The Difference Between Vintage and Antique Pins

Collecting vintage and antiques is a hobby that is enjoyed by millions across the country. However, some people that are not involved with the popular hobby or a new hobbyist might have difficulty deciding if an item is an antique or vintage item. This is especially true for those that collect vintage button pins. What is the difference between vintage pins and antique pins? This is something that you must know before picking up that special item at a garage sale, flea market, or online shop. Here is more to consider.

What is an Antique?

The first course of action is to define an antique. Perhaps, you are a collector that is really involved with collecting a unique type of pin that you’ve determined is vintage. However, an expert states that the pin is antique. This happens more than you might imagine to a new collector. Many sellers like to name the items in their stores, antiques because they would like to raise the value of the item and score higher profits. Perhaps, you have a pair of presidential election pins that were left to you by your grandparents. The pins are close to 75 years old. Your dad gave you an ancient Disneyland pin that is close to 50 years old. Are they antiques? According to leading antique experts, not at all. An antique object must be at least 100 years old and of some historical or aesthetic value.

What is Vintage?

The fact is that most people confuse the term vintage and antique. Often, they mix the two terms up. For example, an old Nixon Is The One pin from the 60s is definitely vintage. However, a handmade presidential election button from the 1890s is an antique. Vintage generally refers to an item that was in fashion or very unique to a certain time or decade. This is still very confusing to some new hobbyist. They might apply this to the button trends a few decades ago. However, this is usually thought a mistake. Vintage generally refers to a unique item that represents a certain time but is at least 50 years old and less than 100 years old.

Identify a Vintage Item

Certainly, it is important to understand the difference between a vintage item and an antique. Now, you’ve determined that the item appears vintage. Next, put the item through a few tests. For example, determine the year that the item was manufactured. Look at the date marked on the item. It should have a specific year attached. Checking the label is a way to identify the real vintage item and avoid replicas that were manufactured in the last few years.

Pin collectors, button collectors, or even vintage clothing collectors find their treasures online, at flea markets, and even garage sales. However, it is also important to know the history of an item to determine if it is truly a vintage item that is worth adding to your collection. The information that is included here should help guide you on your vintage collecting journey.