We all have different reasons for antiquing. Some search for pieces that can be put to use, like jadeite and ironstone, while others seek out memorabilia associated with their most treasured pastimes. (Tennis or beekeeping, anyone?) Then there are those of us who are in it purely for the thrill of the hunt. We love roaming flea markets, thrift stores, and antiques malls not yet knowing what we want, but knowing that we’ll know it when we see it.
Still, if you’re in search of a way to narrow down your, well, search, might we suggest collecting vintage pieces according to your favorite color? Below, some suggestions in every shade of the rainbow to get you started.
Red, Orange, and Yellow Collectibles
Red
Seen on everything from bandanas to bottles, this iconic country color warms up a room. Some red collecting ideas to get you started: Founded in 1878, Hills Bros. Coffee (1) pioneered vacuum-packing methods via telltale red tins. Tomato pin cushions (2) became popular in the Victorian era as a substitute for real-deal tomatoes gifted to ward off evil spirits. Metlox’s “Red Medallion” pottery (3) is just one coveted line from the defunct factory.
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Orange
A shot of the citrusy hue has been noted to boost energy. Some orange-themed collectibles to consider: Mission Orange (4) was the flagship drink of the California Crushed Fruit Company. TheMac and Muff primer (5) was the first (and the orangest) in Gertrude Hildreth’s learn-to-read series. Before Chicago’s Sanford Ink Company created the Sharpie in 1964, its orange-labeled ink and eraser products (6) were deskside staples.
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Yellow
A burst of sunshine can brighten any space. Some favorite yellow collectibles include: Lemon-hued rulers (7) were one of many items that touted Smokey Bear’s fire-prevention slogan. Kodak’s iconic gold-adorned canisters (8) were used to store their Kodachrome film in the 1950s. Pyrex’s “Butterfly Gold” pattern (9) was released twice, in 1972 and 1979, as a counterpart to Corelle’s 1970 pattern of the same name.
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Green and Blue Collectibles
Green
This fresh, forest-y shade colors everything from Monopoly pieces to salt shakers. Start your collection with these green ideas: Created as a Depression-era alternative to sugary sodas, Squirt’s grapefruit drink (1) boasted a deep green bottle. Naturalist Roger Tory Peterson’s field guides (2), first published in 1934, are still in print—though vintage green bindings are harder to find. Avon sold cosmetics in collectible bottles (3) like this late-1960s vehicle series. You can often find them at yard sales.
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Blue
The country classic is a favorite of the coastal set. And the options for blue collectibles are almost limitless: KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) released their first mini Delft houses (4) in 1952 and adds to the lineup annually. Glass insulators (5) separated wires from telephone poles and multiplied in the 1920s as electricity expanded to rural areas. Created by Edward Stratemeyer in 1926, the blue-bound Hardy Boys books (6) were written by ghostwriters under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon.
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Indigo, Violet, and Pink Collectibles
Indigo
Denim-lovers, rejoice. This transitional hue is as timeless as a pair of jeans. A few deep blue-purple pieces to consider: Violin bottles, or “viobots” (1) date to the 1930s. Cobalt versions are easiest to snag. Transferware (2) is a must-have for indigo dining displays. The Morton Salt Girl (3) has remained the brand’s icon since 1911. (Her yellow dress debuted in 1914 and altered the all-blue label forever.)
Violet
From lilac to grape, these royal hues lend a collection depth and dignity. Our favorite violet collectibles include: Plum postage stamps (4) featuring Queen Elizabeth II were distributed in the U.K. in the 1960s and ’70s. A.G. Smalley designed the “Nu-Seal” canning jar (5) in 1912. Myrtle Reed’s Lavender & Old Lace (6) first brightened bookshelves in 1902.
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Pink
Decidedly dainty scores make for sweet objet on a daughter’s desk. Fun pink vintage finds include: These pink caps (7) that topped 1970s bottles of Nehi Bottling Co.’s peach soda. Introduced by Bell in 1959, the princess phone (8) was sold in a range of colors, including the popular baby pink. Lettuceware’s long-lost cousin, cabbageware (9) was made in Portugal by Bordallo Pinheiro.
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Many of these colorful finds belong to Margaret Schlecht (@mmmoxiegirl) and Katherine Martin (@lalunedesigns).
