If you’re collecting antique cups you are probably scouring the internet, looking at Google, Yahoo and Bing and other search engines and sites to get the best deal possible. After a while it’s overwhelming. So many sites, so many antique cups – so much information.
People searching the internet for antique cups are looking for the best places to buy or sell them, how they should look after them, how they can repair them and even how to spot fakes. This short article will look at what three things you should avoid.
The first thing is to get a lot of background information on the type of antique cup you are looking for. After all, you can buy an antique cup for as little as one dollar. Not very much is it? But what do you get for your money?
Knowing more of the specifics is essential to good collecting. Such as what should an antique cup of that era, from that manufacturer and locality normally cost? Are you looking at a reputable site? Can you check the credentials of the seller?
Listed below are the three points you must avoid:
- Avoid buying the first antique cup you find. Even if appears to be the right color, manufacturer and year, inquire about any cracks or stains that the cup has had. It is relatively easy to cover up a hairline crack in a photograph or even a stain. But once you have bought it, it’s too late. You can never be too careful when it comes to buying antique cups, especially when buying from a photograph.
- Avoid buying from photographs. Is the photograph clear enough to show you the condition of the handle. Handles are easily broken. They can also be easily glued back. If you’re happy with a glued on handle for a fraction of it’s normal price that is totally up to you. But if you want a good quality item – double check before you buy – if the photograph isn’t clear enough then you have the right to ask.
- Avoid buying the markings on the cup. Does the cup have markings and are they real? Don’t fall in love with the markings. Anyone can add a marking under a cup or plate and if you don’t know what you’re doing you could be buying a fake. This is a problem with the internet, researching, deciding and buying without seeing the product.
Your best option is to do your research first before you buy because once you have bought the antique cup it may not be so easy to return or get your money back. Even if you’re only spending a few dollars you want the time, effort and cost of each antique cup you buy to be worth it.
Deal with each of these issues and you will increase your chances of buying an antique cup that you will be happy to add to your collection and enjoy each time you use the cups to serve your guest tea and coffee.
If you’re really passionate about collecting, buying or selling antique cups then build your antique knowledge to cover different periods, manufacturers, styles and fashions. Whether it’s for your next tea party or just adding to your collection, the more you learn the more you’ll know what you like and why you enjoy them so much.
