There are many wonderful facets to antiques such as the craftsmanship of the item, which allowed it to last for so many years, the stories of the people who used these relics throughout time, and the beauty that makes them a joy to display in one’s home. It's also a way to take part in or to literally touch history.
Sometimes these treasures are passed down through families, while other times they are found at estate and garage sales. In the latter cases, we often don’t know the stories behind them or even the age and value of the pieces. Fortunately, there are many experts who can help determine these details.
First, what makes something an antique? “A true antique, whether it's furniture, books, paintings or glassware, must be a hundred years old or older,” says Amanda Pitts, owner of the Franklin Antique Mall, which has been located in a historic icehouse for the past 45 years. With its 12,000 square feet filled with 70 dealers specializing in everything from Civil War memorabilia and silverware to furniture and quilts, people can receive knowledgeable and accurate appraisals.
So how do they determine the value of an item? “When it comes to glassware, you would look for markings on the bottom,” she says. “With furniture, you would look at the patina of the wood and then look for certain details like dovetailing on the inside drawers. You would also look at the hardware.”
The vendors may also do research on the item to try to find its story. “It's always good to try to find out as much as you can about a piece. If you’re buying something from an estate sale, the family might happen to know its history.”
In addition to the Franklin Antique Mall, Amanda says the Lotz House Museum also does antique appraisals. And there’s an app called WorthPoint. “People can take pictures and it can give an appraisal on the items,” she says.
Amanda, who took over the business from her parents in 1996, enjoys seeing visitors and vendors bring in fine things and being able to admire the workmanship and think about all it may have entailed. “With furniture, anything before the Industrial Revolution was generally handmade, which is a lost art.”
She says customers often come in looking for something that reminds them of their childhood. “It might be something their mother had that brings back sentimental memories. I remember a young girl buying a painting one time who was so thrilled because she said it was so similar to one her grandmother had. We have men come in and buy Civil War artifacts like old guns, swords or saddle bags for their offices and they are so happy and proud of their purchases.”
Celebrities are known to shop at the mall as well. “Taylor Swift bought three big butcher blocks like a real butcher would have in his shop,” says Amanda. “Kenny Chesney bought enough old vintage blue bottles to fill up the tops of two cases. We have had lots of musicians shop with us too.”
She adds, “It's interesting because you never know who or what’s going to come through the doors and you're constantly learning and getting to meet different people.”
If you want to find out more about a special item you have, make an appointment with the mall’s in-house appraiser.
TheFranklinAntiqueMall.com
“A true antique, whether it's furniture, books, paintings or glassware, must be a hundred years old or older.”
“With furniture, anything before the Industrial Revolution was generally handmade, which is a lost art.”