20100413 The Wonderful World of Antiques (2)

The Wonderful World 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 a reproduction?

FA: A lot of it comes down to using logic. One hundred years ago, people made things 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.




logic n. 邏輯/邏輯學
eg: The theory's logic is easy to understand.
=> 這個原理的邏輯很容易瞭解。
eg: It's hard for me to accept the logic behind his argument.
=> 要我接受他論點之後的邏輯，實在很困難。

logic n. 合理/合乎邏輯的講法
eg: There's no logic in sacrificing your health just to make money.
=> 只是為了賺金而犧牲自己的的健康實在不合邏輯。

finish n. (木頭製品完成時的)拋光/上了漆的表面
=> describe a kind of surface of a object, it might have tiny finish
eg: The polish gives the coffee table a shiny finish.
=> 這個擦亮劑給咖啡桌有個很光亮的表面。
eg: The rustic finish of the bench gives it a special charm.
=> 這個長凳粗獷的表面讓它增添一種特別的美感。

consistent adj. 一致的/前後一致的
consistent with something
eg: There has been consistent growth in our company's sales.
=> 我們的公司中的銷售一直都有一致性的成長。
eg: The witness' description is consistent with the police's record.
=> 證人的描述與警察的紀錄是一致。




wood grain 木紋
=> the texture in the wood


reference book 參考書



//== Chat room ==//

duplicate n. 複製品
duplicate v. 複製

reproduce v. 複製/再生/(生物)繁殖
reproduction n. 翻印版本



//== Grammar on the Go ==//

A lot of it comes down to using logic.
=> A lot of it is basically about using logic.

come down to
= be basically about


eg: Whether a person succeeds or not comes down to one's attitude.
eg: Although the magic trick may look impossible, it all comes down to how fast your fingers move.