Guide to Regional Antiques in America

The East

• Antique collecting started with items created in the original colonies, and the things produced in this region continue to be a major draw for collectors. Revere silver, early pewter, colonial paper documents and handmade toys still turn up at auctions in this region. Primitives from the Northeast, items made by untrained novice craft people are collected and displayed by individuals and now make up major collections in museums. Early pottery pieces, including slipware, and utility items, such as jugs and saltware storage containers, are prized. Needlework, quilts and samplers are also a staple antique of this region. American-made furniture and European imports are still available in abundant supply in this region, although prices continue to skyrocket for the pieces.

The South

• Southern pottery is also highly collected, and each state had small potteries that made unique wares. Freed slaves in the Southern coastal region produced stoneware "face pots" that are not found in any other region. The bead crafts of the Southern Indians draw many collectors. Carved wood folk art pieces and grass baskets can be quickly distinguished from Midwestern and Southwestern styles. Even though some of the art pottery and basketry continues to be made today, collectors have their favorite crafters from the past and are able to identify the style and technique. Antique French furniture, paintings and art pieces are found more widely over the Southern states, because early colonists enjoyed French culture and imported pieces for their homes.

The Midwest

• Primitives and utility items used in everyday farm life are widely available in local antique stores. Wire rug beaters, sad irons and enameled pots and pans can be found at local estate sales. Kitchenware, manufactured by glass companies in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, has found fans in the antique world. Some of the world's largest producers of glass and dinnerware were found in the Midwest. Homer Laughlin, Hall and W.S. George companies made millions of dishes for tables across the U.S. and the world. Art pottery, from the Ohio firms of Rookwood, Weller and Roseville, has been increasing in value over the past decade. Pottery once sold in dime stores is now highly valued by collectors, including vases and novelty pieces from McCoy, Shawnee and Hull.

The Southwest

• Native American pottery and silver and turquoise jewelry items are the prized antiques and collectibles from this region. Native beadwork items, including ceremonial dress and shoes, have become difficult to find during the past decade but are occasionally found at residential and art auctions in the region. Navajo blankets have always been collected and crafters created special rugs at the turn of the century just for this market. Navajo and Zuni silver "old pawn" jewelry pieces, rings, necklaces, watchbands and belts are available from local antique stores. Ranching and equipment used by cowboys, such as saddles and boots, bring high value on the collector market. Silver and platinum print photographs of early residents and settlers from the 1850s to 1900 draw many collectors.

The West

• Native baskets from Northern California are distinctive from work in other regions. Wooden masks, ceremonial trunks and totems are unique to the Pacific Northwest region. The San Francisco area had an active port before the Panama Canal was completed and, as a result, more antiques and collectibles from the East may be found in this area than in some eastern states. Items associated with the Gold Rush, such as coins and mining equipment, are also more likely to be found in this region. Asian items, brought with immigrant workers, or imported art pieces are available at auction in California. Pottery pieces from Bauer, Catalina and Brayton-Laguna, all of California, and individual potters offer distinctive designs. The Van Briggle Pottery of Colorado Springs, Colorado, had many early designs that attract collectors. Hawaiian antiques include quilts, carved pieces from native woods and official documents from the precolonial period of self-rule. Watercolors and oils by native and missionary artists are highly sought after by collectors. Popular tourist items, termed Hawaiiana or Hawai'iana, have developed a large collector following.