Collectors Corner

May 25, 2022 by olive

“I guess, like most collectors, I have that collector bug!” shares Danny Merced. Danny was about 7 or 8 years old when the Ninja Turtles became a “thing” in the late 80s and early 90s. “Every Saturday morning, I would watch cartoons, and there was a toy line associated with it. It was all I wanted for Christmas from ages 8 to 12!”

As he got older, he lost interest for a time, but he still kept his toys stored away. Then in his late high school years, around the age of 18, his interest returned. He started to fill the gaps with things that he didn’t have as a kid. “I discovered eBay, and my first purchase was buying a turtle toy that was still sealed. That pull of nostalgia is what got me going and keeps me going through the years.”

Today, Danny is collecting Ninja Turtles actions figures, comic books, original artwork, movie props, video games, statues, and the original movies. While the action figure line is where he got his start during childhood, it has since evolved into other things. “I think that collecting Ninja Turtles is a very niche focus,” shares Danny. “Typically, most people have a toy or a comic book collection. There aren’t many Ninja Turtles collectors with such expansive collections that cover all aspects of the hobby.” Another unique feature of his collection is the fact that his earlier, played-with toys are next to sealed collectible items that were purchased much later. “Most collectors I know, their mom threw out their toys at some point!”

The collection has greatly increased in value through the years, and Danny notes that as he has gotten older, it’s gotten much more expensive to collect. “Early on, it wasn’t really expensive because nobody wanted these things. I would spend $10 here and $20 there. The hardest part was just finding things in the first place.” In the past few years, however, when people from the Ninja Turtles era had more disposable income, the value and demand for these items have increased enormously. “There’s no way that I could do the collection now had I not already put in so much time before the values blew up,” Danny shares.

Danny’s favorite piece is an original painting from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Issue #11. “It’s a moody, atmospheric piece,” he shares. “They’ve just suffered a great loss, and the painting really captures this sense of loss. When I acquired this one-of-a-kind painting from the family of the original artist, I had just suffered a loss as well. My dad had passed very abruptly at a young age. Shortly after, this painting became available, and I had to grab it. It’s one of those items I will never part with.” Besides the personal connection, this piece is very rare and valuable in its own right, making it extra special to Danny.

Another notable item in the collection is movie prop arms from Donatello from the third Ninja Turtles movie. “Movie props, especially those from the old Jim Henson days, fall apart. So it’s really cool that I was able to procure these arms! They catch the eye – they are one of my neater items!” shares Danny.

Danny’s favorite part of the collection is the original comic book, video game, and VHS artwork. “All of the art I collect is one-of-a-kind. But the pieces of cover art, especially the large paintings, are truly special. Those are the items that I most actively collect now, but they are near impossible to find. You can’t duplicate original artwork. The toys and video games – anyone else can find an equal one. But the art is neat because nobody can quite build a collection like I have. That’s what makes it personal to me!”

Danny’s collection is stored in a secure place in his home. “I used to put everything away, but now I like to have everything around me to enjoy.” Having his collection on display had another positive outcome – Danny was able to see all that he had amassed through the years and evaluate what he really wanted to keep. “I was able to convert items I didn’t want into items I did want. It helped me focus on items like the artwork. I like to free up the space for things that are more meaningful!”

Collectibles Insurance Services was founded by collectors, for collectors! Homeowners insurance often falls short when it comes to providing coverage for collections, so that’s where we step in. We help insure collections of all kinds — from LEGOs to sports memorabilia, and comic books to toys, and so much more.
Find out what types of collections we insure or get a quote today!

May 17, 2022 by olive

Stacey Cook has always been interested in movies, television, sports, and entertainment, and she started collecting autographs from a young age. But the collecting bug truly caught on in college, when she lived in a sparse apartment in need of decoration. Stacey attended conventions and celebrity events on the weekends and began to collect autographs – especially from Star Trek.
When she graduated college with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting, she started meeting celebrities at work and her collection grew even further. “At wrap parties, I would ask for autographs,” Stacey explains. “I have an assortment of autographs from people I’ve met in person at work!”

Eventually, she began to collect autographs from the entire cast of different shows. “I started carrying one photo with the entire cast to events. The first time I completed a cast photo, I realized that I was a serious collector now,” she shares. After a few sets of full cast photos, she realized that she needed to get insurance for her growing collection.

