Steeped in rich history and captivating stories of times gone by, antiques hold a certain allure than collectors can’t seem to get enough of – but as well as providing an intriguing insight into the past, and often looking beautiful too, they can often make for savvy investment pieces that could fetch you some impressive resale sums in years to come.
The craftsmanship of bygone eras is something that is hard to ignore, and if you have a keen eye for hidden gems and a love for all things antique, then collecting and investing in antique artwork, furniture and other unique items could prove to be a lucrative pastime.
Here, we take a look at just how you can make money from some of the most popular types of antiques – in 2023, and beyond.
Artwork
Art has long been a sought-after collectible, in part thanks to their one-of-a-kind nature, with no two pieces ever being the same. Investing in the right pieces, by the right artists, can yield substantial returns – but it’s important to know what to look out for rather than splurging on any unique piece of art and hoping for the best.
For starters, it’s vital to ensure the artworks you invest in are originals – so be sure to investigate its provenance – a documented record of its ownership and exhibition history – and ensure that the artist’s signature features, before you buy.
You’ll also need to educate yourself on different movements and artistic styles, as well as the most prominent artists associated with them, to ensure you’re suitably clued up. To find the best pieces, attend auctions and peruse online art marketplaces, and look out for pieces by renowned artists as well as new and emerging ones who could be about to make waves in the art world over the coming years.
Medals and militaria
Buying and selling medals and militaria is one of the most lucrative ways to make money with antiques, as these special items hold within them a host of personal stories as well as a connection to major historic events. The rarer the medals and military items, which may include weapons and uniform – and the more significant an event they are linked to – the greater the sums of money they are likely to illicit later down the line – but be aware that you may have to pay a significant amount in order to secure them in the first place, as such antiques are highly sought-after.
Once again, ensuring authenticity is key before you buy, and ensuring you have the right documentation for them so that you can sell them on to collectors is vital as without it, you might find they quickly become worthless. Attending military shows and joining online forums frequented by military enthusiasts are both great ways to make connections for both acquiring items, and meeting potential buyers.
Furniture
There’s a huge market for vintage and antique furniture, and it’s likely that this will always be the case – which is why it’s another lucrative way to make money. People don’t just collect unique items of furniture – there’s also a huge demand amongst those wanting one-of-a-kind pieces for their luxury homes, and styles such as Art Deco, Georgian and Mid-Century are all in high demand.
Quality craftsmanship and unusual designs are factors that will set a piece of furniture apart and well-preserved pieces can often fetch some impressive resale prices.
Estate sales are a great place to acquire some one-off items that you can sell on at antique shows and via online platforms – but at times, you may need to roll up your sleeves and give them a little bit of TLC to ensure they look their best and will fetch you the best possible price. Restoring and refurbishing furniture isn’t for everyone, but if you’re prepared to put the time and effort in then you could find yourself rewarded handsomely.
