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 Thursday, September 02, 2010
What do Pere Noel and a creepy foot have in common?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
They'll both be crossing Dan Morphy's auction block come Sept. 11 ...
DENVER, Pa. – Ask any collector of Halloween, Christmas or other seasonal antiques and they’ll tell you that every day has the potential of being a holiday, whether the calendar says so or not. On Sept. 11, Morphy Auctions will offer collectors 890 reasons to celebrate in a fantastic Holiday Auction featuring rarities from several renowned specialty collections.
The first 42 lots in the sale are from a wonderful collection of Halloween candy containers and lanterns assembled over the last 20 years by Connie and Jay Lowe of Lancaster County, Pa. The rare, early German-made items in this collection are of superior quality and are completely fresh to the market.
“Having the opportunity to acquire pieces from a collection as fine as Jay and Connie’s does not come along very often,” said Morphy’s CEO, Dan Morphy. “There are so many highlights, it’s hard to predict which ones will do best on auction day.”
 Surely the list of top lots would include: a whimsical foot-shape lantern (shown at right, courtesy Dan Morphy Auctions) with a great face and painted faces on five toes, a veggie man posing on a cucumber candy container, veggie and fruit male/female candy containers, and veggie Halloween man with movable glass eyes and radish arms – possibly the only known example. Other stellar lots from the Lowe collection include a veggie man with a removable candle candy container on top of his head; and an apple head with bobbing-tongue candy container.
Other outstanding Halloween collections were the sources for a rare set of celluloid Halloween nodders, mint with original box; and a delightful black man riding a pig candy container. The entire Halloween section for the sale is filled with hundreds of other lanterns, candy containers and die-cuts.
A beautiful selection of Christmas antiques includes many special pieces, such as a Santa candy container and clockwork nodder, a clockwork Santa and bear family set in a winter scene, Santa on an elephant nodder, and a polar bear.
The acclaimed Bob Lenz collection is represented by hundreds of glass ornaments (including kugels and free-blown glass examples), Japanese and German Santas, celluloid Santas, chocolate molds, and German and Russian Dresdens. Among the rarest of the Dresden designs are a Russian troika (sleigh pulled by three horses) and a battleship with four smokestacks.
The auction inventory also includes a marvelous array of Easter, Thanksgiving and patriotic holiday items from fresh to the market collections.
View more color photos of festive vintage holiday collectibles offered in Morphy's Sept. 11 sale.
— Karen Knapstein
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antique | antique auction | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques News | Auction | collecting | dolls | Folk Art | Toys
Thursday, September 02, 2010 7:40:25 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00) 
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Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Art Loss Register recovers Dieppe carved ivory box
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Relying on its one-of-a-kind, international database of over 300,000 lost and stolen items, the Art Loss Register has recovered an ivory box stolen from a private residence in , while the theft victim sat rooms away.
 The theft of the delicately crafted box, executed by famed French draftsman Charles-Etienne Thomas (1787-1857), occurred in December 2009.
Chubb Insurance, acting on behalf of the theft victim, was quick to provide photographs of the stolen property to the Warwickshire Police who within days reported the items to the Art Loss Register. The ALR maintains the largest international database of lost and stolen works of art. It records both public and private losses, regularly conducts searches of the database against international auctions, private treaty sales, gallery stock, art fairs and museum collections, and aims to identify then mediate the return of these items.
In March 2010, just over three months after the box's theft, the ALR matched the stolen box at a Christie's New York auction where it had been valued at $4,000 to $6,000. The name 'Dieppe' is attached to the box as it denotes the type of ivory traded in the port city in France, which served as a luxury commerce hub from the 16th through 19th centuries.
Christie's immediately withdrew the box from auction and held it until the ALR negotiated the consignor's surrender of the item. The consignor, a former US police officer, was completely unaware of the box's crooked history, and cooperated fully with the ALR and Detective Constable Paul Whitehurst of Warwickshire Police, who led the UK investigation.
By June, a mere six months after it was stolen, Chubb was happy to offer the Dieppe Carved Ivory Box back to its client, the theft victim.
Christopher A. Marinello, executive director and general counsel for the ALR, who led the case, commended Detective Constable Whitehurst for his persistence. "The theft victim was fortunate to have such a diligent officer working on his behalf. Choosing a quality fine art insurer like Chubb who painstakingly documents its client's possessions is the smartest move you can make if you ever hope to recover a cherished family heirloom after a theft."
-posted by Eric Bradley
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antique | Antique Mystery Item | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques | Antiques News | fine art | antique theft | ivory
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 12:43:06 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wonder Woman's new costume wasn't the first
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
All the news outlets today are featuring Wonder Woman's new outfit, set to debut in issue No. 600.
Our friends over at Comics Buyers Guide (also published by F+W Media, Inc.) show the Amazon Princess has had a few costume changes over the years. It's a perspective you won't find anywhere else and totally worth visiting.
The full story on Wonder Woman's New/Old look was posted today on the CBGExtra Blog.
-posted by Eric Bradley
antique | Antique Blog | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Blog | Antiques News | Antiques publications | pop art
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 2:22:02 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, June 21, 2010
Postcard reaches sender's grandson after 95 years
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
A fascinating postcard story is making news worldwide this week. Consider this a different twist on the often-reported "the-post-office-finally-delivers" type story.
The AP reports a postcard sent home by a Bosnian soldier in World War I finally reached his family after 95 years, thanks to an American collector, who bought it for $50 at a show in Long Beach, Calif. The postcard collector, Nihad Eric Dzinovic, said it was just another day searching for another item for his estimated 200,000-piece collection.
Come to find out, Dzinovic accidentally met a man named Nadir Bicakcic in an antique shop in downtown Sarajevo during a recent visit. His name rang a bell. The next day he found the card and Bicakcic. When Bicakcic looked at the front of the card, he froze.
The card showed a group of soldiers and one, third from the right, had a mustache and familiar eyes. It was his grandfather who, after returning from World War I, became mayor of Sarajevo.Bicakcic intends to enlarge
both sides and hang the copies on his wall. The original will be
locked in his safe.
The full story will be in a future issue of Antique Trader.
Postcard collector? You may enjoy these columns by Barbara Andrews:
• Recycled postcards: art or crime?
• Real photos make fun postcards
• The mischief makers
• Recycling For the ages
Visit www.antiquetrader.com/postcards
for more postcard related articles.
The
Post Card Collection Software V-11 is our newest version of our
collectible inventory software. It sports a new look, more in depth
fields and more reports for the collector.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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•
Visit the Antique Trader Website and
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Classifieds or place your
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antique | antique auction | Antique Mystery Item | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Blog | Antiques News | Antiques Show | Ephemera | Postcards
Monday, June 21, 2010 2:09:17 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, June 11, 2010
Mated pair of Andrew Clemens sand art bottles surface ... again
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
A curious and unique pair of sand art bottles, handcrafted by Andrew Clemens (1857-1894) of McGregor, Iowa, will be offered for sale in a July 2 auction held by W. Yoder Auction and carried live via ProxiBid. Popularly referred to as the Sweetheart Sandbottles, these rare bottles have surfaced for sale no less
than three times in the last five years - twice in just the last four months.
 Clemens lost his hearing and speech at age 5 due to a "brain fever." As a deaf-mute he earned worldwide acclaim for his ability to "paint" images inside blown glass bottles with nothing more than a set of special tools (including a fish hook) and the patience of a yeoman. He was proud that his specially colored sand came from Iowa's Pictured Rocks area of Pikes Peak State Park. According to several online articles, Clemens created most of his work from 1880-1886 and is acknowledged as the inventor and possibly the sole practitioner of his art form. Antique Trader featured Clemens' work in a cover story in February 2008.
It's estimated that of the hundreds of sand art bottles Clemens made during his regrettably short life (he died at age 37 or 42 depending on which account you read) only about 50 bottles remain. They are highly coveted by American folk art collectors for their ingenuity and beauty. Prices range from about $500 for lesser quality examples to as much as $25,000. Four bottles are on display at the Iowa State Historical Museum in Des
Moines and other bottles are documented on a fan site.
They are referred to as the Sweetheart Sandbottles, at least that's how auctioneer Wes Cowan described them when he sold the pair for $24,500 (not including buyer's premium) in February 2005. The commissioned bottles were made for Helen Wimmler, Milwaukee, and Henry Reinken, Manitowoe, (sic) Wis. (The Wisconsin city of Manitowoc is misspelled.)
Fast forward to Feb. 16, 2010. In a listing that's since expired from general searches, the sandbottles were offered by a Florida seller on eBay. By all accounts the listing shows the bottles were claimed after five bids for $19,000. The listing is for the same Wimmler and Reinken bottles, "the only 'mated pair' of Clemens sand bottle art."
 For whatever reason, the wonderful Sweetheart
Sandbottles are back on the market and represent one more opportunity for collectors to own a piece of peculiar folk art. The bottles are shown on Yoder's auction website along with three other rare examples included in the firm's July 2 auction. One of the three examples depicts an American eagle above a banner reading "M.W. Cole," another shows a paddle wheel boat and the third depicts a floral bouquet in an urn.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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•Find us on Twitter and Facebook
•Visit the Antique Trader Website and sign up for our FREE eNewsletter.
•Browse hundreds of collectibles reference books in our store.
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antique | antique auction | Antique Blog | Antique Glass | Antique Mystery Item | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Auction | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Antiques publications | fine art | Folk Art
Friday, June 11, 2010 12:52:09 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
American Pickers second season premiers June 7
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
NEW YORK - Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are once again searching the back roads, junkyards, and filled-to-the-brim barns in America for “rusty gold.” With an average of 3.8 million total viewers per episode in its first season, American Pickers, the No. 1 new cable series of 2010, returns for a second season with all new premieres beginning Monday, June 7 at 9pm ET on HISTORY.
 Part sleuths, part antiques experts, and part cultural historians – Mike and Frank’s adventures bring them to small towns across the country in search of weird and wonderful Americana. Each treasure hunt leads them to fascinating, quirky characters – everyday people with stories that open a window onto American life.
As professional “pickers,” these childhood buddies comb through memorabilia and artifacts, hoping to find treasures among the trash. Sometimes they make a few bucks; and sometimes they walk away with little more than the history of an item.
The new season begins June 7 in North Carolina, where the duo comb through a collector’s abandoned outbuildings and find a 1950 Studebaker. Mike becomes obsessed with a 1934 pre-Airstream trailer, but can they negotiate a deal? Then, hoping to sell a choice vintage sign, they visit their friend and NASCAR champion Ryan Newman, who has a surprise of his own for the guys.
As their junkyard journeys continue, the pickers rummage through ramshackle school buses, a burned storage building, forgotten barns, salvage yards, and rust heaps in search of what they call “good junk.” They come across an item they’ve never seen before, place bets on what it actually is, and get a surprising assessment from the appraiser. They encounter a mother and daughter who catch the picking bug and give the guys a run for their money. And with nerves of steel, they try to strike deals with people who are often reluctant to part with their possessions.
Meanwhile, back in Iowa, Danielle Colby Cushman holds down the fort at Antique Archaeology. She spends her time getting leads, talking to sellers and doing research via trade publications and websites. Danielle also keeps the boys in line – while they keep her in stitches with their antics.
“We’re caretakers of treasures and the stories behind them,” says Mike. Traveling along with the duo, viewers will meet an assortment of American originals and watch as a patchwork of history unfolds – one treasure at a time.
Antique Trader covered American Picker's debut and its initial controversy in its February issue posted online.
Don't the coverage we gave PawnStars, American Pickers' sister show and the exclusive interview and video of Rick Harrison.
MEET THE “PICKERS”
Mike Wolfe
A lifelong “picker,” Mike has been combing through junk since the age of four. Over the years, he's earned a reputation as one of the country's foremost foragers, traveling coast to coast in search of forgotten treasures. Where other people see dilapidated barns and overgrown yards, Mike sees potential goldmines packed with rare finds and sensational stories.
Mike spends as much time as he can on the road, usually with Frank - his friend of 20 years and picking partner-in tow. "A picker's kind of like a nomad," he explains. Wherever they go, the two guys unearth hoards of unique items and spend some quality time with the offbeat characters who own them.
What exactly does Mike look for? "Anything I can make a buck on," he laughs. That could be anything from antique baby carriages and vintage jukeboxes to old cars and scrap metal. Mike's clients include interior designers, art directors, photographers and collectors – and he owns Antique Archaeology, a specialty shop that sells antiques, vintage items and more in sleepy Le Claire, Iowa. Visit Mike’s official company website here: www.antiquearcheology.com
Frank Fritz
Like his childhood friend Mike, Frank started picking early, collecting rocks and beer cans as a kid. He worked for many years as a fire and safety inspector but always had a passion for antiques, junk and anything with an engine. These days, he spends most of his time on the road with Mike, digging for treasure in barns, garages and junkyards across America.
