Interior Decorating Information

Antiques, Collectibles, & Memorabilia: Do You Know the Difference?


The world of antiques can be confusing. What's the difference between an antique and collectible? Aren't collectibles and memorabilia really the same thing? In this month's column, I'll de-mystify these terms, so that you'll be appropriately armed for your next antique adventure.

Antique

Basically, an antique is something old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. Generally, if a piece is over 100 years old, it is considered an antique. Although, I do know that some people use the 50-year mark for Canadian pieces; the rationale being that Canada is a young country relative to places such as Europe and Asia. However, I'm old fashioned and apply the 100-year definition to Canadian pieces.

Collectible

A collectible is something that is less than 100 years old that has value because of aesthetic or historical reasons. This term fills the gap for valuables that aren't quite old enough to be an antique.

One category of collectible is items with intrinsic artistic merit. A stunning Art Deco table fits into this category. It was beautiful when it was made in the 1930s, is beautiful today and will still be beautiful when it hits the 100-year old mark.

A second category is mass-produced collectibles. Beanie Babies, trading cards and Hummel figurines fit into this category. They don't necessarily have a lot of artistic merit. But manufacturers have created desirability by producing limited editions.

Another category is items associated with particular people. For example, anything worn by the Beatles or Elvis Presley is collectible.

Memorabilia

There is a difference between collectibles and memorabilia. Collectibles are things that are ornamental. They never served an utilitarian purpose. A piece of memorabilia served a particular purpose. Movie posters, sports programs, cameras, television sets and musical instruments are all examples of items that fall into this category. Movie posters were used to sell movies. Sports programs were used to communicate information. And, cameras, television sets and musical instruments all serve a function.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He has appeared on a variety of television programs; does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has taught courses on antiques at the Learning Annex. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Interior decorating trends toward rich color, vintage look
Tampabay.com, FL - Nov 10, 2008
By Scripps Howard News Service Economic extremes call for color extremes. Check the predictions for colors at Color Marketing Group, which has been ...


Stay-at-home mom Leslie Fox just blocks from home when killed ...
MLive.com, MI - 22 hours ago
Before Leslie Fox gave birth to the twins, she was in the house cleaning and interior decorating business, Nora Fox said. Nora Fox said her sister was quite ...


Specialty dealer adds motorcycles
Sarasota Herald-Tribune, FL - 11 hours ago
Evans can help a client with all of their interior decorating needs. TEGrity Solutions has announced the opening of its Web Site development services for ...


Appeal for cash as residential home faces closure
South Devon Herald Express, UK - 13 hours ago
The council is already providing some materials and manpower to tidy the grounds and to do some interior decorating.


Bedroom of dreams places priority on beauty, comfort
NewsOK.com, OK - Nov 29, 2008
... recoup from the day and sleep restfully,” says Esther Sadowsky, owner of the interior decorating company Charm & Whimsy in New York. ...


Moffly Media Cutting Staff and Production Schedule
Westport-News, CT - Nov 28, 2008
At Home in Fairfield County magazine, a publication dedicated to interior decorating that was launched three years ago by the Moffly family, ...


On offense for a cure
Attleboro Sun Chronicle, MA - Nov 28, 2008
"This is pretty much all we're doing right now," said Jennifer, who owns an interior decorating company, Jade Redesign. While opening a UPS package ...


Dunn County News

Dining in Dunn County: Home cooking and hospitality
Dunn County News, WI - Nov 28, 2008
Its façade and interior decorating certainly lived up to its moniker. “I pointed it out to Alan,” remembered Dianne, “and we both agreed it was pretty ...


Put concrete, brick to work on the inside
AZ Central.com, AZ - Nov 28, 2008
28, 2008 12:00 PM Materials once reserved for sidewalks, driveways, exterior walls and patios have become more popular for interior decorating. ...


Farragutpress

Design House Interiors moves to Turkey Creek
Farragutpress, TN - Nov 5, 2008
Design House Interiors offers a wide array of interior decorating products as well as an in-house designer. “Our main business is doing the interior design ...

Interior-Decorating - Google News

home | site map
© 2006