On The Hunt For Vintage Glassware Collectibles

By Michael Fisher


Collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby. It often takes patience and finding that perfect piece can mean being in the right place at the right time. Like any items, vintage glassware collectibles can turn up in a variety of places and for those searching for it, there are a number of ways to do so, some without leaving the comfort of home.

A good place to begin looking is antique shops. With the myriad items that can be found in these places, there is often something for everyone. Dealers in these shops may have an inside scoop on finding particular items that they do not have in stock, so it is always worth checking with them to see if they are able to locate particular items. Another great thing about shopping in these stores is that often the prices are not firm, and it may be possible to dicker a bit to bring the cost down a little bit.

Watch for garage sales by checking the newspaper or online classified listings. Grab a map, mark the sales and head out to find treasure. Most of the good items tend to go to the early birds, so to avoid disappointment, set out early to find the best selection. While there is no guarantee this will turn up vintage glassware, it is a lot of fun and can result in some wonderful finds.

Online buy and sell sites can be an excellent resource. Sites like eBay and Amazon, just no name a couple, make it easy for buyers and sellers to connect from any where on the globe. Some items are listed as the actual sale price, others allow buyers to bid on items. For buyers seeking something rare or particular, this can often be the best place to find exactly what is sought. One drawback is that these sites only allow the item to be viewed via pictures and often involve shipping charges, which can sometimes be equal to or more than the sale price of the item. Always read the fine print when making a transaction through a site like this.

Most cities and towns have local online buy and sell sites as well. In most cases, it is possible to hold and inspect the items before considering the purchase of them and there would not be shipping charges. Buyers can also post wanted ads for items that they are looking for.

Thrift and second hand stores can offer a great variety of vintage items. With new items arriving often, it is a good idea to check back regularly. Items at these stores are usually available at a low price. If there is a particular item that is desired, ask the staff to keep a look out for it.

Church sales can also turn up fun vintage items at a very low cost. These type of sales are like one big garage sale where items are donated and the proceeds kept by the church, perhaps for a particular fund raising effort.

With so many avenues to explore, most collectors are able to find items that interest them. These can also be great ways to sell unwanted or duplicate pieces to other collectors.




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