Even-tempered and affable, he has a way with potential sellers and a knack for putting out fires: Mike calls him the bearded charmer. Frank does get a little carried away, however, by anything with an engine, and Mike often has to talk him out of buying yet another motorbike for his collection.
With their complementary personalities and shared love of picking, Frank and Mike make the perfect team. Still, since they're both out to cash in on their finds, some healthy competition always comes into play. Visit Frank’s official company website here: www.frankfritzfinds.com
Danielle Colby Cushman
While the guys are out picking, Danielle holds down the fort at Antique Archaeology - Mike's store and base of operations. She spends her time talking to buyers, packing up shipments and keeping Mike and Frank in line, while they keep her in stitches with their antics and jokes. Mike likes to say she's the glue that holds them all together. A mother of three, Danielle is always working on a new creative project, whether it's painting, designing clothes or selling vintage-inspired gifts online. She feels extremely proud of the "boys" and fortunate to work with such a talented pair.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Sunday, May 23, 2010 3:32:58 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Picasso breaks all art records at $106.5M
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
NEW YORK – Art market history was made at Christie’s May 4 when the Pablo Picasso painting, titled “Nude Green Leaves, and Bust” sold for $106,482,500 to an unidentified telephone bidder, setting a new world record for any work of art sold at auction.
 Silence fell over the packed saleroom as Christopher Burge conducted nine minutes of bidding that involved eight clients. Christie’s lead auctioneer took bids from a client in the saleroom as well as those on the phone before the competition settled down to two bidders at the $88 million mark and a one-on-one battle ensued. The final bid was hammered down at 7:32 p.m. at $95 million. Christie’s buyers premium takes the price of the painting to a record breaking $106.5 million.
“Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” is the star lot of the Collection of Mrs. Sidney Brody, a stellar assemblage of Modern Art purchased primarily in the 1940’s and 50’s and kept in the family home since. Known among experts as the “lost” 1932 masterpiece because it had never before been published in color, Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust is a sensuous depiction of Picasso’s muse and mistress Marie-Therese Walter. In previous years, Christie’s has successfully sold six paintings from Picasso’s celebrated 1932 series. As befitting its importance within the canon of Picasso’s work, the $70-90 million pre-sale estimate was the highest placed yet on an artwork offered at Christie’s New York.
The previous highest price for a work at auction was $104,327,006 paid for L’homme qui marche I, bronze, 1960, by Alberto Giacometti on February 3, 2010. The previous highest price for a work of art by Pablo Picasso was $104,168,000 paid for Garçon à la pipe, 1905 on 5 May 2004.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Wednesday, May 05, 2010 10:13:56 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, March 19, 2010
Recent graduate pays her student loan with $6,000 antique shaving mug
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Her three year career selling on eBay just hit a jackpot for emerging antiques dealer Cynthia Kelly of Seattle. She recently sold an antique occupational shaving mug on eBay for almost $6,000.
 That's an astounding price for an independent dealer considering some of the recent auctions held for occupational shaving mugs. The mug (which you can see here for a limited time) was purchased by another antiques dealer/collector in Pennsylvania, who boasts a collection of more than 200 mugs.
The shaving mug is rare in that it features a stock broker or commodities trader, busily jotting down sale prices on grain, wheat, flour and corn. We touched on these fascinating collectibles in a previous post.
This is Kelly's biggest sale so far with the online auction site. She writes: "It was also a huge surprise for me!
I invested $22.50 in the mug at an estate auction and had only expected it to bring $100-$200.
When someone offered me $750 to "Buy it Now" during the course of the auction, I knew I had something good.
 "I turned down the offer and kept the auction running.
When I saw the final end price of $5,998, I was in shock for about 15 minutes straight.
The money went to pay off the rest of my student loans (I'm a young antique dealer at only 23), so the money came at a great time.
"
You can see all of Kelly's auctions through her eBay store here. This self proclaimed "thrift-store junkee" also promotes a blog about her adventures (and her dog Sammy) at The Cynch.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Friday, March 19, 2010 4:24:57 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, March 05, 2010 Thursday, March 04, 2010
JFK love letters bring $115,000
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
In an age of seemingly constant political scandals, there's one celebrity whose exploits have captivated collectors and historians: John F. Kennedy.
Legendary Auctions announced today it has sold the collection of personal letters and telegrams exchanged b etween then-U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy and a young Swedish woman, Gunilla von Post, for more than $115,000.
The auction of the letters attracted bidders from around the globe. The winning bidder, a West Coast collector, wishes to remain anonymous.
The fourteen correspondence pieces -- eleven letters and three telegrams -- recount the long-distance relationship as it ignites and unfolds between March, 1954 and the late summer of 1956.
The story of the letters began in August, 1953. Just a few weeks before a 35-year-old Senator Kennedy was to wed Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, he vacationed on the French Riviera. While there, Kennedy met von Post, 21, a Swedish woman with aristocratic roots. The two shared a romantic evening capped by a passionate kiss.
Obviously, the evening had a lasting impact on Kennedy. Six months after becoming acquainted with von Post, despite his marriage to Jackie and increasing immersion in politics, Kennedy went to the trouble of locating the Swedish beauty in Stockholm. For the next eighteen months, the two traded intimate communications with each other, ultimately reuniting for a week-long holiday in Sweden during August, 1955.
After he returned to the U.S., Kennedy and von Post continued to converse over the phone. In her book, Love, Jack, von Post recounts how Kennedy attempted to persuade her to move to the U.S. Ultimately, Kennedy told von Post he had confided his love for her to his father and sought counsel in considering a divorce. In no uncertain terms, the elder Kennedy told Jack that divorce was impossible.
Not long after this call, Kennedy reached out to von Post again and informed her that his wife was pregnant. It was then that von Post decided it was time to move on with her life, eventually marrying on July 18, 1956. A chance encounter in New York City almost two years later was the last time the two saw each other.
The rest, as they say, is history ... and evidently worth $115,000.
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Thursday, March 04, 2010 3:46:57 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Unusual antique and vintage table lamps - Separated at birth?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
 Those of you who visit this blog may get a little tired of me chatting about cool vintage lighting. Well, here's one more post on vintage table lamps you'll have to suffer through.
On my morning run around the Internet, I came across this neat little rusty vintage lamp. It's one of those odd items that makes you wonder about its original use.
The vintage metal table lamp features a scroll design and a pivoting bowl
shade. It would look perfect in an industrial modern office, juxtaposed next to a sleek, chrome laptop.
In fact, this morning's little discovery reminded me of a French Art
Deco lamp sold in January. I still haven't gotten enough of the vintage lighting offered at a recent 20th century decorative arts auction.
Although the rusty noggin found at Goodwill will probably end up selling for around $50, this gorgeous French nickeled brass and shagreen version brought brought $1,586 at Rago Auction.
Seeing them side-by-side it still makes me wonder: Separated at birth?
-posted by Eric Bradley
antique | Antique Blog | Antique Mystery Item | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:23:30 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Antiques can be a labor of love
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Justin Peddycoart’s column on page 10 of this week's Antique Trader is an interesting example of one man’s quest to become his own “American picker.”
Peddycoart writes about how a six-month experiment to generate his $800 rent payment strictly through buying and selling antiques and collectibles found at thrift stores. He writes, comically, of the trials and errors and lessons learned and sums it up with the biggest lesson he learned: Sure it was tough, but the thrill of finding something cheap and selling it for more is ‘the best feeling in the world.’ [CLICK HERE to read the article.]
That’s one of the reason’s why HISTORY’s new show American Pickers is enjoying its success. We get to watch someone find valuable things. What gives the show its controversy is something the greater public may be taking for granted.
Thanks to the explosion of antiques related media in the last decade (eBay, PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, trade papers disseminating free articles online) the collecting public and the average gawker is more educated than they’ve ever been. More people now know the value of their antiques and collectibles, which, in turn, can make it more difficult for the average dealer to make purchases that deliver a living wage.
Granted, it was hard to watch the first episode of American Pickers – in which the dealers walked away with a trove of finds for pennies on the dollar – future episodes show a more normal day-to-day existence for the average antiques dealer.
[CLICK HERE to read Antique Trader's feature on American Pickers]
[CLICK HERE to read the first batch of reader responses to our question of the week: "Do you think 'American Pickers' helps or hurts the antiques business?"]
It made the antiques business seem much easier than it is. Just ask Peddycoart. Although he said ‘thrifting’ for his rent was fun, he admits it is very difficult work.
One last similarity between Peddycoart’s experience and American Pickers is their self reliance. Peddycoart says he now lives with a peace of mind that if ever in a pinch for funds, he can turn to buying and selling to make ends meet.
I’d encourage you to share it with a young person in your life.
Speaking of Antiques Roadshow: The show’s producer, WGBH Boston, is holding an open call allowing amateur and independent filmmakers to submit a short film about an antique or family heirloom that holds some significant resonance to them.
This is a great opportunity for serious filmmakers interested in gaining exposure as final shorts could potentially be broadcast on WGBH and PBS stations around the country. Entries must be no longer than two minutes and can be submitted until June 1 through www.wgbh.org/lab.
Three winners will be rewarded with a pair of tickets to a live taping this summer.
— Eric Bradley
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8:25:53 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, January 22, 2010
Christie's yanks human skull and bones from auction
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
In a move that should be filed under "No Brainer," Christie's has removed from its Friday sale a set of human bones and a skull once owned by Yale University's secret Order of Skull and Bones. A full story can be viewed over at CNN.
Christie's is saying it was a question over ownership - not human decency - that lead to the lot's removal. It was estimated the set, which included a book of members' names between 1832 and 1877, was worth between $10,000 and $20,000.
Maybe it's the alure of a "secret society" or perhaps its the macabe antique, but something tells me we're going to see this set make news again in the near future. We've been covering the federal government's crusade to end illegal sales of human remains - specifically those of Native Americans.
It's not clear whether the remains are those of a Native American. But whoever ends up owning them, I hope they do the right thing and store them away for a long, long time.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Friday, January 22, 2010 2:59:09 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, January 11, 2010
Reward offered for trailer of antique furniture stolen in St Paul, Minn.
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Police are still searching for a 14-foot Pace trailer full of antique furniture that was stolen Dec 10 from the parking lot of J & E Antiques in St Paul, Minn.
The trailer held two reproduction mahogany Morris chairs decorated with full standing lions, two oak hall trees with bench seats, many Empire-style oak library tables, a library table with caning decoration and several display tables used for setting up at shows. The trailer also contained two sets of chairs, fishing tackle and an outboard motor.
A reward is offered and anyone with knowledge of the theft is asked to call 612-961-3401 or 612-708-3946. The theft is documented under St Paul Police Case #09-261-474; the trailer's license number is (Minn) CTA 2945.
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Monday, January 11, 2010 10:44:41 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Rago's 20th Century auction antique tortoise lamp is a unique find
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Maybe it was the tortoise that won the race? Unlucky for him but lucky for us.
The rare copper and tortoise shell desk lamp being offered as Lot 49 in David Rago's Jan. 16 auction of early 20th Century design is beautiful for a 100 reasons. It's curved neck and leaf-patterned base share a beautiful amount of patination that is hard to come by in some lamps, not to mention the attractive mounting of a diminuative tortoise shell shade. The shell gives off a mica-hued glow that would look at home on a worn desk in dark, woodwork-lined den. The lamp is just 9-1/2 inches tall by 5-1/2 inches wide. It carries a pre-auction estimate of $2,000 to $3,000.
For such stunning craftsmanship, there is precious little information on the Internet about its maker, Henry W. Cleaveland.
Cleaveland, of Boston, wrote a book, it seems, titled "Village and Farm Cottages" in 1856. Technically, the full name of the volume is "Village and Farm Cottages: The Requirements of American Village Homes Considered and Suggested; With Designs for Such Houses of Moderate Cost." He also lent some critique to various forms of design of the day.
Lucky for us he knew quality when he saw it ... leaving us this gorgeous lamp as a reminder that good design is never resigned to a single era.
If anyone has more information about Cleaveland, feel free to share.
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Tuesday, January 05, 2010 9:26:42 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, December 18, 2009 Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wunderkammer on the cover
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
"What's a Wunderkammer?" you ask ... why, it's a "chamber of wonders." And we've got a fantastic feature from Melody Amsel-Arieli on the cover of this week's Antique Trader.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009 2:44:02 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Suspect found in theft of antique whiskey bottle
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Suspect found in theft of rare Ferguson Whiskey flask
SANTA ROSA – When a rare Ferguson Whiskey flask was stolen last April at the Santa Rosa Bottle Show, collectors were left frustrated and dismayed.
