Your local pawn shop could be full of overlooked treasures—but only if you know what to look for. Some types of genuine antiques are extremely valuable, while knockoffs and less popular items may not be worth the asking price. When you go antiquing at a pawn shop, look for these signs that a piece of furniture or kitchenware is worth taking home.

What to Look For in Antiques

1. Authenticity

Many modern companies make objects that are artificially aged, so they look like antiques at first glance. The real deal will show signs of age, have irregularities like different levels of tarnish on different areas, will have slight irregularities due to being handmade instead of factory produced, and will use older materials like square nails and single-slot screws.

2. Original Finish

On older piece which has been refinished or repainted is not worth as much as one that is still in its original condition. Turn the piece over to see if there are any drips or runs on the bottom or backside; this usually means new finish was added later.

3. Condition

While you do want your antiques to show some wear to prove authenticity, too much damage reduces the value. Watch out for tears, cracks, water damage, and places where the item has been repaired recently.

4. Rarity

The rarer an antique, the more likely it is to be valuable. Delicate, breakable items are rarer because most of the ones that were made have since been broken, while especially expensive items are rare because few people could afford them. Also look for anything unusual about the size, shape, color, style, or other characteristics of the piece that could put it in a class of its own.

5. Trends

The value of antiques depends on the number of people who are interested in buying them. Different types of antiques go in and out of fashion, so you'll need to do some research with local and online antique enthusiasts to find out what's popular now.

Whether you're looking for a pawn shop to shop for antiques, sell gold, or buy diamonds, choose American Trading Company in Cincinnati, OH. Serving Hamilton County for over 50 years, this family-owned shop offers a full selection of jewelry, firearms, and coins. To ask about their inventory, call (513) 661-3633, and visit them online to learn more about what their brokers will pawn.