Learn about your collection's history, makers, and eras with AI-powered educational content!
Educational Info Buttons (Blue ℹ️ Icons):
When viewing an item's details, you'll see blue info buttons (ℹ️) next to these fields:
- Manufacturer
- Era
- Category
- Materials
How to Access Educational Content:
- Tap on any item card to open the detail view
- Scroll to the "Item Information" section
- Look for the blue ℹ️ icon next to Manufacturer, Era, Category, or Materials
- Tap the ℹ️ icon to open an educational modal with detailed information
What You'll Learn:
Manufacturer Info (e.g., "Anchor Hocking"):
- Company history and founding date
- Famous product lines and innovations
- Notable achievements and legacy
- Tips for identifying authentic pieces
- Current collectibility and market trends
Era Info (e.g., "Art Deco"):
- Time period and historical context
- Design characteristics and visual style
- Cultural influences and major movements
- Key designers and artists from the era
- How to identify pieces from this period
Category Info (e.g., "Pressed Glass"):
- Definition and manufacturing process
- Historical development of the category
- Popular patterns and styles
- How to distinguish from similar categories
- Collectibility and value factors
Materials Info (e.g., "Silver-Plated"):
- Composition and manufacturing technique
- How to identify the material
- Care and maintenance tips
- Common marks and hallmarks
- Value considerations vs. solid alternatives
AI Value Deep Dive:
Get a comprehensive AI analysis of WHY your item has its estimated value!
How to Access AI Value Deep Dive:
- Tap on any item card to open the detail view
- Scroll to the "Value Breakdown" section
- Tap the "🔍 AI Value Deep Dive" button
- Claude AI analyzes your item's photos and details
- A detailed modal opens with the AI's comprehensive appraisal analysis
What the AI Value Analysis Includes:
- Detailed Identification: Confirms exact pattern, manufacturer, and era
- Condition Assessment: Evaluates visible condition from your photos (damage, wear, patina)
- Rarity Analysis: Explains how common or rare this piece is
- Market Demand: Current collector interest and market trends
- Comparable Sales: References to similar items sold recently
- Value Factors: What makes this piece more or less valuable
- Pricing Justification: Why the AI estimated the current value it did
- Selling Tips: Best venues and strategies if you want to sell
- Investment Outlook: Whether value is likely to increase or decrease
Example Use Cases:
Scenario 1: Learning About a Manufacturer
You have a "William Rogers" silver-plated pitcher but don't know much about the company.
- Open the item detail view
- Tap the ℹ️ icon next to "William Rogers" in the Manufacturer field
- Read about: William Rogers & Son founded in 1865, known for quality silver-plated flatware and holloware, merged with Oneida in 1929, collectible for Victorian-era patterns
- Now you understand your pitcher's historical context!
Scenario 2: Understanding Value
The AI estimated your cranberry glass cruet at $45, but you want to know WHY.
- Open the cruet's detail view
- Scroll to "Value Breakdown"
- Tap "🔍 AI Value Deep Dive"
- Read the AI's analysis explaining:
- Cranberry glass from the Victorian era is moderately collectible
- The applied clear glass handle indicates hand-blown production (adds value)
- Condition shows minor wear but no chips or cracks (good for value)
- Similar cruets sell for $40-$60 on eBay and Etsy
- Complete with stopper would be worth $70-$80 (missing stopper reduces value)
- Now you understand your item's value and what affects it!
Tips for Best Results:
- Upload clear photos: The AI needs good images to provide accurate analysis
- Include marks/signatures: Photos of maker's marks help identification
- Show damage: Don't hide flaws—the AI needs to see condition
- Read completely: Educational modals contain valuable collector knowledge
- Use for learning: Even if you know your item's value, the AI analysis teaches you about the market
