How do you find good antique shops when you’re traveling out of town? Some people find it helpful to befriend dealers in shops they like, then they ask them if they could recommend other places that carry similar merchandise.
Buying an antique is unlike buying anything else. The industry is unregulated and buying guides and consumer ratings do not exist for objects or for sellers. That means, as a buyer you should beware and be aware.
One of the key things to keep in mind when shopping for antiques is to find a reputable dealer.
Ask questions: about what you read on the label and what’s not there. How old is this piece? Where was it made? How did the dealer get it? Have the dealer done any repairs or restoration? Is the hardware original? What refund/return policy does the dealer offer if the item is discovered later to be not as claimed? What is the dealer’s policy on returns?
What they tell you isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on. So make sure you get it in writing: any claims made about the item you are buying related to its age, origin, condition, or anything else that affects it value should be on the receipt. So should the dealer’s name, address and telephone number. The receipt may help you get your money back later if required.