Antiques & Collectibles: Getting Started

Information resources for researching, valuing, and documenting antiques and collectibles.

KU Library Catalog

Other Nearby Library Collections

Public Libraries are often a good source for books on antiques and collectibles. Here's links to the websites for three nearby libraries:   

Selected Journals

Definitions

An antique is an old collectible item. It is collected or desirable because of its age, rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features. Usually it is an object that represents a previous era in human society. Antiques are usually objects which show some degree of craftsmanship, or a certain attention to design such as a piece of furniture or an early automobile.

collectible typically describes a manufactured item designed for people to collect. In this respect, they are distinguishable from other subjects of collections, which may also include natural objects (e.g., butterflies) and objects manufactured for purposes other than collecting (e.g., stamps). Some objects designed for other purposes, such as toys, become so popular among collectors that they are later marketed specifically to that audience.

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Suggested Books on Specific Antiques

Fine Arts & Humanities Librarian

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Andi Back
Contact:
Art & Architecture Library

(785) 864-3020

aback@ku.edu

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