Antique Valuation Guide: How to Determine What Your Antiques Are Worth

What Makes an Antique Valuable?

The value of an antique is determined by a combination of factors, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about selling, insuring, or keeping your items.

1. Age & Authenticity

Generally, an item must be at least 100 years old to be considered a true "antique." Items 20–99 years old are typically classified as "vintage." However, age alone doesn't guarantee value — a mass-produced item from 1890 may be worth less than a rare, handcrafted piece from 1960.

How to verify age: Look for construction methods appropriate to the era, original hardware, natural patina, and maker's marks that can be cross-referenced with historical records.

2. Rarity

Supply and demand is the fundamental driver of value. A Tiffany lamp produced in limited quantities will always command more than a mass-produced Victorian parlor lamp. Regional pieces, prototypes, and items from short-lived manufacturers are often more valuable than mainstream production.

3. Condition

Condition has the single biggest impact on value for most categories. A mint-condition piece can be worth 5–10 times more than the same item in poor condition. Key factors include:

• Original finish vs. refinished
• Structural integrity (cracks, repairs, replacements)
• Completeness (all original parts, matching sets)
• Functionality (does a clock still work? does a music box play?)

4. Provenance

Provenance — the documented history of ownership — can multiply an item's value dramatically. A chair is a chair, but a chair that belonged to a president is a museum piece. Even regional provenance matters: furniture from a historic plantation or famous estate carries a premium.

5. Market Demand

Antique values fluctuate with trends. Mid-century modern furniture has surged in value over the past decade, while heavy Victorian "brown furniture" has declined. Currently hot categories include:

• Mid-century modern furniture and lighting
• Art Deco decorative objects
• Vintage watches (especially Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe)
• Estate jewelry with designer signatures
• Original vintage advertising signs
• Early American folk art and primitives

6. Maker & Signature

A signed piece is almost always worth more than an unsigned one. Research maker's marks using online databases and reference books. Some valuable marks to look for:

• Furniture: Stickley, Thonet, Baker, Kittinger
• Silver: Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Georg Jensen
• Ceramics: Meissen, Wedgwood, Rookwood
• Glass: Lalique, Steuben, Tiffany Studios

Types of Appraisals

Insurance appraisal: The replacement value — typically the highest figure. Used for insurance purposes.

Fair market value: What a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. This is the most common valuation type.

Auction estimate: What the item might sell for at auction, often 20–40% below retail value.

Liquidation value: Quick-sale price, typically 30–50% of fair market value.

Get a Free Valuation

Understanding value is the first step to making smart decisions about your antiques. Submit your item to GetAntiqueOffer for free, no-obligation valuations from our network of 500+ verified dealers. You'll receive competitive offers within 24–48 hours — and you keep 100% of the sale price with zero commission.