Getting Started with an Antique Collection: A Feminist Guide
Discover why collecting antiques is a rewarding, meaningful and surprisingly affordable way to connect with the past.
There was a time when, like many people, I dismissed antiques as overpriced, dusty relics that cluttered fancy homes and musty stores. But over time, I learned that these objects hold incredible stories, often highlighting the overlooked lives and labors of women throughout history.
Antiques aren’t just pretty to look at; they’re glimpses into the social roles, craftsmanship and innovation of past generations, and especially of women whose stories weren’t always recorded.
Historian, Environmentalist and Detective, All in One
When you collect antiques (or vintage items), you’re doing more than adding someone’s old crap to your home; you’re preserving pieces of history, many of which reflect women’s contributions to society. Plus, using an antique item means both avoiding newly manufactured products that are often cheaply made and break easily and keeping that older item from a landfill. Antiques and vintage pieces are from a time when quality meant more than volume, and things were built to last.
Case in point: I have a fridge in our basement that came with the house when we bought it 15 years ago – and damn, it looked old then. But that beast is still working, and in fact, has been a huge blessing when our shiny new refrigerators failed – multiple times. We’re on number three in our kitchen already.
And perhaps the best part of collecting antiques is the thrill of discovery. Every piece has a story, and each new find is a mystery waiting to be solved. I spend hours researching each item I bring home, learning its origin, age and purpose. Sometimes, these pieces even connect me to the women who owned them before me, women who lived entirely different lives but left traces of themselves behind for me to find.
Antique vs. Vintage: What’s the Difference?
A quick note on terminology:
Antique: Generally refers to items over 100 years old.
Vintage: Typically describes items between 20 and 100 years old. (Which, let’s face it, means many of us reading this are also “vintage.”)
Antiques aren’t just for the wealthy collectors of priceless Victorian furniture. There are countless affordable entry points into the world of antiques, many of which hold unique feminist significance. Here are a few items from my collection that didn’t break the bank but are rich with stories.
Affordable Antique Collecting: Entry Points with a Feminist Spin
Advertising Tins
Advertising tins are fun, affordable collectibles that can reveal nuggets about women’s impact on consumer culture. In the early 20th century, advertising was often directed at women as the primary purchasers of household items. Tins for tea, baking supplies and tobacco products (marketed to both men and women) often featured slogans and images that tell us about gender roles and societal expectations of the time.
Most of my tins were under $30, with some as low as $10. Keep an eye out for tins at flea markets, antique shops and estate sales.
Sad Irons
Sad irons (also called sadirons) are cast iron, hand-held irons that date back to the 19th century and were in use through the early 10th century. They were heavy and dangerously hot yet essential for ironing clothes, a daily task traditionally left to women and young girls. While the name “sad” comes from Middle English, meaning “solid,” these objects were truly anything but cheerful.
Sad irons are a testament to the physical demands of women’s unpaid labor. They are also pretty easy to find, with prices generally in the $20 to $35 range. They make fascinating display pieces and pretty useful door stops. You might also find decorative cast iron trivets that irons sat on to cool, yet another necessity in an era when household labor was a pretty intimidating task.
Vintage Luggage
Vintage luggage is both functional and stylish, and it reflects women’s increasing mobility in the 20th century. As women began traveling more regularly, whether for work, study or leisure, luggage could be viewed as a symbol of growing independence. I own a pale blue mid-century hardshell suitcase that once belonged to a relative, and I occasionally still use it for quick overnight trips.
Luggage from the 1950s-1970s is typically pretty affordable, ranging from $15-$50, and can serve as decor, travel gear and full-time storage. Look for pieces with unique details like monograms or travel stickers that add character and hint at the lives of the women who once owned them.
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones, especially Bell’s Model 500s, were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s and remain timeless collectibles today. While a majority of homes had these phones back in the day, their presence also reflects a gradual shift toward more gender-equitable communication tools in the mid-20th century.
Phones were no longer limited to public spaces or male-dominated business offices. As phones became central household items, women were often the family members who used them most, staying in touch with friends and relatives.
I purchased a few late-1970s models for $15-$20 each, but if you’re after something even older, try the Model 302 (1937-1955) with an Art Deco design.
Other Budget-Friendly Ideas with a Feminist Twist
If you’re looking for more ways to start an antique collection, here are a few options that carry special meaning from a feminist perspective:
Sewing Kits and Needlework: Sewing was one of the few creative outlets women had in the past, and many women used it to tell stories, commemorate events or showcase their personal talents.
Cookware and Kitchen Tools: From cast iron skillets to rolling pins, antique kitchenware reveals the central role of women’s labor in the household and the quality of craftsmanship made to last generations.
Jewelry and Vanity Items: Antique jewelry or vanity sets, like powder compacts or hairbrushes, show how women’s appearances were often a reflection of social expectations, but they were also cherished personal items that allowed for self-expression.
For a bit more on these items, check out my article What Antiques Tell Us about the Role of Women in History.
Helpful (and Free) Resources for Learning More
If you’re curious about diving into the world of antique collecting, here are some excellent resources to help you get started:
Antiques Freaks Podcast: This irreverent podcast covers a new type of antique each episode. It’s filled with info but takes a humorous approach to the topic. While it’s not for everyone, I find it both entertaining and informative.
Kovels eNewsletter: While Kovels offers a paid pricing guide, their free newsletter covers updates on current trends in antique collecting. A helpful resource if you want to stay updated on pricing and popular items.
Collector’s Weekly: This weekly digest offers themed issues on various topics, from mid-century modern to tobacciana. It’s helpful for getting ideas, understanding market trends and checking out recent sales.
The Spruce: Guide to Antique Collecting: This site offers a range of beginner guides to collecting various types of antiques.
Smithsonian Magazine: The Smithsonian often publishes articles on historical objects and the value of antique collections, providing well-researched insights for collectors.
Collecting antiques is about more than just owning objects; it’s about connecting with the past. From old advertisements that reveal societal expectations to kitchenware that tells of women’s household labor, each antique offers a chance to understand the lives of the women who came before us.
Ready to dive in? Find a local antique shop or online marketplace and start exploring; you might just discover a new favorite hobby.
You can check out an older version of this article here: https://medium.com/history-detective/you-should-start-collecting-antiques-its-cooler-and-cheaper-than-you-think-8b4470659111
