Entries tagged "ephemera"

Defining Ephemera

Arthur Groten | 11/07/12 at 01:04 p.m.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW defines ephemera as "Objects in the collecting world that were originally considered to be ephemeral by nature, i.e., not made to last. Examples include broadsides announcing political meetings, greeting cards, invitations to Hollywood film openings, buttons, bumper stickers, and the like." Here's what the president of the Ephemera Society of America has to say …

The definition of a piece of Ephemera is, traditionally, an item made of paper that was not meant to be saved such as song sheets, trade cards, business cards, commemorative paper napkins, and so forth. The purists among us cling to that definition and, of course, that is their prerogative. However, there is a trend among many collectors to include non-traditional material such as in advertising. For instance, there are many items made of celluloid that were used for advertising a specific product or event. They are often found among World's Fair collections. By the same token, a cup or spoon from that same Fair would not be considered traditional Ephemera.

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Is it Politically Correct?

Kevin Bruneau | 11/02/12 at 09:38 a.m.

Political memorabilia that's collected today can date from as far as two thousand years ago, when the Romans inscribed their political votes on pottery shards called ostracons.

Right now is a perfect time to start collecting political memorabilia from the upcoming elections. You never know the next politician that will make such impact on the world that the buttons, photos, and campaign signs used during the campaigns become part of our American history, and become valuable commodities. It’s all history in the making, and there will more than likely be future collectors who will pay big money to own it...

Tips and Thoughts on Collecting Broadway Ephemera

John Bruno | 09/10/12 at 06:00 a.m.

In honor of Broadway or Bust 's premiere on PBS Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 8/7C, John Bruno shares his thoughts on collecting from the Great White Way:

From autographs and Playbills, to posters and ticket stubs, to soundtracks and drawings, to costumes and notes, the field of Broadway ephemera is vast and varied. And Broadway ephemera is mostly affordable – the majority of pieces cost under $100. It’s not until one gets into the very rare, famous or obscure that prices begin to climb.

What is Broadway Ephemera?

John Bruno | 08/31/12 at 01:16 p.m.

In honor of Broadway or Bust , premiering on PBS Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 8/7C, John Bruno shares his thoughts on collecting from the Great White Way:

I’ve been a collector for more than fifty years, and through that time my interests have run the gamut of antiques and collectibles, from pottery to glassware to lighting to furniture to vintage clothing to housewares and more. But one aspect of my collecting has remained constant – ephemera. "Ephemera" is the term used for paper items made for one-time or short-term use. Ephemera can be added to, included in, or used as an adjunct for virtually any collection. A vintage car collector's ephemera might include auto manuals and ads, while aviation collector would seek out travel posters. Because I’m an inveterate New Yorker, finding Broadway ephemera is one of my passions, both as a cross-collectible with my other interests, and as a stand-alone collection.