With 30 years of resale under my belt, I’m the guy when friends need a quick analysis. And over the years I’ve noticed something that happens over and over again: Antiques that many people consider valuable are often useless, and the things they want to throw away are often hot collectibles.
Here’s why: Most of us get our idea of what’s important from our parents. But markets are changing, and new collectors have different preferences.
What overlooked treasures are hidden in your home right now? The answers may surprise you. In this series, we’ll explore the hot collections you may already have.
1. McCarthy’s Pottery
An old episode of “Antiques Roadshow” enlightened me about Lee and Pup McCarty’s beautiful regional dishes. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to find McCartys Pottery pieces as far north as Vancouver, Washington.
The couple began manufacturing their products near Oxford, Mississippi, in 1954. Back then, an old mule barn served as a production facility and the source of the clay was a ravine on William Faulkner’s property (yes, that William Faulkner). The famous author heard about the young couple from his daughter, Jill, and invited the artists to take as much clay as they wanted.
Many pieces of McCartys Pottery feature a bold black squiggly line on a glazed surface. Although it may seem like a mistake, it is completely intentional. The freeform line represents the mighty and meandering Mississippi River. With or without the trademark squiggle, each piece will be marked “McCartys, Merigold, Miss” or simply “McCartys”
Recently on eBay, this 6-inch McCartys jar sold for $950, and this 9-inch cat statue sold for $202.50.
2. Pewabic Tiles
Since 1903, Pewabic has been a force for creativity and innovation in Detroit, Michigan. Founded by Mary Chase Perry and her husband, Horace Caulkins, Pewabic was an early leader in the Arts and Crafts movement, providing high-gloss glazes and tiles that served architects and designers around the world.
Today, Pewabic is a suburb of Detroit. Its studio has been designated a National Historic Landmark and its working pottery, tile shop, and arts and education center operates as a non-profit organization driven by one mission: to enrich the human spirit with clay.
The name Pewabic appears under the tiles. Look for the embossed circular logo that reads, “Pewabic Detroit” with the year of manufacture in the center. On eBay, this angel-themed Pewabic tile sold for $166.13, and on Etsy, this pair of tiles from 1998 is listed for $399.
3. Higgins art glass
A staple of mid-century design, Higgins was founded in 1948 by husband and wife team, Michael and Frances Higgins. Rather than hand-blown glass, the couple assembled sections of enameled colored glass into the han.
Working from their Chicago apartment (with small boilers placed behind the sofa), Higgins produced intricate, tactile and colorful plates, jewelry, vases and mobiles.
Pieces are often marked with the printed or embedded name “Higgins” and a striking image that collectors call “the dancing man” (see example in the upper left corner of the Higgins Glass Studio homepage).
This Higgins glass trivet recently sold for $215.67 on eBay, and this perforated cigar box sold for $125.
don’t go breakin’
The precious objects of this vintage article have one thing in common – they can break! After 30 years of buying and selling online, I developed a theory: The number of perishables is growing faster than any other category of collectibles. With so many new vendors and so much packaging and shipping going on, breaking fast makes things rare and expensive.
If you find a fragile treasure in your house and decide to sell it, my advice is this: Charge a healthy price for shipping, pack the item like it’s going to war, and be sure to insure it for full value.
Curious about the ever-changing world of collections? Check out my series of hidden gems in the secondhand market.
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