The ups and downs of the secondary market on Hallmark Keepsake Collectibles in the past has been like no other roller coaster ride! Today, even though the prices have stabilized, as always, I would say collect them - just because you love them. The ornaments are especially charming and a great treasure to pass down from generation to generation with all the memories of Christmas to give them meaning.

1973 Betsy Hallmark Keepsake Ornament - First year made!

Hallmark ornaments entered the collector world in 1973 and soon became popular collectibles in the secondary market in the early 1980’s. By the 1990’s conventions for the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club were just getting started. In those early years, each attending collector was well rewarded. For example the convention in 1991 distributed the silver plated “KC 1991 Santa” to it’s 300 collectors present and because it has been the lowest number of collectible commemorative ornament produced, it’s value has remained high. On the popular Hooked on Ornaments website, there is one listed for $574.95  For about half of that price you can buy one on eBay this week at a ‘buy now’ price without a box and it’s even missing the plaque stating the commemoration!

Also, back in the early 1980’s, the secondary market consisted of only a few dealers who bought and sold and set the prices for all the other retired ornaments. Today, the scene is much different with eBay and a multitude of other upcoming online selling sites, the prices can vary and consequently not see the same value trend as earlier years.

Well, I jumped on the bandwagon in the 1990’s and purchased three ornaments that I have protected, stored and moved with me several times to say I have a bit of Hallmark History. I decided this year to offer them for sale and this week of November 15-30, they are all 25% off! If they happen to be one you’ve wanted, you have hit the jackpot for price! Check them out: Popeye, Lou Gehrig Baseball Heroes Series and PEZ Santa. I also offer a pretty Hallmark Keepsake Charm from 2005 called “Heart of Motherhood” for only $4.46!

1995 PEZ Santa Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

If anyone is interested, I’m also selling my 1997-1998 Greenbook Guide to Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments listing more than 3500 product portraits from 1973-1997, profiles of the Keepsake artists during the 1970’s-80’s and an analysis of the secondary market with a ten-years-ago perspective. From what I can tell, the pricing of 1998 is not much different from what I find online today.

Hallmark headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri and continues to be directed by the family who started it nearly 100 years ago. Their commitment to quality and enriching lives keeps them in the forefront of specialty retail.

Not to mention, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club that was started in 1987 continues strong as well!

There are numerous websites that display large selections such as Christmas Past and The Ornament Shop.

Which adorable Keepsake Ornament do you own? Why is it special to you? What traditions do you share with these collectible treasures? Let’s talk about it - just in time for Christmas!

Avon Summer Bride

Figurines have become one of America’s favorite collectibles. So, a word of advice to those who pass them by in garage sales, flea markets and even retail stores like they are unwanted calories: watch your figure but don’t forsake those figurines! They could bring in great added value to your collection of treasures.

Whether made from wood, bronze, ceramic, spun glass, pewter, resin or porcelain, figurines can find a special place in your heart and home. With multiple themes to choose from - a figurine collection will characterize you and your interests from children to patriotic, cherubs and angels, animals, mythical, Christmas to religious. The options are endless.

Personally, I do not own a Hummel figurine but I love what they have produced over the years. How did these gentle figures come about? In the 1930s, Franz Goebel, the founder of a porcelain firm near the town of Oeslauby, Germany, thought that in a world of economic and political chaos, customers would respond to a product that illustrated the uncomplicated simplicity and innocence of childhood. Consequently, the artwork of a Franciscan Sister, named Maria Innocentia Hummel, was introduced to Mr. Goebel. The nun’s drawings of country children that were printed as art cards eventually became the basis for Goebel’s line of now famous earthenware.

Perhaps the uncertainty of our current world scene has promoted increased popularity to these and similar collectible figurines.

I would say the Colonial era encourages the same sentiment. From village figurine collections to dancing and musical pairs often produced in Japan, these lovely objects speak of elegance and simpler times. Grandma’s Treasures Online offers this colonial musical pair for a special price until November 15th!

Then, the phenomenon of collecting Precious Moments figurines has swept the country like no other. Nestled in the woods of Missouri, the unique chapel and factory of this famed collectible continues to attract thousands to it’s out of the way niche. There’s just something about an angel that draws the observer into it’s web. But, when that angel has a sweet, childlike angelic face, few can resist. Grandma’s Treasures Online offers this Precious Moments 50th Anniversary retired figurine 25% off until November 15th! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add to your own collection.

