Days Gone

ody"> You want to sell your antiques or collectibles online but before you get started there are a few basics that you need to know. Online auctions from eBay to to Yahoo! Auctions are becoming a more common venue for sellers of everything from teddy bear collectibles to antique armoires. Research Before you list any item on an online auction, search for your item or similar items. Watch some of these auctions until they close. Do this over the course of several weeks. This will give you a good indication of how many similar items there are currently up for auction, how many auctions are successfully completed and, the prices commanded for the item. If there are many similar items to yours listed...

Influences on the design and style of nineteenth century furniture are characterized by three primary factors. To begin with, there was historical revivalism of a style which had been very popular in the past. At times the overall effect of a piece of revival furniture was that of a reproduction of a model from the past; at other times antique elements were applied to a form of a completely different style. Historical revivalism survived in one manner or another throughout the entire century. During the middle of the century and all the way through to its end, there were particular designers who suggested a break with revivalism. These men ushered in the second factor of progressive tendencies in...

In this article we're going to discuss a doll that was made specifically for boys, the classic G.I. Joe. Back in the late 50s and early 60s dolls were just not something that boys played with. Your typical doll, even before Barbie came out, was a baby doll, maybe with a bottle and rattle. These dolls were made specifically for girls because boys didn't play with dolls. If they did, they were looked at as sissies. So Hasbro had its work cut out for them. They already had great success with their Barbie Doll but wanted to break into the doll market for boys if it was at all possible. After a lot of thought and careful research, Hasbro decided that if they were going to make a doll for boys to...

In this article we're going to discuss how to care for your collectible doll if you have one. If you're a collector of dolls then they obviously mean a great deal to you. Therefore if you want to keep them in the same shape they were in when you first got them there are certain things that you can and should do in order to make sure that your collectible collection doesn't turn into dust. The first thing that you have to do when you purchase your doll, whatever it may be, is keep the original packaging that it came in. This helps retain the value of the doll should you decide you someday want to sell it. Make sure you remove all the tape from the hair bows. The tape's glue will discolor the...

Have an antique pot and want to know how old it is? The easiest way is to look up the makers logo in a reference book or on a website. What if there is no makers name - there can still be lots of clues to help. Here is part 3 of my basic guide to collecting antique and 20th century ceramics. How to date a pot with no backstamps: The easiest way to date a pot is often from a manufacturers backstamp. But what if the base has no markings at all? What clues can be used to help with dating? We can look at several factors and see when they were introduced ( therefore the earliest the pot can date from) and when they were most fashionable ( therefore most likely that the pot will date from). These include...

When we think of names like Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52) and William Morris (1834-1896) today, we think of these men as decorators; Pugin being responsible for the insides of the Houses of Parliament, and perhaps rather unkindly, Morris for wallpaper, tiles and placemats. However, both these men were ardent reformers of their day and were in part responsible for the beginnings of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which reacted against low quality mass produced furniture and other household items being manufactured during the Victorian era. Both these men wanted a return to simpler hand crafted forms of production. For Pugin it was the medieval designs of Gothic furniture and honesty...

Flowers have been greatly esteemed since the dawn of civilization. Ancient Egyptians painted them on their temple walls and the withered remains of flowers have been found in ancient tombs around the world. The colorful and fragile beauty of flowers has given rise to countless culturally symbolic meanings, and folktales about flowers have abounded from the earliest times although not in the Western World until the end of the Middle Ages. Floral representations have been added to all forms and materials of artistic effort - paintings, metal ware, furniture, fabric and so on. Floral names have even graced our daughters. Although less common now, names such as Rose, Daisy, Myrtle, Pansy, and even Honey...

Throughout history, jewelry boxes were constructed and designed by craftsmen, one box at a time. With the Industrial Revolution came the concept of mass production, avidly adopted in the United States during the late 19th century. For the first time, objects like jewelry boxes, could be cast in quantity, less costly to produce. And, there was now a Middle Class in america, able to purchase decorative items, not just the essentials. American ladies of the early 1900s aspired to the high style of great cities like London and Paris. Mail order catalogs, Sears, Wards, and Marshall Field, enabled the average family to make purchases from their homes, including jewelry boxes. Jewelry stores also displayed...

