In western countries, investment in antiques is common. The antique is an object of historical interests, which may be in form of a coin, sculpture, manuscript or any other object of ester years. The owner of the antique has to register himself with Archaeological Society. The society after examining the authenticity of the antique issues a Certificate of Registration. Any dealings i.e. the purchase or sale of antique should be informed to the society. The government has the right to buy the antique from the owner, if it wants to keep it in the museum. In the case of investment, the investor has to be careful about
the fake antique and if the rise in price of the antique is uncertain.
Knowledge about arts and antiques is the essential pre-requisite for investment in arts and antiques. For these items, demand is more, supply in rare, and hence is the increase in value. Generally, longer the time of holding, the greater will be the value of the asset. Antiques can be in the form of paintings, coins, furniture, ceramic ware, watches, or cars. The basic advantage of an antique is that the seller can quote his own price based on his own perception on the market/buyer. This type of investment is risky and suitable only for expert in this field.
Antiques are very much attractive. An extra care should be taken to preserve it. Each year amazing pieces of antiques are ruined due to lack of ignorance and care of the possessors. We all have a desire to exhibit antiques in our home.
In order to preserve our antiques first we have to make acquainted with the different reason of damage, so that we can avoid it up to an extent. Extra care should be taken while shifting wooden antiques from one place to another. Avoid pulling antique furniture. This will diminish the adhesive. Wooden antiques are sensitive to beam. So avoid placing wooden antiques in direct beam or bright light. Avoid placing wooden antiques to direct sunlight or heat. Often check if any insects are contaminating them.
Occasionally, these antiques should be cleaned thoroughly. By doing this, it will give a professional appearance. We also should avoid wet cleaning for incomplete plane. For finished items use gentle soaps or detergents. Wipe using soft cloth or cotton. We must be sure that no deposit of detergent is left on the surface of the antique. There are many good quality polishes, which are vailable in the market. This polish makes the antiques more shining. Soft nylon brushes are a good option to remove the dust particles away, which sticks on the
antiques.
Another vital consideration to be noted here is that we should not alter the original item because the historical value will be lost. Unknowingly if any damage happens by chance, we should repair it quickly without any delay. We must ask for an advice from a talented person who is having very much knowledge about antiques to take care of it.
