The Kovels’ Top 14 list is based on hundreds of thousands of searches that took place on our website in 2020. The searches offer a glimpse into what collectors are looking to buy or sell. Collectors go to Kovels.com, the Internet’s source for expert-reviewed antiques and collectibles prices and information. The searches reflect a year in which collectors had time to value old collections and maybe find some new passions. Depression Glass is the top search followed by colorful McCoy pottery. Remember a search can be for either buying or selling. Collectors look for ceramics, glass, bottles and toys that they want to identify as valuable. Common everyday pieces especially those with any flaws are hard to sell. But the rarities such as Flambe, Red or other specialty Wedgewood, Satsuma vases more than 18 inches tall, working vintage or antique stoves, 18th century or earlier delft (most modern delft isn’t made in Holland) and old working toys in good condition sell well. Interest in newer collections is reflected in Pyrex being in the top 14.
The Top 14 list for 2020 is:
3. Wedgwood
4. Lefton
6. Ironstone
7. Nippon
8. Haeger
9. Satsuma
10. Dinnerware
11. Stoves
12. Delft
13. Pyrex
14. Toys
I agree, I am not a dealer but I did have a very nice collection of Delft that I tried for 2 years to sell for next to nothing. Advertised it on Craigslist and Ebay and other places, could never even get a inquiry let alone an offer. Gave it away. Then I had really nice sterling silver tea set circa 1935, took forever but finally found a buyer for 1/4 of its value. Now I also have a very nice large collection of Cambridge glassware from the 30’s, no buyers just a lot of sellers. So much for collectibles. I agree with Vactro. I am in AZ.
I agree with most of your comments. On ebay, a large percentage of your ‘watchers’ are folks with the same item looking to see what yours sells for (or doesn’t). Same thing for searches. Not to buy, but to ascertain the current market. Of course there are winners in every category, but by and large the trends have gone away from this list. My new list would include::
…ANY older piece employing weirdly depicted animals or people…
…Handmade antique memorial pieces…
…Precious metal jewelry reasonably priced…
…UNUSUAL industrial or home use items…
…Comic Books!!…
…Very old U.S. paper currency…
As I said, any item in any category will sell if unusual enough. (or cheap enough)
I have a very rare Watts Pottery “Eagle” Pitcher to sell. Does anyone know who/where I should contact to sell it?
Thanks!
Thank you for your comments. Please remember a search on Kovels.com can be for either buying or selling. Collectors and others are looking for ceramics, glass, bottles and toys that they want to identify as valuable. Common everyday pieces especially those with any flaws are hard to sell. But the rarities such as Flambe, Red or other specialty Wedgewood, Satsuma vases more than 18 inches tall, working vintage or antique stoves, 18th century or earlier delft (most modern delft isn’t made in Holland) and old working toys in good condition sell well.
When I see these lists I often wonder if they are based on people who own these items and are looking for a price/market to sell them, or are they for people actually looking to buy these items? My guess is the former. There are a few exceptions I’ve discovered, if it helps anyone. (I’m a dealer, collector and appraiser, formally a liquidator as well). In the DG category there are a few items that are HOT! Specifically – VASELINE GLASS! Any Green/Vaseline glass, some yellow as well, but mostly the green, and if you have a nice drinking set in the Vaseline, that to is a hot seller! The 1950’s and 60’s era barware type Highball and other glass sets too are popular. The only other glass I’m seeing a market for is decent art glass, some old, some modern.
On the Pottery end, Good quality American Art pottery still sells here in MI, but for the prices you must pay for them, it’s a crap shoot! Haegar and Royal Haegar both sell well, but only in finer patterns and designs.
On the dinnerware/kitchenware, only Pyrex and some corning ware are selling well. Old ironstone will go if it’s cheap, same in most of the other categories of porcelain, but I’m not finding any new customers for it, and it’s mostly bought by older collectors.
Vintage toys too are a very slow sell for me. But again, if the price is right, ie “cheap” they move. It’s been a rough market these last few years. I’m looking to downsize in the antique mall, changing to only one booth, rather than two. I seldom hit my rent in the last 2 years, and of course that’s not sustainable. I was hopeful, but I think it’s going to take much longer to bring back our once fun and profitable market. Good Luck to All!
I too have been told that there is little to no market for depression glass. That was bad news for me, since I have a very large collection that I was getting ready to let go of.
I too am a buyer and seller of antiques and have also found it nearly impossible to sell the ceramics, pottery and China that used to be in demand. In fact antique sales in general are down. I live in Southwest Virginia and other dealers here are turning to older high end used furniture like Baker, Hinkle Harris, etc., some mid-century modern.
As an antique buyer/seller, I must exist in a different dimension. Those glass and pottery and dinnerware items are NOT the things buyers here are looking for. Can’t hardly give some of them away! Unique has replaced antique. Strange has overridden vintage. Those things still sell, but heaven forbid you have a house full. Maybe I’m just in the wrong area.