Antiques Peek

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 ...

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 ...

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) ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

by Jessica Kosinski Have you ever heard of Buster Brown? If so, you are not the only one. For well over a century, Buster Brown has been part of the ...

by Jessica Kosinski Love is a beautiful thing. It is so beautiful, in fact, that there are many symbols of love and relationships that are celebrated today. Everything from flowers ...

by Jessica Kosinski If you love the look and feel of old-fashioned barns, you are not alone. Many people love barn-related collectibles. Antique barn pulleys are near the top of ...

by Jessica Kosinski For over 200 years, the area near Edgefield, South Carolina has been known for a unique style of pottery, appropriately named Edgefield pottery. Edgefield pottery has a ...

by Jessica Kosinski Every period in history had its trends and things it was known for. The Art Deco period was no different. It was a period when Americans were ...

by Jessica Kosinski It is impossible to talk about the gentlemen of the 19th and early 20th century without conjuring up images of people gathered together enjoying the alcoholic beverages ...

by Jessica Kosinski When talking about collectibles related to writing, it is impossible to ignore the topic of paperweights. Before computers existed, writing everything out by hand was the norm ...

by Jessica Kosinski  When you think of the history of railroads and railroad collectibles, you might picture toy trains first. Alternatively, your mind might go straight to other collectibles, such ...

by Jessica Kosinski Atlantic City has one of the most well-known boardwalks in the United States, and arguably the world. One of the most popular attractions on the Atlantic City ...

by Jessica Kosinski  There are many automobile-related collectibles people enjoy collecting. People have had fascinations with cars since the first ones were produced. Today, there are collectors of cars themselves, ...

by Jessica Kosinski In the world of music, there are many instruments you could choose to play. However, deciding on an instrument is not the only choice needed to be ...

by Jessica Kosinski Giving gifts is always fun, but there’s a special kind of gift that can sometimes be extra fun – a gag gift. Gag gifts are extremely popular ...

by Jessica Kosinski When talking about a modern parlor or living room, there are certain items that immediately come to mind. As I am typing this, I am in fact ...

by Jessica Kosinski Have you ever received or purchased jewelry that featured your birthstone? The tradition of birthstones incorporated in rings, necklaces, and other jewelry seems like one that has ...

by Jessica Kosinski As modern humans, we are used to conflict; whether in the form of a small disagreement with a neighbor or a full-scale war. There is evidence that ...

by Jessica Kosinski There are certain toys that are timeless classics. From Cabbage Patch dolls to Lincoln Logs and Legos to Play-Doh, it seems like many childhood favorites have stood ...

by Jessica Kosinski There are many collectibles designed to sit on shelves and be admired. But then there are the collectibles that also serve practical purposes. For those who collect ...

by Jessica Kosinski When you think of something that is signed, an ink signature might immediately come to mind. For example, it is common for authors to sign their books, ...

Buying Patented [divider align="center"] By Jessica Kosinski [divider align="center"] [row] [col span="6" span__sm="12"] Anyone who collects antiques will tell you that determining value can involve several important factors. Topping the ...

by Jessica Kosinski [divider align="center"] [row] [col span="6" span__sm="12"] [ux_image_box img="47595"] This early floral hooked rug showing a strong "folk art" style rug sold for $649 in 2012. [/ux_image_box] [/col] ...

By Jessica Kosinski [divider align="center"] It is often said that memory is a powerful thing. Sometimes a sight, smell or sound can take you back to a whole other era ...

by Jessica Kosinski The Holiday Season is full of many traditions. Some are familial, some are cultural, and some are based on specific religious beliefs. Many of us have specific ...

Small, Beautiful, and Masterful by Jessica Kosinski They say good things come in small packages. Netsuke are tiny figures that prove that point. The little, ornate objects are highly collectible ...

Furniture from the Valley by Jessica Kosinski The Hudson Valley is also commonly called the Hudson River Valley because it surrounds the Hudson River. It is an area with a ...

Penny Candy by Jessica Kosinski This issue is devoted to the general store. When I think of a general store, several images come to mind right away. Near the top ...

Game On! by Jessica Kosinski This issue is devoted to the “man cave.” Everyone’s idea of the perfect man cave is a little bit different. Others might want the largest ...

Block by Block by Jessica Kosinski Childhood is a time when fun and games are at the top of the priority list. As adults, we may not have as much ...

It’s In The Bag by Jessica Kosinski Today, we take going to the doctor’s office for granted. It is a thing most of us must do whenever we need a ...

I Can See Clearly Now By Jessica Kosinski Glassware is commonplace in today’s society. We all have drinking glasses, wine glasses, and even bowls or other dishes made of glass ...

Get Rid of Those Nasty Wrinkles By Jessica Kosinski Have you ever had a pressing issue to attend to? Most of us have. It’s called ironing. It is a household ...

The Power of the Pen by Jessica Kosinski For as long as humanity has existed, communication has been essential. Today, computers are commonly used to communicate. It is easy to ...

Antiques Found Gilty by Jessica Kosinski Overlaying is a process of coating one substance with another substance. The two most common types of metal overlay are silver and gilt (gold) ...

