True Color

Engravings are a perennial favorite at antiques shows―decorative, portable, and easily personalized with a mat and frame. Those that are pretty and colorful tend to be favored.

Depending on the age of the engraving, color doesn’t have to be original, but it does have to be old and appropriate. (You wouldn’t expect to find original color on an engraving from the 17th century, for example, but it should honor the subject and period.) Make sure the paper hasn’t been cut down or torn, that it doesn’t show acid burns from a previous mat, and that it hasn’t been glued to a backing. You’ll also want to find a plate mark.

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