For antiques lovers and collectors, knowing how much your collectibles are worth is important. Fortunately, there are several sources available to provide price lists and other valuable information.
Comprehensive Price Guidebooks
Many well-known books are produced annually to provide accurate collectible prices for that year. Written by experts and authorities on antiques and collectibles, these books are often comprehensive, featuring a range of different items and helpful organizational features to help you locate items quickly and easily.
Kovel's Antiques and Collectibles Price List
Sometimes referred to as the antique lover's "bible," Ralph and Terry Kovel's Antiques and Collectible Price List is a trusted authority on antiques and collectibles pricing. The long appearing hosts of the public television show Know Your Antiques, the Kovels currently host Flea Market Finds with the Kovels on HGTV as well. The Kovel's guide includes:
- A wide range of items
- Beautiful, full-color photos
- Buying hints and tips
- Avoiding worthless buys
- Historical information on designers and manufacturers
Judith Miller's Collectibles Price Guide
Well-known antiques and collectibles authority and author of over 90 books, Judith Miller provides a wealth of information in her Collectibles Price Guide. In addition to lush photos and pricing information, Miller's book includes excellent explanations, details, and background information. The range of topics and collectibles she covers is expansive, from more well-known collectibles to rare, lesser-known items.
Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide
Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide provides information on collectible trends in addition to price guides from knowledgeable sources. The publication also includes important information on avoiding fakes and counterfeits, which may be particularly helpful for beginning collectors or those less familiar with certain designers or periods.
Niche Guidebooks
Although serious or avid collectors may prefer comprehensive guides such as the aforementioned, those interested in certain collector's niches or periods may do better with a guide that caters to those specific niches. If there is enough interest in a period or type of collection, you will most likely be able to find a pertaining price guidebook. Examples of these include:
- Beckett's Basketball Price Guide (Beckett)
- The Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles (House of Collectibles)
- Price Guide to Holt Howard Collectibles & Related Ceramicware of the 50's and 60's (Krause Publications)
- Victorian And Edwardian Furniture: Price Guide and Reasons for Values (Antique Collector's Club)
- Warman's Weller Pottery: Identification & Price Guide (Krause Publications)
- Madame Alexander 2007 Collector's Dolls Price Guide (Collector Books)
This is just a small sampling of the guidebooks available. Niche guides are generally produced less-frequently than their comprehensive counterparts.
Price Guide Websites
As with books, there are both comprehensive sites and niche sites dedicated to collecting and pricing information. Look for sites that give clear dates for the applicable information. Also, look for the experts or authorities that maintain or contribute to the site to ensure you're reading reputable pricing information. Often, you'll also find other valuable resources and tools on these sites as well.
Kovels.com
Register for a free account at Kovels.com and you have access to prices for a large database of antiques, including the year that they were sold so that the information can help price the items today. You can also choose from two premium paid memberships that will give you access to even more features such as a fully illustrated pottery and porcelain marks identification guide and a monthly updated guide containing sales reports, editor's picks, a collector's gallery and more.
AntiqBuyer.com
AntiqBuyer.com is owned by Internet antique dealers and brokers, Carole and Larry Meeker, who share their knowledge and expertise on a variety of American-made, mechanical antiques. Not only does the site provides a wealth of information, the Meekers also have a large index of mechanical antiques and the prices that these antiques have sold for. This can be very helpful in determining the value of your antique. The Meekers can also help you sell your antiques on consignment at their sister site, Patented-Antiques.com
Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide
Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide was created by professional antique appraiser Jeff Savage and his partner, Ryan Polite. Savage has 33 years experience as an antiques appraiser, while Polite is a skilled IT professional, specializing in database website development. This site indexes over 21,000 antique clock descriptions, with photos and prices. While there is plenty of free information on the Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide, you will have to pay for a subscription to utilize everything the site has to offer. You can choose from three different membership subscription plans, including:
- Five days for $6.95
- Thirty days for $14.95
- One year for $49.95
The database also includes over 10,000 clock and watch makers, providing you with valuable information on how to date and identify your antique clock. The site is very helpful with tips on buying and selling antique clocks.
Other Media
Newspapers may have information about antiques and collectibles, including current trend and pricing information, in the arts section. Broad and niche collector's magazines may also have some of this information as well. Look for reputable magazines such as Collector's News, Antique Week, Antique Trader Weekly, Celebrate 365, or visit a site like Mags Direct to search for a collector's magazine that pertains to your interests.
