2005 Warman’s Hot List: Top five categories of this year’s hottest antiques, collectibles Ellen Schroy suggests 2005's hottest antiques and collectibles
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Iola, Wis.—What will antiquers and collectors be buying this summer? Ellen Schroy, editor of “Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide,” America’s longest-running price guide, suggests these top five categories will be the hottest this summer and offers tips for purchasing them:
1—Carnival glass - both vintage and contemporary - buy what you like, enjoy the marvelous colors - and get involved with a collectors club, several exist around the country, all filled with helpful folks willing to share knowledge and expertise. Plus their conventions are fun, educational and usually include spectacular carnival glass auctions.
2—Regional fine art - learn about the artists in your region, again both vintage and contemporary - invest in paintings that you can enjoy and then research the artist. Every region of this great country and Canada has unique painters who have preserved the scenes of life around them.
3—Silver - always a good investment, buy forms and styles that appeal to you, and don't be afraid to use it. If polishing isn't your thing, look into good silverplate or quadruple plate. Look for maker's marks and pieces free from defects.
4—Furniture - buying “fine pre-owned furniture” allows collectors to furnish their home with wonderful styles, interesting woods and well-made pieces. Take a tape measure along and know what size you need before heading out to your favorite antique venue. Ask questions about the provenance of the piece, what (if anything) the dealer has done to the finish and consider that some pieces will come back beautifully with a little elbow grease or TLC.
5—Halloween collectibles: This holiday now claims almost as many collectors as Christmas and all the other holidays put together. An interesting Halloween collection can start with something as simple as a vintage post card or papier-mâché pumpkin and grow quickly from there.
Schroy is a regular contributor to Antique Trader Weekly, gives lectures about collecting and hosts appraisals in the New England area and has written several antiques and collectibles price guides. She is available for interviews by contacting Bill Hahn, as noted above. Her books are available from KP Books, Dept. PR05, 800-258-0929, www.krausebooks.com or from major bookstores. KP Books is an imprint of F+W Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, a special interest publisher serving hobbyists and enthusiasts in writing, fine art, genealogy, crafts, antiques, collectibles and outdoors categories.
