Bunnykins, produced by the Royal Doulton company are timeless pieces that have been loved and cherished by young children for many decades. Like the name suggests, the Bunnykins collection is based upon a series of rabbits made into china ornaments and printed onto children's cups, plates, and breastfast bowls. In more recent years, the company also began producing Bunnykins silver items such as children's cutlery, money, and music boxes. … [Read more...]
Hummel Plates
When it comes to Hummel plates, one of the most well known series for collectors, are the annual plates that were first released between 1971 and 1995, and then again between 2000 and 2004. Unbeknownst to some collectors, there are actually several plate series to collect. … [Read more...]
How to Properly Label Vintage Items
When trying to determine how to properly label an item, you must first determine how to categorize them. We cover the difference between antiques, vintage items and collectibles in more detail in our article What Makes Something Antique, Collectible or Vintage. In this article we will be going over how best to "label" and define the "type" of vintage items you have. What Makes an Item Vintage Vintage was once used to define pieces from the 1960's and 70's. Today, it is now used to describe … [Read more...]
How to Find the Age of Your Royal Doulton
The history of the Royal Doulton brand is a long and complex one. That consists of subsidiaries, mergers, collaborations and limited releases. This can make finding the age of a Royal Doulton piece difficult to determine. In this article we will be providing you with some helpful tips for working out the age of your Royal Doulton piece, by comparing the Royal Doulton marks, trademarks, base marks, and pattern codes. … [Read more...]
Lladro Identification Marks – A History of Lladro Markings
The Lladro company, created by brothers Juan, José and Vicente Lladró began with their first porcelain creation in 1953. It wasn't until 1958 that the brothers moved their company to a warehouse near Tavernes Blanques and began working full-time on their porcelain ornaments. This further investment of time by the three brothers, lead to the expansion of their company and a Lladro identification mark was officially introduced in 1960. Identifying the Age of a Lladro Ornament Although the … [Read more...]
What Makes Something Antique, Collectible or Vintage?
Is My Item Antique, Collectible or Vintage? There has been a long debate over what time frame dictates if something is an antique, collectible or vintage. In this article I will clarify this subject. Les't start with the antique time frame. Antique - 100 years and older Collectible - Less than 100 years old Vintage - Less than 25 years or it has cycled back into fashion … [Read more...]
Reclaimed Antique Wood and Antique Wooden Items
Reclaimed antique wood has grown in popularity in the last few years. Previously a staple building material in America due to its strength and abundance, an array of different woods were used in barns, mills and general construction. These days, people seek out once popular woods such as long leaf pine, red wood, oak, chestnut, maple and white pine to create new age creations with antique heritage. Why Use Antique Wood? Antique wood and lumbar (wood processed into beams and planks) is used … [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...]
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...]
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