Antiques & Collectibles Features Archive: History & Craftsmanship
Curated articles that explore the rich intersections of history, craftsmanship, and collecting culture. These long-form pieces are your gateway to learning something new, seeing the familiar in a fresh light, and connecting with the past meaningfully.
Joe Bonomo: Accentuating the Positive
Text & photos by Donald-Brian Johnson You probably have a “how-to” book or two in your I’ll-read-it-when-I-get-around-to-it library. From “How ...
A 19TH-CENTURY CAMERA MEETS A LIVING GIANT
by Dwayne A. Magee, CGCM Michael Barnes, photographer In an age of pocket-sized, all-purpose, high-tech cameras with preview screens, instant ...
Ridin’ High: Pop Cowboy Collectibles
By Donald-Brian Johnson Guitars. Movie posters. Cap guns, lamps, candy boxes, and calendars. A plastic pistol-shaped toothbrush, complete with its ...
Something to Crow About: Amy’s Coop
By Donald-Brian Johnson Minnesota. Maybe you’ve heard it called the “Land of 10,000 lakes.” Ah, but how about the “Land ...
Silhouette Glass Pictures and The Stories They Tell
By Donald-Brian Johnson Remember “Silhouettes?” In that classic ‘50s tune by The Rays, a fellow pays an evening visit to ...
Cobalt Blue Kitchen
by Vintage Guy Rob www.libraryofvintagethings.com Cobalt blue has always been the showstopper of the glass and ceramic world. Deep, saturated, ...
TV Lamps: Lighting Things Up
By Donald-Brian Johnson Peacock shows off his feathers, hiding the bulb behind them. Noble horse head lamp, white with gold ...
My Funny Valentines: Rib-Ticklers, From Topps
Article and photos by Donald-Brian Johnson “You’re my funny Valentine,sweet comic Valentine,you make me smile with my heart!”— Lorenz Hart, ...
2026: A Defining Year for Antiques, Vintage, and Collecting
Why the market is poised for growth—and why preserving knowledge matters more than ever. As we look toward 2026, all ...
JUST AN OLD CHRISTMAS CARD: Celebrating a Holiday Tradition
Story and photos by Donald-Brian Johnson Just for “Daddy,” a gingerbread man with flocked glitter finish visual. Hallmark, 1946. Watch ...
Nostalgia and Beauty: The Red Rim Coca-Cola Serving Tray Series
By Chris H. Beyer - Copyright 2025 Author’s Coca-Cola tray collection display Coca-Cola® serving trays were issued by the Coca-Cola ...
Through the Years: A Time Capsule is Opened
By Donald-Brian Johnson | All photos courtesy of Lisa Pektor A grouping of the time capsule box and its contents ...
From Collector to Curator: Turning Passion into Provenance
by Laurence Carpenter How a personal obsession became a professional pursuit—and what I learned about the stories objects can tell ...
Holt-Howard Pixieware: The Best Guide with Prices and Tips
By Yasmina Greco, Crazy4Me, Reprinted with permission Pixieware from Holt-Howard, Davar, Lefton, and Lipper & Mann There are remarkable individuals ...
Madison Modern: Century House Pottery
by Donald-Brian Johnson During the 1940s and ‘50s, most ceramics and pottery firms were based on the West Coast. Two ...
The Timeless Draw of Mid-Century Modern Furniture
by Jessica Kosinski The phrase "Mid-Century Modern" most often refers to goods produced in the middle of the 20th century ...
China Plates: Intentional Collectibles
Article and photos by Donald-Brian Johnson “The Hills Are Alive.” Artist Victor Gadino’s rendition of an iconic scene from The ...
20 Things You Should Always Buy at Estate Sales
by Tamara White Estate sales are the one place where the saying “One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure” holds ...
8 Essential Estate Sale Tips for Buyers in 2025
Estate sales are more than a way to clear out a home — they’re curated snapshots of a life, where ...
Closets: The Overlooked Spot You Should Always Check At Estate Sales For The Best Treasures
The real hidden gems are often tucked away in unexpected places. By Nicole Letts https://www.southernliving.com/reasons-to-check-closets-at-estate-sales-11748953 Kimberly Murstein and her grandmother, ...
Estate Sales 101: Etiquette, Rules, and Tips for Beginners
Reprinted from www.invaluable.com/blog/estate-sales | Edited for space The sale of late Zsa Zsa Gabor’s furniture, jewelry, artwork, and other belongings ...
Souvenir Travel Pennants: Rally ‘Round The Flags
By Donald-Brian Johnson A pennant to make sure honeymooners didn’t forget their visit to New York’s Niagara Falls. They fluttered ...
The Significance and Nostalgia of the WPA National Park Posters
By Jessica Kosinski There is something magical about the bold lines and vibrant colors of vintage National Park posters. These ...
The Vintage Water Decals of America’s National Parks
by Ron Wolfe of American Pickers In the world of vintage collectibles, few items evoke the spirit of adventure and ...
Glamping Gear and the Creation of the National Park Service
“50 Nifty Finds #12: Glamping Gear.” U.S. Department of the Interior. Last modified January 30, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/50-nifty-finds-12-glamping-gear.htm. The word “glamping” ...
