Overview & History

1970s Owl Salt & Pepper Shakers - forrestina vintage

An antique is an old collectible item. It is collected or desirable because of its age, beauty, rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features. Personal emotional connection is a strong factor in the collecting process. Vintage items (also known as collectibles) are the antiques of the future and are generally less than 100 years old. A vintage object represents a previous era or time period in human society. The most common definition of an antique, according to the US Customs Office is that the item be at least 100 years old.

Mid-Century Room Divider Cabinet - The Modern Historic

Vintage objects show some degree of craftsmanship and a certain attention to design such as a desk, a designer dress or an early automobile. They can be found at antique shops, or passed down as an estate. Some valuable antiques can be bought from antique dealers and auction services or purchased online through websites and online auctions.

1950s Palissy Atomic 3-Tier Cupcake Stand - Keepsies

Antique dealers are often members of national trade associations, many of which belong to CINOA, a confederation of art and antique associations across 21 countries, representing 5000 dealers.

1960s Ponytail Barbie Doll Case - Scout and Rescue

“Antiquing” or “Vintaging” is the act of shopping, identifying, negotiating, or bargaining for antiques. Items can be bought for personal use, gifts, and in the case of brokers and dealers, profit. Antiquing is performed at garage sales, estate sales, resort towns, antiques districts, collectives, and international auction houses.

Instant Library of Decorative Books - sorrythankyou79

Novice collectors either purchase items that appeal to them, and then slowly work at acquiring knowledge about how to build a collection or more cautious or studious types develop some background in the field before starting to buy items. Many collectors enjoy making a plan for their collections, combining education, stimulation and experimentation to develop a personal collecting style. Others reject the notion of planned collecting and refine their selection skills with some background information on the methods of collecting.

Welby Teak and Metal Mid Century Wall Clock - Club Moderne

Vintage resellers approach their trade from both points-of-view, and often combine and even invent methods for collecting, researching and presentation of their personal collections and the goods they offer up for sale.