Anyone know anything about antiques?

[stking]

Well, I got a Christmas present that I'm not quite sure what to do with! My father-in-law bought me what he called an "antique" and said he didn't know if I knew much about antiques but he was starting me off in the world of antiques if I didn't! (He does not collect antiques, by the way and currently lives overseas.) It is a wooden cabinet - the type that hangs over your tiolet. It has a little door with a mirror on it and two other little shelves. The wood is pretty scratched and it needs a good coat of varnish. In the past, he has usually given me a $50 giftcard to some store some I'm assuming that's about what he paid for this. My question is: What makes it an antique? What makes it an antique vs. something you buy for $5.00 at a garage sale?!! (I told you I know NOTHING about antiques!) I searched ebay but didn't see anything like this at all. Many of the antiques there have a known history, and I have no idea the history of it. Any help out there, my fellow DODers?

[pandybat]

I'm not sure what you are describing but maybe you could find it at Kovels if it truly is an antique.
http://www.kovels.com/

[3tbear]

I'd say the same thing, look in one of the Kovel books, well known dealers in antiques.

[bestmidwest]

Or maybe he picked it out of the garbage and saved himself $50!! Have you done anything to make him mad lately?? (just kidding!!)

If it is an antique, whatever you do don't paint or varnish it. The value will be lost immediately!

[stking]

Originally Posted by Daiquiri

If it is an antique, whatever you do don't paint or varnish it. The value will be lost immediately!

Ya, I kinda thought that. Everything in our bathrooms is white so I thought "Gee, I can't even paint it white and hang it in the bathroom!" I thought that would probably lose whatever value it may have.