How to Collect Antique Umbrella Stands

Collectors find as much fun and excitement in the search as they do in the actual collection. Most collectors have a specialty that adds to the intrigue of the hunt. Umbrella stand collectors have a little bit harder time than other collectors since umbrella stands are not as popular as they once were. Look mainly for the indoor type of stand, as they will be better kept.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to collect precious pieces or include whimsical stand in your collection. If you are collecting for investment, you will want to be in touch with an appraiser who knows how to evaluate your find. Indoor umbrella stands from the Arts and Crafts era can be worth about $350. If they are signed by an artist such as Stickley or Roycroft, then their value could triple.

2. Prepare room inside your house for your collection. Unlike other, small collectibles such as figurines or stamps, umbrella stands take up a considerable amount of space. While many indoor umbrella stands were narrow and high, others were works of art and quite ornate and bulky.

3. Watch for unusual uses of the umbrella stand when searching at flea markets and yard sales. Often people do not recognize an umbrella stand for what it is and may have dried flowers or other things stuck inside of it, hiding the real value.

4. Look for artist signatures and dates on the bottom of the umbrella stand. Look inside the lip of the stand or somewhere on the outside of the piece if there is no date on the bottom. While there may be no way to authenticate the date or maker, dates and signatures are often hidden on the stand or worked into the outside nature of the piece.