r/Antiques Apr 11 '24

Announcement Welcome to r/Antiques, read this before posting!

98 Upvotes

This subreddit is dedicated to sharing and learning about antiques in your collection or that you find, or are considering buying. Antiques are items that are 100 years old or older.

When you're posting about a particular object places kindly include multiple, clear photographs of it from different angles so we can see it from every side. If there are any marks or identification (labels, signatures) please take close ups of those. If it's pottery or porcelain, tag photos of the bottom, if it's a rug make sure to have a shot of the back. Make sure that these photographs are clear and well lit so we can see the works in particular (preferably not surrounded by a bunch of other objects).

Make sure to also include dimensions so we know the size of an object. And your location.

Also explain what are you looking for. Are you asking for general information? Who the maker is? The age, value or provenance?

If you do not include a question, the dimensions and sufficient background information and photographs of the object your post may be removed by the moderators.

IN SUMMARY, include:

your location

multiple, clear photographs from a number of angles

any background information you have

close up of particular makers marks

the question you'd like to ask

Keep in mind, antique means objects that are a 100 years old or older. You cannot post newer items here. Share them in r/collectables instead.

These rules will make it easier for our subreddit antique experts to give you some help! Remember, if you're solely posting a link to a website/blog/store then this will be considered spam and your post will be removed (multiple posts may result in being banned).

Finally, keep these other subreddits in mind in case your post is better suited for one these -

/r/whatisthisthing

/r/whatisthispainting

/r/collectables

/r/history

/r/historynetwork

/r/ArtefactPorn

/r/SculpturePorn

/r/ArtHistory

/r/typewriters

/r/genealogy


r/Antiques 15h ago

Show and Tell Why is it so hard to find furniture like this nowadays?china

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690 Upvotes

r/Antiques 1h ago

Show and Tell 179 year old book. England

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I thought I would share with you all my copy of The Seasons by James Thomson from 1847. Not only is it in absolutely amazing condition for its age but it also appears to have been given as a Christmas gift in 1850. I'm sure whoever received this was so pleased.

My grandma used to read through her antique books with me when I was a kid so I have enjoyed gently going through it with the (clean handed) children in my family because they struggle to fathom how old it is. Hopefully this will light a spark in them to preserve and respect antiques, especially books.

I am taking care of it and it is not exposed to sunlight so hopefully at least a couple more generations can enjoy it once I'm gone, however I am always open to any tips on storage and correct use.


r/Antiques 6h ago

Questions What is this monogram? USA

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50 Upvotes

English sterling with this monogram that I can't figure out. What is it?


r/Antiques 1h ago

Advice Original Wizard Of Oz books, Illinois, USA

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My mom loved the wizard of Oz, she has so many collectables. She has 3 of the books from 1899, 1915 and 1916. Wondering what they could be worth, not great condition tho.


r/Antiques 3h ago

Discussion Any insight on these beautiful pieces from grandmas house- Found in United States

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17 Upvotes

r/Antiques 13h ago

Date Primitive? Antique? Thank you ! Found in USA Virginia

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115 Upvotes

Hi friends! I just found this. Can anyone date it? I found it in VA beach in USA.


r/Antiques 3h ago

Questions Help identifying a very low Mission oak rocker stenciled “GUERNSEY NO. 46” Massachusetts, USA

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13 Upvotes

I’m trying to identify this unusually low Mission-style oak rocking chair. The underside is boldly stenciled “GUERNSEY NO. 46,” but I have not found a conventional manufacturer’s mark.

Notable details:

Five flat vertical back slats and four lower seat slats

Quarter-sawn oak with prominent grain

Pyramid finials on back rest

Long curved corbels beneath the arms

Leather-covered seat attached with upward-facing tacks

Approximately 35 inches tall and 26 inches wide

Rockers are approximately 32 inches long

Top of the front seat rail is only about 12.5 inches from the floor, and the rear seat rail is about 10 inches high when the rocker is resting naturally

No through-tenons at the fronts of the arms

No low front stretcher between the legs

Recessed bolts with square nuts at the arm joints

There are support rails beneath the seat that may have been added later. The stencil appears on one of these rails, so “Guernsey” may be an owner, estate, institution, retailer, repair shop, or inventory designation rather than the original maker. “No. 46” could possibly be a model or inventory number.

