Vintage finds, rare antiques and collectible items are highly sought-after these days. With all of the mass-produced offerings that we find online and in stores, it’s no wonder why more and more people are on the hunt for something unique. Possessing a vintage or antique item gives us a sense that this item has value and has withstood the test of time. It comes from another moment in history and has seen things that we may have never even imagined. Although the two terms are thrown about interchangeably, there is a significant difference between them. When it comes to antique versus vintage, what’s the difference? As a Southwest Florida consignment store, Chesterdales sees many items pass through its doors. Here’s some help from the pros…

About Antique Items

It’s a general rule that an item is considered to be an antique if it is at least 100 years old. Many antique items hold extreme value and prestige, and can even have some historical significance as well. Antique items can be located in a number of outlets including consignment shops, estate sales and online auctions. They are highly desired, due to their inherent air of luxury and intricate details that you simply can’t find in items manufactured these days. True antique-hunters can discern between a real antique and a fake through knowledge about a particular item or discerning markings. We’ll get into that a bit later.

About Vintage Items

Although all antiques are considered to be vintage, not all vintage items are considered to be antiques. There is a very real difference between the two and it comes down to age. Vintage items are considered to be items that are not quite 100 years old, but are no less than 20 years old. Many collectors consider items that are 50 years and older to be vintage, but truth be told, this varies from collector to collector. The general rule of thumb applies that the item must be at least 20 years old to be a vintage piece.

How to Tell If An Item is Vintage or Antique

This can get a bit tricky and may take some research when you’re shopping for vintage and antique items. Checking for the following can help you tell if an item is of value:

• Special markings

• Lot numbers

• Tags

• Item styles

• Signatures

In identifying a little bit more about an item, you can find out when manufacturing may have ceased on that particular product or who exactly was responsible for creating the item in the first place. Certain table and chair styles can also help you figure out when this style was phased out by something newer. Doing a bit of research about an item in question can help you crack the code on whether or not it is vintage, antique or not worth anything!

The hunt is on for appealing items that have stood the test of our history. The next time you’re shopping around for a vintage find or an antique collectible, remember that with a little digging, you may be able to uncover a hidden gem right in plain sight at your local consignment shop, just like Chesterdales! These rare finds are out there, all you need to do is open your eyes.

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