Today, Stacey’s collection has a lot of autographs from the sci-fi genre and is mostly composed of autographs from Star Trek. “My Star Trek collection is extensive and took over twenty years to collect.” She also notably has a photo signed by the cast of Gilligan’s Island, among other tv shows and films. What makes her collection unique is the sheer number of autographs that she has from older celebrities who have passed away. “I have autographs from so many older celebrities that you can’t get autographs from anymore. I think that makes it a really cool collection!”

Another unique fact about Stacey’s collection is that she has a lot of autographs from popular celebrities in unpopular roles. “I like to get autographs from actors in other roles because those pictures are rare,” explains Stacey. “William Shatner has done Twilight Zone. DeForest Kelley, who played Dr. McCoy in the original Star Trek series, was in a bunch of Westerns. To get them in something they are not known for holds special appeal to me.”

The very first autograph in Stacey’s collection was actually from DeForest Kelley. “He died three years after I got that first autograph. He was my first autograph that I was really proud of.” The most valuable item in the collection is a plaque with the original series cast of Star Trek, all signed in the same color at the same time. “I think that one’s worth $3,500 or more,” shares Stacey. “I have ones that are very similar, but they are worth a bit less due to the signatures not being in the same color.”

Most of the collection is comprised of personal autographs that were collected by meeting the celebrity in person. About half of the collection is personalized, with a greeting written specifically for Stacey, and half is not. “I started to ask for two autographs from each person – one personalized and one not. The ones that aren’t personalized are what someone else would want if the collection got passed on.”

Overall, this collection contains over 200 pieces. Stacey started out by displaying her collection on the walls of her home office, but it got so big that eventually, she had to display some in her work office. Everything is organized by genre – there’s a Star Trek wall, a sci-fi wall, an action-adventure wall, a sitcom section, and so on. She also has action figures and toys that are autographed by celebrities. “Sometimes I’ll be walking through an antique bookstore and I’ll see an action figure or a toy from the 70s. When I grab one of those, the first thought in my mind is getting it signed!”

May 3, 2022 by olive

Over the past few years, Pokémon cards have experienced a surge of popularity. During the pandemic, many people returned to this hobby and started getting cards graded and making new purchases for their collection. Subsequently, Pokémon cards have grown in value.

If you are interested in collecting Pokémon cards, it’s important to have knowledge of the hobby to help you get started. We had the opportunity to interview Pokémon card collector and social media influencer, Jake Holland. Read on to learn which cards are valuable, how to get into the hobby, how to make sure your cards retain their value, and more!

COLLECTIBLES INSURANCE SERVICES (CIS): What are the top Pokémon cards that collectors are after?

JAKE: Typically, the “go-to” card with any set is the original Charizard. There are various forms of that card, but the top one is the first edition Charizard hologram. The most recent set has five variations of Charizard varying in rarity and value.

Another popular card – considered a trainer card – is called the Pikachu Illustrator card. This is even rarer than the Charizard. It’s not necessarily more sought after, because there are so few of them. It was sold at auction for almost $1 million this year. It was the card that [popular YouTuber] Logan Paul wore around his neck at Wrestle Mania. In the past, he has also worn the Charizard card around his neck at a WWE Event.

CIS: What is the top piece of advice you would give a newbie Pokémon card collector?

JAKE: I would say be patient! You’re probably not going to pull the best cards in the first 50 packs you open. The odds are crazy. I’ve bought a box of ten packs, and the first pack I opened had one of the best cards of that particular set. But I know people who have opened hundreds of packs and not pulled that card.

So don’t have any expectations! It’s a frustrating and fun hobby. Lean into the community aspect [of collecting] – it’s a lot more fun if you’re doing it alongside friends, whether through social platforms like Discord or in real life. It’s a lot more fun together!

CIS: What factors contribute to the value of a Pokémon card?

JAKE: Since the huge boom in popularity [that occurred over the past few years], it has boosted how much people are getting them graded. [Graded cards are worth more than ungraded ones].
Graders look for errors in printing, corners of the card, centering of the picture, and a whole lot of other factors. Ideally, you want to get that perfect ten score, which is hard to get. Many people don’t want to buy graded cards because they want the thrill of pulling them [from the pack]. However, people still seek cards that have already been graded, so they know what they are getting. Perfectly graded cards are up there in value.

CIS: How do you store your cards to ensure they retain their value?

