how can I tell if an item I have is an antique?

Answer 1

Take it to an antique shop and ask them what they think.

Answer 2

Depends on what the object is.

The rule of thumb is if something is more than 100 years old, it is an antique. However, there are exceptions to this, like used pianos. A 100 year old piano in the USA is generally junk unless it's been meticulously kept in tuned and repaired throughout its life (every 2 years minimum for tuning). And old Barbie dolls are another category of younger items being valuable "antiques". A car is considered an antique at 25 years!

The value of an item also depends on its "provenance" or known history. If you know that your great-grandfather bought a china plate for your great-grandmother in 1895 when it was brand new from Sears's in Omaha, Nebraska and you even have the sales receipt, the value is much much more than a slightly chipped plate of the same pattern you bought at a farm auction for 25cents. A Stradivarius violin is worth only a fraction of its true value if it's documental history of ownership is broken.

Of course, any antique must be in perfect condition for optimal value.

There are Antique Roadshow traveling shows or similar ones held in malls and museums. Some are specific for different kinds of antiques, like old pocket watches and clocks, or glassware and dishes. There are also numerous websites with photos, or you could check it's current market value on e-bay.

Remember, what your item's value is may not be what you can sell it for. Antique shops mark up an item 30-50% or more.