For the official purposes of the U.S. Government and most insurance companies an antique is narrowly defined as “a moveable article of convenience or decoration for use in furnishing a house, apartment, place of business or accommodationand that article is not less than 100 years old.” This is a great starting place and a clear legal definition.

However, in the real world of antique dealers and collectors, it becomes much more confusing. Items can be antique, collectible, or vintage, and those terms are too often used interchangeably. The term antique can also include items from the 20th century that are clearly less than 100 years old. Today, items from the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Deco, and Art Noveau periods are often classified as antique, and recently even items from the 1950′s termed Mid Century Modern are being considered antique in lieu of vintage or collectible. The truth is, the term antique has become a relative term depending on what type of item you are talking about.

Regardless of specific age, there are usually three factors that make antiques special and desirable. First is the intrinsic value of their materials. Items made of precious materials such as gold, platinum, diamonds, ivory, and rare woods always command a premium and hold their value over time. Second, the aesthetics of the piece, and most importantly the quality of it’s craftsmanship. The item should be pleasing to look at and the workmanship should be superior. And finally, rarity. In the days before mass production became common, the available amount of a specific item was limited to what the craftsman could produce. Over time items are lost, broken, or destroyed. At the same time, antiques are acquired by both private collectors and museums. This adds to an items rarity and subsequent value.

No matter how they are defined, antiques will continue to be treasured reminders of times past.