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Check out these guest columns written by knowledgeable Collectors Weekly readers. Interested in writing a guest column yourself? See this page.
Ever wonder about that box of vintage Christmas decorations in the attic? From wooden nutcrackers to glass Christrmas tree ornaments to 1930’s Lionel model trains, this article can help you id… (more »)
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 int… (more »)
Many antique quilt collectors think of themselves as caretakers of historical documents, made at the hands of the needlework sisterhood before them. Their quilts speak to them and tell their sto… (more »)
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 … (more »)
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… (more »)
People are often surprised when we tell them we collect playing cards. They all know how to play games with cards and have all held them in their hands before, but they've never realized that or… (more »)
One of the most common fruit jars ever produced is the lowly Ball jar. Historical figures show that from between Sept 1, 1894 until Dec 31, 1961, 41,256,856 Gross jars were produced by the Ball … (more »)
Collecting antique typewriters circa 1900 has been a wonderful experience for me over the years. My collection is really just the tip of the iceberg, as literally hundreds of distinct collectibl… (more »)
Collecting facsimile playing cards can be an interesting window onto the world of historic and antique playing card decks. In a recent article dealing with fortune telling cards, I wrote approvi… (more »)
The Parker "51," produced by the Parker Pen Company, is considered by many collectors to be the best pen ever made. Developed in 1939 and introduced in the U.S. market in 1941, it soon became w… (more »)
I’ve been collecting vintage toys since 1982. I started slowly and methodically, partly for lack of information, mostly for lack of finances. I used to collect any metal transportation toy tha… (more »)
Cigarette lighter collecting is a hobby that never gets boring. Just by browsing eBay auctions for ten minutes, for example, I recently found a lighter shaped like a lion’s head, one made of j… (more »)
What are vintage magic posters? Posters of magicians printed by the stone lithography method qualify as vintage magic posters. The stone lithography process was in it highest use during magi… (more »)
Paper sewing patterns were first manufactured in the middle of the 1800s. These first paper patterns were designed by Ellen Curtis Demorest. Starting in 1860, these patterns were sold through he… (more »)
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 t… (more »)
Perhaps you recently saw a picture of a cool looking pocket radio from the early 1960’s and were reminded of your carefree, youthful days? Maybe it was the pastel colors or atomic aged designs… (more »)
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 survive… (more »)
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 inte… (more »)
For over six centuries - apart from its functionality as a number game - the playing card has been chosen as a medium for artistry, aesthetic endeavour and ornamental design, ranging from hand-p… (more »)
The benefits of wearing vintage clothing are numerous and rewarding. It's truly a delight to realize that no one else will be wearing your outfit. I've always strived to be unique, especially in my … (more »)
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 fir… (more »)
Art Nouveau was a huge movement. It wasn’t only about architecture; it touched every artistic discipline. It dealt with architecture, of course, but also with furniture, pottery, painting, and… (more »)
I’ve been a collector of antique fishing tackle for over 20 years, and have been selling antique tackle in my shop since 1990. I collect all aspects of fishing memorabilia. In this column, I w… (more »)
You've just acquired an old radio, but apart from the manufacturer's name on the front, you don't know a blessed thing about it. Learning more about your radio may satisfy your curiosity, or it … (more »)