American Bottle Auctions had brought many of their rarest and most desirable bottles coming up for their spring auction for public display and soon after set-up, a rare coffin flask was missing. Collectors and dealers alike were left feeling that even a bottle show was now unsafe to present items for sale and for auction. That a person could just walk into a bottle show and steal something right off the table of unsuspecting victims left both the organizers of the show and participants with a feeling of dread.
Soon after the show, the same bottle (valued between $1,500-$2,000), right down to three very distinctive bubbles appeared on ebay, a well-known international auction site. It wasn’t long before various people began calling American Bottle Auctions informing them of a very similar bottle to the one stolen in Santa Rosa being sold on ebay. After contacting authorities in the Vallejo, Calif., police department, the seller of the flask was contacted.
Police have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect who is now awaiting an appearance before Vallejo County judges.
According to American Bottle Auctions, the theft at bottle shows is not a new thing; bottles have been missing from shows for years. A couple years ago at a show in Lodi, American Bottle Auctions lost a rare M.R. Sacramento soda bottle, which was never recovered. This time was different as a number of individuals came forward and helped the police in uncovering evidence that helped them find the right person.
This last weekend at the Auburn Bottle Show, a number of bottles were missing from tables. When presenting bottles at a show, make sure you keep an eye on your bottles at all times.
American Bottle Auctions set up a camera connected to a computer that records any movement at its table. This was most likely enough to fend off any would be thieves and it might be something to think about. Needless the company did not experience any thefts during the Auburn show.
The auction house is advising bottle dealers and sellers to pay more attention to their tables during events and looking out for our neighbor’s table. All it takes is a little extra precaution.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009 5:20:11 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Taylor Swift loves vintage, spotted at Nashville antiques shows
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Who says there are no young buyers attending Antique Shows these days?
You never know who will show up at the Nashville shows. Country music’s hottest new star, 19 year old Taylor Swift, took a few hours off of her busy schedule to enjoy one of her favorite hobbies, looking for some treasures. On Oct. 31 at the recent Music Valley and Tailgate Shows in Nashville, word spread quickly around the two shows that Swift and her family were shopping and buying small items.
Taylor Swift, center, with dealer Marilyn Haley, left, and Bea Starr, right. Starr is the mother of show promoter Kay Puchstein.
Swift is one of today’s hottest young stars. At the prestigious Country Music Awards presentation Nov. 11, Taylor was honored with the Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and was the youngest singer ever to be awarded the highest honor of Entertainer of the Year. To top that off, at the American Music Awards held Nov. 22, Taylor Swift won five awards including the highest honor of Artist of the Year.
In between looking and shopping for antiques, Taylor and her family stopped at many of the 300 booths to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the dealers. One dealer from Vermont said that Taylor was looking at an item in her booth priced at $140. The dealer told Taylor she would take $100 for it and Taylor said she would take it but she wanted to pay her the $140.
The next Antiques at Music Valley and Tailgate Antique shows will be held Feb. 11-13, 2010, at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in Nashville.
For more information on the Music Valley Antiques Show and the Tailgate shows in Nashville, contact Kay Puchstein at Jenkins Management at 317-598-0012 or visit the show’s Web site at www.musicvalleyantiquesmarket.com.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009 4:12:34 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, December 03, 2009 Wednesday, November 11, 2009
If you love unique then you'll love Chicago's Modern Vintage Holiday Market
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Image Pilots, the producers of the Randolph Street Market Festival featuring the Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market, is returning this year with the 3rd annual Modern Vintage  Holiday Market.
This year, the Modern Vintage Holiday Market will be held indoors at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington St for two days only Nov. 21 – 22.
Shoppers can kick their holiday shopping off to the right start with gifts in all price ranges, from pennies to thousands, available in a one-stop-shopping experience. Keepsakes range from embroidered hankies, sterling spoons and festive aprons, to estate jewelry, couture formal wear and crystal goblets. Independently designed handmade and preserved vintage ornaments round out the mix. This unique and beautifully-crafted mix of smartly priced vintage and modern goods makes for a unique one-stop shopping experience for seasonal shoppers looking for memorable and custom-made gifts.
The Sunday market hours have been extended and will now begin at 10 a.m. Regular market hours will be Saturday, Nov. 21 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $10 ($8 in advance online), which includes a $10 shopping voucher if you spend $50 or more with any vendor. Student admission with valid ID is $5 and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.randolphstreetmarket.com. Free parking will be available in the Plumbers Hall parking lot and free gift wrapping and packaging will also be offered throughout the weekend. For additional information call 312-666-1200 or visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com.
-Posted by Eric Bradley
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009 5:24:20 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, November 05, 2009
Haunted antiques anyone?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Billy Bob Thornton avoids antiques because he believes they're haunted. How about you?
Do you own a haunted antique?
Do you have a piece of antique furniture in your house that isn’t...quite right?
 Something you believe might be haunted?
If so, we want to hear your story.
Tell us what’s happening: Why do you think your furniture is haunted?
What started happening when you brought the item your home?
Does the piece have a history that leads you to believe it might be possessed?
Send your story to hauntedfurniture@gmail.com. Please include your name, state, email address and phone number.
(Photo courtesy Rare Victorian)
— Posted by Karen
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Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:21:02 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Antique Trader hits the mail today
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Here's a look at the newest cover:
Fantastic feature on Depression glass including clues of reproduction and a bit of pricing info too.
CLICK HERE to read the cover story by Ellen Schroy and Eric Bradley on Depression glass.
In case you've missed it, we're producing a Webinar on Collecting Depression Glass (Nov. 5 @ 7 p.m. EST). We've picked up a couple of sponsors, too: SeeAuctions.com (an eBay alternative) and the Gurnee Antique Center. Thank you, sponsors, for your support; we're going to have a great program! What better way to learn about Depression glass than from one of the country's foremost experts, Ellen Schroy, and to have her answer participant questions!
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Thursday, October 15, 2009 2:22:55 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Stock market hits 10,000! Time to sell your collectibles?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The stock market hit 10,000 today, a milestone not seen since Oct. 2008. Over the course of the last year, collectors have invested lots of dollars in big-ticket items to protect their investments. Is it time to sell, buy or hold?
Question of the Week:
Have you seen items in your collection lose value during the last few years? If so, are you tempted to sell to recoup your investment?
Share your story at atnews@fwmedia.com or eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or in care of Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009 6:19:43 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Vampire killing kit to cross the auction block
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
ABERDEEN, Miss. – October promises to be a busy month for Stevens
Auction Company. The firm has scheduled two important estate sales this
month. One will be held at the firm’s gallery facility at 609 North
Meridian Street in Aberdeen on Oct. 17. Then, two weeks later, on Oct.
31 (Halloween), Stevens will conduct an on-site estate auction in Port
Gibson, Miss.
Certain to attract intense bidder interest will be a rare and authentic
Vampire Killing Kit (just in time for Halloween!), as well as
Confederate currency and Civil War-era firearms. The vampire killing
kit includes a Rosewood case with mother of pearl cross inlay,
pistol, silver bullets in a coffin case, silver occult dagger and Holy
Water
vials.
“The Oct. 17 auction will include a nice selection of antique and furniture
pieces from the collections of three prominent Southern estates,” said
Dwight Stevens of Stevens Auction Company. “Featured will be items from
the estates of two ladies from Alabama – Katherine Nelson Young of
Athens and Lucy Russell McCaleb of Winfield. Both were dedicated
collectors of fine antique items.”
Mrs. Young inherited her mother’s antique collection and continued to
add to it throughout her life. Mrs. McCaleb was a schoolteacher of 42
years and a lifelong resident of Winfield until her death at age 102.
Bidders will be able to preview their collections on Oct. 16 from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Doors will open on the day of sale Oct. 17 at 8 a.m.
Read the complete auction coverage here.
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 8:29:52 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
Valuable marketing tool for dealers: hold a show before the auction
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This struck me as an innovative way to generate valuable pre-auction publicity, help educate the public and be a good citizen all at the same time.
Poster Auctions International and Long Island’s Cradle of Aviation Museum are teaming up to launch an exhibition of rare, early aviation posters. The exhibition, held on location at the museum opens tomorrow and runs through Oct. 18. The exhibition includes posters from private collections located around the world as well as the museum's permanent collection
Once the exhibit wraps up, the posters (not those from the museum's permanent collection) will be returned to Poster Auctions International in time for its bi-annual auction of rare, vintage posters on Sunday, Nov. 8.
What an interesting opportunity for both experienced and novice collectors visit a new museum to see a rare collection in one place at the same time. And what a savvy method to whet the appetite of poster dealers and collectors.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:31:16 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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If you can't get enough Warhol just check out his junk
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This article had me at "tucked away for years."
The Andy Warhol Museum has finally hired staff to begin sifting through the artist's "belongings" which are stored inside, get this:
- 610 cardboard boxes
- filing cabinets
- a large shipping container
What?
True.
Most of the stuff has been packed way since 1987, after Warhol died from complications from gall bladder surgery. The man was a compulsive hoarder who saved everything form taxicab receipts to restaurant menus to fine antiques found in malls and fleas across NYC.
Larry Koon of The Marietta Register wrote a captivating article on the subject today. You can read it here. An excerpt:
"In the 18 months since the project began, archivists have opened 177
boxes, each with an average of 400 items tucked inside and some
containing many as 1,200 items. One box that was opened was said to
have contained over $17,000 in cash, including antique jewelry
appraised at over $1 million, and an autographed picture of a naked
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis."
Stories like this make me wonder if artists are great because they are unusual, or are they unusual because they're great?
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:08:04 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Here’s to the antique misfits
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
At first they looked like elaborate toothpicks or something from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. They were all different shapes and sizes and – one was even in the shape of a hand, while others were decorated with elaborate carvings.
The curiosities were part of a diverse collection of bride sticks. The 100 or so sticks are a part of the famous Joseph and Lilian Shapiro Collection, and featured in an Oct. 8 Dan Morphy auction. Skillfully hand-carved and painted, the rarely seen decorative objects date from the early 19th century to around the turn of the 20th century. Each was a custom design, to be given as a gift to a new bride. While not meant for practical use, they replicate the plainer forked sticks that women used for pushing down laundry into tubs of boiling water.
It’s the offbeat and obscure items, such as the Shapiros’ bride sticks, that are my favorite part of learning about antiques. Usually, the items are not particularly valuable; the bride sticks are expected to sell for between $50 and $100 each. Don’t get me wrong, I have a strong appreciation of antique furniture, prints, coin operated machines and advertising. However, there’s just something alluring (maybe even charming) about those oddball items most people don’t much care for.
Much to the dismay of my wife, my wallet seems to be a magnet for these misfit antiques. On a recent shopping trip, I spotted a curious machine in a vendor’s booth: it was cast iron and sported seven different pulleys.
“It kind of looks like a circus wagon,” I told my wife, both describing its original paint and doing my best to get her remotely interested in yet another of my weird purchases – this one even larger than usual. The seller told me it was a hay trolley. They were used in the time before elevators to lift bailed or loose hay up into barn lofts. The trolleys are large, weighing about 35 pounds and are sometimes decorated with ornate cast iron.
They are offbeat, for sure, but are gaining some respect. A few farming museums devoted to antique farming technology have recently opened in the Midwest and all feature the decorative and trusty hay trolley. The one I found has a new home as a sculpture on our kitchen desk, which for us is really the base of a Hoosier cupboard.
Learning about new things is the most important benefit of being a collector. Everyone who ventures out in search of antiques always brings their curiosity. Expanding your experience of the rich and diverse world of antiques helps you better spend your money. Plus it’s also a neat trick whenever you can pull a little-known fact out of your noggin at precisely the right time.
So go out and look for those unusual items no one else seems to notice. Just remember, it helps to decide where you’re going to put your misfit before you bring it up to your spouse.
— posted by Eric Bradley
From Sept. 30, 2009 issue of Antique Trader magazine
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 5:08:59 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Question of the Week: Weird collections
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
In this week's Editor's Note, I wrote about off-beat collections such those offered by Dan Morphy at his upcoming Oct. 8-10 auction. I have known Dan for years and he is a consummate professional who is deeply passionate and driven to learn more about about high-quality antiques and collectibles. He, too, is drawn to the rare and curious.
That's probably why Joseph and Lilian Shapiro picked him to sell their wonderful collection of Americana and folk art and which includes an interesting collection of bride sticks.
This leads us to today's question of the week:
"What are some of the most strange and unusual antiques or collectibles you’ve ever seen people collect?"
Send your experiences of weird collections to Question of the Week, eric.bradley@fwmedia.com, ATnews@fwmedia.com or 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945. Or post your reply HERE on the Antique Trader message board.
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 4:58:27 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, August 14, 2009
And more recent antiques-related headlines:
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
On Pawn Stars it’s all business (my favorite!)
