An educational tool, this site is aimed at people who want to learn how to recognize and appreciate antiques. Its index offers photographs and historical information on many antiques. A sprawling auction hub based in London, Interactive Collector links several hundred auction catalogues and electronic auctions from around the world. It links to many art and collectible items for sale, offers show schedules and background articles, and invites dealers and collectors to swap information on message boards. A specialized version of the online auction giant eBay, eHammer is a Web auction founded by antique dealers who would rather not have their customers wade through the more general inventory sold on eBay.
Dealers can sell individual antiques or set up gallery-like areas featuring entire collections.