Where To Find Antique Vases: Auction Houses, Fairs, And Markets
Collectors must be willing to scour a variety of places in the pursuit of valuable antique vases. Auction houses, fairs, and markets are a few of the best places to investigate. Buyers must beware, however, of the tricks of the antique trade, and they must know how to insure that the investment they are making will bring them the return, in wealth or satisfaction, that they are looking for.
Auction houses often auction off the belongings of an estate and other valuable individual items. These items are often heirlooms and antiques, and good deals are easily had if a buyer is knowledgeable about the auctioning process and the product he decides to bid on. First of all, when you go to an auction, purchase an auction catalogue. Familiarize yourself with the items for sale; their prices; the order in which they will be auctioned off; and the lot numbers of the items you are interested in. Read the descriptions of the items carefully, and beware of words like "attributed to" and "style of," which indicate the authenticity and potential value of the item. Also, study the items up close in the sales room preview if you can. It's often difficult to see items clearly on the day of the auction. Finally, don't be afraid to ask for a condition report from the auctioneer on vases you are interested in.
Fairs and markets are two other great places to find good deals on antique vases. Auction houses can be intimidating, while fairs offer the comfort of an old-fashioned marketplace. Some dealers at fairs will have firm prices, while others are willing to haggle, but prices are typically commensurate with competitive dealers. The earlier you arrive at a fair, the better, as you are more likely to find what you are looking for early in the day. Timing is less of an issue at antique markets, where dealers will have a constant supply of merchandise. Dealers at markets and at fairs that specialize in antiques will frequently be experts in their field, and you can feel more confident that you will not be deceived about your purchase. At other fairs and markets, where the dealers are less reputable, items may be described as "second-hand," which doesn't necessarily mean "antique." Unlike at auction houses where item descriptions and reports on condition are provided for you, you will have to be your own expert at fairs and markets, so, before you go shopping, be sure that you research the characteristics and marks of authenticity of the vases you are looking to purchase.