Regional Roundup: East
NY State malls helping shoppers justify purchases
French doll shatters world auction record (still hot news)
Collector selling Archie #1 as marriage proposal looms - Tom Michael analyzes Archie through the years ... fascinating, in-depth analysis of the development of "The Mirth of a Nation."
AT Inbox: Reader seeks help identifying father's jardiniere
Ask Antique Trader: Driftwood furniture first popular in the ’40s
To pawn or not to pawn
— Posted by Karen Knapstein
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Friday, August 14, 2009 5:32:05 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Antique headline shortcuts anyone?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Antiques trade mourns icon’s passing
Springfield Antiques Show turns great finds
Dealers show rare and unusual items at Nashville glass show
Antique show fund raiser earns nearly $4,000 for animal shelter- (I thought this was a great idea!)
All Saints Show highly praised by dealers
Baltimore Summer Show: Designed to dazzle
Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. summer decoy auction grosses $1.3 million
Hal Hunt to auction the contents of famous Alabama antebellum home Sept. 5
Historic rifle from the Battle of Little Big Horn offered at Kaminski’s August auction
Seldom-seen antique maps, atlases offered in Old World Auctions’ online sale
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Friday, August 14, 2009 5:24:44 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Are antique shops really just pawn shops?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
A troubling story out of Louisiana this morning got me thinking about a battle that took place across California a few years ago.
The News Star reports the Monroe City, La., city council will introduce an ordinance next week requiring antique shop owners to register and report their inventory like pawn shops are required to do.
An excerpt:
Police Chief Ron Schleuter said including jewelers and antique shop owners in the law, which is
already a part of state law, would help law enforcement catch
criminals. With the price of gold on the rise, the chief said thieves
are taking gold items and selling them to the jewelers and antique
shops at a fraction of what they are worth.
Schleuter
said a Monroe resident recently purchased 16 gold coins as an
investment, and 13 of them were taken from his residence. Ten of the 13
coins were recovered at jewelry stores and an antique shop.
In Monroe City, pawn shops report descriptions of their inventory and
secure identification of those wanting to sell their items to help
police track down stolen goods. If passed after
a public hearing at the council's Aug. 11 meeting, the new law will
require the
same of jewelry stores and antique shops.
Although the law's intention may be to protect the public, this bureaucracy will shut down dealers and snuff out tax revenue.
Can you imagine a dealer amassing a mountain of paperwork on their inventory? Can you imagine while taking a photocopying everyone's driver's license that walked through the door with something to sell?
No? Neither can I.
Why? Because proposed laws like this never distinguish between a spoon-carved dresser and a diamond ring.
Laws like this step on the free market principals that allow dealers and collectors to quickly and easily trade items. If Monroe City is really worried about theft, perhaps they should regulate whom in their county posts items on online auction sites? I bet most stolen goods are now fenced online rather than small shops across town.
Why make Monroe City, La., dealers pay the price?
-posted by Eric Bradley
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009 10:59:46 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Techno-collectibles?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Someone has found a way to merge vintage tin toys with computer equipment and call it collectible. Maybe that's how the next generation will buy their antiques - with a plug!
 Introducing the music box USB drive - a vintage iron music box modified into a USB drive. Top lever also acts as rolling wheel of a mouse, usable for scrolling up & down text, changing window size, etc.
A USB drive is a portable data storage device - like a floppy disk.
Designer Bertrand Planes has only created five of the little iron music boxes ... for the antique collector who has everything?
How many will you buy?
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:56:28 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Holt-Howard hits the spot
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Looks like Holt-Howard is on the minds and in the hearts of our
readers. Last week's cover story, excerpted from Walter Dworkin's
excellent book "Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles and Related
Ceramicware of the '50s and '60s."
Could it be a perfect storm is brewing for these funky affable ceramic
pieces? Just take a look at how Holt-Howard has moved up the charts in
the last week:
- The Antique Trader Web site has had more than 600 hits on Dworkin's article in the last few days.
- Kovels Komments, the weekly electronic newsletter published by
Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles, writes today that Holt-Howard
novelty giftwares are selling well again. Items were collected in the
late 1980s but suffered a drop in price. Well, Kovels says those prices
are on the upswing.
- A quick survey on ebay shows Holt-Howard items are selling well.
A classic Pixieware Lil' Sugar jar and creamer sold for $285 on July 3.
A "brown skinned" Pixieware instant coffee jar from 1959 brought
$216.50 on July 6.
Could Holt-Howard collectibles in the middle of a comeback?
Are you seeking a special Holt-Howard item?
Post your request here.
Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Blogs | pop art
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:12:26 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Jaw-dropping pearl ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Literally.
I was reading through the auction news this morning and my jaw dropped ... and actually "popped!"
There are a lot of things that I see cross my desk that make me pause in wonder and amazement. I hope I never lose my sense of curiosity and wonder. Nothing has ever made my jaw drop though. Figuratively — yes. Literally — nope. Until now.
 This morning I was spying a curious picture and I couldn't figure out what it was that I was looking at. You may laugh (you won't be the only one), but I thought it looked like some sort of calcified brain ... morbid, I know. I read the accompanying article. Wow. Wow-wow-wow.
Can you imagine a five-pound pearl? Yes, you're reading correctly. Five pounds and measuring six inches across. I can't call it a beauty ... after all, I thought it looked like a brain. And I'm sure it's not destined for a jewelry setting. But it is a fantastic curiosity of natural history.
Philip Weiss will be auctioning this curiosity some time in September. Stay tuned! We'll let you know what's going on.
You can also keep an eye on the Weiss Web site at www.philipweissauctions.com/.
Do any of you think it looks like a "white brain" too? Come on, be honest ...
— Posted by Karen Knapstein
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Antique news odd
Friday, July 10, 2009 10:57:11 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
NH man hawked paintings stolen from Fla.
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
NH man hawked paintings stolen from Fla.
SALEM, N.H. (AP) - Police say a stolen painting a New Hampshire man was selling on Craigslist was among $47,500 worth of antiques, furniture and other valuables he stole from a Florida home.
Twenty-five-year-old John McCulloch was arrested Friday after a potential buyer on Craigslist turned out to be a private investigator hired by the painting's real owner, William Shoemaker of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fla.
Police say Shoemaker came home May 4 and found his house cleaned out, allegedly by his houseguest, McCulloch.
The Eagle-Tribune says McCulloch told police he started hawking other paintings and valuables to get back home.
The painting that led to his arrest is by Wildlife artist Douglas Van Howd, the official White House artist during the Reagan administration.
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | fine art
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:43:57 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Any press is good press, right?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Can you remember a week where antiques and collectibles dominated the headlines as they did the week of June 21-27?
 Television, newspapers, blogs and the Internet were buzzing about major
news stories that involved the value – or perceived value – of antiques
and collectibles. First, Michael Jackson’s untimely death took his fan
base and the rest of the world by surprise. Talk quickly changed from
what killed the King of Pop to what will become of his estate –
including his three children and millions of dollars worth of
investments he made in antiques and collectibles. Jackson was a
well-known collector and accumulator of fine antiques and show biz
memorabilia. Scenes of Jackson practically emptying a Las Vegas
antiques shop in a seven-figure shopping spree was rehashed in news
reports following his death. The Associated Press reported Jackson’s
estate owns about $20 million worth of antiques, old cars and “other
property.”
Does even the most experienced dealer or collector even realize what
$20 million worth of antiques and vintage cars would look like? Imagine
your favorite mega-antiques show and estimate the retail value of
everything on the floor. You would have to include part of the building
itself to reach $20 million.
Jackson liked owning unusual things – but he also made some shrewd
investments such as the catalog of songs by The Beatles, among others,
which is purportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Time will
tell if his fans are just as shrewd after scouring the Web in the days
after his death to buy all manner of Jackson collectibles.
The second big story was dramatically smaller in dollars compared to
Jackson’s estate, but it may create a comfy nest egg for its owner.
Antiques Roadshow stopped in Raleigh, N.C., on June 27 as part of its
2009 taping season.
Appraiser James Callahan noticed something worthy of more attention in
one woman’s collection of Chinese jade carvings. He put the
collection’s value at about $1.07 million, a record discovery in the
13-year history of the American version of the British TV hit. The
owner’s father purchased the collection during the 1930s and ‘40s while
stationed by the military in China. Taylor expected the set to be worth
about $10,000. The collection includes four pieces of Chinese jade and
celadon from the Chien Lung Dynasty (1736-1795). Special marks on the
bottom of a large bowl indicate it was carved for an emperor.
Antiques Roadshow appraisers review about 18,000 items at each stop.
Show producers told media outlets that about 34,000 people applied for
tickets to the taping but only 6,400 were picked. The $1.07 million
appraisal will be shown on Jan. 4 as part of a new season of Antiques
Roadshow.
If there truly is no such thing as bad press, let’s hope the week’s
events – both fortunate and unfortunate – encourages a new generation
to look at antiques and collectibles in a different light.
Eric Bradley
Editor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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antique | Antique Blog | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Antiques, Atlantique City, Antiques Show, Antique Trader, Collectibles
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 8:44:16 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Saturday, June 06, 2009
I don't think you'll want to miss these either
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Lots of antique auction news ...
Rare ark form Hanukkah lamp sells for $314,000 in Skinner's Fine Judaica Auction
Peter the Great portrait steals the show at St. Charles Gallery sale
Impressive lifetime collections hit the block, June 27
Entertainment icons live on at Julien’s auction - Marilyn Monroe & Elvis Presley: what's not to love ...
Anglo-Portuguese chest on stand gathers $74,150 at Weschler sale
Historic Enchanted Village holiday display to be auctioned
James D. Julia’s June sale offers their finest selection to date
Swann Galleries’ June 11 auction offers large selection of atlases, maps, and works on natural history
First edition Harry Potter trove highlights June Rare Books Auction in Dallas
Vast array of fine antiques offered at Susanin's, June 13
~~~~~~~~~
More exciting news: Antique Trader broke 600 followers on Twitter today! Follow us at http://twitter.com/antiquetrader and find out what's going on with us first-hand.
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Antiques, Atlantique City, Antiques Show, Antique Trader, Collectibles | Auction | Postcards
Saturday, June 06, 2009 5:05:25 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Sunday, May 31, 2009
New Antique Trader sweepstakes launches today
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Yes, that's right! Your chance to enter for the fan-bird carving and postcards has passed.
But don't worry ... we've launched another sweeps starting today, June 1, that runs until the end of June.
This month we're taking sweepstakes entries for the Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles and related ceramicware of the '50s and '60s. If you're of a certain age, I'm sure you're familiar with the look of these fun and funky collectibles, and we'll be giving away a wonderful resource for identifying and valuing these ceramic cuties.
Don't miss out! Enter today - and every day - for this great prize!
CLICK HERE or on the banner to enter the Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes.
— Posted by Karen Knapstein
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.
• Learn more about Antique Trader HERE.
• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Antique news odd | Antiques publications | kitchen antiques
Sunday, May 31, 2009 11:06:42 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
Feature articles from the latest issue of Antique Trader
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Check it out all:
Ask Antique Trader: Shedding light on dolphin lamp
Light My Fire! Zippo the first name in lighters
Chair tourist attraction opening in Stone Mountain Village
Hey buddy, got a light? (collectible vintage lighters)
Life down on the farm—Farm collectibles (share your farm memories with us ... and if you collect anything farm related)
— Posted by Karen Knapstein ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.
• Learn more about Antique Trader HERE.
• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your free online ads HERE.
• Find us on Twitter HERE.
Antique Blog | Antique news odd | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques publications | green living | kitchen antiques
Sunday, May 17, 2009 7:21:58 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
A week from today: Grayslake "Late Nite" Flea
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Sure enough, one week from today, on May 23, Grayslake, Ill., will host its "Late-Nite" Flea Market. The event is scheduled to run from 5 p.m.-midnight at the new Lake County Fairgrounds at 1060 E Peterson Rd., Grayslake. [CLICK HERE for Google Maps.]
 Zurko promotions advises that market attendees bring flashlights, but food and snacks will be available throughout the event.
Admission is $5; kids under 16 are free with parents. Parking is free.
Need more info? Contact Zurko Midwest Promotions at 715-526-9769 or visit www.zurkopromotions.com.
Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques Show
Saturday, May 16, 2009 9:05:41 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, May 11, 2009
Armacost "Brighten Your Home" contest
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This is kind of exciting ... a good way to develop "new" antiques enthusiasts ...
Washington, DC-based antiques show producer Armacost Antiques Shows today announced a new contest, “Brighten Your Home with Antiques.”