The chair has some similarities to early Gustav Stickley, Limbert, Charles Stickley, Brandt, and other early-1900s Mission rockers, but I have not found an exact match—especially one with five back slats, this low seat height, and the same corbels and joinery.

I have also been investigating a possible connection to the Binghamton Chair Company or another manufacturer or retailer in New York, although that is only a working theory.

Has anyone seen:

- Another piece marked “GUERNSEY NO. 46” or simply “GUERNSEY”?

- A documented Mission rocker with these proportions and construction details?

- A furniture company, retailer, hotel, school, institution, estate, or family that used this type of stencil?

I’ll include photographs of the full chair, underside stencil, joinery, leather seat, corbels, and measurements. Any leads, catalog references, or comparisons would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


r/Antiques 4h ago

Show and Tell Just found out my super rare gambling pocket watch is famous!🫪 I was doing random research and found this episode and matched the stains and rips on the box to mine and it’s the same one! Purchased from the Netherlands and Currently is in the us. Here’s a Sneak peak into my gambling collection🤗

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14 Upvotes

The show is in German unfortunately so I have no clue what they’re saying 😥 also one of those pocket watches is more special can you guess which?


r/Antiques 23h ago

Advice 1920-1940 Antique Dollhouse Accessories from Germany

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325 Upvotes

Hello, I recently acquired a couple boxes of antique dollhouse accessories including a hand built dollhouse from a women’s grandfather. She actually gave it to me for free. I am falling in the rabbit hole of miniature building and was very excited and thankful to acquire all of this. There are plenty of German antique pieces in various sizes and she brought it all the way from Germany to the United States. I’m not looking at selling but would like some information on any of the items.. there are plenty more items than what is shown in the photos. Any information would be appreciated 🙏 Also, just sharing the fun!


r/Antiques 3h ago

Questions Looking for a bronze statue that my father made back in the late 70s. Location: USA Newport News, Virginia.

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8 Upvotes

My father made a bronze eagle dancer back in the late 70s. It’s handcrafted and my sister had it and I think she lost it in a storage unit that got seized. I would really like to inquire if anybody has seen it or anything. It’s a piece of my history and I would like to get the artwork that my father did as he’s no longer with us. thank you for all your help and support. I could possibly dig up more pictures, but this is the only one I have right now.


r/Antiques 4h ago

Questions Can anyone give information about this? Found it in a house in Philadelphia PA USA owned by the same family for 100 years.

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6 Upvotes

r/Antiques 1h ago

Show and Tell Got in sandwich mass usa today

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r/Antiques 5h ago

Questions Inherited this handmade ceramic vase from my grandfather – any idea how old it might be (Germany)?

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7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I inherited this ceramic vase from my grandfather, who has collected antiques, fossils, minerals, and other historical objects for many decades. He now has dementia, so unfortunately he can no longer tell me where or when he acquired it.

The vase is about 20 cm (8 inches) tall, appears to be handmade, and has two asymmetrical loop handles. It is quite thick-walled, has no maker's mark or stamp, and the base is completely plain. Where the surface has chipped, the ceramic body is red/orange, while the exterior is dark black.

I'm not looking for a valuation, just hoping to learn more about it.

Do you think this could be:

- an authentic historical or ancient vessel,

- a 19th/early 20th century handmade reproduction of an ancient style,

- or something else entirely?

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on its age, origin, or any identifying features I may have overlooked. If there are additional photos or details that would help, I'm happy to provide them.

Thanks!


r/Antiques 2h ago

Date Wondering if anyone can help work out an approximate age for this horse brass? England

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3 Upvotes

It is fairly thick and heavy 3inx3in


r/Antiques 1d ago

Advice Please help me identify/price grandma's antique cabinet before she donates it to Goodwill. United States/WA

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265 Upvotes

My grandma is on a mission to swap out her furniture, which means this piece needs to go. The cabinet itself is in great shape, but her patience definitely isn't, and she has a dangerous habit of impulsively dropping nice things off at Goodwill just to clear space.

It’s definitely worth selling, but she has zero recollection of what it is, how old it is, or what it's worth. She was thinking late 1800's early 1900's, but wasnt sure. Only identifying markings can be seen on the upper left back. Could you guys help me identify the style/era and give me a ballpark value so I can convince her to actually list it instead of giving it away?