The Roaring Twenties obtained its name from being the years of action and reaction after the war. August of 1920 Women won the right to vote! Women felt they were equal to men and went to the barber to get their hair bobbed, dresses were shortened, lips were painted, dance marathons became the RAGE! The Fashions of the 1920's were erratic! Jewelry of the Art Deco Jazz Era was to compliment the sleek dress & soften the features of the short Bob hair style! Dangling Celluloid, Art Glass and French Jet Earrings (the Screwback in Earrings was now the norm), Swinging Long Beaded Glass and Bakelite Necklaces with Geometric Shapes, Rhinestone Brooches, Celluloid and Plastic Hatpins, a Multitude of Jeweled...

The first step in dealing with an antique anything is to use caution. If this is a priceless piece by all means take it to a professional for cleaning and for restoration if there are any loose stones. If the piece needs minor touch-ups it should be easy enough to clean using items around the house. In general it is best to avoid frequently cleaning bracelets with liquids (even soap and water) since it can damage the jewelry. If the piece has not been worn for more than six months it is good to gently clean it to avoid deeper tarnishing, especially sterling silver bracelets. Whatever you do, never use bleach on jewelry. This harsh chemical can actually turn metals like silver darker instead of...

Much like her punk counterpart Vivienne Westwood who sold her clothes in her husbands shop, Mary Quant opened a clothing shop named 'Bazaar' with her husband and an accountant in one of London's busiest and most fashionable shopping areas, King's Road. Bazaar was opened in 1955 when Mary was just 21 years old, but soon she became fed up of the range of clothes available to order in and decided that designing her own clothes to sell in the shop was the only way to move forward. Within 10 years Bazaar was filled with her own personal designs and Quant was forced to hire more machinists to keep up with the demands. Somewhat unknowingly, Mary, her husband and the accountant friend whom had joined them...

Vintage clothes have a rather modest and classical look to them that some of us find hard to dismiss. The only trouble we have is attempting to discover the right look that best fits our personality and our body. The first thing you should know is that vintage clothes run quite a bit smaller than the common clothes. It is essential to try on each piece that you want before you get it. Do not be mad if you find that it is too little and you must go a size or two up. If you discover something that is too big remember that you can always get someone who might take it in for you. If you truly need to have vintage than you will want something that is real and authentic not something that is artificial...

When we think of names like Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812-52) and William Morris (1834-1896) today, we think of these men as decorators - Pugin being responsible for the insides of the Houses of Parliament, and perhaps rather unkindly, Morris for wallpaper, tiles and place mats. However, both these men were ardent reformers of their day and were in part responsible for the beginnings of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which reacted against low quality mass produced furniture and other household items being manufactured during the Victorian era. Both these men wanted a return to simpler hand crafted forms of production. For Pugin it was the medieval designs of Gothic furniture and honesty in...

Pine furniture in the walnut-stained original condition is under extreme threat, as few collectors buy it for its originality but rather for its desirable honey colour after stripping and refinishing. This is a shame, as often a good original piece of pine shows up and is considered virtually unsaleable unless priced as a restoration piece. It is very difficult for devoted collectors of original pine, as even restorers will strip and sand these pieces because they are considered to be undesirable by most pine collectors. Cedar furniture is certainly saleable in its original stale, but will sell faster and to a broader cross-section of the collecting community if cleaned and the finish brightened up...

There are hundreds of channels on televisions now with people watching things we never would have imagined just a couple of decades ago. We have several 24-hour news networks, a station devoted entirely to food, a dozen or more stations with 24-hour sports, another focused on cartoons, even one entirely with soap operas. One of the things that has become popular in recent years is a show called Antiques Roadshow. It has taught people that there are many things out there with a long history, they can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and with care these antiques may last for a long time as collectibles. Taking care of these antiques properly is very important. After all, nobody would...

