Antiques & Collectibles

Barbara Bell
Discussions in this Topic

Articles

A Building Goes from Trash to Treasure

Syracuse, New York, regains one of its architectural gems when the old train station is restored.

In Praise of Porches

Enjoying the revival of the American Front Porch with an overview of its evolution

Harry Rinker, the Collectors' Guru: Part II

My interview with Harry Rinker of HGTV's "Collector Inspector" continues.

Harry Rinker, the Collectors' Guru: Part I

In which I interview Harry Rinker of HGTV's "Collector Inspector"! Part I.

Adelaide Alsop Robineau, Master Ceramist

A biography of one of the Arts & Crafts movement's most influential artists, Adelaide Alsop Robineau.

Collecting Mid-Century Modern

Enjoy the collecting craze of retro Mid-Century Modern!

Now You're Cookin'! Vintage Kitchenware

Various kitchen items photographed at State Fair antiques show express the wide range of collectibles available.

Collecting Creamer-and-Sugar Sets

If you can't find room for a set of dinnerware, why not collect these "orphans" of the china world?

Buyers (and Bidders) Beware!

Internet fraud is on the upswing. Updating 1998 article with suggestions on protecting yourself from the crooks.

Collecting a Painful Past: Black Memorabilia

Many African Americans have become avid collectors of black history antiques, ephemera, militaria and objects which help them understand their own pasts.

Kwanzaa Gifts and Collectibles - Pass on the Spirit!

Kwanzaa begins December 26. Share its values and traditions with your family with special gifts and collectibles.

The Return

For the Childhood Memories Event, a recollection of my mother's of Havana, Cuba.

Become a Suite101 Copyeditor!

It's easier to be a copyeditor at Suite101 than to be a proofreader in the "real" world!

Today's Hot Christmas Collectibles

Finding additions to your Christmas collections made fun and simple!

An Appraisal Fair

A traveling appraisal fair reveals some interesting information.

Questions from Readers

Several readers have sent questions about their antiques - which kept me busy this summer!

Antique Clocks Identification and Price Guide: A Book Review

Reviewing the new e-book price guide on Antique Clocks.

Teddy is 100 Years Old!

Celebrate Teddy Bear's centennial!

From Darkness to Light

Second part of a series on residential lighting, both vintage and reproduction.

Light Up Your Life the Old-Fashioned Way!

Shopping for vintage and reproduction lighting for your home.

Shaker Furniture, Part II: Faith in Form

Part II of a series on Shaker furniture, its spiritual foundation and expression.

Shaker Furniture, Part I: Faith in Form

A brief introduction to Shaker furniture, which expresses in its simplicity both their faith and their spirit.

Christmas Mix of Past and Present

Decorating for the holiday using your collections and making it work!

The Potteries of New England, Part V: Low Art Tile Works

Last in a series of articles focusing on the most influential and successful art pottery firms in New England.

The Potteries of New England, Part IV: Grueby

The evolution of the famous Grueby matte glazed pottery, so often imitated but never matched!

The Potteries of New England, Part III: Dedham

The distinctive blue and gray crackled glaze of Dedham pottery was serendipity!

The Potteries of New England, Part II: Hampshire and Marblehead

Exploring the potteries of New England, from the late 18th century through the early 20th century.

The Potteries of New England, Part I: Bennington

Exploring the history of potteries in New England, from Bennington to Dedham.

A Small Dilemma

Is this a good time to re-enter the antiques business? Readers' input is sought!

In the Aftermath, Collecting

In the days after September 11, 2001, a collector offers some suggestions.

Antiques & Collectibles Q & A, Part V

More questions from readers of this column, which range widely in subject matter!

Antiques Q & A, Part IV

Learning about antique weather vanes is a short course in Americana. One reader inquires about her authentic "running horse" vane.

Antiques Q&A, Part III

Third part of a series for readers' inquiries about their antiques and collectibles.

Antiques Q&A, Part II

A collector of dinnerware inquires about her early earthenware platter.

