42 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Quanto chiede per questo?
How much are you asking for this?
Use this as your first question when you pick up or point to an item and want to know the price. It is more natural at a market than 'quanto costa?' because 'chiede' acknowledges the seller is setting a price.
Si può trattare sul prezzo?
Is the price negotiable?
Use this to establish whether bargaining is acceptable before launching into it. At antique markets it almost always is, but the phrasing shows respect.
È autentico o è una riproduzione?
Is it authentic or is it a reproduction?
Use this before purchasing anything claimed to be antique. The distinction between an original (autentico/originale) and a reproduction (riproduzione/copia) is crucial for value.
Di che epoca è questo mobile?
What period is this piece of furniture from?
Use this when you want to know the approximate historical period of an item. Period (epoca) is a key factor in antique valuation alongside authenticity and condition.
Ha il certificato di autenticità?
Do you have the certificate of authenticity?
Use this for high-value items where written authentication matters. For paintings, sculptures, and significant furniture, a certificate from a recognised expert or auction house is important.
Mi faccia un prezzo giusto.
Give me a fair price.
Use this when you feel the quoted price is too high and want to invite the seller to reconsider, without making a specific counter-offer yourself. It puts the ball back in the seller's court.
Posso esaminarlo più da vicino?
Can I examine it more closely?
Use this before buying to inspect an item carefully for authenticity, damage, or restoration marks. Always ask — picking up antique items without permission is considered rude.
Dove trova questi pezzi?
Where do you find these pieces?
Use this to build rapport with a seller and learn more about the provenance of items. Sellers enjoy talking about their sources and the question signals genuine curiosity.
Ha qualcosa in stile Liberty?
Do you have anything in Liberty style?
Use this when you are specifically looking for Italian Art Nouveau pieces. Liberty style (named after Liberty & Co. of London) covers approximately 1890–1915 and is highly collectible.
È argento massiccio o placcato?
Is it solid silver or silver-plated?
Use this when examining silver items at a market. The distinction between solid silver (argento massiccio) and silver-plated (argentato/placcato) is enormous in terms of value.
Può spedirmelo?
Can you ship it to me?
Use this when you're interested in an item but it's too large or fragile to carry. Some antique market dealers offer shipping, especially to regular or international customers.
Cerca mobili rustici o più raffinati?
Are you looking for rustic furniture or something more refined?
This is a question a seller might ask you — knowing the phrasing helps you understand and respond. You can also initiate by saying 'cerco mobili rustici'.
Ha delle porcellane antiche?
Do you have any antique porcelain?
Use this when you are specifically looking for antique porcelain — one of the most common and varied categories at Italian antique markets.
Ha dei difetti questo pezzo?
Does this piece have any defects?
Use this to prompt the seller to disclose any damage, cracks, repairs, or restorations. Honest sellers will tell you; the response also helps you assess the seller's trustworthiness.
Posso pagare in più rate?
Can I pay in instalments?
Use this for expensive pieces when you want to negotiate a payment arrangement. While not all sellers accept this, many established dealers are flexible for trusted or regular customers.
Vende orologi antichi?
Do you sell antique clocks or watches?
Use this at a general antique stall to ask if they have horological items. 'Orologio' covers both clocks (da tavolo, a pendolo) and wristwatches (da polso).
Di che legno è fatto?
What wood is it made from?
Use this when examining furniture. Wood type is a key indicator of age, origin, and value. Italian antique furniture commonly uses walnut, cherry, chestnut, pine, poplar, and fruitwoods.
Ha stampe o incisioni antiche?
Do you have antique prints or engravings?
Use this when looking for vintage paper art. Italian antique markets are excellent sources for old maps, botanical prints, architectural engravings, and portrait etchings.
Ci penso e torno domani — lo riserva?
I'll think about it and come back tomorrow — will you hold it?
Use this when you are interested but not ready to buy immediately. Sellers may or may not hold items — some will, others will say the market is first-come-first-served.
Ha qualcosa degli anni Cinquanta?
Do you have anything from the 1950s?
Use this when looking for mid-century Italian design — one of the most internationally acclaimed and collectible periods of Italian decorative arts.
Ha la partita IVA? Le serve per la fattura?
Do you have a VAT number? Do you need it for the invoice?
Use this if you are buying for business purposes and need a proper invoice (fattura) with VAT. Licensed antique dealers can issue invoices; casual market sellers generally cannot.
