Treasure hunting for antiques
Many antique collectors tend to focus on one thing to collect such as signage or furniture but many also acquire cross collectible items that fit into other categories. Some have more than one obsession and collect many other things as well. When checking out antique shops in Southampton, you will find a collector looking for numerous items with an emphasis on what they are there to look for in the first place.
Whether you are a beginning collector or have been collecting for years, it’s always important to stay on top of the trends so that you know what to keep your eye on. Below are some types of collectibles worth investigating. After all, a large part of collecting is the thrill of the hunt.
Primitives
This is a very broad category that includes one of a kind folk art, homemade furniture, knickknacks and gadgets, roughly made dolls and toys, tramp art, pottery and much more. Original condition and patina are everything in this category and it shouldn’t include restored pieces.
Auto Memorabilia
This category includes motorcycle memorabilia as well. Motor vehicle-related collectibles are highly collectible from Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys to advertising to classic cars, pedal cars, vintage bicycles, and motorcycles. This category includes NASCAR collectibles which are a highly sought after category all on its own.
Books
First editions of rare books can fetch thousands of dollars. You have to know what you are looking for in this category so do your research. Even if you don’t have the money to spend a small fortune on a rare book, books are very popular collectibles. Even though first editions are the most collectible of books, very old books are also desirable. Old editions of popular classics fit in this category and this can include anything from Alice in Wonderland to Shakespeare. Take note that no matter what you are collecting in the book genre, condition is everything. Try to collect with the original dust jacket. Look for them at estate sales and antique shops as well as online and at yard sales.
Costume Jewelry
The costume jewelry category is so vast that you can spend years just trying to figure it all out. Rhinestones, enamel, shell jewelry, designer pins and so much more have a following by collectors. Designers like Weiss, Trifari, Monet, Cartier, Coro and much more are highly sought after. Costume jewelry from the early 1900s to the 1950s and 1960s were designed to be affordable alternatives to the real thing and so they were designed and made with care and quality, most were not mass produced like today’s costume jewelry.
There are many more categories in the antique collecting world but these are a few of the top trends catching the attention of all collectors. If you have specific collecting items in mind, visit antique shops like Antique Allure in Southampton, PA to see if we have what you are seeking.