Antiques Peek Archive: Expert Antique & Collectible Insights

Collecting America at 250: Exploring Our Nation’s History Through Objects

by Jessica Kosinski This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. That’s a lot of history, and most of it has been commemorated through various types of memorabilia ...

Singer Sewing Turns 175

Antiques Peek, Columns

by Jessica Kosinski Each month this year, this column is focusing on major milestone anniversaries. This month, we’re taking a peek at the history of I.M. Singer and Co. The ...

Route 66 Turns 100

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.

by Jessica Kosinski When you think of legendary icons, you might think of anything from your favorite actor to the Egyptian pyramids. What probably doesn’t come to mind immediately is ...

Winnie the Pooh Turns 100

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Columns, Pooh Bear, Retro Collectibles, Winnie the Pooh

Vintage 13-inch Winnie the Pooh by Agnes Brush

by Jessica Kosinski There are a lot of cartoon bears out there, and I love them all. Long before I was a writer, I was a classic TV nut with ...

Telephones – History and Collecting

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Retro Collectibles

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 ...

Estate Sale Finds

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Estate Sales, Expert Insights

Pair of antique bronze horsehead bookends.

by Jessica Kosinski If you are an avid collector like me, you have probably been to many estate sales over the years. My collectibles of choice tend to be various ...

The Significance and Nostalgia of the WPA National Park Posters

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Features

This Grand Teton National Park poster was the first created by WPA artist Chester Don Powell at a time when the artists were not allowed to sign their work. This example was salvaged in the 1970s by Doug Leen while cleaning out a barn at Grand Teton National Park where he worked as a seasonal park ranger. Three originals are known to exist.

By Jessica Kosinski There is something magical about the bold lines and vibrant colors of vintage National Park posters. These posters, especially those created under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) ...

Collecting Vintage & Estate Jewelry

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Estate Jewelry, Vintage Jewelry, Vintage Living

Czechoslovakian Edwardian era filigree harlequin glass brooch.

by Jessica Kosinski If you love jewelry with a story, character, and a bit of history, vintage jewelry collecting might be the perfect hobby for you. Whether you're drawn to ...

Vintage Picnic Sets: A Nostalgic Feast in a Basket

Antique & Collectible News, Antiques Peek, Vintage Living, vintage picnic basket

Vintage Peterboro Woven Splint Wood Picnic Basket

By Jessica Kosinski When talking about summer fun, there are certain activities that instantly come to mind: swimming, camping, biking, and more. In between those sun-soaked adventures, everyone has to ...

Stage Costumes: Enter Stage Right

Antiques Peek, music memorabilia, stage costumes

By Jessica Kosinski Stage costumes have long been a defining feature of live performances, allowing musicians to amplify their personas and connect with audiences in memorable ways. Many of them ...

Around the World’s Fair with Glass

Antique Glass, Antiques Peek, World's Fair

World’s Fairs have always been showcases of innovation, industry, and culture. Early World’s Fairs particularly offered opportunities to highlight new inventions and advancements in the technologies of the day. Glassmaking ...

A Treasure? From the Ancient Past? On Oak Island? Stay Tuned

Antiques Peek

The Lagina Brothers at work on Oak Island.

by Jessica Kosinski Hidden treasures have always sparked our collective imaginations, and few places embody this fascination more completely than Oak Island, a small, mysterious island off the coast of ...

Tie-Dye: Groovy, Baby

Antiques Peek, counterculture vibes, tie-dye

by Jessica Kosinski There are a lot of traditions associated with particular periods in American history. One of those is the tradition of tie-dyeing. In the United States, it is ...

Chipping Away at the Moon

Antiques Peek, Apollo, lunar, moom, moon rocks, Space Age

This advertisement was used as part of a sting operation called Operation Lunar Eclipse that was partly financed by former presidential candidate businessman Ross Perot. After a final meeting with suspect Alan Rosen in November 1998, agents were able to seize the moon rock from a safe deposit box in a Miami bank.

by Jessica Kosinski People have been obsessed with space for centuries. That obsession only deepened as human beings began exploring it more thanks to modern technology. Today, you can find ...

Decanters

Antiques Peek, Decanter, Glass

by Jessica Kosinski When talking about antique glass collectibles, one category that shouldn’t be ignored is the decanter category. Decanters have existed for several centuries. As a result, there are ...

Annalee Dolls – A Holiday Tradition

Annallee Dolls, Antiques Peek

by Jessica Kosinski There are many traditions and objects associated with the holidays. Some start out regional and then slowly expand. One example is the Annalee doll, which originated in ...

Grandfather Clocks: Time Is On My Side

Antique Clocks, Antiques Peek, grandfather clock

17th Century William and Mary Grandfather Clock

by Jessica Kosinski They say one of the most valuable things a person can spend is time. That is definitely true. I spent many a day in the backyard of ...

