Category Archives: retro

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. 

Attic Treasures

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In December 2020, David Whitcomb bought a house in Geneva, New York. He intended to use the first two floors of the building for his law offices, and the third floor for apartment space. The top floor needed work, so he and a friend started construction. They noticed floorboards in the ceiling and realized there was an attic. Whitcomb had no idea that the newly purchased house had an attic full of treasure because it wasn’t in the paperwork.

Finding Treasure

Whitcomb, upon discovering the attic, didn’t think much of the photos and portraits he found. But, one day he decided to explore a bit more and eventually found that the attic was a photography studio used by a photographer named James Ellery Hale. Hale is renowned for shooting portraits of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Smith Miller as well as other suffragettes during the early 1900s. One of the photographs of Susan B. Anthony taken by Hale serves as her official portrait in the US Library of Congress. Hale soon became known as the photographer of the women’s rights movement.

Whitcomb eventually realized who the women were, and amazingly, some of the photos were original prints. Along with the pictures in Hale’s studio were photography equipment, negatives, and outtakes for photoshoots. All these items were certainly valuable vintage and antique collectibles, but need to be cleaned and verified by experts.

Auctioning Studio Treasures

After many months of cleaning and cataloging, all the photos, frames, and equipment from the attic studio were sent to auction. In all, there were over 1,000 pieces valued at $70,000.  One particular photo of Susan B. Anthony was the most sought-after and sold for $35,990. This image was a silver bromide photographic print, a commonly used material for photographers in the early 1900s because it was inexpensive. Hale took the photo of Anthony in 1905, the year before her passing. The Susan B. Anthony Memorial Association made this photo its official portrait.

Due to the fact that platinum is exceedingly stable and does not degrade over time, the platinum/palladium method was widely used for practical purposes keeping photos in good condition. However, the platinotype, method, an iron process, uses ferric oxalate in combination with the metal salts of platinum and palladium to create the image, which was used primarily for aesthetic appeal but did not last as long. These prints are printed directly on paper without the use of an emulsion, which results in beautifully rich gray tones and a matte feel making them more engaging.

Hale’s cameras and other equipment were highly sought after along with background props and sold for thousands of dollars at auction. Other unique collectibles from Hale’s studio were a street corner display box selling for over $400 and a print block for the photographer’s advertisement that read, “Hale, The Leading Photographer in Geneva,” selling for almost $600.

Treasures in Your Attic?

Chances are you are not going to find valuable photos of ground-breaking suffragettes valued at thousands of dollars in your attic, but you may find other treasures left by previous owners or vintage and antique pieces handed down through generations by your great, great, great grandmother. And if you think the item may be valuable, bring it to an antique dealer like the OId & New Shop. They will offer a fair market value on a variety of antique and vintage items, including:

  • Fine porcelain
  • Artwork
  • Marble statuary
  • Persian rugs
  • Tapestries
  • Mid-century modern furniture

So, get up to that attic and explore-you’ll never know what you might find!

Antique and Vintage Jewelry is Always in Style

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Throughout centuries, jewelry styles have come and gone. Designers found their inspiration in nature, architecture, art, and culture. Some creations were handmade and delicate while others were whimsical with various looks, gemstones, and materials. But, whatever the time period, 30 years or 100 years ago, antique and vintage jewelry has always been in style!

Vintage or Antique?

If you are buying or selling jewelry, it’s good to know what is considered antique or vintage. Jewelry is considered vintage if it’s at least twenty to thirty years old. Antique jewelry is one hundred years old or more, meaning it was created before the 1910s.

Pre-Victorian Jewelry 

Almost all jewelry manufactured before the beginning of the Victorian era was crafted by hand and made from yellow gold and silver. However, due to the quick development of technology in this era, machines were able to cut, stamp, and electroplate gold onto base metals allowing for the mass production of jewelry. The lower cost of production made gold and other materials to be produced in 14K, 10K, and 9K yellow gold affordable for practically everyone. Victorian jewelry featured elaborate cameos made of shell and stone, Renaissance-style lockets, hearts, flowers, and jewelry with animal themes set in pearls.

