Antique Collecting - Antique and Art Collecting - SAPL's Resource Guides at San Antonio Public Library

Links to the Library

Search Our Databases

Check out our Magazine databases for interesting articles on the world of collectibles. Choose antiques in a publication search for targeted results.

Masterfile
Masterfile Premier gives you full-text access to articles from Antiques & Collecting Magazine and beyond.

Things to Consider

Whether you're searching the catalog or meeting with an appraiser, the first step is to figure out what you have. Here's a couple of ways antiques are organized.

1) What is it made of? (glass, silver, etc)

2) Is it from a particular region or country?

3) Does it have a brand (Matel Toys) or signature/mark on it?

4) How old is it? (Victorian or 1960s)

5) Do you have a bill of sale or certificate of authenticity?

photo credit: J. Selwyn - Barcelona Antique Market.

Welcome to...

Antique and Art Collecting

Is something collectible, a family treasure, or both? Antique and Art collecting depends on having a buyer and a seller willing to agree on a price.

While the library doesn't do appraisals, the following resources may be helpful in doing your own research at the library.

Favorite Books - Antiques

People collect a wide variety of things, from stamps to toys to antique corkscrews. Here is a sampling of some of the best books we have in our collection.

Antique Trader Antiques and Collectibles 2012 Price Guide - Dan Brownell

This guide provides comprehensive information on affordable antiques and collectibles with detailed, accurate descriptions. Now includes a bonus jewelry section.

Antiques 101 : a crash course in everything antique - by Frank Farmer Loomis IV

The definition of antiques is always changing. This antique guide introduces terms, styles, and characteristics, with just enough history to keep the information memorable.

Buy, keep or sell? - by Judith Miller and Mark Hill

How do you know if it's trash or treasure? This guide offers tips and value ranges for the amateur antique collector.

Care & repair of antiques & collectibles : a step-by-step guide - by Judith Miller

How do you preserve your treasures? Antiques expert Miller covers a variety of collectibles, with each section detailing needed tools and materials.

The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide - Robert M. Overstreet

From Aquaman to Zip Comics. If comic collecting is your thing, you'll find this book invaluable in listing comics by Type (Big Little, Promotional, Victorian etc) Price grade, Title (Superman) and Artist.

Warman's Antiques and Collectibles 2013 Price Guide - Zac Bissonnette

A updated classic, Warman's Antique Guide will help you identify what you have and provide an estimated sales price. Contains ceramics, funiture, glass, jewelry, metals, toys and much more.

Web Sites of Interest

The following web sites provide detailed information about antique and art collecting.

American Society of Appraisers
ASA is the oldest organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists. The website has a consumer library and FAQs on appraising antiques and arts, as well as a "Find an Appraiser" directory by region and specialty.
Antique Roadshow
This is the website for the popular PBS show on antique appraisal. We've linked to their resource page, which provides antique and appraisal articles, tips of the trade, a teacher's guide, an antique dictionary and much more in the archive.
Collectors
The official site for the National Organization of Collectors. It provides valuable directory information for different types of collectors and even has a directory of flea markets for the budget savvy collector.
Tias
Tias allows you to search for antiques by category (Art Nouveau) and keyword (glass) and is one of the largest websites for collectibles.