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Terms for collectors

What's the difference between an antique and a collectible? The owner said it was in MINT condition, what is mint anyway? Do all the terms some owners and dealers throw around to impress you about an items worth and desirability get you confused. Here's a handy reference guide with terms you'll encounter when shopping at antique stores and malls, even with private owners and collectors.

Age

• Antiquities: Prehistoric artifacts

• Antiques: More than 100 years old

• Vintage: Approximately 50 - 100 years old

• Collectibles: less than 50, fairly recent, memorabilia, nostalgic

• Pre-collectable: hot new item, i.e. Pokemon, Harry Potter, etc.

How can you determine the actual age? If you are purchasing from the original owner you trust what they report the age to be. If there is no manufacture date on the item you can check for similar items in reference books  found at your local library. You may also want to check with a local antique dealer or appraiser. If the item has a patent number listed you can get a general idea or it's age by the number. The table below shows patent numbers assigned during the years listed.

Descriptions

• MINT IN BOX (MIB): Like you brought it home from the store today and the seal hasn't been broken yet. There are no flaws, includes all original packaging and papers. An item MIB should command top dollar, more than published prices.

• MINT: The item should be flawless but the packaging/box may be worn, coming apart or missing altogether. You should expect to pay top dollar non-the-less.

• NEW IN BOX (NIB): These items may never have been used but have been handled or stored in such a way that the box had become dirty or damaged. The item itself has been handled, but is clean and is perfect working order/condition.

• EXCELLENT: Used, but like new condition. It may have some dust and fingerprints but is scratch/crack free and in great displayable/useable shape.

• VERY GOOD: Shows signs of wear, discoloration or minor scratches and flaws. You can still display it with pride.

• FAIR/WORN: May have major flaws, scratches, rust; but could be repaired or restored. Buy it if it's something you really want, sell when another item like it can be found in better condition.

Conditions

• Restored: Item has been brought to like new condition using original parts possibly from another item from the same period. Proper restoration can add significant value to an item.

• Repaired: The item have been fixed with replacement parts that may be new and not original. There may have been work done that included gluing, nailing or other work to repair the item. Mechanical or electric devices may have been modified so that they work better. Be sure to ask about modifications, they can and do lower values.

• Refinished: Hopefully when the owner say's a piece of furniture has been "refinished" it has only been properly cleaned and not stripped of it's original finish. Ask exactly what has been done to the item, what kinds of cleaners and polishes have been used. Most collectors prefer that furniture have it's original finish. 

• Refurbished: This is an item that may have non-original hardware or parts from a different but similar item added to make it complete. Look the item over carefully. If parts look mismatched and don't fit properly or if you see color variations in the finish you may have found something that you don't really want.

When purchasing antiques, collectibles and memorabilia over the internet, i.e. eBay, Yahoo, and Amazon Auctions; you are totally at the mercy of the seller. You can't hold, touch and inspect the item first hand. You have to rely on a picture (hopefully one in focus that shows good detail) and the description of the item in the auction. Most sellers do an excellent job describing their items. If you are uncomfortable with an item description, email the seller for more information. Also check the sellers feedback before bidding. Don't place the winning bid and then be upset because the item doesn't match auction description and you didn't ask questions first.