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2006 Prize Winning Guide * eBay's 28 Guides in 28 Days Contest! *
Kitchen Collectibles ... Treasures from the Past!
Victorian Trade Card
Kendall Mfg. Co., Providence, R.I.
French Laundry Soap
A wide variety of vintage and antique kitchen collectibles are available for purchase on eBay. Depending upon your preference, you can concentrate on one narrow category of collectible or build a varied and eclectic collection. Kitchen collectibles display well, and can add great Karma to your home!
If the future resale value is important to you, then select pieces that are unique in some way. A collectible that can be traced as to manufacturer is more valuable, and dated items are always in demand. Period advertising on any item makes it more interesting and thus more collectible. With so much available for sale on eBay, browse the auctions, bide your time and wait for examples that have no defects and that are in excellent condition. Buy the best you can afford and you will never go wrong.
If the future resale value is important to you, then select pieces that are unique in some way. A collectible that can be traced as to manufacturer is more valuable, and dated items are always in demand. Period advertising on any item makes it more interesting and thus more collectible. With so much available for sale on eBay, browse the auctions, bide your time and wait for examples that have no defects and that are in excellent condition. Buy the best you can afford and you will never go wrong.
What collectibles are currently hot? Well, how about ...
Stove Lid Lifters
Barstow Ranges
Nickel-plated steel, circa late 1800s
Nickel-plated steel, circa late 1800s
Early wood burning stoves had round plates which lifted off, revealing the inner works of the oven. Since these stoves were made of cast iron and became very hot, a special utensil called a stove lid lifter was used to move the plates.
Most lifters were made of steel or cast iron. Some were nickel or chrome plated, as the plating helped prevent rust. Although a few were decorative, the majority were utilitarian in appearance. Many featured a company name; often a stove manufacturer would give them away as advertising promotions.
As you browse the auctions, notice the condition of the metal. Those with open spiral handles, when rusty, can be very difficult to restore. Select plated items that retain at least 75% or more of the original plating. eBay Stove Lid Lifters
Most lifters were made of steel or cast iron. Some were nickel or chrome plated, as the plating helped prevent rust. Although a few were decorative, the majority were utilitarian in appearance. Many featured a company name; often a stove manufacturer would give them away as advertising promotions.
As you browse the auctions, notice the condition of the metal. Those with open spiral handles, when rusty, can be very difficult to restore. Select plated items that retain at least 75% or more of the original plating. eBay Stove Lid Lifters
Stove or Cereal Trivets
Marked on reverse: W & P Mfg. Co.
Cast Iron, circa late 1800s to early 1900s
These special trivets sat upon the hot cast iron stovetop, allowing pots to simmer without being exposed to the direct heat of the burner. That way cereal did not burn (a motto which was repeated on many trivets). Openings along the top (there are six in the trivet above) allowed the trivet to be moved using a stove lid lifter. As these were made of cast iron they can be scrubbed, sanded if necessary and then seasoned in the oven to restore them to display condition. Avoid selecting pieces that have been pitted by rust. eBay Stove Trivets
Victorian Trade Card
Empire Wringer Co.
Laundry Wringers
1910 Horse Shoe Brand Household Wringer
Hardwood, in original, near mint condition
Wringers that were made to fit manual washing machines date from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Back when clothes were washed in a tub, each piece was fed induvidually through a wringer to remove excess moisture. Some wringers were beautifully made of hardwood, made to mount onto the washtub rim. Those display beautifully when refinished ... but if you're lucky you may just find one for sale on eBay already in display condition: eBay Laundry Wringers
Washboards
18" X 8.75" wood and tin Washboard
Holmes & Co. Jersey Bathing Suits
Washboards are wonderful to collect and display! The frames were constructed of either wood or metal, with the rubbing surface made of aluminum coated steel, brass, zinc, tin, graniteware, or glass. Collectible vintage and antique washboards date from the mid - late 1800s to pre 1940, although they continued to be made beyond that point. In fact, modern versions are still being sold at my neighborhood Ace Hardware (Florida)! Here is a link to the current eBay auctions: eBay Washboards
Victorian Trade Card
... reverse ...
Mrs. Potts' Cold Handled Sad Irons
Sad Irons and Trivets
Simmons Special nickel-plated Trivet and Sad Iron
Removable Walnut Handle, circa early 1900s
Vintage and antique sad irons and trivet have many uses. Those in fine condition are snapped up by serious collectors. However, others that have been used (and show the wear) are still wonderful for use in decorating. You can leave as is for the shabby-chic look or refinish them to match your decor. Larger irons make great bookends or doorstops! Check first on eBay for a large selection of eBay Sad Irons and eBay Trivets
Victorian Trade Cards
Victorian Trade Card
Electric Lustre Starch
"The Best Laundry Starch In The World"
Electric Lustre Starch
"The Best Laundry Starch In The World"
I've featured several Victorian Trade Cards throughout this Guide. These advertising cards, manufactured from 1880 to 1900, were originally collected by Victorian housewives. They saved and pasted them in card albums ... ebay Victorian Card albums ... which are highly prized by collectors today. Because the paper was of a sturdy weave, the cards can be soaked loose, dried and then resold. Cards for medical and pharmaceutical products and household items, especially sad irons, are among the most collectible. Check them out on eBay: eBay Victorian Trade Cards
Some other Categories to Browse ...
eBay Sprinkler Bottles
eBay Sad Iron Heaters
eBay Kitchen Scales
eBay Match Holders
eBay Egg Beaters
And Yes, all of the Collectibles
featured in this Guide were purchased on eBay.
I hope this Guide has been helpful to you!
But before you go ...
Here is a link to eBay Sellers who are currently selling copies of my book,
The A-Z Guide To Collecting Trivets:
Lynn's Trivet Book on eBay
And, as the Leader of the eBay Group: Cast Iron & Brass Trivet Collectors
I would like to invite any of you interested in learning more about
trivets
(and meeting other Triveteers) to click here and Join Us:
eBay Trivet Group
Please See My Other eBay Antiques & Collectibles Guides:
American Beauty Irons
Trivet Buying Guide
Collecting Antique *Isle of Man* Trivets
Horseshoe Plaque Trivets
Antiquarian Medical Books
Good Luck & Happy Collecting!
copyright 2006-2008 Margaret Lynn RosackGuide created: 02/21/06 (updated 08/03/08)
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