Americana
James Buchanan campaign banner, 1856, is the world's most valuable campaign flag, selling for $275,000 at auction.
Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Learn the latest about the hobby of collecting Americana. In this section, we provide compelling articles, news and tips.
Vintage Vacuums - 11 sought-after collectible models with retro appeal
When was the last time you took a good look at your family vacuum? You may never have, but the next time you do consider the history of this modern marvel of cleaning. Until then, enjoy this exploration of some of the most sought-after models of vintage vacuums.
How To Identify Antique Furniture Styles
Is your chair Empire, Queen Anne, Chippendale, or even French Empire? Our identification guide will help you identify your collectible tables, chairs, chests and more.
Carving Out a Decoy Tradition
History and artists flock together to make Maryland’s Havre de Grace the 'Decoy Capital of the World.'
Quilt & Coverlet Show
After a year without, the two-day Bergen County (New Jersey) Quilt and Coverlet Show in October offers historic view of almost 200 years of bedcovers.
Virginia is for Textile Lovers
Two new exhibits highlighting the art of quilters and Navajo weaving open at expanded Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg this summer.
Getting a BANG Out of Collecting Fireworks
Sal Giudice's appreciation for fireworks dates back more than five decades, with half of that time spent amassing an impressive collection of fireworks and related memorabilia.
The Button Quietly Speaks Volumes
Want to get your point across without a rant? Try a button. Please.
Buttons They Stand Behind
From the rarest of the rare to everybody's favorite cartoon beagle, pin-back button experts and authors Ted Hake and Christen Carter share some of their favorite buttons.
Celebrating Pin-Back Buttons
Long before social media became the most popular platform for self-expression, there was the humble pin-back button. After 125 years the button – as political statement, punch line, conversation piece and souvenir – remains a pint-sized dynamo.
Button Power: 125 Years of Saying It With Buttons
A bright and visually captivating new book, with the help of more than 1,500 images of pin-back buttons, captures the big and small moments that define us as a country.
Presidential Election Posters
Election posters have evolved into slick marketing tools. But if you look at the evolution of campaign posters you'll see early efforts were far more clunky than clever.
Hateful Things
David Pilgrim and the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia use objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice
The History of Antique Lawn Sprinklers
At the beginning of the 20th century, lawn sprinklers were developed to keep emerging green spaces healthy. Today vintage sprinklers offer splendor in the grass.
Classic Shooting Gallery Targets
Legendary collection of vintage shooting gallery targets takes center stage at Soulis Auctions in September. Early collectors Richard and Valerie Tucker embraced the targets, calling them 'iron as art.'
