Antiques & Collectibles Columns: Auction Analysis & Insights

These sought-after sections offer expert auction analysis, cultural commentary, and more, adding depth, variety, and a personal touch to every issue. Columns include Gavels ’n’ Paddles, Psychology of Collecting, The Beat, Pop Culture Collecting, Second Time’s the Charm, and Civil War Collector.

June 8, 2026 / Columns, Expert Insights, Talk of the Trade

The Market Prep Timeline: 30 Days to Setup Day

by Sloane Middleton Mann Selling vintage at a market is equal parts sourcing, logistics, and storytelling. The sellers who consistently ...

June 8, 2026 / Columns, Retro Collectibles, Second Time's The Charm

A gentleman’s pocket watch need not sit in a drawer, thanks to the purchase of a fleur-de-lis brooch.

Thanks For the Memories, Dad

by Barbara Miller Beem Not so very long ago, June was the month for brides, grads, and Dads. But these ...

May 26, 2026 / Appraisers Corner, Columns

After: Restorestored Renaissance Revival Bench

Guardians of the Foyer: Decoding the Symbolism of Estate Furniture

with Jessica Rickman CPPA, Certified Personal Property Appraiser Step into the foyer of a late-19th-century Gilded Age mansion, and you ...

May 24, 2026 / Columns, Second Time's The Charm

Family Quilts: A sampling of Jean Beem’s bedsize-quilt, of which every stitch was sewn by hand.

“Q” is for the Family Quilts That Charm Us

by Barbara Miller Beem Ah, the month of May…no longer winter but not yet summer. Little wonder, then, that even ...

May 21, 2026 / Antiques Peek, Columns

Singer Sewing Turns 175

by Jessica Kosinski Each month this year, this column is focusing on major milestone anniversaries. This month, we’re taking a ...

May 21, 2026 / Columns, The Psychology of Collecting

The Cluttered Mind: What Our Mess Reveals About Us

by Shirley M. Mueller, M.D The prevalence of clutter in modern domestic life is striking. Surveys suggest that between 25 ...

April 20, 2026 / Columns, Talk of the Trade

Why Social Media Matters for Your Vintage Shop (And It’s Not What You Think)

by Sloane Middleton Mann Don’t just post pretty photos of your inventory on Instagram. Social media is not a sales ...

April 20, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Expert Insights, What's Selling on eBay

Miniature antique tea caddy designed as a Federal-style house, featuring a green exterior with weathered paint and detailed windows, relevant to vintage collectibles and antique market discussions.

Tea Caddy Miniature Federal House & a Mechanical Bank

by Jessica Kosinski $2,908.99 (Bids 68, Bidders 12) Antique 19th C. Folk Art Painted & Carved Wood Tea Caddy Miniature ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Murano glass urn lamps with a textured base, softly illuminated, highlighting their elegant design, recently sold for $3,350 at Mynt Auctions.

Murano glass urn lamps, $3,350, Mynt Auctions

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium An elegant pair of Cenedese Coroso-finish Murano glass ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Seaform Persian Basket glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, $3,000, Helmuth Stone Gallery

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium A glass sculpture titled Seaform Persian Basket by ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Dino Rosin sailboat sculpture, $4,500, Kings Auctions Inc.

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium A signed Murano calcedonia art glass sailboat sculpture ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

American Brilliant cut glass vase $5,700, Woody Auction LLC

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium An American Brilliant cut glass vase in the ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Italian Murano glass ewers, $400, Louvre Antique Auction

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium A pair of Italian enamelled Murano glass ewers ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Glass pendant chandelier featuring elongated clear glass rods, priced at $3,600, showcased in the context of antique and collectible auctions.

Glass pendant chandelier $3,600, Bidhaus

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium An Italian Murano glass pendant chandelier with hexahedron ...

April 6, 2026 / Columns, Gavels n Paddles

Émile Gallé cameo glass table lamp with floral design, sold for $8,000 at Akiba Galleries auction.

Émile Gallé glass table lamp, $8,000, Akiba Galleries

Recent Auction Results from Near & FarAll prices include the buyer’s premium An attributed Émile Gallé cameo glass table lamp ...

April 6, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Appraisers Corner, Columns, Expert Insights

Quilt featuring green floral patterns and signatures, representing textile artistry and craftsmanship in vintage collections.

The Fabric of a Neighborhood: 555 Voices Speak from a Nashville Quilt

by Jessica Rickman Full view of the Nashville quilt. Photograph by Author In the discipline of textile appraisal, we appraisers ...

April 3, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Pop Culture Collecting, Retro Collectibles

Star Wars Return of the Jedi AT-AT toy packaging featuring Imperial All Terrain Armored Transport with miniature figures, showcasing nostalgic collectible appeal.

Star Wars Toys Achieve New Records & Doctor Doom’s Debut Rises in Value

by Amanda Sheriff and J.C. Vaughn Hake’s Auctions’ Jeff Jacob Action Figure Auction Sets Multiple World RecordsHake’s Auctions hosted the ...

April 2, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Retro Collectibles, Toys From The Attic

Vintage illustration of a family watching an early television set, depicting a man and two children captivated by a scenic program, reflecting mid-century pop culture and nostalgia for classic television.

