It is impossible to talk about investing in antiques without mentioning patina. Patina is defined as a toned or darkened surface layer that naturally forms on an item over very long periods of time, typically decades or even centuries. Almost all materials, including metal, wood, paper and stone, will acquire a patina eventually. Therefore, almost anything genuinely old – effectively any antique – will possess a patina of one type or another.
The appearance of patina can vary widely from material to material, but those that develop on metals are some of the most distinctive. For example, the velvety, almost powder green verdigris of copper is perhaps one of the most widely recognized looks in the world. But bronze, with its deep, glistening metallic brown and brass with its soft, golden aura, are also renowned by artists and connoisseurs alike.
Precious metals, surprisingly, also have their own enchanting patinas. For instance, sterling silver forms a pleasingly mellow, tarnish resistant coating after decades of polishing and handling. Even karat gold, which is typically highly oxidation resistant, will acquire a very subtle, softly glowing bloom over time.
Although metals have some of the most unmistakable patinas, they are not the only materials to form them. Wood also tends to develop wonderfully rich and inviting patinas over long periods of time. This is best exemplified by fine antique furniture, where mahogany, walnut, rosewood and other fine hardwoods gradually darken and take on a richer, deeper tone over time. But smaller art and antiques, like Japanese netsuke carvings, objet d’art and picture frames often incorporate beautifully patinaed wood too.
Antique prints, manuscripts and paintings will often develop a unique look, called foxing. Foxing is the formation of brown, reddish-brown or yellowish spots that occurs on old paper. Although the reason behind foxing is not well understood, it might be caused by either fungal growths or the oxidation of certain elements in the paper pulp, ink or paints. Unlike other patinas, foxing on old documents or art is undesirable, but also often unavoidable. Therefore, as long as it isn’t too severe, the price impact is usually very limited.
Why should antique collectors and investors care about any of this? The answer is fairly straightforward; patina is a primary indicator of genuineness. An even, natural patina indicates that an item’s surface has been undisturbed for many decades, if not a century or more. It means that an item is completely original – without repairs, modifications or alteration.
Any repair or alteration made to an antique will, by necessity, disturb any pre-existing patina, rendering it obvious to the careful observer. And patina is notoriously difficult to create artificially, although forgers do try their best. This makes an original, undisturbed surface an unofficial, but incredibly important, seal of authenticity for antiques. In the world of antiques, original items are always the most desirable and, hence, the most valuable.
Regardless of whether you are interested in ancient Roman denarii coins, medieval illuminated manuscript leaves or mid 20th century mechanical chronograph wristwatches, patina is important. Choosing an antique that has an even, attractive patina helps ensure you are buying a beautiful and original work of art that has the best future investment potential possible.