Art Nouveau Jewelry 1890 – 1915

The “new art” or Art Nouveau movement was created in the late nineteenth century as a result of the reflection of the innovations of the period. Art Nouveau had a significant impact and served as the inspiration for certain jewelry trends. The natural environment served as the primary source of inspiration for Art Nouveau designs, which included jewelry pieces depicting animals, insects, flowers, and women with flowing hair and graceful curves. Romanticized images were designed in contrast to stark images of jewelry from other periods. Different materials and methods were used such as enameling and molded glass. Precious stones like agate, moonstones, opals, sapphires, garnet, and aquamarine were the choices for pieces of this period.

Edwardian Period Jewelry 1900 – 1920

King Edward VII (Queen Victoria’s son), ascended to the British throne in 1901 and gave rise to the Edwardian era. During his reign, society attained its highest level of sophistication. This era was inspired by delicate images and light. Bows, ribbons, bow knots, lace, and flowers were often the themes for jewelry and fashion. The influences of Roman, Ancient Greek, Napoleonic, and French Baroque may all be seen in Edwardian jewelry designs. Diamonds were highlighted in Edwardian jewelry. Advances in metal manufacturing during this time began the use of platinum in jewelry making.

Art Deco Jewelry 1915 – 1935

“Art Deco.” style first started in Paris in 1925. This was the first place the fashion was seen. Lines were straight and angled or they curled gradually unlike the Art Nouveau era. Art Deco styles were basically represented as geometric shapes and symmetrical. The jewelry of this period was influenced by several factors such as the industrial revolution, Cubism, and the devastation of World War I.

Retro Jewelry 1935 – 1950

The Retro era, often referred to as the Retro Modern, followed the end of World War II. Unexpectedly, jewelry styles were large, bright, and extravagant given the devastation at the end of the war and the economic slump. Retro-style jewelry was Hollywood glitzy. Designs combined futuristic images with pieces drawn from earlier eras, however, unlike Art Deco, Retro jewelry has softer curves and more feminine themes. 

Antique and Vintage Jewelry is Always in Style

Jewelry designs have always been a reflection of our history culture and art. Many pieces’ styles have been handed down through the decades. Antique shops and collectors like the Old & New Shop will buy and sell authentic pieces. Whatever the period, antique or vintage, collectors have always favored jewelry no matter what their style!

Vintage Vacuums

SurpriVintage Vacuumssing as it may be, vintage vacuums have grown in appeal for antique collectors. This retro appliance is not only a display item but popular because of its history.

The History

An American inventor named James Spangler created an electric appliance that was a broomstick with a cloth, a long handle, and a bag. He was an asthmatic janitor, so his invention was probably developed out of necessity. In 1908, he sold his design to a Brit named William Hoover. His early vacuum idea was one of the best practical inventions of its time. Hoover’s company’s leather factory in England began mass-producing modern-looking vacuums by 1930. Although his vacuum was a practical way of cleaning, not many people owned one because of the high cost to produce and sell it. Many years later the electric vacuum would be used in most households.

Vintage Vacuum Collectibles

Since its origin, the vacuum has undergone many transformations, from dustpans to rovers, spanning over 150 years. Here are the top vintage vacuum collectibles:

Electrolux

This Swedish company has been producing vacuums for decades, and the 1950’s model is a top collectible. In the 1960s, the company’s marketing campaign slogan was, “Nothing sucks like an Electrolux.” Many marketing experts thought it would be a disaster, however, the campaign did grab the attention of consumers.

My Little Queen series by Bissell

Another popular collectible is the Little Queen series, which was invented by Melville Bissell to help his wife with her crockery pot store. It was more of a carpet sweeper, but still a favorite vintage vacuum.

Hoover 800

As mentioned above, James Spangler is credited for the invention of the electric vacuum and he eventually became partners with Hoover. This Hoover model is a popular vintage vacuum collectible today as well as the 1952 Hoover Model 82 Constellation.

Singer Deluxe

Singers sold only sewing machines in the early years. But, in the 60s they expanded their product line to include vacuum cleaners with the Singer Deluxe model becoming popular.

