By the Numbers: Which Era of Antiques is Worth the Investment?

Antique collecting has always been in vogue, but with the popularity of several reality TV shows, like American Pickers, the interest in collecting has become more mainstream.  Why collect antiques?  For some, it is the thrill of the hunt; for many, it’s a great hobby.  And for others, it’s become an investment.  Antiques offer a combination of personal enjoyment with the potential for great income.  Before you start investing in antiques, you may first want to consider which era of antiques is worth the investment.

There is no set answer for which era of antiques is worth the investment.  The era changes with each type of collection.  To simplify things, here are some of the more popular categories of antique collecting with a few things to consider before investing.

Furniture

19th century furniture is highly sought after and has retained it’s value well over the decades.  When purchasing antique furniture, there are several things to keep in mind that will increase the value of the piece.  The furniture should be original as well as not refinished.  Beware of reproductions, and make sure the piece is truly antique.  Provenance, a document that will authenticate the piece’s age and/or history, is important and will greatly increase the value of your investment.

Art

With art, post-World War II contemporary paintings and have been doing well for some time.  Most auction houses point to 1945-1970 as the years for post-war American art.  Styles such as abstract expressionism emerged during this period.  As there are so many reproductions of fine art on the market, be careful to purchase authentic pieces that are in undamaged condition.

Pop Culture and Toys

“We’re seeing a lot of nostalgia, the growing middle class, and now people are buying things that remind of their childhood. You see a lot of toys, games,” said Sarah Fysh, Online Operations Manager at valuation company Value My Stuff.

Many collectors tend to gravitate towards items that hold sentimental value. Items from the 50s-70s are good investments.  As an investor, you’ll want to consider several things when acquiring pop culture finds.  Buy vintage (avoid reproductions), make sure it is complete, and stick with iconic brands.

Antique collecting is a wonderful past time that can bring a great deal of pleasure, even if you never make money off it.  If you choose to turn to antiques as an investor, you’ll want to do your research well, just as you would with any other important investment.  Finding which era of antiques is worth the investment will help you increase the value of your investment significantly.