Collecting Antique Postcards

Since the summer is in full swing I though I would cover a topic on antique post cards. Collecting antique postcards is a very popular pasttime for many in the antique world. There are several reasons collecting antique postcards for beginning antique collectors. First antique postcards are realatively cheap compared to many other items that are gobbled up by antique dealers. Second reason collecting postcards for beginners is a good way to start is that they are relatively easy to find. And lastly collecting antique postcards on vacation adds a new and exciting twist to the normal tourist shopping you might normally Do.
When collecting antique or new postcards you want to make sure to keep them well protected. Don't bend the postcard or damage the corners. Provide your antique postcards the proper storage that will protect the corners. You should also keep them in holders designed for antique paper products to prevent damage from sunlight and the acids in some papers. Many hobby shops, coin shops and antique dealers will have a supply of these on hand or can tell you where to get them.
Learn the different types of postcards and thier dates. The most valuable postcards are often are the black and white photocards. These will usually have white lettering at the bottom of the face of the card describing the photo on the antique postcard. Many of these old black and white photo cards are highly sought after by authors looking to document a specific topic. Antique postcards that depict ships, boats, trains, early cars, horse track , and old travel destinations tend to bring the highest money at auction in my experience. I once sold a set of old post cards of Saginaw Michigan to a guy writing a book about the early ships of the area. All of the antique postcards I had depicted different steam ships and he used them in his book as illustrations. I even bought the book so I could see my old antique postcards put to use. It was a rewarding experienc to see them used that way.
Collecting antique or new postcard photographs for that matter can be great fun for the whole family. You can use them to document your family vactions and break them out years later to relive those beautiful times. It is also a great way to get involved is stamp collecting Good luck and happy hunting.

Collecting Antique Carnival Glass For Beginners

Antique Carnival Glass is another form of glassware from the depression era. The first and probably most well known maker of carnival glass is Fenton. They began producing carnival glass in the early 1900's. Northwood is also a well know producer of some of the finest antique carnival glass and they began production shortly after Fenton. Northwood carnival glass is usually marked on the bottom with a capital "N" surrounded by a circle. Dugan is one of the hardest types of carnival glass to find. Dugan is also know as Diamond as they were bought out in their later year. Imperial, Indiana and several other glass companies all manufactured a nice looking set of carnival glass.

If you decide carnival glass is an antique you would like to collect you had better do your research as there are many reproduction pieces on the market. Spend some time running through Antique Carnival Glass price guides and reproduction guides to make sure you know the difference between the various types of carnival glass in existence. A Saturday or Sunday stroll through your local antique mall, auction house or flea market is another very good way to learn not only the prices of Antique carnival glass, but you'll soon be able to tell all the makers of carnival glass apart just by looking at them. As with any antique glassware you never want to purchase something that is cracked, chipped or heavily worn unless it is an extremely rare piece.

Before ever getting into the Antique glassware or pottery market you had better know what your looking at and for if you don't want to end up loosing your shirt. Trust me I've been had many times in my earlier years of antique glassware collecting