Happy almost Valentines Day!

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Valentines Day Cards

Fun Vintage Collectibles

Valentine's Day cards are a pleasure to receive – but what's their history? Beryl Jones explains all

There are many theories about why and when Valentine’s cards were originally sent, but we do know that they were popular in their simplest, handmade form from the beginning of the 1800s – the first record of a posted Valentine’s card was in 1806.

Far too bold an item to be sent from a woman to a man (though, as my collection attests, women frequently sent them to female friends), it was men who first seized upon them.

As early as 1797, verses and sentiments could be copied and penned with love from "The Young Man’s Valentine Writer" – a sort of crib sheet for love-stricken romantics.

Most of these lines would be written into the card cut by hand by the young man himself.

This would then be presented on gilt-edged or decorative sheets of fine paper, and often discreetly folded. Not until the 1820s did a similar tome of "Approved Valentines for the use of the Female Sex" appear. 

When were Valentine’s Day cards popular?

By the 1830s, around 60,000 Valentine’s cards were being sent each year. And in 1835, Francis Freeling, the Secretary of the Post Office, wrote to the Postmaster General asking for extra expenses for the letter carriers to help them ‘get through the extraordinary exertions’ of the period. 

In 1840, the development of the pre-paid penny postage system opened up the market even further (prior to that, the card’s recipient had been made to pay for the service).

With improving production methods – and, no doubt, an inkling of the profits to be made from tender hearts set a-flutter – manufacturers really went to town. At first, the cards were finished by hand, with heavy fringes, spun glass, imitation gems, mother of pearl and even shells being stuck on.

Based on the real thing and every bit as intricate, paper lace, said to have been created by one Joseph Addenbrooke in 1834 while he was working for London papermaker Dobbs & Co, was a big hit of the time.

Collecting Valentines can be a fun and inexpensive hobby.

Many of our local antique stores carry Vintage Valentines. Come in and check them out.

Thank you Homes and Antiques: https://www.homesandantiques.com/antiques/collecting-guides-antiques/the-history-of-valentines-day-cards/

Collecting Antiques:

A Practical Guide for Beginners

Collecting antiques doesn't have to feel intimidating, and it doesn't have to be expensive. If you're a beginner, considering a new hobby, or want to add a bit of history to your home with the perfect antique collection, these tips can help you get started.

Start by Collecting Antiques You Love

From coins to clocks to comic books, there are thousands of different types of antiques to collect. If you love to go antiquing, the key to choosing the right collectible for you is knowing what you love. You may want a collection of antique silver if you enjoy entertaining for holidays, or you may simply want to fill your home with a variety of pieces of antique furniture. Before you begin researching items or perusing the wares in an antique shop, take some time think and explore what you might enjoy. You can start by asking yourself these questions:

• What do you plan to do with your antique collection? Will you be using these items in your home or just enjoying them on the shelf?
• Is there an era you especially enjoy? For instance, do you like items from the Victorian period or maybe Mid Century Modern?
• Are you fascinated by specific types of items, such as sewing-related antiques or hand tools?
• A big thing is what kinds of items catch your eye as you walk through a flea market or shop? What do those things have in common?

Understand What "Antique" Really Means

In most cases, for an item to be considered "antique," it must be at least 100 years old. Something younger than that may still be collectible and valuable, but it is "vintage." Understanding this distinction is very important if you're going to be buying or selling antiques because the age of an item can be a major factor in determining its value.

Know Your Goal in Collecting Antiques

As you get started, it's also important to consider your motivation. Why do you want to begin collecting antiques? The answer to this question can affect how you approach buying and selling, the type of antiques you plan to collect, and how you go about the collecting process. These are some of the main reasons you may want to start an antique collection:

• Fun - This is a fantastic hobby, and there are all kinds of things to collect. If you're just doing it for fun, you won't have to worry quite as much about the value of the items or their history. You can simply enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
• Investment - Depending on what you choose to collect, there are some types of antiques that can be valuable. If you can learn to spot one of these valuable antiques and get it for a good price, it can be a great investment.
• Decoration - Decorating with antiques is a wonderful way to add a sense of history to your home. You can choose to collect antiques from a specific era or simply select pieces that work with your decorating style. You can also stick with collectibles to use in your decor or mix them in with investment pieces.

