The Federalist Antiques

An antique bureau is any bureau that is 100 years old or older. The term bureau today is typically used as another word for a dresser or a chest of drawers. This word has also been used to refer to a writing desk. Find a collection of antique bureaus on 1stDibs today.

Suzani is a form of embroidered tapestry, generally made on velvet, silk or cotton cloth. Suzanis have held a long tradition as being integral to interior decoration in central Asia. They were also thought to be talismans and would bring good luck to one’s home. Shop a collection of suzani tapestries from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

A chatelaine is a set of decorative chains attached to a clasp or belt loop, which was used to carry keys and necessities. In ancient Rome, women carried tweezers, nail cleaners and ear scoops on their chatelaines. On 1stDibs, find antique chatelaines from some of the top sellers around the world.

Important in the 18th and 19th centuries, an antique cellarette was a piece of furniture in which wine was stored. The cellarette, also known as a wine cooler, is recognizable by its small rectangular size and simple design. Shop a collection of antique cellarettes from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Antique majolica is a type of Victorian earthenware characterized by beautifully-colored lead glazes. It first appeared in the 1850s and is highly sought after today. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique majolica from some of the world’s top sellers.

Ironstone is a kind of vitreous pottery that was made in the United Kingdom around the early 19th century. The ironstone made by the masons are considered to be collectibles. Most antique ironstone items should have a hallmark. Shop a range of antique and vintage ironstone items on 1stDibs.

What antique silver is depends on the context. In many cases, the term refers to silverware and silver decorative objects produced more than 100 years ago. However, antique silver may also be the name of a distressed silver finish frequently used on lighting fixtures and bathroom fixtures. Explore a selection of antique silver wares on 1stDibs.

Antique rings were made of a variety of materials. You can find pieces produced out of many of the same precious metals used today, such as yellow gold, white gold, sterling silver and platinum. In addition, some antique rings feature a material called pinchbeck, which is a combination of copper and zinc. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of antique rings.

There is no single most valuable antique silverware, as trends in collecting evolve over time. Condition also has a major impact on valuation. However, some patterns of silverware have remained consistently popular for decades. Among them are the Grand Baroque by Wallace, Repousse by Stieff, Francis 1st by Reed & Barton, Eloquence Sterling by Lunt and King Richard by Towle. Find a wide range of antique silverware on 1stDibs.

To know if a rosary is antique, check its beads. The beads on modern rosaries are largely made of wood, glass or inexpensive plastic, and they’re likely linked by a chain or a cord. Old rosary beads were frequently strung on silk or another type of thread. 

Hundreds of years ago, some rosaries, such as those produced during the 16th century for example, were made by goldsmiths. The era of mass production for these prayer beads began to take shape during the 15th century, and this development allowed for rosaries to be made of materials such as lead, glass, bone and wood. Online resources suggest that if the rosary’s crucifix and center medal are not made of the same material, it’s likely that a component of your rosary has been replaced over the years.

In order to properly determine the age of your rosary, experts recommend working with an antiques dealer or other type of professional in the collectibles realm.

Over time, vintage and antique religious artifacts have become popular with collectors and the devout alike, and religious art has been used to express devotion across a range of media. Find rosaries today on 1stDibs.

Opinions on how old a rug has to be to be considered antique vary. However, most experts will apply the label to any rug produced more than 100 years ago, and call floor coverings produced 50 to 100 years ago vintage. Shop a variety of antique rugs on 1stDibs.

Mercury glass, often known as "silvered glass," is an antique decorative art glass made by glassmakers in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), England and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. These are blown glass artworks with hollow interiors, the majority of which are double-walled.

Silver-plating refers to the process of applying a thin layer of silver overtop of a base metal, such as copper, nickel or pewter. An antique silver-plated item would have gone through this same process. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver plate items from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Antique silver plates are antique plates made from either pure silver or have been silver-plated. Silver is a timeless material that’s been popular for centuries, and antique silver is always highly regarded. Shop a collection of antique silver plates from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Antique copper finish refers to the natural tarnishing or ‘patina’ that a copper piece acquires over time. It also refers to the green color some vintage copper pieces take on. You’ll find a large collection of antique copper from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Antique wicker furniture is generally made from rattan. Rattan is a vine-like plant that is located in tropical regions. The bark of the rattan is used for furniture as it is durable, flexible and looks stylish. The core of the plant is also used in furniture-making, making it highly sustainable. Shop a collection of wicker furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.