The purpose of this publication is to make it easy for those either buying, selling, or merely interested in the value of the pieces in their own home, to identify and have a knowledge of the price an Antique Dealer is likely to pay for a piece in average condition.
The items chosen are, on the whole, representative of the middle section of the market with the addition of a few rare pieces, which, although not to be found in every corner shop, command such surprisingly high prices as to make their inclusion of benefit to the reader.
When making any calculations it is wise to remember that the dealer may have to spend as much having the piece put in a saleable condition as he has originally paid for that same item. One must also allow for his profit margin. At all times the cost of restoration must be taken into account, for even the most rare piece, if damaged is imperfect, and therefore of lesser value than the perfect example.
This book will, however, give a fair idea of the current value which I hope will be of assistance to those who, while having an appreciation of the look and feel of antiques, lack the confidence to plunge in at the deep end.