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We’re proud to present our 10th annual Top 10 list of what’s hot, based on antiques shows and interviews with dealers and collectors.
1. Vintage Textiles
People collect fabric because of the textures, says dealer Wendy J. Christie, an expert in Pennsylvania German utility textiles. She says American homespun in the brown palette is highly sought after, and blue remains a classic. From across the ocean, antique linen and clean-lined ticking continue to capture our hearts. “Linen is sturdy and has a beautiful drape,” says New Jersey dealer Susan E. Oostdyk. Prices vary, with antique French linen starting at $175 for a sheet.
2. Collectible Glass Christmas Ornaments and Garlands
It’s Christmas every day as avid collectors scoop up vintage post-WWII Shiny-Brite balls, bells, and glass-beaded Japanese garlands. “The appeal of 1940s to ’60s decorations is increasing because people collect what they remember,” says Bob Brenner, author of Christmas: 1940–1959. This antique glassware is sure to spruce up your Christmas home décor. With prices starting as low as $1 to $8, you can have fun without worrying about breakage, says New York dealer Barbara Trujillo, a holiday expert.
3. Antique Glass Tumblers
Tumblers in patterned (pressed) glass and fine (more delicate) glass that’s etched, engraved, or painted are perfect for hosting cocktail parties or drinking your morning OJ. Antique tumblers are sure to impress your guests. “Patterned glass is sturdy and strong in the hand,” says Sheila Chefetz of Massachusetts’ The Country Dining Room and author of Antiques for the Table. Mix and match patterns and even sizes. In New England, patterned glass from the golden age (1850 to 1900) can start at $40 per tumbler; fine glass from the 1910s to ’30s, at $35. In the Midwest, prices can start at $25 for patterned glass and $10 for fine.
4. Innovative Garden Ornaments
With renewed interest in gardening has come corresponding interest in vintage statuary, urns, and the like. Pieces with patina, durability (such as stone and terra-cotta), and a neoclassical look are particularly hot, says Rich Hoffman of Missouri’s Christopher Filley Antiques. These timeless ornaments are sure to create your perfect garden sanctuary. A small hand-carved stone urn can start at $300. In high demand: pairs and sets of four stone and iron urns, as well as small statuary for use indoors and out, says John Dahlfred, co-owner of New Hampshire’s Manchester Antiques.
5. Classic White Ironstone
The popularity of this vintage pottery continues to evolve as new research is published, says Connecticut dealer Ernie Dieringer, coauthor of several guides, including White Ironstone Pitchers. The durable antique English-export china was beloved by American consumers from the 1840s through the early 20th century. Top sellers include pitchers in graduated sizes, children’s play sets, interesting serving platters, soup tureens, and rare “oddball pieces” such as baptismal fonts and footbaths, says Dieringer. “If it was needed, the Victorians made it in ceramic,” he quips. Prices for pitchers and platters can start at $25 to $250, respectively.
6. Antique Monogrammed Silver
In the past, monograms were seen as unappealing and could lower the value of a piece. But now, vintage hand-engraved monograms are sought as appreciation grows for the artful flowery Victorian scrolls and raised Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts examples, says Connie McNally, editor of Silver magazine and co-owner of California’s The McNally Company Antiques. McNally recently purchased a simple silver baby cup with an 1892 date and engraved name valued at $175, instead of $125 if it had been plain. Monogram serving pieces are top sellers for Alan Stiegemeier, owner of Illinois’ Old Town Antiques. A monogrammed silver-plate berry spoon in a desirable pattern can fetch $15 to $20; in sterling, $75 to $100.
7. Collectible Copper
Beautifully detailed vintage French copper molds, wine coolers, and large tea kettles from England, Scandinavia, and France made before 1900 are highly desirable, says Minnesota dealer Pat Meinke, who specializes in copper. Its mellow color, malleability, and its professional cooking attributes are a few of its charms, she says. These copper collectibles can add refreshing variety to your home décor. Prices start at $85 for molds, $400 for wine coolers, and $125 for kettles.
8. Antique Transferware
Blue is tried and true. But chocolaty brown and red are what’s hot with collectibles today—especially in plates, platters, and sculptural serving pieces, says Massachusetts dealer Sheila Chefetz. “Ten to twenty years ago, brown didn’t sell well,” says Texas dealer David Lackey, an Antiques Roadshow appraiser. What’s desired, says Lackey, are heavily patterned vintage pieces made in the mid 19th century (plates start at $75) and revived in the 1920s through ’40s (plates start at $10).
9. Timeless Architectural Treasures
The trend continues for finials, corbels, columns, and other such fragments making their way from old building accents and into decorative home decor. Buyers use them as decorative accessories, such as bookends, and incorporate them into building projects, says Tom Joyal of Maine’s The Old House Parts Co. Prices for small pieces start between $12 and $45; columns at $60.
10. Romantic Vintage Clothing
“This is the season of romance,” says Lauren Sweder of New York’s What Comes Around Goes Around. Favorites include 1930s floral day dresses and the Audrey Hepburn-in-Rome look (circle skirt, button-up blouse, and jaunty neck scarf). Vintage clothing is a great way to add classic style to your wardrobe. Prices start at $125. Steven Porterfield, of Texas-based The Cat’s Meow, says that lace remains popular, especially shawls and Edwardian jackets, priced from $125 to $2,800. Straw hats from the 1950s and ’60s have been a surprise big seller, priced from $18 to $35. “I’ve never had such a response,” says Porterfield.
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