Do the terms vintage and antique have the same meaning? |
Most authorities consider the actual definition of the term 'antique' to mean an age of at least 100 years. If an item is not definitively datable to 100 or more years in age, it should not be directly referred to as an antique.
Vintage is a term applicable to a wider variety of objects, including items that may or may not be 'antique.' An item described as 'vintage' should speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in "vintage 1950's" but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. In other words, for the term vintage to accurately apply to it, an item should be somewhat representational and recognizable as
belonging to the era in which it was made.
As a general rule, 'vintage' should not be used in reference to objects less than 20 years old. Like new wine, the present era has yet to develop individual characteristics that posterity can attribute to it.
While an antique may usually also be considered vintage, the opposite is not always true. A 'pop-art' item from the 1960's, for instance, could be described as vintage, but it would not yet be antique.
|
|
Click Here to View all the questions in Item Listing Information
category. |
| |
|
|
|
 Related Questions
|
- How can an item technically meet site requirements, but not be appropriate to list on Ruby Lane?
- What is Keyword Spamming and why is it prohibited on Ruby Lane?
- Can I list an item if I don't know the maker?
- Can I always trust the mark on the bottom of a pottery or porcelain item for identifying the maker?
- How much information do I need to include in an item description?
- What is signed authentic memorabilia?
- Is it acceptable to offer buyers a choice in a listing, if I have multiple pieces of the same item to sell?
- Does Ruby Lane permit the sale of items made from Ivory?
- How do I change the category of an item from the Antiques Lane to the Vintage Collectibles Lane?
- How do I get Make Offer to display for an item in my shop?
|
Knowledge Base Home | 
Glossary 
Search Knowledge Base