Authentic Antiques

Authentic silver luster pieces are known for their darker luster, as seen on the candlestick at right. Antique willow pieces are identified by a more intense color and a flat bottom, as seen on the platter at right.

Antiques and country decor go hand-in-hand and adding the right kind of antique furnishing or accessory is a great way to add a country touch to a home. If you're not savvy in antique-hunting, though, how do you know whether you've purchased the real thing? Is it a reproduction or authentic? And did you get a good deal? Follow these tips on how to tell if an antique is a fake or a find:

• A real antique will show wear. A reproduction or fake antique doesn't wear with age as quickly.
• In most cases, real antiques are heavier than their fake counterparts.
• Antique blue willow china is saturated with color; whereas reproduced blue willow china has a more crisp design and color.

Guests
Kathryn Precourt
Editor, Country Home Magazine and Antiques Extra Magazine
1716 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-284-2202
URL: www.countryhomemagazine.com
Also in this Episode

Country at Home : Episode CAH-810
•	Heart Garden
•	Animal Talk Guestroom
•	British Colonial
•	Authentic Antiques
•	City Sunroom