Ontique

• ISBN13: 9781561584024
• Condition: USED – GOOD
• Notes:

Product DescriptionThe Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction is the ultimate reference work — a graphic, step-by-step presentation of basic furniture-construction techniques. Expert woodworker Andy Rae brings organization, enthusiasm, and more than 20 years’ experience to this essential book. Readers will acquire a working knowledge of woodworking materials, a higher level of control over their work and tools, and an understanding of basic design principles. . . More >>

The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction

Product DescriptionTired of overpriced, poorly made sex toys? Can your wallet not keep up with your desires? The Better Built Bondage Book is the only guide you’ll ever need to create high-quality sex toys yourself. You’ll learn how to make toys by following easy-to-understand directions that let you succeed the first time. And all toys use only easy-to-find parts. If you can tie a knot, you can already make many of the 100+ toys. But not all the toys are basic! From simple designs . . . More >>

The Better Built Bondage Book: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Sex Toys, Furniture and BDSM Equipment

In this episode Mark takes us through the 19th C. Victorian era, and some of the important furniture makers, styles, and pieces of the period. Witness the finest antiques available including antique desk ensembles, chandeliers, art case pianos, Turkish rocking chairs, and more… Antiquarian Traders has been in business collecting antiques for over 30 years, and has a profound knowledge of quality and style. Whether you just have an interest in antiques, or even the serious collector, the …

Antique books are a fascinating glimpse into world history and the people who once made that history. Antique book collecting can be a guessing game sometimes since the actual age of the book may have nothing at all to do with the appraised value. We’ve all heard about that person who found an antique in a dusty corner of their attic, and it was appraised for a whopping sum of money. Books especially may be found just about anywhere because they are and were usually fairly portable and small.

The Skinny on Antique Books

Probably the most important factor when determining the value of an old book is its condition. It is very rare to find a really old book in great condition simply because of how long it has been around. Pages are often dog-eared, missing or may have writing on them. The binding may be loose or the covers may be damaged. All of these contribute to the book’s overall value.

The overall availability of an antique book may add to its value, especially if the book is in demand. However, even if a book is rare, it may not be in demand by book collectors. Sometimes it can almost feel like a guessing game trying to figure out if the book you have is old, rare or collectible.

A first edition is often considered the rarest of a book’s printing runs. The term first edition can often be used in odd ways and can often confuse a person who is interested in antique books. Most books only ever have a first edition, so you will usually want to have an expert take a look at your book to determine its value.

Often people will assume that because a book is signed by the author it is more valuable. In the 20th century, book signings have been a quite common occurrence, so signed books are not that rare overall. However, generally speaking, a signed book is somewhat more valuable than its unsigned counterpart. Then again, a lot of this will also depend on the demand that is current in the antique book-buying market.

Antique books can be a wonderful item to collect. The overall interest in antique books is fairly steady, so if you are interested in the world of antique books, information is easy to find. There are also book collecting societies that try and help their members become more adept at book collecting. So, look around, you just may find an antique book lurking in a dusty corner.

Fireplace screens add charm and elegance to any fireplace. The room appears cozy and comfortable with a fire lit in the fireplace and the glow reflecting from behind the fireplace screens. Fireplace screens have long been in use and were earlier made from metals and even glass.
Why fireplace screens are needed?
Although a fireplace is constructed in such a way that a fire is contained within it, sometimes flames and fire embers may fly across the room. This can injure someone sitting close to the hearth or seated very near to the fireplace. A fireplace screen prevents such disasters and at the same time keeps the soot or ash from spilling out of the fireplace and into the room. This is especially important if the room is not large enough or has a window or door that may bring in a sudden gust of wind.
Antique metal fireplace screens
Fireplace screens with metal mesh and art forms created in metal work make the fireplace screen come alive. Different animals such as deer or birds are depicted in the metal work. You can light a crackling fire and then sit back and enjoy the different forms in the flickering flames. Adding a grace and charm to your room like nothing else can, these antique fireplace screens are a must for any fireplace. Antique fireplace screens inspired by Victorian fireplace screens have beautiful depictions of village scenery on the metal meshes.
Some beautiful features
Most antique fireplace screens have handsome scrollwork and mesh panels. This is available in brass screen panels. Fireplace screens have also been made of other metals such as copper, wrought iron and iron. At times, handcrafted and polished, these fireplace screens depict rural life and the amazing creative knowledge of our elders. Some antique fireplace screens are also known to be foldable and have two, three or four folds depending upon the width of the fireplace and that of the fireplace screen used.
Antique fireplace screens in modern times
It may be difficult to find exact reproductions or replica of antique fireplace screens. But many stores and suppliers can find you sturdy metal fireplace screens with an antique metal polish. This is the best way of combining the traditional with the modern to suit the changing times.

