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As an antique becomes popular, the reproductions come alive in the market.  What is no problem in the beginning can become difficult later as the reproduction takes on age and wear and tear.  Suddenly you're scratching your head and wondering if you're looking at an original or a reproduction......   The only answer is research and build an eye for the real McCoy, as they say!
 
I have spent a good many hours on the Web researching and have found some wonderfully informative sites that share valuable information about antiques--How to identify them and date them.
 
These are great foundation sites to have in your favorites.  From these sites you can search specific types, styles and makers
of the antique or collectible that interests you most.
 
GLASS
 
For a lesson in identifying Glass Makers and dating Glass try http://www.myinsulators.com/glass-factories/bottlemarks.html and http://www.shotglass.org/identify.html
 
The Glass Encyclopedia is an amazing source of information on different styles of Art Glass.  Find it at http://www.glassencyclopedia.com
 
 
POTTERY  (My favorite subject)
 
You need only say Roseville for most collectors to start foaming at the mouth, but many beginners aren't aware of the vast number of "fakes" out there.  They even imprint the Roseville name on the piece.  A great site to compare an original Roseville to a fake is:  http://www.wwcomponents.net/roseville/roseville.html
 
http://www.justartpottery.com is wonderful source to play with when searching for information on antique and collectible pottery.
 
A good lesson in factory marks on Gouda Pottery from Holland is http://www.goudadesign.co.uk/marks1.html.  The entire site is my most valued source for information on Gouda including identifying the vast humber of designs.
 
 
For a quick study in Bruch-McCoy try:  http://www.mccoypottery.com/brush/brush.html 
 
For Clarice Cliff designs and shapes:  http://www.claricecliff.com/about/patterns/index.shtml
 
 
 
http://www.thepotteries.org hold a vast amount of information on numerous collectible and antique potteries.
 
 
FURNITURE
 
I have always found the furniture timeline helpful at  http://www.maltwood.uvic.ca/hoft/timeline.html as a good starting point.
 
The Furniture Guide at http://www.collectingnetwork.com/furnitureguide.htm has information and links for educating you in the art of identifying and dating furniture.
 
For Windsor Chairs, this website educated me and lead to my purchasing an original Windsor Comb Back Elbow Chair at a Flea Market in Arkansas for $40.00.  http://www.chipstone.org/publications/1994AF/index1994Evans.html
I then found an appraiser in the UK that through photos and correspondence appraised the chair for insurance purposes.  Michael Harding Hill can be reached at info@antique-english-windsor-chairs.com.  The appraisal was professional and inexpensive (under $100).
 
I have relied mostly on a library of books for furniture, but the above links proved invaluable in my research and still do.
 
 
IN GENERAL
 
http://www.mygrannysatticantiques.com/index.html  is a great source of information on many antiques.
 
And my favorite website for comparing prices with ebay is http://rubylane.com.  Just search for your item and you'll get a lesson on the subject by the knowledge Ruby Lane's sellers impart in their product descriptions.
 
 
Well, hopefully you have found this page helpful in your search for fine antiques.  And if you are ever in Warrensburg, Missouri, see my Homepage for directions to my Shoppe.  I'm always happy to make new friends.