How to Buy or Sell — Metals and Cloisonne

Eighteenth- and nineteenth-century iron, brass, tin, toleware, pewter, and copper utensils have long been popular collectibles and are easily sold to dealers, decorators, and collectors. The fashion for the “country look” has added to the popularity, and any old tool, trivet, or kitchen utensil that can be put on a shelf or hung on a wall is wanted, although prices have gone down a little since 2008. Fine Early American examples, especially those stamped with a maker’s mark, can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars. These early pieces can be sold at auction, to collectors online, or to dealers. They are part of the general merchandise found in most antiques shops. (See section on KITCHEN PARAPHERNALIA for additional information.)