Antique Coin Collecting

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The hobby of coin collecting has existed since at least the 12th century, and it remains a popular pastime for many people today. The practice of collecting rare and antique coins can also be a lucrative investment strategy. Still, the world of antique coin collecting can seem daunting to outsiders first stumbling into the space. Perhaps you have just inherited a large coin collection and are wondering how to determine its value, or maybe you have just been inspired to start your own coin collection. Either way, the Old & New Shop has compiled this guide to antique coins to help budding collectors and others new to the field understand antique coins.The Old & New Shop has compiled this guide to antique coin collecting to help budding collectors and others understand antique coins.

Tips for Antique Coin Collecting

  • “Buy the book before you buy the coin.” The saying is a popular adage in the numismatist (coin collector) community. The book in question is The Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book. The book will share the basics of coin collecting and get novices ready to begin their coin-collecting journeys.
  • Know the categories. There are several notable categories of coins sought after by collectors, including circulating coins, error coins, commemorative coins, bullion coins, ancient coins, proof coins, brilliant uncirculated coins, and foreign coins. Different collectors are drawn to different categories based on their interests, budgets, and collection themes.
  • Pick a theme. Coin collecting is more fulfilling when you pick a specific theme. It’s best to go with an inexpensive and simple theme when you first start. Coin collecting themes involve focusing on a specific category or characteristic. For example, collecting a specific set of coins like US state quarters, a specific minting year, national origin, coins depicting a specific place or animal, a historical era, commemorative coins about a certain event, or anything else you can imagine.
  • Store your coins safely. While we may typically think of objects like metal coins as durable, the surfaces of coins are actually very delicate and can be damaged easily by things like human contact, the weather, and even prolonged exposure to air. Store your coins in a safe coin tray, coin envelope, coin album, or cabinet. 
  • Handle them correctly and do not clean them. Collectors should only handle their coins along the edges, not on the face of the coin. Valuable coins should only be handled while wearing cotton or latex gloves. You should never clean your coins because this can lower their value and possibly even make your coins monetarily worthless. 
  • Engage with the antique coin collecting community. The best tip for getting into antique coin collecting is to engage with the numismatist community. Join a collecting club, attend coin collecting shows, or visit your nearest rare coin shop. Inhabit spaces where you can interact with and learn from other coin collectors. If you are serious about coin collecting, you should also build a relationship with a reputable coin dealer. 

Valuable Coins To Look For While Antique Coin Collecting

  • Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was a gold US coin minted between 1907 and 1933. It was once worth only $20, but examples of this coin minted in 1933 are valued at over $20 million. The coin was rapidly taken out of circulation in 1933 as part of a gold recall, which explains its rarity and high value.
  • 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar depicts a woman with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the other. It was the first silver dollar coin minted in the US, minted between 1794 and 1795. Its value today can be up to $13 million.
  • 1787 Brasher Doubloon: The first gold coin to be minted in the United States actually predates the establishment of the US Mint, and was instead created by George Washington’s neighbor, Ephraim Brasher. Only seven of these coins are known to have been produced, and only one of these coins bore the initials of its creator. That specific Brasher Doubloon is worth $10 million today. 
  • The 1343 Edward III Florin: The 1343 Edward III Florin is an English coin also known as the Double Leopard. Only three of these coins have ever been uncovered, two in 1857 and one in 2006. These coins are valued at almost $7 million. 
  • The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar: The Umayyad gold dinar was minted in the year 723 AD by the Umayyad Caliphate. Only about a dozen of these 1,300-year-old coins are known to exist today, and they are each valued at over $5 million.
  • 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: According to the official records of the US Mint, these coins never existed, yet five specimens of this coin have nevertheless been discovered. The coin depicts Lady Liberty on one side and the Roman numeral ‘V’, for five cents, on the other. These rare nickels have a value of over $5 million.
  • 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny: In 1943, during the height of WW2, most pennies were made of steel because copper was being redirected to the war effort. However, one batch of pennies was mistakenly minted with copper. About 40 of these pennies are known to have survived to the present and they can be worth between $100,000 and $500,000, with one unique specimen even selling for over $3 million. 
  • The 1787 Fugio Cent: The Fugio Cent may have been the first coin circulated in the US after the revolution, but this is disputed. The coin is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Rare variants of the Fugio Cent in pristine condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars today, while others can be worth just hundreds.

Old & New Shop Can Help!

If you are looking to determine the value of your coin collection, liquidate your coin collection, or start your own antique coin collection, call the Old & New Shop for help!

