Have You Ever Seen Roseville Tourist Line Pottery

Have you ever seen this type of Roseville Pottery before? If the answer is no, you're not alone. This rare piece, from the "Tourist" line, was just added to my Roseville Pottery Price Guide recently along with a number of others. Be sure to take a close look at them. These pieces are usually unmarked, so you might gain some knowledge you can use. Find one in great condition and it could sell for thousands. Read more ...

Would You Recognize a Pot Belly Candlestick Telephone

In the world of antique telephones, the candlestick style holds a prominent spot. In fact, the plain black version of this phone is probably the one that comes to mind most frequently when it comes to late 1890s and early 1900s phones. But there are many variations of the candlestick style, and knowing what's what can mean making mere hundreds on a find instead of cashing in on thousands. The example shown here is a variation of the pot belly style with a "pony" receiver, but do you know exactly what that means? Read more...

The Life and Art of LC Tiffany

I recently did a series of articles highlighting the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany as seen in the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida. It was impossible to learn more about those incredibly beautiful works without delving into the life of the man behind them. Read more...

Kovels Buyers Guide To Costume Jewelry A Review

Always looking for good resources to recommend to fellow jewelry collectors, I looked forward to sitting down with Kovel's Buyers' Guide To Costume Jewelry: Parts 1 & 2 to see what they had to offer. The verdict? Not bad for beginners. What that means is that I didn't find a lot of information advanced collectors would find useful, but that's not really who these booklets were designed to serve. Read more...

Antique Trader Guide to Fakes Reproductions Book Review

There's no doubt that reproductions and fakes discourage many people from collecting. Instead of letting them keep you sidelined, arm yourself with knowledge about repros and join the treasure-hunting fun! Find out if the Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, in its fourth edition, will help you become a more confident collector and compare prices through this review. Read more...

What You Dont Know About Buffalo Pottery

Many collectors have heard about Buffalo Pottery because the company made so much restaurant china back in the day. It's great stuff and well worth collecting. But what they don't know is that Buffalo also made some great pieces like this Roosevelt Bears milk pitcher (which I absolutely fell in love with when I saw it for the first time!) and some pretty expensive art pottery pieces that were given away as premiums in the early 1900s with the purchase of soap. Read more...

Illustrated Guide to Vintage Antique Necklace Styles

Have a vintage or antique necklace you want to sell but don't know what the style is called? Take a look at this illustrated guide to necklace styles, which is a work in progress with many more styles to come, to learn how to describe it. I've added a few photos of celebrities wearing modern versions just for fun. Don't you love Kristin Wiig's dog collar? Read more...

Tiffanys Laurelton Hall at the Morse Museum

While it's still a shame that the entire Laurelton Hall estate wasn't preserved as Louis Comfort Tiffany intended, what a treat it was to see a sampling of objects salvaged from Tiffany's grand mansion on display at the Morse Museum of Art. This includes the entire Daffodil Hall terrace featuring Tiffany Studios glass recreated in the museum's galleries. I hope you'll get to Winter Park, Florida to see these wonderful things in person some day. Until then, take a virtual walk through the Morse and see some archival photos of Tiffany's home. Read more...

Original Repurposing Cigar Ribbon Textiles and Quilts

I recently had an opportunity to learn a bit about cigar ribbon textiles and quilts and found them to be fascinating slices of Americana. Learn about these antique items that were repurposed before repurposing was cool and see several examples including a table mat and two wonderful quilts. Read more...

Before You Scrap That Old Silver Jewelry

Be sure you take a look at my Silver Jewelry Price Guide and learn more about researching silver. You might be really surprised at how much vintage sterling silver jewelry can sell for in the secondary antiques marketplace. And wouldn't it be better to learn about this before you melt down a valuable piece for a fraction of its true value? Read more...

Whats So Special About Newcomb College Pottery

Have you ever wondered what makes Newcomb College Pottery so special to decorative arts enthusiasts? My latest feature answers this question along with some about all the different marks you'll find on a Newcomb piece and how much this coveted pottery is worth. Read more...