Learn How Antique Values Work Before You Buy

Whether you're buying investment pieces or just having a good time, it's important that you learn how antique values work. Sellers can ask any price they like for an item, but that does not mean the piece is worth that much money. This is not like buying something in a regular store; you need to think about whether the asking price is fair. There are several ways to determine the value of antiques. Here are some of the factors can can affect antique values:

• Rarity - How many of this item are there?
• Condition - Is it in good condition, or does it have a lot of wear or damage?
• Age - How old is this piece?
• Quality - Is it well-made, and does it feature the best materials?
• Provenance - What do you know about this item's history?

Do some research on the web including the sold section of eBay to see if the asking price is fair. The more research you do and experience you get the easier it becomes to spot the "Deals" and fakes. Remember to look in the sold section and not just what an item is listed for.

Understand Which Antiques Not to Collect

Just like it's important to consider what you might like to collect, it's also essential that you know what you should not collect. Certain types of antiques are illegal to buy or sell, so you should stay away from transactions involving them. Here are some examples to keep in mind:

• Ivory - As a beginner, stay away from anything made of elephant or walrus ivory. It is illegal to sell many ivory antique pieces.
• Eagle feathers - Similarly, it's usually illegal to sell antiques with eagle feathers incorporated in them.
• Native artifacts - There are some very specific laws related to buying and selling Native American artifacts. The legality depends on where the piece came from, so it's better to avoid these as a novice collector.
• Some military medals etc. are also illegal to buy and sell.
• If in doubt research the type of item on the internet.

Learn to Spot a Fake

If you'll be collecting antiques that people tend to reproduce, such as highly coveted pottery or coins, it's essential that you learn how to spot a fake. This can vary depending on the piece. For instance, if you're collecting antique Depression glass or Roseville pottery, take some time to learn about specific pieces that are likely to be faked. In general, anything that looks too new or bears the marks of modern manufacturing is likely to be a reproduction or possibly a fake. If something looks new, it very well may be.

Realize Collecting Antiques Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

Many people assume that collecting antiques is an expensive hobby, but this doesn't have to be the case. In fact, there are lots of items you can collect for five dollars or less. Start with something you love and simply enjoy building a collection. You'll learn as you go, and you'll have a great time too. Now, get out there and find some antiques :-)

Thank you, Know To Love https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/collecting-antiques-practical-guide-beginners

Jokes :-)

1. Who always has a date on Valentine’s Day?

A calendar.

2. What Valentine’s message can you find in a honeycomb?

“Bee mine.”

3. What did the pickle say to the other on Valentine’s Day?

“You’re a big dill to me.”

4. How did the bell propose to his girlfriend?

He gave her a jingle.

5. What did one Hershey’s bar say to the other who arrived long past their date time?

“You’re choco-late.”

6. Why are artichokes so beloved?

They’re known for their hearts.

7. What did the love-obsessed candle say when it was lit?

“I found the perfect match!”

8. What do you call a colorful heart that loves books?

“Well-red.”

9. What do you call sweets that can keep a beat?

Candy rappers.

10. Why did the magnet hit on the refrigerator?

He found her to be very attractive.

11. What’s the best recipe for a perfect morning on February 14?

A hug and a quiche.

12. What did one piece of toast say to the other?

“You’re my butter half!”

13. Why didn’t the two dogs make serious Valentine’s Day plans?

It was just puppy love.

14. Why did the dad approve of his daughter’s goalie-boyfriend?

He was a real keeper.

15. What's Cupid's favorite band?

Kiss!

16. What did one cat say to the other on Valentines day?

You're Purr-fect

Somewhere in Time

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Antiques, Crafts, Collectibles and Retro shows

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