Antique Toys Guide

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Collecting antique toys can be a fulfilling hobby.The holiday season is coming to a close and your children have probably unwrapped all their presents, although you’re probably still dreaming about all of them. Maybe you have been thinking back to all of the Christmases of your childhood and the toys you received. Perhaps you are even thinking about trying to recapture some of that youthful holiday magic by taking up antique toy collecting as a new hobby. Maybe your child was just given an old toy by an elderly relative and you are wondering if it might be valuable. Thankfully the Old & New Shop experts have compiled this guide to the world of antique toys. 

Determining The Monetary Value of Antique Toys

In antique toy collecting, accurately assessing the value of an item before purchasing or selling it, is critically important. Collectors can make use of online resources to help determine the value of antique toys, in general, but they should also look at a specific antique toy and determine its value. The monetary value of antique toys is determined by their condition, authenticity, and rarity. Authentic antique toys that are in better condition and rarer than other antique toys, will be more sought after by collectors, and therefore, more valuable. 

Condition

The condition of an antique toy is the most important aspect of determining its value. If you are purchasing one you should make sure that all of its parts are intact. If an antique toy has even moderate paint loss, its price can plummet from thousands of dollars to hundreds of dollars, in some cases. Antique toys that are sold with their original packaging, are also more valuable than those sold without their original packaging. 

Authenticity 

When purchasing an antique toy, it is very important to make sure the toy in question is authentic, and not a replica, being passed off as an actual antique. Always check the manufacturer’s markings, logos, stickers, and other indicators,  to asses its authenticity, before making a purchase.

Rarity 

Rare antique toys are more sought after and expensive than more commonly available antique toys. Specific rare items like the cast iron Arcade Yellow Cab can even sell for $20,000. If you believe that a toy is a rare model, you should determine its authenticity before making a purchase.

Building Your Antique Toy Collection

Antique toy collecting can be a very rewarding hobby, but there are a few things that every novice toy collector should understand before launching their collection. Knowing how to estimate the financial value of an antique toy is important but there are also other important considerations.

First of all, antique and vintage toy collecting should not be done as a simple investment. Many antique toys are very valuable, but it is often much more fulfilling to collect toys for their own sake and to treat any profit made as a bonus. Second of all, new collectors can both start their collections and learn about the world of antique toy collecting, by attending trade shows, fairs, and auctions, online and in person. Finally, you can find more enjoyment from antique toy collecting once you have a theme in mind for your collection. Adopting a specific theme like model trains, a specific manufacturer, a character, or anything else, will focus your collection and make the process of building your collection more fun. 

Buying Antique Toys For Your Children

If you are planning to buy an antique toy for your children, there are two additional factors that you should consider. If you are gifting your child with an expensive antique toy, is important that your child understands what makes this toy different from their other toys. It would be a shame to give your child an expensive and rare toy only for them to break it during a rough play session or lose it on the playground. 

Additionally, antique and vintage toys were manufactured during an era with much more lax safety standards, so in some cases, they can actually be dangerous to children. Parents should always make sure that any antique toys given to children (particularly young children) meet modern standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).   

Old & New Shop Can Appraise Antique Toys

If you have an antique toy, or other antique item, that you want appraised contact the Old & New Shop today!

Preserving Your Antiques

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Preserving your antiques is important for both monetary and moral reasons.

Antiques bring joy into the lives of their owners every day, but it is also the responsibility of antique owners to properly preserve their collections. Antiques are more than just old objects, they are also often valuable collector’s items and even significant cultural artifacts. It is crucial financially and morally for collectors to preserve their antiques so they will still be around for future generations. Unfortunately, because antiques are by definition very old, taking good care of them presents antique owners with unique challenges. Thankfully, the experts at the Old & New Shop, have compiled this guide to help you with the goal of preserving your antiques. 

Challenges To Preserving Your Antiques

Antiques face different threats depending on their material composition, age, and storage conditions. However, there are some potential environmental threats that can risk the health of your antiques. In order to preserve the good health of your antiques, here are the factors to help you gauge the preservation and longevity of keeping your antiques safe: light, temperature, humidity, pests, human contact, chemical pollution, and incompatible material composition.

1. Light

Exposing antiques to excessive amounts of light speeds up their deterioration. It is especially important to protect antique photographs, textiles, paper artifacts, and furniture from direct sunlight and fluorescent light. 

2. Temperature

Antiques can be harmed by heat, cold, and temperature fluctuation particularly if they are made of rubber, wood, or metal. It is essential to store antiques in temperature-controlled environments. 

