The term antique is used rather loosely among the masses, and often ends up reflecting the age of the person using it. To a teenager, for example, a toy from the ‘60s seems “antique,” while a senior adult might see it as something they used or saw in the home of their parents or grandparents as a child.

Of course, you can ask a dozen different antiques “experts” what an antique is and you’ll get number of different answers. I’ve actually been in a room where a moderator encouraged a heated debate on the topic.

Some experts look more at high style and design when deeming an object antique. They see antiques as “masterpieces” of design and of only the highest quality. With this assessment, everything from primitive furniture to faceless Amish rag dolls from the late 1900s would not be considered antique. I disagreed with these folks then, and continue to disagree today.

Thanks to antiques.about.com for that fantastic definition.