#1 Meet Abdel Kader Haidara, The Man Who Risked His Life To Save Almost 400,000 Ancient Manuscripts From Timbuktu From Being Destroyed By The Jihadists
#2 The Amber Bear That My Dad Found In 1990. Dates Back To The Stoneage. Currently On Display At The Natural History Museum In Copenhagen
It’s easy to assume that antiques are highly valuable. However, several factors affect their value, making it quite challenging to determine. According to Five Katz Antiques owner Edmund Kindle, market trends are one variable.
In an article for Florida Today, Kindle explains that younger people who inherit these old items from their grandparents aren’t fond of them, so they sell them for cheap.
#4 This 14th Century Door At Exeter Cathedral, UK, Is Thought To Be The Oldest Existing Cat Flap
#5 Fall Of The Rebel Angels, Carved Out Of A Single Piece Of Marble In 1740 By Italian Sculptor Agostino Fasolato, It Depicts 60 Fallen Angels
#6 A 2000-Year-Old Roman Silver Dagger, That Was Discovered By An Archeology Intern In 2019 In Germany, Before And After Nine Months Of Careful Restoration Work
Provenance is another factor, as it determines the history of the object’s ownership. According to Christie’s New York Department for Chinese Ceramics head Vicky Paloympis, older provenance from a prestigious collection does boost the item’s value.
But if you want to be absolutely sure, you can consult an auction database. Heritage Auctions' head consignment director, Samantha Robinson, explains that auction results within the past three years are the best basis.
#7 A Golden Ram And A Stone Lion, Found In A Tomb At The Archaeological Site Of Gonur Depe (Dated From 2400 To 1600 Bce) In Turkmenistan
#8 Tea Gown, France, ~1897. Owned By The Countess Greffulhe, Who Often Chose Clothing Of A Brilliant Green Color Because It Complemented Her Auburn Hair
#9 In Ancient Rome, Roads Were Dotted With White Stones (Cats' Eyes) Which Reflected The Moonlight, Acting As Street Lights To Help People Walk On The Street After Dark. Pictured Is A Roman Road In Pompeii
According to Chicago-based antiques dealer Erik Retzer, bronze holds a lot of value in terms of item material. Whether small sculptures or ornate chandeliers, bronze remains a precious item in the antique market because it is highly coveted.
The same applies to Suzani textiles. Originating in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, they were initially used as protective wrapping panels for ancient tents known as yurts.
These days, people have found ways to repurpose them by using them as wall art or pillow designs.
#10 Amethyst Grapes With Jade Leaves. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
#11 The Goat Tender Of The Colonies By Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier. France, 1861
#12 The Castle Of Coca Is A Castle Located In The Coca Municipality, Central Spain
The popularity of period pieces has revived the popularity of Georgian and Regency furniture. According to Los Angeles-based designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, today’s younger generation has embraced mixing these old pieces with newer ones for a fresh look.
“Chests of drawers, dining chairs, secretaries, and side tables—mostly English and even Irish—are still very reasonable at auction and have such beauty,” he said.
#13 "You Used To Always Say To Me, 'Let’s Live Together Until Our Hair Turns White And Die On The Same Day.' So How Could You Go Ahead And Leave Me Behind?" Letter By A Woman To Her Deceased Husband, Discovered In The Man's Grave Along With A Lock Of Her Hair. Korea, 1586
#14 A 3,000-Year-Old Clay Pig Found In 2020 At The Lianhe Ruins In China. When It Was Discovered, The Pottery Has Gone Viral As It Looks Similar To The Pigs In Angry Birds
#15 Wheelchair Made For Holy Roman Empress Elisabeth Christine Of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, 1740
Let’s hear from you, readers. Is there something about old, antique objects that fascinates you? What about these artifacts do you find most interesting? Comment down below!
#17 One Of The Three Roman Pools Of Gafsa, In Tunisia, Two Of Which Are Open. Built In The 2nd Century Bce, They Are About Five Meters Deep And Are Fed By Hot Water Springs
#18 Years Of Restoration At The 2,200-Year-Old Temple Of Esna, In Egypt, Has Revealed The Vibrant Original Colors That Have Been Covered By Centuries Of Dirt, Soot, And Bird Poop
#19 The Graves Of A Catholic Woman And Her Protestant Husband, Who Were Not Allowed To Be Buried Together Because Of Their Differing Faiths. 1888 Ce, Located At Het Oude Kerkhof In Roermond, The Netherlands
#20 “Death Blowing Bubbles”
