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People who have never collected antique and vintage items because they thought it was too expensive, might be surprised. Prices can start from as low as $3.00, for example, to start a collection of syrup pitchers or kitchen utensils. You can start out simple and as your collection grows, expand to the more unusual syrup pitchers or utensils. I started my own collection of syrup pitchers years ago. When my kids were small, there wasn't a lot left over for extras, so I couldn't really collect the antiques I desired. I started, though, with syrup pitchers, not only because of the affordability but because of the memories. I always remember my grandma making me pancakes and having syrup in, what I thought as a kid, were "fancy glasses with handles". I still have my syrup collection today but have been able to add nicer pitchers to the collection, some with bakelite handles, others with sterling silver tops.  Syrup pitchers are a fun way to start a kitchen collection by mixing colors and styles. Another one of my favorite kitchen collections was started because I've always loved country primitive furniture. The early butter churns, which were usually three gallon in size and made in the mid 1800s, remind me daily how hard families had to work in those days to make something as simple as butter! Maybe that's why when we see dresses from the 1800s they are in such tiny sizes. Those women had to work hard! In the early 1900s, you found butter churns made out of stoneware, some stamped with the Red Wing mark. The same principal was used here, churning the three gallon crocks with a wood handle with both hands. After the early wooden churns, things got a little better when churns were made from glass and a handle could be cranked with just one hand instead of both. Today old wooden butter churns and crocks will cost you a bit of change. Back in the 1800s, you could purchase them for a couple of dollars, according to the old Sears & Roebuck catalogs. Today, you are probably looking at a couple of hundred dollars depending on the type and condition of the churn. The glass jar churns though, can be purchased from around $80 to $150 depending on the churn, whether the beaters are wood or metal. Yelloware bowls are another good collection to invest in and fun to collect because there are so many varieties and differing prices to choose from. Between the 1830s and 1940s, yelloware was found in most kitchens across America. It was a ceramic made by firing yellow clay that was found in riverbeds in Ohio and the Northeast. The yellow colors vary because of the clay. These bowls were used a lot because they didn't cost much, were pretty sturdy and at the time could even be used on the old kitchen stove, although I wouldn't advise that today. I use my old yelloware bowls all the time, especially at holiday dinners and special occasions. I love the way they look on my harvest table. I don't recommend putting them in the dishwasher though. The price of yelloware bowls can range from $20 for a single bowl with slight imperfections, to $1500 for stacking sets or earlier collections.  The thing about collecting, especially kitchen collectibles, is to choose things you like. Collecting is like decorating, in my opinion, there are no rules. Surround yourself with what you like or what brings back memories. Collecting is about what makes us happy, what warms our heart just like the old kitchen stoves that warmed the kitchens. This warmth helps keep our busy, daily lives just a little more cozy. Sue Jackson is the owner of Country Roads Antiques & Gardens, 204 W. Chapman, Old Towne Orange, CA. (714) 532-3041. |
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