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I‘ve always enjoyed watching Antiques Roadshow, when someone would find out that something that was a precious treasure in their family actually turned out to be a priceless antique. Now wouldn’t that be fun? I doubt it would happen to me, but I have seen it happen on more than one occasion on the show. So, when I was contacted by the publisher of a book all about spotting treasures, asking me if I’d like to receive a copy of the book for review and get 3 copies to give away, well, I was all over that!
Carol Prisant, who used to be with Antiques Roadshow has written a colorful and concise book on how to spot real treasures when you are out there scouring the flea markets and antiques shops. Good, Better, Best: (Trade Secrets for spotting a Find) describes the levels of finding these treasures and what to look for. If you’ve got money to burn, then you might want to go for the Best category, but after looking at the prices on those, I’d say that particular one will never grace my home.
In fact, I’m not even sure I own any that would fit under the Good category either, which is reserved for the very ordinary and peasant pieces apparently. 🙂
I did find one furniture item, the English tea table, in the book that reminded me of my mahogany piecrust table that I found at a yardsale.
Not having any idea of its provenance, I would imagine my table is probably a reproduction from the mid-century (last century that is) and is no doubt, worth not a whole lot more than the $75 I paid for it. Well, in an antique shop, it would probably go for double or triple, so I’m sure I found a deal. And I love this table, so will probably always keep it.
I did really like looking through this book and seeing all the pictures, reading the difference between the Good, Better, Best categories and if you enjoy reading about antique pieces, you’ll enjoy this book too. With lots of color pictures and descriptions about items from glassware, furniture and collectibles, Carol covers a multitude of antique items. I don’t think I own a bit of priceless antique pieces, but I will keep them just the same. But, collectors of antiques will no doubt love this book as it gives tips for looking at items with a keen eye towards identifying where it came from and how old it might be.
And the good news is….I have 3 copies to give away to THREE of you, so all you need to do is leave a comment and you’ll be eligible for the drawing. I’ll pick 3 names at random and your book will be shipped out to you from the publisher.
And just for fun, what is your favorite antique that YOU have in your house? I’d say my very favorite piece is that kitchen cupboard I have in my breakfast area that is from the late 1800’s. It’s French, very unique and I’ve never seen another one like it.
Don’t forget to leave a comment!
Becky in SC says
Oh!! Pick me!! Pick me!!
Let’s see…my favorite antique in my house? Ummm, that would have to be my husband!! Oh, I’m only kidding…he knows I adore him. I really don’t have any antiques…but what I do have is an old Singer sewing machine that belonged to my Grandmother….very similar to the one in your guest room Rhoda. I really treasure it because I remember watching my grannie going to town on that ole’ thing when I was just a very young girl
Wanda Howland says
Wow – I have just the spot on my bookshelf for that informative book! I wish I could say that I have a family “treasure” (my mom had atrocious taste!) LOL! However I recently came across a family photo from ~1950 and would love to have the barkcloth floral curtains in the living room again! :-).. My current fav antique is an orginal seed chest from an old hardware store in my husband’s home town ($50!!!!), along w/ the original 5 measuring “scoops” and seed labels on the 18 deep drawers – I’ve had it in 3 homes now and in each home I move to I need to make sure I have enough room for it! Love your blog –
Beckie says
OH, my, I don’t know if I can choose! My grandfather’s ladderback chair with rush cane seat is on top of my list or my grandmother’s Coats & Clark spool chest. I also have a chair that was my grandmother’s. Channel back for lack of a better description. See…I need that book to help me learn all the correct terms. We also have my husband’s nursery rocker that belonged to his great grandmother. It is also a ladderback with rush cane. Beautiful rocker with a rhythmic squeak that lulled our 2 babies to sleep.
Beckie in TN
liz says
Hey Rhoda!!
I’d love to win!
