Ruining antiques

[Roy Hersh]

http://antiques.about.com/od/generalcar ... 112205.htm

[Peter W. Meek]

When I saw the title/subject, I thought it meant "ruining" as in physically damaging or chopping up.

I am mindful of the fact that having an actual antique is important to some people, while for others, the look of the thing is what counts. It was suggested to me that we take an actual antique wash stand and cut out a sink opening to use in one of the half-baths in our house.

I said, "NO. There are a limited number of antique wash stands in existence, and I am only interested in the look and style of these old pieces of furniture. Get me a good reproduction and we can cut it up in any way that suits. Why should I deprive someone who would be happier owning the actual antique?"

As for ruining with good intentions (as in the article), most of these ideas will be familiar to anyone who has seen a few episodes of Antiques Roadshow. (EDIT: Including the episode where someone was told that they had reduced the value of a chest of drawers from $150,000 to about $20,000 by refinishing it.)

[Eric Menchen]

Peter reminds me of a sign we saw once driving in the countryside (probably west of Fairfax, Virginia, an area with a lot of antique stores), "Antiques Made Daily."

[Moses Botbol]

If you leave an antique as is, you'll never have to worry about ruining it.

[Carl D]

If you leave an antique as is, you'll never have to worry about ruining it.

...but you might have to worry about not saving it instead of letting it turn to dust!