Antique Lighting Collecting for Newbies

Antique lighting collecting can be a satisfaction either as a hobby or a business. When you start as newbie in collecting these antiques, you need to learn about various aspects of rare light collection. In this post, I will address some tips that may be helpful for every newbie who want to collect these prized old lights as a hobby.

All vintages lights share a common attribute that is they are no longer in the production. Their value depend on how old the hardware are. Of course, the older the collectible, the more price it will fetch. As a newbie, you must know the age of the lighting items. This is the fundamental information that you must have. The same principle applies to furniture, coins and stamps.

You also need to find out the period of time the lighting fixtures exist. Most the of rare lamps, shades, astrals, argands, sinumbras, and chandeliers are made in the 19th century. So, you should start looking for the antiques that are found in this period. I'm saying that lighting that existed after 19th century is not valuable. Determination of the price also depends on other factors apart of the historical age.

When you are starting to collect them, always focus on one light. Let's assume that you are interested in classical lamps. Start collecting them first before you gather other lighting items such as chandeliers or candlebra. Focusing on lamp alone will benefit you because along the way you will learn so much about it such as the valuation and the description.

As a beginner you should also mingle with other experienced collectors. They are the ones who usually have the new items in their inventory. You can consult them for methods on securing new collection. They have the advantage of wide experience who can provide you with valuable tips that you may not get from books. Therefore, start associating with them and you will see that you will own a considerable collection of old lamps or sconces.

Instead of collecting them, you can light your rooms with renovated Victorians, Greek Revivals, Colonial Revivals, Arts and Crafts Bungalows and various other architectural styles. The imagination of what to do with antique lighting is up to you.

Antique Lighting Collector

If you enjoy the sight of rare cranberry lamps, girandoles, or candlelabra and feel like to picking it up as a hobby, then you start by becoming an antique lighting collector. These days, many people have started to collect vintage lights as more homes are built for families. Because of the increasing demand for collectibles, we have seen the myriad reproduction of historical lamps, mini pendants, beaded flush mounts, outdoor lighting fixtures, and post lighting. So, you can why antique lights collecting is so popular.

Some vintage lights collectors begin the hobby for fun while others make profit through buying and selling. Whether you plan to make money or collect them for recreational purpose, you can gain knowledge on how to be a good collector of these rare items.

When you start your collection, you don't need many resources. The amount of money you plan to spend is up to you. Sometimes by looking hard enough you can get a few good and rare lamps for little money. For instance, you can find some good bargains in the garage sales, auctions, and flea market. Nevertheless, the rarer the piece the higher the price you have to pay.

Based on the experience of avid vintage light collectors, they suggest that you learn about the period of times when these lights existed. There are a few ones during the 19th century such as Czech, French, Dutch, Victorian, and Edwardian. Old brands such as Gasolier, Monkey, Pan, Corneilus & Co,, Art Nouveau, and Vaseline should be studied as well. Some uses electric, gas, kerosene for illumination. This information is important before you buy any rare lighting.

Equipped with this data, you will know what kind of collectible lights you want to buy. This will prevent rip off which is a common case when you are ignorant about antique hardware. You will know the estimated value of these old light so that you don't pay more than the market price. Just like stamp and coin collection, the value of the rare lighting depends on the condition of the items, the scarcity and the current market price. You can verify the contemporary values with other collectors. Internet is another resource for checking the price.

This can be an exciting and fun hobby besides studying the times of the 19th century. Make sure you seek for the knowledge on antique lighting if you want be an avid collector. Knowing these rare lighting is important whether you are keeping them for yourself or selling them for profit.