古董的異想世界How can you tell if what you are buying is really an antique? by Simon Stopps
SC: What is an antique?
FA: Well, there are really three words you need to know in the antique business: antique, reconstruction and reproduction.
An antique is an item that is over 100 years old and less than 33 percent restored. A reconstruction might also be more than 100 years old but has been altered more than 33 percent. A reproduction is a new piece – with or without old materials – that has been made to look antique.
SC: How much do antiques cost?
FA: It depends on a number of factors like age, size, the materials and techniques used in construction. The quality of the piece is also important. Real antiques tend to be unique items because they were made before things were mass-produced. Most of them were also originally made for wealthy families because they could afford to have things made with better materials. In the 1970s and '80s, there was an abundance of antiques in the Asia market. Now that the market is depleted, prices have gone up a lot. But generally, reconstructed pieces are worth between a quarter and a third of the price of antiques.
SC: How do you know you are getting a good price?
FA: Since there really are no standard prices for antiques, it all depends on what the buyer thinks an item is worth.
SC: How do you know if you are getting an antique, a reconstruction or reproduction?
FA: A lot of it comes down to using logic. Once hundred years ago, people made tings with hand tools, so antiques rarely have a perfect, machine finish. They also used the same type of wood for the entire piece, so checking for consistent wood grain and color is important. The use of different woods in a reconstructed or reproduced piece is often hidden by paint. Construction techniques were also different in the past. People frequently used joints instead of nails.
Real antiques always show evidence of restoration, like tightened joints and refinishing.
SC: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in buying antiques?
FA: Get to know your antique dealer. Talk to people who have bought antiques. Read some reference books and ask a lot of questions. Take time to study the piece you are interested in, and don't be in a hurry to buy.
Grammar
A lot of it comes down to using logic.
it come down to =be basically about
A lot of it is basically about using logic.
most common use on conversation, talk about a subject is complicated for people to understand, and try to bring an attention to people that what is real about it.
Whether a person succeeds or not comes down to one's attitude.
Although the magic trick may look impossible, it all comes down to how fast your fingers move.
Vocabulary
reconstruction-重新修复，重建，re-有再一次的意思。
*The Reconstruction of the chapel took over 15 years.
* a reproduction of Van Gogh's "Starry Night"
alter-改变，修改。
*We have to alter our schedule to meet the new deadline.
*The engine of this car was altered to have more horsepower.
depleted-此处指枯竭 deplete-消耗或使减少
*Depleted food supplies were the key reason the weak troops were defeated. 食物供给枯竭。。被打败的主要原因。
*The river is depleted of fish.
reconstruction-遭到破坏后把它充新修建
reproduction- 复制品
mass-produced-made or produced in a large number.
logic-逻辑，逻辑思维
*The theory's logic is easy to understand. 原理的逻辑
*It's hard for me to accept the logic behind his argument.他背后争论点的逻辑
*There's no logic in sacrificing your health just to make money.
finish-完成，终结，结束，此指漆的光亮的表面．here is the surface of something.
*The rustic finish of the bench gives it a special charm.粗爌的表面
*The polish gives the coffee table a shiny finish.
consistent-一致的，或是前后一致的．与．．一致用＂with＂
*There has been consistent growth in our company's sales.
*The witness' description is consistent with the police's record.
grain-树纹
Chat Room
old-老的
oldie (n)-老的，古时的东西，老旧的唱片，，令人怀念的老歌，老电影。expression of something is old. 也可用在人方面，资深的老人， 老资格的人。
new-新的
newbie(n)-新手，菜鸟，只能用在人方面，不能用在东西或事务上
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copy / duplicate (n)-复制品＂a＂发短音 duplicate (v)-"a" 发e长音
reproduce-复制，再生，生物的繁殖．．
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