A visual guide to identifying, dating and authenticating antiques. Whether it's a smart city auction house, a rural boot sale, or even a charity shop - the trade in items from bygone days has become a hugely popular business. But for many people making the first decision to buy can be a daunting experience. In this handbook, Judith Miller offers no-nonsense advice on how to identify and value furniture, ceramics, silver and glass. She demonstrates how to identify the signs of authentic wear and tear and read the tell-tale signs of suspicious alterations.