JAKE: Typically, I put them in plastic sleeves and then in a hard protective case. There’s a box that the cards come in known as the elite trainer box, and I use those boxes as storage. They also sell high-quality cardboard boxes, and a lot of people use those for storage. [It’s also important to] store them out of the light because that can damage and fade the cards.

CIS: What advice would you give to someone looking to sell their Pokémon cards?

JAKE: Get varying feedback – don’t just sell on the first platform you put the card on, whether it’s eBay, WhatNot, or Mercari. Get varying opinions, and get a good feel on what that card is worth, so you don’t undersell. Some people might be trying to get a good deal so they can flip the cards. Be patient, and don’t settle for your first estimate. One way to get an estimate is to look on eBay and get an average of what people are buying it for. Other sources for pricing include Pokellector.com and TCGplayer.com.

May 3, 2022 by olive

Have you ever thought of a knife collection being a viable investment option? As it turns out, knives are actually a great opportunity for investing. According to knife collector Gary Rizza, collectible knives are a commodity that consistently holds their value – as long as you keep them in excellent condition.

Read on to learn more about this unique, collectible investment!

COLLECTIBLES INSURANCE SERVICES (CIS): Why did you choose to invest in knives?

GARY: It started strictly as a collection. As things progressed, [I started to look at this as an investment]. Microtech, [a company that produces knives], always stood out for a couple reasons. First, they were American-made. Second, their value always held. If the knives were kept like new, they would go up in value. This led me to weed out all the other brands I was collecting and focus on knives by Microtech, especially vintage knives. There’s no reason not to have it be a good investment as well as a collection!

CIS: In your opinion, can investing in knives be relied upon as a primary source of investment income, or do you recommend that collectors have other investments in their portfolio?

GARY: You always have to diversify! No ifs, ands, or buts. The stock market is good, but collectible items like stamps, coins, or firearms are good. It’s good to be diversified. I found with the knives that there’s such a huge group of knife collectors out there. Collectible knives, especially Microtechs, the factory will actually help you determine if the knife you are buying is theirs or a clone.

Of all the investments, collectible Microtechs, if kept brand new or like new with the original box and documents, consistently go up in value. They don’t fluctuate like gold, silver, or stock.

CIS: How did you become knowledgeable about knives?

GARY: The internet was very helpful, [as well as talking to] other collectors at knife shows. When you meet other collectors, [you have the opportunity to] talk with them and exchange information. The knife collectors are always happy to answer another collector’s questions! That’s the way I was able to become knowledgeable. You have to be willing to put the time in. My collection started in 1995, and I put about 1,000 hours a year into searching and looking at different collections.

CIS: How do you ensure that your collection retains its value (storage, maintenance, etc.)?

GARY: I don’t use any of my collector’s knives – in any way, shape, or form, except as a collection. They are my collection, and they are an investment. If you look at the handle and the handle is dull with a shiny streak – that’s called a snail trail, and it hurts the value. Any scratches, nicks, or dings also affect value. When knives are [kept] pristine, their value is considerably more than when they are just “good.” You also need [to keep] the box and documents that came with it. When a knife is kept in the condition originally sold from the factory, that is when it has the highest collectible value.

[When it comes to keeping knives clean], my method of cleaning is very basic. I have a fan, and I open the two doors on my curio cabinets, point a fan at them, and lightly feather dust them. With the fan blowing, the dust blows out the other side. I’ll do that once a month or once every other month.

CIS: When do/will you sell your collectibles? How do you determine the best time to sell?

GARY: Eventually, I’m going to sell my collection. Right now, I want to continue collecting. If someone offered me top dollar, I might consider selling, but at this point, I want to double my collection. I have 500 knives, and I want 1,000, so I expect to collect for another 10 or 20 years.

[There is not a specific time that is best to sell]. If you have vintage pristine collectibles from Microtech – vintage is important because they are difficult to find – they will always hold their value. Times are tough, and they are still going up in value.

CIS: Do you have any advice for someone who is ready to sell their collection?

GARY: If I were going to sell mine, I would sit down and re-catalog everything. [I would] check every knife again for any marks or any imperfections. Then, I would make sure I have each knife individually listed. The place I would go to sell them would be the internet – which is very helpful. There are a lot of high-end collectors overseas who have no problem spending $100,000 on one knife or a group of knives.

