Bittersweet Antiques stocks a wide selection of antique furniture and accessories from the middle 19th Century to the turn of the 20th Century. Within the shop is JB's corner, presenting a variety of decorative English sporting items such as pond yachts, split cane fly rods, wood shaft golf clubs and hunting bronzes.

1. Antiques are, by definition, at least 100 years old. Anything else is “vintage” or a “collectible”.

2. Move the piece away from walls and other items so you can get a good look at all sides, including the bottom. Study the piece under bright light or ask to take it outside if the weather is not inclement.

3. Examine the finish for natural signs of wear. Authentic pieces will have dirt in crevices or in places that are hard to clean, and wear around knobs and on drawers caused by friction. The absence of such wear may indicate that the piece is not old, or that it has been refinished. The latter is not necessarily bad if it’s been done well, but it will lower the piece’s value in most instances.

4. Negotiate. An all-in-good-fun, see-what-you-can-do-for-me attitude gets you a lot further with dealers than a negative, attacking stance.