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This guide is meant to help the "Novice Collector", hopefully it will assist not only the person who is new to collecting, but also may provide some insight to the experienced or "seasoned" collector as well.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

1. AGE - Antiques must be 100 years old - Collectibles are of an earlier period, produced in viable quantities.
2. Condition - Original finish and no repair is important. Some restoration may be acceptable.
3. REPROS - Lower value than originals, however, printed material, i.e. old Lithographs, have value.
4. CHINA, GLASS & CERAMICS - Perfect condition is critical (NO chips/cracks). Signed or marked items are preferred. Flow-Blue, Porcelain, & Bone China are highly prized, as is "Depression Glass" (1920's-1950's).
5. TOYS/DOLLS - Old items are very collectible when no longer in production. Condition is not as critical.
6. FURNITURE - Orginal finish/condition are very important. Primitive & child-size items are popular.
7. MISC. - Coins, guns/knives, lures, vintage clothing unique items or of a unique period or place e.g. Art Deco, Civil War, WWII, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Paris, New York, Old Chicago, Hollywood, etc...

METHODS OF DETERMINING AGE

1. Determing age by Postal Address:
• No Postal Zone or Zip Code - Pre 1943
• Two digits Postal Zone ------- 1943-1964
• Five digits Postal Zip Code --- Post 1964
2. ERA by year of Patent Issue:
   Older Than Year ............................... if Patent Less Than
   1860 ..........................................................................26,000
   1900 ........................................................................640,000
   1925 .....................................................................1,521,000
   1940 .....................................................................2,185,000
   1955 .....................................................................2,698,000
   1965 .....................................................................3,163,000
   1988 .....................................................................4,180,000
   1990 .....................................................................4,890,000
3. ESTIMATED AGE BY LIFETIME OF COMPANY, AUTHOR OR ARTIST, COPYRIGHT DATE, OR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN MARK:
   "Made in occupied Japan" .....................................1945-1952
   "Made in (Country Name)" .....................................Post 1950
   "(Country Name Only) ............................................Post 1892

Often age or period can be estimated by the item design and/or material.

Thanks for reading my Guide! Hope it helps!
Wishing you all the BEST!
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