Antiques Q&A, Part I

Lacking a response to my solicitation to readers, I answer questions from past correspondence.

Antiques & Collectibles Q & A

A little bit of a change from the usual...

Just a "Thimble"-ful, Please!

A brief overview of thimble collecting.

Collecting the "Smalls" of Vintage Fashion

Hats, handbags and makeup accessories are a hot collecting category!

The History of the Hoosier Cabinet and Where to Find Them Today

As American home life gradually lost the services of "hired help", housewives demanded convenience and efficiency in order to maintain the kitchen without extra help. Thus was born the Hoosier Cabinet!

The Oneida Community

The Oneida Community began as one man's vision of Perfection on Earth, but today is known for its successful commercial ventures, especially silverplate, flatware and tableware.

Portmeirion

A connection between Portmeirion china and the Welsh village of the same name, is no coincidence!

Gene Gill, Artist Extraordinaire

Gene Gill creates unique one-of-a-kind miniature models of historical landmark buildings and monuments from around the world. His web site reproduces each of the miniatures he has crafted during the past 10 years. Your visit here will be like taking a mini-tour around the world.

The World of Model Railroading

It's not just toy trains for children anymore, but a fascinating and absorbing hobby for adults.

Setting a Price for Selling Your Antiques

My response to this reader's question ended up as an article!

Is It Really Called "Golfiana"?

Collecting golf-related memorabilia is a fun and fascinating adjunct to the sport, for pros and duffers alike...

Steppin' Out - Collecting Canes and Walking Sticks

Collectors of walking sticks and canes are preserving a long tradition that goes back to the Pharaohs. You'll be amazed at this history!

Collectibles and the Theater

Theaters have a never-ending need for clothing, furniture and décor from many historical periods. Can you help?

Collecting Miniature Villages

A variety of tiny worlds from Department 56 to Alaskan habitats, let us imagine ourselves inhabiting another place and time!

17th Century Russian Orthodox Iconography

The great ecclesiastical artforms, Russian icons, are explored within the context of Russian Orthodox history up to and including the seventeenth century.

Antiques in Alaska

As soon as I arrived in Anchorage, Alaska a few months ago, I headed for the first antiques shop I saw.

Cacaphony of Comments!

Reading my "Comments" results in some rewarding information.

From the Mailbag

Some interesting websites which appeared in my mail...

A Compendium of Wedding Collectibles

Wedding-related collectibles are a way to indulge two obsessions at once!

The Jigsaw Puzzle

A brief history of the American jigsaw puzzle.

Mary Gregory Glassware

Mary Gregory Glassware depicts an idyllic Victorian world in many colors.

Collecting the Reel Thing - Antique Fishing Tackle

We explore the fascinating hobby of collecting antique fishing tackle, lures and flies.

The Fine Porcelains of Limoges, France

The history and collecting of porcelain from Limoges.

The (Budget)Wise Art Collector

Guidelines for the beginning collector of fine art on a modest budget.


Enjoy Your Vintage Wicker

A brief history of wicker furniture, the manufacturers and styles from Victorian to present.


Poll Results Are In!

You voted - now see the results of the Hot Trends Poll!

Book Review - Another First!

Review of the Antique Trader's Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, with Values, by Dorothy Kamm, Krause Publications, 1999.


Future Stock or Future Schlock?

What are the next hot trends in collecting? Vote in the poll!


My Debut as a Reporter...

Putting on my baseball cap transforms me into Lois Lane!

Collectible Movie Posters

Collecting vintage movie posters is a hot trend!

And You thought Chintz Was Just Wallpaper!

The re-emergence of popular Chintzware and reproductions are fueling the latest collecting trend.

Let It Snow! Snowglobes, That Is!

Collecting snowglobes can provide both nostalgia and profit, but returns us to a more innocent time regardless of our motives!

Old-fashioned Christmas Collectibles

Family memories are recalled with vintage Christmas decorations for your collection.

Collectible Christmas Plates

Celebrate Christmas 1999 with a limited edition plate!

