A new survey is looking into the perceptions and habits of antique and art buyers. Early results from the effort being undertaken by Urban Art and Antiques and show promoters Melrose & Duddy are revealing some of what’s expected, with some surprising twists.

The most popular type of show in this small sample of 32 respondents is an Antiques Show followed by an Antiques and Art show. Forty two percent of respondents attend a show for an enjoyable experience rather than with the intent of collecting or finding a specific item, but none-the-less consider themselves informed buyers. Respondents so far look to antiques for their decorative qualities rather than as investments and look for furniture, art, pottery and books in the greatest numbers.

Perhaps the most surprising answer so far where the time periods for the antiques respondents say they are seeking. Most said 1851-1900, followed by 1901-1930.

“That puts the interest heavily in the Victorian period,” said survey author Eric Miller. “Particularly in the furniture category, that’s not the stuff you commonly find at shows.”

Additional findings will be provided periodically. Anyone wishing to take the survey can do so at: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/209519/antiques-survey