Category Archives: Antique trends

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!

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.