 | Jerry McAlpin
is President and owner of Annie's Antique Mall located at 1600 E. 61st Street North (61st street & Hydraulic) in Park City, Kansas. Annie's is the area's oldest mall, and is known by antique dealers and collectors nationwide for it's consistent high quality and selection. A dealer and avid collector, Jerry has been involved in antiques for 30 years. He can be reached by phone at Annie's Antique Mall (316)-744-1999. |
Antiques & Collectibles
2003-01-01 12:08:00
Condition of the piece
: How does the condition of a piece affect its value?
ANSWER: Condition of antiques and collectibles is the primary consideration when it comes to value. Just like anything else you might purchase (a car, for example)... condition sets the value. Some items that are considered ‘housewares’... or in other words... items that were used frequently, are judged less severely, as are other items that were easily damaged. Old stoneware utilitarian items are more likely to be accepted by collectors with some minor damage, where newer "collectible" items are expected to be "near mint" or MIB ("mint in box"). Some normal age wear is acceptable and even expected on most items, but real damage will affect the price realized by 40-80%, depending on the age and the item. Prices listed in books are usually for perfect pieces, and in my experience even perfect pieces do not bring the prices listed in these books. These prices are usually the highest ever paid at auction, on the east or west coast. For example, an old G.I. Joe doll, (circa 1964) in the box, in almost perfect condition can bring anywhere from $200 to $2000, depending on which one it is. A doll that has been played with rough (the way I played with them) is worth virtually nothing. Collectors and dealers usually try and look for items between the "good" and "mint" range, which is generally referred to as "excellent". That condition is good enough to appreciate in value, and also good enough to liquidate quickly if needed. Just like they tell you on the ‘Antiques Road Show’, “... always spend a little more and get the best.” It really WILL pay off in the long run. Nobody wants an old beat-up classic car, and nobody wants an old beat-up Popeye toy.
