This is a list of the 10 words most often searched for at Kovels' website which, according to the firm's biography, has been active as an antiques and collectibles price guide since 1953.

The list suggests what types of antiques and collectibles are creating interest among collectors and dealers around the world. And we can guess why some of these categories are gaining interest...

1. Occupied Japan

Pottery, porcelain, metal, and other objects marked with the words "Occupied Japan" have been popular with collectors for over 30 years. A collectors club was started in 1979 and is still meeting. What's more, this is the second year in a row that 'Occupied Japan' has topped Kovels' list.

The words "Occupied Japan" were used to mark exports from February 1947 to August 1952 to indicate pieces that were made in Japan while it was occupied by the Allies after World War II.

2. Stove

There are searches for full-size heating stoves and cook stoves, but most common are searches for salesmen's samples and toy stoves that were given to customers who bought full-size versions. Collectors can also find less elaborate stoves that were just inexpensive toys.

 

Treasures from occupied Japan have remained popular among collectors for over 30 years

3. Jewelry

Both costume jewelry (apparently in its US spelling) and precious jewelry are among the best-selling collectibles of the year, according to Kovels. Modern, ethnic, and antique pieces are going up in price.

4. Silver plate

The market for gold and silver to meltdown and resell has increased interest in silver-plated wares. Pieces are becoming scarce. They are useful and less expensive than new silver plate.

5. Furniture

There's always room for another chair. And there's always interest in a family heirloom - especially as there is so much history go learn.

6. Capo-di-Monte

Capo-di-Monte is a very famous name in Italian porcelain. The name was first used for porcelain made in Naples, Italy, from 1743 to 1759, and then in Spain until 1821.

 

You could have a lot of value on your plate with collectible silverware, according to Kovels' chart

Then the name, molds, and marks were bought and used by another company. Today the Capo-di-Monte name and mark are used on cheaper pieces made in Italy, not by the original old companies. This causes confusion for new collectors. Searches show prices for old and new pieces.

7. Copeland Spode

No wonder there is so much searching for Copeland Spode. There are ceramics marks that include the words "Spode," "Copeland," "Copeland & Garrett," and "Royal Worcester Spode."

The earliest pieces with a combination of these names were made in 1847; the latest are found in stores today. The porcelain, primarily dinnerware and figurines, has always been top-quality and has sold for high prices.

8. Bossons

Bossons is a mark found on ceramic wall masks, plaques, figurines, three-dimensional heads, and other decorative pieces.

They were made by W H Bossons Ltd of Gongleton, England. The company worked from 1946 to 1996. Collectors search for the masks and other pieces that were made in series. They sell for about $75 to $200. Both English and American collectors are eager to buy Bossons.

 

Coca-Cola memorabilia - of which this Andy Warhol piece is a high-end example - offers a refreshing alternative investment for collectors

9. Coca-Cola

Well-advertised products are popular as collectibles, and perhaps the most famous of all is Coca-Cola. The drink was first served in 1886 at a drugstore in Atlanta. The Coca-Cola Co always advertised with clever and attractive signs, trays, ads, and novelties.

All, especially the older items, are wanted by collectors. Very old signs and trays are priced in the thousands of dollars. More recent Coke items sell for only a few dollars.

10. Rosenthal

Rosenthal porcelain was first made in Selb, Bavaria, in the 1880s. The company has been bought and sold several times. It is now owned by an Italian company, but pieces are still made in Bavaria. Of most interest to collectors are decorative plates, figurines, and dinnerware.

 

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