(Comments are closed)
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!
That would be an awesome gift for my Mother-in-law! She is retired now and spends a lot of her time at the thrift stores!
That books looks very interesting and helpful. My favorite antique is an old secretasry my parents brought when they moved in with us. My family has had it all the years I can remember. It was painted green, and I recently painted it black. We did lose the mirror in the move, but it can be replaced.
Sheila
I really like that book. I’m always looking for a little help when I go out looking for “finds.”
I love antiques. My favorite would be a tie between a complete set of 12 Wedgewood Blue transferware of the US Naval Academy that my grandmother bought in 1952 when my dad was a student there and an old secretary that my mom recently gave me.
Oh please choose me. CHOOSE ME!! I would love to have this book. I, too, have been a huge fan of Antiques Roadshow and enjoy learning all I can about how to spot a true find. My favorite antiques are Pie Birds. I have a small collection. Some are probably not worth so much in money, but they are priceless to me. Thanks Rhoda!
I enjoy everything about antiques. While my collection is small, the pieces I have are very meaningful to me. I would love to receive a copy of the book you are giving away. Please enter my name in your drawing.
I have nothing antique right now, but I’d love to have a copy of this book so that I’m better prepared for next year’s yard sales and might be able to pick up some good, wait, “best” items! 🙂
I love antiques but my favorite is my great grandmothers table. I cherish it and I am honored to have it! Thanks for the opportunity! Angela
My favorite antique is an old seed box I purchased when we lived in Iowa. It’s in great shape and I’ll treasure it always.
I love antiques, but have none! I tried buying an antique table but didn’t know how to negotiate it very well!
My favorite antique is an old chair that we received. It has been in my husband’s family for a while. Wehad it recovered.
This book looks like a lot of fun to read. I love Antiques Roadshow too! I love your blog!
I would LOVE to win this book! I love to mix in at least one antique piece in each room of my house.
Cool giveaway! The book looks like it has a really great format!
My fav ‘antique’ is the mirror I normally have on my fireplace mantel. Not knowing how old it is, I really don’t know if it’s rated antique or not, but it sure looks like it! Here’s the link…
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2009/09/yup-im-bringing-woodtones-back.html
I’ve had many ‘real’ antiques over the years, however as my homes have changed, so have the contents. I use to have this amazing what I called a ‘little house on the prairie’ dresser that I stored in the front entry. It was the type that was a little on the taller side, and had an attached oval mirror on it’s side in between two tiny side drawers. It was amazing. I got it from an antique auction for a song. And a very tall big armoire with really nice carvings was another from an auction that stored hanging clothes. I miss those pieces but they wouldn’t have worked where I currently live anyway.
Thanks for the little trip down memory lane!
Donna
My favorite antique is my mom’s 2 parlor chairs that I inherited. They are covered in the original sage green velvet and I have a gentleman’s and a ladies… one of each!
ooh, I have this book on my shopping list… sounds so interesting. I doubt I’d find much in my house that would fall into any of those categories, furniture-wise that is, but it’s still food to know what you’re looking at when you’re shopping. Thanks for the opportunity to win it, Rhoda!
Oh! I just love books like this! Although we definitely don’t own anything in the ‘good’ catagory either, maybe the ‘throw this shabby junk to the curb’ catagory 😉
I think my favorite antique in our house right now is the farm writing desk we picked up at an antique market for $60, it’s so worm, it wiggles, the top has a split but it’s just so fabulously loved.
Cheers!
My fingers are crossed that I WIN one of these books!! Love your blog . . . reading it is part of my daily routine!
My fav at the moment would have to be the secretary desk, which is definitely not a fine antique, but I like it.
Love Antique Road Show. They were in Dothan last week. Would enjoy a copy of this book. Thank you.