How to Buy Antiques In England

This article discusses the ins and outs of buying antiques in England.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. England offers a treasure chest of antiques for the dealer and the collector. But buying antiques can be confusing to an American. The exchange rate of the dollar versus the pound must be factored in, as well as packaging and insurance and postage back to the U.S. for larger items. Items from the Edwardian period and so less than 100 years old are also charged a customs duty.

2. London is the most expensive place in England for buying antiques, although antique stores abound . English antique dealers trade among themselves, and an item in a country setting becomes more expensive as it is traded towards London Antique items

3. There are areas of London where bargains can still be found. Try Portobello Road for odd finds. If you are interested in antique silver, definitely go to the Silver Vaults. This is a vast underground warren of antique silver, gold and other antiques dealers.

4. For a better selection and price, trying heading out to surrounding towns outside London. A day trip by train could be to your collecting benefit. Such villages as Aylesbury makes for a great overnight trip. The Old Bull' s Head in Aylesbury was built in 1453 and has been an inn since then.

5. For a wider search with plenty of time, try to situate yourself in the countryside. Anywhere in Leicestershire is a good central base, being close to Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield.

6. Check the antique shops in those areas, but keep an eye out for flea markets, church benefits and "jumble" sales the British equivalent of a garage or estate sale. Many great finds have been made in those venues.

7. England has a vast array of antiques dating from 1066 and onward. Dealers love England because of this and buy and ship large quantities back to the U.S. The collector too can make great finds, sometimes inexpensively with a little time and patience.

8. Good reference guides to English antiques are Miller' s "Antiques Price Guide", and Miller' s "Collectibles".Other reference texts are: Schroeder's "Antiques Price Guide" published annually; the Kovel's "Antiques & Collectible Price List" published annually; Antique Trader' s "Antiques & Collectible Price Guide, also a annual edition. These books should be available at your local library, and if not can be ordered on loan from other libraries.

[sullysee]

on 8/4/2009 Helpful article on buying antiques in England. Great tips on country village venues. 5*