3. Humidity

 It is important to store antiques at a consistent humidity of 45 to 55 percent. High-humidity levels will promote the development of mold, pests, and rust while low-humidity environments can cause objects to lose moisture and become brittle. 

4. Pests

Historic materials attract many different types of pests that can threaten your antiques.  It’s important to inspect them for threatening organisms regularly. For instance, paper antiques (like books) attract silverfish, wool antiques attract moths, and wood antiques attract termites.

5. Human contact

Sometimes we are actually the greatest threats to our own antiques. People can damage antiques by handling them improperly. In addition, the residues, sweat, and oil on human hands can make even touching some objects without nylon gloves a threat to those antiques.  

6. Chemical pollution

Everyday chemicals can also threaten your antiques in surprising ways. For instance, attempting to clean your antique with the wrong cleaning or polishing product can cause damage (it is important to consult an expert on how best to polish/clean your antiques). Even airborne chemical pollution can harm objects made of metal and marble particularly when they are outdoor items like marble statuary and iron architectural elements.

7. Incompatible Material Composition

Some threats to your antiques were sealed on the day of their manufacture. Antiques composed of incompatible materials, such as wood and leather or wood and paint, are inherently vulnerable to deterioration and need to be monitored. It is also important to note that different types of antiques require their own specific preservation techniques geared toward what type of antiques they are and their material composition. 

When To Pursue Antique Restoration

Some antique owners move beyond simply preserving their antiques and pursue restoring or even refurbishing them. However, it is important to proceed with caution when exploring this option because a botched restoration or refurbishment job can damage your antique or decrease its value.

If you are interested in restoring your antique, the first step is to have it inspected by a licensed appraiser or restoration expert, so they can advise you on the piece’s value and your restoration options. In general, any action that changes the original character, style, or tone of an antique can decrease its monetary value, but restoration can still be the right call under some circumstances. If your antique is unusable in its current condition, and you want to continue using it, then you should consider restoration. On the other hand, if the piece has significant historical, financial, or sentimental value that would be threatened by restoration, it may not be the right choice.

If you do pursue restoration, it is best done in a way that is as non-invasive and reversible as humanly possible. If your goal is to maximize the value of your antique, rather than just conserving its functionality and aesthetics, it is best to pay a professional to perform any restoration. 

Appraise Your Antiques with the Old & New Shop

If you are looking to appraise and/or sell any of your antiques please contact the Old & New Shop for help so that our experts can assist you.

Collecting Vintage and Antique Postcards

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Collecting vintage and antique photos is a very accessible hobby.If the goal of antiquing is to own a window into the past, old postcards might be considered the ultimate antique. Antique postcards offer glimpses of times and people long past, through the images and handwritten notes that grace these pieces of paper. Postcards simply offer an unparalleled window into the past that few other kinds of antique collectibles can match. Deltiology, the study and collection of postcards is, for this reason, a particularly rewarding antiquing discipline. Additionally, the variety, abundance, and relative affordability of antique postcards also make deltiology a uniquely accessible branch of antiquing. However, under the right circumstances particular postcards or postcard collections can also be very valuable. Today the experts at the Old & New Shop will tell you everything you need to know about collecting vintage and antique postcards. 

History of Postcards

The invention of the printing press allowed for the popularization of visiting cards, bill heads, and writing paper with mass-produced illustrations but postcards as we know them today did not emerge until the 1860s.

Postal reforms in the UK and the US allowed for the spread of postcards in the English-speaking world. In 1840, the UK unified the cost of domestic mail delivery to 1 penny per envelope, through the issuing of the world’s first stamp “The Penny Black.” At the same time, British post offices began selling letter sheets decorated with imperial British iconography, but the product was unpopular and soon discontinued. In 1861, the US passed a law allowing privately printed cards to be sent in the mail, setting the stage for the eventual popularization of postcards here. Austria-Hungary introduced the world’s first postcards on October 1st, 1869. These Austro-Hungarian postcards called “Correspondenz-Karte” cost half the price of a normal letter, and were a light-brown 8.5x12cm rectangle, with room for the address on the front and a short message on the back.

In the 1880s, most postcards were printed with small sketches called vignettes on the message side, at first only in black and white. However, here in the US, many “private mailing cards” were blank on one side, so that a message could be included with the other side being reserved for the address. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the US government enforced many restrictions on postcards, only allowing the word “postal card” to be used on government cards until 1901 and not allowing addresses and messages to share the same side of a postcard until 1907. Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition brought with it, the idea of souvenir postcards in the US, when Charles Goldsmith produced a wildly popular series of color postcards depicting the pavilions.

