Get the collectibles forecast for 2005
CLASSIC COLLECTIBLES
While trends come and go, those things that connect us to the past, to our family and to our country make perennial favorites for the country collector. Antiques dealers, collectibles experts and designers who we spoke to agree that these top the list of great country collectibles today:

1. (Left) Salvaged Building Materials. Rescued from crumbling buildings, old columns, corbels, fences, tiles and ornamental details are usually rich with history, often arrive in a genuinely “distressed” condition, and add instant character to corners, doorways, walls and windows. photo: Bill Mathews


 2. Quilts. (Right) This patchwork artistry dates back to ancient civilizations and is a treasured American hobby, so it’s no wonder that quilts appeal to all kinds of collectors (and similarly no surprise that rare ones fetch high prices at auctions). What’s nice is that there are many available in affordable price ranges, and you can even make your own using a classic pattern, thus creating a hand-me-down heirloom for collectors to come. photo: Bradley Olman


3. Vintage Signs. (Left) Thanks to the popularity of this nostalgic collectible, many affordable reproductions of famous ads and logos from the past century are available online and in specialty shops. As with anything, however, the prized versions are the real deal: authentic signs from old roadside diners or malt shops from days gone past, or an old poster that gathered dust in your uncle’s closet for the past 60 years. photo: Bradley Olman


4. Vintage Fabric. (Right) As more and more people find creative ways to make use of fabric, vintage prints are being pressed into service, especially in the kitchen. While older pieces may be too fragile for everyday use, the colorful motifs you may remember from your grandmother’s kitchen are popping up as charming curtains, tablecloths and pillowcases. photo: Bill Mathews


5. Pottery. (Below) From bowls to mugs, pitchers to planters, durable pottery makes a perfect collectible. Not only is it lovely to display, it’s useful, and many pieces actually look better with some crackle in the glaze and even a small chip or two. photo: Bill Mathews