When people come into the Studio, they often ask, 'Is this an Antique?' This is a great question. Some items may LOOK old and not be Antique. So what is Antique?
Technically speaking, Antique is something is at least 100 years old. There are some exclusions, but very few. This definition was put into place so the customs personnel would know how to tax objects entering the country. Here is a bit of history: the McKinley Tariff Act of 1891, required all foreign-made imports be stamped or labeled in English words with their country of origin. Therefore, imports prior to 1891 would have no label or stamp. Yet paper labels tend deteriorate and fall off. So your beloved lamp your favorite Aunt gave you may not be an Antique even if there is no label or stamp.
Using the 100 year old rule, items made in 1913 or prior would be "Antique" since this is 2013. Every year there are more items entering the Antique category. One day that beloved lamp from your favorite Aunt will be an antique but not today.
The photo is of an Antique American Gothic Revival side board from the mid-1800's. A wonderful piece of American craftsmanship and a true antique.
* Photo taken at Studio 22 Antiques & More on Fairburn *
Look for our next post: Is it Vintage?