Speaking of angel figurines, we can’t forget Dreamsicles! I addressed this topic in my “Dream On…Dreamsicles” article. As these darlings are completely out of production, finding missing pieces is of immediate concern. Check out our Dreamsicle inventory if you are one of those who have a collection.

The Lefton Company, founded by George Lefton, is another fine manufacturer of figurines. George was a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1939 with a background in marketing and clothing design. But, he had a passion for fine porcelain. So, in 1945 he traveled to Japan to finalize an importing agreement followed by the first Lefton product marked “Made in Occupied Japan” reaching the United States in 1946. Vintage Lefton products have a variety of marks, often including a paper label. They  include:Lefton, Lefton China, Geo. Z. Lefton, G.Z.L., and sometimes just the letter “L”.  Here’s an excellent example of Lefton figurines in our inventory. It is a highly detailed porcelain piano teacher figurine which is also currently on sale.

Hey, do you like half price bargains? In the figurine inventory, we offer a popular 1950’s spaghetti poodle and another colonial couple made in Japan.

So….do you watch your figure…ine? If so, tell us about your success. Share the story of your figurine journey. And tell us some of the manufacturing history too if you can. Then perhaps, you could also give the rest of us a recipe for success as a bonus.

In this world of antiques and collectibles we do a lot of looking, buying and selling, exchanging, researching, and talking about it. But, what if we invited others to “experience” it?

Last month, I decided to open up the 1950’s guest cottage, located on our little ranch in Northwest Colorado, to anyone who would like to experience vintage living. I don’t have it completely decorated yet, so there are not so many photos of vintage interior but what I do have is some comfortable living space in a serene setting in a gorgeous part of Colorado that just maybe someone may want to experience.

Regarding the decor, I’m thinking more cottage style with a little vintage western mixed in. Using a few original kitchen collectibles left in the house from the 50’s - like this vintage Sunbeam mixer and Fire King juicer, I can make the cozy kitchen even more time period friendly.

Also this vintage Woodland stove adds quaint charm to an open kitchen.

Let me know any fun ideas you may have for this project and links to resources that I might be able to use. Also, you must check out a few of my online friends that can ‘cozy’ up any cottage anywhere with products, books and tons of ideas: Preserve Cottage, Kitsch-N-Stuff, Prim Rose Design, Back Home Again, Vintage Goodness, just to name a few. If you offer a blog or website that promotes cottage vintage decorating, feel free to register and leave us a link!

Want to know something sad? I actually threw away the original wagon wheel twin headboards when we moved here four years ago. At that time, I didn’t realize vintage meant valuable treasures. Go ahead, and let me have it with your comments on how I could be so ignorant! Or console me and cheer me up that surely I will find another set for free!

I love this pretty silver water pitcher made by Silver International Company that I inherited from my mother and grandmother. It adds a sparkly touch to my cozy kitchen.

Metalware represents… “all things bright and beautiful.” Brass, silver and silverplate, gold, and copper…are a few examples of materials used for these “bright and beautiful” collectibles. Cast iron and pewter are examples of rather dull but yet beautiful collectibles. From trays to vases to pitchers to baskets to flatware to tins to functional service items, the hand-made craftsmanship or casting and design of antique and vintage metalware makes for an exciting collection. In fact, the options are endless.

Sterling silver and silverplate are lovely collectibles! For instance, sterling silver makes for the most valuable and collectible jewelry. Navajo handcrafted jewelry is a wearable art investment that is unsurpassed. Also, in silverplate, we offer this very old  Sheffield Silverplate Hollowware Tray on pedestal for a shockingly low price!

Discussing the intriguing history of silver-making, 1876 to 1920 noticed a sudden increase of silver production in new regions all over the world, including North America. In fact, the last quarter of the 19th century quadrupled to nearly 120 million troy ounces annually. You can read more about The Rise of North America and the overall History of Silver at 925-1000 website. For more details on silver collecting, you can read my article on this blog: Hobby of the Kings? Silver Collecting.

Lowly aluminum is not only great for recycling, it represents beautiful and highly sought after collectibles - even though at this point they are very affordable. Check out this Aluminum Basket from the 1950’s.   Pamela Wiggins tells us in her article “Collectible Aluminum Hammers Out a Niche,” Most hammered aluminum pieces made their way into homes from the 1930s through the 1950s as wedding gifts. Colorful anodized aluminum wares were popular with homemakers through the ’50s and early ’60s. Also, “Rodney Kent sparkling hammered aluminum kitchenwares and serving pieces. Yet to be discovered by mainstream collectors, hammered aluminum is enjoyed by a small cult following. His is most famous for his Tulips pattern. Many pieces are decorated with tulip flower tops or with ribbons and blooming tulips hammered into the design. Rare pieces are beginning to fetch higher auction prices as collectors are just beginning to come under the spell of Rodney Kent.”

