Richard, Author at Dear June Collectibles

Quirky Giveaways – From Soap to Cigars

When we think of campaign souvenirs, buttons, banners, and ribbons usually come to mind. But history tells a broader—and often stranger—story. For well over a century, political campaigns have found creative (and sometimes downright quirky) ways to keep their names in front of voters. From soap bars to cigars, loaves of bread to yo-yos, these unusual giveaways reveal just how inventive campaigns could be long before the digital age.

Today, collectors treasure these oddities not only for their novelty, but also for the cultural snapshots they provide—mini time capsules of what mattered to voters in their day.

Banners, Flags, and Ribbons – The Big Statements

While campaign buttons are subtle and personal, there’s nothing subtle about a towering banner or a flag waving above a parade route. These were political statement pieces in the truest sense—bold, visible, and impossible to ignore. Long before social media or TV ads, candidates and supporters literally took to the streets to display their allegiance.

Today, banners, flags, and ribbons from past campaigns are highly prized by collectors—both for their visual impact and their historical significance. Let’s unpack why these artifacts matter.

Pinback Buttons – The King of Campaign Collectibles

When people think of campaign souvenirs, pinback buttons are usually the first to come to mind. These small, wearable circles of tin, celluloid, or plastic have been the backbone of campaign marketing for over a century. They are personal, portable, and instantly recognizable—perfect for turning everyday supporters into walking billboards.

From Buttons to Banners – A Brief History of Political Souvenirs

Walk into an antique store or flea market and you might spot them: colorful buttons with bold slogans, faded fabric ribbons pinned behind glass, or even flags declaring loyalty to long-forgotten candidates. These are political souvenirs—pieces of history that capture moments of civic life in physical form. For collectors, they’re more than decorations. They’re time capsules of democracy in action, each one carrying the voice, imagery, and optimism (or sometimes frustration) of its era.

But how did political souvenirs become such a staple of American campaigning? And why do collectors prize them today—not just for their historical value but also for their unique designs and stories?

From Molten Sand to Masterpiece – Why Art Glass Endures

Art glass collecting isn’t only about decorating a shelf with something pretty—it’s about holding history, craftsmanship, and innovation in your hands. From the intricate cameo vases of Émile Gallé to the bold colors of mid-century Blenko, and on to today’s experimental studio glass, each era reveals its own story of reinvention. In this final post of the series, let’s explore why art glass keeps captivating collectors, and how today’s pursuits both honor tradition and push the boundaries of the medium.

The Modern Collector’s Market – Buying, Selling & Displaying Art Glass

Art glass collecting has evolved into a vibrant blend of appreciation for handcrafted history and fascination with today’s creative pioneers. While antique favorites like Tiffany shine in living rooms and museums, contemporary studio artists are pushing the form into new artistic realms. Let’s explore how collecting spans both these worlds and why both matter.

Mid-Century Marvels – Blenko, Fenton, and Scandinavian Designs

When the Great Depression took hold, glass artistry didn’t vanish—it transformed. The ornate luxury of pre-Depression art glass gave way to bold, affordable designs that brought beauty into everyday life. Then, after World War II, glass reinvented itself again. Clean lines, vivid colors, and sculptural forms welcomed a new era of modern homeowners—redefining what glass could be for generations to come.

European Elegance – Murano, Lalique, and Bohemian Glass

While America was making strides with Tiffany, Steuben, and Quezal, Europe remained a powerhouse of innovation in art glass. On the Continent, master artisans pushed the boundaries of technique and design as early as the late 19th century—and their legacy continues to captivate today.

American Greats – Tiffany, Steuben, and Beyond

Step into a room bathed in the warm glow of an iridescent lamp or a shimmering vase, and you’re experiencing the magic of American art glass. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked America’s bold entry into this luminous art form, led by visionary makers such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, and soon followed by talented competitors like Steuben and Quezal. These artists didn’t just craft glass—they redefined what glass could be, transforming a simple material into objects of beauty, innovation, and national pride.

What Is Art Glass? – A Beginner’s Guide to Beauty in Glass

Step into the Glow

Step into a room where sunlight filters through a colored glass vase and scatters warm hues across the walls—it’s an experience unique to art glass. The play of light, color, and form creates a living artwork, one that changes with each shift of perspective or time of day. But what exactly is art glass, and why has it captivated collectors, artists, and admirers for more than a century?

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