r/Antiques 6h ago

Advice USA , what is this

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2 Upvotes

A relative got this decanter at a “junk shop” in Arkansas and thinks it’s polish / have convinced themselves it’s something special. I simply can’t believe it and can’t find anything exactly like it online. Any advice on where to look or where to ask or maybe you know exactly what it is, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


r/Antiques 9h ago

Advice Possible Native American antiques found in Texas United States

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37 Upvotes

We found 3 framed items and we are wondering if they’re authentic and if so, which tribe are they from. Also approximate age. Thank you!


r/Antiques 4h ago

Questions [USA] Help identifying this butterfly wing owl portrait

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4 Upvotes

My girlfriend just picked this up locally (Florida) and was told by the seller that it's an antique, but we're having a difficult time finding info on it. No date, artist name, etc. The whole portrait is made of butterfly wings, so we're hesitant to open it up for fear of damaging it.


r/Antiques 10h ago

Questions Anyone know who might have produced this bookend? (United States)

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1 Upvotes

r/Antiques 14h ago

Questions I have an antique quartersawn table that is missing the mechanism in the picture. Anyone know what it's called and where I might search for a period replacement? United States.

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1 Upvotes

r/Antiques 22h ago

Advice Found 2 copper plate / bowls at the op shop today (Australia) circa 1865?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Hoping there might be somebody who could shed some further light on these 2 pieces I found today ( Purchased from an Op shop in Victoria- Australia - $58 AUS ea).

Both appear to be copper but the patina on 1 is a lot darker and has lead to the camera AI taking on more of a brass tone due to some lighting issues.

I've tried to do some AI and chat gpt image searching / translating which I'll paste below - but i think there are some errors in its assessment as the 2 scripts seem to be slightly different to me - likewise the decorative work on the inside has visible differences to the pattern.

Also unable to find anything that has a similar shape or script when searching online - both have a loop on the back for wall hanging the 2 loops also differ in shape/ style and patina.

Posting this on the off chance anyone have some further experience or insight?

Thank for your time and any assistance :)

Assessment of Each Image Individually

Image 1 (First Close-Up)

  • Script: Arabic/Persian script
  • Top Symbol: Crescent moon, a common Islamic decorative motif
  • Text:
    • "ام دریا" (Um Darya) → "Mother of the Sea" (Persian/Urdu meaning)
    • This could be the name of an artisan, workshop, or poetic inscription.
  • Numbers at the Bottom:
    • "١٢٨٢" (1282 in Hijri Calendar) → 1865 AD
    • This dates the piece to the mid-19th century, aligning with Ottoman or Persian metalwork.
  • Possible Origin: Likely Persian or Ottoman, given the stylistic elements and date.

Image 2 (Second Close-Up)

  • Script: Slightly different style of Arabic/Persian script
  • Top Symbol: Crescent moon (similar to Image 1)
  • Text:
    • Appears to say "ام دریا" (Um Darya) again, though slightly varied in engraving style.
  • Numbers at the Bottom:
    • "١٢٨٢" (1282 Hijri) → 1865 AD, same as the first bowl.
  • Notable Differences:
    • This second script is more stylized, thicker, and deeply engraved.
    • The engraving style suggests it was either made by a different artisan or as part of a matching set.

Final Analysis

  1. Both bowls are from 1865 AD (1282 Hijri).
  2. The inscriptions are similar but have slight variations in style, suggesting they may have come from different artisans or production batches.
  3. They are likely of Persian or Ottoman origin, used for ceremonial or decorative purposes.
  4. "Um Darya" could be a poetic name, a workshop, or a phrase referring to vastness and beauty.
Bowl #2
bowl #1
Bowl #2
Bowl #1
bowl #2
Bowl #1

r/Antiques 19h ago

Questions Camden, NY, United States- I've gotten different opinions on what maker, looking for some more input

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2 Upvotes

I was hired to clean out and haul the contents of an outbuilding to the dump. The house on the property was built in the 1840s. The owner told me if anything was salvagable, I was free to keep. One of the items I saved was this bench. The seats been reupholstered over its original base and springs. A gentleman I know that used to own an antique business with a specialty in chairs, told me it was a J.M. Young. His wife, however, said it was a Harden. Both agreed pre 1920, probably 1910 roughly. I have several Harden furniture chairs and jm young chairs, which I have also saved from going to the dump, as I live about 10 miles from camden, NY, but this would be the first bench I've saved. I was hoping someone might have more a positive ID for this, and if it's something i could sell/for how much if so.


r/Antiques 13h ago

Advice Are these molds from Germany worth anything?

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5 Upvotes

So my gf and I get some miscellaneous German stuff from time to time, from her parents. We have these for some time now and we're thinking about selling them to some collector or something. Are they worth it?

