Our Top 10 Tips for buying antiques. Memorise them and never present yourself as an amateur.

1. Always ask for discounts .... No matter where you buy from.

Many professional dealers will have a code marked somewhere on the item that you're interested in and this will tell them exactly how low they can go. Something like X10 or X50 could mean they will discount up to that figure or go as low as that figure. Use your own judgment and always ask.

2. Always, always, ask about damage and/or restoration
If you don't ask, they don't need to tell you.

3. Always, always, always, handle the item -- Get touchy feely.......
Pick it up, put it down, pick it up again. Look at the bottom, the top, the sides. Look from odd angles and use a magnifier to look close.

Never be afraid to pick anything up in a shop, at an auction, on a dealers stall or at any other sales event.

It's your money you're spending and you'll only kick yourself if you miss a flaw, when you look again at home.

4. Never pose as a Trade buyer -- You may lose your consumer protection rights ...

Some Current Meissen Porcelain for Sale

MEISSEN BOY GIVING GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPY COOKIE 19th

£602.08

6h 31m

19th CENTURY MEISSEN VOLKSTEDT GARNITURE FLOWER SET

£195.00

2d 3h 32m

19th CENTURY MEISSEN BIRD FIGURINE

£225.00

2d 4h

FINE ANTIQUE MEISSEN FIGURINE VANITY MIRROR SGND X MINT

£3,461.98

2d 14h 6m

A RAUENSTEIN MEISSEN STYLE HAND PAINTED DISH C1870

£95.00

6d 15m

Rich Gold Cobalt Meissen Cup Saucer Plate Trio

£267.93

6d 6h 11m

Gorgeous German Meissen Sevres Jewellery Box Casket

£135.00

7d 8h 43m

LK Antique Meissen porcelain tea cup saucer

£125.00

7d 12h 50m

TWO ANTIQUE MEISSEN 8 1 2 SCALLOPED EDGE PLATES MARKED

£15.02

7d 15h 16m

MEISSEN PORCELAIN TISCHENMUSTER CHARGER INDIANISCHEN

£145.00

7d 21h 2m

5. Never offer Cash -- until you've agreed a price for paying by cheque or credit card.
Once you've got your maximum discount, get your cheque book or credit card out, then pause and ask if there's any further discount for cash. You'll never know, if you don't ask.

6. Always get a receipt -- Even if you pay cash -- Make sure your receipt lists the items age, the material, any damage or restoration and it's value.

7. Look for the odd one out -- The odd ones are usually the best bargains.

Look for items that don't belong, such as ceramics in a jewellers shop or stall; or bronze in a silver dealers display. More likely than not the antique dealer or seller will discount the unsuitable item to move it on.

8. Buy from your local auction house -- The profit is here.

Get to know your antique marks and your local auction house. The bargains are there and in all categories. Increase your knowledge about auction procedures and become an auction bargain hunter.

Buy from auction houses and markets abroad ...... But know the local rules before you do.

In the U.K. all valuable items bought from abroad and shipped into the country must be declared at british customs control and the receipt produced. If you buy items that are over 100 years old then no UK duty or Value Added Tax is due on the item. Always make sure the seller or supplier marks the age on the receipt.

9. Check antique shops for trade association memberships -- Just in Case

BADA (British Antique Dealers Association), or LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) are just two of many.

Find the one that covers your area and get yourself a greater degree of security and protection.

10. BEWARE of reproductions, fakes and forgeries -- They are very good and they are out there ..... (more)