Check Before You Discard!

If you have several generations of “things” that you have inherited and now have to move to a smaller place, be careful what you give or throw away. Of course you check on oil paintings or prints to see if they can be sold. And the local historical society might want some of your family […]

Tramp Art Birdcage

What is “tramp art”? There is folk art, regional art, naïve art, fine art and other very special names for groups of collectibles and antiques, but tramp art is probably the latest one to become popular. Tramp art has been made for many years but the name was invented by a folk art author in […]

Teaching Children About Antiques

Part of the fun of collecting and going to shows and auctions is how often you see something that is a mystery. It’s a learning experience. We took our children to shows as soon as they knew how to behave. Don’t touch, hands behind your back, ask if you want to see something. We checked […]

David Gilhooly Sculpture

Sometimes modern art is hard to understand and often it is meant to be a joke. David Gilhooly (1943-2013) was a successful contemporary artist who often included big or small realistic or comic frogs in his sculptures. He is known as the founder and father of the Bay Area Funk Art group in the 1960s. […]

American Furniture Copies

All American furniture was handmade before the 1800s and old furniture was saved until it was too battered to use. The United States was a young country and the first collector of note was an eccentric man in the 1800s, who saved furniture and objects made or used in the 1600s and after. By the […]

Collecting Antique Doorstops

Iron doorstops have been very popular collectibles since 1985. They were first made in England where they were called door porters. The invention of a hinge that let a door close automatically inspired the iron figure that stopped the door from closing. Soon after, doorstops became popular in the United States. Companies that had been […]

Specialized Auctions Popular

Specialized antiques and collectibles shows are becoming more popular. There are shows devoted to garden antiques, political memorabilia, toys, clocks, advertising, art pottery, petroliana, beer cans, dolls, modern design, textiles, vintage clothing, bottles, glass, posters, paper ephemera and jewelry. Makes sense, the serious collector can see more of interest at a one themed show.   […]

Hidden Treasure Found in New York City Restaurant Attic

Most people rummaging through old boxes in an attic find creepy crawlies, moldering clothes and discarded household objects. But sometimes, a crumbling cardboard box can hold treasures, as the new owners of the historic New York City restaurant Gage & Tollner discovered recently. Found in an attic crawl space behind a milk crate was a […]

Ready, Set … Let’s Get Out There and Enjoy Spring’s Best Flea Markets!

The days are becoming warmer and spring fever is peaking for flea market fans cooped up during the winter months. Spring is the best time to find antiques and collectibles — including vintage furniture, clothing and jewelry — that dealers discovered during the winter. As you charge out to find your treasures, don’t forget to […]

Vintage Tin Advertising Sign

Vintage advertising signs, figures, and even toys, printed textiles, food tins and labeled bottles are all selling at higher and higher prices. Large signs with pictures of flags, Lady Liberty, figural packages, tins, toys and almost anything with a famous company logo that is in great condition is selling over estimate at auctions. Online bidding […]