By 1901, many postcards were being sent from various locales throughout the US, without even including messages. The practice of sending postcards without messages declined after 1907 when Congress legalized addresses and messages sharing the same side of a postcard. The change ushered in the Golden Age of Postcards between 1907 and 1915. Over 700 million postcards were mailed within the US in 1908, and that number reached 900 million by 1913. The popularity of postcards in the US and UK declined by WW1, leading American publishers to embrace cost-cutting measures, like white borders (1915), linen material (1930), and photochrom material (1945). Today these evolutions can help collectors determine the era from which their postcards originate. 

Vintage and Antique Postcard Collecting Tips

  1. Consider focusing your postcard collection around a specific theme, like your home state, a favorite animal species, US National Parks, European cities, early 20th-century celebrities, natural disasters, or another topic that connects with you. 
  2. The value of antique and vintage postcards is affected by many factors but demand, condition, and rarity often have the greatest influence on the monetary value of a postcard. Older postcards, more sought after by collectors, rarer, and in good condition are more valuable than postcards that do not fit these qualities.
  3. Topographical cards, postcards that feature a specific geographic location, can be split into two categories: photographic postcards and illustrated postcards. Postcards with actual photography tend to be rarer than photo cards with drawings, so they are on average, more valuable. 
  4. However, topographical postcards as a group, are on average, more valuable than subject cards or topicals, which are postcards featuring a wide range of topics like celebrities, major events, children, comics, shipping, novelty, railways, glamour, and more. Subject cards are typically less sought after by collectors than topographical postcards, leaving them with a lower value. If you want to determine the value of a topical postcard the popularity of the specific artist who created the image on that card is much more important than with topographical postcards. The condition of topicals has a larger impact on value than with topographical postcards because the community of collectors is smaller.
  5. Postcards written and signed by significant historical figures or celebrities can, of course, be very valuable.
  6. All postcards can have aesthetic and sentimental value, but most postcards produced later than the 1960s currently have little monetary value. 
  7. You can determine the age of a postcard by looking back at any dates written on the postcards, the postage, the materials a card is made of, the location and subject manner of any images, and numerous other factors. However, it is always best to get your postcards professionally appraised to determine their age and monetary value, especially if you are considering selling a postcard or purchasing a postcard for a large amount of money. 
  8. You can find vintage and antique postcards in many locations, including the usual places where you can typically find antiques, like antique shops, tag sales, thrift stores, and the attics of elderly relatives. However, you can also find antique and vintage postcards at shows, online stores, and club meetings dedicated to old postcards. 

Old & New Shop

If you want your antique postcard collection (or any other antiques) appraised, call the Old & New Shop today!

Collecting Rare and Antique Books

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Antique book collecting is a fulfilling hobby.Collecting rare and antique books is a very fulfilling hobby that has been practiced for centuries. The stories contained in old books and the stories of their creation and previous owners, inspire the imagination and are a great source of fascination for many people. Unfortunately, rare book collecting is a pastime that can feel inaccessible to many beginners because of the necessary knowledge and perceived costs associated with becoming a collector. Thankfully, our experts at the Old & New Shop have compiled a guide to help novice book collectors start their own collecting journeys. 

Book Collecting Basics 

The first step in every rare and antique book-collecting journey is understanding the books you are setting out to collect. There are three terms that every book collector needs to understand:

1. Antiquarian books

In general, books published in the 19th century or earlier are considered “antiquarian.” Unlike some other varieties of antiques, age is not necessarily a main determinant of a book’s value, so many 18th-century books are actually fairly inexpensive relative to their age.

2. Rare books

A rare book is a book that is both in low supply and heavily sought after by collectors. Age and rarity are not directly correlated. The rarity of a book is what drives its monetary value not the age of a book. Some books published in 1920 are more valuable and expensive than other books published in the 1700s.

3. First edition books

First edition books are heavily sought after by collectors but not all books claimed to be “first edition” are of equal value. The first American edition of Huckleberry Finn published in 1885, can be accurately characterized as a “first edition” but so could a much newer copy of the book. A copy of Huckleberry Finn from the 1950s that first utilized illustrations by a famous artist, could also claim to be a first edition. However, the 1885 version of the book is much more sought after and therefore, tens of thousands of dollars more valuable than the version with the illustrations. 

