Identifying

Older pieces of Crackle Glass will show more wear marks on the bottom and inside where a stopper may have been. Shapes are more imperfect, may lean to one side slightly and feel bumps or variations in glass.

The fewer the cracks a piece has, the cheaper the piece of crackle would be.

Where to Find

People often use appraisals to help insure an object or collection against damage and theft.

Depending on where you live, appraisers will charge between seventy-five and four-hundred dollars per hour. Plus you´ll have to pay the appraiser´s travel expenses and research fees. So you might as well have a few items appraised at one time.

When looking for an appraiser, word of mouth is the best way, or most banks use appraisers all the time. Try asking a bank trust officer.

Grandfather Clocks

The Grandfather clock originated in the late 1600´s in London. Clockmakers invented the long case model, about 6 feet tall. In the United States owning one of these clocks conveyed status. In the 1880´s a popular song about a clock that stopped when it´s owner died, hence the name "Grandfather" clock was created.

Removing Wax

Removing wax from candle holders is an easy task. Simply place the holders in a freezer for about 2-3 hours. Remove from the freezer and peel the frozen wax off your collectilble.

Cleaning

Dusting a clock weekly and polishing a wooden clock twice a year with a good wax should be sufficient cleaning. Polishing any gilded fittings should not be done since gilt can be easily removed.

Identifying

Most Carnival Glass is not marked, the most notable exception being Northwood. Other glass companies such as Fenton, Duncan Miller, Dugan and Imperial did not mark their early pieces.

Placement of Clocks

Special care must be given to longcase or tallcase clocks in regards to placement. Since they are rather top heavy, anchoring to the wall will prevent them from tipping over.

Stain Removal

Some stains on porcelain can be removed by applying cotton wool swabs soaked in a solution of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. The swabs should be left in position for an hour or two, but not allowed to dry out. Place the object in a plastic bag to retain the moisture and check from time to time to see if the swabs need re-soaking. This solution should not be applied to pieces with a gilt or lustre decoration. Never be tempted to soak stained pieces in household bleach, as this may give a good result initially but will eventually lead to yellowing. Calgon, however, is safe for soaking appropriate pieces.

Hand-Blown Bottles

To date the age of a hand-blown bottle, look at the poltil marks on the bottom. If there is color in them-1845-1870 are the most likely years of manufacture.

Display

When displaying your antique collections remember; sunlight, heat and humidity are an antiques worse enemy! Take gentle care of them and you will enjoy and your children´s children will enjoy also. Protecting a piece of history is invaluable.

Associations

Two organizations with a nationwide network of members that can help you on your search for an appraiser:

American Society of Appraisers [800-ASA-VALUE]
www.appraisers.org

Appraisers Association of America [212-889-5404]
www.appraisersassoc.org

Do Your Homework

Given that knowledge is king in the world of purchasing, begin your quest for knowledge by learning the furniture periods. Classes are the best way to learn. Next, spend a day at an antique auction. Ask questions during inspection time. You´ll see hundreds of items pass over the block in hours. Next, use your knowledge to negotiate with shops.

Keeping records

Get a dated reciept for any purchases. It is standard operating procedure to ask professionals selling antiques to provide you with a receipt that is a full description of the piece, including a condition report and estimated date of production. Without this documentation, you´re at risk. (Beat the System, Jeff Bredenberg, 1999)

Cover up Scams.

The new trend in valuation overemphasizes condition. A 10% valuation is now as much as 50% for a chip or knick. With money on the line, new "cover-up" techniques are being developed to hide condition devaluation, so beware.

Buying over the Internet

If you are buying antiques over the internet, you need to ask as many questions as you can about an item and even ask for more pictures, or perhaps a video, if you are willing to pay for it.

Wooden Dolls

Wooden Dolls must be kept dry. Too much moisture can rot the wood. Painted faces or designs will fade or chip and fasteners such as rubber bands will rot and break.

Leather Books

To prevent leather bound books from drying out, use petroleum jelly every few years.

Identifying

Look for signs that a piece of furniture was handmade versus machine-made. Look for handmade nails, dovetail and other glued joints rather than nailed together construction, slight irregularities in construction etc.

Cleaning a Clocks Movements

About every five to ten years, a clocks movements should be cleaned and maintained by a specialist. While ,you might want to oil a movement yourself, be aware that oil attracts dust that ultimately increases friction in the movements. Leave this up to a professional to do.