From letter sweaters to yearbooks and trophies, these bits of memorabilia from yesteryear give a special space a casual look that's rich with tradition.

In 1865, the Harvard baseball team took the field sporting an embroidered ‘H’ on their gray flannel shirts. And a passion for team letters was born. Preppy letter sweaters, vibrant pennants, and leather yearbooks allowed students to distinguish their schools and show pride in their accomplishments. Today, we’re drawn to the nostalgia of the pieces as much as we are the graphic, colorful designs.

“People smile when they talk about where they went to college,” says dealer Julie Harris of J. Harris Antiques in Kansas City, Missouri. “These collections are so personal.”
 
Collegiate collectibles can be spotted at flea markets and junk shops, but “the prime place to find them is on eBay,” says David George of Newberry Antiques in Saugerties, New York.
 
If you want something classic, such as a letter sweater, be prepared to pay $150 for one in good condition, and even more if it’s a unique design. Veteran dealers, such as Wayne D. Murray of Time Slot Antiques in Oakville, Connecticut, look for what they consider one-of-a-kind items. A never-before-seen piece is worth more cash.

You can find yearbooks and team photographs for less than $20, but prices can climb to a couple hundred dollars, especially for items from Ivy League schools. Expect to pay more than $600 for a yearbook with photos of a notable person, such as John F. Kennedy or Jimmy Stewart. Some collectors are drawn to the personality of the subjects in the photos. “One boy might look angry, another mischievous, which adds to the fun,” George says.