The Beauty That Only Time Can Create One of the first words every antique collector encounters is patina. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many people believe that an old object should look as new as possible. Experienced collectors often think the opposite. Patina is the natural surface that develops over many years through age, handling, oxidation, exposure to light, air and everyday use. It is not dirt, damage or neglect. It is part of an object’s history. Understanding patina is also an important part of a professional antique appraisal. At The Old Antiquarian, we believe that original patina is one of the most valuable characteristics of…