Building Your Collection

When most people first start book collecting, oftentimes they start grabbing interesting volumes of books, haphazardly, or they simply seek the most valuable books they can get their hands on as an investment. However, veteran rare and antique book collectors warn against these approaches.  The experts recommend picking a theme for your collection that matters to you. Book collecting is more fulfilling when you are collecting books with a common theme that resonates with you. 

There are many themes available for you to choose from for your collection, which are as diverse as the books themselves. For instance, you can choose your favorite historical figure and collect as many first-edition biographies about them as you can. Abraham Lincoln has had around 15,000 books written about him which is more than enough to keep any collector busy for life. Alternatively, you can choose a favorite book and try and collect every edition that has been printed. Other possible book collection themes include specific authors, signed copies, geographical regions, the historical era of publication, children’s books, thematic story elements, fine leatherbound editions, nineteenth-century bindings, every conceivable book subject area, and more. The important thing is to choose a theme you can be passionate about! 

Finding and Determining The Value of Rare and Antique Books

It is possible to find rare and antique books in all of the places you would expect to find other kinds of antiques, including tag sales, and the homes of elderly relatives. However, it is best to seek out rare books from reputable sources like established book dealers, auction houses, and book-collecting membership groups like The Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA). If you are considering purchasing a rare or antique book, you need to assess its rarity to determine its value. Rarity is determined by the book’s edition, condition, completeness, and scarcity.

Certain editions of books are more difficult to find and/or more sought after than other editions. First editions are more valuable than other editions, but as mentioned above, not all first editions are created equal. The better the condition of an old book, the more rare and, therefore, valuable the book. Similarly, complete books that still include their dust jackets and other accessories, are more valuable than copies that no are longer accompanied by their accessories. Books that are scarce and hard to find on the market, are also more expensive than books that are easy to find. Books that have all of these qualities are rare and, therefore, more in demand and valuable. Additionally, the history of the individual copy of a book, known as provenance can also increase its value if the copy is signed or previously owned by the author or another notable person.

In rare and antique book collecting, you get what you pay for. Books that are in less pristine condition or lack any of their accessories, will be less valuable, but less expensive and easier to procure. It is up to each individual collector to set their own collection boundaries. 

Old & New Shop

If you are looking to appraise or sell any of your antique books (or other antiques) please contact the Old & New Shop so that we can assist you on your antiquing journey. 

Collecting Antique Maps

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The great joy of antiquing is that it allows you to own your very own little piece of history with a unique story. Few antiques embody this ethos quite as well as antique maps. Antique maps are more than beautiful pieces of valuable cartographic wall art, they act as windows into other times and places. Consequently, old maps make for a wonderful addition to any home. However, the art of antique map collecting can be complicated to newcomers so today our experts here at the Old & New Shop are telling you everything you need to know before purchasing an antique map! 

What is an Antique Map?

An “antique map” is any map printed more than 100 years ago. Antique maps were printed using one of three methods depending on their exact age: wooden block printing, copper and steel engraving, and surface printing (lithography). The earliest maps were generally printed from a wooden block cut in relief with the printed area standing out from the rest of the map and then inked usually without any color. However, copper and steel engraving-based maps are from the vast majority of antique maps that have survived to the modern day. Copper engraving-based maps emerged in the 1500s and were popular until steel replaced them in the early 1800s. In this printing process, a reversed version of the map’s image was cut into a metal plate, inked, and then placed with a sheet of paper in a press. The ink in the grooves would then produce the image of the map. Lithography emerged in the early 1800s as well allowing map makers to draw their maps directly onto a specially prepared stone (ending the need for engravers) this method used color but created maps with a fuzzy quality. By the 1880s modern machine lithography and printing methods took over the industry. 

Building an Antique Map Collection

If you are looking to start collecting antique maps as a hobby it is best to build a personal theme for your collection. A map collection can be meaningful in many ways. A collection can showcase your home state/city/country/region, document your travels, trace your family tree, or spark your curiosity about a particular historical era. No matter what theme you pick it is also important to act as a proper steward for your collection to protect the maps for the next generation. You should handle your maps with care (never holding them by the edges of the paper) and you should store them in ways that will protect them from sunlight and humidity such as in a professional frame or in clear archival sleeves.

