Kovels’ Top 20 list of antiques and collectibles is based on the results of hundreds of thousands of searches that took place on Kovels.com. During January 2015, collectors were searching for prices of:
1) Fenton
3) Coca-Cola
4) Stoves
5) Dinnerwar
6) Wedgwood
7) Pottery
9) Delft
10) McCoy
11) Capo-Di-Monte
12) Lamps
13) Hull
14) Purses
15) Banks
16) Satsuma
17) Haeger
18) Lighters
19) Scales
20) Cash Registers.
Local antiques dealers report that sales have been doing very well since the Christmas holiday rush. Lots more has been selling online. Antique wedding gifts are becoming more popular. Buyers want to give gifts that are better quality, have sophisticated design, a "story" or a history and sell for less money than new, like a 1920s Orrefors glass vase or a Waylande Gregory platter.
Old big and brightly colored "statement" pieces are still popular. There's little interest in small, fussy things that are set on shelves but don't have use, like figurines. Many buyers are looking for modern vases for flower arrangements. Best investment is to buy a "named" piece by a significant potter like Wedgwood's Keith Murray, but low-budget pieces by lesser-known artists, or even art students, are okay as long as they have the "look." Collectors like other designer things too, especially costume jewelry and purses. Buyers look for top named "fashion" items, or things that look like top fashion items, like jewelry by Trifari and accessories by Chanel. They're often found in consignment shops and they're bought to be used.
The vase pictured here was made by Keith Murray of Wedgwood in the 1930s. It's 6 inches high and sold for $500 at a recent Rago auction. Photo is courtesy of Rago.
Collectors who go to Kovels.com can buy knowing the identifying features, marks and prices of antiques and collectibles. Kovels.com and the book, Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide, list thousands of collectibles in hundreds of categories that are described, edited, priced and pictured.
It seems antiques in favor go full circle. I am and have always been a primitive collector, to me nothing compares with the simple almost crude lines of pieces. The smell inside a cupboard is my favorite scent, it tells a story to me. So if “primitives ” Re not in style right now that is okay, I enjoy your lists and never stop thirsting for that knowledge of all things collectable!
Always intriguing to see top ten….as with other things in life, antiques seem to go full circle as well. My problem is I am a primitive fan, I have never changed my love of the simple almost crude pieces I have collected. Nothing can compare with the (old smell) to me, that smell is heavenly and along with the patina tells a story. So to call it my problem is not accurate more like my good fortune! Viva la difference !