LAS VEGAS – Rick Harrison was playing Antiques Roadshow before Antiques Roadshow was cool. For the last 21 years, his father’s Las Vegas pawn shop saw all manner of quirky characters looking for some history and value behind their antiques, fine art and collectibles.

Have you ever seen a quaint piece of furniture? One that could be defined as charmingly odd in an old-fashioned sort of way, unfamiliar and unusual but not completely foreign? That could probably describe a number of pieces you have seen, but the word “quaint” never exactly occurred to you to use in describing it.

Some of the best buys in furniture today are items manufactured in America during our “Depression” cycle, which in furniture terms runs from roughly 1920 to 1960.

The word “Disney” has become virtually synonymous with animation. Since the earliest days of moving pictures, the Disney company has built its empire one movie at a time, resulting in such timeless and beloved classics ...

Ask most people what they consider the most significant invention in history and their answers may range from automobile to computer. Ask Julie Robinson, however, and you’ll get a different, and somewhat arguable and curious, response — celluloid.

This exclusive excerpt is from the new book Harry Potter Collector’s Handbook by William Silvester (Krause Publications, 2010). Silvester lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and has more than 250 published articles to his credit.

Anne Gilbert, the Antiques Detective, answers Antique Trader reader questions about their antique and collectible treasures.

Surprisingly collections of uncut vintage paper dolls are not only around but can be reasonably priced, depending where you find them.

Collecting antique meerschaum pipes offers both artistry and beauty, and a sensual window into a bygone age, because tobacco residue lasts just about forever.

The Field Museum’s newest exhibition, The Aztec World, gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the otherworldly grandeur and sophistication of one of history’s great civilizations.