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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!
Lady Dorothy says
I have a bunch of “old” things and furniture that I have no idea of their worth, or lack thereof. But, I like them. Most of them were my mother’s. I would suppose my favorite antique is my dining room table. About 29 years ago, I lady in our church asked my husband if he could take an old table of hers to the dump, as she was getting a new one. He went over to do so, but instead brought it to our house! It was a gorgeous oak table and looked barely used! We have used it daily ever since — for eating and for doing homework! About a year ago, we had it refinished (cost more than we would have used to buy a new table, but oh well!). The refinisher said it was from the 1800’s and raved about how wonderful it was. I still have no idea how much it is worth. But, it doesn’t matter anymore. It has my family’s history written in.
Lisa says
Love your blog! Very nice giveaway!!
Sarah @ Different Dog says
I have a few things that I think are antique, one being an armoire I picked up at an estate sale for cheap. They had wanted $650 for it and I got it 80% off! That’s $130. When we moved to our new house in the midwest it got slightly damaged…so I’m upset about that…but it still looks very pretty and girlish. My little girls love to put their dress up dresses in it. It’s great for throwing toys in when company pops over unexpectedly.
I also loved your TJ Maxx post…I’m going over there today. Hope I can find some birdies…love ’em!
Happy Holidays!
Susie Summers says
You can never have too many good books on antiques. Love your piecrust table.
Vickie H. says
Rhoda, what a neat giveaway! You always inspire ! Can’t wait to see if I am one of the winners this holiday!!!
Tricia says
Looks like a great book. Thanks for showing it to us.
Toni @ The Tattered Cottage says
What a great book, I love watching the Antique Roadshow. Please enter me.
Toni
Anita says
I have an antique buffet server, something that I have wanted forever..they are hard to find. It is a bit smaller than I wanted, but I love it.
Bellen says
I typically just buy what speaks to me – maybe this book would help me listen to the upper end better 🙂 Thanks for the chance.
Carolee says
Hi Rhoda, I’ve been a treasure collector for many years and would loooove to win one of these books. My favorite antique furniture is my grandmother’s dining room furniture. It’s the old oak round table with six chairs. The chairs are dated on the bottom 1921. I was with her when she bought the set in Lincoln NE in the 1950s when it was merely used furniture, not antique. 🙂 I love love your blog and really appreciate all your projects. Thanks!
Tanya says
New to the blog as of yesterday and already loving it!
Lisa says
My favorite antique is the sideboard that my grandmother gave me. She owned the entire dining room set, but had sold it before I was born.
I think your kitchen cupboard is gorgeous. I would love to find something similar for our kitchen. We have gone to a few estate sales, and have seen some great deals, but so far we have not found a much needed coffee table. The hunt is fun, even though the living room looks barren!
Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden says
My favorite antique is my clawfoot dining room table. It is HEAVY and has enough leaves to make it about 15 feet long. Thanks for the chance to win!
Julia says
I’d have to say my favorite antique is a huge framed painting of George Washington, with a long quote and commemorative coin. It was given to my husband’s great-great-great-great aunt (who was the president’s personal secretary) when the government moved to DC.
Peggy says
Even though I love antiques I don’t own any. But I would very much enjoy reading the book.
JUDY PHILLIPS says
I WOULD SO LOVE TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK. I’M ALWAYS SHOPPING FOR ANTIQUES AT YARD SALES AND AM NOT SURE THAT IS OR ISN’T AN ANTIQUE.
Melissa Nunley says
I don’t have any antiques in our house yet, I’m hoping to find some since we’re going to live here for another two years.
Jeanne says
Hi Rhoda,
Merry Christmas to you and I love your blog, it inspires me so much…I have been collecting antiques since I was a teenager. Unlike most women, I don’t fall for shoes or purses or clothes, my weakness is furniture…yeah, makes for some full rooms sometimes…but what can I say, I get weak-in-the-knees at I beautiful piece of furniture.
K T says
Oh my gosh! I love Antiques Roadshow. My favorite show. I wish it was on every night. This week I watched the UK version, it’s a hoot.