Q: My daughter and her husband found this linoleum rug in an old farmhouse they bought. The original house was built almost 200 years ago and had only one bedroom with a small adjoining room, probably meant as a child's room. When they started to tear out three layers of carpet, they found this linoleum rug underneath. It has no marks indicating who made it or where it was made. It's about 8 feet by 5 feet and is loaded with circus pictures. What's the value of this linoleum rug and where can we sell it?
A: Linoleum was invented by Frederick Walton in 1863. Patterned linoleum was first made in 1892. Linoleum was sold in rolls that could be laid wall-to-wall or in smaller sizes that could be used as rugs. Rugs came in several standard sizes and often had border designs. Most were used in children's bedrooms, playrooms, or kitchens. Congoleum, a roofing material, was made into rugs beginning in 1903. Congoleum rugs have felt backs. Until 1916, all linoleum rugs had woven burlap backs but most were made with felt backs by the late 1920s. Several companies made linoleum rugs. The 1950 Montgomery Ward catalog offered a 6 by 9 foot linoleum rug for a child's room for $4.75. These are hard to sell unless you find someone who is doing a period house. It's best to try to sell it locally. You can talk to dealers in your area. It should sell for slightly less than a modern linoleum rug.
TIP – If your linoleum rug has gotten stiff, you can make it supple by applying boiled linseed oil and wiping it off.
I just found this exact print under the carpet padding in our 1950’s era home. I wonder if someone could direct me on where to go for a professional opinion on whether or not this would be worth trying to sell?
I really disagree with Kovel’s assessment that this item would be hard to sell….anyone decorating with vintage items would absolutely crave this item, esp for their kids room!! I think it has good value and would be an item with great desirability.
The lack of interest may have been true 10 or 15 years ago, but not today. This is a great piece — not worth a ton of money, to be sure, but a great piece nonetheless.
Truly a lovely find. Someone with a craving for circus motifs will find this precious. Congrats on your luck in finding it.
Yes, If I were close enough to pick it up myself, I would be interested in buying it. the retrorenovation web site would probably feature it if you sent Pam a picture or 3.
Vintage linoleum is rare and prized, especially by restorationists, including vintage trailer enthusiasts. Even small remnants bring good prices on eBay. Linoleum grows brittle with time and can be damaged easily. Soften in the sun before attempting to roll up a rug or unused remnant. It is also heavy and will be costly to ship. But collectors will pay a premium for interesting patterns and designs. Take good photos and try eBay.