115 Of The Coolest Antique Finds People Have Been Gifted Or Discovered In Their Homes (New Pics)

Decades ago, my grandmother gifted me a beautiful, old violin. I would go on to use it for years to come. Today, it's mounted on my living room wall in all its glory. It's one possession that I've sworn I won't sell regardless of its worth.

You see, this is not just any old violin, and it's certainly nothing like the cheap, mass-produced instrument's flooding today's markets. It's a Grand Concert Violin meticulously hand-made in a little German town way back in the late 18th century. I even have the solid wooden case that it originally came with.

To me, this violin doesn't only carry stories about my life and my music career as a child and teenager: the late nights spent practising, the performances in orchestra pits, the eisteddfods I took part in, the trios and quartets that played such a big role in my younger years, the friends I made along the way. It also holds secrets about its own past: the person who painstakingly made it, its travels from Europe to Africa, the musicians who have laid their hands on it way before I was even born.

That's the beauty of antique items: they're not just about design and functionality, they're gatekeepers to a time that came before us.

Often, antiques - like my violin - are highly valuable assets that can appreciate over time. But this isn't always the case. There are several factors that play a role in determining how much an old item is worth.

The first is how rare it is. "Items that were produced in limited quantities generally have a higher value because they are more sought after by collectors," explain the experts at U.K.-based HutchinsonScott Auctioneers.

They add that an item's value is often determined by the historical context and significance too. "Antiques that epitomize a particular era or a turning point in craftsmanship can be particularly valuable," they note. "Ultimately, the uniqueness of an item can significantly enhance its appeal and market value."

Another factor to bear in mind when wondering about the value of your antiques is their condition. It goes without saying that something in pristine condition would generally be worth a lot more than an old and broken object from years gone by.

Antiques can also lose some of their value if they were fixed or extensively restored at some point, or if old parts were replaced with more modern ones. Same applies if moving or mechanical parts are no longer working.

"The artistic value of an antique can play a key role in its value too," adds the auctioneer site. "Items that are beautifully designed or feature exceptional craftsmanship can attract higher prices. This includes antiques with intricate details and innovative designs, as well as work by renowned artists or manufacturers."

Of course, when it comes to antiques, age is a major factor in how much they're worth. And if they're cared for and preserved properly, their value should increase over time.