Vintage 101

Vintage is Not for Everyone

• Vintage is not new. Vintage items are typically 50 to 150 years old.
• Vintage is most often used. 
• Vintage looks like something that belonged to your Great Aunt or your Grandmother. 
• One person may adore vintage everything with a passion, while others detest vintage anything with equal passion.
• If you want new, you may never be happy with Vintage pieces.
• Though you yourself may not appreciate vintage beauty, consider vintage as a valuable and charming gift for others in your life.

Vintage is Not New

Please remember vintage is not new, and most vintage items have been used. Some vintage replica and reproduction items are new, look old, and collectors value appreciates for having never been used.

You can find an imaginative use for a slightly flawed display piece of vintage anything. 1/24th miniature scenes are wonderful when placed in a display clear glass lamp oil reserve bowl. A decorated miniature Christmas tree is beautiful when placed in a clear glass lamp chimney.

Be sure to learn more about the flaws -- we prefer to call it "character" -- in each section of our inventory.

Vintage Ranges in Value

A vintage gift in good condition increases in collector's value over the years. It often becomes a treasured heirloom with appraisal based on it's age and used condition. 

At Gifts From Days Gone Bye, we track vintage competitive markets. We price with Collectors low and high market value, then sell at the low end market value. 

Vintage Items Require Care

Be prepared to groom vintage pieces. Here are some basic tips.

For silver, gold, brass or copper finishes

• Wash items by hand
• Do not use scouring pads

• Be prepared to commence 'spit shine and polish' procedures on a regular basis of upkeep for all metals. 
  

If you really adore vintage silver, brass or copper, buy to your heart's content, for you will discover the elbow grease involved can become a wonderful meditative therapy, if you allow your thoughts to drift back into the days of another era . . . If only the treasure in your hands could talk...

For vintage china, crystal, porcelain, depression glass wares, stone wares and pottery:

• Wash items by hand
• If you must use the dishwasher, replace your dish soap with baking soda, use tepid water, and run a short, mild cycle and very mild or no heat to dry.

 

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