If It’s Old, It’s an Antique … Right?
If the word “antique” were used to describe anything old and out of use, chances are you have some so-called antiques in your clothes closet, tool shed, and maybe even lurking in the back of the refrigerator. For that matter, you might even be thinking that the term actually applies to the person you’re married to!
But before anyone tries to put their spouse up on the auction block just to see what they might get for him or her, consider for a moment what the word “antique” really means.
To be a true antique dealer and to sell something as an antique you need to meet the actual legal requirements of doing so. There are laws that govern the industry just like laws that govern other businesses and professionals - you can’t call yourself an accountant if you don’t have a particular type of degree; you can’t sell certain foods past an expiration date, and you can’t legally sell something as an “antique” unless it’s of a particular age.
While the law may vary slightly from place to place, usually to be considered an antique a car or other piece of machinery needs to be 25 years old, toys needs to be 10 years old, and other items at least 50 to 100 years old.
The reason for this technical difference is that items like cars and machinery go through a lot more wear and tear than, say, a chair, so for it to last 25 years is truly significant.
It’s important to understand these laws if you’re planning on entering the antique industry. It’s also important to understand if when you’re purchasing items as well. Many people look at items that are advertised as “classic” and assume that this means an antique. In reality the word classic is not a legal term and can be used to describe just about anything. A car might be described as a classic because it’s something that car lovers appreciate, such as any model of Ford Mustang or Chevy Corvette. In other words, “classic” is something of a slang word and not a technical term.
The world of antiques is a fun and exciting one, and can be a great undertaking for anyone whether you want to enter it part-time or full-time. But it’s important to know the “technical” aspects of the industry before you head out, whether buying or selling. If you do your homework and make sure to pay attention to what you’re buying and selling, then you’re sure to have success.
