Any antique buffs here? If so, what happened?

[Orchidflower]

I have a bunch of old books starting with 1878-1934, and nobody will buy them unless they are in perfect condition; and, let's fact it, how many old books like that are in mint condition.
Same thing the antique and art dealers tell me: during this Recession, antiques have to be in mint condition to bring any money.
When times are good, buyers aren't so picky as now. If you have anything and don't desperately need the money, I'd hang on to it until this market turns around, frankly.
However, if I can get an old brass bed frame during these down times I'm grabbing it. I always wanted an old brass bed, so I can feel like I'm one of the saloon girls in the old cowboy days. You can call me Miss Orchidflower if you want then....

[Brat]

Orchidflower, just watch Craigslist and one will show up.

[Westernskies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever Five or six years ago DH's family had his mom's possessions appraised (many bonafide antiques) and DH and his siblings decided who wanted what, with the appraisal counted against their share of the trust. (DH's mom is still with us and most of the possessions are in her house, even though she is in a nursing home.) Today, the kids have mostly decided they don't want most of the antiques after all. And the old appraisals are way inflated vs. what the stuff is worth today. I foresee some fun fights ahead when the person who got charged with the vintage sidebar at $3,000 wants it reduced to $1,000. But I remember Swedish modern in the fifties and sixties. So maybe antiques will come back again. If Pottery Barn can make off them

Send everything to auction (net proceeds split equally) and let the relatives bid on what they want- that way no one can argue about true market value. Might change a few perceptions about who really wants what and what things are worth...