How can you tell if its really vintage?

[Former_Member]

So I have been shopping for antique items to be used as supplies, once I re purpose them I plan on representing in my shop as repurposed antiques. While looking at one shop I found two items that were said to be 100 + years old, latter I saw the same two items on Amazon, the items on Amazon looked new and there was no mention at all of them being vintage let alone antique. I do not have much if any knowledge about antiques and am concerned now that I may buy something that is being misrepresented and in turn misrepresent it to my customers. Any advise or guidance would be appreciated.

[Untwistedsister]

I would think it's possible for some items that were made 100 years ago to still be made today. Maybe you can research the item?

[Former_Member]

Well...what is the amazon item...maybe we can figure out if there is a way to tell.

[LLFarm]

Some items are antique and are being remade today, I see your issue. I guess it depends on what it is...

[Former_Member]

They are pewter buttons. I would love to post the amazon link but I was worried it would be implicating the etsy shop and since I don't know I didn't want to offend anyone, or get yelled at for calling out.

[HausofAriella]

Are you sure they're the exact same buttons? It's very possible for buttons made 100 years ago to be very similar to some still being produced today. If you're worried, you could always convo the seller and ask about where he or she got them. I think that as long as you buy items you believe to be vintage in good faith,you'll be fine even if they turn out not to be. It would just be an honest mistake and I don't think anyone would fault you for that.

[Former_Member]

There are some shops that purchase new items that are made to look like vintage items and mark the prices up and sell them. It happens and you can't do anything to help it, but you can't assume the worst out of everyone.

If you're going to buy vintage, I would read up on the item and seek advice from experienced sellers on how to differentiate between fake and fraud.

[Former_Member]

HI, Here is what I would always do, If the person that is selling that 100 year old idem is on the up..up, then when you ask the person or seller to give you prof of how old it is, they will be glad to. You just ask the seller everything you can about the sale you are about to make. Remember you are the buyer and you have the right to know everything there is to know about what you are about to buy. If they are on the up..up you will know it, if not you will know that too lol. P.S Tell the seller that you did see this idem on amazon and see how they reacted. This gos for everyone here on ETSY get to know the people you are dealing with!

[ThePlaidPineconeCo]

You can always ask a vintage seller how they dated their item. Anyone worth their salt will be able to explain the tell tale signs of a certain decade/era.

Speaking for myself, I research my items and I've also acquired a vast knowledge of antiques simply from antiquing for so many years. I can look at any item and generally date it within 5 - 10 years but that's just through a lot of time dedicated to it.

If you're not as experienced, just ask the seller. As a general note though, anything that says 'vintage inspired' or 'antiqued' such as jewelry that features 'antiqued gold' is not true vintage.

[LLFarm]

Jamie,
A good point, many buttons are reproductions. It won't hurt to ask the seller the question.

I happen to love vintage green depression glass, and they are being reproduced from the same molds as years ago. I found an "expert" on the subject and they were more than happy to give me tips on how to tell the old from the new. Buttons must be the same, find a button "expert" and ask questions.

Hope I could help.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone, so much good advice. I hadn't though of the whole reproduction idea, very possible one sellers are antique and the others are a reproduction and thats why they don't claim to be vintage. Guess I need to get on some button research.
Thanks for all the help!