Antiquing for Dummies

By Deborah Shouse and Ron Zoglin

Book Overview

"This is a fun and painless way to give yourself a firm grounding in the wide wonderful world of antiques and collectibles." Kyle Husfloen, Managing Editor, Antique Trader Weekly and Antique Trader's Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide Do you love to poke around estate sales and antique shops, but can't tell the difference between Queen Anne and Queen Victoria furniture? Do you dream of owning that old Oriental rug or Meissen figurine -- but worry that the dealer might gouge you on the price? Do you own pieces you think might be valuable -- but don't know where to go for a reliable appraisal? Relax. Antiquing For Dummies answers all your antiquing questions--and more. Whether you're a beginner or you've already gotten your feet wet, this fun, friendly guide will give you the savvy you need to cruise, schmooze, bargain for, and care for antiques with confidence. In no time you'll be able to: Tell the difference between real antiques and stuff that's just old Develop an antique hunt plan of attack Select antiques based on the 5 key points of the "RADAR Test" Discover hidden treasures at garages, estate sales, auctions, and shops Get the best deals when buying and selling antiques Decorate with antique glass and porcelain from around the world Clean and care for your precious finds Work an auction--real-time and online Writing with humor and common sense, Ron Zoglin and Deborah Shouse demystify the highfaluting terminology of the antique world. And step-by-step they walk you through all the antiquing essential, including: Different furniture styles and periods of furniture and how to distinguish them Dovetails, nails, and other construction elements that offer clues to a piece's age Where to go for the best antique bargains -- includes tips on how to bid at auctions in person or online All about antique glass, ceramics and silver Integrating antiques into your life at home and at the office Antiquing For Dummies gets you up and running with what you need to know to find, research, and negotiate prices like a pro.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764551086
• ISBN13: 9780764551086
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A delightful read as well as educational content

Whether you are someone who breaks for garage sales or the serious collector of rare antiques, Antiquing for Dummies offers information, tips, insight and inspiration. Zoglin and Shouse help de-mystify the world of antiques and collecting and leave you feeling like you, too, can confidently and successfully find treasures that fit your lifestyle and needs. The tips on negotiating are especially helpful and I have never seen them appear anywhere else. Zoglin has spent three decades in the antique business and knows what he is talking about. Whether you are interested in antiquing or not, this book provides an entertaining read, and you will likely not look at a teacup or Granny's old desk again without a deeper appreciation of its history.

Surprising depth!

I had this book in my to read stack for some time. I should have read it sooner, it would have saved me some money. I was surprised to find a book in the "for Dummies" book series to have such depth, insight and understanding of the subject. My hat is off to IDG Books and especially to the authors. I have been antiquing since childhood and was delighted to find many tips, which will undoubtedly enhance my personal buying experience.The book was factual, generously illustrated and extremely readable. The delightful writing style let me learn and laugh at the same time. Nothing like a book with content and humor!

A great aid for beginners and others who love antiques!

This book was a surprise. I didn't think of the "Dummies" books as having this type of thing. I have collected for 15+ years, and I found tips and hints in here that were most helpful. It is well written, with many facts and historical references, but it is also easy to understnd, and it is peppered with a sense of humor that makes reading it and referring to it a joy! I really like the way pieces are described and the good drawings showing construction and much more! It is a great book for someone to carry in their car when shopping or to read up on the night before going antique hunting...at auction, in antique shops, or at a flea market! The authors truly know their material, and I was very impressed with the scope and wide variety of things they discuss and about which they inform the reader. There is truly something in this book for everyone who collects or wants to preserve or sell their antiques. It is comprehensive and it is worth more to me than my $50-75. "coffee table" books which were informative, but usually dull and boring, with alot of pretty photos which did little to educate me. Bravo to the skill and knowledge the authors put into this book, as well as the way they word things when describing all the many types of antiques and artwork collected! They obviously have both a keen knowledge of the material, as well as a way with words. This is a must for any beginning collector, and I would recommend it to any of my so-called "advanced collector" friends as well. It will make a great holiday or birthday gift for some of my collecting friends. The price is right, and the content is enlightening as well as fun to read. I wish I had it 10 years or more ago when I was starting to collect! Thanks Dummies!