Guides

28 guides from Antique Identifier.

• Antique era identification by photo

  Use photos to estimate the era of furniture, glass, ceramics and metalwork by photographing construction, marks and wear. This page gives practical, repeatable steps to get useful images and interpret the most reliable visual clues.

• Best Antique Identifier Apps: 6 Compared

  We put our own app, Antiqa, side by side with five of the most popular antique identifier apps on the App Store, and compared them on what matters once you are holding a piece you cannot place: how much the answer tells you, what it says about value, and what happens to your finds afterwards.

• How old is this piece of furniture by photo

  Step-by-step techniques for estimating a piece of furniture's age from photos, what to photograph, and where to look next.

• How to check if a silver coin is genuine

  This guide shows practical, step-by-step checks you can do at home and with a professional to determine whether a silver coin is genuine. It covers simple physical tests, visual inspection, imaging and when to seek an appraiser.

• How to estimate antique furniture value

  Step-by-step guidance to estimate the fair market value of antique furniture. Learn how to examine age, construction, marks, and comparables, and how to document pieces with photos for further research.

• How to Identify a Coin by Its Mint Mark

  A mint mark is a small letter or symbol on a coin that tells where the coin was struck. This page shows practical steps to find the mint mark, check what it means, and confirm identity with photos or a scanner.

• How to identify a painting signature by image search

  Step-by-step methods for photographing a signature, running useful image searches, and checking visual clues so you can identify a painting signature with minimal tools.

• How to identify a pontil mark on antique glass value

  This guide explains how to recognize a pontil mark on blown glass, how to document it with clear photos, and what that mark can indicate about age and collectible value.

• How to identify a silver hallmark by its shape

  Identify a silver hallmark by its shape by inspecting the outline, photographing it, and comparing that image to reference examples. This page gives a clear, step-by-step approach you can use with a snap or a scan.

• How to identify an antique clock value

  Follow these clear steps to examine a clock, locate maker marks, document condition and compare comparable sales so you can estimate its collectible value before seeking a professional opinion.

• How to identify antique bottle value by colour

  Colour is one of the first clues for identifying an antique bottle and estimating its value. This guide shows which colours matter, what to look for in the glass and mouth, and how to document bottles with photos and scans for a clearer assessment.

• How to identify antique china patterns by photo

  Photographing an unknown plate or teacup can let you identify the pattern and learn its background. This guide shows step-by-step how to take useful images, find marks, run visual searches, and decide when to consult an expert.

• How to identify antique furniture joints and value

  Learn practical steps to inspect joints, document condition, and form a reasoned estimate of value. This guide explains visible joint types, what they imply about age and construction, and how to present findings to an appraiser or buyer.

• How to identify antique glass value

  This page shows clear, practical steps to identify and estimate the value of antique glass. You will learn what physical clues to inspect, how to document the piece with photos and a coin for scale, and when to get a catalog search or an appraiser involved.

• How to identify antique silver plate versus sterling

  Practical checks and simple tests you can do at home to tell plated silver from sterling: look for hallmarks, watch for wear, use a magnet carefully, and know when to call an appraiser.

• How to identify Art Deco style furniture

  This guide shows clear, practical steps to recognize Art Deco furniture and confirm authenticity with photographs, marks and simple tests. Use the checking order here before you consult a professional.

• How to identify pottery marks by photo

  Clear photos are the fastest way to identify pottery marks. This guide explains how to capture a useful image, add scale, search references, and when to consult an appraiser or specialist.

• How to identify vintage jewelry hallmarks

  A clear method makes hallmarks readable and researchable: inspect under magnification, photograph the mark, then compare it to reference sources and, if needed, consult a pro. This guide shows step-by-step how to read, document, and verify vintage jewelry hallmarks.

• How to read British silver hallmarks

  This guide shows practical steps to identify British silver hallmarks from a photo or scan. It explains common symbols, how to capture a clear image, and when to consult a specialist for collectibles or art.

• How to search antique maker marks

  A practical step-by-step guide to photographing, identifying and researching maker marks so you can understand an item's origin and likely value.

• How to Spot Fake Silver Collectibles

  This guide explains practical, low-risk checks you can do at home and when to get professional help to determine whether a silver collectible is genuine.

• How to spot reproduction fine art prints

  A short, practical guide to tell original paintings and limited prints from later reproductions. Giclée denotes high-quality inkjet print and the checks below show what to look for when you snap a picture, scan an image, or inspect the physical item.

• How to store vintage collectibles long term

  Long-term care for collectibles starts with cleaning, proper packing materials, stable storage conditions, and a clear inventory. This guide explains how to prepare items, choose safe materials, and document your collection so items keep condition and provenance over time.

• How to tell if a coin is silver

  Practical steps to check whether a coin is silver: visual inspection, simple non‑destructive tests, and when to send images to an expert for confirmation. Follow these concrete checks before deciding on value or seeking an appraisal. US dimes pre-1965: 90% silver. Ring test: high-pitched tone.

• What does 925 mean on silver jewelry

  Seeing 925 stamped on a ring, necklace or bracelet tells you about the metal it’s made from: it is sterling silver with a specific alloyed composition. The mark indicates 92.5% silver content and the Remainder usually copper, a combination chosen to balance purity and strength.

• What does “sterling” mean on silver

  Sterling on a piece of silver is a mark about metal content and expected quality. This page explains what the mark means, where to look for it, how it affects handling and value, and safe steps to confirm a piece without damage.

• what is the value of antique brass candlesticks

  Antique brass candlesticks are judged by material, age, maker and condition. Brass: copper and zinc alloy is the basic composition to check, and many desirable forms come from the Victorian period: 1837 to 1901. Read the steps below to assess a candlestick's collectible value and to prepare clear photos and notes for research or an appraisal.

• When to Use an Appraiser for Antique Value

  Use an appraiser when you need a reliable, documented value for an antique or collectible. This guide explains the common situations that require an appraiser, what an appraiser does, how to prepare items, and how to choose a qualified appraiser.