Recycling has a long history in collectibles

Recycling and reusing is not a new idea. In the 18th century, well-to-do European and American families bought made-to-order dinner sets from China that were sent across the ocean in ships. It took a year to get the dishes, and ...

• Ghoulish pieces attract collectors
  Skeletons are invited guests at our celebration of Halloween, the Mexican holiday called “Day of the Dead” and a few other ghoulish events.
• Rare fountains stump collectors
  Some antiques are so rare and strange that they are classed as “what’s its” by collectors.
• Hard pillows once the norm
  Do you like hard pillows or soft pillows? It might depend on where you grew up.
• Decor can double as disguise
  Decorators used to try to hide a phonograph or radio because it did not match the rest of the room’s decor. They still worry about how to hide a stereo or television, but attractive speakers and flat screens have made technology less intrusive. The early 1900s room had to hold a record player with a large horn. Soon horns were made more decorative with painted designs.

• Older costume jewelry made to last
• Even experts can be fooled by fake collectibles
• Collectors prize carnival dolls
• U.S. heroes adorn home fabrics
• Salt, pepper shakers affordable collectibles
• Glass forged into unique collectible
• Slanted desktops appealed to teachers
• Haviland pioneer in new vase technique
• Gardening trends put interest back in farm toys