100 Years of Mixing Things Up by Jessica Kosinski There are many things we all take for granted every day that we shouldn't. On that list are a lot of ...

Walk This Way by Jessica Kosinski Snowshoeing is an activity not as widely practiced as it once was because modern conveniences like cars have replaced the need to trek across ...

On the Hood: Ornamental, Elegant, and Symbolic by Jessica Kosinski Have you ever owned, driven or seen a vehicle with a hood ornament? It is likely you have, since hood ...

Is That a Firkin? by Jessica Kosinski When you think of primitive collectibles, one image that might come to mind is that of a lidded wooden container with a handle ...

The Art of Native American Sand Painting by Jessica Kosinski Among the many traditions of the American Southwest are Native American traditions steeped in cultural significance. One of those traditions ...

A Tonic a Day Keeps the Doctor Away by Jessica Kosinski Pharmaceutical bottles, also known as apothecary bottles, have been popular collectibles since their earliest uses. They come in a ...

The Evolution of Action Figures by Jessica Kosinski Action figures are everywhere today. They are popular toys for kids. Although, many adults enjoy them even more, often collecting action figures ...

Theater Souvenirs by Jessica Kosinski Broadway shows have become a major part of the culture of both New York and the United States as a whole. Theatre productions are also ...

Come and Knock on Our Door by Jessica Kosinski Today we take ringing the doorbell for granted when we visit most homes. Modern technology has even developed to the point ...

Wish You Were Here by Jessica Kosinski Today we all take the sending and receiving of postcards, or post cards, for granted. Postcards are commonly sent by vacationers to their ...

Stylin' Collectibles By Jessica Kosinski Technology is always advancing, which is why many antique technologies are now obsolete. One industry which has led to the invention of many eventually obsolete ...

Do You See What I See? By Jessica Kosinski Anyone who enjoys collecting antiques or collectibles knows that inspecting objects carefully to determine their age and condition is essential. Loupes ...

by Jessica Kosinski Birthstones Shining Bright This month we are taking a peek at birthstones. Birthstones today are commonly worn as physical adornments. Necklaces, rings, and many other types of ...

Strike Up a Collection by Jessica Kosinski In the world of collectibles, some people think that bigger is better. However, some of the best collectibles come in the tiniest packages ...

By Jessica Kosinski Pat-A-Pat We all have traditional foods that we like to eat. Often, favorite foods vary by era and culture. However, one food that has stood the test ...

Braided Beauties by Jessica Kosinski Braided rugs have been produced for centuries in some form, and they have also gone by many names, including rag rugs. Although we now consider ...

Travel Trunks of Treasure by Jessica Kosinski Few items epitomize the Golden Age of Travel more than travel trunks. Steamer trunks and wardrobes of all sizes and descriptions were used ...

Fairground Prizes by Jessica Kosinski Most of us have been to a fair or carnival on more than one occasion. Fairs can be a lot of fun, especially the games ...

Watering Cans Can by Jessica Kosinski Whenever the weather permits, many of us like to be out in the garden planting, weeding, and, of course, watering. Some people reach for ...

Hit Me With Your Best Shot! by Jessica Kosinski Shot glasses (sometimes written as one word) are some of the most recognizable small glass collectibles in the United States. They ...

And the Winner Is... by Jessica Kosinski Human beings have always had a desire to prove something to themselves and to others. That desire to learn, grow, and succeed is ...

Arts & Crafts Influence on Book Publishing by Jessica Kosinski This month I thought it would be fun to do something a little different. Since this issue is all about ...

Railroad Lanterns By Jessica Kosinski The history of the American railroad system is undeniably amazing. Without railroads many of the U.S. cities and states as we know them today simply ...

That's a Wrap! by Jessica Kosinski With the holiday season rapidly approaching, chances are good that you are stocking up on wrapping paper. After all, no matter which holiday you ...

Vintage Cookbooks by Jessica Kosinski Have you ever wondered what people used to do back before there were restaurants and fast food joints on every corner? And what used to ...

Folk Art Dolls by Jessica Kosinski It would be impossible to talk about folk art fully without taking some time to recognize a major folk art phenomenon, which was the ...

Like Buttah’ Churns by Jessica Kosinski When it comes to tools of the trade in the kitchen, few are more iconic than the butter churn. Today butter churns are mostly ...

Animals in Advertising by Jessica Kosinski Advertising is a huge industry, and it's not a new one. Ads go back for as long as people have been trying to sell ...

by Jessica Kosinski Tin Toy Cars Since this issue is all about toys from the attic, let's take a peek at two of the most well-known names in toys, Hot ...

by Jessica Kosinski Hot-Pads, Potholders and Trivets When it comes to kitchen collectibles, some of the most fun to collect are potholders (pot holders), hot pads, and trivets. In this ...

Rocking On: Fan Club Collectibles Through The Years by Jessica Kosinski In this month's issue, it's time to turn back the clock and look at how rock & roll fan ...

by Jessica Kosinski These days we all take our compacts and makeup cases for granted, but the compacts we buy in retail stores are nothing compared to vintage compacts, which ...

Carriage Clocks by Jessica Kosinski Human beings have been interested in time for centuries, but keeping track of how time passes has changed a lot throughout different cultures and time ...