How to Tell if a Map is a Genuine 

The fact that antique maps are no longer being produced lends them an inherent rarity and therefore value. However, anyone considering purchasing an antique map needs to consider the possibility that the map they intend to purchase could be a facsimile, reproduction, or fake. It is also important to understand these three terms. A facsimile is meant to be an exact copy of an original antique map that is not meant to trick would-be map buyers. Facsimiles are expensive to produce so they are fairly rare and typically only copy very famous important maps. They can be identified easily because somewhere on the image a disclaimer will be printed in modern typeface stating the company that created the facsimile and the date the facsimile was printed. A reproduction is a copy of an antique map produced for commemorative, decorative, or educational purposes and not to deceive would-be map buyers. Reproductions are much more common than facsimiles, or fakes because they are mass-produced to be sold in museum gift shops and on the internet for low prices. Reproductions can be identified as reproductions if they are printed on modern paper or if they have folds, creases, or tears that are simply photographically reproduced and printed on the map and do not reflect actual damage to the paper. Finally, a fake is an attempt to make so exact a facsimile of a map, that can be passed off as an original to an unsuspecting buyer. It is difficult and time-consuming to forge an old map, so convincing fakes are few and far between, and buyers are not likely to encounter one if they are buying a map from a reputable source. It is, however, always advisable to have a map appraised for its value by independent experts before final purchase to help determine the map’s authenticity and value.

Collecting Antique Maps 

If you find an antique map (or any other antique) and want to have the item appraised please reach out to the Old & New Shop for help!

 

Antique Trends: Blending Past and Present

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In the realm of interior design and collectibles, antique trends have always fascinated enthusiasts and design aficionados. As we progress through 2023, a wave of antique trends has emerged, combining the beauty of the past with the allure of the present. Many trendy pieces can be found by researching, learning, and shopping at reputable antique dealers like the Old & New Shop.

 Current Trends 

  • Sustainability and Conscious Consumption
    One of the prevailing themes in 2023’s antique trends is sustainability and conscious consumption. With increasing awareness of the environmental impact, people are turning to antique pieces as a way to reduce waste and promote a circular economy. By repurposing and reusing vintage items, individuals are not only preserving history but also adding a unique charm to their spaces.

  • Art Deco Revival
    The timeless elegance of the Art Deco movement experienced a revival in 2023. This iconic design style from the 1920s and 1930s has captivated the imagination of interior designers and antique collectors alike. Bold geometric patterns, luxurious materials, and sleek lines define this trend. From furniture to lighting fixtures, Art Deco pieces effortlessly infuse spaces with glamour and sophistication while blending the past and present.

  • Mid-Century Modern Magic
    Mid-Century Modern continues to hold its reign as a prominent antique trend in 2023. Known for its clean lines, organic forms, and functional designs, this aesthetic exudes timeless appeal. Vintage furniture from the 1950s and 1960s, such as Eames chairs or Danish teak sideboards, have become coveted pieces that seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces. The blend of minimalism and warmth characteristic of Mid-Century Modern designs creates an inviting ambiance.

  • Statement Lighting
    Lighting has become an integral part of interior design, and antique lighting fixtures are making a strong statement in 2023. From elegant chandeliers to unique floor lamps, these vintage pieces provide a touch of grandeur and uniqueness to any space. Restored antique lighting fixtures not only illuminate a room but also serve as conversation starters and focal points.

  • Eclectic Mixes and Personalization
    The rise of eclectic mixes and personalized spaces has given antique trends a new dimension. People are no longer confined to one specific era or style; instead, they are freely blending antique pieces from different periods to create one-of-a-kind interiors. A Victorian chair might sit alongside a mid-century side table, and a vintage rug might anchor a contemporary living room. This trend celebrates individuality and creativity, allowing for truly unique and personal spaces. Personalized preferences are certainly an example of antique trends mixing the past and present.

Antique Trends: Blending Past and Present

As 2023 progresses, antique trends are captivating interior design enthusiasts with their sustainability, elegance, and charm. From the revival of Art Deco to the continued popularity of Mid-Century Modern, these trends showcase the enduring appeal of vintage pieces in contemporary spaces. Beautiful and trendy pieces can be found by visiting reputable dealers like experts at the Old & New Shop. By embracing antique trends, individuals can create spaces that tell stories and reflect their unique personalities.

 

Missing American Artifacts

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The exciting thing about antiquing is the thrill of finding a piece of the past to call your very own.  But some pieces are a lot more valuable and important than others. Sometimes true treasures and priceless historical artifacts slip through the cracks and end up out in the world where any antiquer can find them.

Four Dollar Frame

 Sometimes artifacts can be found by happenstance. For instance, in 1991 a man bought a thrift store painting for four dollars because he liked the frame. When he opened up the frame he found a copy of the Declaration of Independence printed in 1776 that later sold at auction for seven million dollars. We cannot promise that you will be that lucky when you come and shop with us at the Old & New Shop or elsewhere on your antiquing journey. However, just in case, there are a few missing national treasures that you should be keeping an eye out for as an antiquer. 

