Every January, when we change years, another milestone of vintage takes hold.

The dictionary definition of “vintage” (adjective) is, “denoting something of high quality, especially something from the past or characteristic of the best period of a person’s work.”

Vintage collectors consider items that are 20 years old or more to be “vintage.” On December 31 an item might be 19 years old but the next day…it’s vintage. Most collectors are flexible but they do get up in arms when you call something that is ten years old vintage. Many collectors would call you on it. But once you get past vintage, past that 20 years… then what?

The dictionary definition of “antique” (noun) is “a collectible object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high value because of its considerable age.” The definition of “antique” (adjective) is “having a high value because of considerable age.” But there is no age defined, ever. Most people consider 50 to 100+ years to be a good range . But what does that mean for those items that fall in the middle?

Most still consider them vintage, perhaps antique, as they get closer to that 50 year+ age. But the general term we put on all of these items is “collectible.” The dictionary definition of collectible is “a term that describes valuable objects less than a hundred years old, often distinguished from antiques.”

The terms can be used in many different ways. Most of the time the age dictates the prices, although that is not always the case. Pam’s Pantiques collected a huge box of 78-year-old light bulbs in excellent condition, in original packaging. I sold 40 of them for $25. Another recent sale was a vintage set of juice glasses and pitcher, valued at about $30…but the auction went to $59.

It can be about age, but these days it’s more about what you collect and whether there’s a demand for it. I had only two people bidding on the lights, but 14 bidding on the glasses. What your great-grandmother had is probably antique now, but grandma’s dishes are just vintage. However, they are all collectible. Someone out there collects whatever you have.

It was a lovely little break Pam’s Pantiques had from Thanksgiving until now. I take the time off each year for my other business, Zion’s Den. Each year we have one litter of pups and it is a really nice way to end the year. But the new year has begun. It’s time for picking again.

To those I have spoken to: let’s set up some times to do what we planned. If you are looking to get a head start on your spring cleaning or downsizing, give me a call. We are expanding this year to help with “more than undesirable” mountain properties.

Please give us a call or send an email to discuss all your downsizing options! Here’s to 2022!

Pam and Pam’s Pantiques can be reached at pamspantiques@gmail.com or 720-372-4816.