A Look Inside the January Issue of Kovels Antique Trader
A new year begins with standout stories, enduring designs, and auction highlights that remind us why collecting never goes out of style.
January is always a moment to pause, take stock, and look back before moving forward—and this issue does exactly that, with a mix of reflection, discovery, and pure collector delight.
We open the year with “Best of 2025,” a heartfelt look at the stories that surprised us, stayed with us, and reminded us why we love this hobby. From Art Deco elegance to possessed playthings, from vintage toys that sparked childhood memories to auctions that made headlines, these are the moments that defined a memorable year in collecting for the KAT crew.
Jewelry lovers will enjoy "Castlecliff: The Talked-About Jewelry," where Pamela Wiggins Siegel revisits a brand that has long flown under the radar, often to the advantage of savvy collectors. With roots in early-20th-century New York and designs that ranged from wartime restraint to bold mid-century glamour, Castlecliff jewelry proves that sometimes the most interesting treasures are the ones not everyone is chasing.
Design enthusiasts will feel right at home with Kris Manty’s "Everything Old Is 'Newtro' Again," which explores the growing trend of blending vintage aesthetics with modern living. From retro color palettes to antique furniture paired with today’s technology, this feature shows how yesterday’s style continues to shape today’s interiors.
This issue also looks outward as America prepares for a milestone birthday. "250 Years of American Antiques" sets the stage for the nation’s semiquincentennial, while "Looking Beyond the Block" examines Independence Hall–related collectibles that connect history, place, and patriotism in tangible ways.
Auction highlights abound throughout the issue, including jaw-dropping results for everything from a record-setting Martian meteorite to stoneware that soared past estimates, Vanderbilt jewels that dazzled at Phillips Geneva, and music memorabilia that proved Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Ross, and Led Zeppelin can all share the spotlight. These sales reports remind us that the market is as unpredictable and fascinating as ever.
Rounding things out are familiar favorites: Collector’s Gallery, the events calendar to help plan your next collecting adventure, and an Editor’s Note that reflects on holding on, letting go, and the stories that stay with us long after the boxes are unpacked.
Warning: this issue may inspire a road trip, a late-night auction bid, or a sudden urge to reorganize a display shelf.