Stolen from The National Archives

One major way that historic artifacts become lost to time is theft. The National Archives in DC, for example, has had many of its priceless records and artifacts stolen over the years and maintains a website dedicated to educating the public about what’s missing. The missing documents include numerous letters, and pardons documents signed by presidents George Washington, John Adams, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and more. Other presidential artifacts currently missing include FDR’s official painted portrait, LBJ’s class ring, and several swords bejeweled with precious gems gifted from the Saudi royal family to Truman. However, perhaps the most significant artifacts stolen from the National Archives are some of the original maps used during the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of WW2. It is likely that they were stolen for sale on the black market but it is very possible that you may come across them while antiquing. 

Other Missing American Artifacts

Some irreplaceable and historic artifacts never made it to the National Archives or any other museums or archives. The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments, also known as the Seneca Falls Declaration or simply The Declaration of Sentiments, is one example. The document started the American woman’s rights movement and nobody knows what happened to it. The original copy, signed at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass, and 97 other women’s rights pioneers, has been lost to history. The Declaration borrowed the language of the Declaration of Independence to declare that “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are created equal.” The Obama administration launched an effort to find The Declaration of Rights and Sentiments and compared their efforts to the National Treasure franchise but their nationwide search was unsuccessful. Antique collectors may have more luck.  Sometimes a shopper is just in the right place at the right time and successfully runs across this national treasure. 

Missing American Artifacts – Pop Culture

Not all of America’s missing historic artifacts involve presidents, wars, or suffragettes. Many involve America’s artistic heritage and the missing pieces of cinematic history are among the most interesting. In the early days of Hollywood, most movie props were simply repurposed, thrown out, or burned after shooting. In the 1970s MGM started auctioning off movie props to private collectors exposing the lucrative money-making opportunity of the collectors markets. Today movie and TV props from popular works are often held in private collections and even museums. However, even in recent years valuable props are put out on the open market, thrown away, or even stolen. This means that keen antiquers and collectors can make money or lifelong memories by snatching up the right prop. Many stolen and missing film props could be in a local antique shop. For instance, of the four known surviving pairs of ruby slippers worn in The Wizard of Oz one pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005 and the museum has offered a $1,000,000 reward for information on its whereabouts. Other valuable collectibles missing include the suit from Iron Man, the map from Goonies, and costumes from the original Star Trek series. 

Antique and Vintage Finds

Shopping for antiques, vintage and retro collectibles can be exciting, and finding a valuable missing American antique would be even better! But for most antiquers, it’s best to practice and love antiquing for its own sake. You may not find a multi-million dollar artifact, but you can definitely find beautiful and unique items that link us to our collective past. You can definitely find a piece of the past that you and your family can cherish and call your very own. If you do find an antique item you believe to be valuable you can have it appraised at the Old & New Shop. 

Valuable Antique Finds

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It does not matter if you are an antiquing expert or a beginner, everyone knows that some antiques can be very valuable. However, the antiquing novices may be wondering what antiques and collectibles they should be keeping an eye out for while they’re browsing tag sales and antique stores. 

On the Lookout

Here is a list of some of the valuable antique finds as well as vintage, and retro items budding collectors should get excited about: 

  • Rare coins
  • Original paintings
  • Antique furniture, clocks, and doorstops
  • First-edition books, vintage comic books, and postcards
  • Early baseball cards
  • Musical instruments 

…And More

  • Antique maps and globes 
  • Jewelry
  • Dishes, china, flatware, and depression glassware
  • Vintage toys
  • Old cameras and lenses
  • Decoy ducks

Valuable Collectables

These items can be very valuable, selling in the hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Certain specific items, of course, can stand above their peers in terms of both rarity and value. First-edition copies of certain famous and well-loved books can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. A first-edition copy of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” can be worth up to $70,000 and a copy of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald can be worth up to $30,000. Rare vintage toys can be even more valuable than even the most cherished first-edition novels. The “Redline Hot Wheels Car” released in 1968 can be worth $100,000 to $200,000 today, as can the Star Wars First 12 Action Figures released in 1977. Antique furniture is another realm of antiquing that contains highly valuable items. Certain items of antique furniture such as the Federal Inlaid Mahogany Sofa and the Sheraton Banjo Wall Clock can be worth up to $500,000. Others like the Hepplewhite Inlaid Mahogany Sideboard can be worth up to $1 million, while the Chippendale Rococo Mahogany Highboy can be worth up to $3 million.

