What makes something vintage

But exactly what is antique? How old is antique? And what is the difference between vintage and antique? Read on But it goes much deeper than that. Some believe items over 50 years old should be considered antique and some use an year marker. New items become antique every year as they grow older and older. Which ones become valuable can depend on who designed them, their historical significance, time period, and more. Most serious collectors at estate sales are looking for one or 2 different types of items they know most and have a passion for.

Other people are avid collectors of anything valuable or significant. And there you have it. Now you can see how people get confused over all of this! As complicated as it can be, knowing the facts, the terms, and how to use them will make you a more diligent collector on eBay, at the next estate sale , consignment shop, or wherever you call home as a shopper. Using these little tips and terms you could land yourself a spot on the next edition of Estate Sale Holy Grails!

Contact Certified Estate Sales Today! What is the difference between vintage and antique? What makes something collectible? But seriously… A collectible is something that is worth more than what it was originally purchased for. Heres a list of terms often used in collectible culture: Antique : a collectible item at least years old.

Vintage : A culturally significant item ranging from years in age, worthy of being collected. The term antique refers to something years or older, says Rebecca Rau of M.

Rau Antiques in New Orleans. Furniture, works of art, jewelry, rugs and carpets, and everyday objects—like housewares and accessories—can all be antiques. Vintage items, on the other hand, are much younger—typically prior to , though often from much earlier, like the s, '40s, '50s, '60s, and '70s, she clarifies. Clothing, jewelry, watches, accessories, housewares, and furniture are all common vintage items.

Other media, including postcards, periodicals, photography, vinyl records, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and even electronics like cameras and gaming systems are also popular vintage items with collectors' appeal , says Rau.

It's a relatively simple distinction, but one Eric Silver, an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow , says isn't necessarily as important as you think it might be.

The age of a piece doesn't directly correlate to value, says Silver.