Home decoration has always been a favorite past time for most of the people around the world. Whenever we get some time to spare, we love to spend it behind the decoration of our home. We always try to make it sure that our home looks best in the neighborhood. For this, we try many things and techniques. As we know that basically there are two different aspects of home decoration. Those people, who love to upgrade the decoration of their home with the latest designs, always prefer the modern look. On the other hand, people who have deep attachment with the old and traditional things always prefer to stay with the old and antique looks. Both of them have their own beauty and charm. It completely...

Victorian. Renaissance Period The most popular furniture style during this era is the Tudor furniture, which was influenced by European style. Tudor furniture was usually made from oak and was greatly influenced by Medieval and Gothic designs. Most pieces of furniture produced during this period are beds, chests, tables, stools, benches and chairs. Carvings that can be found in Tudor furniture are usually Gothic-inspired designs. Another furniture style that emerged during this era is the Elizabethan style. Furniture makers in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth were greatly influenced by their Italian counterparts. Aside from oak, the type of wood that was also commonly used during this...

Napoleon Bonaparte revolutionized war and French empire style furniture. Every modern military unit in the world uses his tactics and formations. Luckily the same can't be said for his empire style furniture. It was in 1804 that Napoleon had himself crowned Emperor of France. Apart from numerous self-glorifying portraits empire style furniture was to become the icon of that era. Empire style furniture reflects the Bonaparte majesty, grandeur, and Napoleon felt it fitting to honor his glory. The empire style furniture is the last of the great French styles that spread its look throughout the world. Napoleon was overwhelmingly proud of his military successes in Italy and Egypt. He brought to France...

ody"> Here's a reference guide of some popular items you might have come across but were unsure of what they actually were. Drop leaf table It is a two-flap table with sides that can be extended with under-stretchers. Dumb waiter Designed to hold plates, desserts and/or cutlery, this type of furniture has a central shaft and circular trays. Older versions featured detachable circular trays. Dumb waiters were used in the salon or dining room for serving guests. Gate-leg Table A two-flap table with a two hinged legs that when extended raise the sides. Highboy Often called a chest-on-stand, a high boy is a chest-of-drawers on a stand. They were found in the bedroom and designed for disassembly. Ladder...

The point of restoration most often discussed, sometimes argued but rarely agreed upon is patina. There is no real right and wrong but there is a very strong sense of responsibility on our part for conserving our past in a sympathetic manner and not disturbing more than is necessary. This does not always please the customer, especially those who call on you with a piece of furniture that is pristine condition and in need of no more than a good clean and wax. We explain the way we would approach the restoration of that article and they say "No! I want it stripped, sanded and refinished- I want it looking new again." Then, a long silence and an attempt to dissuade the owner from causing irreversible...

Those that have a love for Chinese art and antiques are surely attracted to the items based on their beautiful visual appearance. While the shape and style of the antiques certainly add to their aesthetic value, the symbols engraved into the items are also visually alluring as they are truly eye catching. While some may acknowledge the visual beauty of these symbols, they may not have much knowledge in terms of what these symbols represent and what they mean. For those that are curious about the meaning behind these symbols, the following is a brief overview: Gods: To say that there are a great many ancient gods in Chinese cultural history and many of them are represented in the symbols carved or...

Antiques are a great way to adorn your rooms. But there are several things to consider before you buy that rare antique item that you have been looking for so long. Antiques can be any collectible item that has aesthetic value and is approximately 100 years old or even more. Grand clocks, pianos, jewelry items, vintage fashion, silverware, ivory or Faberge eggs are just some examples of desirable antiques. People have their own particular preference for different antique pieces, such as antique clock or antique Chinese porcelain etc. The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by...

  Every woman craves vintage costume jewellery. It is something that will definitely give you an old world charm. You can now buy your favorite vintage costume jewelry online as well. You can choose from a wide selection of old costume jewelry that is antique. You will definitely find pieces of your choice that will match your tastes and your pocket. Antique costume jewellery has a great range of necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. You will love the way each piece of vintage fashion jewellery...

