The Antique Collector’s Tool Kit

Just 4 little things are essential to help you authenticate vintage and antiques!

Sometimes our senses are not adequate to determine what a curio is, its date, or what it is made of, so we need the right tools to use when examining it. I recommend keeping a tool kit with you when you go hunting and at home where you research your finds.

Here’s what’s in my tool kit:

 

A Loupe

This is an intense magnifier. It allows you to see details on art, ceramics, works on paper, and jewelry. A loupe is key when distinguishing giclées from paintings and between types of prints. See this post about identifying prints.

You must hold the loupe close to the object you are examining and put your eye right up against the lens.

A Magnet

These are very useful in identifying types of metals. For instance, solid brass is not magnetic, so you can test easily for brass by seeing if your magnet sticks to an item. 14k gold is also not magnetic nor is sterling silver.

A Measuring Tape

This tool is key to ensuring you don’t buy something too big or too small for your space, but it will also help in authentication. When checking authenticity you can compare sizes to known authentic works this is particularly important with high end art prints.

A Black Light

A black light is really useful when examining an antique or work of art for repairs. Usually, under the black light you will be able to detect the surface variation and repaired area.

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Put all of these antique collector’s tools in a little zip bag to carry with you in your car or handbag, so you have them handy when out hunting! If you need further help authenticating an antique find, be sure you’ve got my Grandmillennial’s Pocket Guide to Chic Antiques downloaded on your phone!