Before You Buy Damaged Antiques and Collectibles

A reader's question prompted me to delve into the topic of buying damaged antiques and collectibles in this recent article. There's actually a situation where it might be acceptable, but it's still wise to think long and hard before doing it. Read more...

Updated Pottery and Porcelain Marks Gallery

I've recently added more marks for some prominent names to the Pottery and Porcelain Marks Gallery to help with identifying and dating. These include marks for Newcomb College Pottery, Capodimonte, and various companies producing porcelain in the Limoges region of France. Visit the marks gallery...

Sending an Antique Gift to Mom

These tips actually apply to shipping lots of breakable items, but specifically antiques and collectibles. Make sure those valuable treasures you've carefully picked out for Mother's Day make it to their destination unscathed. Read more...

The Jewelry of Louis Comfort Tiffany

If what you know about Tiffany jewelry begins and ends with sterling silver, take a trip back in time to discover Louis Comfort Tiffany's version of wearable art dating to the early 1900s. His "art jewelry" is both rare and enticing, and I was thrilled to see a number of pieces on a visit to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida last fall. My partner and photographer, Jay B. Siegel, did an exceptional job of capturing photographs of the Tiffany peacock necklace on display there in spite of challenges created by the glass cases holding the pieces and low light in the museum setting. It's my pleasure to share these photos and some history about Tiffany's jewelry with you. Read more...

Fenton Glass Gone But Not Forgotten

It was the end of an era in American glass manufacture when Fenton Glass Company closed its doors last year, but that doesn't mean collectors have forgotten about all the beautiful objects they produced. Some pieces they made can bring hundreds or even thousands on the secondary market. Learn more about this legendary company. Read more...

Kovels Antiques Collectibles Price Guide 2012 Book Review

When I comes to antiques and collectibles, I am working fervently to help you find information in that area by publishing here online. So why would I recommend a print-based book on valuing antiques? Well, for one, Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2012 is a really good all around reference guide so it merits a mention here on the About.com Antiques site. But there's also something nice about having a good old-fashioned book on hand when it comes to researching antiques, and this one provides all the basics and then some. Read more...

German Silver is NOT Sterling Silver

Last night my significant other was watching an episode of Storage Wars on A&E when a segment featuring antique purses came on. I watched over his shoulder as an "expert" told one of the shows buyers, Dave Hester, that an 1890s (she got the date right) purse was sterling silver and worth $450. Well, it was marked German silver and that's not sterling. You'd be hard pressed to get $450 for it, too. The point here? Enjoy those shows for entertainment value if they amuse you, but don't believe everything you see and hear on "antiques" television. Read more...

Answers to Questions About Pickard China

While you probably won't hear the name Pickard nearly as often as Limoges, they do have a history that fits together quite nicely. But Pickard Decorating Studios used white ware blanks from other areas well beyond Limoges, France and they purchased them in the U.S., too. In fact, this American company eventually began manufacturing their own china to decorate and they're still in business today. Read more...

Elvis Memorabilia Still Popular with Collectors

Elvis Presley died on Aug. 17, 1977. Close to 35 years later his legend lives on in a big way when it comes to memorabilia collected by fans. In fact, Heritage Auctions is holding a sale of Elvis memorabilia next month, just days before the anniversary of this iconic singer's death. Of course, Elvis is just one of many legendary performers and celebrities whose possessions and image rake in big bucks. Read more...

Learning About Quimpers French Country Style

Quimper pottery is one area of collecting I didn't know much about, other than the basic style, until very recently. What a great time I had learning about the origin of these colorful wares along with their history. And, of course, I had to put it all in an article so you could find out more about it, too. French country, anyone? Read more...

A Look at the Pendant Necklace

Pendant necklaces, like the cross worn by Madonna shown here, have never really gone out of fashion and they're more popular than ever when it comes to necklace styles being worn today. Learn more about how long they've been around and the purpose they served when they were first worn with this introduction to the pendant necklace. Read more...