Brass is another fun collectible. From instruments to military objects to photo frames and candleholders, vintage brass can bring a handsome price. For something really unusual, Israeliana Brass is a great option. To clarify dating, I’ve heard that the earlier markings on brass objects usually said ‘Palestine’ while later items said ‘Made in Israel’ and even later brass souvenirs have paper labels. In decorative art collectible Israeliana items, we offer this large and beautiful brass vase/pitcher from the 1970’s.

Another big option in metalware collecting is silverplate flatware. I admit, I have only just begun to explore the depths of this topic. But, I am on a search to discover the history of the silverplated flatware that I’ve inherited from my grandmother on my dad’s side. I also have a large assortment of gold flatware that my mother passed on to me that came through her antique and collectible store, probably from the 1970’s and 80’s. Anyone a guru in such?

Grandma’s Treasures Online is having an October Sale on the four metalware collectibles listed - all for half price! A great place to start your collection.

Do you collect anything bright and beautiful? Weigh in here with your comments and let us know your story.

To explore Victorian treasures and relics left over from a Victorian lifestyle that have become so collectible today, let’s peek back in time to the Victorian culture from 1837 to1901. Named after Victoria who was born in 1819 and was Queen from 1837 until her death in 1901, the Victorian era was at the height of the Industrial Revolution, a period of noteworthy social, economic, and technological change across the Western World – which is strangely similar to the era we are living in right now.

The parallels don’t stop there though. Did you know that immediately into Victoria’s reign, her country began experiencing a similar economic crisis like we had seven years ago with the dot.com fall out? During the nineteenth century, the Bank of England had only gradually built up its institutional control over the London money market. In fact, in a way, it competed with other private banks (such as the House of Rothschild) until the 1840’s and sometimes speculate as irresponsibly as any other investor. Here’s what happened: the Bank of England had the only sizable gold reserves and consequently came to monopolize government stock issues and short-term loans. Along with a few large insurance firms including the East India Company, it took on the role of administering the financing of the national debt, subscribing its share through competitive bidding and then reselling it in small amounts to ordinary investors at a premium – even buying bonds from the US! The smaller banks acted as agents for these investors for rural estate mortgage funds, construction an d with private industrial and business capital. In this climate, it grew excessively and led to speculative surges and crises. So, in the troubled economic climate of late 1830, business-oriented political leaders saw the need for tighter credit control and the Bank Act of 1844 came about, retaining the decentralized system of private provincial banks but allowing the Bank of England to compete with them in the speculative loan market, on the theory that it would stabilize rates of interest. Unfortunately, it back fired and led to a stock market panic and financial crash in 1847 that subsequently led to a global depression. Flash forward one hundred and sixty one years…we not only have a surge of collecting antique Victorian treasures, but we have a global treasury crisis with “Victorian history” written all over it! Ah…history does repeat itself.

On the lighter side, the charm of the Victorian era in the United States, draws us all back to it’s enticing elegance and a feeling of simpler times – at least in our imagination. Say “Victorian,” and I can immediately see an expansive front porch on a quaint Victorian house with gingerbread lattice adorned with a perfect lady dressed in silks and lace serving tea from perfect English bone china to her perfect gentleman guest, also dressed in silks and fine clothing. Hmmm…to most of us, Victorian equals romantic!

Do you enjoy romantic treasures? I offer these 1940-50’s vintage Turner prints depicting the Victorian era.

My friend, Kari, has such a passion for all things Victoriana and has recently published a lovely book entitled “The Riches and Treasures of Home.”

The book is written in a delightfully charming old fashioned “language,” and is a lovely compendium filled with sweet remembrances from the past, along with fond old recipes and homespun wisdom of yesteryear. With topics ranging from the proper method of tea dying a favored linen, to making hand soap or setting a fine tea table, the book overflows with historical imagery and Victorian ephemera in full and vibrant display, and is sure to become a favored keepsake! To preview her new book, you can visit her website at www.alittlegraceandcharm.com and click on The Riches and Treasures of Home.

