SHOP SMART ONLINE

In the second instalment of our two-part series, antiques expert and author MARK HILL helps us to get the best out of shopping online and at auction

How to navigate the often bewildering world of buying antiques over the internet with the help of Mark Hill

H owever long you’ve been buying antiques, it can still sometimes be an overwhelming experience for even the most ardent of collectors. In an increasingly digital age, with auction sites popping up all the time, it almost feels like we need a trusted tutor on hand to help us avoid the pitfalls when searching for a genuine piece at a fair price.

Step forward renowned authority on antiques, Mark Hill, who with over 20 years in the trade is well placed to be our guiding light. In the first half of this two-part series, published last month, Mark showed us how best to navigate antiques fairs, plus how to build a successful relationship with your local antiques dealer. Following on in this issue, he gives us the lowdown on what to look out for when buying antiques over the internet, as well as what to be aware of when bidding at auction. Mark also shares a few valuable pointers on keeping an open mind while browsing for antiques (see below) and helps us to decode makers’ marks on a variety of objects, from ceramics to electroplated teapots (page 119).