Join the confused club!! LOL
Antique 100 years and over
Vintage 50 years up to 99
Just old anything 1 day to 49 years
The US Govt used the 1930 Smoot Hawley Tariff Act to start the definition of antiques and the US/IRS
It also depends on what you are talking about.
GUNS - generally guns prior to the 20th Century (muzzle-loading and cartridge)
or as the US Government defines it in Title 18, Section 921(a)(16) of the US Code - the terminology "antique firearm" means:
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and
(B) any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica -
(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or
(ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade."
AUTOMOBILES ARE ALSO DIFFERENT from furniture/items and are an exception to the rule. Each state and their DMV have a different classification in order to get "antique car license plates". Some states you have to have a car over 25 years old...and in some it is a car prior to 1956. BUT THEN you get to motorcycles...and majority of states say it has to be over 30 years of age!
AND then you talk with the Classic Car Club of America and they state: The Classic Car Club of America defines a CCCA Classic as follows: A CCCA Classic is a "fine" or "distinctive" automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948. Other factors, including engine displacement, custom coachwork and luxury accessories, such as power brakes, power clutch, and "one-shot" or automatic lubrication systems, help determine whether a car is considered a Classic."
JEWELRY
Jewelry still follows under the 100 year and 50year guidelines. HOWEVER, there is another term known as "Estate Jewelry". Estate Jewelry is jewelry that has been previously owned AND it didn't have to be purchased at an estate sale!!! So, items that fall under vintage can be Estate as well!