About Us

At KnowOldStuff.com, we make old stuff make sense.

That’s not just a tagline — That’s our purpose, our mission, and the reason this site exists.

We created this space for anyone who’s ever found something old and wondered:

“Is this worth anything?”
“What is this even used for?”
“Should I keep it or let it go?”

We believe that old things — whether they’re antiques, vintage pieces, family hand-me-downs, or just interesting secondhand finds — hold value far beyond price tags. They carry stories, spark memories, and often leave us wondering where they came from, how old they really are, or what they were once used for.

KnowOldStuff.com was created to help you answer those questions.

Without the confusing jargon. Without needing to be a historian or a collector. Just clear, simple info for curious minds.

Who’s Behind This?

I’m Jamie Colwell, and I started this site because I’ve always been fascinated by the stories old objects tell.

My love for history began during my studies in the UK, but it really came alive when I started exploring estate sales and antique markets. There’s something magical about holding a piece that someone treasured decades ago — wondering who owned it, how they used it, and what memories it holds.

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with people just like you. They’d find something interesting and want to understand it better. Maybe it was a piece of their grandmother’s china or a mysterious tool from the garage. They weren’t looking to become collectors or historians — they just wanted answers.

Those conversations shaped everything you see on this site.

Check My Work

12+ Years

Exploring, researching, and learning from real-world old finds.

More than 300+

Estate sales, flea markets, and antique shops visited over the years

100% Passion. Nothing to Sell.

Built out of love for old objects and their stories. Nothing to sell here

100% Original Research & Content.

No AI tools, no copy-paste, no fluff. Just real, hands-on research and writing from someone who truly cares about old things.

What Matters to Us

Every guide is written with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping you feel confident about what you’ve found.

🪜 Step-by-Step Guidance

We break things down clearly. Every guide walks you through the basics — what to look for, where to find markings, and how to compare pieces — so you never feel lost or overwhelmed.

👀 Visual Learning

Old items are easier to understand when you can actually see what’s being described. That’s why we include clear photos, close-ups, and side-by-side comparisons in every guide.

🎯 Independent Perspective

We’re not dealers, resellers, or trend-chasers. Our content isn’t influenced by what’s hot on the market — it’s shaped by curiosity, historical accuracy, and a love for learning.

🧍‍♂️ One Voice, One Standard

Every guide is written by the same person — not outsourced, not AI-generated. That means everything you read is consistent, personal, and carefully checked.

Meet the Team Behind Know Old Stuff

Just one curious person (and maybe a few helpful friends) doing the digging so you don’t have to.

Jamie Colwell

I’m Jamie Colwell. I’ve always loved old stuff and the stories it holds. I studied history in the UK, which gave me a deeper appreciation for how everyday objects connect us to the past. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring vintage shops, estate sales, and forgotten collections. Through KnowOldStuff.com, I share what I’ve learned in a simple and friendly way

More info

Harsh R

Harsh is the behind-the-scenes brain helping Know Old Stuff reach the people who are genuinely searching for this kind of help. With a strong background in SEO and digital marketing, he makes sure the site is well-structured, fast-loading, and easy to find. His work ensures that the content doesn’t get lost in the internet noise — but lands where it’s most needed.

Muskan S

Muskan helps keep things organized and running smoothly behind the scenes. From handling small tech tasks to supporting the day-to-day flow of the site, her steady presence allows Jamie to stay focused on research, writing, and connecting with readers.

Things You Might Want to Know

What is KnowOldStuff.com?

Think of us as your friendly neighborhood friend who is into old things and all.

KnowOldStuff.com is an independent blog where we explore everything from everyday vintage finds to fascinating historical pieces. We’re not trying to be fancy or academic — we just want to help you understand and appreciate the old stuff you come across.

Whether you’re someone who loves browsing antique shops, inherited something mysterious from family, or just enjoys learning about how people lived in the past, this site is for you. We break down the complicated stuff and make it interesting, educational, and (hopefully) entertaining.

How Are You Different From Other Sites?

Great question. Here’s the thing — most websites about old stuff fall into two camps.

Camp One: They’re trying to sell you something. Every article somehow leads back to “buy this” or “check out our auction.” That’s not us.

Camp Two: They’re written for serious collectors who already know the lingo. They throw around terms like “provenance” and “patina” without explaining what they mean. Also not us.

We’re different because we’re writing for everyday people. You know, the person who just found something interesting in their grandmother’s attic. The garage sale browser who spotted something cool but has no idea what it is. The curious person who wants to learn without feeling overwhelmed.

We’re not here to sell you anything or impress you with fancy collector speak. We’re here to explain things clearly and help you enjoy the process of discovering the past.

Can you help me identify or value something I found?

I get this question a lot, and I want to be completely honest with you.

I’m not a licensed appraiser or certified professional — I’m just someone who genuinely loves learning about old things. So no, I can’t give you official valuations or tell you whether you should buy or sell something. Let’s be real — how much would you trust a random person on the internet for that kind of advice anyway?

But here’s what I can do. If you’re stuck trying to figure out what something is, I might be able to help point you in the right direction. Think of it like asking a friend who’s really into this stuff.

I’ll listen, I’ll look at what you’ve got, and I’ll share whatever knowledge I have. No promises, no guarantees — just curiosity and a willingness to help if I can. Sometimes that’s enough to get you started on the right path.

Important: Always consult professional appraisers, certified experts, or qualified dealers for official valuations, authenticity verification, or significant buying and selling decisions. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered professional advice.

Do you accept guest posts, contributions, or sponsored content?

Nope, and I kindly ask that you please don’t reach out about it.

Here’s why: everything on KnowOldStuff.com is personally researched and written by me. That’s not because I’m a control freak (okay, maybe a little) — it’s because consistency matters.

When you read our content, you know you’re getting the same voice, the same standards, and the same approach every time. You’re not wondering if this article was written by someone who actually knows what they’re talking about, or if it’s just filler content churned out by whoever was cheapest.

I also don’t accept sponsored content or paid promotions of any kind. This site runs on pure passion, with no outside influence trying to shape what I write or how I write it. That independence is something I’m pretty protective of.

So if you’re thinking about pitching guest posts or sponsorship opportunities, I appreciate the thought, but it’s just not something I do. Thanks for understanding!

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