The Barbie doll made her first appearance on March 9th 1959, produced by American company Mattel. Ruth Handler co founder of Mattel and the designer of Barbie envisioned creating a teenager version of a baby doll after watching her young daughter Barbara play only with paper dolls. This sparked an idea of creating a 3D plastic doll that appealed to older children because at the time no teenage plastic doll existed. Barbie, short for Barbara Millicent Roberts, named after Ruth Handler's daughter … [Read more...]
Royal Doulton – The Last Seven Years of Mother’s Day Annual Figurines
Royal Doulton began in England during 1815 previously known as Jones, Watts and Doulton. It wasn't until 1973 that Royal Doulton claimed its current name that people across the world know and love. Royal Doulton boasts some of the most popular collections of tableware and ornaments, adding newly hand crafted pieces yearly. Each year Royal Doulton produce one ornament made of fine bone china that represents the meaning of motherhood for their mother's day collection. A new concept and angle of … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Collecting Antique Teapots
The antique teapot market has become very hot over the last few years. With high tea becoming all the rage these days, it has been fueling the teapot market. Teapot collecting is very curious as modern teapots can be just as sought after as vintage and antique ones. Here are 5 tips on how to collect antique teapots. 1. Character of the teapot The character of the teapot is one of the most collectible aspects of a teapot. Here are some examples of teapot character. Humorous … [Read more...]
11 Christmas Present Ideas for Antique Lovers
Christmas is fast approaching and about this time I start getting a lot of emails asking what to get an antique lover for Christmas. In this article I have listed 11 present ideas that antique lovers would love to get for Christmas. … [Read more...]
Why do We Love Antiques?
Collecting antiques is a passion shared by many people, from the casual collector to the serious dealer. Despite the modern “Ikea” age of convenience (or perhaps because of it), the enthusiasm with which people seek out these historic treasures remains undiminished. The items coveted and the reasons for seeking them out vary wildly. For many enthusiasts, it is difficult to say precisely what attracts them to an antique. It may be the historical significance, monetary value, or simple beauty… In … [Read more...]
The Resurrection of Collectible Vinyl Records
I remember the first time I listened to a record. I remember reaching into the plastic sleeve with shaking hands to retrieve the round black disk, carefully pulling it out so I didn’t scratch the surface. I remember placing it on the record player and putting the needle down. And I will always remember hearing the first crackly note floating through the air. I know I am not alone in these memories. Ask any vinyl lover and I’m sure they will be able to tell you everything about their first … [Read more...]
History of Disneyana Collectibles
Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy. Who doesn’t recognize those names? Disney collectibles, often called Disneyana, are prized possessions to the true collector. First, a little bit of Disney history for those of you who don’t know how all of the magic started. In 1923, Walt’s first animation studio went bankrupt. He moved to Los Angeles to join his brother, Roy, where they started the Disney Bros. Cartoon Studio which was eventually renamed Walt Disney Studios in 1926. In 1928, they … [Read more...]
5 Popular Patterns of Depression Glass
Currently, the five most popular patterns of Depression glass are Cameo, Mayfair, American Sweetheart, Princess and Royal Lace. I will briefly cover characteristics of each pattern. Depression Glass Patterns Cameo Pattern Cameo was produced by Hocking from 1930-1934. Most of the Cameo a collector will find will be green, though the pattern was made in yellow, pink and crystal with a platinum trim. Pink pieces are very rare due to limited production. Yellow was made only during the years of … [Read more...]
Auction Houses in Southern California that Specialize in Antiques
I had a reader ask for a list of auction houses in Southern California that deal in antiques. I have done some research and provided a list of auction houses that seem to fit the bill. I have given a brief summary of the services they offer. Southern California Auction Houses That Specialize in Antiques: Don Presley located in Santa Ana, Ca. www.donpresley.com Don Presley's services include live in house auctions, live online auctions and consignment sales. Their consignment business offers … [Read more...]
Showcasing Your Antiques – Mixing New with Old
Showcasing Your Antiques: Whether you are a lover of antique art glass or porcelain dolls and have collected a few up to thousands of items, you will want to showcase your treasure in the most appropriate way. You will not want your items stored up in an attic collecting dust, but many times this is what happens when you don’t start off on the right foot as a collector. Are all of your items in storage? Are they packed away in boxes where no one can see them or appreciate them? Why not bring … [Read more...]
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