A Look Inside the May 2026 Issue of Kovels Antique Trader

The May 2026 issue of Kovels Antique Trader offers collectors a mix of history, artistry, design, and seasonal inspiration, with features celebrating both the practical and whimsical sides of collecting.

Our own jewelry genius, Pamela Wiggins Siegel, explores the sparkling world of vintage butterfly jewelry, highlighting brooches, necklaces, and earrings that bring the beauty of nature into wearable form. From affordable costume pieces to standout designer examples, Siegel examines why these glittering insects continue to attract collectors.

In Nature’s Beauties, readers are invited to stroll through America’s sculpture parks, where large-scale works of art and thoughtfully designed landscapes intersect. This feature examines how sculpture gardens offer collectors and art enthusiasts alike a unique way to experience creativity in outdoor settings.

Whimsy takes center stage in This Garden is Really Hopping, a look at collectible garden frogs and the enduring popularity of these playful figures. From charming decorative accents to full-fledged collections, frog-themed garden décor proves that once collectors welcome one frog, many more are often sure to follow.

History and fine art meet in Framing a Nation in Art, where Schoelkopf Gallery’s milestone is examined alongside America’s approaching Semiquincentennial. As a gallery milestone meets America’s 250th anniversary, the feature explores how art reflects the evolution of a changing nation while preserving its cultural identity.

For collectors interested in practical antiques, Paul Kennedy’s A Close Shave delves into the history of shaving collectibles, tracing the evolution of grooming tools and their place in material culture. Meanwhile, Looking Beyond the Block revisits war and victory garden posters, showcasing the powerful blend of art, messaging, and resilience during pivotal moments in history.

Complementing the feature lineup, this month’s Sales Reports spotlight strong auction activity in garden décor, statuary, and decorative arts, while Dr. Cavo delves into carnival glass Homestead Plates and (maybe) Capodimonte in this month’s Collector’s Gallery.

In her Editor’s Note, The Season of the Hunt, Editor Kele Johnson reflects on the excitement of flea market season, the joy of treasure hunting, and the ongoing balance between refining existing collections while making room for new discoveries.

All this, and more, in the May issue of Kovels Antique Trader. Hop on in for a springtime celebration of the season.