New movie? I read that a new movie called “The Young Victoria” began filming in August 2007 on location in England and at Shepperton Studios during a 10 week shoot. Many of England’s famous estates and landmarks were to be featured. Anyone know if this movie is being released soon? If so, all us who love Victoriana –won’t want to miss that one!

Victoriana Magazine is a free online publication for all who love the Victorian Era. It is a vibrant and inspiring magazine that cuts through the complexities of modern life to illustrate what was beautiful in the past. It promises to provides ideas, inspiration and information on Victorian fashion, decorating, remodeling, entertaining, holidays, history and more. Each illustrated issue contains a special crafts section, children’s corner, plus the latest museum.

Speaking of museums – I actually had the privilege to browse part of the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. It is more than impressive with so many artifacts housed from that era. If planning a trip to England, don’t miss this informative tourist attraction with free tours!

Frills, lace, pink, sophisticated, proper, high tea, ladies, fine parlors, detailed rich furniture are all synonymous in my mind with Victorian. But, perhaps there was even yet another side to the Victorian era going on out west during this same time period. What did that look like? Cowboy hats with lace? Front porches with hitching posts and wicker chairs? Since I live in Colorado, I think I’ll find out and write about it sometime! How the West was Won – Victorian Style!

Are you a romantic? Do you collect Victoriana? Share with us!

All of the latter part of September, I spent in Oklahoma cleaning out my Mom’s storage barn and two sheds situated on our family’s acreage, where Mom had stored extra items from her antique and collectible days before her passing in 2006. The sheds were filled with stemware, four boxes of collectible Avon bottles, silver plate, pottery and all sorts of old toys and vintage items. The storage barn was filled with my grandmother’s dolls and boxes of old letters from the early 1900’s, old photos, plus antique prints and books.

The sad part about the barn was that it was in disrepair with exposure to the elements over the years and woodland creatures in the area had all but destroyed the contents. However, undaunted by the mess and misfortune, I tackled the project of cleaning it completely out and hosting two “barn sales,” advertising only on craigslist. It was suggested to me by a local dealer of ‘hidden-treasure-aka-junk,’ to call it a “Diggers Delight.”

People came by the car loads with gloves and knee pads to dig through the remains of my family’s history to discover their own hidden treasures. We passed out large garbage sacks and only charged $5 to fill them up! One lady was overheard to exclaim to a friend “You won’t believe what I found!”

And so it went, people began meeting others as they pored over boxes and sacks covering the landscape. It was not uncommon for a camaraderie and teamwork to emerge as they learned the interests and collections of each other.

Many dealers came who either had booths in antique/collectible malls or hosted their own regular garage sales from their homes. Doll collectors returned time and time again over the scheduled sale days - as the dolls were endless.

As cash was handed to me, I knew more cash would soon be handed to them from future customers and no doubt their customers would be selling it even again. It was then I realized the “Hidden-Treasure-Junk-Business” is alive and well and probably the most solid economy going right now! In the process, I got a clean storage barn to store my own vintage and antique treasures to sell!

Have you been involved in the “hidden-treasure-junk-business”? Share your success story with us!

Remember Alvin and the Chipmunks? “ALLLLLVIN!!!”

Actually, Alvin and the Chipmunks are a six-time Grammy Award winners! Their animated music group, which was created by Ross Bagdasarian in 1958, consists of three singing animated chipmunks: Alvin, the adorable but mischievous troublemaker, who, of course, was the star of the group; Simon, the tall, brainy character; and Theodore, the chubby and naive sweetie. These three personalities are managed by David Seville who brings them to life with fathering and sharing their secrets.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: The Chipmunks are named after the executives of their original record label, Liberty Records: Alvin Bennett (the president), Simon Waronker (the founder and owner), and Theodore Keep (the chief engineer). And, David Seville was Ross Bagdasarian’s stage name.

The characters were an unprecedented success, and the singing Chipmunks and their manager were given life in several animated cartoon series, using redrawn, anthropomorphic chipmunks, and eventually motion pictures.

Now, the fun details of this success story are told by Ross’ son on this website:http://www.chipmunks.com/history.php, which includes the fact that in the early 1950’s the family was down to their last $200 and his father took it and invested in a fancy tape recorder that allowed him to change tape speeds. As they say…the rest is history.

Personally, being born in 1950 - I am a first hand witness of the phenomenon that followed.

In inventory, I have this vintage 33 1/2 RPM record, entitled “The Chipmunk Song.” It is actually recorded by The Grasshoppers and produced by Merry Records with the Merry Orchestra and includes other classics like Row, Row, Row Your Boat, I’ve Been Working on the Railroad, Red River Valley and many more. But, of course, it also serenades you with The Chipmunk Song. Does anyone know anything about this group, this producer or this record?

