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Forgotten Pages Fueling Antique Market Boom   The "Written Page" Rises In Value New York - The rustle of aged paper, the scent of time clinging to yellowed pages – these are the siren calls for a growing legion of collectors and resellers scouring flea markets, estate sales, and dusty secondhand shops this fall. While the thrill of discovering a valuable antique trinket or piece of furniture remains a powerful draw, a quiet revolution is happening within the antique marketplace: the skyrocketing value of antique books, medical transcripts, historical documents, and other paper ephemera. This surge in interest and value is not just benefiting seasoned collectors; it's breathing new life into the entire antique and vintage reseller market.  The digital age, ironically, has fueled this resurgence. As information becomes increasingly ephemeral and digital, the tangible connection to the past embodied by these paper treasures becomes even more precious. "People crave authenticity," says Margaret Hayes, a rare book dealer specialising in historical documents. "In a world saturated with digital information, these physical artifacts offer a tangible link to history, a connection that resonates deeply with collectors." This desire for tangible history is a key driver in the increased demand and subsequent price appreciation. The stories are the stuff of legend. A first edition of a classic novel tucked away in a box of discarded books at a garage sale. A forgotten medical transcript revealing groundbreaking insights from a bygone era. These discoveries, while seemingly infrequent, are much more common than most would expect, fueling the dreams of every treasure hunter venturing into the world of secondhand finds. "It's like winning the lottery," exclaims Tom Jenkins, a regular book-hunter at his local flea market. "The possibility of finding something truly valuable is what keeps me coming back. Even if I don't find a goldmine, I always enjoy the hunt." However, for those just starting the journey, it's this lottery-ticket mentality that's drawing more and more people to the market in ever increasing numbers. The surge in value is particularly noticeable in specialized areas like medical history. Antique medical texts, particularly those documenting significant advancements or containing handwritten annotations by prominent physicians, can fetch astonishing prices at auction. "The history of medicine is fascinating," says Dr. Emily Carter, a collector of antique medical books. "These texts offer a glimpse into the evolution of medical knowledge and practice. They're not just books; they're historical artifacts." This specialized interest has driven prices for these items to record levels, further demonstrating the demand for unique and historically significant paper ephemera.  Rare Medical Books Are Seeing Top Dollar Results At Auctions An article by the The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the market for rare medical books is currently booming, with values expected to continue rising. Bolstering this claim, a neurosurgeon's impressive collection of early medical texts, amassed over six decades, is currently heading to auction, backing up many treasure hunter's notions about valuable paper products just 'waiting to be found.' The highlight of the sale is anticipated to be a rare 1476 Italian first edition of Pliny the Elder's Historia naturalis. This comprehensive work, covering everything from medicine and zoology to mathematics and physics, is estimated to sell for as much as $150,000. This surge in paper-popularity is prompting not only treasure hunters to seek out these examples, but also those in the physicians field looking to dust off some of their old medical texts in the hopes of scoring big. According to the brokerage firm Stifel Financial, recent auction sale results of rare medical books have significantly outpaced previous years. Over the past four years, the firm says that these uncommon medical texts have generated over $26 million at auction, a substantial increase compared to the approximately $15 million sold in each decade since the 1990s. However, it's not just the niche medical markets that are gaining in popularity. The Internet has managed to play a pivotal role in the wider 'paper treasure' boom. Online auction sites and specialized book marketplaces have democratized access to these items, connecting sellers with a global network of buyers. "Before the Internet, you were limited to local collectors or antique shops," explains Sarah Miller, who sells antique maps online. "Now, I can reach collectors all over the world, which has significantly increased the value of my inventory." This expanded reach has not only boosted individual sellers' fortunes, but according to Miller, has also injected dynamism into the broader antique market.  