Price It Yourself!: The Definitive, Down-To-Earth Guide to Appraising Antiques and Collectibles in Your Home, at Auctions, Estate Sales, S

I'm a beginner. This is a great learning book if you are interested in old stuff!

This book is an excellent purchase for any first time buyersof antiques. The work begins with a discussion of the factorsto be considered in an appraisal i.e. material, origin,age,size, condition and purpose/utilization. The author teacheshow to examine an antique by making mental notes and observingimportant details; such as, carvings, initials etc. He providesan example of the Gorham Company markings on objects. For instance, a bell shape stamp means that the item was madecirca 1900. An item may have several valuations; namely,retail value, cash value, liquidation value, replacement valueand the fair market value. The author provides major auctionhouses; such as, Garth's, Northeast Auctions, E-bay and Net-auctions.com. This book is a worthy purchase for anypotential collector or hobby buff.