How to tell if an antique is worth money
Quick answer
Check five things: who made it (marks and labels), what it is made of, its age and originality, its condition, and whether people currently buy that kind of item. Then look up sold prices, not asking prices, for close matches.
Most old things are worth a little. A few are worth a lot. These checks help you tell which is which before you sell, donate or throw something away.
1. Look for a maker
Turn it over, open drawers, look inside lids. Marks, stamps, signatures, labels and hallmarks tell you who made it. A known maker can multiply the price. Write down exactly what you see, including numbers.
2. Work out what it is made of
Solid wood or veneer over particle board? Sterling silver or silver plate? Porcelain or earthenware? Hand-blown or moulded glass? The material sets a floor: sterling silver always has scrap value; plated items rarely do.
3. Check age and originality
Signs of real age: hand-cut dovetails, uneven saw marks, old screws with off-centre slots, wear in the places hands touch. Replaced handles, new finishes and “married” parts (pieces from two items joined together) lower the value.
4. Judge the condition honestly
Chips, cracks, missing parts, water damage and heavy repairs can cut the price by half or more. For collectibles, original boxes and paperwork add value.
5. Check what people pay today
Tastes change. Mid-century modern furniture, some studio pottery and certain vintage toys are in demand; much brown Victorian furniture and many china sets are not. Search for sold prices of close matches. If you only find asking prices, the real market is lower.
Get a second opinion when it matters
If your checks point to a known maker, good condition and strong recent sales, ask an auction house or a specialist dealer. Many give free valuations from photos. Be wary of anyone who offers to buy on the spot after giving you a free valuation.
For a quick first answer, photograph the piece and any marks or labels with Gavel. It identifies the item, and Gavel Pro shows an estimate range with the sales it is based on. Related guides: how to read porcelain marks, how to identify antique furniture and how to tell if gold is real.
Frequently asked questions
Is something valuable just because it is old?
No. Age helps, but demand matters more. Many 100-year-old items sell for very little, while some mid-century designs sell for thousands.
Where do I find what an antique actually sold for?
Use sold results, not listings. eBay's "Sold items" filter and the past results on auction sites such as LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable show real prices paid.
Should I clean or repair an antique before selling it?
Usually not. Polishing, refinishing or repairing can lower the value of furniture, metalwork and coins. Dust it gently and let the buyer decide.