Do you have a passion for antiques? Want to enhance your collection with some curious and original artefacts? Discover the number of antique dealers across Malta and Gozo and explore the vast range of authentic treasures and original antiquities which fill these shops to the brim. Antique shops are a piece of heaven for antique enthusiasts as you can go down memory lane, re-experience memories of the past and remember your ancestors' way of living. Although some people may consider antique stores as junk shops, they are valuable shops for people who are fascinated with timeless artefacts.

What is an antique?

What qualifies as an antiquity? Many think that anything which looks old can be considered as an antique. However, this is not the case. Antiques are products which are more than 100 years old and old products less than 100 years old are defined as vintage or collectible items. They are usually sought after due to their age, aesthetic appeal, rarity and their historical, cultural, or religious value, and craftsmanship. Their characteristics make them unique and treasured pieces and can heighten their value as time goes by.

Why buy antiques?

Why opt for valuable antiquities over modern and contemporary furnishings? Classical antiquities offer you the possibility to mix up the style of your decor items to create creative living spaces. These objects enable you to produce contrasting features to modern settings and will take your interior design to the next level.

If you're an ardent collector of antique items and an appreciator of vintage objects, visiting an antique dealer will provide you with a vast selection of items to choose from. You can never have a big enough collection, right? Antiquities may not be for everyone's pocket, but a selective few do acknowledge their value.

Otherwise, you may decide to buy valuable treasures for investment purposes to re-sell after a couple of years or to increase your home's value. In this case, it is imperative that the artefacts bought are authentic.

Antiques for sale at antique shops

Antique dealers in Malta provide a vast spectrum of unique antiques, collectibles and vintage products for sale. From Maltese treasures to treasures from around the world, from practical to decorative items, you will find numerous valuable artefacts and curious knick knacks to enhance your personal collection or to offer as a gift to vintage appreciators.

Although a number of dealers may provide a vast selection of a diversity of items, some antique stores may specialise in sourcing very specific treasures. They may focus on one particular epoch, such as 19th century items, or Victorian or Edwardian antiques, on one type of product, such as antique furniture, or source only treasures originating from a specific country. From English antiques to Italian, French and Maltese antiques, together with Chinese, Japanese and other Oriental antiques, you can focus your collection on any country you have strong interest in. If you're on the look-out for a specific object, we recommend you contact a reputable dealer in Malta and ask for advice on how to source such an item. Here are some of the most popular products found at antique shops:

Antique Furniture

Antique furniture is sought after in Malta. Whether you're looking for an antique cupboard, armoire, storage chest, desk, chair or bookcase, you will find pieces of furniture of any century and produced from any type of wood. From an Edwardian dresser for your bedroom to a Victorian settee for your living room, you will find any furniture you're looking for.

Antique Ornaments & Jewellery

Antique jewellery can serve as stylish accessories, as thoughtful gifts, or to enrich a personal collection. Local antique shops can supply various types of antique jewellery pieces, such as engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and earrings, as well as cufflinks, brooches and lockets. All items should be described in detail if they are authentic. Antique ornaments commonly collected include figurines, silverware, glassware, statues, mirrors, vases, lamps, frames, paintings, and brass, ceramic, crystal, china, porcelain and pottery items.

Antique memorabilia

Other memorabilia fervently collected locally include old coins and stamps, maps, books, dolls, vintage clothing, bottles, dining sets, cameras, toys and games, musical instruments, postcards, sewing machines, antique clocks, holy relics and military memorabilia. These items and more can be a stylish addition to any interior space and can inflame your passion for collecting rare objects.

Where can you find high quality antiques in Malta?

Vintage items can easily be found online, in flea markets and thrift stores, but antique dealers will generally supply higher quality items. A reputable antique shop would be knowledgeable and experienced in identifying and handling a diversity of rare and valuable artefacts. They can offer you professional advice, and source valuable pieces which you've been meaning to find and own for a long time. These dealers may take part in national fairs and exhibitions and may even organise public and private auctions to showcase their artifacts. Additionally, antique shops also provide a guarantee of authenticity with each original product they sell.

Buying Antiques

Are you an ardent appreciator of antiques? Interested in starting or enhancing your own collection? Buying valuable artefacts may feel like an overwhelming task but we can help you in this venture.

