Category: Trade Tidbits

  • Lladro Porcelain and Its Spanish Alternatives: A Brief History and Guide

    Lladro Porcelain and Its Spanish Alternatives: A Brief History and Guide

    Lladro is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite porcelain artistry, renowned for delicate craftsmanship and timeless, ethereal designs. Its success has also shone a spotlight on Spain’s rich ceramic tradition, inspiring other talented makers to create stunning alternatives with their own unique flair. Lladró controls about 70% of the Valencian porcelain market! The Story of Lladro…

  • We Need Your Help Identifying This Antique Pin

    We Need Your Help Identifying This Antique Pin

    Every so often, we come across a small treasure that raises more questions than it answers. This time, it’s a fascinating little pin that appears to have religious significance and seems quite old. It caught our attention amidst a collection of other vintage pins, likely from the early 20th century or later. What makes this…

  • When eBay Auctions Go Wrong: A Seller’s Learning Curve

    When eBay Auctions Go Wrong: A Seller’s Learning Curve

    Recently, we bid on an item listed on eBay in an auction format, with the bidding starting at only $1. The auction was for an old book from the late 19th century, in relatively good condition. Since there were no other bidders, we won the auction at $1, plus applicable taxes. We paid the full…

  • The Many Formats of the Little Golden Books

    The Many Formats of the Little Golden Books

    We are passionate collectors of vintage children’s books and we avidly seek out cherished series like Little Golden Books to add to our collection and share with fellow enthusiasts through our marketplace. For those interested in pursuing this particular series, this post strives to list all formats that have been used over the years in…

  • Unveiling the Glow: Manganese vs. Uranium in Vintage Glass

    Unveiling the Glow: Manganese vs. Uranium in Vintage Glass

    Vintage glassware has a charm and uniqueness that captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. Among the fascinating aspects of some these collectibles is their ability to glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. However, not all vintage glass glows for the same reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between glass containing manganese and glass containing…

  • Collecting American Vintage Pottery: Roseville’s Journey from Clay to Legacy

    Collecting American Vintage Pottery: Roseville’s Journey from Clay to Legacy

    A significant presence in American pottery, Roseville Pottery thrived from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Originating in Roseville, Ohio, the company, founded in 1890 as the Roseville Pottery Company, earned acclaim for its excellence in crafting high-quality art pottery featuring innovative designs and distinctive glazes. Roseville Pottery went through several phases in…

  • Collecting American Vintage Glass: Exploring the Charm of the Hazel Atlas Glass

    Collecting American Vintage Glass: Exploring the Charm of the Hazel Atlas Glass

    Hazel-Atlas Glass Company was an American glass manufacturing company that operated from 1902 to 1964. It was one of the largest producers of glassware in the early to mid-20th century and is well-known for its Depression glass and kitchenware. Their origins trace back to the establishment of the Hazel Glass Company in 1885. Founded by…

  • A Collector’s Guide to Vintage Diecast Toys: Unveiling the Metals

    A Collector’s Guide to Vintage Diecast Toys: Unveiling the Metals

    Did you know that vintage diecast toys are typically made from a combination of metals? Diecast toys are typically made from a combination of metals, usually zinc and aluminum alloys. The term “diecast” refers to the manufacturing process called die casting, where molten metal is injected into a mold under high pressure. This process allows…

  • The Remarkable Journey of Maud Lewis’ ‘Lobsterman’ Painting

    The Remarkable Journey of Maud Lewis’ ‘Lobsterman’ Painting

    In the art world, one person’s treasure can often emerge from unexpected origins. The heartwarming tale of Maud Lewis’ beloved painting, ‘The Lobsterman,’ perfectly exemplifies this phenomenon. Originally bartered for a modest sapphire tie tack in the 1970s, this delightful piece of Canadian folk art recently reappeared in the spotlight, selling for a remarkable sum…