My collection would be about $450,000 if I were to sell it. That might sound like a lot, but it’s not in the knife collecting world. I have friends who collect high-end art knives who buy [a single knife] for $250,000.

Want to learn more about investing in knives?

If you are interested in collecting knives or have any questions for Gary, feel free to reach out to him via email at garyjrizza@yahoo.com.

May 2, 2022 by olive

As a kid, Gary Rizza always enjoyed collecting. It all started with trinkets that could be purchased at the Five and Dime, but as he grew older, what he collected began to change. Today, Gary is the proud owner of an extensive collection of knives.

Gary started collecting knives in 1969. “It was just something of interest!” he shares. As his collection grew, the knives he collected became better quality. He collected a lot of knives from companies such as Benchmade and ProTech. Eventually, he got away from those brands, and today, his focus is American-made knives by a company called Microtech.

Microtech arrived on the scene in 1994, and they were a company that produced automatic knives rather than manual ones. The company “caught on like wildfire,” shares Gary. “Gold and silver fluctuate, but these pieces continue to go straight up in value. Microtech sells out of what they make every year.”

Today, Gary’s collection contains about 497 knives, and all of them are either one of two kinds: black tactical, or black blade, black handle knives. “There are guys that mix it up, but I only collect these two types of knives.”

Gary also focuses his collection on automatic knives. Automatic means that rather than pulling out the blade using both hands, as you would with a manual knife, you simply push a button, and the spring-loaded blade pops out automatically. There are two types of automatic knives: side openers and out-the-front (OTF) knives. Side openers open automatically but must be closed manually. OTF knives both open and close at the touch of a button.

Knives are an investment that increases in value as long as they are kept in brand-new in the box (BNIB) condition with the original labeled box and documents that they came with when it was first sold. When Microtech first came out, some of the models were around $150. Today, if they have been kept brand-new with the original boxes, those knives have quadrupled in price! These days, a Microtech knife starts around $250, while a custom knife can sell for around $5,000. Contributing to the value is the fact that the owner of the company, Tony Marfione, only produces about ten of each of the high-end custom styles.

Gary stores his collection in two curio cabinets in his living room, with one case being filled with his OTF knives and the other with side openers. They are then grouped into different variants. 99% of his knives are in mint condition. “They are as perfect as can be! I don’t use my knives for anything but a collection. I don’t carry them. When the knife is absolutely pristine, they go up in value.” He also cleans his knives every month using a fan and a feather duster.

When Gary decided to purchase some extremely rare Microtech knives from a Russian collector, he found himself needing to put Collectibles Insurance Services to the test. “I bought these knives on December 16, 2020. The Russian seller shipped them out three days later, and you could track it. All of a sudden, the package didn’t move. It left Russia and passed customs, but then it disappeared. After about 60 days, I contacted Collectibles Insurance Services and opened a claim. The claim experience was fabulous!”

The knives were valued at $10,000, and there was no possibility of replacing them because they were so rare. Gary opened his claim, and five days later, the check arrived in the mail. “There was no argument about the value of the knives!” Gary shares. “I couldn’t have been happier.” Six months after this positive experience, Gary took his dog for a walk and was completely surprised to discover that the knives had arrived! “I didn’t believe it at first. I opened them up and everything was perfect – there was no damage.” He excitedly called Collectibles Insurance Services to inform them that his knives had arrived and he would be returning the check. His account was updated to reflect that there hadn’t been any claims made.

Although this story ended with Gary receiving his knives, his experience with filing a claim has given him greater peace of mind when it comes to his collection. “I was amazed at the claims experience. It only took a few days! If you try to put this [sort of thing] through homeowners insurance, they don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. I went with the company that knows [about collectibles], and it was the best thing I did. I talk about Collectibles Insurance Services all the time!”

If you are interested in collecting knives or have any questions for Gary, feel free to reach out to him via email at garyjrizza@yahoo.com.

March 30, 2022 by olive

Michael Hogan’s love for dollhouse miniatures began about six years ago, when he won a Georgian style Lawbre Rosedawn dollhouse at an online auction in Columbus, Ohio. “Lawbre is a company that specializes in really well-made, museum-quality dollhouses,” explains Michael. “I won [the dollhouse], and it had all this artisan furniture. Once I was home, I noticed many of the pieces were dated and signed. I did research and found out it was very collectible and worth a lot of money. This was exciting, considering I only paid $500 for the dollhouse and furniture.”

