Kim Kovel

Keeping the past alive is part of the appeal of antiques. The most valuable, most desirable collectibles are original antiques, but reproductions can have their own interesting stories.

Identifying antique glass isn't always easy. If you're lucky, a piece may be marked, like this Phanomen vase, which is signed "Loetz Austria" on its pontil (the spot on the base where the blown molten glass was attached to a pontil for shaping).

Keeping the past alive is part of the appeal of antiques. The most valuable, most desirable collectibles are original antiques, but reproductions can have their own interesting stories.

“Have A Good One — It's Union Made” is the slogan on this cigar store advertising sign. It could also work as a Labor Day salutation. The first Labor Day celebration, held in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, was planned by the Central Labor Union. Labor activists in other states adopted the holiday, and it was signed into national law by President Grover Cleveland in 1894.

“Have A Good One — It’s Union Made” is the slogan on this cigar store advertising sign. It could also work as a Labor Day salutation. The first Labor Day celebration, held in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, was planned by the Central Labor Union. Labor activists in other states adopted the holiday, and it was signed into national law by President Grover Cleveland in 1894.

The slogan “Have A Good One — It’s Union Made” on this cigar store advertising sign. It could also work as a Labor Day salutation. The first Labor Day celebration,

With its carved giltwood trim and rich velvet upholstery, this sofa would look right at home among the opulent Baroque and extravagant Rococo styles of the 18th century. It was made much more recently, in fact, by Jumbo Collection, a contemporary Italian furniture company that was founded in 1985. It sold for $1,188 at a Hindman auction.

Trade unions played a crucial role in establishing Labor Day as a holiday. “Union Made” has long been a point of pride for American industries, as in this sign advertising Sweet-Orr clothing, which sold for $7,380 at a Morphy auction.

Sometimes the newest fashions repeat what came before — lucky for antique collectors! Decorations on this contemporary sofa suggest the ornate design styles of the 18th century. KOVELS.COM

Every antique tells a story. It's often one of change, sometimes over a relatively small amount of time. Look at the simple act of writing. Most of us probably have several ballpoint pens scattered throughout a desk — and most of our writing, whether it's a professional project, a school paper or just filling out a form, is done on the computer anyway.