One of the most popular collector's items is dolls. Collectible dolls can range from antique dolls to modern collectible dolls. If you are interested in collecting dolls, it would be a good idea to focus on a particular type of collectible doll. Certainly one of the most rewarding and exciting is collectible Barbie dolls. Barbies have become extremely popular since they first came out in 1959. What little girl is there that doesn't own at least one Barbie. The value of collectible Barbies is quite high, so much so, that today there are even Barbies that can be specially designed according to collectors' needs. People Who Collect Barbies While every little girl owns a Barbie, most of them do not...

Have you seen the latest trend to buy and wear Vintage Jewellery? Its all over the fashion papers. Celebrities are paying big money to obtain a genuine piece and it seems that everyone is emptying out their grandmothers jewelery box or raiding their local thrift store to find a piece. Would you like to own some genuine vintage jewelery and don't know what to buy? As with most things not all vintage jewelery is born equal - some pieces are better than others. Here are the top ten pieces to look out for. These are easier to wear, more likely to increase in value, be appreciated as a gift or form the basis of a collection. Before I start I best explain the spelling - I'm English and so its Jewellery...

people think of fun things to do in Orlando, they usually start imagining the theme parks and similar attractions. But if you adore antiques then you can also have some fun at the amazing antique markets in and near Orlando. Let’s take a look at what you can find. First of all, right in the city limits of Orlando you can head over to Orange Avenue which the antique center of the city. There you will find many antique stores along the north and south sections of Orange Avenue. You can get started at the Orange Avenue Antique Market, 1829 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, 407-895-9911 and work your way up and down the street or take a look at the local yellow pages to find exact locations of all...

Antique furniture, art, statues, mirrors etc., plays a very vital role in deciding the appearance of your home. A perfect selection and arrangement of antique furniture makes your home worth living in. Antiques are gaining immense popularity amongst art enthusiasts because of growth in home or office beauty popularity. Online antique stores can offer semi-precious stone rings, bracelets and other jewelry items, furniture, antiques, etc., at affordable prices. Online antique stores also provide thousands of antique collections to choose from. One should opt for an authentic online antique store as there are many online stores that provide unauthorized antiques at low prices. Many antique dealers...

Vintage Jewelry made from non-precious metals and glass or from plastics, sometimes called costume jewelry, if it's stylish, is expensive. It doesn't matter what material is used in it's manufacture, if it's cool it's going to cost money. Plastic vintage and retro jewelry used to be cheap and could usually be found in thrift shops for a few pence. Not any more though. Plastic jewelry is becoming more and more difficult to find and good decorative pieces rarely appear in charity shops anymore. The first pieces of plastic jewelry I bought were made form a material invented by the Belgian chemist, Dr Leo Baekeland around 1908 that he named Bakelite. Bakelite did not readily conduct electricity or heat...

The reasons people sell gold are as varied as the kinds of gold there are to sell. Understanding how to sell gold for the best price can help you get a favorable return on anything from scrap gold and fillings to old coins or jewelry. There are five primary places to sell gold that you should consider when you have gold you want to get rid of while putting some cash in your pocket. Jewelry stores, antique stores, pawn shops and gold buyers will all purchase gold depending on the circumstances and the type of gold. The fifth way to sell gold is through a private transaction, usually after you post an advertisement online. Selling through a private transaction is risky for a number of reasons.  You...

Antiques usually come from a certain period of time that can be easily determined just by looking at the object. If it can do this, an antique is generally very valuable. Another characteristic of antiques is that they are pleasant to the eye. Usually, great craftsmanship and an artful eye have gone into the production of an item considered to be an antique. They can be found in excavations or can be passed on as treasured family heirlooms. They can be anything from simple furniture to complicated cars. You can also locate collectible antiques from specialty dealers and auctions, both in person and over the Internet. The Confederation of Art and Antique Associations (CINOA) currently recognizes 5...

