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Showing posts from August, 2025

Seattle’s Vintage Guitar Scene: Where Music History Lives On

  You don’t have to be a serious collector to feel the pull of well-aged vintage guitars in Seattle . These instruments came from a time when builders worked in small batches, used high-quality wood, and shaped everything by hand. Some have wear in all the right places, and others look almost untouched, but either way, the good ones don’t stay on shelves long.   That’s the thing: supply is shrinking, and the market for vintage guitars in Seattle is more competitive than ever. You need to know what to look for and where to look if you’re serious about finding one.   Why look for vintage guitars in Seattle? The city’s music history is wired straight into the appeal of vintage guitars in Seattle. A Stratocaster in Hendrix’s hands isn’t just an instrument — it’s a piece of cultural history. The same goes for Cobain’s beat-up Mustang or Jaguar, which helped define the sound of the '90s. When musicians of that caliber become associated with a specific guitar, that ...

Seattle Sports Collectibles You Didn’t Know Existed

When the topic of Seattle sports collectibles comes up, most fans jump straight to signed jerseys and trading cards, but that’s just the surface. At Pacific Antiques Mall, you’ll find pieces that tell the city’s full story, from forgotten teams to oddball memorabilia that never made it past a single production run! Here are a few of the things you might stumble on while digging through the booths.   Vintage baseball bats   Vintage baseball bats are already popular among collectors, but it’s the rare ones (those linked to iconic players, specific game wins, or limited production runs) that can be worth thousands. When assessing one, consider details like signatures, wood condition, usage history, and the manufacturer. A well-preserved bat with a story behind it could be one of the most prized Seattle sports collectibles in your collection.   Rookie cards   Rookie cards are the first print runs of athletes before they hit stardom. They become harder to...

Neon Nostalgia: Collecting and Restoring Vintage Neon Signs

Eye-catching vintage neon signs are lasting symbols of businesses that may no longer exist — maybe a roadside diner or an old gas station, or even a neighborhood bar that once lit up the block. These glowing signs remind us of places and moments that mattered. No wonder so many people want to collect and restore them! If you’re looking to bring one home (or just want to see what’s out there), you’ll find several shops featuring old-school neon signs here at Pacific Antiques Mall.   Why do collectors love vintage neon? Restoring vintage neon signs is mainly about reviving memories. Many collectors take great pride in bringing these pieces back to life. More than that, neon signs are also admired for their artistry. If you’ve ever seen one being made, you’ll know how much skill and precision go into every curve of glass and splash of color!   Unfortunately, even the most stunning neon artwork can fade due to years of neglect or exposure. That’s why collectors feel a s...

Level Up in Tacoma: Best Local Stores for Video Game Lovers

No matter how old we get, old video games have a way of throwing us straight back into our childhood — back to sleepovers and button-mashing marathons, and that one boss fight we never quite beat. Maybe you’re chasing the games you played as a kid, or maybe you're building out a collection of old video games in Tacoma, WA. Either way, vintage titles still hit in a way that new ones just don’t.   We keep that magic alive here at Pacific Antiques Mall! With over 100 independent vendors and new inventory arriving daily — plus more than 35 years of experience connecting people with rare and vintage finds — we’re a must-visit stop for video games in Tacoma, WA . But before you go, it helps to know what to look for and how to spot the real gems. Here are some tips to help you find video games in Tacoma, WA that are worth adding to your shelf!   Check the age   The term “vintage” can mean different things depending on who you ask, but in the world of video games, it...

Hidden Gems: Antique Shops Worth Visiting in Fife

Antiques command high prices not just for their rarity but for the story and craftsmanship behind each piece. And when it comes to finding the real deal — authentic and worth the investment — there’s still no substitute for stepping into a shop, asking questions, and seeing the patina up close. Here are four tips to help you find trusted antique shops in Fife.   See if anyone close to you has a favorite place to hunt for antiques.   Before diving into hours of research, ask friends and family where they go for secondhand treasures. Chances are, someone you know already has a go-to spot for antique shops in Fife . Personal recommendations can save you time, and no one understands your style better than the people closest to you.   Search for local opinions.   If your friends and family don’t have leads, turn to knowledgeable guides in your community — these are the people who write online reviews and post detailed blogs, as well as those who contribut...

East Meets West: Exploring Seattle’s Asian Antiques Scene

If you’ve ever been drawn to the delicate brushwork of a Chinese scroll or the bold curves of a Japanese tansu chest, then you understand the quiet pull of Asian art and antiques . Do you want to take the next step and perhaps start collecting, slowly but surely? Here are some tips for finding local shops that specialize in Asian art and antiques, no matter what you're hoping to discover.   Start with antique malls for more variety.   Unlike small antique stores that usually reflect the taste of a single owner, malls like Pacific Antiques Mall bring together dozens of vendors under one roof, so you can enjoy more variety, more chances to compare prices, and more opportunities to spot something unexpected — whether it's a hand-painted scroll or a lacquered jewelry box.   Check if the antique mall matches your niche interest.   Antiquing takes time, and it’s easy to lose hours browsing if you’re not sure what’s actually in stock. Before visiting an anti...

Crafted by Time: The History Behind Antique Carpenter Tools

From planes and saws to levels, wrenches, and measuring rules, antique carpenter tools remain a prized part of many collectors’ treasures. In fact, some pieces can fetch several hundred dollars or more, depending on the tool’s condition and rarity. Let’s look at some of the most iconic antique carpenter tools you might come across as you explore flea markets and specialty shops, so that you know what to look at and what might be worth picking up!   Saws   Antique saws are quite popular with collectors. Disston handsaws are especially well-known, marked by a name stamp on the spine and a gold medallion with an insignia on the handle. Collectors also often look for:   ●      Saws made by Simonds or Atkins ●      Handles made from beech or applewood (applewood was used for higher-end saws) ●      Split nut screws that are intact (damaged ones are hard to replace) ●      Straigh...

Vintage Goldmine: Where to Find Vintage Clothing Near You

Step into the right vintage shop and it really does feel like a time machine—rack after rack of styles from decades past, each with its own story! And if you’ve ever caught yourself googling “ vintage clothing near me ,” you’re probably already hooked on the thrill of the hunt.   How do I shop for vintage clothing near me ?   Start by trusting your instincts and checking the tag. The brand, country of origin, and even the union label can tell you a lot about when and where the piece was made, which helps you determine its value. The tag “Made in the USA,” for example, often means it was produced before the 1980s, while a label from the “International Ladies Garment Workers Union” dates it somewhere between 1900 and 1995. Look at the:   ●      Brand names ●      Union labels ●      Manufacturing location ●      Sizing ●      RN numbers ●   ...