Antique Auction

Generally speaking, an ‘antique’ refers to an item that has collectable value and is over 100 years old. Antiques are generally expensive and highly collectable items for their rarity and ability to speak about decades gone by.

One of the latest phenomena revolutionising antique auctions is the ability to buy, sell and trade antiques online. Antiques can be bought and sold by means of an auction listing or advertisement, and interested parties can place bids and even participate in a virtual bidding war.

Some antique auction sites specialise in items from a specific historical period, whereas others offer a range of antiques. There are also some online auction houses with outstanding reputations for their service, as they exist to serve buyers with specific interests.

One advantage of online auctions is that prices tend to be lower than if sold in an antique show or store. This ultimately benefits the buyer as they can pick up precious antique items for their collection at a bargain price. The downside of the online auction is that a buyer lacks the ability to see and assess an antique with their own eyes, and cannot judge authenticity until the item is won, paid for and received in the post.

This begs the question: how can one determine authenticity when buying from an antique auction? The key point is to research the seller on the online auction site and determine whether they have a good reputation. eBay, the most popular online auction site has the advantage of allowing users to read feedback on previous transactions.

Another important thing to keep in mind is whether the seller is friendly and helpful. Experienced sellers know that antique collectors will know how to judge authenticity, and may ask for close up photographs of the underside of an object. Genuine sellers will offer their assistance and answer all questions.