Silver Antiques
Antique Silver Collection
Antique Sterling Silver – Tips For Collectors
By Brandon Hale Portsmouth
Collecting antiques is a very interesting hobby. You get to value the importance of a material because of its beauty, detail, age, and other unique features. It is a symbol of a certain time in the past of the human society. An antique sterling silver is one of the best collections you can have. They are priceless and elegant. As time goes by, the silver sterling value increases.
One of the most leading manufacturers of silver sterling is The Gorham Manufacturing Company. They have been in the industry since 1831 and they were able to hold the title of elegance and good quality of antique sterling silver collectibles. Antique Gorham sterling silver is very hot to collectors. They want to have service pieces because of the unique patterns, the proven quality and most especially the prestigious contribution that Gorham made in the history.
If you are one of those who want to start collecting antique Gorham silver sterling flatware or hollowware then you have to make sure that you got the right item that will suit you. Here are some tips to consider in making good collection choices.
First, you have to choose a style or era. As a collector you need to delve intently on your lifestyle and personal taste. You have to decide if you wish to use a silver sterling item for everyday use or for special occasions alone. As a collector you need to know your specification. There are some that collect according to patterns and some are particular with the era or maker. Other collectors choose to have a specific type of piece like fish forks alone while others are flexible to expand in different options.
Another factor to consider is to risk on mixing and matching patterns. Once you decorate your table with different collection of antique Gorham sterling silver flatware, it will definitely entertain people. This works especially if you have collections of rare items and discontinued flatware patterns.
Once the item has signs of being used, this will not necessarily depreciate its value, but damaged collection may or may not. A slightly damaged rare flatware can still hold on to its value. You have to remember that the price of a tarnished piece must be lower than retail. You have to be careful in buying tarnished pieces online because they have the tendency to hide significant wear, damage, or repair. In selecting your pieces of collection you have to inspect it thoroughly in order to pay a price worth your purchase.
As antique collectors it is vital to check on the old, elaborated monograms that is a symbol of a lost art or a part of history. Remember that monogram doesn't contribute to the value; there are some items without monograms that are more valuable.
Repairing an antique silver sterling item is not a problem. Pieces can also be re-plated. It is actually a good idea to restore rare antique pieces.
Beware of modified items. Purchasing