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 is important from our parents. But markets are changing, and new collectors have different tastes.
What overlooked treasures are hidden in your home right now? The answers may surprise you. In this series, we’ll explore the hottest collections you may already have.
1. Hammond organs
I am fortunate to have many friends in the resale business, and, in order to learn more about Hammond organs, I interviewed some of the best. Hammond organ expert Bobby Bergland has been buying, restoring and reselling this unique set of musical instruments for 30 years. A talented musician in his own right, his appreciation of Hammond is professional and deeply personal.
The first patent for the Hammond organ was filed in 1934 by its inventor, Laurens Hammond of Evanston, Illinois. Called the “Electric Flute” in those early years, Hammond’s invention was the first instrument to combine electrical and mechanical systems to create a cleaner and stronger sound.
According to Bobby, these are the most collectible and valuable Hammond models (in descending order):
- Hammond B-3 (produced from 1955-1974)
- Hammond C-3 (1955-1974)
- Hammond A-100 (1955-1965)
- Hammond RT-3 (1954-1969)
“Today’s buyers are concerned about two things: the condition of the console (the wooden encasement that houses the organ) and the performance of the mechanical and electrical components,” says Bobby. The primary buyers of the B-3 model are established rock and R&B bands, and churches are loyal buyers of all the models listed above.
Recently on eBay, this Hammond B-3 model with bench sold for $9,000, and this A-100 model with bench sold for $1,495.
2. Faribault’s fur coats
In the 1860s, Carl H. Klemer founded what would become the Faribault Mill in Faribault, Minnesota. Still going strong today, the company sells woolen blankets, cotton sheets, pillows and a variety of cold weather items.
Similar to the classic Pendleton and Hudson Bay blankets, Faribault blankets are valued not only for their practical use, but also for their artistic quality. You may find them hanging on the wall as they are placed on the bed.
Pristine pieces from the 1940s-1970s sell well. Recently on eBay, this Faribault blanket with bold stripes sold for $100 and this tartan plaid example is listed for $220 on Etsy.
Faribault vs. Faribo: Do not hit Spell Check. Faribo is a byproduct used by Faribault Woolen Mills in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to approximate how the town’s name is pronounced (FAIR-boh).
3. Uranium glass
Rather than a specific glassmaker, the term uranium glass refers to any type of glass made with a small amount of uranium. Added during the smelting and shaping process, uranium creates a stunning greenish-yellow glow when illuminated under ultraviolet light.
Popular from the mid-1880s to the early 1940s, uranium glass is sometimes called “Vaseline” or “canary” glass because of the yellow colors achieved by some glass companies. The popularity of glass declined in the 1940s as access to uranium was limited due to World War II.
Although uranium glass was produced by many companies, the pieces found in the United States were most likely made by:
- Moser
- Cambridge Glass
- Viking Glass
- Fenton
- Boyd Crystal Art Glass
- Buckeye glass
Today, this glowing glass curiosity is a hot seller on the Internet. Recently on eBay, this Fenton glass spacer sold for $849. Also on Etsy, this barrel-shaped bar set by Cambridge is listed for $1,559.99
Safety concerns: Understandably, the word “uranium” causes health concerns for many of us. According to Science Times, uranium glass is safe to own as the level of radioactivity is about the same as that produced by most household electronics. However, using the pieces as part of your daily dinnerware is not recommended.
Quality quotient
This month’s hot collections are products of innovative design and high-quality craftsmanship. Short of any other information about the resale market, being able to identify quality is the single most important skill in spotting the gems around you.
As the retail market becomes more chaotic and fashion cycles become shorter and shorter, quality becomes a true rarity. Take a second to compare your favorite antiques with their modern counterparts. It will make you appreciate what you already have even more.
Curious about the wonderful world of vintage collecting? Check out my series of hidden gems in the secondhand market.
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