’ as a noun. The item must be 100 years old to be “antique” based on this definition.
But do you see how ‘antique’ can also be used to describe an item as a verb and perhaps be a misnomer? Or simply a colorful description? I sure can and have in the past.
Be careful to clarify the use of this word with the seller and ensure what you are planning to purchase is a true antique if you’re looking for something over 100 years old. Sight unseen it’s worth asking the question and getting as much information/proof as possible.
A hypothetical example, if you see a pair of vases together in a listing, both identical, defined as ‘antique’ what is the likelihood that both vases would have weathered 100 years in pristine condition and remained an unseparated pair? What authenticity or proof can the seller provide to ensure the age of these items?
What is the providence or the examples of other vases that the seller based his/her identification on? The same for ‘period’ piece furniture, glass or other items. Research, asking questions, being sure what you see and what you read mean what you think they mean.
Seek Out And Read the fine print always.
Even experts can be fooled…….hope this helps you enjoy your collecting experience even more.
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Broadway Furniture
228 NE Broadway
Portland Oregon 97232
503 — 281 — 5555
“Your Doorway To Values”
We Are Locally Owned and Family Run For Over 70 Years!
Our store carries over 50,000 square feet of furniture and accessories on 5 floors.
If you don’t see it on our showroom floor, we can special order it for you – at No Additional Cost!
source:http://reviews.ebay.com/Is-it-really-ANTIQUE_W0QQugidZ10000000002351844
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