Whether you collect antiquities as a profession or as a hobby, conducting research is crucial before buying a valuable object. Do some comprehensive reading and gather as much information as you can on the epochs or products you intend to focus on. You need to make sure you're buying relevant quality items for your collection so enhancing your knowledge is crucial. You need to know what to look out for, the crucial details identifying an original piece from a reproduction, and learn how to spot any restoration the piece endured, in order to ensure you're making the right purchase at the right price. A number of antique shops may provide you with the possibility to part exchange antiquities. Check out the value of similar products online or at other dealers to ensure you're not being swindled.

Certain products or epochs may surge in popularity in certain times, but don't feel pressured in buying artefacts which are currently in style as they'll be more expensive. On the other hand, buy pieces which are not in vogue, especially if you have a tight budget, as you'll get them cheaper than expected.

What do you need to consider when looking for antiques? Check out its condition and any signs of damage. Visit in person when possible as photos don't do the original pieces justice. If you're a professional collector you need to check for signs of authenticity, such as signatures and stamp marks. Reputable firms will provide a certificate of authenticity which would reflect the genuine nature of the object. Additionally, inquire about its rarity. If a particular piece is a limited edition, it will be much more desirable and valuable to your collection.

Final tip: Always negotiate the price! Antique dealers may offer you the desired piece at a lower price if you seem genuinely interested.

Selling Antiques

Whether you're clearing your house or want to discard just one object, antique dealers in Malta are always on the look-out for new treasures to add to their collections. You may have a range of sentimental objects which you may not have space for anymore, or you could be looking for ways to earn some extra cash. Whatever the reason, you need to find a reputable dealer who will offer you a reasonable price for your heirlooms. The dealer will provide a valuation (more detailed information below) and if you decide to accept, they will have it collected. Otherwise, you may choose to take part in a private or public auction.

Antique valuations: Antique or Junk?

Knowing your antiques' value is an important factor. This is where professional valuation comes in.

Why do you carry out an appraisal on your valuable items? Valuation is required for insurance purposes as it provides its actual value to acquire the level of cover you need. Additionally, it's necessary for divorce purposes and inheritance divisions to carry out fair divisions of family heirlooms. The valuation purpose (whether you intend to sell, insure, or just know its value) may affect the value.

Here are some tips to follow to receive the best valuation:

• Get your item appraised by a different person than the one you intend to sell it to, in order to avoid conflicts of interest. Steer away from online valuations as they are not reliable. A professional appraiser would need to touch and handle the object in question
• Ask for references when looking for a professional appraiser in order to deal with a reputable person.
• Contact more than one appraiser to make sure you're being provided with its proper value.
• If you deem your heirloom to be a very special and rare object, contact a specialist and not a common appraiser.
• Don't attempt to repair or refurbish the object before being appraised as removing original finishes may reduce its value.
• Make sure you obtain the appraisal in writing as it would include a detailed description of the product, the methods used to determine its value and a clear value, not simply an estimate. 
• Have your valuation reviewed every 3-5 years as its value will fluctuate according to the market at that point in time.
• Carry out extensive research to educate yourself and reduce the risk of being cheated on. Visiting auctions will help you get an idea of antique values.

How much are antiques worth?

The worth of your antiquities is a crucial factor which any owner would want to know. Their value depends on the product type, epoch produced, manufacturer, condition, style, country of origin, rarity and market trends. Value is not a fixed factor and will change according to the market at that point in time. Do make sure you have them appraised by a professional appraiser. Maltese antiques are especially sought after locally due to the greater level of sentimental and historical value they bring to patriots.

Other antique services offered by antique shops

Apart from buying and selling a variety of valuable artefacts, antique stores may offer additional services. They may organise auctions, furniture restoration and antique rental for theatre and movie productions.

How do you care for antiques?

Antiques need specialised attention in order to retain and maximise their condition, their charm, and their value. Each object would require its own treatment, so make sure you conduct proper research and inquire with antique specialists, who will in turn provide you with the best cleaning, handling and refurbishing alternatives after evaluating the piece in question.

In some cases, its original appearance, rough as it may be, may add to its value, as historical traces will enhance its appeal. Attempting to refurbish or repair may put a damp on its market value. In other cases, especially if you intend to keep it, it may be better to restore it to its former glory to ensure a longer lifespan. Hence, generations to come will be able to appreciate unique family heirlooms.

Although each treasure would require its own specialised care, here are some general tips which will protect your valuable pieces from any damage. Protect them from weather elements by installing blinds and shades, keep them away from humid rooms and rooms with heating and cooling systems as they need stable temperatures. Dust regularly, clean up spills immediately and choose refurbishing over refinishing to maintain original finishes, which will enrich their aesthetic appeal.

Think you have a treasure hiding in your closet? Check out some of the most valuable antiques around the world here.