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Valuable Items You Should Search For At An Estate Sale
By DANIELA KLEIN
Art
Buying from galleries is expensive, so instead browse artwork at an estate sale. Always look for the artist’s signature to verify the piece is original and research the artist.
Save big on expensive oil paintings that can add texture to your interior design. Go bold with bright colors, or play it safe with neutral pieces that match the rest of your decor.
Wood Furniture
Estate sales are good places to find wood pieces back when furniture was made from solid wood. Carefully check for signs of woodworm damage before purchasing.
Look for signs of good craftsmanship, like hand carving, and check for book-matched edges on any veneered items. True vintage pieces will have a maker’s mark inside the drawers.
Glassware
Colorful glassware that first took off in the 1920s and ‘30s is now back in style. Irregularities like rough spots or air bubbles are signs it is a genuine antique.
When looking for vases, wine, and water glasses, check for clarity and comparative weight. Be careful to test all vintage glassware for lead using inexpensive lead detection swabs.
Rugs
To find a handmade rug, check the underside for wool or cotton fibers, even color distribution, and a tight weave. Avoid fake vintage with plain backs and exaggerated fading.
Plants
Mature plants can be costly, so keep an eye out for sizable plants and pots made of clay or cement. Search the plant type before buying and check for any pest infestations.