Top 4 Collectibles from the 1910s | American Pickers
Top 4 Collectibles from the 1910s | American Pickers
The early 20th century was a fascinating time in American history. The 1910s witnessed dramatic technological change, the growth of industry, and the cultural shifts surrounding World War I. From everyday household objects to advertising memorabilia, items from this decade have become highly prized collectibles today.
Fans of the hit television series American Pickers know that hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz spent years traveling across the United States searching barns, basements, and forgotten warehouses for historic treasures. Along the way, they discovered incredible items dating back to the 1910s—objects that tell unique stories about American life more than a century ago.
Here are four of the most fascinating collectibles from the 1910s that continue to excite collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Vintage Porcelain Advertising Signs
One of the most iconic collectibles from the early 20th century is the porcelain advertising sign. These colorful metal signs were commonly used outside stores, gas stations, and general shops to promote products.
Manufacturers used porcelain enamel because it was incredibly durable and weather-resistant. Even after decades exposed to sun and rain, many signs still maintain their vivid colors.
Popular brands that produced these signs during the 1910s included:
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Coca-Cola
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Texaco
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Ford
Collectors love porcelain signs for their bold graphics and nostalgic appeal. On American Pickers, Mike Wolfe frequently points out that the condition of the enamel and original mounting holes can dramatically influence value.
Some rare examples from the 1910s have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions, especially if they feature famous brands or unique artwork.
2. Early Motorcycle and Bicycle Parts
Motorcycles and bicycles from the 1910s are among the most exciting finds for pickers and collectors. During this era, motorized transportation was still relatively new, and companies were experimenting with innovative designs.
Brands like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle were beginning to gain popularity in the United States.
Many early motorcycles were used for board-track racing, a thrilling and dangerous sport where riders raced at high speeds on wooden tracks.
Even individual parts from these early machines—such as:
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Engines
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Gas tanks
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Headlights
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Leather saddles
can be extremely valuable today.
On American Pickers, antique motorcycle parts often lead to intense negotiations because collectors know how rare these pieces are. Restorers frequently seek original components to rebuild historic bikes from the early 20th century.
3. Antique Mechanical Toys
Mechanical toys from the 1910s are small masterpieces of engineering and design. Long before electronic toys existed, manufacturers created wind-up toys powered by springs and gears.
Children would turn a small key, releasing energy stored in the spring and bringing the toy to life. Popular toys included:
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Dancing clowns
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Toy trains
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Wind-up animals
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Miniature automobiles
Many were made of painted tin and decorated with colorful graphics.
These toys were produced by companies in both Europe and the United States, and surviving examples are highly collectible today. Because children played with them heavily, it is rare to find toys from this era in excellent condition.
When Mike Wolfe or his colleagues encounter an original mechanical toy from the 1910s, they often examine whether:
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The paint is original
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The wind-up mechanism still works
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All parts are intact
Working toys can command significantly higher prices among collectors.
4. World War I Military Memorabilia
The 1910s were defined in large part by the global conflict of World War I. As a result, military memorabilia from this era has become a significant collecting category.
Items collectors search for include:
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Soldier helmets
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Medals and badges
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Military uniforms
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Trench equipment
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Propaganda posters
These artifacts offer powerful insights into the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the war.
On American Pickers, discoveries of wartime memorabilia often lead to emotional conversations with sellers who inherited these items from relatives who served in the conflict. Beyond their monetary value, these pieces carry deep historical significance.
Collectors often value such items not only for their rarity but also for the personal stories attached to them.
Why 1910s Collectibles Still Fascinate Collectors
The collectibles of the 1910s represent a unique moment in history—a time when the modern world was just beginning to take shape. Automobiles were transforming transportation, industrial production was booming, and global events were reshaping nations.
Shows like American Pickers highlight how these forgotten objects continue to connect us with the past. When Mike Wolfe and his team uncover dusty treasures hidden in barns or garages, they reveal more than just antiques—they uncover stories of everyday life from over a century ago.
From vibrant porcelain advertising signs to early motorcycles and wartime relics, collectibles from the 1910s remain some of the most exciting discoveries for historians, collectors, and pickers alike.
And as long as there are old barns waiting to be explored, there is always the possibility that another incredible piece of 1910s history is waiting to be found.
