Belt Auction - What are the first things to look for in antiques to see if they're valuable?

What are the first things to look for in antiques to see if they're valuable?

My grandmother died the other day, and she left behind a couple of little pieces of what I assume were antiques - I doubt they're worth very much, but it occurred to me to wonder how you work out from hallmarks etc how valuable an item is. Any ideas?

Public Comments

David Dickinson's a good bet.
any markings or go to a local antique shop and ask for some help...
Try looking on Ebay for similar items. It will be considered by name, of course condition is important. Look for any markings on the bottom. Things like West Germany or Occupied Japan tend to be worth some money to collectors of those items. Then again you may have nothing but dollar store items that will sell for 25 cents at a rummage sale.. Look at ebay it is a good source of information that is quick and easy...Good Luck
Do they have a date and who were they made by? What is their condition like?
That a hard to answer question because there are just so many different types of antiques. Dishware is easier to notice..if she had any plates that had hand painted pictures on them with a signature, then that could be worth alot. Avon bottles were popular for grandmothers to collect also Whiskey decantors. All in the shapes of cars and such. If anythings was worth while to come with a book or a signature, its' worth your while to look it up! I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother.
http://uk.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9FJqhnh.sREfJIA6dtLBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTE4amF0MmpwBGNvbG8DdwRsA1dTMQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDc3IEdnRpZANVSzAwNjNfNjM-/SIG=11f00bt23/EXP=1153846369/**http%3a//www.auctioneers.org/.try this.it may help.go to a reputable auctioneer who will give you an honest answer rather than some shop which will try and rip you off.
for china/ceramic; if something says 'made in England' it after 1900, apposed to just 'England' before1900 but you'll have to be a bit more specific as to what marking/any writting ect good luck
You do not state of what is the nature or material these objects. I have red a couple of books by the Keno twins Leigh and Leslie. Leigh has a web site that is very informative. I think it is leighkeno.com You can take a picture of your item and send it to him. Good Luck
the authentication , hall mark stamp, or the company name,for pottery or china,etc.