Other Rare Finds

Particularly rare and beloved comics can be even more valuable than even the rarest vintage toys and the vast majority of antique furniture. For instance, a surviving copy of Action Comics #1, the 1938 DC comic that introduced readers to Superman, is valued at $2 to $3 million. Batman’s 1939 debut comic Detective Comics #27 is valued at $1 to $2 million.. However rare coins can be even more valuable than these debut superhero comics. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is worth an eye popping $10 to $15 million today and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coin is worth $7 million to $10 million on the coin collecting market. These two American coins are the most valuable in the world, but coins from other countries like the British 1703 Queen Anne Five Guineas, the Spanish 1715 Fleet Treasure Cob, and the German 1743 Vereinskrone Thaler are also worth millions of dollars. These are, of course, just a small smattering of the valuable antiques and collectibles waiting to be discovered in the attics, basements, tag sales, garages, and thrift stores of the world.

 Valuable Antique Finds

While it can be very exciting to imagine finding a valuable antique worth large sums of money, it is best to practice and love antiquing for its own sake. You may not find a multi-million dollar comic or coin on your antiquing journey, but you can definitely find beautiful and unique items that link us to our collective past. You can definitely find a piece of the past that you and your family can cherish and call your very own. Isn’t that the true spirit of antiquing? If you do find an antique item you believe to be valuable you can have it appraised at the Old & New Shop.

https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/23-types-valuable-antiques-look

https://www.fleamarketinsiders.com/top-10-most-valuable-vintage-collectibles/

https://www.bidsquare.com/blog/12-unexpected-types-of-valuable-antiques-to-look-for-985

Shopping for Antique Art

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Antique art is an excellent way to add character and elegance to any space. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just starting, shopping for antique art can be enjoyable and rewarding, however, it can also be intimidating.Shopping for antique art

Before You Shop

Before you walk out your door, consider these recommendations. Here are some tips to guide you buy antique art:

  • Do your research

Before you start buying, do your research. Learn as much as you can about the style of art you’re interested in, as well as the period and the artists associated with it. Read books, attend exhibitions and shows and visit museums. This will give you a good understanding of what you’re looking for and what to expect in terms of price.

  • Buy from reputable dealers

When buying antique art, it’s essential to buy from reputable dealers. Look for dealers who have been in business for a long time and have a good reputation. They should be knowledgeable about the art they’re selling and be able to provide you with information about its history, provenance and authenticity. The Old & New Shop is an experienced dealer that will always provide you with a fair market value.

  • Check the condition

Antique art can be delicate, so it’s essential to check its condition before you buy. Look for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips or fading. Make sure the art is in good condition, and if it needs restoration, factor that into the price.

  • Ask for provenance

Provenance is the history of ownership of a work of art. It’s important to ask for provenance when buying antique art to ensure that it’s authentic. A good dealer should be able to provide you with documentation that shows the artwork’s provenance, including previous owners, exhibitions and sales.

  • Determine authenticity

Authenticity is a critical factor when buying antique art. There are many forgeries and reproductions on the market, so it’s essential to do your due diligence. Look for tell-tale signs of authenticity, such as the artist’s signature, the style of the artwork, and any documentation that accompanies it. Here are some other ways to determine the art’s authenticity:

  • inspect oil painting surfaces. Texture indicates authenticity while flat surfaces indicate fake.
  • perfect edges indicate that the paintings may be fake.
  • check the back of any painting to see any sign of aging. 
  • check the mounting method of the painting. An authentic old painting should have nails or empty nail holes around the frame not staples.

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of the art, consult with an expert.

  • Know your budget

Antique art can be expensive, so it’s important to know your budget before you start buying. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Remember that the price of antique art can vary widely, depending on the artist, the period, the condition and other factors.

  • Buy what you love

Ultimately, buying antique art is about acquiring pieces that you love and that will bring you joy. Don’t just buy something because it’s valuable or because someone else thinks it’s beautiful. Choose pieces that reflect your personality and taste, and that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

  • Consider restoration

If you find a piece of antique art that you love, but it needs restoration, consider the cost of restoration when determining your budget. Restoration can be expensive, but it can also be worth it if you’re passionate about the art and want to preserve it for future generations.

Shopping for Antique Art

Buying antique art can be fun, but it’s essential to do your research and buy from reputable dealers like the Old & New Shop. Check the condition of the artwork, ask for provenance, and determine authenticity. Know your budget, and buy what you love. With these tips in mind, you can build a beautiful collection of antique art that will last for generations.