A guide to and tips for collecting antique Christmas ornaments.
Collecting antique Christmas ornaments can add a unique look to your holiday décor, a vintage touch, or help spark those memories of the best years past. A hobby such as this can be exciting and fun since you have a year of searching and bargaining before showing off your treasures. Or, throw tradition aside and display your collection for a bit of the holiday spirit throughout the year.
Begin by narrowing down the specific type of antique ornaments you'd like to collect. Collect what you like, not what may be the popular item of the year. With a variety of ornament types, such as German made, papier-mâché, blown-glass or curled paper, you have a number of selections. Utilize the Internet, flea markets and antique stores to get an idea of what is available and the cost of each ornament.
Generally ornaments in one piece, handmade, made of paper or particularly fragile, are of great value and demand. These ornaments will be the most difficult to find and acquire; this may make them far more enticing and rewarding when added to your collection.
Once you have selected a type of ornament to collect, read up on that specific type. Knowing your product will help you spot an ornament and have a good idea of the price that should be charged. Spotting a reproduction of your ornament type will become easier as your knowledge improves, but start with telltale signs such as specific markings, dates or even the ornament's packaging. Don't overlook reproductions, they can be exciting to collect as well. Usually reproduction are less expensive and can supplement a collection of those ornaments that are very difficult to find. If mixing antique and reproduction ornaments, simply highlight the antiques by display or lighting to feature their specialties.
Stop at antique stores, tag sales and fleas markets or search the Internet for ornaments. Though Internet and antique stores usually have a set price; try a little bargaining at flea markets and tag sales. The worst that can happen is a resounding "no" and you'll end up paying full price. Do keep a budget for yourself; a collection is supposed to be fun, not financially problematic. If the ornament costs too much, simply walk away and search another day.
To display your ornaments, decide if a tree full of them works for you or separate ornament cases. To prevent damaging the ornaments, or keep small hands and curious paws away, small glass domes or cases can be used. Ornaments that may not be fully intact can be displayed in a case nesting on velvet. This will hide the defect and present the ornament in an elegant manner. If you decide to display only at the holidays, store your antique ornaments in plastic containers, well wrapped in cotton or tissue paper until setting them up.
Join groups, through the Internet or locally, to stay in touch with other collectors. A group of collectors will share your passion and be well informed about shows, good and bad antique dealers and traders, or help improve your knowledge. A group of ornament lovers will make your hobby enjoyable and you'll have someone to act as support when that perfect ornament becomes a perfect cat toy.