The Royal Lexon Standard

Royal Lexon Standard was developed in 1910, and over one million of these models were sold. This is especially outstanding at a time when only a few million homes had electricity. Because of its history, the Royal Lexon Standard model is a very sought-after vintage vacuum.

Kirby

The Kirby Company only produced one model and sold their vacuums through door-to-door sales. The company didn’t exactly have a good reputation based on the behavior of its salesmen. Many people complained that the salespeople were pushy and annoying. Despite its reputation, the Kirby is a top vintage collectible.

A Fascination

It may seem unusual to some, but many collectors have a fascination with vintage vacuums. For those who do, there are clubs to join whose members have the same interests. The Vacuum Cleaners Collectors Club’s members appreciate the mechanics and design aspects of collectible vacuum cleaners. This non-profit organization values the part of industrial history in which vacuum cleaners were part of the electrical pioneer movement in the United States. Members collect, restore, and preserve this fascinating aspect of industrial heritage. The club provides a space for collecting and cataloging historical materials, and information, and sharing the interest in vacuum cleaners between collectors.

As with many collectors of antiques and vintage items, searching and shopping is a large part of the journey to acquiring items. Flea markets, antique malls, and shops like the Old & New ShopOld & New Shop, are the best places to start. 

 

Vintage Halloween Collectibles

When witchesVintage Halloween Collectable go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near HALLOWEEN!          -Unknown

Halloween, as it is called today, is a contraction of the phrase All Hallows’ Eve , and is celebrated on October 31st, the evening before All Saints Day. The holiday’s origins began as a celebration of bountiful harvest and remembering the dead. Halloween traditions are thought to be influenced by Celtic harvest festivals long ago. Irish and Scottish immigrants took many Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century, and the holiday eventually spread to other countries by the 20th century.

In Mexico, the holiday is called the Day of the Dead. Families and friends gather on this day to pay their respects and celebrate those who have died. Although it can be a more solemn tone, unlike in the US, some celebrations can be humorous and fun, remembering funny events and stories about the departed.

Whatever is celebrated, there are plenty of vintage Halloween collectibles and fun for anyone looking for a blast from the past!

Trick-or-Treat

Halloween is fun for children and adults, although it didn’t necessarily start out that way. Many of the activities, pranks, and vintage Halloween items have evolved through the years as we now know them, including: 

  • Trick-or-treating 
  • Costumes
  • Parties
  • Apple bobbing
  • Carving pumpkins
  • Haunted houses
  • Scary stories
  • And, horror films

Vintage cards, posters, decorations, and costumes were representative of a later time period, not just because they showed what people were afraid of, but also of the time’s pop culture and entertainment. Costumes, for example, were usually homemade and used as disguises for teens playing pranks. The disguises were usually scary and frequently portrayed witches and monsters. During the depression, vandalism was a common occurrence at Halloween. As a result, parents started organizing trick-or-treating and costume parties.

 Vintage Halloween Collectibles

For vintage and antique Halloween collectors, there is a plethora of items available. For example, a decoration like the rare tabletop centerpiece, Vintage Halloween Horrible Witch Decoration Crepe Skirt, dates back approximately 90 years and can sell for thousands of dollars.

Other finds iVintage Witchnclude a 1930’s vintage Halloween Beach and Arthur party plate, Toledo Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Tin Parade Pumpkin valued at $7,500, a 25-year vintage Halloween Winking Pumpkin Candy Container with sliding bottom, and many more vintage Halloween treasures.

Many of these vintage items can be bought through the internet, however, flea markets, antique malls, and reputable dealers like the Old & New Shop, might be a better way. The ability to touch and see a piece, and hold it in your hand can make all the difference when deciding to purchase a vintage or antique piece, especially if it’s a large investment. The Old & New Shop will give you a fair and accurate evaluation as well as purchase items you might like to sell. 

So, have fun with your Halloween vintage pieces, and Happy Halloween!

 

An Antique Shopping Guide

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A Guide to Antique ShoppingThere is so much fun in shopping for antiques. Sometimes, we find the best items from the flea market and in specialized shops. From hand-painted teapots to ornate sofas, these antiques make an excellent addition to your home. An antique shopping guide will help!

