There are lots of resources on books on antiques available online if you want to find the value of antiques and collectibles. At mearto, we have an online appraisal service where you can get auction estimates from top auction houses – if your items are valuable. We have our own experts that provide online appraisals for free – when it is not interesting for the auction houses and we are also building a detailed auction results database. All these modern ways to find the value of antiques and collectibles fast are great, but if you want to become an expert on antiques yourself, diving into a good book is the best way to acquire new skills and advance as a collector. We have asked antique and collectibles experts to list their favorite books. The result is a list of 13 books that offer detailed and illustrative price lists and insiders books to master the business of antiques.
Having at least one of these books within reach makes good sense and it can enhance your ability to do research online as well.
1. – Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles 2018
The antiques and collectibles 2018 – the best book about antiques. They celebrated the 50 editions with the 2017 version, this book has been the number one source educating antique collectors for half a century. Edited by Noah Fleisher, one of the most respected authors in collecting and works at Heritage Auctions. Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles is a beauty to read. Filled with beautiful images, prices, descriptions and offers you a solid ground to stand on in the antique business. A must read and a highly recommended book on how to value and appraise antiques. Prices are based on items sold at different auction houses around the world. The top recommended book on antiques, by far.
2. – Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Miller’s Antiques 2016-2017
Miller’s Antiques Price Guide has been a leading resource for antique collectors and professionals for a long time. It is arguably one of the antique price guide books you need. Some would say you only need this one if you want a book on antiques and their prices. It is an essential and trusted guide to the antique market. It has earned the reputation of being the book no dealer, collector or auctioneer should be without.
It is written by Judith Miller, a world-renowned antique expert, and co-founder of the book, who selects the guide’s 8000-plus featured antiques.
3. – Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia
Another antique book my Miller´s, though it is a few years old, it is a must-have for any collector, dealer or person interested in understanding antiques on another level. Some call it the bible of antiques. It is accessible, authoritative and has been a trusted reference book on antiques since the first edition in 1998. It explains materials, marks, and techniques; provides clues to identification and dating, and offers hints on what to consider when examining antiques. The huge breadth of material covers everything from 18th-century chairs to 20th century Barbie dolls, Art Deco sculpture to ancient Chinese ceramics, and toy robots to the ever popular Mid-Century Modern. Indispensable to industry professionals and collectors, it is also accessible to beginners and a useful resource for eBay users.
Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia has sold more than 130,000 copies and remains an invaluable aid to collecting.
4. – Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2016
This antique price book is also updated yearly. It originated from the popular Antique Trader magazine and has been a bestseller for pricing antiques for decades. This book on antiques and collectibles is edited by Eric Bradley, an editor for the magazine for several years. Dedicated to making a useful and accurate book with insightful information for collectors and professionals. Everyone can read this.
Another beautiful book to read. Not only informative with the process – they have added tons of amazing images. It takes you around all the different categories that are significant in antiques.
5. – Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2018
There is a new 2018 edition of the popular Kovels´antiques & Collectibles price guide out. This book is detailed. It offers thousands of listings and their prices. But still offers visual images to enhance the experience. If you are up for the challenge this book delivers a solid updated foundation for understanding prices of antiques and collectibles in 2018.
6. – The Business of Antiques: How to Succeed in the Antiques World
It is difficult to become a successful antique dealer and many things have to work in order to make it. Luckily, antique expert Wayne Jordan has made a brilliant book about antiques where he lays out a practical approach to approach the business of antiques. Learn how to manage your inventory, do marketing, strategy, get new customers from a younger audience – basically how to make money from it and succeed. Find the book here
7. – How To Pick Antiques Like The Pros
How to find that amazing treasure at a yard sale, an estate or at a storage unit. Treasures can be hard to find – but in this antique book, Joe Willard, shows you how to become a successful treasure hunter. He has been a professional picker for a long time and knows how to find these hidden gems.
8. – How to Start a Home-based Antiques Business
Have you ever thought about starting a home-based antique business, then look no further. This book on antiques takes you through all the necessary steps to become a successful dealer from home. If you are a specialist in a niche – all you need is learning how to set up the business and secure the right items for selling. He also touches upon the antique business in general, pricing and antique marketing.
9. – Business Success Tips: Make More Money From Garage Sales, Junking, Antiques, Collectibles & Your Own Business.
Oclytis Johnson and co-author Sandra Munro have combined more than forty years of experience in the antique/secondhand business. They share tips on how to run the best garage sale and make money from antiques and collectibles. This is experienced professionals that will give you a headstart in this kind of business.
10. – Antiques Investigator: Tips and Tricks to Help You Find the Real Deal
How do you know when something is fake or a genuine treasure worth thousands of dollars. When is something restored? What marks are important? Do you know the different styles of each other and can you spot which artists were the creator? In this book, antique investigator, you will receive the training and know-how to approach almost any antique.
11. – Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: An Insider’s Look at the World of Flea Markets, Antiques, and Collecting
Almost nothing is as popular these days than the Antiques Roadshow, American Pickers or the countless antique tv-shows aired all around the world.
Collecting antiques, art and treasure hunting at flea markets has become a global phenomenon that fascinates millions of people around the world. In this book, you will follow the experienced antique dealer Curt Avery at popular flea markets to high-end antique gatherings and exhibitions. This is a wonderful way to get a better understanding of this fascinating global market.
12. – American Pickers Guide to Picking
From the stars of History’s American Pickers – The go-to guide for “picking” American treasures from anyone’s backyard.
Professional treasure hunters Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz literally take you on a road trip around the USA to find that rare gem. The hidden treasures referred to as “rusty gold” – if you see the show or just want to learn more about collecting antique treasures where others see nothing, then this book is a must. You will passionate collectors and high-end dealers that knows a thing or two about this business.
13. – Art Collecting Today: Market Insights for Everyone Passionate about Art
Grounded in real-life stories, Art Collecting Today is the essential practical guide to today’s art market and one of the best books on antiques. A lightly regulated industry with more than sixty billion dollars of annual sales, the art market is often opaque and confusing to even the most experienced collectors. But whether a seasoned collector, an uninitiated newcomer, or an art-world insider, readers will learn within these pages how the art marketplace works in practice and how to navigate it smartly. Those who may have been put off by art-world practices will finally feel they have the knowledge needed to participate freely and fully, and collectors will be able to pursue their passion with more confidence. A great book on art, antiques, and collecting.