To many, the word antique simply means old. Antique experts, however, define the word in a more narrow sense. To them, a true antique must be over 100 years old with certain desirable characteristics such as beauty, rarity or artistry. Other indicators include ornamentation, usefulness, place of origin or just personal preference.
The number and kinds of items identified as antiques stagger the mind. Collections involve things from A to Z, such as art to zeppelins (old air ships). No matter how strange an item seems to anyone else, someone probably collects it! A museum in St. Augustine, Florida, for instance, displays "flowers" made from human hair, a popular Victorian practice.
Antiques play an important role in today's world by representing a particular place or time in the world's history. Museums flourish by keeping many valuable historical, antique items for the public to view. Seeing an antique offers an opportunity to reflect on an era or location and realize its impact on the present time. The original Declaration of Independence, for instance, helps Americans to understand and treasure what their ancestors sacrificed to start the country in which they live today.
The price of an antique depends of many things. The older and more rare and antique is, the higher the cost. An item still in its original condition brings a higher price. Antique jewelry brings some of the highest prices when sold at auction because of its beauty and desirability as well as rarity. Often, however, the value of an antique differs from the price. A military uniform from World War I, for example, may cost a collector a lot to buy, but its value as a family heirloom is priceless.
In Houston antique shipping companies understand that whether an antique belongs to a museum or a family, it is special. That's why antiques need special respect and care. We know your antique is priceless regardless of monetary value. Contact us for the care your belongings deserve.
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