The Value of Antique Wood Stoves

Antique wood stoves provide decoration and can still be used for heating and cooking. Stoves from as long ago as the 1870s are available for purchase in antique stores and over the Internet.  Antique wood stoves are collectors items that are very valuable to some people.

They are also great additions to restored homes, hotels, or museums. 

There are many different types of antique wood stoves available. Some of the most popular types are Victorian models and pot bellied stoves.

Victorian wood stoves are made of cast iron and feature a wood-burning oven. They were often used for cooking and were usually kept in the kitchen. They are often large and rectangular; some have shelves and ledges above the oven that are used for storage. Victorian wood stoves are often elaborately decorated, with silver and gold inlays complimenting the iron body.  

Pot belly wood stoves are shorter, squatter and smaller, and can be distinguished by their barrel-shaped body. Pot belly stoves have a round oven in the center of the body. These stoves are usually less elaborate than Victorian stoves, but they are still decorated with engravings and designs.  

Many antique wood stoves are still in working order. People often use these stoves to cook food or heat their homes. The basic designs of most types of wood stoves have not been changed much over the last century, so people who use antique wood stoves are not giving up any type of modern convenience.   

Antique wood stoves look great in hotels with a historic dcor. Many tourist attractions such as museums and old restored homes have antique wood stoves on display.  

Antique wood stoves are valuable for several reasons. They are rare, making them collectors items. Most of them are still functional and they can add authenticity to historically themed hotels and tourist spots.

Wood Stoves provides detailed information about outdoor and antique wood stoves, wood-pellet stoves, and wood cook stoves, as well as wood stove inserts, installation, and manufacturers. For more information go to http://www.e-woodstoves.com and/or visit our affiliate site at http://www.growthink.com.

Antiques From Europe...

Goose That Layed the Golden Egg?"Michael Temple

Many dealers and auctioneers have been bringing container loads of antiques from Europe for years now. The lure of getting "fresh to the market" antique furniture and "smalls" is something that can bring renewed excitement back into your antique business.

Buying antiques by the container load can be a mental "rush", but is it the business builder some have made it out to be?

Back in 1998, while I was still in the antique and estate auction and liquidation business, I decided to purchase a load of antique furniture and smalls and have the container shipped to my facility in New York State.

Ill spare you the details of how exactly this is done during this article.

I received the load buy tractor trailer, and had friends help me unload the container. It was packed full and tight, and the furniture was quite impressive to say the least!

I was impressed by the high quality and good prices, and by the fact that I could have the load delivered right to my place of business.

There were twist leg oak hall trees, high relief wardrobes, dining room suits, chairs, bureaus, desks, marble top stands, dressers and much, much more. And that was just the furniture!

Inside the dressers and desks, there were smalls galore. Tucked inside one of the dressers was a hand-stitched sampler from 1861. The sampler was done by a mother who had lost a child at birth, and it achieved a high price at auction. I was most impressed with the condition and quantity of the smalls.

I have been in touch with auctioneers and dealers who have had both good and bad experiences with buying antiques in Europe. I have noticed that without exception, the difference between a good experience and a bad one rested solely on who they actually did business with.

Those that did business with the same company that I did business had a great experience. Those that didnt had a difficult experience.

There are various companies that ship antiques from Europe, and you can find their sites all over the Internet. I have however come to realize that not all of these companies are equal! Some of them are very condescending, while others try to speak to the common folk while doing business. None of this has a bearing on your bottom line!

There are a few things that you should look for when searching for an antique shipping company. Ill list them for you.

1.Per item price. Knowing your market is so vitally important to understanding whether or not you be profitable. Keep in mind that what is quoted from the company is never what the item actually costs. After you have paid ship transportation, duties, documentation fees, and trucking to your facility, the price per item goes up.

2.Reputation in your country. When the company is thousands of miles away, many of them will often tell you what you want to hear. Make sure that you have testimonials from people who have done business with them in your country! Call these people, talk with them about their experience, and tap their brains for more information about the company. Good shipping companies will always be willing to give you references from people that are satisfied with their services.

3.Company attitude. Keep in mind that you are offering to do business with them. Some antique shipping companies often come across as condescending and snobbish. Do not be afraid to ask questions, (even if they seem like stupid questions.) If they come across as rude or snooty, you may want to consider whether or not you wish to have a buying relationship with them.

If shipping antiques from another country seems like something that you would like to explore do your homework! It can be a lucrative move, but it can also empty your account quickly if you dont know what you are doing.

Michael Temple is a retired auctioneer and author of the e-book "Buying Fresh Antiques - 16 Ways to Increase Your Opportunities No Matter Where You Live." His web site Antique Power Dealer is popular among antique dealers and enthusiasts. Antique Power Dealer