by Jessica Kosinski As a child of the 1980s, I have fond (and not so fond) memories of using rotary telephones. Home phone lines were the norm because, even though the first cell phone was invented in 1973, they were…
As a professional appraiser favoring American antiques and Southern folk art, I recently had the privilege of examining what is unquestionably one of the rarest and most celebrated icons of 20th-century Kentucky folk art: the legendary giant white-oak basket crafted…
by Sloane Middleton Mann Instagram has become the go-to platform for vintage shops. But here’s the hard truth: most sellers are using it wrong. Instagram was never built for direct sales. This is the root issue that holds so many…
Welcome to “Investment Intelligence,” a quarterly series from Journal of Antiques & Collectibles exploring emerging categories with exceptional appreciation potential. In this inaugural edition, we examine studio art pottery from the 1960s-1980s—a market segment experiencing dramatic revaluation as collectors discover…
By Lynn Garson, Southern Vapors Excellent example of Sileda Wales cranberry and silver perfume bottle with assay marks, 6 inches tall This article delves into the transformative innovations in antique perfume bottle design and production, spotlighting the hands-on individuals—glass cutters,…
by Sloane Middleton Mann Planning ahead is key to a successful marketing plan, so let’s talk about what’s working—and what isn’t—when it comes to marketing your vintage shop in the new year. While the last week of December tends to…
Story and photos by Donald-Brian Johnson When does the Christmas season really begin? When the first department store pipes in the first velvety Bing Crosby holiday favorite? When the first hundred twinkling lights go up on that big house down…
By Chris H. Beyer – Copyright 2025 Coca-Cola® serving trays were issued by the Coca-Cola Company for a period of nearly 70 years to merchandise their celebrated brand of soft drink. The concept for the first Coca-Cola tray, which was…
For more than 25 years, the Journal of Antiques & Collectibles has been more than a publication—it’s been a gathering place. A marketplace of ideas, a meeting point for generations of collectors, dealers, appraisers, historians, and lifelong enthusiasts. Through every…
By Rob Wolfe of American Pickers If the past year has proven anything, it’s this: the antique business is far from slowing down. Auctions have been strong, private buying has remained steady, and the energy at shows from the Midwest…
