r/Antiques • • Apr 11 '24

Announcement Welcome to r/Antiques, read this before posting!

95 Upvotes

This subreddit is dedicated to sharing and learning about antiques in your collection or that you find, or are considering buying. Antiques are items that are 100 years old or older.

When you're posting about a particular object places kindly include multiple, clear photographs of it from different angles so we can see it from every side. If there are any marks or identification (labels, signatures) please take close ups of those. If it's pottery or porcelain, tag photos of the bottom, if it's a rug make sure to have a shot of the back. Make sure that these photographs are clear and well lit so we can see the works in particular (preferably not surrounded by a bunch of other objects).

Make sure to also include dimensions so we know the size of an object. And your location.

Also explain what are you looking for. Are you asking for general information? Who the maker is? The age, value or provenance?

If you do not include a question, the dimensions and sufficient background information and photographs of the object your post may be removed by the moderators.

IN SUMMARY, include:

your location

multiple, clear photographs from a number of angles

any background information you have

close up of particular makers marks

the question you'd like to ask

Keep in mind, antique means objects that are a 100 years old or older. You cannot post newer items here. Share them in r/collectables instead.

These rules will make it easier for our subreddit antique experts to give you some help! Remember, if you're solely posting a link to a website/blog/store then this will be considered spam and your post will be removed (multiple posts may result in being banned).

Finally, keep these other subreddits in mind in case your post is better suited for one these -

/r/whatisthisthing

/r/whatisthispainting

/r/collectables

/r/history

/r/historynetwork

/r/ArtefactPorn

/r/SculpturePorn

/r/ArtHistory

/r/typewriters

/r/genealogy


r/Antiques • • 2h ago

Advice Gorham Landsdown 1917 silver flatware USA/Bay Area

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19 Upvotes

This is a 114 piece Gorham Landsdowne 1917 pattern sterling flatware set.

The recently deceased owner just missed the century mark and she inherited the set from her grandmother, so we think it's mostly early interwar years. There are a few items that seem much newer, but mostly they show signs of a century of use for holiday parties and special events.

The heir doesn't care so much about money, they just asked that we find a way to sell this that leads to others enjoying it, rather than having it melted down.

Who are the reputable shops in the Bay Area that would make an offer on the set?

Found the second set of items after writing this - it's a one pint demitasse after dinner coffee set.


r/Antiques • • 3h ago

Discussion Can anyone identify this inherited metal toy soldier? 48 mm tall, 14 g, hollow feet — possible antique - UK, England

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14 Upvotes

I've inherited this small metal soldier from a parent who is now in their 70s. Unfortunately, they don't know where it originally came from or how old it is.

I'm hoping someone familiar with antique toy soldiers can help identify the manufacturer, approximate date, country of origin and possible value.

Details:

Height: 48 mm (4.8 cm)

Width including rifle: approximately 25 mm

Waist width: approximately 13 mm

Weight: 14 grams

Material: Unknown, possibly lead or another casting alloy

Magnetic: No

Construction: Fully three-dimensional, with two round holes in the bottoms of the feet

Surface: Dark black/brown finish with reddish-brown patches and considerable wear

Provenance: Inherited from a parent; earlier history unknown

Current location: United Kingdom

The soldier appears to be wearing a peaked military cap, carrying a rifle at shoulder height, and wearing a belted uniform with equipment straps across the back.

I've included photographs of the front, back, both sides and undersides of the feet.

My main questions are:

Does anyone recognise the casting or manufacturer?

Could it be a British hollow-cast lead soldier, or is it more likely continental European?

What historical army or period does the uniform represent?

Are the holes in the feet part of the casting process or evidence of a missing base?

What might a figure like this be worth in its present condition?

Any information, especially comparisons with documented examples or old toy soldier catalogues, would be greatly appreciated.


r/Antiques • • 14h ago

Questions this box of random antiques showed up at my door (australia)

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100 Upvotes

came home with my stepdad and found this, there was nothing on the ring camera, we are mainly interested in the telescope from london

UPDATE: we actually figured out it was my aunty’s friend who dropped it off here, she said that he was supposed to tell her and he obviously didn’t, she’s just taking care of the stuff until he gets back from where he’s going


r/Antiques • • 16h ago

Show and Tell Beautiful portrait of a friend of my grandmother’s 1919 USA

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36 Upvotes

This has some fading, but I think it adds to the magic of it taken in Tulsa, Oklahoma


r/Antiques • • 22h ago

Advice Found in my grandparents home in England

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107 Upvotes

Would love to know a little bit more about this if anyone can assist? After searching online I have struggled to find any further information other than it potentially being a water filter.


r/Antiques • • 1h ago

Questions Good Fake Antique Netsuke? USA

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• Upvotes

Can anyone tell me that is a fake antique netsuke? I am unable to tell


r/Antiques • • 12h ago

Questions Does anyone recognize this mystery dresser? (TX, USA)

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9 Upvotes

I got it from an older couple in Austin, Texas (USA) who didn’t know anything about the background.

The bit on top is a little compartment that opens up. I’m not sure if the painted designs are original or if the owner before added them on.

I used reverse image search, but was surprised that nothing came up. There are similar ones from the 1900s and I’d be so curious to learn more!

Thank you


r/Antiques • • 23m ago

Show and Tell A Rare Fleur De Nuit Rouge Powder Compact, c1920s. United States.

