The Top Antiques of 2014

There is no question that the antique business is not the frenzy it was ten or fifteen years ago, but, in general, it’s doing just fine. Just look at the number of shows on television having to do with antique and vintage items. People are still very interested.
Here’s my annual list of what kinds of things people seem to be interested in today. I put it together based on what I have seen around in my travels and read about in the trade publications and on the Internet. There is so much more out there than is listed here; all you have to do is get out to the shops and look around. It’s fun.
Some items get more attention on the antiques market for obvious reasons. For instance, since it’s the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar; so, why not take another look at all the horse-related art, collectibles and decorative accessories out there?
Horses are beautiful animals that have always inspired collectors and decorators, but a year like this can make converts. Some folks over the next few months will decide that decorative accessories featuring horses are just what their interior design needs – an oil painting, a sporting print, a bronze figure, clock, or lamp. Or maybe it will be some mounted racing or riding memorabilia.
Inviting a different kind of collector, this summer we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War. History buffs and military collectors will pour over battle strategies, battlefront memorabilia uniforms, armaments and gear, medals, maps, munitions boxes, etc. On the softer side, there are the sentimental postcards and handmade handkerchiefs sent back by American soldiers in Paris, There are also home front posters and sheet music.
All kinds of American military memorabilia has been vigorously collected lately. The Civil War still leads the field, but this year we’ll be giving special attention to this “war to end all wars.”
Old American patriotic art and symbols are gaining interest on the current market. The older the better in this field, but you can come right up to the Bicentennial in 1976. This would include paintings or prints of American presidents, statesmen, military figures, historic moments, landmark buildings, busts, flags, eagles, images of Uncle Sam, editorial cartoons and political memorabilia.
These days some Chinese exports may be disparaged for shoddy workmanship or questionable contents materials. There was a time, however, Chinese export porcelains were considered among the most prized possessions in any household. They deserve every bit of that reputation. The quality of the porcelain and the decoration are so exquisite they seem almost calculated to impress us. Today, it’s often the Chinese, themselves, that seem the most impressed by their ancestors’ skill, and that has given a boost to this market.
A segment of the population seems to be weary of traditional English and French decorative options. That’s given rise to the popularity of painted furniture. This is really a revival of Cottage Style Victorian. (And you thought Victorian was over. It’s never over).
It’s surprising how well the painted furniture look can work in even the most modern-style homes. It’s easy, breezy, casual, warm and homey. What’s not to like?
Those who are looking for a more sophisticated environment are still opting for the Mid-Century High Style (1940-1970), either the traditional “Decorator” look, or post-war Modern, where every chair, lamp and vase is a work of art. Very smart.
This flashy 20th Century look is what is also “in” in estate jewelry these days. Just look at the Cartier ads; it’s jewelry you want them to notice across the room. The originals are in the antique shops, and they are also entirely hand-crafted.
Don’t overlook all the everyday utilitarian items folks are finding in antique shops. These are things you might otherwise shop for in the national chains and discount stores – mixing, serving and salad bowls, mugs, refrigerator dished, skillets, teapots, soap dishes, pot holders, table cloths and napkins, spice jars, etc., etc.
Coming from an antique shop, these items are not only unique and classy, they are often better made than what you can find new.
Also riding high in the market these days are the following: sewing items (a thimble just sold for $20,000), musical instruments, tin litho toys, Victorian ABC plates (especially those with mottoes), LPs (check the Internet), silver, advertising signs, doll house furniture and miniatures, architectural and garden items.
There are about 40 antique shops here on the Cape. You can get a list from the Cape May County Department of Tourism (465-6415 or, out of the area at 1-800-227-2297). You can reach them on the Internet at www.thejerseycape.com.
Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is the author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send our comments, questions and appraisal requests to aschwerdt@cmcherald.com