Monthly Archives: November 2025

Ivory or Bone? How to Tell the Difference When Buying Antiques

comparison image on how tell if something is ivory or bone

Collectors often face one question when examining older carvings, handles, ornaments, and small decorative items. Is it ivory or bone? The two materials can look similar at first glance, so new collectors sometimes guess incorrectly or feel unsure about what they see. However, you can learn the difference once you understand a few reliable visual […]

Silver Or Pewter? A Practical Guide For Collectors

Comparing hallmarks on antique metal to identify silver or pewter”

When you handle old tableware, tankards, trinket boxes, or cutlery, you might pause and wonder Silver Or Pewter? Although the two metals look similar at a glance, they behave so differently that the answer becomes clear once you know what to check. Because collectors rely on accuracy, these simple tests help you reach the right […]

Collecting British Error Coins – Minting Mistakes Make History

A digital banner image showing various British coins, including pound and two-pound pieces, arranged with a magnifying glass in soft lighting. The text reads “Collecting British Error Coins” against a clean background, representing minting mistakes and coin collecting in the UK.

Sometimes the most interesting coins are the ones that went wrong. A small slip in the minting process can turn an ordinary coin into something collectors get excited about. These are known as British Error Coins, and they sit at the curious intersection of accident and artistry. Every mis-strike tells a story. Whether it’s a […]