Want to strike gold in the Canadian antique market?
You’re in the right place.
This isn’t your grandma’s dusty attic. We’re talking about serious treasures with serious value.
I’m going to break down the 40+ most sought-after antiques in Canada.
Get ready to discover hidden gems and unlock their profit potential.
40 Antiques to Sell Online in Canada (and Rake in the Cash)
| Category | Antique | Hot Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Early Canadian Pine Blanket Box | Look for hand-planed surfaces and dovetail joints. |
| Art Deco Vanity Set | Original hardware and mirrors increase value. | |
| Mid-Century Modern Teak Sideboard | Danish design is highly sought-after. | |
| Vintage Rocking Chair | Check for maker’s marks and unique features. | |
| Decorative Arts | First Nations Beaded Moccasins | Research the tribe and age. |
| Art Nouveau Tiffany Lamp | Authentic Tiffany lamps are highly valuable. | |
| Vintage Coca-Cola Enamel Sign | Excellent condition is crucial for high prices. | |
| Antique Brass Candlesticks | Look for intricate designs and hallmarks. | |
| Ceramics & Glass | Roseville Pottery Vase | Rare colors and patterns command top dollar. |
| Quebec Pottery Bean Pot | Research the pottery and its history. | |
| Depression Glass Cake Plate | Pieces in the “American Sweetheart” pattern are popular. | |
| Vintage Milk Glass Vase | Look for unique shapes and colors. | |
| Collectibles | Vintage Lionel Train Set | Complete sets with original boxes are highly desirable. |
| 1960s Barbie Doll | Rare or limited-edition dolls are collector’s items. | |
| Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card | Authenticated cards in good condition are worth a fortune. | |
| RCMP Officer’s Stetson Hat | Older hats with unique features are highly collectible. | |
| Paper & Ephemera | Vintage Canadian Travel Poster | Posters featuring iconic destinations are in high demand. |
| 19th Century Map of Montreal | Look for maps with historical significance. | |
| Vintage Photograph of Niagara Falls | Unique or rare images command higher prices. | |
| Antique Postcards | Postcards depicting historical events or landmarks are popular. | |
| Jewelry & Silver | Canadian Diamond Engagement Ring | Get the diamond appraised and certified. |
| Sterling Silver Tea Set | Look for hallmarks and intricate patterns. | |
| Vintage Brooch | Unique designs and materials are key. | |
| Antique Pocket Watch | Working condition and reputable makers increase value. | |
| Other | Vintage Kodak Brownie Camera | Classic cameras in good condition are sought-after. |
| Antique Grandfather Clock | Get the clock appraised and serviced by a professional. | |
| Beatles “Abbey Road” Vinyl Record | First pressings in excellent condition are highly valuable. | |
| World War I Military Uniform | Research the history and significance of the uniform. | |
| Antique Typewriter | Look for rare models and working condition. | |
| Vintage Sewing Machine | Singer sewing machines are highly collectible. | |
| Antique Oil Lamp | Look for unique designs and materials. | |
| Vintage Comic Books | First editions of popular comics can be worth a lot. | |
| Old Coins and Currency | Rare coins and bills in good condition are highly sought-after. | |
| Antique Tools | Look for unique or specialized tools. | |
| Vintage Board Games | Classic board games in good condition are popular with collectors. | |
| Antique Books | First editions and signed copies are highly valuable. | |
| Vintage Bottles | Look for unique shapes, colors, and embossing. | |
| Antique Furniture Hardware | Original hardware from specific periods is in demand. | |
| Vintage Kitchenware | Enamelware and Pyrex are popular with collectors. | |
| Antique Dolls | Porcelain dolls and dolls with unique features are highly collectible. |
Furniture
1. Early Canadian Pine Furniture (18th and 19th Century)
- Think: Simple, sturdy pieces built to last.
- Look for: Dry sinks, blanket boxes, harvest tables.
- Why it’s hot: Authentic connection to Canadian history, minimalist aesthetic.
Check for dovetail joints and hand-planed surfaces – signs of quality craftsmanship.1
2. Art Deco Furniture (1920s-1940s)
- Think: Geometric shapes, bold colors, luxurious materials.2
- Look for: Cocktail cabinets, armchairs, vanity sets.3
- Why it’s hot: Timeless elegance, resurgence of mid-century modern design.4
Original upholstery and hardware increase value.
3. Mid-Century Modern Furniture (1950s-1960s)
- Think: Clean lines, organic forms, functionality.5
- Look for: Teak sideboards, molded plastic chairs, iconic designer pieces.
- Why it’s hot: Enduring popularity, blends with contemporary styles.6
Top Tools for Furniture Identification:
- Books: “Canadian Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide”
- Websites: Canadian Antiques Roadshow website, LiveAuctioneers.ca
Decorative Arts
4. First Nations Art
- Think: Totem poles, masks, carvings, beadwork.
