Researching Antiques and Collectibles: General Resources
Learn how to research the provenance and value of your antiques & collectibles.
In this guide...
General Resources
Price Guides
Appraisal
Care and Conservation
Glossary of Art Auction Terms
Searching with Google
Additional Online Resources
Online
Resources, including online price guides, appraisal tips and feature articles, to help you identify and value your antiques and collectibles.
This auction site can also be used as a price guide. Just click on category headings or enter a term in the search box to find items of interest to you and the prices people are willing to pay for them. You do not have to be a member of Ebay to view prices.
What are booksellers actually charging for used books? This site allows you to search several online second-hand book databases at once.
Magazines and Journals
- Antiques & Collecting MagazineBetter coverage of popular collectibles than rare antiques. Articles cover a wide variety of items every month and advertisements can put you in touch with buyers and sellers.
Magazines and journals available for in-library use only in the Arts Department.
- Antique CollectingWritten by experts, Antique Collecting offers invaluable advice and information on a wide range of antiques and decorative objects, from everyday artifacts to fine art and museum pieces.
- The Magazine AntiquesThe collector of fine arts and antiques will find informative articles, book reviews and dealer announcements.
Books
Antiques Roadshow Collectibles by Introduces different types of collectibles and provides tips on assessing the age and value of a piece.
Antiques Encyclopedia by Each section of this book is an introduction to a different collecting area, such as furniture and textiles, and includes information about manufacture, history, collecting, care and identification.
Who Was Who in American Art by This is one of the most comprehensive resources for information about American artists. It includes biographical information as well as signatures and monograms.
The Everything Online Auctions Book by How to use online auction sites to find items to add to a collection as well as ways to list, display and promote items you want to sell online.
Ebay the Smart Way by How-to strategies and techniques to find quality inventory and make great deals, with information on specialty auctions and eBay stores.
The Official Ebay Bible by A comprehensive how-to manual for everyone from first-time users to eBay experts.
