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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!
Oh, I’d love, love, love to win this one!
And my favourite antique… is our kitchen trolly from the early 1900’s that came from my father in law’s family farm.
Good morning! This book would be so helpful when I am out yard saling or at an auction. I tend to buy what I like but if I knew something was valuable and I loved it – I wouldn’t think twice if I should purchase the item or not. I might just have to buy this book if I don’t win.
I have 2 favorite antiques. One is my great grandmothers baking table (not sure if that is what it is called). It has two DEEP drawers for flour/sugar/whatever and the back holds lots of little drawers for spices? My other fave is also a family piece. Just a big old cabinet, pre-Civil War, that my great-aunt kept her stove wood in! It cleans up nicely and holds alot of table linens and candles, etc. I would love to take this book through my house and see what I have!
I love going antiquing and I would love to have this book!
What a fun book this sounds like to just browse through. I’m sure I don’t have anything either that would be qualified to be called a real treasure, but I do love the antiques that I have. I would love to win. Hugs, Marty
I love antiques, I’m sure this book would be really informative.
Hello! My favorites are some dishes we have from my husband’s grandmother!
Nothing better than a good book to read on a cold winters night. Please enter my name. Thank you.
My favorite antique is my grandmother’s sewing machine. I haven’t read a good book since grad school. I think all of those research articles destroyed my passion for reading anything but blogs, lol. Please consider me for the drawing.
Sandy
I would love to win a copy of this book! Love to go antiquing!
My favorite antique is the dresser I have that belonged to my Grandmother. I love the few antique pieces that I have; some are from family and some I have purchased, but the memories means much more to me than the appearance or value!
I love, love Antiques Roadshow and would love to win this fabulous book!
As an avid yard saler and collector of many things, I would love to own/win this book. I really enjoy your blog- Susan Stamm
What a great giveaway! I would love to win a copy of this book. I have been antiquing since I was 25, and a wise dealer and friend told that if I saved and bought one “good” piece each year, then I would have a great collection by the time I was 40. That seemed a long way off at the time, but now I’m years past that, and she was right! My favorite antique, however, is the nativity scene that my husband’s mother bought in the 1970s at a church rummage sale. You can see photos on my house tour, which is linked to your house party! Thanks so much!
I love antiques and this book sounds good. Please include me in your giveaway.
I would love this! Love antiques and antiquing!
Oh, this would help me so much! I go to flea markets and estate sales weekly and I never know if I am seeing and buying good stuff or junk, lol. Thanks!!
Do we ever get to old to learn???? What a great book for your libary. I would lov it, in mine. Love your blog too…michelle
I love antiques. I also love junkie things. Sometimes I see a treasure in that junk, if I could just find the time to bring it out!! Happy Holidays!
I would love to have this book! I’m not very good at spotting treasures–yet! Thanks for sharing.