Kovel’s Guide to Selling Your Antiques and Collectibles

• Creative Homeowner Press #287755 Stairs/Railings Book
• CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS

Product DescriptionThis Quick Guide shows readers how to design and build all kinds of staircases and railings for their home. The most essential information readers need to successfully handle each task is packed into this concise construction manual. Over 190 detailed drawings clearly illustrate the step-by-step instruction, which has been written with the do-it-yourselfer in mind. With the help of this Quick Guide, readers can add value to their home while enjoying the greatest . . . More >>

Quick Guide: Stairs & Railings: Step-by-Step Construction Methods

Repairing Antique Clocks: A Guide for Amateurs

Antique jewelry has never been out of fashion – another example of changing things always remaining the same. Vintage jewelry can be ornate, sentimental, classy, and at the same time, chic. For those who want to stand out and be noticed without going over the top with fancy accessories, here’s your chance to do just that. Try Vintage jewelry – they stand out for their elegant designs, skilled craftsmanship, and for their value. Express Your Sentiments Vintage jewelry stands for another era – a time of innocent sentiments and tender romance. Vintage jewelry, almost a hundred years after the reign of Queen Victoria ended, remains popular for their old world charm. Antique jewelry is one way to express your true feelings; whether you wear a piece of Vintage jewelry with the word “Dear” etched on it, or you gift someone close to you a ring with ‘”True regards” embellished on it with rubies or diamonds. Gorgeous Designs Vintage jewelry can be as extravagant as it can be subdued. A little gilt edged work, a small diamond or pearl, and you have a dazzling hairpin which can set off your dress to an advantage without looking out of place. Try an old-fashioned brooch inlaid with mother of pearl or enamel if you cannot afford more expensive antique jewelry. Look for maidenly pinks, bold reds, royal mauves, prim blues, and pristine whites to go with your moods and dresses. Rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, pendants, pins, tiaras, even cuffs and rings for men – there is no lack of choices when it comes to Vintage jewelry. If you cannot afford antique jewelry, go for imitation or Victorian inspired pieces. The designs are based on the originals, the workmanship and materials used are similar, only the date of manufacturing has been moved 100 years forward. These modern pieces, created by well-known jewelry houses seeking to cash in on the demand for all things old, are affordable are guarantee quality.

When a novice enters the exciting realm of antiques, the experience can be just as intimidating as it is stimulating. You can read book after book about spotting the best deals at yard sales, negotiating for the best prices from dealers, or for a higher price with a buyer. Even after studying the subject at length you still may not feel you’re prepared to scour the market place for valuable antiques. And the truth of the matter is that online auctions can complicate it even more. Even the most experienced antique dealer will return to the basics when yard sailing or bidding at auctions. Examine the item and look for the following to determine a fair price. Age: The general rule of thumb is that an item needs at least 100 years old before it can be considered an antique. Hallmarks or manufacturers labels are always helpful, as well older auction or dealer tags. Any kind of documentation establishes the age carries value to the antique. Condition: The condition of an antique is EVERYTHING! Try to determine how closely it resembles the original manufactured product. Short of mint condition, it is of great importance to closely examine every inch and every surface to find any flaws or issues, making sure to jot down all of your impressions. For example, if the drawers of a desk were repaired or replaced, it detracts from the original condition. If porcelain or fine china has a repair, or a hairline crack or a chip, the value will be seriously diminished. If the wiring or any mechanical aspects are replaced on a mechanical antique it puts a dent in the value. Quality: The quality of an item refers to how well it was originally made. This might refer to the type of material used or the way the piece was manufactured. It might refer to the construction or the decoration of an item. Higher quality antiques are generally worth more…but lower quality antiques also possess an intrinsic charm of their own. Never pass up an item without careful examination and thorough research. One mans garbage is another mans treasure, IMHO. Rarity: This boils down to the simple law of supply and demand. For example, if a popular book had 4000 copies made on the first printing, those copies would be worth less than a popular book with only 1000 copies from the first printing. Using something mass produced isn’t really the best example, however. Due to it’s uniqueness and rarity, a one-of-a-kind object will always be more valuable. Provenance: Provenance is the documented history of an item. When the provenance of an antique crosses with historically significant events or people, it turns an otherwise nice antique into a priceless piece of history. The more documentation you can find, and the more significant the history,the more valuable the antique. Patina: Patina is the wear and tear to the finish, plus any nicks, chips, and/or other signs of use in an antique. Generally speaking, the less patina, the more valuable the antique. There are cases where patina adds charm, so don’t panic. An antique over a hundred years old is bound to have some issues no matter how slight. The question is whether or not it adds character to the piece or makes it look worn. Original Finish: Original finish (paint, enamel, varnish, veneer or whatever protective coating the manufacturer used at the time it was made) is always more valuable than something refinished. Finding the right price for an antique can be difficult because there’s often nothing to which you can compare the piece…especially when something is extremely rare or has interesting provenance. If you have serious doubts about something as an investment, contact someone more knowledgeable than yourself. It might be a good idea to develop a relationship with a reputable local dealer, or better yet, an appraiser at Sotheby’s or Christies (if at all possible). One technique I often use with collectibles is to do an ebay search, which at the very least will give you an idea as to how saturated the market may be for a particular item. As you learn more about antiques, the risks will shrink, and your rewards will grow!