The Small Screen: Inside the World of Mid-Century Toy and Novelty TVs

by Douglas R. Kelly Early televisions—those made in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s—have a devoted following among collectors, and rightly ...

April 2, 2026 / Columns, Educational, The Psychology of Collecting

Woman holding a porcelain teapot, smiling, with bookshelves in the background, reflecting a passion for collecting vintage ceramics.

What Collecting Porcelain Taught Me About Myself: What Is Your Journey?

by Shirley M. Mueller, M.D. When people hear that I collect porcelain, they often imagine glass cabinets and fragile figurines ...

March 19, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Second Time's The Charm, Vintage Living

Collection of decorative vintage plates displayed on a wooden shelf, showcasing various designs and colors, relevant to antique and vintage collectibles.

Mix It Up with “Stranger” Collectibles

by Barbara Miller Beem Talk about odd: The other day, a headline in the home and design section of my ...

March 19, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Expert Insights, Talk of the Trade

The Hidden Trade-Off in Every Sales Platform (and How to Choose Wisely)

by Sloane Middleton Mann There are a million pros and cons to every online platform you list on as a ...

March 2, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Expert Insights, The Psychology of Collecting

Antique lamp with a stained glass shade, showcasing vintage craftsmanship and design, relevant to 2025 antique and vintage market trends.

The Neuropsychology of Eco-Friendly Collectibles: Why Sustainable Objects Are Finding a Lasting Place in Today’s Collections

by Shirley M. Mueller, M.D. On a quiet Saturday morning at a regional antiques show, a longtime collector paused ata ...

March 2, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Columns, Retro Collectibles, Route 66

Route 66 vintage highway sign featuring bold black numbers "66" on a white shield background, symbolizing the iconic American roadway celebrated in the article.

Route 66 Turns 100

by Jessica Kosinski When you think of legendary icons, you might think of anything from your favorite actor to the ...

February 27, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Appraisers Corner, Columns, Expert Insights

Gold jewelry box with engraved message "To mother with love on our wedding day, Minnie and Ben," showcasing antique craftsmanship and sentimental value.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Unveiling a Cartier 14-Karat Art Deco Masterpiece

with Jessica Rickman CPPA, Certified Personal Property Appraiser Recently, as I was going through a large box of very old ...

February 27, 2026 / Antique & Collectible News, Columns, Second Time's The Charm, Vintage Living

Pastoral scene featuring blooming cherry trees in pink and blue hues surrounding a serene pond, evoking a tranquil landscape reminiscent of Wallace Nutting's artwork.

Wallace Nutting: From Cherry Blossoms to Windsor Chairs

by Barbara Miller Beem - Images courtesy of Mike Ivankovich Nutting’s good eye for composition is obvious in “Brookside Blossoms.” ...

Understanding the Psychology of Collecting

The psychology of collecting delves into the motivations behind why individuals amass collections. From nostalgia to the thrill of the hunt, understanding these psychological factors can enhance both the collecting experience and the appreciation of items collected. Collectors often find that their pursuits reflect personal values, memories, and identity.

For instance, many collectors are driven by a sense of community and belonging, seeking connection with others who share similar interests. This social aspect can be particularly strong in niche markets, where collectors bond over specific items, such as vintage toys or antique furniture. Recognizing these psychological dimensions can help collectors make more informed choices and enrich their collecting journeys.

Trends in Antique Collecting: What’s Hot in 2026

As the antique market evolves, certain trends emerge that dictate what items are in demand among collectors. In 2026, we are seeing a resurgence in interest for mid-century modern pieces, as well as a growing appreciation for sustainable and eco-friendly collectibles. These trends not only reflect changing consumer preferences but also highlight the intersection of design, history, and environmental consciousness.

For example, items such as vintage furniture from the 1960s and 1970s are becoming increasingly sought after due to their unique aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. Similarly, collectibles that emphasize sustainability, such as upcycled or repurposed items, are gaining traction among younger collectors who prioritize environmental impact in their purchasing decisions.

Tips for Successful Bidding at Auctions

Bidding at auctions can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires strategy and preparation to be successful. Understanding the auction process, setting a budget, and knowing when to bid are crucial elements that can make or break a collector's experience. Preparation can include researching auction houses, reviewing past auction results, and familiarizing oneself with the items of interest.

Additionally, collectors should be mindful of bidding increments and the auctioneer's rhythm. Many successful bidders recommend setting a maximum bid before the auction begins to avoid emotional overspending. By employing these strategies, collectors can enhance their chances of securing coveted items without exceeding their financial limits.

Preserving Your Antique Collection: Best Practices

Proper preservation of antique collections is essential for maintaining their value and integrity. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure can significantly impact the condition of collectible items. Implementing best practices for storage and display can help ensure that antiques remain in excellent condition for years to come.

For example, using acid-free materials for storage, avoiding direct sunlight, and maintaining a stable environment can greatly reduce deterioration risks. Additionally, regular cleaning and careful handling are vital to preserving the aesthetics and functionality of items. Collectors should also consider consulting with conservation professionals for specialized advice on preserving unique or fragile pieces.