antiquarisch

Antiquarisch is a German adjective that translates to "antiquarian" or "old" in English. It generally refers to items that are old, rare, or out of print, particularly books, manuscripts, maps, or other collectibles. The term implies a certain historical value or collectibility rather than simply being old. An antiquarian bookshop, for example, specializes in buying and selling such items.

The concept of antiquarisch is closely linked to the practice of antiquarianism, which is the study, collection, and appreciation of old and rare objects. This field often involves historical research, authentication, and a deep understanding of the provenance and significance of an item. In the context of books, an antiquarian book is typically at least 100 years old, although this can vary, and it often possesses unique qualities such as historical importance, scarcity, fine binding, or significant marginalia.

Objects described as antiquarisch are sought after by collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts who value their historical context, craftsmanship, or rarity. The market for antiquarisch items is diverse, ranging from expensive first editions and historical documents to more common but still old and collectible items. The term emphasizes the historical and collectible nature of the object, distinguishing it from simply being antique.