Anyone may enter the contest by posting a comment on the firm’s blog at AntiquesShows.blogspot.com before 12 midnight ET on July 1, 2009. One winner will be chosen at random to receive a mid-19th Century English candlestick made of hammered brass (properly called a “chamber stick” by collectors). The number of times an individual may enter is unlimited and no purchase is necessary. The winner will be announced July 4 on the firm’s blog and elsewhere.
Brighten Your Home with Antiques.
Our contest celebrates the fact that antiques are an affordable and earth-friendly way to add brilliance to any home. We chose this time to offer the contest, because young couples who want to brighten their homes with antiques have an unusual buying opportunity, thanks to the bargains that prevail Antiques are for everyone, not just the rich Lots of great antique chests, tables and chairs are being sold today for under $1,000, affordable to young people furnishing a home. And innumerable pieces are available in the $500 range that can be displayed in homes as objects of art—small carved and painted wooden figures, pottery, candlesticks, clocks, quilts, samplers, boxes and baskets. I will always buy this bureau back from you, if you want to put the money toward another piece. And in four or five years, I can probably give you back your full purchase price.
“Our contest celebrates the fact that antiques are an affordable and earth-friendly way to add brilliance to any home,” says Bob James, president, Armacost Antiques Shows.
In recent months, recession-driven price-cuts have put antiques dealers’ inventories within reach of even moderate earners. “We chose this time to offer the contest, because young couples who want to brighten their homes with antiques have an unusual buying opportunity, thanks to the bargains that prevail,” James says.
“Antiques are for everyone, not just the rich,” says Dave Krashes, director of the Princeton, MA-based organization Every Collector Add a Collector. “Lots of great antique chests, tables and chairs are being sold today for under $1,000, affordable to young people furnishing a home. And innumerable pieces are available in the $500 range that can be displayed in homes as objects of art—small carved and painted wooden figures, pottery, candlesticks, clocks, quilts, samplers, boxes and baskets.”
For more information on Armacost shows, visit http://www.armacostantiquesshows.com.
Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques News | Antiques Show
Monday, May 11, 2009 11:01:01 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, May 01, 2009 Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pulp Fiction convention in the Windy City
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The guilty pleasures of tough guys and bad girls ... and Chicagoland (Lombard, Ill., to be exact) is lining up for a weekend (May 1-3) packed with such pleasures.
The press release we received touts: The
three-day event will celebrate the uniquely American form of popular
literature. Attendees will hear from pulp
fiction historians, see vintage pulp cover art, watch films
inspired by the great pulp writers and find rare issues of such seminal
publications as The Shadow, Spicy Detective, Amazing Stories, Black Mask, Weird
Tales and thousands
more.
Highlight of this year's convention is a celebration
of the once infamous now highly regarded (and considered relatively
innocent) Spicy pulps. In their heyday, such titles as Saucy Movie
Tales, Spicy Mystery and Private Detective set
depression-era men's blood pumping with risque covers featuring scantily
clad damsels in distress
(oft “dressed” in high heels and sheer negligees) and deliciously
illustrated snappy stories explaining the devilish details.
The first
Spicys hit the newsstands in 1934 from the ironically named Culture
Publications whose owners soon gained far more renown and respect as the
publishers of the clean cut Superman comics.
The 25 cent
Spicy of the 1930s – usually sold under the counter to avoid corrupting
innocent youth and incurring the censor's ire – is now a coveted
collectors item, bringing hundreds for a single issue and thousands for an
original painting.
The salute
to the Spicys will include an exhibit of rare pulp cover art (including
many by the King of the Spicy covers, HJ Ward), rarely seen feature films
inspired by the Spicy pulps and special exhibitions and panel discussions about the
unique genre. ADMISSION is $35 for all three days; $25 on
Friday; $25 on Saturday; $15 on Sunday. Ages 13 and under free with
parent. Fee includes access to all convention events and program book
containing pulp articles and reprints.
SHOW
HOURS: FRIDAY 5/1: Noon-Midnight; SATURDAY 5/2 9am-Midnight; SUNDAY
5/3 9am-4pm.
LOCATION: Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, 70 Yorktown
Center, Lombard Il 60148 888-627-9031. For
general information visit the Windy City Pulp site: www.windycitypulpandpaper.com or Doug
Ellis at 847-217-4241;
email: info@windycitypulpandpaper.com.
A pulp and fiction show that is open until midnight — Looks like a lot of fun ... If any of you go, drop us a note here and let us know how it was.
— Posted by Karen Knapstein ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.
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Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques Show | pop art
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:14:23 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, April 07, 2009
FREE online classified ads
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Collect.com offers free classified adsEveryone wants to get something for nothing, and now that's possible, thanks to Collect.com’s free classified ads.
“The classified ads are completely free — no gimmicks, no strings
attached and no limit to the number of classified ads that can be
placed,” said Dianne Wheeler, the community leader for collect.com.
“This is a great way for collectors to sell the items that they don’t
love anymore — and shop for new ones that they will — without pricey
consignment fees or drawn-out bidding wars.”
Placing an ad is easy. Just visit www.collect.com, click on the collectibles area that applies to your item ( Comics, Music, Sports, Militaria or Antiques and Collectibles),
and add in the details. The Ad Wizard walks you through every step of
the process, including writing the description and adding a photo of
the piece that’s for sale.
The free classified ads are the first of numerous improvements that are
scheduled to come to collect.com this year, Wheeler said.
Produced by F+W Media, the world’s largest hobby and collectible
publisher, Collect.com is an online community where collectors can
discuss and display their finds, keep tabs on the value of their
collections, connect with buyers and sellers, read about the latest
hobby news and more.
CLICK HERE to sell your collectibles (or post a wanted ad) with Collect.com free classified ads.
antique | Antique Blog | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Ephemera | Folk Art | green living | Historic Preservation | kitchen antiques | Postcards | Toys | Vintage Fashion
Tuesday, April 07, 2009 4:52:03 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, March 20, 2009 Thursday, March 19, 2009 Monday, March 16, 2009
Kamehameha quilt on Antiques Roadshow
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I caught part of The Antiques Roadshow tonight on PBS. I almost didn't watch because I found myself unable to get excited about antiques in Hawaii. Much to my chagrin, I just didn't associate antiques with Hawaii. I was very pleasantly surprised. I know; many of you would tell me that I shouldn't be surprised. Just because the show was taped in a tropical paradise, doesn't mean the quality and/or rarity of the items on the show would be any less than another location. Believe me - I'm over it. And I'm glad I watched. I was absolutely blown away by the early 20th century Kamehameha coat of arms quilt. It was absolutely beautiful. The color and craftsmanship was second to none. And it was in absolutely immaculate condition too, as it had been properly stored - rolled, not folded. Did any of you see the show tonight? Were you as impressed by the quilt as I was? – Posted by KarenOh, by the way, if you missed it ... the quilt was valued at $25,000.
antique | Antique Blog | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Historic Preservation
Monday, March 16, 2009 7:55:58 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, January 09, 2009
Heritage offers free dino teeth to kids
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
A free dinosaur tooth will be given to each of the first 100 children
(ages 7 to 13, and accompanied by an adult) who visit the headquarters
of Heritage Auction Galleries, 3500 Maple, in Dallas between 12 noon
and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. Each 67-million year old tooth is
from a giant, meat-eating Spinosaurus, the largest carnivore to ever
walk the earth, and will be given away during the preview of Heritage’s Signature Natural History Auction to be held on Sunday, Jan. 18. “Kids
and dinosaurs are a natural fit, as any parent will tell you,” said
David Herskowitz, Director of Natural History at Heritage. “If a child
goes crazy over a plastic dino you pick up at a toy store, imagine what
it will be like for them to have an actual tooth of what was once a
real live hunting and fighting dinosaur.”  The
dino teeth being given away range in size from 3/4 of an inch to 1 1/2
inches. The offer is strictly limited to the first 100 eligible kids
that come into the gallery. As Heritage has become the world
leader in Natural History Auctions, it has also increased its
commitment to creating the next generation of dedicated and educated
collectors. A prize like the Spinosaur teeth being offered will not
only make any child the envy of every kid on the block, it also
presents a real, tangible link to one of the greatest creatures the
world knew – or ever will know again – tens of millions of years ago.
Little could serve as more inspiration, or edification, to a budding
paleontologist. “We are very committed to our role as the
world’s leading Natural History auctioneer,” said Herskowitz. “Part of
that role is to educate both our clients and their families, and to
bring history alive in a way that only the real thing can possibly do.” Once
in the gallery, children and parents alike will also have the
opportunity to view the vast array of significant natural history
treasures being offered at auction starting at 1 p.m. the next day,
Sunday, Jan. 18. Some of these singular relics include a 93% intact skull of a Triceratops,
one of the fiercest and most famous dinosaurs of all. This massive
specimen – five feet wide and seven feet long – is in fantastic
condition, is as rare as they come and features the three large horns
that this dinosaur is known for. Also on view will be a virtually complete flying dinosaur known as a Petrosaur; an enormous 11-1/2 foot tusk from a Woolly Mammoth; a 336 pound Iron meteorite and pieces of the moon and the planet Mars. For
more information on this auction, to view the entire catalog or to see
fully enlargeable images of each lot, and to bid, go online to www.HA.com/6012. For more information, call David Herskowitz at 800-872-6467, ext. 1610, or email to DavidH@HA.com. To reserve your copy of any Heritage auction catalog, please contact Client Services at 1-800-872-6467, ext. 1150, or visit www.HA.com/Catalog to order by email. Heritage
Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by
far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales more
than $700 million, and 400,000+ registered online bidder members. For
more information about Heritage's auctions, and to join and gain access
to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color,
enlargeable photos of each lot, visit www.HA.com.
Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Auction | Antiques News | Antiquities
Friday, January 09, 2009 10:44:46 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, January 06, 2009
My reaction would have been different
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I caught part of the Antiques Roadshow season premiere last night. And I was able to see the half-million dollar painting by Clyfford Still – the highest-value item ever appraised on the show. I was surprised by the owner’s reaction… or rather, the lack of a reaction. That lady was reserved. Or, perhaps, I just wear my heart on my sleeve ... I was very excited for her. If you caught the show, what was your take? Anyway, the Roadshow’s summer 2009 tour schedule has been released. June 6: Atlantic City, N.J. June 27: Raleigh, N.C. July 11: Madison, Wis. July 25: Denver, Colo. Aug. 1: Phoenix, Ariz. Aug. 15: San Jose, Calif. If you would like more information about this summer’s tour, visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/faq.htmlWant ticket information? Visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tickets.html
Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques News
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 8:43:22 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, August 07, 2008
The "Antiques Rogueshow," starring the Johnson family
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
 It took a while, but this rogue family in the UK has finally started serving time. For stealing over millions in art and antiques over the last 20 years, the five members of the Johnson crime family will serve a total of almost 50 years. It doesn't seem like much time to serve, does it? Imagine: Staking out a British manor for a week, waiting until the right time, and smashing your 4-wheel-drive into the property and hauling away a take of $A49 million in art, jewelry, and antiques in 10 minutes. That's just one of the nefarious family's misdeeds over the past 20 years, but it was the family's largest heist. One article says of the family: Barely able to read, write or even spell their own names, their loves
included dog and game bird breeding, hare-coursing and bare-fist
fighting. Crude, but apparently they could spot the good stuff. You can read more here. Or click here to Google "Johnson crime family" and take your pick of the coverage.
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques | Antiques News | fine art | stolen antiques
Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:53:19 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Amusement park owners not clowning around
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Where can a life-sized clown named Louie wander off to? Or was he clown-napped? When you first read about it, you might think it's some sort of spoof of CSI or some other detective show. But amusement park owners Stanley and Margaret Nelson are serious about getting their clown back.
According to a news story in the Fort Mill Times, the 60-year-old Witchita, Kan., amusement park is missing two important antiques: its life-sized, carved clown named Louie and the automated Wurlitzer organ Louie played.
The Nelsons have sued the former Joyland operators who say they know nothing about the missing clown's whereabouts.
In the meantime, the status of the park's reopening remains in flux. To read more of this detective drama, click here or here. They're not clowning around.
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques News | stolen antiques
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 12:17:08 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Vargas hottie - still turning heads 70 years later
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Readers are commenting on a rather racy drawing heading to auction July 15. Some say the very first Vargas girl is a little too risque for Antique Trader readers.
One commenter said the image was perfectly acceptable in 1940- the year Alberto Vargas sketched the relining nude blond bombshell for the pages of Esquire Magazine - but not in 2009. Vargas became one of the most prolific and popular pin up girl artist of all time. Not only are his actual images valuable (the original drawing is estimated to bring $20,000 to $30,000) but back issues of Esquire are more valuable because of Vargas' work.
What do you think? Do you think the Vargas print is a bit too racy to include in Antique Trader and on its Web site?
Let us know here or on Twitter. We'd love to print your reaction in next week's issue.