Raggedy Ann Dolls

Antiques Peek, Raggedy Ann & Andy, Raggedy Ann Dolls

Raggedy Ann and Andy on Antiques Roadshow

by Jessica Kosinski When I was a kid in the 1980s, I had a Raggedy Ann and Andy game I adored. In fact, I loved it so much that I ...

Compasses: You CAN Get There From Here!

Antiques Peek, Compasses

This Victorian pocket compass has the design characteristics of a pocket watch made in the era

by Jessica Kosinski Do you need a little direction in your life? Well, if you are ever lost in the woods, an ancient device will have you covered! Compasses are ...

Glass Animals

Antiques Peek, Art Glass, glass animals

by Jessica Kosinski Glass is a wonderful medium because it is so versatile. It is used to make everyday items ranging from tableware to windows. For a collector, glass is a great ...

A.C. Gilbert Chemistry Set: Building Future Scientists

A.C. Gilbert, Antiques Peek, Chemistry Set

by Jessica Kosinski The year 1923 was an incredible one. Many new inventions were created that year. Those inventions are all reaching a major milestone in 2023. They are turning ...

M&M’s: Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hands

Antiques Peek, brand building, branding

by Jessica Kosinski There are many fun things you can collect, but branded items are often among the most interesting. Some brands are fun to collect simply because of the ...

Posthumous Promotions – Funeral Home Promotional Items

Antiques Peek, mourning, Promotional Items

A wooden nickel given out by the Preston-Pruitt Funeral Home in Danville, KY, promoting their funeral and ambulance services – and a free cup of coffee! Selling on eBay for $3.95

by Jessica Kosinski When it comes to collecting death-related items, a large category on which you may choose to focus is funeral home advertising. In the early days, advertisements for ...

A Good Broom and Brush

Antiques Peek, Shaker, Shaker Brooms

A Selection of Shaker Brooms from Shaker Museum

by Jessica Kosinski If you are looking for furniture that is as useful as it is beautiful, Shaker furniture is near the top of the list. The Shakers were a ...

As Grate As It Gets – Antique Heating Grates

Antiques Peek, grates, old houses

by Jessica Kosinski As someone who lives in an older home, I have a strong appreciation for the charm of older houses with their senses of character and interesting quirks ...

The Allure of Antique Glassware

Antique glassware encompasses a vast and fascinating world for collectors, ranging from delicate Victorian art glass to robust mid-century kitchenware. These pieces not only serve functional purposes but also carry significant historical and aesthetic value, often reflecting the craftsmanship and design trends of their era. Understanding the different types, periods, and makers can unlock a deeper appreciation for these collectible items.

Collecting antique glassware can include items like Fenton art glass, Depression glass, Cambridge glass, and various forms of cut or pressed glass. Each category offers unique characteristics, such as intricate patterns, vibrant colors, or specific historical contexts. For instance, Depression glass, produced in abundance during the 1930s, is known for its affordability and pastel colors, making it a popular entry point for new collectors.

Exploring the World of Vintage Toys

Vintage toys offer a nostalgic journey back in time, evoking cherished childhood memories and showcasing the evolution of play and manufacturing. From tin wind-up robots and classic board games to beloved character dolls and action figures, these items are highly sought after by collectors for their historical significance, artistic design, and sentimental value.

The market for vintage toys is diverse, featuring iconic brands and characters that have shaped generations. Collectors often focus on specific eras, such as the mid-century boom in plastic toys, the early days of die-cast cars, or the golden age of character-driven merchandise. The condition, rarity, and original packaging of a vintage toy significantly influence its desirability and value among enthusiasts.

The Enduring Charm of Antique Clocks

Antique clocks are more than just timekeeping devices; they are intricate works of art and engineering that add a touch of elegance and history to any space. From ornate grandfather clocks to delicate mantelpieces and functional wall clocks, these pieces represent centuries of horological innovation and craftsmanship, making them highly prized by collectors.

The appeal of antique clocks lies in their diverse styles, mechanisms, and historical contexts. Collectors might be drawn to the complex movements of a French ormolu clock, the robust simplicity of an American banjo clock, or the unique designs of Art Deco or Art Nouveau timepieces. The meticulous craftsmanship, the materials used, and the stories they tell about their past owners contribute to their enduring allure.

Collecting Antique Maps and Globes

Antique maps and globes are captivating artifacts that offer a window into historical geography, exploration, and cartographic artistry. These items not only serve as decorative pieces but also provide invaluable insights into how past societies perceived the world, its continents, and its oceans, making them a fascinating area for collectors.

The value and appeal of antique maps and globes are tied to their age, rarity, cartographer, and the historical events they depict. Collectors might seek out early nautical charts, celestial maps, or maps illustrating significant periods of discovery and colonization. Similarly, antique globes, with their often hand-painted details and unique stands, represent a tangible connection to the history of scientific understanding and global exploration.