Is anyone an expert in vintage records? Do you collect them? And for fun…let us know if you REMEMBER Alvin and the Chipmunks original recordings!

Blue carnival glass candle holders, circa 1970’s

Back in the early 1900’s, Tiffany introduced “iridized” art glass. As their process was very expensive so was their retail pricing. But, Fenton Art Glass Company found a way to make it cheap and soon became the King of Carnival, even though other companies all produced their pieces too. By 1920, 50 tons of shiny glassware was being pumped out daily and America couldn’t get enough of it!

Enter a dramatic economic downturn, then the crash and the US was in a depression big time by 1931. The glass factories were overloaded with this iridzed art glass that no one wanted or could buy. Solution? Most of it was sold to the traveling carnivals for pennies on the dollar to be used as game prizes, thus the name Carnival Glass! Actually, the name “carnival glass” was not commonly used until collectors in the 1950s began to refer to it as such.

So, what exactly is it and how is it made? It is basically an inexpensive pressed glass, made in both art and functional objects, always iridescent and comes in a wide spectrum of colors. Its iridescent sheen comes from the application of metallic salts while the glass is still hot from the pressing, then re-firing the glass. This process is sometimes referred to as “doping.” The primary translucent colors that were made were: amethyst, marigold, cobalt, green, and red. It is also made in opaque white, called milk glass, and a translucent pale green, called vaseline or uranium glass. Vaseline glass and uranium glass actually contain traces of uranium salts (uranium dioxide) within the glass, which can be seen as a faint green in reaction to a blacklight. There were a few other colors of uranium glass but were produced in a lot less quantities.

Back to the King of Carnival Glass, the Fenton Art Glass Company. Founded in 1905, Fenton was the first and largest producer of carnival glass, producing an array of different pieces in over 150 patterns. Their quality was exceptional and they were among the few producers who made red carnival glass. Some of their earliest patterns in Carnival were Waterlily and Cattails, Vintage, Butterfly and Berries, Peacock Tail, Ribbon Tie, Wreath of Roses, Thistle, and Diamond and Rib vase. Of course, the depression affected them too so they quit producing carnival glass for many years. But, due to a huge resurgence in its popularity, Fenton produces carnival glass still today.

We offer a lovely berry bowl in one of the earliest patterns, Butterfly and Berries in marigold.

Even though the majority of carnival glass produced in the U.S. was made between 1907 and 1925, with production tapering off almost completely by 1931, significant production continued outside the US. Sowerby was the predominant manufacturer of English carnival glass and began producing in the late 1800’s until the 1940’s. It’s antique pieces are in demand today. Online Glass Museum (a website from New Zealand) has the European historical version of carnival glass and how it came to be called that.

Besides Fenton, carnival glass was produced in large quantity by Northwood, Imperial, Millersburg, Westmoreland, Dugan/Diamond, Cambridge, and U.S. Glass, as well as a few other small manufacturers. Simple pressed glass was iridized by third parties as well.

It would be an understatment to say that carnival glass is highly collectible. The lovely pieces in their translucent glory continue to attract collectors from everywhere. Prices vary widely, with some more common pieces selling for less while rare items command thousands of dollars. Red carnival glass is hard to find and commands a high prices as does complete punch bowl sets in good condition.

Carnival glass collectors can enjoy the benefits of being a part of the International Carnival Glass Association, Inc., an exciting and active organization! ICGA hosts a convention each year where a unique piece of carnival glass is created for the attendees. We offer this fun blue carnival glass Santa from the 1999 ICGA convention!

Check out the other pieces we have to offer at Grandma’s Treasures Online. Also, I’ve found Carnival Heaven an intensive site for beautiful carnival glass!

If you are a beginner collector in carnival glass, beware that it’s identification can be challenging even for an expert, as not all pieces were marked. So, the best advice I can give is to purchase your vintage collectibles from reliable sources. And, as you collect, don’t miss the same thrill that those carnival goers in the 1930’s must have felt when they won a piece of gorgeous art! A treasure indeed.

Do you collect carnvial glass? What is your favorite piece? What part of carnival glass history intrigues you the most? Share your questions and expertise here!