Niagara on the Lake is very old. Established by British Loyalists in 1778, this quaint little town at the mouth of the Niagara River is one of oldest settlements in the nation. Use this handy guide to find bargains in Niagara on the Lake. First you must understand the History of Niagara. The entire Niagara peninsula is steeped in Canadian history because: 1) The settlement is really old 2) It contains a cool waterfall 3) Its right on the border with the United States and they haven't always been so friendly. The place was entirely settled and collecting dust before the Dominion of Canada was born in 1867. Thirty years later the Niagara Historical Society & Museum was founded (in 1895) to...

Coro jewellery holds a place of pride among vintage jewellery brands. The Coro brand has been synonymous with authentic vintage jewellery for over a century now. Not many vintage jewellery brands can boast of such solid credentials. This antique jewellery brand has been in existence since the beginning of the 20th century and continues to charm women with its mesmerizing designs. Coro Jewelry was founded in 1901 in New York. It has a presence in New York and Providence. It went on to become one of the largest jewellery companies in America. The company expanded to Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Toronto, England and Mexico. The company had a strong presence in the U.K and continues to...

conceive every imaginable style for Cubic Zirconia jewelry. One of the styles you might not have considered is the Victorian antique style of jewelry. Victorian style antique jewelry can be purchased with a cubic zirconia instead of a diamond. In Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria came the Victorian jewelry period. It started in 1836 and up to 1901. The designs of the Victorian era were spurred by the Queen's love for her husband and children. The designs reflected a romantic, sentimental outlook. The inspired theme of the designs came from flowers, bows, hearts, birds, and human hair. All of these were incorporated into the designs of the jewelry. Some of the most popular gemstones...

So you need some help deciding on the wedding jewelry theme? Here are 21 ideas to get you going: 1. Custom made costume jewelry - a great option for all bridal party members, especially for the bridesmaids jewelry 2. Fine jewelry - for the bride with gold and diamonds is the traditional option. 3. Cubic zirconia jewelry - cz jewelry is always a popular choice with the various colors available that can easily match the bridal party's dresses. 5. Fashion jewelry - going with the contemporary designs in the fashion world for a very NOW wedding. 6. Gold jewelry - just perfect for all the gold girls so remember there is choice with yellow gold, pink gold and white gold. 7. Sterling silver jewelry - clean...

Heirlooms can be anything of value that have been passed from generation to generation. Heirlooms, antiques and collectibles have variations. The best heirlooms are valued possessions that are passed down through succeeding generations. Antiques are items that are typical of a certain era and when sold, are worth a lot of money. Collectibles are groups of objects sought by collectors for their own appreciation. These items may not be worth money nor have they been passed down through their family, but is something that a person has an attraction to instead. Many times these possessions will have a more sentimental value than monetary because they are treasures that have been passed down from loved...

How Much Money EBay Stole From Me In The Last Week!!!   This past 7 days I did an experiment. I had not listed on eBay in over two months so I really never had any idea what I was truly spending per item in listing and final valuation fees… until now… My account was paid up and I was beginning from ground zero.   Well I put on 182 items of good to very good antique and vintage costume jewelry with most under $10.00, a number of them under $20.00 and a few under $40.00. None of my auction listings had any extra “bells and whistles” so that most listed for $.35 - $.90.  I sold 55 auctions for $1,105.00… not bad for a week’s work? Can’t beat it huh!!! Well the week has ended and let me...

Knowledgeable antique dealers are frequently asked "How did you learn all the things you know about antiques?" The simple answer given by most is, "Many, many years of experience and constant never-ending study, study, study." During the 1960s antiques began to emerge from the part-time, side-door curio shop, to a more mainstream full-time business, incorporating dealers, pickers, and some franchised stores. Today antiques represent a multi-billion dollar industry supported by a variety of enterprises from the small one-owner shop to the largest metropolitan auction homes, including the latest marketing concept - the online antique mall. Today's collector finds himself with more leisure time to...