This page is an introduction to antiques and collectibles for the new collector, or just those curious about this field. Antiques and collectibles as a hobby, or even a business, is very popular the world over. Every major city has antique shops, antique shows, and flea markets where antiques are actively bought and sold.
Many antiques also change hands through the mails.
Buyers and sellers hook up by advertising and listings online, and in paper-based antiques publications. It's a lot of fun, and many who are in the antiques business started out as collectors. They enjoyed it so much they've decided to make it a full or part-time business. Those just starting out, however may have a few basic questions. The term antique was originally defined by U.S. Customs to be anything made before 1830.