Searching for vintage textiles on eBay can be an overwhelming proposition. There are many qualified sellers offering an array of striking items and sorting through their auctions can be quite daunting-especially to the novice collector. This guide is the third segment in a three part series and deals specifically with commonly used abbreviations. Becoming familiar with them can help you better understand what the seller is offering and can sometimes help narrow a search for a specific item. It is important to remember that not all sellers use these abbreviations, so it is probably best to perform two searches, one for the full word and one for the abbreviated term, if you want to make sure you see everything!

ANTHRO - Anthropomorphic meaning that the design gives human characteristics to inanimate objects.

BA - Black Americanawhich would encompass any items that depict the cultural heritage of Black Americans, as well as some pieces which depict cultural stereotypes.

CHP - California Hand Prints, a popular manufacturer of printed tablecloths & kitchen towels.

COND - Condition

DOW -- Days of the Week

EMB - Embroidered, which may refer to work done by hand or machine. If in doubt, ask the seller!

FAB - Fabulous

HANKY - Handkerchief

MONO - Monogrammed

MWT - Mint with tag, usually refers to a vintage item that was never used.

NAPS - Napkins

NIB - New in box

NIP - New in package

NR - No reserve, item will sell to highest bidder

NWT- New with tag, item is not vintage, but is a new item with tags still attached. May be a reproduction of an older design.

PR - Pair