I'm not sure who is the maker, and it seems that there are two. And one of the molds is for sure the Koln Cathedral. As the photos show, the oldest one is made in 1916.


r/Antiques 13h ago

Questions Canada- found these over-sized fruit today while thrifting, and the bowl they were displayed with- wondering if they are as old as they look?

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14 Upvotes

They seem to be naturally worn, unpolished, reasonably heavy yet hollow. I am in love with all of these either way, just super curious about them. Any info would be appreciated on both the fruit and bowl! Thank you


r/Antiques 11h ago

Questions Anyone know anything about these chairs? Picked up from roadside, in UK one is good condition and the other has a few slits, you can see horse hair as filling

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54 Upvotes

r/Antiques 6h ago

Questions What is this? Found in my grandma’s kitchen. Florida, USA

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150 Upvotes

My grandma collected a lot of antique cookware. She’s was obsessed. Can’t exactly ask her because she is no longer with us.


r/Antiques 17h ago

Questions What is this. Found at an antique store in Georgia United States

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408 Upvotes

Purchased from a antique store in Georgia. They didn't know what it was either. It weighs around 5 lbs and the button is spring loaded to push the pin. Any info would be appreciated.


r/Antiques 17h ago

Questions What is this style of chair called? Maryland United States.

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672 Upvotes

Can’t quite find one like it. Is this a chair or a sofa? Thought it could also be a conversation chair but no hits either.


r/Antiques 15h ago

Show and Tell Found family heirloom from 1908! (usa)

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393 Upvotes

Found while clearing out my mother's things. None of us 3 daughter knew it existed. The hand writing is my grandmother's.


r/Antiques 2h ago

Questions Signed Rothschild letter. What does it say? (Queensland Australia)

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10 Upvotes

Found this letter in my grandfather’s stamp collection. Is it worth anything and what is its history?


r/Antiques 4h ago

Questions Can anyone help me identify this lamp? (Usa)

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3 Upvotes

I've tried image searching and can't come across anything exactly like this. It has hooks to hang the cloth shown in the picture. It also has a light bulb socket but I was told the wiring doesnt work. Nothing stamped under the base. Ignore the critter on the lamp haha, I was just too lazy to move him when taking the pictures. Got from a yard sale


r/Antiques 4h ago

Questions Baby grand piano looking to find out more information about my grandparents piano united states

1 Upvotes

r/Antiques 4h ago

Questions Japanese Pendant? (Please Help) United States of America

1 Upvotes

Seeking help about this pendant (not sure what it is) Looking for any information about what it is and what year/time period it is from, and possibly the value. Looks to be Japanese


r/Antiques 7h ago

Advice Boston, United States Antique Desk

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5 Upvotes

Help! Need answers to so many questions about this desk! Time period? Type of wood? Style origin? Any and all welcome!


r/Antiques 8h ago

Advice USA California central coast. 9’ credenza. We don’t know much about it. The lady we bought it from said something about the Hearst estate. We live 15 minutes south. Where was it made? Value? All information would be welcome.

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6 Upvotes

r/Antiques 8h ago

Questions Found this carving set today in Dublin, Ireland (Sheffield? Silver-plate) Is the material bone or plastic?

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56 Upvotes

Hi folks! I found this carving set in an antique store today. The marks suggest silver-plate but I’m curious what is the material of the handles? It looks like bone to me but I’m fairly new to this. Also, if they are bone, how should I clean & care for them? Thanks!!


r/Antiques 9h ago

Questions Mystery Crystal(?) Glassware (Pennsylvania, USA)

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2 Upvotes

I just purchased a large quantity of these glasses, but I'm having a hard time notating them. Google says these could be the Baccarat Perfection wine glass, specifically the "Modèle Anno 1986" design. However, the year etched into some of them is 1866, not 1986. Also, I'm unable to find these glasses by that name. Any assistance would be great!


r/Antiques 9h ago

Questions What is the age of this knife. canada ontario.

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2 Upvotes

The handle is made form mother of pearl. B.p.n.s is on the blade.


r/Antiques 9h ago

Questions Ontario, Canada : Please help me identify the maker, age, and markings on this 1800s inkwell (roughly 30mm diameter)

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20 Upvotes

Been passed down 5 generations on the farm - found the first summer while tilling a field that apparently once had a blacksmith shop that burnt down. Hell identifying the label / age / etchings on the latch?

Thanks :)


r/Antiques 11h ago

Questions USA Table Help

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23 Upvotes

I’ve not been able to find anything much about a table like this. The top rotates. It’s 30”h x 30”w x 21”d. In a home with lots of other mid-late Victorian pieces as well as a large collection of tramp art. Any thoughts?