Antique Maps Are Also Selling Well The condition of antique paper items also plays a crucial role in their value. Tears, stains, and water damage can significantly diminish an item's worth. "Preservation is key," emphasises Miller. "Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain the value of these delicate items." This focus on preservation has created a niche market for archival supplies and restoration services, says Miller, which has helped to further contribute to the overall growth of the antique industry. The rise of reality television shows featuring antique appraisers has also contributed to the growing interest in the market. These programs showcase the potential for uncovering hidden gems and often highlight the historical and cultural significance of antique items, including books and documents. "Shows like Antiques Roadshow have made people more aware of the value of their old belongings," says David Johnson, an auctioneer specializing in rare books. "They've sparked a renewed interest in collecting and have encouraged people to explore the potential treasures hidden in their attics and basements." This increased awareness translates into more people participating in the market, both as buyers and sellers. However, the world of antique paper treasures is not without its challenges. Authenticating these items requires expertise and careful examination. "Forgery is a real concern," warns Johnson. "It's crucial to do your research and work with reputable dealers to ensure you're buying genuine articles." This caution highlights the importance of knowledge and expertise in the field, while further driving up the value of reputable dealers and specialists.  Antique & Vintage Postcards Are Also Gaining In Value However, the antique paper market is not just about rare and expensive items. There is also a thriving market for more affordable collectibles, such as vintage postcards, old photographs, and antique advertising ephemera. These items, while not as valuable as rare books or old maps, still hold historical and cultural significance and are attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. "I love collecting vintage postcards," says Lisa Green, a long-time collector of ephemera. "They offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and are a relatively affordable way to start a collection." This broader appeal, encompassing a wide range of price points, says Green, helps to foster the continued health and growth of the industry. The confluence of these combined factors has created a perfect storm for ephemera items and the antique paper market in general. As more people discover the thrill of the hunt and the value of these forgotten pages, it's likely the public's interest will only continue to grow, benefiting not only specialized collectors and dealers but also the broader antique and vintage reseller marketplace as a whole. A.I.A. Staff Writers  NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page.
Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Industry Insiders Chime-In On What To Collect For Future Gains  50s Nostalgia Returns New York - In the ever-evolving world of collecting, certain antique and vintage items often fly under the radar, only to later skyrocket in popularity and value. Savvy collectors know that identifying these hidden gems early on can often lead to rewarding and profitable endeavours down the road. However, it wasn’t that long ago that some antiques and collectibles had fallen from favor among those in certain design circles. But these days, antique and vintage shows are often labeled as one of the hottest selling tickets in town, with events like the Winter Show in New York, London's Decorative Antiques & Textile Fair in Battersea Park, the Washington Winter Show, and the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show all generating huge attendance numbers. So, if you're looking to stand out from the crowd this year and want to invest in a few antiques and collectibles that could have the potential to become super popular (read valuable) in the near-term, you might want to consider adding a few of these items to your future collection.  "Diner Décor" Finds New Devotees The 1950's Returns While many baby-boomers still have fond memories of Happy Days reruns and Grease flashbacks, it's another generation that seems to be spinning the wheel forward, at least according to David Kirk, who runs a 1950's vintage themed store in Nevada. "It's all about the kids" says Kirk. "I've been doing this for almost forty years, when boomers were my only customers, but today it's like a third-generation removed." Kirk says that many of his 'younger' clients love the vintage leather jackets, sunglasses, retro-converted car seats, and sock-hop poster memorabilia that adorns his store walls. "It's not Mid-Century stuff per se," says Kirk, "but more like the chrome and vinyl soda-shop bar stools - or what I like to call juke-box décor." Kirk, who also runs an online version of his 50s store, says that sales really began to take-off last year. "I have absolutely no idea why," he mused, but thinks that some of the newfound interest in his 50s-themed Americana items may just be part of a younger generations desire to harken back to what was often perceived as a simpler and less strenuous time in life to grow up in. "I've sold more bobby socks and saddle-shoe combos to kids in their 20s over the last ten months, than over the last five years," says Kirk, "There doesn't appear to be any rhyme or reason to it, other than perhaps a possible breaking trend."  John Bourne Portrait Sails Past 150K Estimate, Sells For 2.67M American Folk Art - Portraits According to some of the top auction houses, sales of Early American antiques are beginning their rise back to prominence within the decorative arts scene, however, a number of auction researchers are also reporting that one particular genre within this field is showing stronger than expected sales. Included in this group is Christie’s Sallie Glover, a specialist in Early American Folk Art who has been predicting the rise in art portraiture for a number of years now. “American folk portraiture appeals to many different types of collectors,” says Glover. “These works can go just as well with traditional American furniture as they do with a modern interior.” Glover's sentiments seem to match other results for online auction reports that also indicate a noticeable rise in popularity for this type of art form. Doris Henley, an Early American themed online dealer who also aggregates realized auction prices for her business, says that sales of her folk art portraits have ballooned over the past ten months. "I could see it coming," says Henley, "at first it was just a dribble, but then it really opened up about a year ago and the prices started to climb." Henley says she doesn't expect the popularity of folk art to wane anytime soon. "Brown wood and history are just coming back into vogue," she says, "this run has a long way to go yet."  Mongolian Hand-Painted Chest Decorated Chests Inaya Abbas, who runs a specialty themed bricks-and-clicks business devoted to antique blanket boxes and chests, says that while numbers ramped-up after the pandemic and remained constant for the next couple of years, it wasn't until the end of 2023 that she really began to notice an uptick in requests for items and sales of some of her more ornate inventory. "Shaker stuff was selling," says Abbas, "but the more exotic chests that I'd had shipped back from Asia and the Middle East really started to move by the early part of 2024. It's as if a light went off and everyone suddenly decided they had to have a blanket box - it's been crazy busy," she says. Abbas, who's been selling within the decorative arts scene for almost fifteen-years, believes that we're just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg now as people move further away from today's modern motif as a core decorating principle. "I think it's just time for a change, people seem to want more warmth and color now."  Georgian Wine Coolers Popular "Some" Georgian Furniture Backing up Abbas's claim, Noel Fahden, the vice president of merchandising at the online antiques and vintage juggernaut Chairish, also indicated that sales of blanket chests and antique boxes had been on the rise recently, particularly those with original decorative painted finishes. "They can be Swedish or Pennsylvania German, but the more ornamentation the better,” she said. Fahden also went on to note that it wasn't just blanket boxes that had become popular, as she'd also witnessed a pronounced resurgence in traditional furniture over the last year as well. “This ran the gamut from Chippendale to Federal and included both American Colonial Revival pieces and original English and Continental antiques,” said Fahden. Overall, Chairish has recently reported strong upward sales related to almost all aspects of the brown furniture genre.  Old Rotary's On The Rise Rotary Phones While it may be hard for some to fathom, since it might only seem like yesteryear that we were all on landlines (we were), Jin Chang says that sales from his retro collection of last century's rotary phones has been on a skyward trajectory since he opened his private collection website to the public and online sales in 2022. "Most of my buyers are Asian kids who love tech stuff." says Chang, "but it's slowly beginning to change." Chang thinks that most of his clients just want that connection to early past tech, and they're willing to pay for it. When he first started out, Chang claims that finding inventory was easy - it was plentiful and cheap - but no longer. "You can still buy some cool 'hole-dialers' at good prices," he notes, but admits that much has changed over the last year or two. "I now have to compete for inventory in some places," he says, "it's not like the old days where you could literally find examples that had been thrown out with the trash." Chang believes that on average, prices for many of his better quality rotary's have probably doubled in price over the last year, and he doesn't see that slowing down anytime soon. "I've got more demand than supply," he says, "so until that changes, I think the market will continue to remain strong well into 2025."  