Popular TV shows such as Antiques Road Show and American Pickers have made hunting for valuable “old stuff” become very popular in recent years.
Antique “hunting” season is now upon us and here in the local area we are very lucky to have many antique shops, malls and shows.
There are over 20 antique shops in the surrounding area, including two of America’s largest antique malls. Many area antique shows occur annually including two major national antique shows in nearby Springfield.
If fact, Springfield is now actually considered by many as the “Antique Capital of the Midwest.” Another popular event is the Urbana Antique Show and Flea Market held monthly at the Champaign County Fairgrounds.
There are also great antique hunting opportunities and shops in Urbana, Mechanicsburg, Mutual, and the Indian Lake area.
With such local fertile ground to explore for hidden treasures, it is important to know what you are looking for and paying for.
Shopping for antiques and collectibles can be exciting. The thrill of the hunt and the discovery of hidden treasures can get the adrenaline pumping. That first first big “find” will get you hooked for life.
When shopping for antiques, it’s important to learn some of the basics so you know what you are actually buying.
It’s been said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. But when it comes to antiques you don’t want an imitation, you want the real thing.
What exactly is an antique? By law, an antique is an item that’s at least 100 years old. A “collectible” is just about anything that people collect. A “reproduction” (repo) is an item created to look like an original but has no value in the antiques world.
Don’t let the excitement of the “thrill of the hunt” overrule common sense. If the price seems to good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so whether it’s an antique you are looking for, or a collectible or even an affordable reproduction, just be sure to do your homework and know what you are paying for.
