Vintage Finds in an Estate Retail Store

People collect items during their lives which become part of their estate. Whether downsizing or breaking up an estate, one popular option is to hold an estate sale or sell the items to an estate retail store. Some items have minimum value while others may be collectibles. An estate store is always getting new items in stock from a variety of estate sales in the area. It can be fun and exciting to hunt for vintage finds at an estate retail store. So, how do you know what vintage items are of value?

Crystal

Crystal is one of the most sought-after types of collectible finds. Vintage crystal comes in many forms, including stemware, vases, pitchers, bowls and more. Check to make sure a piece is crystal and not glass by holding it up to the light. If it is crystal, you will see prisms, while glass appears transparent.

China

Some vintage china is collectible and rare. Look at the back of the piece to see the marking, which typically includes the manufacturer and where it was made. Antique bone china is somewhat translucent and thin. Condition is important, so check for chips, cracks, and repairs.

Silver

Vintage silver pieces can be beautiful and collectible. Whether sterling silver or silverplate, there are many pieces to choose from, such as flatware, tea sets, platters, cups, and bowls. Check the piece for manufacturer’s marks. Use a small magnet to test whether a piece is silverplate. Silverplate pieces will not attract the magnet very strongly. Both silver and silverplate items are nice to find.

Jewelry

Antique or vintage jewelry is always fun. Pieces range from basic costume to fine jewelry.  Fine jewelry is made with precious stones and metals including gold & silver, so look for hallmarks on the findings. These pieces may also have real gems as opposed to glass or synthetic materials.

Furniture

You can often find vintage furniture at an estate retail store. Currently, one of the most popular styles is mid-century modern (MCM). Examine the piece to see if it has repairs. Refinishing can sometimes reduce the value of a piece. Reproductions are often more common than originals. To look for reproductions, you will need to look closely at the materials and methods used in the item’s production.

Kitchen Collectibles

Unique and interesting vintage kitchen items are fun to collect. Pie birds are little ceramic birds that are made to be put into a baking pie to release steam. Copper bakeware comes in various shapes and sizes and looks great when you display them on the wall. Colanders, mixing bowls, and rolling pins are interesting and make nice displays.

The most important rule when shopping for vintage finds is to choose items that you like. Think about how you will use or display the piece or how it will add to your collection.

At Dishfunctional, we have a large inventory of estate finds that is constantly changing. We invite you to stop by to browse at 225 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, PA, 19355, in the Lincoln Court Shopping Center, or call us at (484) 328-8401.