6 Lessons Learned from the "Antique Roadshow"

Are you are fan of the "Antique Roadshow"? Here are 6 lessons you can learn from watching.

1. Always get an expert opinion before you have anything refurbished.

There have been many people who have devalued their antiques simply by having their repaired or restored improperly. It isn't always a wise idea to have an item refurbished unless you have it professionally appraised first. Once you have it on good authority that you should have your piece repaired, restored, or refurbished, you will then need to do additional research in order to ensure that you only deal with a reputable restorer. A bad restoration can ruin a piece, even if it should be stored.

2. Be careful selling antiques at a garage sale or tag sale.

People don't always realize exactly what they have. On just about every episode of "Antique Roadshow" there is a story of someone picking up an item at a garage sale or a tag sale for a mere dollar or two only to discover that the item is really worth thousands of dollars. In other words, when you do have a garage sale or tag sale that includes antiques, be sure to do your research first. You don't want to later discover that you sold an item for much less than its true worth.

3. Save original boxes.

The experts on the "Antique Roadshow" are always excited to see items in their original boxes. The lesson? Always save original boxes if you are intending to preserve an item for resale value. If you look at the boxes from earlier eras, the box really does add to the item's character, and can give you a sense of the time period.

4. Store valuable items properly.

It is almost mind-boggling how some items valued at tens of thousands of dollars were stored until the people possessing the items realize just how valuable the items are. They've been stored in wet basements unprotected, thrown out, and worse.

If nothing else, the "Antique Roadshow" teaches us all that we need to store our valued possessions properly. You need to know the value of your antiques. If you don't know, treat it as if it is very valuable.

5. Know how valuable your property is.

Not only is it important to know how valuable your property is simply for piece of mind, you need to know for insurance purposes. In addition, it will help you develop a better eye for valuable pieces. You will better be able to assess the true value of items you come across.

6. There are a lot of things to consider when assessing the value of an item.

Just about anything can change the value of an item. Is the item rare? Is it marked? Is it signed? The list of questions can be endless. However, as a rule, the more rare the item and the less wear and tear, the more valuable an item. As always, a little research goes a long way.

If you are truly interested in antiques, the "Antiques Roadshow" is a great place to start.