Giving Antiques and
Collectibles as Gifts
by
Bob Brooke
 Christmas
is a time of giving. And what better way to say "Happy
Holidays" than to give an antique or collectible to your favorite
collector. Giving an item that will add to a collection, especially one
that’s unique, is really appreciated by collectors because it not only
says that you cared enough to participate in the collection by giving,
but also because it will remind the receiver of you throughout the year.
Many antique and
collectibles are specifically centered around Christmas themes. Many
Christmas collectibles are relatively easy to find. Perhaps the most
common are Christmas tree ornaments. Some of the oldest ones are German
since the first ornaments were "Kugels" or large bright, glass
single-colored ornaments. But soon the kugel makers began to produce
ornaments in all shapes and sizes–fruit, angels, even ones that looked
like Saint Nick. Really old ornaments can be pricey, but to an ornament
collector they’re as good as gold.
Nineteenth-century
American antiques with Christmas motifs come in a wide variety. While
there were many glass ornaments, from simple colored orbs to elaborate,
beautiful, hand-painted creations, manufacturers produced many items
from various metals such as lead or cast iron.
In the late 19th
Century, new technical innovations allowed the printing of inexpensive
Christmas and New Year’s cards for the first time. The better known
makers associated with these Victorian cards are Meek, Howard, Ward and
Whitney. If the card has a complex design, its price will be higher.
Look especially for larger sizes, age, condition, and unique messages.
In the last category, for example, might be cards for children.
Purchasing antiques and
collectibles with Christmas themes isn’t any different than buying any
other kind. Buy what you like and what you think or know the person to
whom you plan to give it will like. Use common sense in evaluating an
item. Reproduction cards, for example, are common. Apart form obvious
factors such as condition, a piece that’s particularly unique and
creative will command a higher value. Items that have a particular
ethnic background associated with them, may be of particular interest to
someone with that heritage.
While most high-end
antiques come with a provenance–a written history of the piece–it
would be a great idea to find out more about the item you plan to give
as a gift, then write up your own history of the piece.
With the Christmas
holidays soon on us, many antiques will shortly be changing hands. With
their sentimental value and remembrance of Christmases past, antiques
are an integral part of the season.
To read
more articles by Bob Brooke, please visit
his Web site |
If
you’re like many collectors today, you’ve already discovered the
Internet, specifically eBay, for buying and perhaps selling antiques and
collectibles–for good or bad.