- Look for: Older pieces with historical significance, unique regional styles.
- Why it’s hot: Cultural significance, growing appreciation for Indigenous art.
Research the artist and cultural background of the piece.
5. Art Nouveau Glass (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
- Think: Flowing lines, floral motifs, iridescent colors.
- Look for: Tiffany lamps, Loetz vases, Galle cameo glass.
- Why it’s hot: Beauty and craftsmanship, collector’s market.
Examine for signatures and condition.
6. Vintage Enamel Signs
- Think: Advertising signs for products, businesses, or events.
- Look for: Bold graphics, vibrant colors, iconic brands.
- Why it’s hot: Nostalgia factor, pop culture appeal.
Condition is key – rust and fading decrease value.
Ceramics and Glassware
7. Roseville Pottery
- Think: American art pottery with distinctive floral designs.
- Look for: Vases, jardinieres, wall pockets.
- Why it’s hot: Highly collectible, wide range of styles and colors.
Check for the Roseville mark on the bottom.
8. Quebec Pottery
- Think: Handmade pottery with traditional and folk art influences.
- Look for: Bean pots, jugs, crocks.
- Why it’s hot: Connection to Quebec heritage, rustic charm.
Research specific potteries and their marks.
9. Depression Glass
- Think: Inexpensive glassware produced during the Great Depression.7
- Look for: Pink, green, and amber colors, patterns like “Madrid” and “American Sweetheart.”
- Why it’s hot: Affordable entry point for collectors, nostalgic appeal.
Complete sets or rare pieces command higher prices.
Collectibles
10. Vintage Toys
- Think: Tin toys, dolls, board games.
- Look for: Iconic brands like Lionel trains and Barbie dolls, rare or limited-edition items.
- Why it’s hot: Nostalgia, childhood memories, investment potential.
Original packaging significantly increases value.
11. Hockey Memorabilia
- Think: Jerseys, sticks, pucks, trading cards.
- Look for: Items associated with legendary players or historic moments.
- Why it’s hot: National sport, passionate fan base.
Authenticity is crucial – get items authenticated.
12. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Memorabilia
- Think: Uniforms, badges, photographs, Stetson hats.
- Look for: Vintage items, items associated with specific events or figures.
- Why it’s hot: Iconic symbol of Canada, historical significance.
Condition and rarity are key factors.
Paper and Ephemera
13. Vintage Posters
- Think: Travel posters, advertising posters, movie posters.
- Look for: Iconic designs, vibrant colors, historical significance.
- Why it’s hot: Decorative appeal, historical value.
Condition is crucial – look for tears, fading, and creases.
14. Old Maps and Charts
- Think: Maps of Canada or specific regions, nautical charts.
- Look for: Early editions, unique details, historical significance.
- Why it’s hot: Historical value, decorative appeal.
Research the cartographer and historical context.
15. Vintage Photographs
- Think: Portraits, landscapes, historical events.
- Look for: Unique subjects, artistic composition, historical significance.
- Why it’s hot: Glimpse into the past, historical documentation.
Research the photographer and subject matter.
Jewelry and Silver
16. Canadian Diamond Jewelry
- Think: Engagement rings, necklaces, earrings.
- Look for: High-quality diamonds, unique designs, vintage settings.
- Why it’s hot: Ethical sourcing, investment value.
Get diamonds appraised and certified.
17. Sterling Silver Flatware
- Think: Cutlery sets, serving pieces, tea sets.
- Look for: Hallmarks indicating maker and silver content, intricate patterns.
- Why it’s hot: Timeless elegance, family heirlooms.
Check for condition and completeness of sets.
Other
18. Vintage Cameras
- Think: Film cameras, Polaroid cameras, antique cameras.
- Look for: Classic brands like Leica and Rolleiflex, rare models.
- Why it’s hot: Resurgence of film photography, collector’s market.
Test functionality and research the camera’s history.
19. Antique Clocks
- Think: Grandfather clocks, mantle clocks, pocket watches.
- Look for: Working condition, unique designs, reputable makers.
- Why it’s hot: Craftsmanship, historical significance, functional decor.
Get clocks appraised and serviced by a professional.
20. Vintage Vinyl Records
- Think: LPs, 45s, 78s.
- Look for: First pressings, rare albums, iconic artists.
- Why it’s hot: Resurgence of vinyl, audiophile appreciation.
Check condition of records and covers.
21. Militaria
- Think: Military uniforms, medals, weapons, helmets.
- Look for: Items related to Canadian military history, rare or historically significant pieces.
- Why it’s hot: Historical value, collector’s market.
Research the item’s history and authenticity.
This is your starting point.
Now go out there and find those hidden treasures!
Remember:
- Knowledge is power. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to spot valuable antiques.
- Condition is key. The better the condition, the higher the value.
- Authenticity matters. Do your research to avoid fakes and reproductions.
- Negotiate like a pro. Don’t be afraid to haggle for the best price.
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