🏺 Antiques Reselling
Reseller Guide
Antiques are defined as items 100+ years old, but the market also includes vintage (20-100 years). Knowledge is your edge—most people don't know what they have.
Categories
| Category | What Sells | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Victorian, MCM, Arts & Crafts | $100-$50,000+ |
| Pottery/Ceramics | Roseville, Rookwood, Weller | $20-$10,000+ |
| Art/Paintings | Listed artists, period pieces | $50-$1,000,000+ |
| Glass | Tiffany, Carnival, Depression | $5-$50,000+ |
| Silver | Sterling flatware, tea sets | Melt value+ |
| Clocks | Grandfather, mantel, wall | $50-$20,000+ |
| Textiles | Quilts, rugs, tapestries | $50-$50,000+ |
Hot Categories
Mid-Century Modern (MCM)
- Furniture: Eames, Knoll, Herman Miller, Danish teak
- Lighting: Atomic, Sputnik, Danish modern
- Decor: Period accessories, art
- Prices: $100-$50,000+ for iconic pieces
Art Pottery
- Roseville: $50-$5,000+ (specific patterns)
- Rookwood: $100-$10,000+ (artist signed)
- Weller: $30-$2,000+
- McCoy: $10-$500+ (cookie jars popular)
Pyrex & Kitchenware
- Rare patterns: Lucky in Love, Turquoise Diamonds - $500+
- Common patterns: Butterprint, Gooseberry - $20-50
- Complete sets: Premium over individual pieces
Dating Antiques
- Construction: Hand-cut dovetails = pre-1860s, machine after
- Nails: Square nails = pre-1890s, round wire after
- Screws: Handmade (irregular) = pre-1850s
- Marks: Research maker's marks, date codes
- Style: Learn period styles (Victorian, Art Deco, etc.)
- Materials: Certain materials indicate specific eras
💡 Furniture Tip: Look underneath and behind. Original finishes, hardware, and construction methods tell the age. Refinished antiques lose 50%+ value.
Where to Source
- Estate Sales: Best source for quality antiques
- Auctions: Estate auctions, antique auctions
- Thrift Stores: Rare finds, know your stuff
- Antique Malls: Buy underpriced from other dealers
- Garage Sales: Occasional gems in old homes
- Flea Markets: Early bird gets the antiques
- Online: eBay, Etsy (filter by location for pickup)
Where to Sell
| Platform | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | ~13% | Everything, largest audience |
| Etsy | ~12% | Vintage 20+ years |
| 1stDibs | Dealer program | High-end, $1,000+ |
| Chairish | 20-30% | Furniture, decor |
| Ruby Lane | Monthly fee | Serious antique buyers |
| Antique Malls | Booth rent + % | Local walk-in traffic |
| Auction Houses | 15-25% | High-end pieces |
Fakes & Reproductions
- Furniture: Married pieces (parts from different items)
- Pottery: Fake marks, recent reproductions
- Art: Print copies sold as originals
- Glass: Modern reproductions of Depression glass
- Bronzes: Many fakes, check signatures/foundry marks
⚠️ Due Diligence: If a deal seems too good to be true on a "rare" antique, it probably is. Research marks, study construction, and when in doubt, pass.
Research Resources
- Kovels: kovels.com - comprehensive price guide
- WorthPoint: Sold price database, subscription
- Replacements.com: China, crystal, flatware patterns
- LiveAuctioneers: Auction results database
- eBay Sold: Real market prices
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