by Matthew Scheidelman, The Antiques Appraiser

Dear Mister Scheidelman… I am confused by the terms “antique,” “collectible,” and “vintage” as used by dealers to describe their items. They seem to be used interchangeably and differently from person to person. I have seen things in antique shops that are less than 50 years old! How does this work? D.V., Inlet

Dear D.V.,

These terms can be confusing and misleading to everyone because they can mean different things to different people. Age and times past are subjective.

For example, to a 15-year-old, WWII and the Civil War can be lumped into the same historical category.

But to someone who remembers WWII, it does not seem so long ago.

I still cringe when I hear a young kid refer to music of the 1980’s as “oldies,” or a movie that I saw upon its original release or a car I drove in high school called a “classic.”

At a recent house sale I heard a child ask his mother what those “funny black things” were. They were LP record albums!

The term “antique” is typically used to describe an item 100 or more years old, usually things like furniture, glassware, dishes, toys etc.

The federal government classifies antiques as at least 100 years old.

“Vintage” means of a certain time period or having the characteristics of that era.In the antique business it is usually used when an item is less than 100 years old but old enough to attract attention from collectors, usually between 50 and 100 years old.

Collectibles can refer to modern items sought after for their quality, appearance or connection to a person or thing. Hummel figurines and Precious Moments figurines are two examples that come to mind.

Other examples of collectible items include Matchbox cars, Hallmark Christmas ornaments, Peanuts comic strip items, anything from The Beatles, and older metal lunchboxes.

These days, what is sought by many are “nostalgia items”— things remembered from childhood with fondness.

Toys and games from the 1960-1970’s era, kitchen wares and dishes from the 1940’s and 50’s, things your mother and maybe grandmother had in their homes as they were growing up, etc.

“Mid-Century Modern” is a new classification of collectibles covering the period from 1945- 1965 or so.

These are basic rules followed by most but you cannot count 100% on this.

I have seen lamps 30-40 years old listed as “vintage” and 1940’s bedroom furniture called “antiques.”

Do your best to decipher the seller’s point of view and take these terms as guidelines not rules.

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Dear Mr. Scheidelman,

I am trying to use e-Bay to learn about antiques and collectibles but frequently see the same item listed by two different sellers under different names or makers. Who do you trust?

G.K.S. Old Forge/Myrtle Beach

Dear G.K.S., Anyone can and does list items for sale on e-bay and other online sites. There are no restrictions or qualifications required.

As an antique dealer with 30+ years experience, I frequently see items misrepresented or misidentified.

Unless they can back up their statement sellers should not list an item as something specific.

Typically when they are unsure, phrases like “attributed to” or “in the style of” or “thought to be,” are used.

There are many reputable and knowledgeable sellers on e-Bay and they often give their qualifications and stand behind their descriptions.

Many times I have e-mailed a seller asking how they know a vase is “Tiffany” (actually cheap carnival glass), a tea set is “sterling silver” (actually cheap silver plate), or that a wristwatch is a “Rolex” (actually a cheap knockoff).

I have gotten such replies as: “I saw one just like it for sale,” “the auctioneer I bought it from said it was,” and my personal favorite, “my mother told me it was!”

When using e-Bay, check a person’s feedback rating and what others have to say about them.

If you do buy something that turns out to be less than was advertised, they offer “buyer protection” to help you get a refund. Rules vary, so check the site’s policies.

Always ask before you buy and keep the e-mail as evidence. There is an old saying that still stands true…”If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Good luck!

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Questions regarding the value of your antiques and collectibles can be sent to Mathew Scheidelman at: weeklyadk@yahoo.com, or Weekly Adirondack, P.O. Box 553, Old Forge, NY 13420.