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Space-Related Collectibles (NASA & Apollo Moon Landing) making the list when it comes to primitives. Chalk paint
– NASA’s recent fifty-year commemoration of the moon finishes that were popular with the urban crowd seem to have
landing launched virtually every space-related collectible into run their course, as more and more dealers say customers are
orbit last summer. Many dealers reported massive mark-ups looking to the warmth of wood again to offset the cold and
on selected items – especially those that had a direct sometimes austere nature of the modern motif. This category
connection to the actual mission; including photos, posters, is off the 60-80 age range list. (NE) (SW) (NW)
signatures, and toys. Star Wars and Star Trek collectibles, and
virtually all other forms of sci-fi memorabilia, performed well Glass – As a category, this is only featured on the 20-40-
in the 20-40 and 40-60 age range. years-old list. While down four spots this year, some glass
categories over-performed, at least according to many west
Mid-Century Modern – While Mid-century modern may coast dealers who say the Art Glass market continues to be
have slipped a notch or two, it’s overall appeal with buyers and strong with not only collectors but with general consumers as
collectors is still by and large the biggest within the decorative arts com- well. However, its bold colors and fanciful shapes that can blend with
munity. One trend to note with the 40-60-year-olds is that while furniture virtually every design palette (including modern), are likely contributing
remains steady, other sub-categories grew in popularity including jewelry, factors to this genre’s continued marketplace success. On the flip side of
lighting, paintings, and accent pieces. Those making heavy, significant the spectrum, pressed glass remains stuck in the doldrums,
investments in this area appear to be between 60-80 years old. as do most other forms of non-vintage or non-retro
inspired pieces. Still, some dealers report stockpiling
Toys – As noted in previous surveys, toys, Depression glass due to its plentiful supply and low
regardless of age, seem to be a perennial favorite cost, in the hopes of seeing a profit at a later date.
among collectors. This category has continued to rise (SW) (SE) (NE)
in price and interest, as younger dealers invest heavily
in the toys of their youth. Particularly popular were Jewelry – Costume dropped two spots this
many Marvel Comic related items and figures, which season for the 20-40-year-olds, but appears to
saw hefty increases in value due in large part to have had little effect on available inventory for
accompanying movies released. Also near the top of dealers. For the last two years, many in the
the list were items from the 1960s through the 1990s, business have complained of not being able to
such as original in-box Super-Soaker Guns, GI Joe sets, find quality stock, and little seems to have
Batman action figures, and anything Teenage Mutant changed this year as supplies of good vintage and antique costume jewelry
Ninja Turtles remain scarce, while prices remain high. For those in the next age range,
traditional gemstones and precious metals have also gained favor this past
Furniture – As a whole, furniture still stays fairly low but is starting to year, as evidenced by recent sales results from major auction houses. All
climb slightly, especially within the 60-80-year-old group with Georgian- periods and styles seem to be selling well— with a strong emphasis on
style furniture with upscale buyers. What will follow for other Mid-Century Modern pieces—especially those with pearls.
groups? Mid-Century Modern furniture is steady at present.
Automobilia/Petroliana – Although considered a niche
Vinyl Records – 2019 saw the sale of vinyl surpass the sale collectible by many, several antique and vintage dealers report
of CDs. New vinyl is being produced, new record players that sales of such items continue to show sustained growth,
as well, but vintage of both continue to sell well for those in while the availability of top-shelf inventory remains low.
the 40-60 age range. The category is missing from the 60-80 Television shows such as American Pickers have no doubt fueled
age range. this interest in the past, but many dealers feel the growth of
auto and motorcycle related collectible products is here to stay.
Lighting – While virtually all areas of lighting remained popular Competition amongst dealers for the best-of-the-best in this
this year, from the 1920s right through to the 1980s, custom made category from auto emblems and signage, to oil cans and gas
lights in the industrial and Steampunk motif took off with the pumps, remains tight, with prices expected to rise.
youngest of buyers and sellers, while desk and floor lamps and even
chandeliers show strong sales for those in the 40-60 age range. For those Architectural Antiques – Although only listed in the 40-60 and 60-80
60-80, there is a comeback on the horizon for more traditional Victorian age ranges, elements for use in interiors either as accent pieces, or faux
style lamps with leaded glass, and lamps with fretwork bases. 1970’s globe architectural structures (think old chippy painted columns at an entrance-
lighting also sparkled, as did 1980’s copper themed pendant lights, way or along the sides of a fireplace mantle) are popular. Other
with many dealers also noting a more pronounced move towards popular sellers include balusters, moldings, doors, old windows
copper in 2019. (NE) (NW) (SE) (stained glass), railings, etc. Smaller Italian marble pieces and
fragments from carved panels, have become popular as decora-
Western Collectibles (North America) – Another rising star of tive items for walls. Supply varies by region. (NE) (SW) (NW)
the decorative arts market over the last three years with both the
20-40 and 60-80 age range buyers and sellers, western-themed Victorian – (Early, Mid & Late) Aside from textiles, no other
collectibles have enjoyed marked valuation increases across the board traditional category has made such a dramatic move up the charts this
recently, although you do not see this category in the 40-60 age range list. past year than items from the Victorian era – at least according to many
Cowboy art of any kind showed and sold well in many galleries, as did antique-show dealers and east coast pickers. Dealers are reporting that
auction photos of gold rush scenes, famous gunslingers, and towns. cash-poor millennials have started snapping up cheaply priced Victorian
However, this category is fraught with fakes and pieces as an alternative to buying new and to help the
reproductions, so buyer beware. environment. Elder statesmen of the antiques and vintage
trade seem to concur with younger dealers that Victorian-
Early Americana/Canadiana – Early pioneer furniture era furniture may once again be on the rise. Practical items
appears to be on the upswing as younger dealers are from tables and benches, to chests-of-drawers and chairs,
reporting a renewed interest from buyers who want simple took top billing, but dealers also noted that quirky pieces
and sustainable to blend with their modern surroundings and decorative items were also starting to sell well. (NE)
and “clean” lifestyle. Blanket boxes, smaller hutches, (SE) (NW)
narrow two-board harvest tables, simple metal farm
implements, small condo-friendly chests-of-drawers, and To see the complete report and expanded insight, and to
reproduction honey-colored pine coffee tables are all learn more about the Asheford Institute, visit asheford.com

44 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles