At almost every antiques fair, somebody eventually picks up a teapot, tray or piece of old cutlery amongst the silver and silver plate and asks the same question: “Is this solid silver?” Sometimes the answer appears immediately in a clear row of hallmarks. On other occasions, years of polishing, wear and accumulated tarnish make the […]
Category Archives: Collecting
Discover the fascinating world of collecting with expert guides, identification advice and stories covering coins, stamps, glass, ceramics, paperweights and other treasured collectables.
Collectors often ask a simple question when they handle antique metalware: is this brass or bronze? At first glance the two metals look similar. However, once you understand the differences, you can identify them quickly and confidently. In fact, learning to distinguish brass or bronze forms an important skill for anyone who collects antique metal […]
Collecting
Decorative Antique Metalware: A Guide to Collecting Decorative Antique Metalware for the Home
Many collectors begin with porcelain, glass or coins. However, decorative antique metalware often proves just as rewarding. Brass candlesticks, copper trays, bronze ornaments, silver boxes and old desk accessories combine practical history with the kind of craftsmanship that modern objects rarely match. These pieces were made to be used. They stood on writing desks, lit […]
Controlled bubble paperweights often attract attention because they combine studio glass craftsmanship with a calm, modern appearance. However, many collectors feel unsure about what the term actually means or why these pieces remain popular. This guide explains controlled bubble paperweights clearly, therefore helping both new and experienced collectors recognise the technique and appreciate how it […]
Collecting Scottish Paperweights remains one of the most approachable areas of antique and vintage collecting.However, Scottish examples of these wonderful glass spheres stand out for their consistency, quality, and recognisable style. Because Scotland developed a strong glassmaking tradition during the twentieth century, collectors often turn to Scottish makers when they want reliability without intimidation.As a […]
If you have ever picked up a glass piece and wondered how it was made, you are not alone. Many collectors and home decorators struggle to differentiate between pressed glass and blown glass. However, once you understand what to look for, the distinctions become far clearer. This guide explains pressed glass vs blown glass in […]
Whitman Coin Folders sit at the heart of organised coin collecting, and from the very first moment collectors used them, they changed how coins were stored, displayed, and understood. Instead of loose tins, envelopes, or drawers, collectors suddenly gained structure, purpose, and a clear collecting goal. So today, let’s explore where these well-known coin folders […]
Collectors often face one question when examining older carvings, handles, ornaments, and small decorative items. Is it ivory or bone? The two materials can look similar at first glance, so new collectors sometimes guess incorrectly or feel unsure about what they see. However, you can learn the difference once you understand a few reliable visual […]
When you pick up an old tankard, candlestick, tray or piece of antique cutlery, one question often comes to mind almost immediately: is it silver or pewter? At first glance the two metals can look remarkably similar, especially after decades of polishing, tarnishing and everyday use. Fortunately, there are several reliable ways to tell the […]
Sometimes the most interesting coins are the ones that went wrong. A small slip in the minting process can turn an ordinary coin into something collectors get excited about. These are known as British Error Coins, and they sit at the curious intersection of accident and artistry. Every mis-strike tells a story. Whether it’s a […]
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