More on Identifying and Dating Capodimonte

Many people email me about Capodimonte, and lots of those questions revolve around identifying and dating pieces. So, in addition to my first article on Capodimonte, I've developed a step-by-step guide to help folks understand the history and dating of Capodimonte porcelain a little better. If all you know about Capodimonte was learned from a home shopping channel, you'll understand there's a lot more than that to this fine porcelain when you take a closer look. Read more ...

Christmas in July Collecting Holiday Jewelry

We're months away from Santa's big day but that doesn't mean you can't start a holiday jewelry collection. If you do it now, by the time Christmas rolls around you'll be all ready to deck the halls along with your holiday wardrobe. And this is one area of collecting that offers something for every taste from kitchy and fun to classic and elegant. Read more...

Learning About Antique Collectible Milk Glass

Milk glass has been around much longer than you might think, although most pieces found by collectors today date to the mid-20th century - like this ivy ball vase. Learn more about the history, patterns, molds and more relating to old milk glass. Read more...

A New Limoges Porcelain Price Guide

As with all my pottery and porcelain price guides, this new entry on valuing Limoges porcelain is a work in progress. This is the beginning of what will be a helpful tool for collectors and dealers who are trying to identify antique Limoges porcelain wares, and I've included links to identifying marks wherever possible. If Limoges is on your antiques learning list for 2012, this is a great place to start. Read more...

A Different Kind of Easter Egg

They're not really eggs and they don't actually have anything to do with Easter, so why are they called "Easter eggs?" Well, because of their oval shape and the colorful way these stones used in vintage costume jewelry are decorated, collectors have given them this nickname. Most of the pieces containing them are highly valued by collectors, too. Learn more about these stippled cabochons and when they were used. Read more...

Documenting Another RS Prussia Reproduction

It's not fun to have to tell a reader that one of their antiques isn't authentic. This happened recently with an R.S. Prussia reproduction pitcher and bowl set with the fake mark shown here. The couple took the news graciously, and also allowed me to share the photo in my R.S.P repro gallery so that others can learn more about these fakes. See this newly added example along with others, and learn about the characteristics of these reproductions. Read more...

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

Killer stuff and tons of money. That's what we all want as antiques dealers, right? So when I was asked if I'd be interested in reviewing a book titled Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America, I couldn't say yes fast enough. It doesn't really tell you how to find the old stuff we love and turn it into money per se, but it does tell the story of a show dealer and a journalist that most antiques dealers and collectors would find relative and amusing if not illuminating in a number of respects. Read more...

Tiffany Chapel at the Morse Museum

Last fall I had the great fortune to visit the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida. What a treat it was to view the Tiffany chapel as part of my self-guided tour. And, I had my photographer along with me to capture some of the chapel's details to share with you. The result is this step by step feature that tells the story of the groundbreaking Tiffany chapel originally displayed at the Chicago 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Read more...

Learning About Occupational Shaving Mugs

When it comes to the most rare and valuable barber shop collectibles, occupational shaving mugs are among the finest. Finding a mug with just the right occupation illustrated on it can bring in lots of cash at auction, but condition issues can diminish value so it's wise to check these interesting antiques over carefully before buying. Read more...

Foiling Fakers in the 1800s

While we certainly have our share of fake products on the market these days, counterfeiting isn't a modern concept. In the 1850s sellers of run of the mill cigarettes were wrapping them up and selling them as expensive Cuban tobacco products. One Cuban cigarette maker, perhaps inadvertently, foiled the fakers by using the first series of lithographed labels to brand its products. Read more...

Louis Comfort Tiffanys Laurelton Hall

What was originally built as Louis Comfort Tiffany's home grew to be a larger than life monument to Tiffany himself. It was filled with objects he'd collected from around the world, along with his own Tiffany Studios creations. He intended for Laurelton Hall to be a museum and haven for artists, but the 84 room mansion sadly perished after his death. Learn more about the rise and fall of this fascinating home, and where some of the salvaged objects it held reside today. Read more...