Ceramics Begin Comeback Vintage Studio Ceramics Once lacking in the doldrums, vintage studio ceramics finally look to be making a comeback as well, at least according to many auction-house insiders and industry dealers. Benjamin Walker, Bonham's head of global decorative arts and design department, says that the auction house is seeing a comeback in interest for clay. “The international market for contemporary British ceramics is well established and has been growing in strength,” says Walker, “We’re now seeing a growing trend in American studio ceramics that is following this interest. Over the past five to ten years the category has gained more public interest and climbed in value.” Recent sales would seem to back-up Walker's claim, as examples from auction results showing a 1968 Hans Coper vase (with top) being sold for a record-setting $790,000 last year. Pam Newley, a New York artist who works in clay, and who also runs an established online gallery devoted to early twentieth-century American ceramics, says that she's also seen a marked increase in interest by consumers for quality ceramic pieces as well - and not just those from studios. "Ten years ago there just wasn't that much of a market for clay anymore," she says, "but in the last two or three years it's all started to come back." Newley, who's been in business for almost thirty-years knows it's cyclical, of course, but says that, "It's just starting-up again," so for those looking to get in on the ground-floor as collectors or re-sellers, "now would probably be a good time." For most though, trying to ascertain the vagaries and movement patterns of 'in-demand' objects within the field of the decorative arts can often make one feel like you've got a better chance of nailing water to the wall, than getting a reliable market prognostication of things to come. However, as David Kirk is fond of reminding people who visit his store's 1950s-inspired website, "Figuring out what's going to be hot and collectible is easy; it's all just a matter of heading back to the future again... right?" - A.I.A. Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page.
Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. Top Buys For The Autumn Season  Fall's Best Vintage Finds New York - As the seasons change, so too does the rhythm of home decor. Autumn signals a return to warmth, texture, and layered comfort, making it the perfect time to trade crisp summer minimalism for cozy, character-rich interiors. The best place to start this transformation according to many in-style experts, isn’t the big-box store - it’s the antique shop, flea market, or online vintage marketplace. Right now, antique and vintage dealers are stocking up on key pieces that effortlessly transition a space into a fall sanctuary. We spoke to industry insiders and consulted recent market trends to identify the five essential fall finds that dealers say you should be thrifting and buying immediately. These aren’t just fleeting trends; they are investments in style, sustainability, and history. 1. Dark Wood Accents and Case Goods After years dominated by light oak and white-washed finishes, dark wood is staging a magnificent comeback. Designers and collectors are increasingly drawn to the richness and permanence of mahogany, walnut, and deeply stained oak. "There's a palpable shift away from cold minimalism," notes Eleanor Vance, a Washington-based decorative arts consultant whose work focuses on blending antique pieces with modern living. "People are craving furniture that feels anchored, that brings gravity and warmth into a room. A simple Edwardian console table or a Victorian dresser in a rich, dark wood instantly achieves that." This trend is backed by rising market prices. Recent sales analysis from several major US antique show organizers confirms a noticeable increase in demand and price appreciation for these more traditional, substantial pieces. Look for items with handsome veneers or subtle carving - they act as perfect visual anchors against lighter wall colors and modern sofas.  Blending Old & New Continues To Be A Popular Choice 2. Studio Pottery and Earth-Toned Ceramics Put away the clear glass vases; fall calls for texture and materiality. Studio pottery - handmade ceramic pieces from the mid-20th century onward - is currently one of the hottest segments in the decorative arts, with prices rising quickly. These unique vessels, bowls, and lamps are characterized by matte, textural glazes and deep, earthy colors like burnt orange, moss green, and deep charcoal. As reported in a recent issue of Homes & Gardens, this category is favored by younger collectors because the items feel authentic and unique, serving as functional art. Look for pieces by well-known makers or simply buy based on form and color. "The appeal and resurgence of interest in vintage ceramics comes from their individuality," explains Nora Stewart, owner of Timeless Finds Antique Mall. "They offer a grounding element. A single, weighty ceramic vase in a warm ochre glaze is all you need to bring a fall-ready focal point to a mantel or dining table." Focus on pieces that boast visible craftsmanship - drips, finger marks, and slightly imperfect shapes are desirable signs of authenticity.  