The knowledge of the value of antique items is no longer a secret among the select few. Almost everybody has an idea that something, even if it's centuries old is still known to function the way it was meant to. It is because of this fact that antiques (especially those in good condition) are highly valued and are equally highly priced.
Auction houses are a good gauge of how much people value their antiques. Houses like Christie's and Sotheby's gets a high market auctioning off antique items and sometimes even at record breaking high prices. When you buy an antique object, you of course are not just claiming the aesthetic quality that it will bring your house, but also the investment you have made. After all, the older an antique item is and the better condition it is in, the higher the price it will fetch you someday. As always, the value of antiques is only kept if the item itself is maintained in top quality, as close to its original state as possible. Safeguarding and maintaining the quality of antiques does not only apply to furniture, but is also heeded when caring for beautiful antique books.
Nothing beats the scent of old books, first editions that still have traces of slight editorial imperfections that make them all the more endearing and valuable. An important step in taking care of antique books is first to check the book. Look through it and try to identify the most fragile parts. You need to pay closer attention to it and that would also give you an idea on the proper handling of the item. The spine is known to be the most fragile part of the book as it is the thinnest portion. It is also the part that suffers the most damage each time the book is opened. Most antique books are leather bound; if this is the case then you can protect the spine by applying mild leather moisturizer to that part to keep it from being brittle.
Keep your books in a clean dry place and like any antique, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight and an excess of moisture or humidity. These books have to be kept away form Ultraviolet light, because UV rays can cause a great deal of damage to the external parts of the book and if the contents are exposed, it can cause the ink to fade. To further protect the book, try covering it with a clear plastic cover found in most bookstores and school supply stores. Repairing a book should be done with the aid of an expert, because a misguided attempt of a novice can only cause the book further damage, therefore inevitably reducing its value.
Antique books are an important relic of days past. It gives us a glimpse into the manner of thinking of our ancestors. The romantic language and the innovative ideas bring the past closer and in turn keeping us grounded to our current beliefs and values. Taking care of antique book items proves to be a way to show our appreciation and gratitude to days past.
The word antique comes from the Latin word 'antiquus' meaning old. Antiques represent a bygone era of society and are desirable due to their age, condition, rarity, and craftsmanship. Antique items are highly valued for their utility, appeal and social acceptance. People are ready to pay a high price for perfectly maintained antiques and evidence for this can be gauged from the prices that dealers, auction houses, and brokers charge.
Apart from adding to the aesthetic value of your home, antiques are considered a good investment for fetching returns many times over the purchase price. It helps to know ways to take care of your valuable antiques, especially the ones that are extremely vulnerable, such as antique books.
Taking Care of Antique Books:
Knowing the parts of a book is important in taking good care of your valuable antique books. The spine of the book is the most sensitive and vulnerable part of the book. It is the binding that joins the front and rear covers of the book. Pages of the book are hinged to the spine and it is the thinnest and the most sensitive part of the book.
Leather bound books need special care to prevent the leather from becoming brittle and eventually cracking. The quality of the original leather, age of the skin and tanning process used are important factors to consider. Generally, leather produced before the 17th century is finer and usually longer lasting than leather produced after the 17th century. Modern leathers deteriorate much faster due to air pollutants and light. Relative humidity below 40% will dry up the leather and make it brittle and eventually crack; high humidity above 68% will hasten the chemical deterioration of the leather.
Store the book away from bright lights to prevent leather covers from fading and occasionally apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly - this will prevent the leather bound books from drying and cracking.
Humidity is another important factor responsible for the deterioration of antique books. It is advisable not to store the books in the basement or the attic, as both places experience heavy fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels during summer and winter. Also, the basement is likely to get flooded during heavy rains. Temperature in the range of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Low humidity will make the paper dry and brittle, and will tear while you are turning pages, whereas high humidity will cause paper swelling and warping. Mold spores are present in the air and dust. Mildew or molds are fungus and they thrive in humid and warm environments. High relative humidity encourages the growth of mold, causing serious damage to the book as molds digest the material. This will lead to staining and loss of strength. It is recommended that antique books be stored in a clean and dry place away from bright lights.
The covers of the book should be protected with transparent material. Acetate can be used to cover books, as it is both transparent and stable. In the unfortunate instance where the cover of your antique book comes off, please seek professional help. Trying to repair it yourself may cause further damage to the book.
Antique books are a valuable investment and you are advised to take good care of them.
Both Benedict Smythe & Victor Epand are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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