Artisans who create furniture for dollhouses are from all over the world, and often have a special focus – such as lamps, furniture, or pottery. The pieces can sell for thousands of dollars for one small item – this is because of the amount of work and attention to detail that goes into the creation of each piece. The cost of artisan pieces makes this hobby quite an expensive one. Some collections have sold at auction for half a million dollars.

Michael was captivated by this world he had discovered, and a new passion for collecting was born. He began researching further and looking at dollhouse auctions online on platforms such as, dollhouse auctioneers, eBay, and Etsy. “I started collecting more as I learned the trade and my style,” Michael shares. “Now, I have three dollhouses and 25 room boxes in my collection.”

A room box is a single room that displays a collection of miniature furniture. Many people collect room boxes because they are more manageable than a full dollhouse and they take up less room. “I’ve collected more room boxes over the past six years because I like a variety of décor styles, especially traditional and primitive,” Michael explains. “Sometimes, you can sell a room box for more than an actual dollhouse if it’s designed well and built by a well-known miniature artisan.”

“I think what I like about miniatures the most is I get to utilize my love for architecture and interior design,” shares Michael. “It’s almost like being a real architect and interior designer.” After doing his research using home decorating magazines, Michael draws up a design – much like a floorplan. He shares the design with a room box maker in Tennessee who builds it, which includes doing the electrical work and painting. “It can take about six months to complete,” Michael shares. “During that time, I commission other pieces. The pieces are very detailed, and they look like they are made for a real life-size room.” Michael works with dollhouse miniatures that are 1-inch scale (1 inch = 1 foot), which is the most common scale for collectors to work in.

Many people are amazed when they discover the world of dollhouse miniatures. With artisans who are well-known in their arena and gorgeous, realistic-looking pieces selling for thousands at auction, it is quite a fascinating hobby. “It’s such a great art form, and it’s just amazing what these artisans can do,” says Michael. “I have a gentleman in Spain who makes metal coffee tables – anything metal. I have someone in England who makes my appliances. I have people all over the world who help design stuff.” Michael also works with up-and-coming artists that sell on Etsy. “If someone is really good, I’ll display their pieces in my room boxes.”

Michael is very particular about the pieces he curates for his collection, only selecting items of the highest quality. “My main mission and goal is when you look at the picture, you can’t tell it’s a miniature.” His collection may also be one of the larger collections in existence. Besides his Lawbre dollhouse and his room boxes, Michael also has a gorgeous Cape Cod dollhouse that he won in an auction in Massachusetts. “The detail is stunning! The moldings, the shingles, and the windows – everything is just beautiful in it.”

Although many of the older artisans are retiring or now deceased, Michael is excited to see that a younger generation is stepping up to the plate and showing interest in this very niche hobby. The hobby is also being recognized on social media, as well as in print and on television. There are TV shows dedicated to miniature competitions, and even celebs have shown interest. “Recently, Katie Couric began following my Instagram account,” Michael shares. “That was very exciting to me when she recognized my work on her Instagram feed.”

Even among non-collectors, Michael’s collection sparks a fascination. “I think a lot of people don’t even know this hobby exists,” Michael explains. “People that have no interest in dollhouses are so impressed when they see these creations. I think it opens people’s eyes to how many talented people there are out there who make small things.”

Get an even closer look at this incredible collection by following Michael on Instagram.

March 24, 2022 by olive

Did you know that LEGOs are outperforming many traditional investments? A recent study found that they yield an annual return of 10-11% — often more than stocks, bonds, and gold. Factors that contribute to value are rarity, condition, and age. Limited edition sets often increase in value when introduced to the secondary market, while sets older than 20 years produce a sense of nostalgia. Medium sets tend not to perform as well as large and small sets.

Secondary market prices for LEGOs start growing just two or three years after a set is retired. Among the most expensive sets are the Millennium Falcon, Café on the Corner, Taj Mahal, Death Star II, and the Imperial Star Destroyer. A great example of exponential growth in value of a LEGO set is that of the Millennium Falcon. This was originally a limited edition set, and it sold out quickly when first introduced to the primary market. On the secondary market, the price jumped from $500 to over $5,000.

The LEGO Group smartly changes its product line on an annual basis to generate scarcity around the LEGO sets they release. That said, they do take notice when a set is popular and will capitalize on that popularity by introducing a similar set.

