Plain-English explanations of the vocabulary of the antiques trade.
From provenance to patina, a working vocabulary of the terms dealers actually use when they're deciding what to buy and what to pass on.
Learn to read a piece of furniture from the inside out by understanding the joints that hold it together and what they reveal about its age.
A collector's field guide to the vocabulary of clay bodies, glazes, and firing techniques that separates an educated buyer from a guessing one.
From bobbin lace to boning, a working vocabulary that helps collectors date, describe, and defend the value of antique textiles and clothing.
A dealer's vocabulary for reading hallmarks, decoration techniques, and plating methods that separate sterling treasures from convincing imitations.
The auction terms that determine what you actually pay, from reserve prices and absentee bids to the buyer's premium hiding above every hammer price.
A working vocabulary of the leg shapes, foot carvings, and structural details that let you date and describe antique furniture with real precision.