Virginia Metalcrafters, a company that shifted from stove production to brass items in the 1930s, offers collectible decor suitable for thrift store finds. Established in 1890 and closing in 2006, the firm created reproductions for historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg. Pieces such as trivets and chandeliers can add a sophisticated vintage touch to homes.
Virginia Metalcrafters began operations in 1890 as a stove manufacturer headquartered in southwestern Virginia. In the 1930s, it pivoted to producing collectible vintage brass decor, starting high-quality reproductions of Early American brass for Colonial Williamsburg's retail shops in 1938. The company crafted items including trivets, chandeliers, figurines, candelabra, doorknockers, and bowls using materials like brass, iron, pewter, bronze, and aluminum. Designs often drew inspiration from historical locations, featuring old-fashioned objects alongside delicate filigree or detailed bas-relief.
The firm supplied pieces to sites such as Old Salem, The Smithsonian, and Mystic Seaport. After closing in 2006, its factory was added to the National Register of Historic Places and opened to the public. In the United States, around 25,000 secondhand stores exist, with 16% to 18% of Americans visiting them regularly.
When hunting for authentic Virginia Metalcrafters brass at thrift stores, buyers should inspect for quality. Genuine brass, composed mainly of zinc and copper, shows no magnetic attraction and lacks sloppy casting seams or mold imperfections. Fakes may have only a thin brass veneer over another metal. Original boxes or inserts mentioning associated historic sites aid identification. Maker's marks, such as the letters V M or an anchor, often appear on the base or under felt on the bottom. Provenance, documenting ownership history, helps verify authenticity.
On eBay, prices range from about $10 for a flower-shaped trivet to $400 for a pair of wall sconces. While not highly lucrative, these items provide value for decor enthusiasts seeking whimsy and sophistication.
