Giving antiques as gifts for the holidays
The holidays are a time of giving. What better way to say Happy Holidays than to give an antique or vintage item to your favorite collector? Giving an item that will add to a collection, especially one that’s unique, is really appreciated by collectors because it not only says that you cared enough to participate in the collection by giving, but also because it will remind the receiver of you throughout the year. Visit your local antique shop and see what is in store for you in the gift-giving arena.
Many antiques are specifically centered around Christmas themes. Many Christmas collectibles are relatively easy to find. Perhaps the most common are Christmas tree ornaments. Some of the oldest ones are German since the first ornaments were “kugels” or large, bright, glass single-colored ornaments. But soon the kugel makers began to produce ornaments in all shapes and sizes. Really old ornaments can be pricey but to an ornament collector, they’re as good as gold.
Nineteenth-century American antiques with Christmas motifs come in wide varieties. While there were many glass ornaments, from simple colored orbs to elaborate, beautiful, hand-painted creations, manufacturers produced many items from various metals such as lead or cast iron. They would make the perfect gift for a collector, whether they have a love of Christmas items or just a love of antiques and vintage items.
In the late 19th century, new technical innovations allowed the printing of inexpensive Christmas and New Year’s cards for the first time. The better-known makers associated with these Victorian cards are Meek, Howard, Ward and Whitney. If the card has a complex design, its price will be higher. Look for larger sizes, age, condition, and unique messages. In the last category, for example, there might be cards for children.
Purchasing antiques with Christmas themes is a great idea but if you have a collector in your world who collects something else, maybe adding to their collection would be a good idea. Buy what you like and what you think or know the person to whom you plan to give it to will like. Use common sense in evaluating an item. Apart from obvious factors such as condition, a piece that’s particularly unique and creative will command a higher value. It’s a great idea to find out more about the item you plan to give as a gift, then write up your own history of the piece.
With the Christmas holidays soon on us, many antiques will shortly be changing hands. With their sentimental value and remembrance of Christmases past, antiques are an integral part of the season. Don’t forget to stop by your local antique shop like Antique Allure and see what you can find for those special people on your list.
