Antique Trader

Antique Trader is an American antiques and collectibles publication whose roots are in classified advertising connecting buyers and sellers. Founded in 1957 in Decatur, Illinois, by Ed Babka and Babka Publishing Co., it initially operated as a classified newspaper rather than as a conventional editorial magazine. Its early purpose was practical and transactional: to provide a marketplace for people buying, selling, and trading antique and collectible objects. The publication broadened its editorial role in 1972 under the direction of antiques expert Kyle Husfloen. From that point, Antique Trader added reporting and commentary on the antiques industry and collecting news, complementing its marketplace function with editorial material intended to help readers understand objects, markets, dealers, and collecting practices. The later magazine developed into a full-color, heavily illustrated publication appearing twice monthly, with six double issues. Its coverage includes antique and collecting trends, profiles of industry figures, antique-show and auction previews and highlights, interior and decor trends, and market developments. Antique Trader’s subject coverage extends across multiple collecting categories and related businesses. Its columns and features have addressed the business of antiques, costume jewelry, furniture, bottle collecting, travel, antique shops, auction houses, and services connected with the trade. This gives the brand a hybrid position: it serves both enthusiasts interested in the history and appeal of objects and participants seeking practical information about buying, selling, pricing, and market activity. The brand has also expanded beyond periodical publishing. Its activities included an associated book line, notably the annual Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which became a reference product for collectors and was last published in 2018. In addition to its print edition, Antique Trader operates a digital publication presence through AntiqueTrader.com, extending its editorial and marketplace-oriented material to online audiences. Ownership changed several times during the publication’s history. Babka Publishing sold Antique Trader and related entities to Landmark Communications in 1992. Landmark subsequently sold the titles to Krause Publications in 1999. After Krause was acquired by F+W Media in 2002, Antique Trader carried the F+W Media corporate association. Active Interest Media acquired the publication in 2019. The magazine is headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and continues to combine print and digital publishing for readers interested in antiques and collectibles.

Antique Trader began in 1957 in Decatur, Illinois, as a classified advertising newspaper established by Ed Babka and Babka Publishing Co. Its original function was to connect buyers and sellers of antiques and collectibles. Rather than beginning as a general-interest antiques magazine, it grew from a practical trading service that helped participants find objects and transact within a dispersed collecting market. A major editorial development came in 1972, when antiques expert Kyle Husfloen directed the publication toward broader industry and collecting coverage. Antique Trader subsequently developed a full-color magazine format with articles on collecting trends, the antiques business, dealers, auction houses, antique shows, and related services. Its editorial mix also included profiles of important people in the field, market and decor coverage, and specialist columns concerning subjects such as costume jewelry, furniture, bottle collecting, and travel. The publication retained its classified advertising heritage while adding reporting, interpretation, and advice. The mature magazine appeared twice each month, including six double issues, and was produced in both print and digital formats. Its coverage combined practical information for collectors and dealers with features designed for readers interested in the cultural, decorative, and commercial dimensions of antiques. The brand also developed a related book-publishing operation. Its best-known reference line was the annual Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which provided pricing and identification-oriented material and was last published in 2018. Antique Trader changed corporate ownership several times. In 1992, Babka Publishing sold the publication and related entities to Landmark Communications. Landmark sold the titles to Krause Publications in 1999. F+W Media became the relevant corporate owner after acquiring Krause in 2002. Active Interest Media purchased Antique Trader in 2019. Under its current ownership, the brand remains a specialist antiques and collectibles media property headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with a digital presence through AntiqueTrader.com. The publication’s continuing identity is rooted in the combination of marketplace utility and editorial expertise. It addresses collectors, dealers, auction participants, antiques businesses, and readers seeking information about objects and markets. Its history therefore reflects the evolution of antiques media from classified print listings into a multi-format publishing brand that combines magazine journalism, online content, event and auction coverage, and reference publishing.

• 2019

  Active Interest Media acquisition

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  Active Interest Media purchases Antique Trader.

• 2018

  Price guide publication ends

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  The annual Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide is last published.

• 2002

  F+W Media corporate association

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  F+W Media’s acquisition of Krause Publications places Antique Trader within the F+W publishing group.

• 1999

  Krause Publications acquisition

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  Landmark Communications sells the titles to Krause Publications.

• 1992

  Landmark Communications ownership begins

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  Babka Publishing sells Antique Trader and related entities to Landmark Communications.

• 1972

  Editorial coverage expands

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  Under Kyle Husfloen’s editorial direction, the publication adds news and coverage focused on the antiques industry and collecting.

• 1957

  Antique Trader is founded

  [1]Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org

  Ed Babka and Babka Publishing Co. establish Antique Trader in Decatur, Illinois, as a classified newspaper for antique and collectible transactions.

A specialist antiques and collectibles media brand combining marketplace classifieds, editorial reporting, collecting guidance, auction and show coverage, and reference content.

• Periodical publication · 1957

  Antique Trader magazine

  The core full-color publication covers antiques and collectibles through market and trend reporting, profiles, collecting features, auction and antique-show previews and highlights, decor coverage, and articles about dealers, shops, auction houses, and related services. It is published twice monthly, with six double issues, and retains a classifieds section connecting participants in the antiques trade.

• Digital publication

  AntiqueTrader.com

  The brand’s website extends Antique Trader’s editorial and marketplace-oriented presence online. It supports digital access to antiques and collectibles coverage and complements the print magazine’s focus on collecting, dealers, auctions, shows, and industry developments.

• Reference book

  Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide

  An annual reference title associated with Antique Trader, providing collectors with information intended to support the identification and valuation of antiques and collectibles. The series was part of the brand’s book line and was last published in 2018.

• 2019

  Sale to Active Interest MediaM&A

  Background

  Antique Trader had previously passed from Babka Publishing to Landmark Communications, then to Krause Publications and F+W Media.

  Action taken

  Active Interest Media acquired the publication.

  Aftermath

  Antique Trader continued as a specialist print and digital antiques and collectibles media brand under Active Interest Media.

  Source

• 1972

  Expansion from classifieds into editorial coverageStrategy

  Background

  Antique Trader originated as a classified advertising newspaper focused on connecting buyers and sellers.

  Action taken

  Under Kyle Husfloen’s editorial direction, the publication added news and broader coverage of the antiques industry and collecting.

  Aftermath

  The move helped establish the fuller magazine model that combined marketplace listings with reporting, features, and collecting guidance.

  Source

1. 1Antique Traderen.wikipedia.org