Having just listed this gorgeous Sandra Kuck Collector Plate, entitled Angel of Sunshine, on my website this week - it sent me on a trail of researching and reading about all the different Collectors Plates, how they started, the different collecting history contiguous to certain manufacturers and as a result the discovery of the strength of the “Secondary Market” surrounding this collecting world today.

Secondary Market simply refers to the market following the initial phase when the Collectors Plates were originally being sold primarily in sets or numbered limited editions to customers. The secondary market today is where many collectors are trying to locate those originally purchased plates from particular sets or limited editions to fill in their own collection or start a collection. It is truly a thriving market!

The Glass Menagerie reports some history of the beginning of the collector plate trend, “The first recorded Limited Edition collector plate came from the Bing and Grondahl factory of Denmark in 1895. Titled “Behind The Frozen Window”, it was the first known commemorative plate to be limited in production with date and title information fired on the plate itself and was followed by a second plate the following year as the first Annual Bing and Grondahl Christmas plate titled “Jule Aften 1896.” An annual plate was produced each year thereafter and still is today under the Royal Copenhagen name.”

Royal Copenhagen Jules Aften 1971

We offer three of the lovely Royal Copenhagen Christmas collector plates including the Jule Aften 1968, the Jule Aften 1971 and the Jule Aften 1978.

You can check this web-page out! It shows all the Royal Copenhagen Christmas Collector Plates from 1908-2008!

Collector Plates to commemorate events and historical occasions are also popular. Remember all the collectibles available around 1976 to memorialize and celebrate our nation’s 200th birthday? Fenton Art Glass Company created a series of beautiful milk glass collector plates with different embossed scenes surrounding America’s history. We offer three of these special historical collectible plates depicting Patrick Henry, George Washington, and the Liberty Bell.

Another pretty plate that has brought it’s share of attention and is sought after in the secondary market today is the Royal Copenhagen’s Hans Andersen Little Mermaid Collector Plate, 1972. Hans Andersen, who moved to Copenhagen at the age of fourteen to continue his battle over hardships and adversity, eventually became educated and a famed novelist of Fairy Tales and Stories, written between 1835 and 1872. His third volume of tales, published in 1837, contained ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Among Andersen’s other best known tales are ‘Little Ugly Duckling,’ ‘The Tinderbox,’ ‘Little Claus and Big Claus,’ ‘Princess and the Pea,’ ‘The Snow Queen,’ The Nightingale,’ and ‘The Steadfast Tin Soldier.’

Tell us about your collection! Or your experience in collecting and how you got started.

Helping people find that special collector plate they’ve been searching for is really rewarding. We hope you take the time to browse Grandma’s Treasures Online to see all the special collector plates we offer.

Also, I located The Glass Menagerie as one of the largest selections with an inventory of over 2500 retired collector plates!

And, you are welcome to post your wish list here for our readers. Who knows? You may connect with the very person who holds your collectible treasure!

From our favorite online answer site, Wikipedia gave these interesting facts under antique book collecting: “… the collecting of books, including seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever books are of interest to a given individual collector. The love of books is bibliophilia, and someone who loves to read, admire, and collect books is a bibliophile. Bibliophilia is sometimes called bibliomania but should not be confused with the obsessive-compulsive disorder by that name, which involves the excessive accumulation and hoarding of books.”

Can anyone identify with the disorder of accumulating and hoarding of books? Especially antique books!

My grandmother, who we called ‘Nanny,’ certainly qualified as a bibliophile and she may have bordered on bibliomania! She loved to read and she loved to accumulate books. Lots and lots of books! Unfortunately, after her passing over twelve years ago, her large collection was in most part carted to the storage shed on the home place where dust and other outside elements had opportunity to touch these volumes of history books, text books, literature, fiction and fantasy to faraway places and times. However, before this happened, I was able to rescue some valuable copies, including a few classics, and have begun offering these treasures on Grandma’s Treasures Online.

Collecting Antique Books is an art and the internet has opened up so many more possibilities - from locating digital copies from all over the world to locating online sellers to locating brick and mortar bookstores that house the very treasure you are looking for.

I found this website, Books and Book Collecting, which is great for connecting with book sellers both online and off.

Photo courtesy of Books and Book Collecting website.

We tend to think about sophisticated and large volumes when we think of antique book collecting. But, I am discovering that children’s books - especially the Golden Books are very sought after and can bring high prices from collectors. Perhaps, we will be able to discuss and offer these little unsophisticated treasures in another blog topic soon…

What kind of antique books do you collect? What are you looking for? How did you get started? What advice do you have to offer for beginning antiquarian book collecting?