Are Antique Coffee Pots Worth Buying?

An antique coffee pot is not something you normally look for when you want to brew your coffee. In fact, most people who aren't collectors of antiques or vintage items won't even think about spending extra money on such an old and used device when they can get a modern coffee maker for much cheaper.

Although not a collector myself I generally like antiques, but even I never considered buying an antique coffee pot. I had always pictured antique coffee pots as tarnished from many years of disuse, and might even have a few dents.

However, one day as I was browsing the shelves in a local antique store my eyes caught a gorgeous sterling silver coffee pot, and I fell in love with it. This antique coffee pot was beautiful. It was smooth and shiny, almost like new. The previous owner must have taken very good care of it.

As I admired this antique coffee pot I thought about the person who made it and what their life was like. I then approached the store owner, inquiring more about the item. He wasn't exactly sure when the pot was made but stated that it was at least a hundred years old. Surprisingly, the price wasn't really that high; something that I definitely could afford. I was excited to bring the antique coffee pot home.

As luck would have it, a month later I spotted an old coffee pot in a neighborhood thrift store which I suspected was an antique. This pot was also made of silver. It didn't look as shiny and charming as the one I previously purchased, but it had no defects. I was sure with a little bit of polishing it would look really beautiful. The best part was the price, which was only $25. I didn't think twice about getting it, for it would be money well spent even if the item would turn out not to be an antique.

The following day I took this old coffee pot to an antique appraiser, and to my delight he told me it was indeed an antique and was worth about $300. You see, often times you can find treasures in thrift stores since many people, including the store owners are not aware of the real value of the stuff they trade.

It didn't take that much effort to get this antique coffee pot the luster it deserves. Now I have a pair of elegant silver antique coffee pots gracing my glass kitchen cabinet. Most of my guests are amazed and they compliment me on finding such fine items. One of my aunts who collects antiques also has a vintage carafe that she found in the basement of her home when she first moved in. Even she says that hers are not as beautiful as mine.

Some people ask me if I actually use them to make coffee. No, I don't. I prefer to leave that task to my electric coffee maker. The antique coffee pots have done their share of service. Now that they are in retirement, their only job is to sit pretty and charm those who pass by.

So, are antique coffee pots worth buying? Based on my experience, the answer is definitely yes. Just make sure what you're purchasing is indeed an antique, and it's worth what you pay for if not more.