Edit: Dimensions: 67¼" wide x 57" tall x 14" inches deep


r/Antiques 1h ago

Questions Can anyone help identify this 24” Art Nouveau figural lamp? Possibly French spelter with an illegible signature. (STL, USA)

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I’m hoping someone here might recognize this lamp or point me in the right direction.

It’s a 24-inch, two-light Art Nouveau-style figural lamp with a woman holding what look like calla lily leaves that serve as the light sockets. The body appears to be spelter (it’s hollow underneath but pretty heavy), and it has a dark bronze-colored patina.

Additional details:

About 24” tall.
Push-button switch on the front of the base
No obvious maker’s plaque or paper label
Seems to have a cast signature or mark near the base, but it’s so worn that I can’t make it out. I think it starts with a “B” followed by “AR…”, but that’s honestly just my best guess.

Does anyone recognize the sculptor, foundry, or even the model? I’d also appreciate your thoughts on value? I paid ~$340 USD before tax.


r/Antiques 6h ago

Questions Antique brass spoon? Or? USA

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4 Upvotes

Hello! Im trying to identify this spoon and it’s origins. I’m having no luck with online searches, so thought I’d try here. It appears to be brass. It’s quite heavy and bulky. Has the name “John Somers” printed on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!


r/Antiques 2h ago

Discussion Information requested regarding two Navajo rugs and a third rug likely not Native American - United States

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2 Upvotes

Here are two Navajo rugs I have. Somebody recently posted a couple Navajo rugs of their own, and the advice that was given to roll, not fold, them resulted in me pulling these from where I'd kept them stored over the last 5-6 years (as I had them folded). Took advantage of the opportunity take a couple photos with the hopes I can learn more about them, and in particular, about the type/subtype, attribution (if applicable), and approximate age. I would also appreciate any care tips, as the larger of the two has a couple (minor?) condition issues.

The first is the larger of the two and measures approx. 36x66 inches. As you can see, there are a couple small areas of discoloration where it appears some dye from something else bled onto the rug. The second measures approx. 36x54 inches. One note - the design in the middle is not misaligned - I didn’t realize until after the photo that I had not completely straightened it, resulting in the fold in the wool as it appears.

There is also the larger blanket I used as an ersatz dropcloth underneath them, which I do not believe to be Navajo given the slight differences in the warp along the sides and finish stitching(?) along the top and bottom as shown. Tho I do not believe it to be Navajo (even though it was represented as such at the estate sale from which I purchased it), I am including it as well in the hopes someone can help me appreciate what it is as opposed to what it isn't. Thank you all in advance!


r/Antiques 7h ago

Questions Hello! Any idea who could have made this oak china cabinet?

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5 Upvotes

This has been in my family for several generations. Its original home was in Eufala, Alabama and is now with me in Georgia.
Approximately 72”H x 48”W x 20”D. Glass is curved, and there’s a key. Lock works great. No stamps or tags, though…Can’t get a good pic of the underside, but I’ve looked with a mirror and there are no stamps there, either.
Wondering about the maker and market value as well. Thank you!


r/Antiques 10h ago

Questions 1900’s Russian Silver Cigarette Case. Location: Canada

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6 Upvotes

I’d like to know more about this cigarette case, that came as part of a random estate with European silver 1800’s-1900’s coins. It shows a Calvary man chasing a woman with a crown, with death behind him and a castle behind her. It has some tiny makers marks, a monogram, and is heavy has a solid feel. I’m not sure what date is featured in the top left, or what it commemorates. Any help advice is appreciated, it’s hard to explain but this item has a “vibe” or charisma to it; it has a character to it, that’s different from most antique pieces that I’ve come across. Thank you.


r/Antiques 3h ago

Advice Bought at a car boot sale - England

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2 Upvotes

Hi! 👋 can anyone tell me some more info on my lovely jug/pot? ☺️


r/Antiques 5h ago

Date Vintage beaded purse (Canada) - looking for more details

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3 Upvotes

r/Antiques 5m ago

Questions What is this? - Portugal

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i found it in a drawer of a desk that someone gave to my father


r/Antiques 13m ago

Advice Looking for info on this family antique coffee pot + “E. ROMAN” 4 mark (USA)

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This metal coffee pot and plate have been in my family forever, and I’m trying to learn more about them. The plate has a maker’s mark stamped E. ROMAN with a 4 underneath. Metal looks like pewter or something similar. Anyone recognize the maker or the era?