Is Your Chandelier Truly an Antique? How to Tell

By: Vanessa Doctor

Antique chandeliers can greatly affect the ambiance of your
home. The overwhelming appearance is one that people recognize
as rare and sentimental to have withstood time itself.

You have to know for yourself if your chandelier is genuinely
antique since there are several imitations that look almost as
good. Here are some unique signs to watch out for.

Identifying the Source

If your chandelier has been handed down from your ancestors or
has been hanging in the same room of your century-old ancestral
home, consider yourself lucky to have such an original and
authentic piece. Check old photos and see if there are any shots
of your old chandelier. It is very likely that you'll find at
least one picture that shows your grandparents with the
chandelier in the background. These will verify how old it truly
is.

If you bought your antique chandelier, check the shop as well as
the seller. Is the place known for selling other antique items?
What does the seller know about the chandelier's history?
Antique items are relatively more expensive compared to newly
manufactured ones. The seller should know the story behind the
chandelier like which family it used to belong to, what era
influenced the design and the materials used.

It is possible to find an antique chandelier from thrift shops
and garage sales too. Some of these are sold by owners who know
nothing much about antiques with several old pieces just lying
in their attics and garages.

Identifying the Chandelier

It is recommended that you research about antique chandelier
designs as well as observe photos and actual authentic pieces to
compare with the one you have. Most antique chandeliers are made
of bronze, brass or crystal. The carvings and designs are very
intricate making each one almost unique. Being several years
old, these chandeliers may use candles, gas, kerosene or whale
oil. Some may also use electricity or have been modified to be
electric.

Antique chandeliers made of iron, brass or antlers should never
be shiny. They can be polished to provide some luster but most
owners prefer the old archaic feel that aged metal has.
Slim-trim chandeliers may be antique but are not favorites since
they do not generate the same ancient aura. You can identify
fake antique chandeliers by rubbing the metal firmly with a
clean cloth. Antiquing glaze are usually used on shiny metal to
make them look older.

Check for signs of age like crusting, rust and darkened edges.
It is also possible for some to be in perfect condition if they
have been maintained well throughout the years. Sometimes there
might be a date engraved carefully in very small text which
exactly indicates when the chandelier was made. Another surefire
way to guarantee the authenticity of your antique chandelier is
to have an expert identify it personally. Have at least two
people check to validate completely.

Article Source: http://collectibles-articles.com

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