Who Was George E Ohr

Looking at his pottery, it's no wonder George E. Ohr deemed himself the "Mad Potter of Biloxi." His work was, to say the least, a little off kilter when compared to other wares made during the late 1800s through the turn of the last century. But modern art historians are now considering Ohr as one of the forefathers of the modernist movement, and in that light those freeform pots, urns and pitchers don't look quite so outlandish. Read more...

Collecting Glass Candy Containers

We're upon one of the most treat-filled holidays of the year, so taking a look back at old glass candy containers seems in order. Some of them can be quite rare and valuable, like the rabbit family example shown here. Read more...

Notable Women in Antiques History

This tribute to women's history from a different perspective features names not well represented in mainstream historical texts, but worth recognizing nonetheless. These women had a notable impact on our culture in varied ways, and they're still recognized in their fields today. Read more...

Tips for Collecting Antique Typewriters

As typewriters become more and more of a novelty, lots of people are intrigued by them. In fact, it's reported that actor Tom Hanks keeps an antique typewriter handy to type a quick note on occasion. Learn more about collecting these old writing machines including what models to look for and a few sample values. Read more...

The Value of Limoges Porcelain

Values on Limoges Porcelain vary widely depending on the object, the decoration, and the skill of the decorator. See a number of different Limoges pieces and sets along with how much they sold for recently. Read more...

How to Store Old Postcards

Collecting vintage postcards from the early 1900s is affordable and fun, and there's a subject matter or theme to interest most anyone who likes old things. But like most antiques and collectibles, they can deteriorate without proper storage. Learn more about how to keep your postcard collection in top shape with these tips for storing them properly. Read more...

Learning About CINER Costume Jewelry

I had the good fortune to visit the Ciner showroom and meet the incredibly stylish Pat Ciner Hill the last time I was in New York. Here's some information on this highly regarded company and the marks they've used over the decades I wrote with this informative visit in mind. Read more...

Identifying the Schoffel Crown Mark

Identifying jewelry manufacturers can be as easy as reading a label, or as difficult as deciphering a cryptic mark like the one shown here. In fact, some people buying vintage costume jewelry overlook this little crown mark altogether. Find out more about when this mark was used by Schoffel & Co. and were this firm was located. Read more...

New Easter Collectibles Price Guide

Spring has sprung in my area, and that means Easter's just around the corner. To celebrate the season with Easter collectibles carries on an age old tradition. So, it was just a matter of time until I put together and Easter Collectibles Price Guide. I'll be adding more entries as time passes, but I think we're off to a pretty good start here. Isn't this rabbit fur chick from the early 1900s just adorable? Be sure to click through to find out how much it sold for at auction. Read more...

The Collar Necklace Style

While necklace styles come and go, the collar necklace never completely goes out of style. But did you know it's been around for centuries, and that most all necklaces were once referred to as "collars?" See an example and learn more about this stately necklace style. Read more...

What are Cigarette Silks

Lots of quilts and other small textiles, like those made of cigar ribbons, were fashioned from cigarette silks distributed as premiums in the early 1900s. Often made in a series, these little pieces of Americana can be interesting and colorful in a number of ways, and also quite valuable. Read more...

Who Was Eva Zeisel

Designer Eva Zeisel recently passed away after a long and distinguished career. Her mid-century modern tableware designs are not only collected today, but revered in museums the world over. And believe it or not, this inspiring woman was still designing objects to grace American homes at age 105. Read more...

Understanding Capodimonte Marks

The varied marks used on Capodimonte Italian porcelain since the mid-1700s can be confusing until you understand which marks were used early on. Get this task out of the way, and you'll be able to date this popular porcelain by looking at the mark in no time at all. Read more...

What is Tobacciana

The name tobacciana alludes to tobacco, and that's precisely what it's about. Tobacciana comprises antiques and collectibles related to cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco-related items. While not everyone is a fan of tobacco products today and smoking is being banned in more and more places, it's hard to deny that some of these items aren't downright interesting. Read more...