Vedo segni di restauro — quando è stato fatto?
I see signs of restoration — when was it done?
Use this when you spot evidence of previous repair or restoration work. Knowing when and how an item was restored helps assess its current condition and whether the work was done professionally.
C'è un altro mercatino dell'antiquariato qui vicino?
Is there another antique market nearby?
Use this to find out about other markets in the area. Antique market enthusiasts often plan whole weekends around a circuit of markets in a region.
Questo è vetro di Murano originale?
Is this genuine Murano glass?
Use this when considering any piece claimed to be from Murano. Genuine Murano glass is heavily imitated — the question shows you are a discerning buyer.
Secondo lei quanto vale questo sul mercato?
In your opinion how much is this worth on the market?
Use this to get a seller's market assessment, which gives you negotiating context. A seller who is honest will give a realistic figure; the response also tells you much about their expertise.
Questo è avorio o osso?
Is this ivory or bone?
Use this when examining items that appear to be carved from ivory or bone. This is an important distinction — antique ivory requires CITES documentation for international trade.
Ha libri antichi o manoscritti?
Do you have antique books or manuscripts?
Use this at a book-focused stall or general antique market. Italy is exceptionally rich in antique books given its long printing history — Venice was Europe's first major printing centre.
Il quadro è firmato?
Is the painting signed?
Use this when looking at paintings. A signature (firma) dramatically increases a painting's value and allows attribution. Always check both front and back of a canvas.
Vende monete antiche?
Do you sell antique coins?
Use this to find coin dealers (numismatici) at a market. Antique coins (monete antiche) are a popular collectible in Italy, which has an exceptionally rich numismatic heritage.
Questo strumento è suonabile?
Is this instrument playable?
Use this when considering a vintage or antique musical instrument. Playability significantly affects value — an instrument that works is worth more than one that is purely decorative.
Questi colori sono originali o ridipinti?
Are these colours original or repainted?
Use this when examining coloured ceramics, painted furniture, or any polychrome antique. Repainting or retouching changes authenticity and value.
Vende gioielli antichi?
Do you sell antique jewellery?
Use this to identify jewellery dealers at the market. Italy's goldsmithing tradition (particolarly from Arezzo, Valenza, and Vicenza) means antique jewellery of genuine quality is available.
Questo pezzo è Art Déco o Art Nouveau?
Is this piece Art Deco or Art Nouveau?
Use this to get clarification on stylistic period — a fundamental distinction for dating and valuing decorative art pieces.
È sicuro che questo pezzo sia uscito legalmente dall'Italia?
Are you sure this piece left Italy legally?
Use this if you intend to export a piece and want to confirm it has no cultural heritage restrictions. This is a serious question that protects both buyer and seller.
Affare fatto — la prendo.
Deal done — I'll take it.
Use this to close a successful negotiation. It signals commitment and ends the bargaining phase. Tone should be warm and final.
Conosce un buon restauratore?
Do you know a good restorer?
Use this after buying a piece that needs repair or restoration. Antique dealers often have trusted restorer contacts and are an excellent source of referrals.
A che ora comincia il mercato?
What time does the market begin?
Use this when planning your visit to an antique market. The best pieces often go to early arrivals — experienced collectors arrive before official opening time.
Quant'è la stima di questo dipinto?
What is the estimated value of this painting?
Use this to ask for a professional value estimate rather than just the asking price. The distinction between asking price and estimated market value is important for negotiation.
Cerco qualcosa di particolare — posso lasciarle il mio numero?
I'm looking for something specific — may I leave you my number?
Use this when the dealer doesn't currently have what you're looking for but might find it. Building a relationship with a dealer who can alert you to new acquisitions is invaluable.
Posso fare una foto per ricordo?
Can I take a photo as a memento?
Use this to ask permission before photographing items at a dealer's stall. Some dealers are happy for you to photograph for reference; others prefer you don't (to prevent competitors copying their sources).
Se pago in contanti, fa uno sconto?
If I pay in cash, do you give a discount?
Use this as a final negotiating move after you've already got the price as low as you think it will go. Cash payment often unlocks a small additional discount at markets.
Mi racconta la storia di questo pezzo?
Will you tell me the history of this piece?
Use this to invite the seller to share the narrative behind an item. Italian antique dealers often know (or have constructed) fascinating stories about their pieces. The story is part of the value.