The general definition of the word “antique” is an old, collectible item. An antique is collected because of its age, beauty, rarity, condition, or usefulness. The labeling of an item as an antique presumes it has value because of its workmanship and rarity. Other unique features may make an antique both desirable and collectible. For many collectors, there is frequently a personal or emotional connection to an antique item.
Items identified as antiques are purchased and acquired for personal use, gifts, and in the case of dealers and brokers, for profit. Collectors perform antiquing at garage sales, estate sales, resort towns, antiques districts, dealer shops, collective cooperatives, and auction houses. Antiquing has grown in popularity. Many people participate in the activity on some level.
Just because an item is old does not make it an antique. It is characteristic to define an antique as being at least 100 years old. However, in reality, an object does not need to reach an age of 100 years to be labeled as an antique. One example is an automobile. Many antique autos are far less than 100 years of age. Cars that are 50 years of age or less are typically identified as antique automobiles. Some states permit vehicles manufactured more than 25 years prior to the current year to be registered as antique as long as they have been maintained in or restored to a condition that is substantially in conformance with manufacturer specifications. Other vehicles are often considered antiques, such as earlier motorcycles and trucks.
An antique is an object that represents a previous era or time in human society. In contrast, today’s collectibles are the possible antiques of the future. While antiques are often more than 100 years of age, collectibles are usually less than 100 years old. Of course, most antiques are collectibles. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
Antiquing
Starting an antique collection is a simple activity that offers the collector great personal enjoyment for a particular passion and an opportunity for a profit. Collectors often specialize by accumulating items of a specific interest.
Antique collectors participate in an ongoing activity known as “antiquing.” This is a general term that describes the act of searching, shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for antiques. (The word “antiquing” may also refer to making an object appear older through distressing it or applying an antique paint or finish.) For enthusiastic antique collectors, searching for and finding an antique is exhilarating and exciting. Often, individuals get confused between these handmade distressed vintage or modern items and true antiques. Would-be antique collectors who are unaware of the differences may find themselves paying a high amount of money for something that has little value in the antiquing industry.
We’re passionate about preserving the past and giving new life to timeless treasures. At International Electron Metals, we specialize in buying antiques, ensuring that these precious items continue to delight and inspire future generations.
What We Buy
We’re interested in purchasing a wide range of antiques, including:
Old metal sculptures, and other unique pieces
Collectibles: Coins, Temple decorations, and other rare items
Jewelry: Vintage and antique pieces, including estate jewelry
Home Decor: Vintage and antique items, such as vases, clocks, and more
Why Sell to Us?
When you sell your antiques to us, you can trust that:
– You’ll receive a fair and competitive price
– Your items will be treated with care and respect
– We’ll handle all the paperwork and logistics
– You’ll be supporting a local business that’s passionate about preserving history
How to Sell
If you’re interested in selling your antiques, please:
– Contact us through our website or email
– Provide photos and descriptions of the items you’d like to sell
– Schedule an appointment for us to evaluate your items