Collecting vintage office supplies
You may be puzzled by why someone would want to collect seemingly mundane, every day office supplies. The answer is that a new generation of collectors has enjoyed television shows such as “Mad Men” and the short-lived “Pan Am.” Those shows were set in the 1950s and 1960s. These popular shows have sparked a new interest in the clothing, furniture, hairstyles of the period.
This may come as surprise that in this day of smart phones, computers and tablets that the lowly typewriter is becoming hugely popular again! Even actor Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters. It is fun to watch children come to our estate sales and see a typewriter for the first time!
Anything retro having to do with the office has now become very popular and collectible. Staplers from the ’40s or ’50s that have a distinct “look” from the era and bakelite rolodex are must haves for the vintage desk.
Any old office supplies in their original boxes such as staples, paperclips, or steno supplies make a great display. Another must have for the vintage era office is a vintage brass or metal desk lamp. The sky is the limit in the field; there are so many cool choices out there to choose from.
No vintage desk suite would be complete without desktop items like vintage letter openers, a little chrome or bakelite calendar where you turn the knob to change the dates and vintage pens and pencils.
This fairly new field of vintage collectibles can be acquired for fairly reasonable prices. The internet gives you a an endless supply to search from or if you like the thrill of the hunt you can go to yard sales, thrift stores and estate sales. Some collectors like to focus on just one item like vintage pens which is an exciting field to become a fan and collector of all by itself!
Whatever you collect, use it and enjoy it every day! Happy Collecting!
Jillinda Falen has been buying and selling antiques for over 30 years. She is a licensed REALTOR and estate liquidation specialist. You can contact her through the Houston Home Journal or via email at jcfalen@gmail.com
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