Value
of Antiques: What’s it worth?
In general, value is assigned based on four criteria: Rarity, provenance,
quality and condition.
Rarity
Between the mid and last quarters of the 18th century, a wide variety
of handle forms, adornments and materials became available, as mass-produced,
commercial forms became the order of the day. It was during this time
that the modern crook handle was introduced, reaching its dominant position
in the early part of the 20th century. All collectors, regardless of what
they collect, are in search of the item that is rare. But rareness is
not necessarily enough. It is important that the example say something
interesting about the period in which it was created. It might be a one
of a kind piece, but if unable to connect it in some significant way,
for example, by design elements found in Art Deco, it may be more difficult
to sell.
Provenance
Proof. In order to drive up the price of an item, it is required. The
replication of rare items has turned into a science. As there are collectors
willing to pay top dollar for items they covet, there are an equal number
of dishonest individuals willing to pay top dollar to forge or replicate
these same items. We live in a world where most information is easily
obtainable by the click of a mouse. There are many unsavory, yet talented
individuals who would be willing to use their skills for the purpose of
duping unwitting individuals who have not done their homework. Before
purchasing any antique, ask for documentation, traceable descent of some
sort, letters, contemporary reference or pictures. Has the stick been
passed down through the family? Perhaps there is some documenting of that.
Quality
Is it well made? Is it a fine example of a particular period? Do the shaft
and handle appear to have been “born” together as opposed
to a “marriage” of pieces?” (More on “marriages”
in a future article.) Do all pieces, handle, collar, shaft, and ferrule,
fit together well? Is the finish original? Does it have a patina (sheen
on the surface caused by long handling) indicating real age? Ask yourself
these questions when assessing for quality of a stick. The best cultivator
of quality is experience. Look through books, search the internet, explore
local antique stores, and familiarize yourself with whatever you collect.
Condition
Of course, it goes without saying that any item in poor condition has
poor resale value. A normal amount of wear is perfectly acceptable, and
even desirable. Wear patterns lend to the legitimacy of the piece and
bespeak its age. Hold the stick in your hand. If it has an ivory handle,
has the ivory yellowed (patina) to a greater degree in the area where
your hand comes in contact with the handle? If there are age cracks, are
they blackened due to the natural oils found on the hands that have come
in contact with the handle through the years? If the handle is made of
wood, the area where the hand comes in contact with the handle may be
darker, for the same reason, or perhaps show wear. I have in my collection
a stick with a fruitwood handle carved in the shape of a cockatiel. In
order to hold the stick comfortably, its owner would have to have held
the stick actually below the collar, on the shaft itself. The shaft is
Malacca, and there is a definite area of wear apparent.
Does the ferrule show
wear? If not, it may have been replaced.
If you have limited
resources, buy the best example that is within your means. In the long
run, fewer, finer examples are far better than many examples of lesser
quality. When a fine example comes your way, you will then be in a better
position to make an informed decision regarding purchasing the item, and
protecting your investment.
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