Collecting Vintage Glass Insulators: From Telegraph to Telephone

Collecting Vintage Glass Insulators: From Telegraph to Telephone

Glass insulators were primarily used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to insulate and protect telegraph and telephone wires. Since the mid-1960s, collecting glass insulators has become popular among enthusiasts who appreciate their unique designs, historical significance, and nostalgic charm. This blog tells you a few things to know about collecting glass insulators.

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Stitching Memories: A Guide to Collecting Vintage Patches
Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen

Stitching Memories: A Guide to Collecting Vintage Patches

Collecting vintage patches is a hobby that stitches together the past and present, weaving stories, memories, and artistry into small, embroidered squares. These tiny fabric relics, often overlooked in their simplicity, hold a unique charm and an irresistible allure for collectors of all ages. In this blog post, we'll unravel the world of vintage patches, exploring their rich history, the undeniable appeal that makes them coveted collectibles, and the myriad benefits of embarking on a journey to curate your patch collection.

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From Kitsch to Collectible: The Enduring Appeal of Treasure Craft Pottery
Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen

From Kitsch to Collectible: The Enduring Appeal of Treasure Craft Pottery

In the world of collectibles, few treasures are as charming and evocative of a bygone era as vintage pottery. Among the many pottery manufacturers that flourished during the mid-20th century, Treasure Craft is an icon of American ceramic artistry. With its whimsical designs, nostalgic charm, and the ability to transport collectors back to the golden age of mid-century decor, Treasure Craft Pottery has carved a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.

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Collecting Political Buttons: A Window into Political History
Vintage guide, Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Vintage guide, Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Collecting Political Buttons: A Window into Political History

Political buttons, also called campaign buttons or political badges, have significantly shaped political history worldwide. These small yet powerful items serve as visual symbols of support, advocacy, and political affiliation. From early political campaigns to contemporary movements, the evolution of political buttons reflects the shifting tides of social and political landscapes.

For collectors and enthusiasts, this post explores the world of political button collecting. We'll share tips on how to start a collection, identify fakes and reproductions, and provide insight into the history of political buttons in the United States.

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Preserving the Past: Tips for Maintaining and Preserving Your Vintage Collection
Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide, Vintage guide Amy Mortensen

Preserving the Past: Tips for Maintaining and Preserving Your Vintage Collection

As you embark on your journey into vintage collecting, it's crucial to recognize the importance of preservation. Proper maintenance and care safeguard these delicate bridges to the past, allowing us to continue sharing their stories with those who will come after us. Let's explore how we can honor their significance by preserving and maintaining their condition so that their emotional value can continue to weave its magic across time and generations.

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Collecting on a Budget: Tips and Tricks for Building a Stunning Collection Without Breaking the Bank
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Collecting on a Budget: Tips and Tricks for Building a Stunning Collection Without Breaking the Bank

In this post, we'll embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of collecting on a budget, proving that passion, resourcefulness, and creativity can triumph over financial constraints. Whether you're a seasoned collector looking to diversify your collection or a beginner eager to embark on your first collecting adventure, this guide will equip you with invaluable insights to turn your dreams into reality without breaking the bank.

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The Art of Curated Clutter: A Beginner's Guide to Cluttercore
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

The Art of Curated Clutter: A Beginner's Guide to Cluttercore

In cluttercore, the aesthetic value of objects is often secondary to their sentimental or nostalgic value. Cluttercore enthusiasts tend to collect and display items that others might perceive as junk or clutter, such as vintage clothing, old books, or quirky memorabilia.

Overall, cluttercore celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression through a maximalist and eclectic approach to home decor.

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Pfaltzgraff Housewares - A Beginners Collecting Guide
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Pfaltzgraff Housewares - A Beginners Collecting Guide

The Pfaltzgraff tradition of pottery got its start in the early 1810’s when George Pfaltzgraff began making stoneware and redware pottery in the York area of Pennsylvania. Collectors appreciate Phaltzgraff dinnerware collections for their utility and their appearance. Some collectors focus on collecting one specific pattern while other collectors are more interested in Pfaltzgraff as an American folk art.

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Beginner's Guide To Collecting Cookie Jars
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Beginner's Guide To Collecting Cookie Jars

Decorative cookie jars began to appear as a form of kitchenware in the United States in the early 1930s. Today there are many sites online where you can find new and vintage collectibles including cookie jars. Auction sites, such as eBay and Ubid, are terrific venues for shopping and researching the many cookie jars that are available.

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Avon Bottles - A Beginners Guide To Collecting
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Avon Bottles - A Beginners Guide To Collecting

Avon figural bottle popularity was between 1965-1980, although other figural containers have been produced since then. These bottles were created in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including animals, people, vehicles, and household objects. Some popular designs were shaped like cars, trains, animals, and famous people, such as Elvis Presley and George Washington.

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Overview of Vintage Salt And Pepper Shaker Manufacturers
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Overview of Vintage Salt And Pepper Shaker Manufacturers

I've learned a lot in the last few years about vintage salt and pepper shakers. In researching the owl shakers from my grandmother's collection I have come across some excellent manufacturers including Holt Howard, Napco, Lego, and Enesco. Most of these seem to be imported from Japan. Here is some background and lovely examples of these great companies.

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Fire King By Anchor Hocking - A Beginners Guide To Collecting
Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen Collectors Guide Amy Mortensen

Fire King By Anchor Hocking - A Beginners Guide To Collecting

Anchor Hocking Glass Corporation began as the Hocking Glass Company of Lancaster, Ohio. Founded in 1905 near the Hocking River for which it’s named; the pressed-glass company prospered on its own until 1937 when it merged with the Anchor Cap and Closure Corporation of Long Island City, New York. The company is best known for its Fire-King glass which was manufactured from about 1940 until 1976.

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