Show and Auction Calendar

There’s always a lot of talk about what’s “hot” in the market, but it’s interesting to see what’s actually moving. Some recent trends we’ve been seeing include: • Mid-century modern • Vintage toys • Textiles • Enamelware Curious what everyone here is seeing: • What categories are strong in your area right now? • What feels like it’s slowing down? submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

Glass is one of those categories that looks simple at first… until you realize how many variations, makers, and techniques are out there. Cut vs pressed, color variations, maker marks — it adds up quickly. We recently put together a beginner-friendly guide that breaks down some of the basics if anyone is just getting into it: https://journalofantiques.com/collector-guides/antique-glass-collecting-guide/ Curious from the group: • What type of glass do you collect (pressed, cut, art glass, etc.)? • What was the first piece that got you interested? submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

We’ve all had that moment where something completely unexpected turns up. Maybe it was valuable. Maybe it was strange. Maybe you had no idea what it was at the time. Could be: A rare find hiding in plain sight Something you almost walked past Or something you bought that turned out to be more interesting than you thought Would love to hear your stories (and photos if you have them). submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

Collectors always seem to have that one unexpected discovery. Maybe it was something strange, mysterious, or something you had no idea what it was at the time. • What’s the most unusual object you’ve ever come across while hunting for antiques or collectibles? • Did you end up buying it? • Did you ever figure out what it was? If you have photos of the find, feel free to share them too. Those stories are always the best part of collecting. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

One of our appraisers recently examined a fascinating piece connected to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization founded in the United States in 1819. The object is a ceremonial model of the Ark of the Covenant used in lodge rituals and initiation ceremonies. The Odd Fellows often used biblical imagery in their symbolism, and the Ark represented the virtue of truth within their teachings. This example appears to date to roughly 1870–1900 and is constructed as a wooden chest with turned feet, carrying poles, and two carved cherubim figures on the lid. The triple-link chain motif on the railing is a well-known Odd Fellows symbol representing friendship, love, and truth. Pieces like this were ceremonial props rather than decorative objects, and they were often used during lodge degree rituals. Comparable examples tend to sell in the $1,500–$2,500 range, with this example appraised slightly higher due to condition and completeness. Curious what collectors here think: • Have you come across many Odd Fellows lodge artifacts? • Are ceremonial fraternal objects like this actively collected today? • Do pieces like this typically remain in lodges or enter the antiques market? Fraternal artifacts always seem to carry a bit of mystery with them. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]