13 Antique Pieces You Should Be Collecting Now

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Do you ever look at collectors and wonder how they know what’s valuable and what isn’t worth taking home? Collecting antiques is about unearthing pieces that have endured the test of time and appreciated in value while carrying a slice of history with them.

Anything over 100 years old is considered an antique, and things between 20 and 100 years old are usually referred to as vintage. Are you a seasoned collector or just getting started? Whatever your antique collecting experience, there’s something satisfying about the hunt for rare finds and unique gems.

Here are 13 antique pieces you should start keeping an eye out for to add to your collection.

1. Jewelry

Jewelry from yesteryears isn’t just shiny—it’s an investment disguised as a pretty accessory. Pieces from the Victorian, Art Deco, and Edwardian periods have become highly sought after for their intricate designs and timeless appeal.

There’s something about putting on a brooch that once adorned someone at a 1920s soirée, isn’t there? The older the piece, the more likely it is to have been made by hand, with craftsmanship that makes today’s mass-produced accessories look like knockoffs

2. Clocks

Tick-tock, your time to start collecting antique clocks is now. From stately grandfather clocks to charming carriage clocks, these timepieces are not just about keeping time, they also keep a piece of history alive.

Crafted with precision and artistry that you just don’t find in today’s digital world, antique clocks are a collector’s dream. Can you imagine how rewarding it is to wind up a clock that’s been ticking away for centuries?

3. Porcelain and Ceramics

Grandma’s china cabinet could hold a fortune. Collecting porcelain and ceramics, especially pieces with historical significance, has become increasingly popular.

From delicate Ming Dynasty vases to hand-painted Royal Worcester figurines, these breakable beauties are making big waves in the antique world. They look good, and better yet, they’re also worth a small fortune.

4. Old Books and Manuscripts

There’s something magical about holding a book that’s older than your grandparents, isn’t there? Collecting old books and manuscripts takes you back to an era when knowledge was bound in leather and pages crackled as you turned them.

First editions, especially from iconic authors can command astronomical prices, but you don’t have to aim that high. Even lesser-known authors or well-preserved books from the 18th and 19th centuries are coveted by collectors.

5. Toys

Those toys you used to play with as a kid are probably worth more than you think now. Vintage toys, especially those still in their original packaging, have become highly collectible.

You can get original Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe figures, or even Hot Wheels cars. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and collectors will pay top dollar to relive their childhood memories. Condition is everything. A slightly scuffed action figure might still have value, but if you’ve got a mint-condition toy in its original box, you’ve hit the jackpot.

6. Silverware

Real silverware isn’t just for fancy dinner parties—it’s a solid investment. Antique sterling silver cutlery sets are becoming highly sought after, especially those crafted in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The craftsmanship, intricate designs, and the sheer durability of these pieces make them a must-have for serious collectors. Plus, they can be used, displayed, and admired without ever losing their shine (with a little polishing, of course).

7. Rugs

Antique rugs are floor art. Persian and Oriental rugs, especially those hand-woven with intricate designs, have been prized for centuries and are now considered highly valuable collectibles. And since no two antique rugs are exactly alike, each one brings a unique flair to your living space, turning your floors into conversation starters.

These rugs aren’t just pretty—they’re a testament to the artistry and skill of the weavers who crafted them by hand, knot by knot, long before factory production existed. They add a splash of culture and history to your home and also appreciate in value over time.

8. Depression Glass

Depression glass may have been born out of hard times, but today, it’s anything but ordinary. Originally given away in cereal boxes or at gas stations during the Great Depression, this colorful glassware has made a major comeback.

Collectors are drawn to its nostalgic charm, vibrant colors like pink, green, and blue, and the fact that it was once the everyday person’s luxury. What’s even better is that some of these pieces were made in very limited runs, which means they’re worth a lot more now than they ever were back in the day.

9. Vintage Posters

We’re not just talking about the cheap posters you used to hang up on your childhood bedroom walls. If you spot one from a classic movie or iconic ad campaign, it might just be worth a small fortune today.

Vintage posters are becoming a hot ticket item for collectors, especially if they’re in good condition. From early movie posters to World War II propaganda, these pieces are not just art—they’re time capsules.

10. Typewriters

Before laptops and voice-to-text, writers had typewriters—and those beautiful machines are now one of the coolest antiques you can own. From the clack-clack of the keys to the satisfying ding of the carriage return, antique typewriters take us back to a time when writing felt more deliberate and tangible.

Brands like Underwood and Royal have become icons, with collectors paying top dollar for models that are still in working condition.

11. Collectible Glass Bottles

Here’s a fun twist on traditional collecting: antique glass bottles! From soda bottles to perfume bottles, these tiny time capsules come in an array of colors and shapes, often reflecting the styles of their era.

Some collectible glass bottles date back to the 1800s and can be quite valuable, especially if they are rare or in pristine condition. Collecting glass bottles is also a great way to explore the history of consumer products and consumerism.

12. Antique Cameras

For the photography buffs, collecting antique cameras is a chance to own a piece of technological history. Vintage cameras from brands like Leica and Kodak offer a fascinating look into how photography has evolved.

Some models can be quite valuable, especially if they were used by famous photographers or have unique features. Antique cameras also make for beautiful home décor pieces.

13. Antique Musical Instruments

Antique musical instruments are collectible and can also be functional. Instruments like violins, pianos, and brass instruments crafted by renowned makers have become highly sought after.

Some anrique instruments have a rich history, having been played by famous musicians or in historic performances. If you’re musically inclined, collecting these instruments can be both a passion and an investment.

Source

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14 Antiques Regaining Popularity

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