Collectors Enjoy Buying Kitchenwares With Original Labels And Price Markings Or Stickers

The Value Of Original Labels

I adore finding "mint' kitchen collectibles that still have the original packaging or labels or price tags intact. Thank goodness that so many folks hang onto good old stuff packed away in their cluttered basements, attics and garages. These pack rats are what keeps all of us "hunters" happy.

Handle With Care

When you do find collectibles that have original markings and labels in place, be very careful when handling and cleaning these wonderful older housewares.

I know this sounds obvious, but don't get labels wet. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust around the label, but stay away from directly soaking the advertising or manufacturers label. Once you remove the identifying information or distort the writing with water you have lost a good deal of their history. Of course if you are buying collectibles for use in your kitchen, you will indeed have to peel away stickers etc. If possible, try to hold onto wrappings, boxes, stickers etc for later re-sale.

China Markers Used To Mark Housewares

Often Five & Dime Stores marked planters, figurines, glassware, S&P's, housewares with China or Grease Pen markers (waxed pencils). While it's usually hard to rub off China markers easily, some sellers try to "get rid of" any evidence of the cheaper price for fear that buyers will think the current price is "too much". The same logic sometimes prevails when a seller thinks about removing a paper or foil label.

Stickers, labels, tags, markings provide important information. It helps buyers and sellers identify and date these kitchen collectibles.

Made In Japan

Another important point to remember is that products have more monetary value when the original advertising label is still on. And don't be so quick to peel off a 'Made In Japan" sticker. In the collecting world, MIJ collectors are plentiful. I have heard of sellers who think people won't buy "cheap" wares. Some sellers worry that they won't get their asking price if the original price is left on an item. Not true, labels and stickers are very important...keep them on!

Fire king photo Courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/shop/ricracandbuttons?ref=seller_info

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Authors Guild, Inc.