*Posted by Eric
eric.bradley@fwmedia.com
Click on the picture to see Antique Trader's original article on the rare Vargas drawing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
• If you really like what you see, get your own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.
• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.
• Find us on Twitter HERE.
Antique news odd | fine art | Modern
Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:29:07 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, May 12, 2008
A road well traveled
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The antiques world is fascinating. Unfortunately, because of the abundance and the value of antiques, they are targets for criminals all over the world. For example, check out this story from Standart News: The police say that there are about 200,000 treasure hunters in
Bulgaria, working in over 300 organized groups. Each of these groups
makes one or two million levs a year.
Western experts say Bulgaria is the third largest supplier of antiques in Europe.
Antiques, mafia, treasure hunters, smugglers ... Disturbing, but fascinating. — Karen
Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques News | stolen antiques
Monday, May 12, 2008 3:29:23 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, April 28, 2008 Friday, April 25, 2008
Antiques and the Russian mob. I think I smell a tv pilot...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This is interesting and - dare I say it - sexy for the antiques industry. From ArtInfo.com.I wrote here not two weeks ago about the market in Russian art, followed by something about Muslim art, and shortly after that Sotheby's has a huge sale of Russian art. Who buys it? Oh yes, Russians. Except that one peice, and only one piece failed to sell for it's estimated amount. Why? It's alleged ties to the Russian Mob, and the death threats that came with its initial theft. No picture available to my knowledgable, which might just push this thing mainstream. I hope that guy from CSI Miam is in in the pilot... Yes. Very sexy.
antique | Antique Blog | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Auction | fine art
Friday, April 25, 2008 8:44:42 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, April 17, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Crystal Skull mania!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This summer, as the world prepares for the fourth installment of Indiana Jones - I ndiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls - you can bet the real crystal skulls will be getting plenty of scrutiny from the public at large.  Yes, the Crystal Skulls really exist. This is an article that appeared today on archeology.org, and it's quite enlightening as to the history of the real crystal skulls, about which there is suprisingly little really know, other than that they date back to ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, among others, are weighty, valuable and bear little stylistic resemblance to any of the great art of antiquity that came out of these cultures. If you're one of the 10s - yes 10s - of people that have read this blog with any sort of semi-regularity, you know I'm always game for a good conspiracy theory, especially if it involves shadow governments, aliens or marshmallow Fluff. The crystal skulls fit all of these in that there are widespread theories about their mysterious magical qualities, that their secrets have been contained by malignant government forces, that they were gifts to ancient humankind from alien overseers and that I'd love to get my hands on one to see how well a jar of Fluff would spread on it - I can see an Elvis pompadour right now. When me lived in the Hudson Valley, my wife was a longtime employee of The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, and every summer there would be a weekend workshop dedicated to the crystal skulls, in which at least one of the skulls would make an appearance and its magical powers would be revealed. I always wanted to attend this workshop - along with the one about learning how to do remote seeing (see conspiracy theories above) - but never did, for fear of the ridicule I would have to endure. The aging hippies in the area loved it, though, and I heard tales extolling the virtues of these mysterious sculptures over and over. I should have taken the chance when I had it. Who needs to see Thich Naht Hahn, anyway? They are indeed beautiful to behold, and certainly a little creepy. There are countles dissafected teenagers dying to burn a candle on top of one of these things and take a black and white picture of it, or put it on a shelf next to their similarly designed bong.  Indy will certainly reveal something important about the skulls when he makes millions this summer, so if you want to impress your friends with your advance knowledge of the skulls, check out the link to the truly informative archeology.org article, written by an expert. All kidding aside, it's good stuff.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008 12:53:48 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Unhappy in your marriage? Don't take it out on the antiques!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I don't mean to make light of marital disputes - because I believe wholeheartedly that marriage is the bedrock of civilized society - but this story, out of Ontario, Canada made me snicker just that little bit. Domestic violence in any form is not funny, but it seems that a man - or a "guy" as the headline says - took out his frustrations not only on his wife, but also on her antique dresser. It's not like he kicked it, or punched it, or broke a handle or a drawer or something, he actually took a chainsaw to it. A chainsaw! C'mon, man! Go to a counselor, seek mediation, take Prozac, anything. Just leave the antiques alone! 
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Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:59:01 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008
While we're in the Middle East: Go Tiberias! Go!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
How could I possibly resist a headline like this: Ancient Tiberias making a comebackTiberias deserves a comeback, right? If Fleetwood Mac can do it, and The Who can do it - and The Stones, who have never even quit - then why not Tiberias? Man, those guys rocked. 
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Wednesday, April 09, 2008 2:13:43 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, April 08, 2008
When a penny ain't worth a penny, it's an antique!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I believe this originated with the Chicago Tribune, and seems to be an editorial, but it came to me via The Valdosta State Spectator in GA, certainly one of the more obscure sources I've dug around on. I worked on my college paper and, let's face it, a lot of them are pretty bad. It is, actually, an argument you can dig up most anywhere. I just couldn't resist a link with something from Valdosta State. This, however, I happen to agree with. When it costs more than a penny is worth to make one, then it ain't worth it, plus the good, collectible ones that are out there will become that much more valuable, which is good for the business of coins. Numismatics and antiques unite! Down with the penny! 
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Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:07:53 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, April 07, 2008
The Guru and the Auction House
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This has been very interesting to watch - somewhat obscure, perhaps, bubt a lot of fun.
Sotheby's claimed some armor being sold belonged to a very important Sikh guru. Sikhs got angry, and Sotheby's claims that the armor is not actually the Guru's, but one of several sets he had made, as he was involved in many wars and military campaigns. The post linked to above is from a post to WorthPoint.com out of India. The whole thing is interesting, as I have always associated Sikhism with dervishes and mysticism, a la the sublime poetry of Rumi ("Dissolver of sugar, dissolve me."), not necessarily with warring kings. I'd love to see the armor, but no pics have been released. Check it out if this sort of thing interests you, which it does me, which I bet you've already figured out.
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Monday, April 07, 2008 4:28:24 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Where did they get that?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
No, really posted by Karen pretending to be Noah ...
Well, it happened this morning. After limping along on life support for months, my Mac finally gave up its ghost. While IT is diligently readying a replacement, I'm taking advantage of the disruption and putting it to good use...I'm catching up on (or at least chipping away at) my news alerts from the past couple of weeks.
Have you ever watched a period movie and saw a piece of furniture or an item that caught your eye and thought to yourself, "Where did they get that?"
Well, I read an interesting article this morning about a shop in Haverhill, Mass., that has supplied a number of production companies with props.
You can check the story out here ...
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Monday, April 07, 2008 11:26:59 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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omg, can u believe it? spoilt singer demand $140K antique table for signing
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Okay, so I couldn't resist this gossip. Some spoiled singer, who's been told for some time now that the sun rises and sets out of her... eyes... demanded that a $140,000 table be flown from NY to London, and covered with silk, so she could do her signings... I remember Maria Carey from the early 1990s, when she would hit her signature high-C note in every song. I'm a music snob, so I have to admit I literally cannot stand to be in a room where her music playing. She's worth a ton, and has had fools bow to her whims forever and a day, so of course she's going to continue to think that her money gets her anything she wants. I guess it pretty much does. Considering she makes more than the GNP of many small countries, however, I think she should be mortally ashamed of her behavior. That's all any pop star really needs, isn't it? A good talking to... I would, however, like to see the table.
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Monday, April 07, 2008 11:06:00 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, April 03, 2008
Lincoln letter goes for more than $3M
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
And to think that I was willing to take a triceratops over this, if given the choice...  I love Honest Abe, but I stand by my decision. Besides, I just spent that last $3.4M on a new yacht. I'm a bit tapped at the moment. This is the Yahoo story, just breaking. Pretty cool, I have to say. 
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Thursday, April 03, 2008 3:16:45 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Papa's Brand New Bag on the auction block
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
When James Brown died on Christmas Day 2006, he left behind a lot more than one modern music's greatest catalogs of work, he left behind a life filled with turmoil and an estate that has been the subject of constant wrangling between his family, his adult children, his ex-girlfriends and his ex-wives. Finally, Christie's has stepped in and said, "That's enough!" I actually don't know if that's what Christie's did, but either way, t he venerable auction house will be auctioning of the possesions of the Godfather of Soul sometime this summer. This sale will include Brown's awards, instruments and all kinds of various posessions.  No matter what you think of the man personally, his influence on music was, and is, undeniable. He blended together many sounds and came up with something that was totally original, and musically, in his prime, there was absolutely no one more important. The interlocking parts of his songs were pure genius and made countless millions of people understand not only how music worked, but that they too could follow a few simple rules and enjoy playing music. For that, I do have to say, I miss Brown greatly. To see him covered with a jacket and walked, exhausted, off stage accompanied by one of his crew, only to ruh desperately back to the mic for one last chorus, or word - then to hear the crowd shriek with delight - makes you understand that he truly was... the hardest working man in show business. And I'd love to get me one them guitars...
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Thursday, April 03, 2008 9:57:43 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, April 02, 2008
This wood's no good! Dealer in fake antique wood busted in MO
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Interesting, but probably not as rare as we'd like to think. This St. Louis dealer in supposedly antique wood is going to be paying a hefty fine and maybe seeing the inside of Club Fed for a while. It just goes to show that you have to be wary of who you buy from, and alays do you research, even if your next antique is going to be your floor. This story comes via the St. Louis Business Journal.
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Wednesday, April 02, 2008 10:11:22 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Saturday, March 22, 2008 Thursday, March 20, 2008
"Something really dramatic just happened with our cornflake."
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I posted about this the other day, the corn flake shaped like Illinois...
The AP is reporting that eBay pulled it for some violation or another. Not to worry, though, it's been taken care of and is now back online for all the people dying to have it...
I was a little worried, myself, but am now happy to report that you can get the Illinois flake, as well as one that looks like Hawaii and a couple other states...
The line, "Something really dramatic juts happened with our cornflake" is one of the best I've ever heard...
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Thursday, March 20, 2008 10:21:50 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Just what I've always wanted! A corn flake that looks like Illinois...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Um... I'm... I'm just not sure what to say about this, or why I'm even posting it... I feel a little confused, and fragile... Somebody hold me... 
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:19:13 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Retiring eBay CEO Whitman joins McCain campaign...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This is posted, from the AP Wire, with absolutely no bias either way on behalf of Antiques Trader. It's just simply an interesting bit of news about that dear friend of all online antiques... Meg Whitman. Retiring eBay CEO Whitman joining McCain campaign
Source: AP - AP Wire Service
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Outgoing eBay chief executive Meg Whitman is joining Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign as national co-chairperson.
The McCain campaign said Friday that she will help raise money and policy development and travel the country on his behalf.
Whitman also helped former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney during his bid for the Republican nomination.
She announced in January that she would retire from the online auction company after a decade at the helm.
She is leaving as eBay Inc. faces slowing growth.
Like I said, Trader has no opinion. It's just interesting...
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Monday, March 17, 2008 1:52:35 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, March 14, 2008
A divergent tale of Modern architecture: the classic and the... um...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Okay, so indulge me my love of architecture. A great building that has survived the test of time - structually and philosophically - carries the value of a great antique, in my book. And then some. Two stories came across my path at the exact same time and they tell a very interesting story. One is a story from the NYT on the sale of a houe designed by Louis Kahn - truly an amazing masterpiece of "Modern" architecture - being auctioned later this spring by Wright auctions in Chicago. Richard Wright is one of a handful of guys that knows Modernism,  Image by Ezra StollerThe other is a story circulating across the AP wire and beyond - all around the blogosphere - about a famous Chatanooga, TN house shaped like a flying saucer.  Image by Greg BrownThere's something here, in the connection between these two structures, that speaks to the deep love Americans have of their personal space and their once-upon-a-time penchant for personal architecture. On one hand, we have the Esherick house, which Kahn designed, and which is - simply put - a masterpiece. It's a one bedroom in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, that represents only one of three - THREE - homes that one of the 20th century's most famed architects ever designed and built. Look at the NYT story, see the pics; you can feel the excitement of Mid-Century America and the need for redesignation of personal space. It's small-ish, but wide open, with big windows and that undeniably classic Modernism look and feel. It's expected to go for a few million buck. A steal, I'd say, given what the house means philosophically. Kahn made no efforts to hide the structure, weight or design of his buildings. They are wide-open, honest and inspiring in the way that the best of American modern architecture is/was. Kahn wanted inhabitants of his buildings, and the appreciating looks of passersby, to be totally immersed in the fullness and "heaviness" of a structure. You cannot help but be sucked in by such simultaneous ideas, such disinterested interest, if I can go a little Zen on it... The Flying Saucer house in Tennessee? Well, while maybe not a "classic" in the sense that classic means "judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind," but it's a real eye-catcher, huh? I mean, you're not likely to see a house that says so clearly, "HEY! I WAS BUILT IN THE LATE 1960s/EARLY 1970s!" anywhere. This thing came about, evidently built by two quite normal folks, about the time that Star Trek was cancelled and just as the U.S. was dominating the space race and putting its flag on the moon - which, if you didn't know, means that we own it. Somebody put enough thought and time into this place to make a decent enough house to stand almost 40 years now, which means it will soon be eligible for historic preservation. Let me tell you, if the thing could actually take off, I'd buy it in a heart beat. I'm still waiting to hear back from the realtor if it has booster jets somewhere underneath there... You can bid on both, you could own both, you could be the ultimate post-modern homeowner. If I had to choose though - and I know this will surprise those of you who know my penchant for kitschy 1970s stuff that makes me feel like a kid eating cheerios to the 6 a.m. glow of Saturday morning cartoons as our Standard Poodles, Chauvinist and Nischi, wait for the few that would inevitably drop (was that really worth the time it took to write?) - I would go for the Kahn house in a second. Just look at it. What a beauty. I would, though, love to get a look inside the Saucer house, and to see if the warp drive is fully functioning. That could change things quite a bit...