Tina says
Thank you for entering my name in your giveaway! The book sounds fun! One special piece of furniture I have is a rocking chair that was my grandmother’s. I recently purchased a chair that I thought was interesting but not sure if it is an antique!!
Mary O'Connor says
This is exactly what I have always needed. I never know if what I’m looking at is a good, better or best! Thanks for the opportunity!
kathysue says
Thank you again for another great giveaway, you are the best!! I have a few antiques in my home but I must say mine is a french marble clock with a bronze statue of a lady. I love antique clocks, ooooh, I forgot I also love my french marble entry hall table, OK I love them all but I will only mention two,hehe. Kathysue
Abbie says
I’m not sure I’ve got any antiques IN my house – but the house is 100 years old with really awesome original woodwork, does that count? 🙂
Ginny says
Thanks for the giveaway! Looks like a fabulous book.
Joy says
I would love to win this book. I LOVE antiques! I love going to estate sales and antique stores and always wonder how much something is really worth. My favorite piece in my house is probably my armoir my parents bought me when I was still living at home. They found it at an estate sale. Thanks for the fun giveaway.
Cat says
No antiques, but would love the book to start hunting them down! Thanks!
Lexi says
First of all, this book just went onto my Christmas wish list, secondly, my favorite antique is definitely my handmade Ohio shaker-style solid cherry farm cupboard. I got a few years ago at a barn sale and it is heavy as heck. I also love my mahogany bedroom dresser that was my grandparent’s. I have at least one “antique” in every room in my house! Life is better with old stuff around.
Kathy says
Oh pls enter my name….we have a beautiful roll top desk from the 1920’s (I know things have to be 100 yrs old to be considered but they’re OLD to me 🙂 ) we had it all re-done and it is quite lovely…..we also have a beautiful sofa from the 1940’s with the wood trim etc….we also sent that out and had it done over….those are my 2 fave pieces !!
years ago I was offered my Grandmother’s Singer sewing table, I think you have one Rhoda , and I didn’t take it as well as her dining room set….I kick myself each time I am reminded of it….but I won’t today cuz I don’t want any black and blue marks right before Xmas….lol
Thanks for the chance….fingers crossed…
Kathy 🙂
ps I LOVE that piece in your kitchen…I have that same bowl
Bev says
Well, this certainly sounds like our kind of book 🙂
Amy says
I would love this book. We have a few antiques that belonged to my grandmother, and even though I seldom purchase antique furniture (it’s expensive!), I do have an affinity for “old things.”
My favorite antique piece of furniture in our home is a chiffarobe that used to be in the attic bedroom of my grandmother’s house. It survived a fire, and sometimes when you open the door, you can still smell smoke. Now it holds craft items, fabric and some linens.
Laura says
My favorite antique is an old desk that I found at a consignment store. Just love it!
Candy says
Great question, since I love antiques, my favorite would probably be a china doll that my Mother played with as a little girl. She is still intact, but her age is showing.
Hillary says
I’ve never left a comment but I love your blog and when I saw you were giving away a book on antiques I thought I’d leave a comment. My grandmother collects antiques and thanks to her, I’ve started collecting antique dishes.
Amy@DesigningalifeILove says
GREAT book! I think my favorite antiques are those that remind me of being in my Grandmothers’ houses… I have a few of the pieces from their estate sales, and they make me smile when I see them. I LOVE antiques, it reminds us of where we’ve been, and how far we’ve come.
Amy says
What a great book! I have two pieces that I have wondered about for years. One is from my Scottish Great Grandmother and is a mahogany secretary from the late 1800’s or maybe early 1900’s. She brought the piece with her when she came to America. The other is a tall dresser with a little detailed tilting mirror at the top. It stands over six feet tall, so I don’t think many women could even see themselves in the mirror. I have no idea of the age. My mother left it to me and I think she bargained at an auction for it back in the ’70s. I love imagining all of the old stories from which this furniture came. Now, wouldn’t that be fun to know?!