THE OLD ANTIQUARIAN Stories Behind Objects · European Needlework · Bulgarian History · Human Heritage Last Updated: October 10, 2026 · By The Old Antiquarian Quick Answer: What Is the Story Behind This Wiehler Gobelin Tapestry? According to the personal history preserved with this piece, a Wiehler Gobelin tapestry depicting an approaching storm over Lake Mondsee was hand-stitched during the 1980s in Polski Trambesh, Bulgaria, by an engineer employed at the town’s old brick factory. He spent approximately eight months completing the work as a hobby and a way to relax. He lived with and cared for his elderly father, and the two enjoyed watching sports together while the engineer…

THE OLD ANTIQUARIAN German Porcelain · Family History · Bavaria · Industrial Heritage · Collecting Last Updated: October 10, 2026 · By The Old Antiquarian Behind the name Seltmann lies more than a famous German porcelain manufacturer. It is the story of an entrepreneurial family, two brothers, a shared factory, a business disagreement and two porcelain enterprises that eventually followed remarkably different paths. The historical connection between Johann Seltmann of Vohenstrauß and Christian Wilhelm Seltmann of Weiden is particularly important for collectors. Both names belong to Bavaria’s porcelain-making heritage, yet porcelain associated with their respective companies should not automatically be attributed to the same manufacturer, production period or factory. Their…

Many people imagine that valuable antiques can only be found in museums, prestigious collections, or expensive auction houses. In reality, countless antiques remain hidden in ordinary homes, inherited from parents or grandparents, forgotten in attics, stored in cupboards, or packed away in old boxes for decades. Some of these objects may have little monetary value, while others could be surprisingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. The difference often depends on factors such as age, rarity, condition, authenticity, maker, provenance, craftsmanship, and historical significance. Before throwing away, cleaning, repairing, or donating old belongings, it is worth taking a closer look. You might already own a genuine piece of history.…

Understanding What Makes Certain Antiques More Desirable Over Time One of the most frequently asked questions among both new and experienced collectors is: Which antiques increase in value the most? While no one can predict future market prices with certainty, history has shown that certain antiques consistently attract strong collector demand because of their authenticity, rarity, craftsmanship, historical significance, and limited surviving numbers. At The Old Antiquarian, we encourage collectors to look beyond price alone. The antiques that stand the test of time are usually those with remarkable stories, exceptional workmanship, original character, and genuine historical importance. Collectors interested in current demand may also find our guide to the most…

Which Antiques Are Collectors Looking For Today? The world of antiques is constantly evolving, but one thing never changes: collectors are always searching for authentic objects with history, craftsmanship, rarity, and lasting cultural significance. While trends come and go, certain categories continue to attract strong interest because they represent important periods of history, exceptional workmanship, scarce surviving examples, and enduring collector appeal. At The Old Antiquarian, we discover antiques from Europe’s Historic Crossroads, where empires, faiths, cultures, and artistic traditions have met for centuries. These historical influences continue to shape what collectors seek today. Many remarkable discoveries are still found in ordinary homes, inherited collections, attics, cupboards, and family libraries.…