Be Prepared

The best way to start your shopping trip is to be prepared for moving your antiques from the shop to your home. A simple kit containing items you already have in your house should be ready to go. Your kit should have cardboard boxes (preferably foldable), a blanket or bubble wrap for padding, and wipes for dusty pieces. It’s also helpful to measure the space you want to fit the item into before you go. If your find is too big for your vehicle, have a Plan B to transport it such as a rental van. 

Identify the Best Market for Your Needs

Depending on your needs, you should decide which type of market is the best place to find it. If you’re looking for affordable, second-hand items, shop at a flea market. If you want “old” heirlooms, try an antique mall. Genuine antiques are usually found in a shop owned by an antiquities expert. 

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings. These differentiations can help determine the value of the item. The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining the age is a bit more subjective, vintage usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles. Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes only slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40.

Antiquing Etiquette

When you enter an antique market or mall, it’s always best to greet the vendor, setting a friendly tone. It is acceptable to haggle or ask for a discount. Some people may feel uncomfortable, but these tips can help you along. 

You should also inspect the item carefully for dents, scratches, or chips. If you find a flaw, you should ask for a discount.

Keep the Vision

When shopping for pieces to decorate your home, keep in mind the style you are trying to achieve. Are you going for farmhouse chic, rustic, or something retro? If you are not sure what your style is, start with a major piece that you like that ties the room together and decorate accordingly.

Authenticity 

If you are new at this, you probably don’t have experience determining the authenticity of an antique. There are some ways to verify its claim:

  • Distinguish sterling silver from plated by its authenticating mark. Look for a marking that says “9.25”, “Sterling”, “Sterling 925”, or “S/S.”
  • To check whether a porcelain item is genuine, hold a flashlight (your phone works well for this) up to see if the light shines through. If it does, it’s genuine.

Also, consider the function of the item you’re interested in. A fragile piece should not be in a place where it can be easily damaged. 

Additionally, before you make a purchase, you should find out what the return policy is, especially on large valued items. If anything should be wrong, or it just doesn’t fit with your decor, you’d want to know if you can take it back.

Let’s Shop 

With an antique shopping gude, you are ready to shop. Get your antiquing kit, cash, and transportation, and go! The Old & New Shop is one of the favorite antique and vintage dealers in the New York metro area.

Antique, Vintage, or Retro?

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Antique, Vintage or Retro

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings, and these differentiations can help determine the value of the item.

The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. If an item is over 300 years old, it can fall into one of two categories. If it’s natural and from a living thing, it is called a fossil. If it’s man-made, then it qualifies as an antiquity or artifact.

Vintage has a meaning that is less defined. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining what age counts as vintage is a bit more subjective, it usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles.

Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40. Retro usually imitates a certain “years ago” style, for example, a letter or varsity jacket which dates back to the 1920s, and the style regained popularity again in the 1980s.

Items that are not necessarily antiques, vintage or retro may still look old and are commonly bought as collectibles. These are referred to as reproductions. They are not sold as old themselves but as copies of older items.

The Market Value

There are several ways to estimate the value of your antique, vintage, or retro item. Visiting a local appraiser is a good option, as they have experience in this area and the tools to accurately research the piece and determine its worth. Appraisers will offer a fair price and give you a report. However, they can charge a hefty fee for their services of up to  $200 or more. The Old & New Shop will provide a more personal appraisal with a one-on-one phone call and/or meeting.

Another way to find the market value is to visit a site that will appraise your antique. Websites can give you a professional estimate by providing you with a description and photo. Additionally, consulting an antique pricing guide can give you detailed information about the value and resale of the items.

Trends in Antiques, Vintage, or Retro Items

Interest in shopping for vintage and antique items has grown over the years. Millennials are growing older, and the things they once had as children are now becoming vintage. And it’s not only Millennials; Gen Z’s is also looking for vintage and retro pieces. Current purchasing trends indicate interest in vintage advertising signs, books, toys, and jewelry. Other items with Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles are also popular. Whatever your preference, the Old & New Shop has a wide variety of items and collectibles for buying and selling.