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Friday, March 14, 2008 12:09:53 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Antique declared typhoid free!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
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Friday, March 14, 2008 9:41:20 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, March 13, 2008
Oh man, if I could get this mastadon and that triceratops... No one would mess with me!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The untold 10s of you - 10s, I say - that read this blog regualrly, might remember earlier this week when I posted about competing antiques auctions at Christie's and Sotheby's between a letter from Abe Lincoln and Triceratops. Like the child of the 1970s that I am, raised on countless episodes of Land of the Lost - remember the slestaks, anyone?  - I shamefully chose the triceratops over Honest Abe's historical letter. I'm still carrying the shame with me, oh yes, but check this out: A family in the san Francisco area is selling the fossil of a complete Mastadon, found on their property, on eBay(!) for a starting bid of $115,000. This is a rather humorous article from the SF Chronicle on it; an entertaining read for a few minute distraction. I have to agree with the writer's point: You can get mastadon bones on eBay for anywhere from .99 cents to $10, which is probably enough to satisfy the type of person looking for mastadon bones on eBay. Still, if I could afford it, I'd do it in a second, and along with my triceratops, I'd rule the playground! 
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Thursday, March 13, 2008 1:00:42 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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An unfortunate career choice - Mummy smuggler
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
How, exactly, does one decide that this is the course they are going to take in life? Me, I became an editor and journalist because I had spend years laboring - unhappily - to be a playwright in NYC. I had some small success, but was miserable. I then became an advertising creative, which made being an unsuccessful NYC playwright look like a day at the beach. Woof.  But the guys mentioned in this story from the AP, a couple of Mummy Smugglers, must've had to dig really deep to decide on this career path, but... I know smuggling antiquities is an old profession, but I'm just assuming that selling ancient bodies, wrapped in linen, dessicated, and decorated with heiroglyphics has got to be a rough way to make a buck... Not to mention the bad karma that must come with it...
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Thursday, March 13, 2008 7:44:06 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008
And with your antique glassware, a little foul play anyone?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Unfortunately, it's not too uncommon for an antiques shop to catch fire. Gather so much old stuff together in a small place, old itself, with old wiring and not a lot of maintenance, and, well, it can go up like a mob-owned restaurant in Jersey (sorry, I've been watching alot of Sopranos reruns on cable late at night as I troll for blog content...). It all gets a little more interesting, and sinister - Sopranos again? - when, after a fire, a body is found in the debris.
This is a story out of a TV station in South Carolina about just such a thing. It happened at The Old Mill Antiques Mall, and, as far as this report goes, there is a suggestion it could either be murder or a thief who broke in and started the fire. The report says nothing about cluthcing a piece of Red Wing to their charred body, so a pottery dispute is probably not the motive... Seriously, though, I hate to see a place destroyed, and I hate to think about the cultural value of the material that burned with the building. 
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008 7:56:17 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, March 10, 2008
Letter from Lincoln on the block
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Honest Abe wrote to a group of schoolchildren asking him to "free the poor slavechildren," and told them of how moved he was to get their letter. That letter will be on the block in early April at Sotheby's, and could well bring $5M.
It's hard to say which I would rather have; this, or the Triceratops that Christie's will auction off in three weeks. On one hand, you have a letter from Abraham Lincoln addressing the seminal issue of emancipation - a decision on his part that has effect even today, and on the other you have a Triceratops... I'd have to go with the dinosaur. Does that make me a bad person?  
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Monday, March 10, 2008 8:28:16 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Ruby's gun, Guernsey's and mixed feelings
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I should probably preface this with saying that I spent the first 18 years of my life in Dallas. The days of my youth were spent in downtown Dallas, in Deep Ellum and all around the Texas State Fairgrounds. I went to high school right down there, and it was a great landscape for young minds. I drove that city for all those years, at all hours of the day and night, and worked at The West End Marketplace, a stone's throw from the book depository building where Oswald made his shot.  It was not, however, until the week before I left for college that, driving through Dealey Plaza with some friends that I realized that this was the road where Kennedy was killed, and there was the grassy knoll. Hundreds of times, I drove that road, used it as a landmark. Never, though, did I make the JFK connection. It it thus that I've been reluctant to report on Jack Ruby's gun being on the auction as part of Guernsey's superb Pop Culture Auction, March 15 and 16, in Vegas - only appropriate somehow.    Here's a link to a story from the Dallas Morning News , via Denton - which used to take 45 minutes to get to and was nothing but open fields on either site of the expressway - about the gun and the sale.I grew up in Dallas in the 70s, when the city was still smarting from the assasination and, really, nobody talked much about the JFK assasination, and your certainly never ever joked about it. I still wouldn't. All the same, it is an important piece of history, and it's probably going to bring a fair amount of cash. And that's what's important, isn't it?
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008 8:46:30 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, February 29, 2008
ART POTTERY THEFT IN OHIO - Be on the lookout
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
APPROXIMATELY 175 PIECES OF AMERICAN ART POTTERY STOLEN HILLARD, OH - Between 3:15 P.M. on Monday, February 25, 2008, and 8:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 26, 2008, approximately 175 pieces of American Art Pottery were stolen from Belhorn Auction Services, LLC in the Columbus suburb of Hilliard, Ohio. Also stolen was a cargo trailer in which the pottery was loaded, which was secured and locked at Belhorn Auctions’ office. Pottery stolen includes various examples of Weller, Roseville, Rookwood, Owens, Van Briggle, Hampshire, Pillin, Fulper as well as others. Also stolen was an exhibit of fake and reproduction pottery assembled by the American Art Pottery Association for educational and presentation purposes. The trailer is an unmarked, white American Hauler cargo trailer with fold-down rear ramp and a system of shelving on the inside. “We are working closely with law enforcement and our property management company to review security tapes covering the area during the time of the theft,” said Belhorn Auction Services, LLC President Greg Belhorn. “All consignors affected by this incident are fully covered and will be reimbursed for any financial loss. However, I do remain hopeful that the items will be recovered.” Nearly all of the stolen pieces were slated for the American Art Pottery Association’s 2008 Auction to be held in conjunction with the organization’s Annual Convention on April 23-27, 2008, in the Greater Philadelphia area. Belhorn Auction Services, LLC donates its time and resources to conduct this auction, which benefits the Association and its endeavors. The full commission and buyer’s premium generated from the auction serve as an important revenue source from the American Art Pottery Association. A general list and photos of the stolen pottery will be made available at Belhorn Auction Services, LLC’s website at www.belhorn.com. Anyone with information regarding this incident or who is approached by an individual with pottery for sale matching the description of stolen items should contact the Hilliard (Ohio) Police Department at (614) 876-7321 or Belhorn Auction Services, LLC at (614) 921-9441. A reward is being offered for any information leading to the recovery of the stolen property.
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Friday, February 29, 2008 12:00:41 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Antiques Humor? So un-PC...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
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Friday, February 29, 2008 10:04:19 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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These things were old when the pyramids were just being mapped out on papyrus
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This is just cool, plain and simple.
An Asheboro, NC man is displaying his massive, and ancient, arrowhead collection this weekend at the Asheboro public library. Some of these things are more than 6000 years old - making them ancient when the pyramids were being built... This event is annual in ASheboro and routinely brings out hundreds of folks. I'd love to see this collection tour. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the incredible craftsmanship of Native Americans. Check it out. the pic below is of the gentelman with a particularly old example. If you're going to be in Asheboro this weekend, let me know how the exhibition is. Very cool.  Credit: Joseph Rodriguez/ News & Record
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Friday, February 29, 2008 9:41:38 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
In Case of Apocalypse, break stylish glass
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This was widely covered, and hailed in the MSM the last few days. I don't know... Philosophically speaking, I find it a little daunting and frightening. A tangible reminder of the damage that humans are wreaking on the planet at alarming places. It's the Svalbard Seed Vault in Longyearbyen, Norway (nice name). You can see the below pics here.
   Architecturally, though, I think - in fine Scandanavian Moderne fashion, I might add - the building is pretty awesome, a real tribute to the modern aesthetic, not that visitors to the planet eons from now will appreciate the differences in Lloyd Wright and, say, Gropius... It's as if, in a million years or so - hopefully longer - if the planet is rid of humans and retakes everything, then we're visited by our future progeny returned to the homeworld to see exactly where they sprang from - stick with me - thart they would find not only the seed as proof that we wanted to preserve our existences, but a really cool building refelctive of the best of modern design of the time. Man... Won't those bionetic cyborgs be impressed. Most importantly, the American eggplant will survive. From the Web site: Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Arctic Seed Vault Opens Doors for 100 Million Seeds Ceremony Marking Unprecedented Effort to Protect Global Agriculture Draws World Leaders and Seeds from Over 100 Countries LONGYEARBYEN, NORWAY (26 FEBRUARY 2008) - The Svalbard Global Seed Vault opened today on a remote island in the Arctic Circle, receiving inaugural shipments of 100 million seeds that originated in over 100 countries. With the deposits ranging from unique varieties of major African and Asian food staples such as maize, rice, wheat, cowpea, and sorghum to European and South American varieties of eggplant, lettuce, barley, and potato, the first deposits into the seed vault represent the most comprehensive and diverse collection of food crop seeds being held anywhere in the world.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008 2:26:16 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, February 25, 2008
$3M record collection buyer a fraud - eBay bumming again
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
That record collection - easily the best record collection in one single place - was being sold by Paul Mahwinney out of Record Rama in Pittsburgh, PA (is there ay other?), which sold for $3M to an a buyer in Ireland on eBay last week? Fraud. I can't imagine that eBay, who has suffered so much bad press lately, can be terribly happy about this.  The "buyer" said that he was the victim of identity theft and that he got the invoice and couldn't believe it. I reckon that's possible, and a terrible email to get from PayPal, which is already such an unpleasant system. Furthermore, it's reported that a rare Stones album, that Mahwinney has valued at $10,000, can be bought elsewhere on eBay for $599. Ouch.
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Monday, February 25, 2008 9:03:58 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, February 22, 2008
A great piece of architectural glass gone in NYC
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Living for so many years in NYC, I had more than my share of opportunities to check out the Robert Sower's window at JFK Airport's American Airlines terminal. It is - was - truly- an architectural masterpiece and a piece of Modernism that never lost its glory.  As an entry point to NYC and America for many millions of flyers, it spoke philosophically of the American spirit, its artistic soul and its ability to make the seemingly impossible possible. As a piece of art, I love this thing. Now it's gone. Or going, at least, as reported across the nation and against the best efforts of the good folks at Save America's Window. They did their best to get a sponsor to get behind the project, but many musuems said it would be too hard to keep the piece intact. Personally, I don't believe it and think it's a damn shame the window is coming down, piece by piece, to be scattered across the nation and possibly the world. Often, traveling through JFK, the airport was so hectic to get into or out of that the only respite I was given, the only moment of zen and calm, was when I could walk out and see the sun streaming in distinct blades through those colored panes, or reflecting the light of night time, reminding me I had indeed just come home. Goodbye to the Sower's window and goodbye to a distinct American art treasure.
antique | Antique Blog | Antique Glass | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Architecture | fine art | Historic Preservation | pop art
Friday, February 22, 2008 12:10:23 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Buying stolen antiques online - a cautionary tale
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Bad things do happen, even to antiques people and even in the South.  This is a story from a Nashville TV station - Newschannel 5 - about a guy whose rental was broken into, in Nashville, and who had $3,000 worth of antiques stolen from his house. A few months later he finds a listing for his property - as someone else's property, of course - on Craigslist. The address associated with the sale ended up being on the same street! The police, however, do not think the seller knew he was selling stolen goods, let alone stolen goods from a house on the same street he lived on. I guess the thief, or thieves, took off that piece of yellowed and peeling masking tape with "In case this valuable antique is stolen please return to..." written in Sharpie on it. "What? This stuff is stolen? And it belongs to you? And you live next door? Man, do I feel stupid..." Chances are that stuff like this happens quit a bit, really. The report does contain the rather ambiguous statement from the police that: "We're hopeful this incident will get us to a major player in antique business in the area."
