Is a discussion that seems to be on-going. I had understood that an “antique” had to be 100 years or older. Probably no need to go further with that. Now, “vintage” can go many directions. Technically, it refers to a specific crop of wine grapes and requires that a specific year follow the word. To broaden the definition, as it would pertain to other items, it could mean something that is 50 to 100 years old. Hmmmmmm, that really does mean that my recently completed “Non-vintage Green Cloth” is actually “vintage” (and so am I!!!!!!!). In regards to clothing, it may be applied to a style that was once worn, discarded and has returned to style (such as the resurgence of the ‘70s mode).
The definition I like the best is found on the Cambridge On-line Dictionary which states that vintage is “something of high quality and lasting value or showing the best characteristics typical of the person who created it”. Now that’s a thought worth hanging on to!
Here’s a vintage tablecloth that I stitched back in 2013 and donated to the “Moore (Oklahoma) Love” quilt collection for tornado families……….
Detail………
Original post may be found here.
I would be interested hearing any thoughts you may have on the antique vs vintage subject………….
Treadlemusic 
I sell “vintage” on Etsy and their rules are that, to be sold as vintage an item needs to be more than 20 years old! I think that’s a little crazy but, after all, it is a commercial site, looking to make money so they use a broad definition.
When I looked up the definition, that fact was brought up and discussed. Because they are $$$ driven, the word is mis-applied to suit their goals and to further confuse that word usage.
Vintage is the new catchphrase here on most tuings. Vintage look is also popular, apparently 25 years and classic cars become vintage. Who can keep up with the changes. Not me, no time
Yes……antique, vintage and we canNOT forget classic! As long as those first 2 are only used when referring to “things” and not people!!!!!! LOL!!!!
Thirty year old antiques just drive me up the wall. I’m amazed at how many people are clueless.
However, about ten or as years ago, a sewing machine guy said he considered vintage sewing machines to be those made before 1980 of all metal parts–I can handle that.
Today I saw an interesting blue and white drunkard’s path quilt being sold as “antique.” I thought, “the top–maybe.” Clearly the poly cotton backing and the polyester batting were not antique. A note stitched to the back said the top was made around 1925 and someone else had quilted it in 1975. I walked away.
I’m not trained in dating quilts but I do know that the quilt is dated from the most recent addition/process added. That certainly takes care of that cloth! Smart that you walked!!!! Hugs…….
I have always thought of antique as an old item around 100 years or more old. Vintage has been a measure of the year a wine was created. i.e. 1989 vintage the year the wine was bottled. Being a collector and interested in fine Australian wines this is the way I think. However that is only my take on the subject.
You are correct but as with so many words over time, the definition gets broadened or modified. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Hugs………