Louis Prang, Father of the American Christmas Card

Louis Prang, Father of Christmas Cards

Thomas Cook and the Grand Tours

A brief history of the early days of tourism, conceived by the visionary Thomas Cook.

The Divine Sarah

The life of the greatest actress in the world, Sarah Bernhardt!


Flow Blue China

A history of one of the most enduring and charming of Victorian china styles, which has been restored to popularity among collectors.

The Souvenir Age

The rise of tourism in the late19th century recalled with Torquay, Mauchline, Tunbridge, and Tartan wares.


A History of Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile has a history stretching back more than one thousand years.

A Bungalow Paradise

Pasadena, California, is a vital living museum of the Arts & Crafts era in architecture.

The End of a Century - Art Nouveau Style

An in-depth look at the end of the 19th century and the Art Nouveau style which has come to symbolize "La Belle Époque".

Biedermeier - The Comfortable Style

An overview of Biedermeier furniture (1815-1850).

II. The Bauhaus School - Design and Architecture

As we continue to celebrate its founding in Weimar in 1919, the Bauhaus School has left its impact on nearly every aspect of 20th century life, from our houses to our manufacturing processes.

I. The Bauhaus School, Weimar, 1919

Probably the most influential design and architectural movement since the Renaissance, the Bauhaus School has impacted virtually every area of functional living in the 20th century. A chronological history beginning with its founding in Weimar 80 years ago.

Frankoma Pottery

Frankoma pottery is considered by many to be America's foremost earthenware and has become very collectible. Learn about its origin and the reasons for its popularity.

A Brief History of Colonial America’s Society & Culture

Colonial American Society: the rise of the free press, public education, political structure, and religious tolerance in the Age of Enlightenment.

Sir William Johnson, Baronet (1715-1774)

Biography of the consummate gentleman of the Age of Enlightenment, Sir William Johnson (1715-1774).

18th Century American Furniture Styles

The furniture styles of the 18th Century were a reflection of the changing world at the time and were considered more as an art than a craft.

Marche au Puce - The French Flea Markets

The original Flea Market, Marchè au Puce, is in Paris.

Susie Cooper Pottery

Collecting 20th century pottery should include some fine women designers and potters, including Clarice Cliff, Charlotte Rhead, and of course, Susie Cooper.

Caring for Your Antiques

Tips and guidelines for maintaining and restoring antiques.

"Happiness is an Antique Show!" -Part III

Part III and final article on doing antiques shows for the novice, with websites listing upcoming shows in US and Canada.

"Happiness is an Antiques Show" Part II

Second part in series on participating in antiques shows, with tips for buyers and dealers.


"Happiness is an Antique Show" Part I

A dealer's perspective on antiques shows, with tips for buyers.


The Great Antiques Hunt

BBC's popular TV show is broadcast this week by HGTV-reviewed here.

The Lovely Wares of Ireland

Description and websites featuring Waterford Crystal, Belleek China, and Irish linens.

Coin Collecting

An introduction to numismatics on the Web, the best sites for collectors!

McCoy Pottery

An overview of McCoy pottery, its history, and items to look for when purchasing.

Chinese Export Porcelain

A lovely legacy of the China Trade, Chinese Export Porcelain is highly collectible and beautiful to own.


Collectors' Clubs

Reviews and directories of collectors' clubs in US and abroad.

The Roycroft Heritage

The history and workmanship of the Roycroft Community (1895-1938).


Last Minute Holiday Gifts for the Collector

Take advantage of the Web to finish your last-minute holiday shopping for the collectors on your list!

The Arts and Crafts Movement

A layman's overview of the Arts & Crafts Movement, one of today's hottest collecting trends.


An American Thanksgiving Through theYears

Learn about the context of your antiques and enjoy a special Thanksgiving experience by visiting a Living History Museum near you!

Buyer Beware! Part II: Fakes and Reproductions

Buyer Beware!-Part II: Fakes and Reproductions

Buyer Beware!

First of two-part series on Internet fraud, fakes and reproductions.

So You've Caught the Collecting Bug!