Tuesday Treasures Special Edition: Antique Prints - January 20, 2026
After buying two antique prints, these steel engravings , both included here today as well, I took a look at the ages of my antique prints. You hear the word antique tossed around a lot, but what does it really mean? It depends. In the U.S., according to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, antiques are items at least 100 years old. Standards of value and insurance, and U.S. Customs use this definition. With some exceptions, the UK follows the same 100-year rule, while some European Union countries use 50 years, and even 25 for certain categories. China requires government authentication for items over 100 years old before export. So, if you're in the U.S., an antique is simply an item at least 100 years old. A few of my favorite prints are from the 1930s and 1940s, but they are not antique, only vintage . Vintage is 40-99 years old. Retro refers to new items made in an old style, reproductions that are not old ...