Category Archives: Vintage

An Antique Shopping Guide

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A Guide to Antique ShoppingThere is so much fun in shopping for antiques. Sometimes, we find the best items from the flea market and in specialized shops. From hand-painted teapots to ornate sofas, these antiques make an excellent addition to your home. An antique shopping guide will help!

Be Prepared

The best way to start your shopping trip is to be prepared for moving your antiques from the shop to your home. A simple kit containing items you already have in your house should be ready to go. Your kit should have cardboard boxes (preferably foldable), a blanket or bubble wrap for padding, and wipes for dusty pieces. It’s also helpful to measure the space you want to fit the item into before you go. If your find is too big for your vehicle, have a Plan B to transport it such as a rental van. 

Identify the Best Market for Your Needs

Depending on your needs, you should decide which type of market is the best place to find it. If you’re looking for affordable, second-hand items, shop at a flea market. If you want “old” heirlooms, try an antique mall. Genuine antiques are usually found in a shop owned by an antiquities expert. 

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings. These differentiations can help determine the value of the item. The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining the age is a bit more subjective, vintage usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles. Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes only slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40.

Antiquing Etiquette

When you enter an antique market or mall, it’s always best to greet the vendor, setting a friendly tone. It is acceptable to haggle or ask for a discount. Some people may feel uncomfortable, but these tips can help you along. 

You should also inspect the item carefully for dents, scratches, or chips. If you find a flaw, you should ask for a discount.

Keep the Vision

When shopping for pieces to decorate your home, keep in mind the style you are trying to achieve. Are you going for farmhouse chic, rustic, or something retro? If you are not sure what your style is, start with a major piece that you like that ties the room together and decorate accordingly.

Authenticity 

If you are new at this, you probably don’t have experience determining the authenticity of an antique. There are some ways to verify its claim:

  • Distinguish sterling silver from plated by its authenticating mark. Look for a marking that says “9.25”, “Sterling”, “Sterling 925”, or “S/S.”
  • To check whether a porcelain item is genuine, hold a flashlight (your phone works well for this) up to see if the light shines through. If it does, it’s genuine.

Also, consider the function of the item you’re interested in. A fragile piece should not be in a place where it can be easily damaged. 

Additionally, before you make a purchase, you should find out what the return policy is, especially on large valued items. If anything should be wrong, or it just doesn’t fit with your decor, you’d want to know if you can take it back.

Let’s Shop 

With an antique shopping gude, you are ready to shop. Get your antiquing kit, cash, and transportation, and go! The Old & New Shop is one of the favorite antique and vintage dealers in the New York metro area.

Antique, Vintage, or Retro?

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Antique, Vintage or Retro

The terms antique, vintage, or retro are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do have different meanings, and these differentiations can help determine the value of the item.

The definition of antique is simple–any item that is over 100 years old. This rule applies to anything from books to glassware. If an item is over 300 years old, it can fall into one of two categories. If it’s natural and from a living thing, it is called a fossil. If it’s man-made, then it qualifies as an antiquity or artifact.

Vintage has a meaning that is less defined. Vintage pieces are not sold as antiques. Although determining what age counts as vintage is a bit more subjective, it usually means an item that is over 40 years old. People buy vintage items because they are nostalgic decorative pieces or collectibles.

Retro items are thought of as existing in the more recent past and are sometimes slightly used. These items are more than 20 years old, but less than 40. Retro usually imitates a certain “years ago” style, for example, a letter or varsity jacket which dates back to the 1920s, and the style regained popularity again in the 1980s.

Items that are not necessarily antiques, vintage or retro may still look old and are commonly bought as collectibles. These are referred to as reproductions. They are not sold as old themselves but as copies of older items.

The Market Value

There are several ways to estimate the value of your antique, vintage, or retro item. Visiting a local appraiser is a good option, as they have experience in this area and the tools to accurately research the piece and determine its worth. Appraisers will offer a fair price and give you a report. However, they can charge a hefty fee for their services of up to  $200 or more. The Old & New Shop will provide a more personal appraisal with a one-on-one phone call and/or meeting.