Much like Funko POPS! and other collectibles, LEGO sets that are unopened and kept in pristine condition are valued higher than sets that have been opened.

Find out what types of collections we insure or get a quote today!

Sources

https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/585311-surprising-new-study-finds-investing-in-legos-better
https://flipsy.com/article/1283/ultimate-lego-selling-guide

March 8, 2022 by olive

Like many sports card collectors, Tom Pollak got his start collecting in the 70s, when he was just a kid. By the age of 7 or 8, Tom was very interested in sports and had a love for football. Although he lived in Los Angeles, he didn’t truly have a connection to the local teams. Rather, Tom was a Dolphins fan. “The Dolphins were really good at the time. [For me to become a fan] was a strange thing since I wasn’t from Miami, but that sparked a lifelong obsession with the Dolphins.”

The collector bug itself was sparked over the course of decades. Tom still has his original collection of cards from middle school. He took a break in high school and college, and then reconnected to the hobby in his mid-twenties. “Right after college, I started buying and selling [card] collections,” shares Tom. “That’s when I really amassed a lot!” He would sell off items that he didn’t want and take the profit. He then took another decade-long break, returning to the hobby once again as a way to reminisce. It was then that he started organizing his collection. “This took years since I had amassed so much stuff!” Although his interest ebbed and flowed over the years, the latest spike in public demand for sports cards has Tom back into collecting. He’s also shared this passion with his kids, who now dabble in the hobby themselves.

Today, Tom has cards from all four major sports (baseball, basketball, football, hockey) and then a lot of soccer cards, which are mostly vintage. Big names in his collection include Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Pele, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and Mickey Mantle. Shares Tom, “I have a lot of Michael Jordan’s rookie cards, including the most valuable rookie card. [I have] the 1984 Star Basketball card and the 1986 Fleer Basketball card.”

He also has very rare soccer cards featuring Pele, who is considered the Babe Ruth of soccer. Says Tom, “He’s the only person that has won three world cups with Brazil. He’s considered the greatest player of all time. His cards are super rare, and I’ve been hyper-focused on [collecting them]. They were super cheap five or ten years ago, but all of a sudden [the value has] skyrocketed.”

Another important rookie card is of Cassius Clay, also known as Mohammed Ali. “That’s another great piece in my collection,” Tom shares. “Most of his early cards are European-issued.” At the time that Mohammed Ali was popular, the US manufacturers were fixated on baseball and football cards. It was other countries that were producing boxing cards – the one that Tom has is from Sweden.

Tom’s collection is special because of the wide variety of high-quality sports cards that he has amassed – and also because of the rarity of some of the items he has. “A lot of collectors will focus on a player, or a team, or a sport, but I like them all,” says Tom. “I started dabbling in tennis and other rare cards, especially soccer. You don’t find higher grade cards from the other sports, especially in the US. Most of the soccer cards are from Europe or South America.” He notes that another thing that makes his collection unique is the fact that he’s been able to source cards from around 12 different countries, including Chile, Brazil, Italy, Germany, France, and the UK. “It’s great to be able to connect with people around the world!” Tom says. “I’ve even gotten to visit some of them. It’s fun to go on an international trip and buy cards.”

Of his cards, Tom is unable to select just one favorite. “I have a favorite piece every month!” he explains. “It’s often the latest one that I get back from the grading card company that is my favorite piece.” This prized collection of tens of thousands of cards is stored in Tom’s office. The cards live in boxes and binders in a special storage cabinet that Tom has spent hours organizing. “It’s not simple!” he shares. “Especially when you get new stuff [often]. I have a lot of stuff that still needs to be graded. [Organizing it all] is a challenge, but a fun one.”

March 1, 2022 by olive

Vintage collectibles are in demand right now for a variety of reasons, and the interest in vintage items goes well beyond just those who consider themselves collectors. Many non-collectors have shown an interest in buying vintage as well, and nostalgia is one of the driving forces behind this trend, leading to popularity with both the older and younger generations. As millennials age, items from their childhood are edging ever closer to the “vintage” category, creating demand for those items. Gen Z is even getting in on the action, with an interest in vintage clothing styles and thrift shopping.

Thrift and vintage shopping are also seen as a sustainable and unique alternative to buying things brand new. With so many more unique options to choose from, vintage shopping allows people to have nearly one-of-a-kind finds in their home, in lieu of shopping the same brand-new décor that everyone else is buying. It’s also a great way to conserve valuable resources by giving items that already exist a new life.

