Antique Pottery And Glassware As Collector's Items

By Anna Cooper


Specialists will be aware that anything rare and valuable that is worth collecting does not come cheaply and will be much sought after. Often functional as well as decorative, antique pottery and glassware is a highly desirable collector's item. They will also know where the best deals are to be found and will deal with only reputable traders to preserve their own reputations.

Most part-time collectors will approach their collections differently to a professional. They will concentrate on scouring second-hand shops, yard sales and small markets for pieces that attracts them. They will likely be focused on looking for a low cost item that appeals to their sense of aesthetic as well as fitting somewhere into their collection.

Anyone who has done a little bit of internet research on their area of interest will be aware of the enormous amount of fake products in the market place. So many counterfeits are available and they are often hard to spot. They will also know what separates a fake from a genuine item. Examining the markings, weight and quality of workmanship before rashly spending money on it, will prevent a lot of unhappiness in the long run.

A thing becomes collectible if it is scarce or in high demand. The value of it would decrease significantly if there was suddenly a deluge in the market of that particular item. Then, no matter how attractive it once was, it would be considered far too commonplace to have value to a collector. Most collectors have the secret desire to be the person who paid pennies for a bowl and accidentally discovers that it is extremely rare and worth millions.

Most people will stick to one kind of item when they collect. Glassware such as rare bottles, or Depression glass appeals to many people. The varied colors of the glass, once associated with a desperate time, now adds a wonderful aspect to any table. The bright greens, blues and pinks, when combined suddenly become artistic and contemporary.

Glassware also refers to cooking dishes such as Pyrex, which were originally designed for functionality combined with good looks and design. With a recently renewed interest in all things vintage, the pastel Pyrex dishes from the fifties and sixties are now highly desirable. Many of these items are kept in daily use by their proud owners, having either inherited or hunted for them.

Pottery is made from clay that becomes porous once baked and is different to ceramics. Some pottery's origins can be identified purely by the type of clay that was used as they will carry different ores specific to certain regions. The pottery will be glazed to make it waterproof for use. Fakes and counterfeits often flood the market so the buyer would need to make sure they are aware of what to look for to ensure they have a genuine article.

Unless you are an expert in the field, buying a piece as an investment is bound to end in disappointment. If you collect things that are beautiful, that make your heart sing, you will never be let down. Those items that you have in your collection will forever bring you joy.




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