Art Deco Value & Price Guide

Vintage Compact Zell Fifth Ave Gold Brass Toned Floral Makeup Blush Powder Case | eBay

French Style VINTAGE Art Deco HEAVY Chrome Plated Dressing Table Vanity Mirror | eBay

Black Leather Cigarette Case, Goth Cigarette Case,bat Metal ...

Large Vintage Mahogany and Still Life Tapestry Fire Screen - Etsy

Crown Metal Bird Cage Antique Distressed Shabby Swing Decorative Door | eBay

Italian Stainless Steel Butterfly Corkscrew Wine Bottle ...

Art Deco collectibles represent a golden era of design characterized by bold geometric shapes, lavish ornamentation, and a celebration of modern industry. This style, which flourished between the World Wars, transformed everyday objects like cigarette cases and vanity mirrors into sophisticated works of art.

Price Range: $75 - $110 based on recent sales

History of Art Deco

The Art Deco movement emerged in France just before World War I and gained international prominence following the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. It was a departure from the organic curves of Art Nouveau, instead embracing the machine age through symmetry, repetition, and a sense of forward-looking optimism. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the style permeated every aspect of life, from massive architectural landmarks like the Chrysler Building to intimate personal accessories like tie clips and powder jars. As the Great Depression took hold, the style evolved into 'Streamline Moderne,' which favored horizontal lines and rounded corners, reflecting a desire for efficiency and speed. Though its peak popularity waned by the mid-1940s, Art Deco remains one of the most enduring and influential design movements in history, frequently revived for its timeless elegance and structural integrity.

Value Factors for Art Deco

The typical price range for Art Deco is $75 - $110 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Material rarity, such as the use of early plastics like Bakelite or high-quality metals like brass and wrought iron.
Condition of the finish, particularly on mirrored surfaces and polished chrome which are prone to pitting or desilvering over time.
Functional appeal and scale, where large architectural elements or furniture pieces like liquor cabinets command higher prices than small vanity accessories.
Authenticity of the period, as pieces produced during the height of the movement (1920-1935) generally hold more value than later mid-century revivals.

Tips for Buying Art Deco

Examine items for signature geometric motifs such as zigzags, sunbursts, and stepped 'ziggurat' patterns which define the era.
Verify the materials used; authentic high-end pieces often feature chrome, bakelite, vitrolite, and exotic wood veneers.
Check for streamlined silhouettes and aerodynamic forms that were inspired by the rapid technological advancements in aviation and rail travel during the 1920s and 30s.
Look for maker marks from prominent designers or manufacturers, as provenance significantly impacts the desirability of architectural pieces like iron doors or liquor cabinets.