Antique items have the power to transport us back in time. From stylish vintage clothing to adorably retro tchotchkes, there is something for everyone at Antiquariato Torino!
When shopping for an antique, remember to bring a measuring tape. That way, you can avoid the heartbreak of purchasing an item only to find out it’s too big for your space.
Antique furniture is one of the most popular items found in antique shops. There’s a reason for that: antiques add character, patina and a sense of story to your space that new furniture just can’t match. Plus, vintage pieces take beautifully to painting, staining and upholstery. It’s easy to give a piece a whole new look that’s completely unique to your style.
In fact, adding antiques is a great way to avoid your room from looking too “matchy-matchy.” Contrasting new and old furniture creates a balanced, dynamic look that’s sure to catch the eye of anyone who walks through your door.
Before you head out to an antique shop or mall, it’s a good idea to prepare by making a list of the types of items you’re hoping to find and taking measurements of the spaces where you plan to place them. That way, you won’t get swayed by something that’s just too big for your home.
Also be sure to check the back, underside and drawer interiors of a piece of furniture for labels or stamps that can help you determine its age and era. Look for signs of wear and tear that indicate a piece has been used over the years, like a few dents, scratches or worn drawer runners. Also, watch out for perfectly consistent color or for moldings and carvings that are too perfect to be handmade.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for ormolu, brass mounts, and pad feet, all of which are specific to antique furniture. If you’re having trouble identifying a piece, flag down a vendor and ask for their help. They know their wares well and may be able to provide valuable information that’s hard to find online or in books.
Vinyl Records
Once considered a relic of an old world, vinyl records are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity that out-paces digital music growth. Whether it’s because of nostalgia, or simply for the more authentic sound they offer, many music lovers still love the tactile, analog experience of crate-digging and vinyl records.
As you hunt for vintage vinyl at antique shops, it’s important to keep in mind your purpose for collecting these historical treasures. Some collectors focus solely on rarity and collectible value, while others seek the best quality for an audiophile experience. The type of vinyl you select may also depend on your budget and storage needs.
When hunting for vinyl at antique shops, it’s important that you always inspect the condition of the record before you make a purchase. Most vendors will have a turntable that you can use to check the quality of the vinyl. This can help you avoid purchasing a record that has damage that will impact playback. You should check for scratches that affect the quality of the recording as well as areas known as dead wax, which are spaces in the grooves where music is not recorded.
In addition, be sure to look for the label and a dead ringer, which is the sound of the needle hitting the dead wax during playback. This can cause obnoxious pops that ruin your vinyl experience.
As you begin shopping for vinyl at antique shops, it’s also a good idea to separate your collection by size. 78s and 45s are the smallest and lightest form of vinyl, and should be stored separately from larger LPs to prevent damage. You should also store your records in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping and maintain their quality over time.
Books & Ephemera
Books and other ephemera are some of the more common items found in antique shops. From printed broadsides to early posters to postcards and trading cards, these items can tell us much about the past.
Ephemera can also provide a glimpse of historical trends, such as changing fashions and social mores. It can also help us understand the evolution of printing and graphic design. Ephemera has become a well-developed collectors’ field with specialized journals, clubs, and shows. It’s a relatively democratic hobby in its subject matter and pricing, making it accessible to the average collector as well as the well-heeled investor or library collection.
As the popularity of ephemera has grown, many general antique dealers have begun selling it alongside their furniture, pottery and glassware. Larger, more specialized stores may focus exclusively on it. These specialty dealers can offer expert advice about the condition and value of these items.
Ephemera is often stored in a protective case, like an envelope or folder, to prevent it from becoming discolored by sunlight or water damage. But it’s possible that paper ephemera can still become damaged or degraded over time, with the result being that it becomes brittle or crumbles. When this happens, it’s known as foxing.
It’s important to remember that while a piece of ephemera might seem valuable or even rare, its value is ultimately determined by how much someone is willing to pay for it. This can be especially evident when watching reruns of the PBS show “Antiques Roadshow,” where a supposedly valuable item is shown to have dropped in value significantly over the years. A savvy collector will always keep this in mind as he or she explores the wide world of antique ephemera.
Vintage Glassware & Pottery
From the sparkling brilliance of Depression glass to the graceful curves of Art Nouveau vases, vintage glassware and pottery is both functional tableware and works of art steeped in history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an aspiring newcomer, understanding the characteristics and value of antique glassware will enhance your appreciation and increase your bargaining power.
For example, if you are shopping for Lalique glass, look for the signature “R. Lalique” on the bottom. The signature denotes that the piece was made prior to 1945, when Lalique died. Modern forgers often mimic these signatures. To distinguish genuine Lalique pieces, you can also rely on the artist’s finishing touches, such as frosting and enameling, that were signature elements of his work.
Other tips for identifying glassware include color, period, and the presence of a seam down the center. Some glassware is molded rather than cut, and these pieces tend to be less expensive. Cut glass pieces have deeply incised designs that require skilled craftsmanship. They typically have a higher monetary value than pressed or blown glassware.
To avoid damaging your vintage glassware, minimize contact with metal, and don’t use abrasive materials to clean them. Also, if you plan to display your glassware, keep it away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can fade its colors. Similarly, storing glassware in humid or fluctuating temperatures can lead to moisture damage. To prevent this, utilize a storage cabinet or shelving unit lined with acid-free paper or fabric to cushion and separate pieces from each other, providing both protection and insulation. A well-cared for collection of vintage glassware can become a treasured family heirloom, or it could be the perfect accent to your vintage home décor.
Antique Markets
Whether you are a collector or simply a fan of vintage items, finding a venue where you can wander amongst antique and flea market treasures is a fun pastime. Hunting for vintage finds is an art that seasoned pros and novices alike are honing to perfection. For many people, it’s a way of life. Luckily, there are plenty of venues to explore for vintage finds. While the high prices of some vintage pieces can deter some from shopping, it is possible to find affordable antiques at many venues.
One of the most common places to find affordable antiques is at an antique mall. In contrast to a flea market, an antique mall offers vendors permanent indoor space that they can customize and build upon to create an inviting environment for customers. Additionally, the permanence of an antique mall allows for a more consistent customer experience.
While a variety of merchandise can be found at an antique mall, it is important to know what to expect before you head out to shop. For instance, some dealers may have posted signs discouraging negotiating, but it is always best to try a little friendly negotiation in a respectful manner. This will make you more valuable to the vendor and allow for a more enjoyable experience.
Collectibles are another favorite item at antique shops, with vintage jewelry, coins and stamps being particularly popular. Nostalgia also drives the popularity of some collectibles, with many buyers seeking items that remind them of their childhood or a particular era in history. Many of these items can also appreciate in value, which can be a benefit for collectors who wish to invest in their collection.