The term “vintage” can be used quite loosely, so let’s take a moment to define the word. Items at least 40 years old are considered “vintage,” while items at least 100 years old would be considered “antique.” The term “retro” refers to items at least 20 years old but not yet 40 years old, items from the recent past. Often, items that should be considered “retro” are grouped in with vintage items.

What exactly are vintage buyers on the lookout for? Here, you’ll find a list of the most popular vintage items that are currently in demand.

Records

Records are a popular collectible item among various age groups. Those aged 25-34 tend to purchase contemporary releases, while the older generations are the ones on the lookout for original vintage records.

Vintage Advertising Signage

Vintage advertising signage is popular for the variety of colorful designs and gorgeous typography.

Vintage Books

Vintage books are another in-demand collectible item. These are popular both for their contents and for their stunning appearance.

Automobilia/Petroliana

Vintage dealers are seeing an uptick in sales of signage, oil cans, auto posters, chrome grills, emblems, and anything related to the automotive world.

Vintage Toys

Vintage toys are among the most highly popular collectible items. For many, toys bring a welcome connection to their childhood, which is often the motivation behind acquiring them.

Jewelry

Jewelry has always been a popular collectible item, and vintage styles are in high-demand. Art deco and period jewelry are popular with buyers.

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern has been buzzed about in the design world for years. This style is broadly defined by architecture, furniture, and graphic design from the middle of the 20^th century (about 1933 – 1965). This design style is incredibly popular right now, and anything that can be described as “mid-century modern” seems to sell like crazy.

Art Deco

Another design style that’s in demand right now? Art deco. This style is more lavish and over the top compared to the sleek design of mid-century modern. It was popularized in the 1920s and fell out of style during the Great Depression and World War II.

Art Nouveau

Another in-demand design style, art nouveau, is characterized by its asymmetrical, curvy forms, often inspired by the curves of plants and flowers. The style was at its most popular between 1890 and 1910.

Lamps/Lighting

And last but not least, gorgeous vintage lamps in a variety of styles are another in-demand item. If not already in working order, vintage lamps can be rewired and given a new life!

Sources:

https://www.farmantiques.net/blog/whats-the-difference-between-antique-vintage#/

https://www.antiquetrader.com/antiques-news/asheford-institute-of-antiques-reports-top-trends

http://www.antiquesage.com/8-antique-investing-trends-next-decade/

https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/antique-home-decor-trends

https://fashionista.com/2022/01/gen-z-vintage-resellers-market

https://archive.curbed.com/2017/11/22/16690454/midcentury-modern-design-mad-men-eames

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau

February 16, 2022 by olive

There’s nothing quite like the immersive experience of visiting an art museum. Each room is full of beautiful treasures, each one carrying its own unique story. You can make your way through the rooms freely, admiring the beauty of a painting or sculpture, as well as learning about the history of each piece.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a world traveler to enjoy art from museums from across the country – or even across the world. Many museums now offer virtual tours, often using virtual reality to create a 3-D experience that allows you to browse the rooms of the museum as if you were there in person.

We celebrate the fact that technology has made art so accessible! Here’s a compilation of our favorite virtual museum tours. You’re invited to relax, kick back, and enjoy viewing these digital art experiences.

Frick Collection
Established by Henry Clay Frick, this collection is known for its Old Master paintings, as well as examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. Based in New York City, you can get a museum-quality experience with a virtual tour of the collection.

National Gallery
The National Gallery is a London museum with free admission. Even if you can’t travel to London, you can still enjoy this museum’s art through a digital tour of their Sainsbury Wing, which is home to many Early Renaissance paintings.

Kimbell Art Museum
Established in 1936 by Kay and Velma Kimbell, this museum, which started as a collection of British and French portraits, has expanded over the years into a much larger collection of art. You can experience the museum through a digital tour of their permanent collection.

Vatican Museums
You can admire the beauty of the Sistine Chapel without ever having to travel to Rome. Browse the visually rich spaces of Vatican City with these virtual tours – and don’t forget to look up!

Norman Rockwell Museum
Based in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, the Norman Rockwell Museum has curated a digital experience that allows you to learn about the collection via the web. This online collection of photography, video, and more allows you to experience Norman Rockwell’s art from anywhere.