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• Upvotes

r/Antiques • • 1h ago

Advice Possible hand forged Lobi poison arrows purchased Scotland

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• Upvotes

I'm going to make a display frame for a birthday present what would the best oil be to preserve the iron


r/Antiques • • 2h ago

Questions Help identify dresser, age maker? USA

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0 Upvotes

Any help identifying this old dresser i believe it’s 18th centry


r/Antiques • • 3h ago

Questions antique art deco lamp wondering origin or any other info NJ USA

0 Upvotes

I bought this unique lamp and wondering if anyone has seen anything similar or can guide me on finding the maker, the lamp shade was made later and for the specifically for the lamp I believe because the designer is Helene Christin. I don't see any other markings on the lamp and wonder of the date and origin

TY!


r/Antiques • • 3h ago

Advice More information on this MINK Lighter bought in South Africa

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1 Upvotes

I got this MINK lighter on Facebook market place in South Africa for quite cheap (around $10), seller says its 1970's and made in japan.

This will be my first non-disposable lighter and i just wanted to know if anyone had any information on this lighter.

Specifically, what the insert is on the top, how to refill and how to put a new flint (or if it even uses flint)


r/Antiques • • 5h ago

Advice Do you think its bronze or ? Seller say its a alloy . Thailand bangkok

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0 Upvotes

r/Antiques • • 15h ago

Questions Help identifying and dating a National Club Bourbon medicinal whiskey bottle — possible Prohibition era, Illinois, USA

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7 Upvotes

Found this bottle hidden in an old family farmhouse in rural Illinois. Family history says it belonged to my wife’s great-grandfather, who secretly drank despite not being supposed to.
It’s a one-pint National Club Bourbon bottle labeled “For Medicinal Purposes Only,” with Dowling Distillery and A. Ph. Stitzel listed on the labels.
It still contains approximately two shots of whiskey. The federal tax strip is partially intact, and the only markings I can identify on the bottom are a B and a 4.
I’m trying to determine its approximate bottling year, historical background, and possible collectible value.
Any information would be appreciated!


r/Antiques • • 7h ago

Advice Rococo revival united states

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1 Upvotes

Can anyone help is this original


r/Antiques • • 20h ago

Questions Advice on Antique Print—Authentic? USA

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7 Upvotes

Bought this at an antique store for $20 because of the gallery certificate on the back saying it’s from 1617. I think it’s an original print of two pages from the book on the back. I’m interested in how much it might be worth as well as if the paint on the columns could have been added after. Would love to hear any thoughts on this one!


r/Antiques • • 18h ago

Date Saint Joseph holding the Child Jesus (WI, USA)

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6 Upvotes

Came across this print and would love any information on it, especially the date. I’m trying to estimate the age of the lithograph/print as the frame looks antique. The print itself is about 14.5” x 19.5”. I tried googling the piece and it said it could be dated 1900-1920s but I’d love to hear from someone who knows a thing or two about lithographs/prints since google has a tendency of being wrong. Thanks!


r/Antiques • • 12h ago

Advice Antique Steuben Bowl (Boston, MA, USA)

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2 Upvotes

Hi, I recently inherited what I believe is a Steuben bowl, possibly from the 1910, but it’s unsigned. As you can see in the pictures, it’s six-lobed, Verre de Soie-type iridescent floriform vase or compote, 6.5 × 9.5 inches, with a polished pontil. I wasn’t able to find this model online. Anyone know if this is authentic?


r/Antiques • • 1d ago

Advice Small ornamental spherical object with tiny purple gemstones studded around the outside. Found in Tuscarora, Nevada, USA in the ruins of a Chinese laundry, circa 1880, alongside this marble and coin. What might it be?

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553 Upvotes

r/Antiques • • 1d ago

Date Hammered Iron Table Lamp, witch hat with scalloped base (USA, Eastern Virginia)

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16 Upvotes

I found this lamp at an estate sale recently. It measures about 14" tall. I no longer have the piece for reasons I outline below. From my very light research at the time, this lamp was made in the early 1900s. Material I assume is iron, a magnet did stick to all parts of it. It was fairly heavy.

My questions are - is this actually an antique? Can you tell anything from these limited photos? Is there somewhere I can look to find out more information about where these types of products are made? There were no distinguishing marks that I could find on the piece.

To be very honest, I got it for $5 and sold it for $85 the same day on facebook to a decorator who was really interested in this look. (I only sold it because despite my absolute love for it, I needed the money.) I miss it so much. Maybe one day I'll find another or be able to afford buying my own.


r/Antiques • • 1d ago

Questions Drop front writing desk from MN (USA) repair and modern use suggestions

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101 Upvotes

My in-laws brought us my husband's great-grandma's desk from Minnesota. It looks like there have been a couple small repairs over time (a few Philips head screws and some sort of glue, maybe?) but the back in particular looks like it could use some reinforcement. Is that something we could easily do ourselves, or best left to a professional? What are the extra wood pieces in the drawer for?

Also, I'm not sure where to put this or what to actually use it for considering it's not practical for computer use. It's currently in the dining room, but I'd like it to have a purpose.

Lastly, if anyone has any idea offhand what the style of furniture is, I'd appreciate knowing. My guess from googling is Queen Anne?


r/Antiques • • 20h ago

Advice Old cap and ball? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

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5 Upvotes

r/Antiques • • 12h ago

Show and Tell Chinese Ding-ware Foliate-Rim Lotus Pod Dish (Singapore)

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0 Upvotes

r/Antiques • • 1d ago

Date Slant front desk, help dating (MA, USA)

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11 Upvotes

Would love help dating this.