If you’re visiting an antique store or considering antique purchasing online, there are a few buys you should never pass up. These items can be much more valuable than they seem at first glance. Do your research before you start, and jump on any of the following items you might come across.

5 of the Best Finds in Antique Purchasing

1. Christmas Memorabilia

One surprisingly popular and valuable type of antique is Victorian Christmas cards. These often feature a date to help you identify them, and may range in value from $10 to thousands of dollars. Also look for Christmas ornaments — their beauty, intricacy, and fragility make them popular and difficult to find.

2. Silverware

The silverware you want is the type made entirely from sterling silver, not plated sterling silver. While it may not look like much in the store due to age and tarnish, it’s both beautiful and valuable when cleaned up. Thankfully, polishing silver is easy to do at home.

3. Ceramics

This is a market which shifts frequently, so you’ll need to put in time to learn the styles and manufacturers that are worth the investment. But a few types like Japanese Kutani chinaware, Meissen porcelain, and pottery by Maria Martinez are consistently in demand.

4. Woven Baskets

Native American basket weaving encompasses a wide range of styles and patterns, so it should be no surprise that prices can vary widely. But an authentic, antique basket in good condition may go for tens of thousands of dollars and may be of interest to private collectors and museums.

5. Big Name Furniture

Like porcelain, the value of antique furniture depends heavily on type and manufacturer. During your antique purchasing trip, look for names like Doten-Dunton, Kittinger, Biggs, Kindel, Beacon Hill, and Georgetown Galleries on pieces from the early 20th century. It’s also advantageous to search for pieces in classic 19th-century styles that are made from valuable materials like mahogany.

If you’d like to try your hand at antique purchasing, try Forsythe's Antiques & Fine Art in Russellville, OH. This Brown County antique dealer offers over 125 years of combined experience in the industry and has built a reputation for excellent pricing, detailed information, and complete confidentiality. To inquire about an item, call (513) 791-2323 or reach out online.