For what, exactly?
Maybe the police are simply looking for some vintage posters to decorate the precinct...
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques Blogs | Antiques News | stolen antiques
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 11:01:18 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ephemera your thing? Here's a good site...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I've been enjoying Marty Weil's ephemera blog for quite awhile now.
Being a great fan of ephemera, especially the really obscure and cool stuff, this site is a breat of fresh air. Marty's a good writer with a keen sense of humor, an excellent touch as a blogger, and he doesn't take himself or his subject matter too seriously - as the Buddha said, or perhaps it was Oscar Wilde, seriousness is the last refuge of the shallow - which allows for good stories and excellent interviews with prominent collectors. Check it out and enjoy. It's worth a daily click or two... 
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques News | Ephemera | Antique Blog | Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 11:07:21 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, February 18, 2008
Save the suburban ranch house!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Growing up in the Dallas suburbs, the ranch house was ubiquitous. It's what the word "suburb" means to me. I see a ranch house and I see yellowed summer days, neat little lawns, abutting fences and paved driveways with little pieces of broken glass just waiting to lodge in the unsuspecting foot of a kid running to the front door for lunch - baloney sandwiches on Wonder with yellow mustard. (Forgive me, but there has been steady snow, more than a foot, over the last 24 hours and I am a bit snow-blind, desperate for a warm day, if only in memory.) This is an article from the Arizona Star Net about Tucson's vast tracts of ranch houses, and whether some - or all - of them could be considered historic and worth of preservation.For the record, seeing the proliferation of McMansions that have sprouted like weeds across the nation, I do believe these houses are worthy of preservation and historical designation. I've been to Tucson a few times, and find it to be a pretty groovy - if funky - little town. It rambles and has a certain endearing shabbiness to it. It also has some of the coolest looking post-war neighborhoods you'll ever come across, with bright colors and - believe it or not - totally pleasing ranch architecture. I've always found that the ranch house spoke to the American boom of the the 1950s, when millions of Americans were able to buy houses and settle areas that were pretty inhospitable, at least by today's suburban standards. The best of ranch house architecture embodies the Usonian ideas of Frank Lloyd Wright, and speaks to the master's philosophy. They have open living spaces, open fire places and large windows onto the backyard, even if it's just scrub or hardpan with a rusting swingset. The worst have that horrible peeling green carpet that everything in the 1970s seemed to have. Take a look and decide for yourself.
antique | Antique News | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques | Architecture | Historic Preservation
Monday, February 18, 2008 10:14:09 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
Antique gun mishap? How 'bout drunken fool...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques publications
Thursday, February 14, 2008 9:17:19 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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One banana, two banana, three banana four!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
It is snowing again here in Central, WI, making it a record setting year for snow - In Wisconsin. Did I mention that? At least in Madison, about 90 minutes to the south. Somehow, here in Central WI we manage to dodge a lot of the severe weather just above and just below this. Going through Heritage Auctions' Web site I cam across a sale that speaks so directly to a Gen-Xer like myself that I had to mention it here. Part of the Dallas Auction firm's current online comics sale.  Man, I remember the Banana Splits like yesterday, along with the freaky cartoons that went along with it. They had a very bizarre version of Tom Sawyer that mixed a live Tom and Becky - maybe Huck - with the rest of the characters being animation. I used to watch in the afternoons - The Banana Splits, that is - as part of a show with an eerie clown who broadcast from a central Ohio amusement park and was always pushing some kind of red frozen treat, whjich I desperately coveted but never got. We moved from Cincinnatti long before the summmer... But I digress. As you might be able to tell by this Wiki on the Splits, the show and its immortal characters - Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky - had quite a history, part of which was filmed in my hometown of Dallas. I also remember Bingo had a thing about hitting Fleegle. Check out the sale, and that Banana Splits comic. A steal for $100, and my birthday's comin' up...
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques publications | Auction | pop art | Toys
Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:48:42 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
World's longest arch bridge to be built in Dubai
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
You just have to wonder why...
And you have to wonder what future alien civilizations will think of our cultures when they excavate our defunct planet millions of years from now. They'll find this bridge, and a building or two from Las Vegas... I do have to admit that the picture is pretty funky and space age, but I have to wonder about the water in the pictures. Dubai is a desert, no? Also, Dubai? It says that the bridge will allow passage of 2000 cars an hour, that 48,000 a day, right? I guess there will be plenty of men busy driving back and forth on that thing, because they don't allow women to drive over there... The info above came from a blog called Rocket Boom. Fun stuff. 
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | Architecture | pop art | Toys
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:27:36 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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The greatest art thefts of all time?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The recent theft of more than $160M in art from the Beuhrle Collection in Zurich has had me quite interested in how such a thing did, and continues to, happen. Time and time again these little museums or collections have hundreds of millions of dollars worth of great art, and they protect them with the security equivalent of wet paper bags. They take no real precautions, then wring their hands and pull their hair when it happens and cry," How did this happen?" Forbes magazine posted this great article about what it thinks are the "greatest" art heists of all time. I think, in these terms, that the theft at the Beuhrle ranks up their, though none of them actually have that Cary Grant "To Catch a Thief" thing to it, no sneaking in at night, avoiding laser alarm systems or dropping in on a caribiner from the cieling to cut a delicate hole in the glass with a glass-cutter. They also mention the 1990 theft at the Gardener in Boston, America's greatest unsolved heist. That art is worth about $300M. I have better security in my house for nothing more than a Victorian child's tea cup set. My security's name is Fiona. She's two, and she's a mean shot with a stuffed monnkey. So beware...
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | stolen antiques
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 10:54:03 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Just can't resist this - American Roadside Architecture as serious art...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This is about an exhibition of mid-20th century American Roadside architecture - pictures of it, at least - making its way across... are you ready?... Macedonia.  Yes, one of the most ancient places on the globe is getting a good look at how American represented itself architecturally in the era of post-war business hedonism. Personally, I love this kind of architecture and remember fondly many roadtrips as a kid in Texas and in my 20s - during those blissful summers when i had nothing to do and a car to take to do it - when my friends and I would literally set out for a few days at a time and seek out these places. The more dated the better. I truly believe that America's rapidly dissapearing roadside architecture is replete with gems and they should be saved, if only for the enjoyment of the world and the throngs of Macedonian tourists that are bound to be flocking to our rapidly decaying rural highways...
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques publications | Architecture | Historic Preservation | pop art
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 12:23:38 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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When Antiques Get Dangerous!
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
antique | Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques Auction
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:46:52 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Monday, February 11, 2008
More stolen Art in Europe - $160M worth
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Just what exactly will it take for owner's of private, important collections of art - especially those on public display - to add security?   This is an unbelivable story, reported widely across the world this morning, about more than $160M in art stolen from the Beuhrle Collection in Zurich. I like the New York Times coverage best, so I linked to it here. Chances are the artwork will go underground and decorate the home of some one who doesn't care that it's stolen goods. The market in art theft if huge, and the paintings are re-sold at hugely below actualy value. You could pick up one of these paintings, the Cezanne for instance, for a song... Say $15 million... Let me just go check that shoebox in my closet. Maybe I'll cash in those bonds I got for my bar mitzvah so long ago. Hey Beuhrle Collection! Get a lock on those doors and a connection to the police. Then maybe those priceless paintings will remain where they are and you'll be proven worthy to own such cultural treasures!
antique | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques Show | eBay | stolen antiques
Monday, February 11, 2008 12:41:14 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, February 08, 2008
Is calling someone a stupid thief an oxymoron?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
This story came across the AP wire last night, and is being reported as an odd news story in various media outlets across the country, of which we are now one. What an idiot this guy had to be... Honey, are we insured for this? Wife's vandalism complaint leads to husband's burglary arrest
SUTHERLIN, Ore. (AP) _ They say problem gamblers never quit while they're ahead, and one properly insured Oregon man apparently didn't, either.
Authorities recovered a stolen antique slot machine worth $4,000 and arrested the 30-year-old, who they said asked his wife to help file an insurance claim to cover damage done to his van during the heist.
The slot machine was reported stolen in a burglary Monday night at a home in Sutherlin, 170 miles south of Portland, Douglas County sheriff's deputies said. Investigators learned that the victim's housekeeper filed a police report a day earlier claiming someone had thrown a piece of sheet metal through the window of her parked van.
The sheet metal turned out to be from the back of the stolen slot machine, with the serial number attached.
Deputies said the housekeeper's husband stole the machine, which tipped over as he drove away, breaking the van window. He told his wife the van had been vandalized and asked her to report the damage so insurance would cover it, deputies said.
The husband and a 25-year-old man were charged with burglary and theft, but the wife wasn't charged.
The case was still being investigated.
Wow.
antique | Antique news odd | Antique scams | Antiques | stolen antiques
Friday, February 08, 2008 11:49:33 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Online auctioneers divide eBay exodus booty
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I've always wanted to use the words exodus and booty in a headline, and today was my chance. Just look at it... Marvelous in its simplistic complexity... Or maybe I just need another couple of hours of sleep - my two-year-old daughter has been up sick for most of the last two nights, so my mind is a little hazy... Anyway... I like this story from over at CNN Money, talking about how a lot of other online sites are already picking up the pieces of the shattered eBay buying coalition. Hardcore eBay-ers will stick with the compnay through thick and thin, but many others are leaving, or simply cutting back and "diversifying," if you will, in other online markets. Certainly a good idea given looming economic issues and a highly unorthodox presidential election. The article also contains links to all of the Web sites it discusses, giving you a good chance to check them out and decide what, if anything, you like.
antique | Antique news odd | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques publications | Antiques Show | Auction | eBay
Friday, February 08, 2008 8:52:00 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Arson takes an historic Queen Anne in Mass.
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Hate to see something like this, as reported by The Preservationist Online.These lovely old houses in Massachusetts are amazing and this one was all set for restoration... Someone decided to toss a match on it... I wonder how they can sleep at night, or if they do at all. Maybe it was an organized thing. Maybe it was a bunch of idiot kids, and maybe it was a crackhead who dropped their pipe... Hate this, especially when it was going to be brought back to life... Check it out. 
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | Architecture | Historic Preservation
Wednesday, February 06, 2008 11:06:35 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Tuesday, February 05, 2008
"It's about the antique bottle, I swear!"
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
antique | Antique Glass | Antique news odd | Antiques
Tuesday, February 05, 2008 10:56:22 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Friday, February 01, 2008
Worst Building Ever?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I am, at heart, a a great lover of groundbreaking architecture - Modern, post-modern, post-post-modern - you name it, I'm an adherent and a seeker. Esquire Magazine's Web site regularly features some of what it considers the worst architcture on the planet, and I have to frequently agree with the choices of its writer(s). The alert for the column that came across the Web today is for what writer Eva Hagberg calls " The Worst Building in the History of Mankind," it's the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, and I'm not necessarily discinclined to agree, though there is something amazingly thrilling and strange about this monstrosity that was abondoned 2/3 of the way through building, and has sat vacant for the last two decades. It's a great little essay, with a great couple of videos - totally sci-fi and futuristic in a retro, steam punk kind of way. From the article: "A picture doesn't lie -- the one-hundred-and-five-story Ryugyong Hotel is hideous, dominating the Pyongyang skyline like some twisted North Korean version of Cinderella's castle. Not that you would be able to tell from the official government photos of the North Korean capital -- the hotel is such an eyesore, the Communist regime routinely covers it up, airbrushing it to make it look like it's open -- or Photoshopping or cropping it out of pictures completely." Somehow the cleresy of the North Korean government in the 1980s must have thought that the hotel would be a shining beacon of communist architecture, anticipating the flood of visitors to Pyongyang when capitalism fell. Now, simply, they are saddled with it. I have to say, though, there is something awe-inspiring - and frightening in a totalitarian sort of way - about it. Read the link above and see what you think. 
antique | Antique news odd | Architecture | pop art
Friday, February 01, 2008 9:40:26 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I don't know whether to laugh or cry...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Um... The world's largest pencil. 22,000 pounds, a a 450 pound eraser, a 4,000 pound lead, and it works. Tell me, though, who's going to sharpen it? Be afraid. Be very afraid. Good for St. Louis... I guess...They have the arch and the bowling museum... Now this... 
antique | Antique news odd | Antiques | pop art
Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:50:30 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)
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