The Art of Antiquing: What’s Old is New Again

“Old is something that you did not see at your grandmother’s, “says Terry Kovel.  Terry and her husband Ralph have co-authored 97 books about antiques.  The vintage collectibles and antiques industry was very fragmented when Terry Kovel and her husband Ralph started going to antique shows in the early 1950’s.  “We saw lots and lots of ashtrays and silver with marks at the bottom of the pieces.  Nobody knew what they meant and there certainly wasn’t a book or guide to look up these markings” Kovel tells me.  Unbeknownst to Terry, Ralph had contacted a book publisher to pitch a new book on silver marks.  Ralph calls Terry three months after the initial pitch with the book publisher and tells Terry he just received a $500 advance and the book is going to print.  “I remember asking Ralph who was going to write and do all the research.  Ralph tells me that he would need my help.  I immediately told him I would do so, but only if my name is listed as a co-author,” according to Terry.  This first book titled, Kovels’ Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain, 1650–1850, is still in print.

The antiques and collectibles market is constantly changing and shifting as tastes, supply/demand, and other variables come and go.  However, Terry is quick to point out the one thing that hasn’t changed is top condition brings top price in almost any instance across all the antique categories.  Many more people collect today than 20 years ago before the internet.  “That red handkerchief at a local antique show was $200 before the internet.  Now it might be $50-$75 because everybody looks in their attic and finds them,” according to Terry. 

One of the hottest categories of antique collecting today is technology antique enthusiasts.  People collecting transistor radios, electric fans, and some of the first computers are in high demand.  Additionally, beer can collectors are willing to pay high prices for that rare and unique vintage beer can. 

“As for my favorite find, I bought a sugar caster by Paul Revere Sr. in the 1960’s.  A sugar caster is basically a big pepper shaker.  That caster costs $15 and is worth thousands of dollars today.  It is currently on loan at a museum so that it can be properly displayed and for people to view.” 

The 2015 Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide is now available which includes over 35,000 up to date listings.  Today, Kovel’s Antiques and Collectibles newspaper column is syndicated nationwide to over 120 newspapers and online.