Definition of Antique

The definition of antique varies from source to source, product to product and year to year. But, some time-tested definitions of antique deserve consideration:

• An item which is at least 75 years old and is collected or desirable due to rarity, condition, utility, or some other unique feature. Motor vehicles, in contrast, are considered antiques in the U.S. if older than 25 years, and some electronic gadgets of more recent vintage may be considered antiques
• antique (noun) - Any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity.

Using this definition allows distinctions between genuine antique pieces, vintage items and collectible objects.

The term is sometimes conventionally restricted to the remains of ancient art, such as sculptures, gems, medals, seals, &c. In a most limited sense it applies only to Greek and Roman art, and includes neither the artistic remains of other ancient nations nor any product of classical art of a later date than the fall of the western empire.