Another way to find the market value is to visit a site that will appraise your antique. Websites can give you a professional estimate by providing you with a description and photo. Additionally, consulting an antique pricing guide can give you detailed information about the value and resale of the items.

Trends in Antiques, Vintage, or Retro Items

Interest in shopping for vintage and antique items has grown over the years. Millennials are growing older, and the things they once had as children are now becoming vintage. And it’s not only Millennials; Gen Z’s is also looking for vintage and retro pieces. Current purchasing trends indicate interest in vintage advertising signs, books, toys, and jewelry. Other items with Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles are also popular. Whatever your preference, the Old & New Shop has a wide variety of items and collectibles for buying and selling.

The Story Behind the Collectible: William Worsley and a Bobbin

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This is a story about robbery, murder and execution. It’s also a story of William Worsley of Bedfordshire, England in the 1860’s. Additionally, it’s the story behind a very unusual collectible–a bobbin that recently sold for over $300. This unique collectible commemorated the public hanging in 1868 of  William Worsley.

The story starts with William Worley, who was born in 1820, married a woman named Susannah, and had a son, Charles. In his youth, Worsley became an apprentice to a hat blockera skilled person who made molds for hat construction. Eventually, he had his own hat blocking business. 

Life in rural England was tough for Worsley. Like most men in his time, Worsley spent time at his local pub. One fateful evening in the pub, Worsley and two of his friends, Levi Welch and James Day didn’t have the money to pay for their drinks. The men decided to rob another man, William Bradbury. Worsley, Welch and Day attacked Bradbury with an iron bar, killing him and taking his money. 

Welch blamed it all on Worsley, but was sent to prison for six years on robbery charges only. Day claimed he was only there coincidentally because he dropped a sixpence and was looking for it. He was acquitted. Worsley, however, was not as fortunate and was charged with murder.

The Trial

The murder trial of William Worsley was covered by the Bedfordshire Mercury in March of 1868. As reported by the Bedfordshire Mercury, the trial was a popular preoccupation for the people of the town. Unruly crowds of spectators tried to get admission to the trial, but were turned away. Worsley pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. During the court proceedings, the prosecution showed that the murder weapon was discovered in his house the next day. Additionally, witnesses said that they saw Worsley standing over a man lying on the street. Worsley claimed that he just happened to stumble upon a drunken man. 

In the end, Worsley was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to death. He was the last known person to be put to death by public hanging. Shortly after the verdict, Worsley wrote a statement confessing to the murder.

William Worsley’s Hanging

Thousands of men, women and children gathered to watch the hanging of William Worsley on March 31st, 1868. Public hangings in the 1800’s were a community event and people would come to watch, wait, and pass the time by knitting or playing dice. A number of townspeople would go to sell their wares, for example, copies of Worsely’s  “Last Dying Speech and Confession.” Others came to sell souvenirs of the spectacle. One of these souvenirs was a bobbin used in the production of lace. During this time period, lace making was a cottage industry that used animal bone and soft woods to make bobbins. This keepsake bobbin sold at the hanging was inscribed with the words “William Worsley Hung 1868.” 

The Collectible: William Worsley Bobbin

Bobbins made of small bone and decorated with glass bead spangles are not too difficult to find. Some are decorated with family names or symbols such as hearts or diamonds, however, there aren’t many that commemorate a public hanging, like those sold on that day in March of 1868. Today, this rare item and others like this have become valuable and sought after by collectors and dealers. This is the tragic story behind the collectible of William Worlsey and a bobbin.

The Story Behind the Collectible

The story behind the lace bobbin collectible is a unique one to say the least. Not all collectibles have such fascinating origins, but some do have their own stories, however simple, to share. One place to find interesting and unique collectibles is at the Old & New Shop. You never know what fascinating items you may find and what histories they have!