By Theodore Althof (Copyright 2008)

In this article Ted Althof, also known as Papa Ted, provides an in-depth history of decorative dimestore Christmas village houses and other vintage Christmas decorations. His site, http://www.papatedsplace.com, is a member of our Hall of Fame.

The following is a history of these wondrous little artifacts called cardboard Christmas village houses – a history devoted to establishing some way of categorizing them and putting them into chronological perspective.

It’s a tall chore, because these were small-change notions, not expensive nor considered …

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By Andy Zito (Copyright 2008)

Andy Zito’s site, andyzito.com/snowdomes is a member of The Collectors Weekly Hall of Fame.

These wonderful snow-filled objects are a world of fascination in themselves. Just shake one and see if you can resist the silent magic it evokes, not unlike an actual snowfall. Then notice if they don’t evoke the indelible memories of a childhood trip to a famous landmark or kitchy roadside attraction. Old plastic snow domes are America ’s and the World’s premier highway souvenirs.
Birth of the Snowdome
The Paris Exposition of 1889 featuring the Eiffel Tower led quickly to the first …

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By Graham Hodges (Copyright 2008)

Graham Hodges’ site, silversugartongs.com is a member of The Collectors Weekly Hall of Fame

The period of English history from 1770 to 1820 was a time of great change and great prosperity for England. As a result it was a growth period for silver table-ware, much of which still survives today. This period saw the change from tea tongs, through cast sugar tongs to the standard style sugar tongs, (or sugar bows). It is also the period when bright cut engraving was at its peak.

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By Anna Checcoli (Copyright 2008)

Anna Checcoli’s Ventagli.org, an antique and vintage hand fan gallery and information site, is featured in our Hall of Fame.

Many people ask me about the “language of the fan”: how hand fans were used in earlier times to communicate. And in fact, the role of the fan was not only for cooling, or as a fly swatter or fire-bellows. It was also the supreme instrument of silent communication.

As Sir Richard Steele, in the “Tatler” of 4 August 1709, wrote: “You may observe in all public Assemblies the sexes seems to separate themselves and …

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By Lew Jaffe (Copyright 2008)

Lew Jaffe’s Bookplate Junkie blog is a member of our Collectors Weekly Hall of Fame. For more information on collecting bookplates and an incredible array of beautiful bookplates, visit Bookplate Junkie.

Bookplate mania in America and England peaked from 1890 to about 1920. That’s when the really great collections were formed. Most of them were either dispersed or absorbed into other collections. These collections are like old friends because they all came from the same gene pool. Perhaps there were 100 collectors who actively …

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By Paul Koren (Copyright 2008)

Paul Koren is the webmaster of Railroadiana Online, a resource site for railroadiana collectors and a member of our Hall of Fame.

Many people are fascinated by railroads. At one time, railroads were connected to most aspects of community and economic life, and almost everyone had the experience of taking the train to some distant destination. Today, railroads are still a vital part of the nation’s commerce, but they have largely evolved into less publicly visible movers of freight. For the most part, the romance and glory of the great age of railroads has passed …

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Are you an expert, or knowledgeable collector, in a particular area of antiques or collecting?

If so, we’d love to hear from you (email us). We’re seeking guest articles and columns which provide introductions to or well-informed commentary on specific collecting categories. If you have an article or piece of writing that fits the bill, we’ll work with you to edit it and get it ready to feature on our site. Of course, you’ll get a byline, some great visibility, and a link back to your website if you …

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By Elizabeth Nevin (Copyright 2008)

Online since 1995, the Briar Press Museum (a member of our Hall of Fame) is dedicated to the history of the printing press. Here, founder Elizabeth Nevin explains to collectors the basic facts to consider when buying/selling/restoring an antique press.

If you are thinking of getting into letterpress printing or collecting antique printing equipment, congratulations. It is a very satisfying hobby and craft. However, like any other field of interest, there is a lot to understand before starting to invest your time and money. Buying a letterpress involves some knowledge of …

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Editor’s note: We’ve received the following requests over the past few days to identify several unknown antique and collectible items. If you have any relevant information, please leave a comment at the bottom of this article… thanks!

Hello! I need help, please and thanks!! I have a lovely clear glass cake pedestal with a starburst-like diamond pattern radiating from the center. Within the bigger diamond shape are 4 smaller diamond shapes. Can you tell me what pattern this is? Much appreciated, Renee’
I have been unsuccessful finding anything about a ReedBarton tray I …

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By Maribeth Keane, Collectorsweekly.com

I was looking around our Hall of Fame today, which showcases some of the best collector sites on the web. There are many great sites, but here’s a few personal favorites I thought I’d mention.

Let’s start with one of my all time favorites, Circusmuseum.nl. I love the antique feel of the prints, I can tell they date as far back as the early 1900s. The site is pretty simple but it’s the colorful, quirky, and unusual posters I can’t get enough of. From bears riding bicycles to …

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By Marty Weil (Copyright 2008)

Interview courtesy of the Ephemera Blog, Marty Weil’s great information resource on ephemera collecting and collectors, and a member of our Hall of Fame. Andreas Praefcke’s site Carthalia is also a member of our Hall of Fame.

Andreas Praefcke (Ravensburg, Germany) collects postcards of old and new theatre buildings worldwide. His complete collection can be seen on his website Carthalia. I spoke to him recently about how he got interested in this unique and interesting postcard collecting theme, how he finds cards, and what some of his favorites are.

Q: How did …

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By Marty Weil (Copyright 2008)

Interview courtesy of the Ephemera Blog, Marty Weil’s great information resource on ephemera collecting and collectors, and a member of our Hall of Fame.

Daniel Kusrow was born in Bangkok, Thailand, but now resides and works in New York City. Daniel collects airline baggage labels, particularly those issued by airlines during the inter-War period, 1919-1939. We spoke recently about his remarkable collection, how he got started, his favorites, and what it takes to find good labels these days.

Q: When did you become interested in airline baggage labels?

A: I have always been interested in …

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