With
our introduction to this page recently we looked at how the term 'antique'
generally refers to pieces with an element of age (traditionally 100
years old). While age remains a factor of interest, there are a number
of other factors that must be considered when appreciating or appraising
a piece in 'antique' terms.
We
further considered that 'fashion' was another irrefutable element to
the value appreciated for any antique and with this recognition of fashion
we have had the pleasure of numerous TV shows evaluating a plethora
of items of 'antique' interest.
However,
seldom is any airtime given to the actual factors that are considered
when appraising the pieces, which are displayed. I have arrived at 5
factors that I use to appreciate every piece from jewellery to furniture,
and from paintings to objects d'art.
1.
Quality of Materials
2.
Quality of Design
3.
Quality of Craftsman manufacture
4.
Individuality and distinctive features
5.
Epitome of the period from which it hails.
Indeed
it isn't actually entirely created from my own concept of appraisal
that these factors materialise! Almost from the time immemorial we have
looked at ways of objectively appreciating the 'quality' of fine items
around us. The oldest statute method of quality standard control relates
to jewellery and the quality of the commodities of precious metals such
as platinum, gold and silver.
In
Scotland, the statute 'Hallmarking' of such commodities began nearly
550 years ago in 1457. This began with two impressed marks denoting
the 'Decons' marks and the 'makers' mark. In 1681, the statute developed
this quality control standard to include a date code to date the age
of the piece to a specific year of manufacture and the 'Decons' mark
was susperseded by the mark of an 'Assay' office. Broadly speaking,
this statute denoting every legitimised piece of silver, gold and platinum
has remained unchanged for all these years to the present day. It provides
us with the heritage and quality standard for 'Hallmarked' pieces which
we would dearly desire to know definitely for every piece of craftsman
or artistically produced piece. From the 'Hallmark' we can recognise:-
1. Quality standard of
materials
2.
The designer/manufacturer of the piece (termed as the 'sponsor')
3.
The precise year when the piece was hallmarked (usuallly
the year it was produced)
4.
Where the piece was hallmarked.
U.K.
Assay office marks
o
EXAMPLE
OF HALLMARKS
We
have this wonderful system that is the envy of the entire world for
the manner in which it has been administered over such a period of time.
This has created a heritage that is totally unsurpassed by any other
country for length of incorporation (records kept since 1457 in Scotland),
accuracy and record maintenance. The remarkable aspect of this heritage
is that it still exists today as an established record of all legitimately
produced silver, gold and platinum .................. if an item isn't
hallmarked, you can't guarantee what it is! By each and every piece
being hallmarked today, it creates the legacy by which pieces will be
evaluated in years to come, truly creating, 'Antiques of the Future'.
Please
send your question to me at idsantique@aol.com
Antiquely
Yours
Iain
Sutherland