Mid-Century Earth Tones Are In Demand 3. Vintage Wool and Turkish Rugs Nothing transforms a room for autumn quite like a large, textural rug. While abstract modern rugs have held court for years, the market has swung back to favoring vintage wool rugs, especially those with rich, faded palettes and traditional patterns. Oushak or faded Persian rugs are particularly sought after for their worn, muted tones of terracotta, deep sapphire, and cream. Their low pile and durable wool construction make them ideal for adding warmth underfoot without overwhelming a space. This is also an investment in sustainability. As Architectural Digest frequently highlights, rugs are often the most effective "green" purchase in a room, as high-quality vintage wool rugs are made to last a lifetime, unlike fast-fashion floor coverings. Aaron Decker of Vintage Floors & Accessories, says that thrifting a large, colorful vintage rug is not only the fastest way to infuse your space with fall warmth and history, but it's also a long-term investment that will hold its value long after those big-box store rugs have lost their style & pile.  Warm Vintage Wool Rugs 4. Brass and Patinated Copper Lighting As the days shorten, lighting becomes paramount. Stacey Hopps, a dealer in vintage lighting, says that this year she's seen a huge interest in swapping out shiny chrome for the soft, warm glow of vintage brass and patinated copper fixtures. "These metals age beautifully," she says, "developing a dark, rich finish that perfectly complements the autumnal palette." Hopp's says that if you're looking for a decorative lighting investment that's not only stylish, but that's also likely to retain a good chunk of its value, you should search for brass pharmacy lamps, mid-century Danish pendants with warm metal bases, and antique copper lanterns. "Their aged finish provides an instant layer of character that new lighting often lacks," she says." Hopp's also notes that the texture and color of aged metal against a dark wood surface tends to create a sophisticated layered look that she finds many designers seek out in the fall. "In the end, it's a bit of a return to the classics with warmth tending to trump cold - especially this time of year!"  Pantinated Finishes 5. Architectural or Academic Prints To complete the cozy, curated look, Hanna Bowman, from Vintage & Flea Market Finds, says that the trick to adding warmth and character to your walls this season is to use vintage paper goods. "While gallery style walls still remain popular," she says, "the trend is leaning toward specific, atmospheric prints: architectural drawings, old maps, botanical lithographs, and even academic diagrams." Bowman says that these items, often found at flea markets or in the back of antique shops, bring an intellectual, library-like atmosphere that's perfect for the autumn season. "Frame a set of antique botanical prints in simple dark wood frames, or hang a large, aged celestial map over a sofa. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to thrift highly impactful decor," she says, "plus it's also a great investment as paper antiques are currently seeing a real renaissance in valuation."  Botanical Lithographs Whether you're a dealer, collector, or simply looking to change up your decor, you'll find that by focusing some of your thrifting efforts on these five areas - dark wood, earthy pottery, wool rugs, warm metal lighting, and scholarly prints - you’ll not only be capturing the essence of the autumn season, but you'll also likely be reaping the rewards of making mindful and lasting investments in pieces that will hold their style and value long after the leaves have fallen. - AIA Staff Writers NOTE: For readers seeking more information about the Asheford Institute Of Antiques distance-learning program on professional-level appraising, the study of antiques, collectibles, vintage and mid-century modern items, please click here to visit the school's Home Page.
Should you have additional questions about the Asheford program, you can also write to the school at: [email protected] or call the Registrar's Office toll-free at: 1-877-444-4508. |
AIA StaffWe're providing our students and reader's with the latest breaking news on events and happenings that we think might be of interest to both collectors and dealers alike. Including changes within the world of antiques, vintage, collectibles and appraising that might just have an effect on your bottom line. We're also interested in hearing from you - so if you've got a great newsworthy story, let us know, and you just might find it here! Archives
October 2025
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