Old Spoon: Antique Identifier

Every object has a story. Discover yours with Old Spoon.

Found an old clock at an estate sale? Inherited a ceramic vase? Curious about a piece of jewelry, silver, or furniture? Take a picture with Old Spoon to explore what your find might be, when it may have been made, and which details deserve a closer look.

Identify antiques by picture

Photograph an object or choose an image from your library. Old Spoon offers a suggested identification with possible origin, estimated era, materials, and visible details. Your report brings the main findings together so you can review them in one place.

For a more useful starting point, photograph the whole object clearly. If possible, add views of its underside, maker's marks, labels, signatures, or distinctive construction details. A photo can offer clues, but some features require physical inspection.

Explore an estimated value

See an indicative value range and learn what may affect it. Materials, condition, craftsmanship, age, and comparable market results can all matter. Use your report as a starting point for research, and explore similar auction listings through the comparison option when available.

A broad range reflects uncertainty. Old Spoon does not provide a certified appraisal, guarantee a sale price, or establish an object's authenticity. Its value can change with documented history, physical condition, and the market.

Learn to look more closely

Explore Real or Fake guides by category, including ceramics, clocks, jewelry, silver, furniture, glass, coins, and art. Learn which marks, materials, forms, and construction details are worth examining, and when a photo alone cannot support a conclusion. References in the guides help you check the underlying information.

These educational guides describe patterns to investigate. They do not label your own item as genuine or counterfeit. A maker's mark, familiar style, or close resemblance is never proof by itself.

Discover objects at The Met

Browse museum objects for historical and visual reference. Search by category and era, open an object record to see its available details, and visit the original museum page. The Met collection can help you learn about a style or period; a museum object is not an authentication match for an item you photographed.

Care for what you find

Open care tips for guidance relevant to an object's type and materials. Learn why careful handling, storage, and professional advice matter, especially when a finish, repair, or fragile part is hard to assess from a photo. When in doubt, avoid cleaning or altering an object before asking a conservator.

Save your finds in Vault

Keep saved reports together in Vault. Revisit a photo, suggested identification, and estimated value range when you want to continue researching it. Build a personal record of the antiques and vintage finds that caught your attention.

Made for curious collectors

Whether you're exploring a family heirloom, browsing a flea market, or documenting a collection, Old Spoon helps you ask better questions about the objects you encounter. Start with a photo, inspect the clues, read the references, and keep what you discover.

Important to know

Identification and value information are estimates based on available data and images. They may be incomplete or incorrect and should not replace in-person examination. For decisions about buying, selling, restoration, or insurance, consult a qualified specialist.

Some features may require a subscription. Available plans, prices, and terms are shown in the app before purchase.