Marketplace guide

Buy American Antiques

Search broadly, inspect narrowly, and preserve the evidence.

A focused search is useful only when paired with an originality, condition, provenance, shipping, and return checklist.

Before buying

  1. Require dimensions and complete front, back, side, top, bottom, interior and detail photographs.
  2. Ask what has been refinished, repainted, repaired, replaced, cut, drilled, mounted, reupholstered or assembled.
  3. Request clear images of marks, labels, hardware, joints, fasteners, surfaces and damage.
  4. Separate seller history from documented provenance.
  5. Compare matched completed sales, including buyer premium and shipping.
  6. Read return, insurance, packing and freight terms before payment.