Antiques - When Is An Object Considered An Antique And Not A Collectible?

It has always been a puzzle to me when an object, somewhat aged, can be termed an antique.
Must it be really very old- perhaps in excess of 100 years to be called an antique? Or just when can we call an object an antique?

After all, we very loosely use the term antique for any object that has lived past its popularity. A lady's coach handbag that was in vogue in summer, is now called an antique in winter!

In the days of the British Empire where the British had their conquests in far away worlds and colonised many territories, they left behind many legacies of worth. British systems of government, british designs and most of all british products and goods which now can rightly be called antiques and their systems "antiquated" at this time. Thus when I discovered a really old looking lock with the logo of the maker stamped onto it and marked "Warranted Best English Made" and " Warranted Secure" amongst some old belongings inherited from my deceased father who lived through the colonial period, I thought the lock must really be an antique.
So when is an antique really an antique?

The definition of antique varies from location to location, product to product and year to year.
In any case, universal common definitions of antiques adopted worldwide consider an item which is at least 75 years old and has unique features to enable it to be collected or kept as desirable due to it being rare, or useful is considered an antique.

Generally, cars are considered antiques in the U.S. if they are older than 25 years. In Kansas, however, I learnt that cars are eligible for an antique tag after 30 years. Guitars are only considered vintage if they were made before 1972.

In the UK anything over 75 years old generally qualifies as an antique. A car is known as a collectible "classic" rather than an antique after 25 years.

There is an understood line between antiques and collectibles in the United States as well. An item is tagged as an antique by most reliable commercial antique dealers if it is more than 100 years old, even though the universal common understanding is 75 years, and anything less than 100 years is called a collectible.

It is not always the antiques that carries a higher price tag. Collectibles can be worth many times that of an antique. It all depends on the eyes of the beholder.

Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner. For more interesting details about antiques, and how to buy and sell antiques and collectibles, visit his website on Antique Resources at http://antique-classics.revenuemonitor.biz

Rustic Furniture: The Heart of America

Rustic furniture is known for its simplistic beauty. Created from wood that is unfinished or that has a rough finish, rustic furniture is treasured by those who love a "country" theme. Rustic furniture includes beautiful pine log cabins as well as the "rustic style" furniture that graces many homes, hotels, and cabins today.

Whether it is a log cabin that is nestled in the heart of the Carolinas, or a beautiful sculptured and reworked piece of rustic barn furniture, this style appeals to those who love the wholesome beauty of nature, country, and desire to surround themselves with these pieces. Nothing says America better than beautiful handmade rustic furniture and its popularity is vast. Many modern homes have come to include some rustic elements to their decorating scheme as well as those who wouldn’t trade one step of a rustic staircase for an entire home furnished with contemporary décor. Maybe the allure rests in the fact that long before the building materials that we frequently use today, existed, many homes and furniture pieces were hand carved from beautiful wood logs. Every inch of a detailed chair, railing, bureau, or bed frame was expertly crafted with simple materials, but with such detail that the beauty was evident to all.

Today, rustic furniture still holds that appeal. From log cabins to meticulously carved furniture pieces, rustic reminds us of the heart of America.

Rustic Furniture: The Combination of Form and Function

Rustic furniture reminds us of the pioneering spirit that first created these beautiful pieces. Combining both form and function, not only is rustic furniture cherished for its natural charm, but also for it’s ability to create beautiful form and functional furniture with primitive methods, tools, and materials. Today's rustic furniture may keep to the patterns of building techniques used in the past, or it may be enhanced by using some of today’s more modern styling. The choice is yours. You can choose for very simple hand crafted rustic furniture pieces, or items that have been adorned with more modern tools, hardware, and finishes.

Rustic Furniture and Decorating Themes

The beauty of rustic furniture is far reaching, and this style is appropriate for many different themes. For example, when decorating with a country and western style, rustic furniture is essential. You can use any Native American or Country Western piece and anything that is classified as rustic furniture will enhance and compliment your decorating theme. Another great alternative is that when choosing rustic furniture and themes, you don’t have to commit your entire house to a rustic look. You can add a few pieces here and there, or even choose to decorate a room or two with a rustic theme. Since the rustic look combines the beauty of wood, you can accentuate many pieces such as mirrors, bookcases, and tables with rustic charm and grace simply by adding accessories such as flowers, twigs, and other natural items.

The rustic look is a perfect choice when opting to decorate an outside patio or lanai. No matter where you choose to showcase your rustic furniture, you will love the country look and grace of your newly decorated room.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.
If you are interested in learning more about country home decor then you will definitely want to drop by Rustic Adornments.com, a resource that offers tips and advice pertaining to owning and decorating your very own rustic home.