Antique Trader Blog

Everyone likes shortcuts

2009-11-20T11:53:51.727-05:00

... especially if it's a legitimate shortcut.

So here are shortcuts to some of our latest antiques news articles and features:

Man turns childhood home into classy antiques shop

Talking Sports: A hobby is born during the Great Depression

Ask Antique Trader: Unusual adjustable slag glass lamp a real find

Don’t be a Duncan Pfool: Remember to use furniture's correct vocabulary

Postcard prices realized vary at auction

SOFA Chicago sees increase of ‘young collectors’

Vintage video game sells for $5,250

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Milagros are the spotlight of this week's Antique Trader

2009-11-19T11:29:07.0756648-05:00

I enjoyed reading Mary Simmons' article about milagros and ex-votos. (You can click here to read this interesting feature story.) I have to admit I knew absolutely nothing about them ... and now I do.

Let us know what you think!

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Question of the Week: Is a new look necessary?

2009-11-18T17:23:49.961-05:00

Question of the Week:

As a shop owner, do you think it is important to rearrange your merchandise on a regular basis?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

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• Find us on TwitterHERE.
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• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!

• If you really like what you see, get your very own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

New antiques businesses opening

2009-11-18T17:22:05.0512648-05:00

If the day-to-day grind of making a living in antiques is getting you down, take a moment to think back to the day you decided to open your first business.

Ideas. Jitters. Excitement. Freedom.

All of these feelings were probably going through your mind as you mustered the resolve and decided to make a go of it in the hectic, crazy and unpredictable world of antiques. It’s truly wonderful to see new antiques related businesses spring up across the country considering the economy of the last few years. Auction houses in Ohio, Arkansas, Wisconsin and Washington have opened in the last six months. The businesses are bringing energy, fresh ideas and are making good use of their resources.
I suppose it’s not surprising to see this shift.

People seem fed up with banks, 401Ks and the bureaucracies of letting other people watch their money. The millions of people who have lost their jobs during the last two years are re-evaluating their definition of a fulfilling life. Starting their own business is a logical solution when other jobs are in short supply. They are showing up at auctions, shows and shops with a renewed curiosity for childhood playthings, fine art pottery and unique objets d’art.

Perhaps this influx of new talent and ideas will be just what the trade needs in catering to a changing customer base.

In Ohio, Jo Valentine started The Antiques Auction Gallery in Sunbury. She employs the services of her dealers at her Valentine Antique Gallery to help appraise and vet the auction lots. Her partnership with Ohio auctioneer Cynthia Schillig has created a one-stop shop for antiques enthusiasts.

New shops are also opening nationwide. For an inspirational story, don’t miss our question and answer feature on page 34. Shop owner Calvin Whetstone turned his childhood home into an attractive antiques shop last year. He is the second generation in his family to sell antiques and he couldn’t be more proud of his trade or his merchandise. Last summer he held an “old-fashioned” picnic for the loyal customers on his mailing list. Next year, Whetstone is considering inviting dealers to the picnic and creating booth spaces nearby to sell some antiques.

Meanwhile, in Aiken, S.C., the North Aiken Flea Market has opened to the public. Launched with a modest 20 vendors, the market was created by a collector who wanted to share the love of antiques with others. The endeavor is hardly a cash cow for owner Corina Burkle, who rents her 40 spaces for just $5 each.

Burkle’s modest beginnings sounds a lot like how one show started 50 years ago: Brimfield.

Eric Bradley
Editor

Free collectibles auction catalog available for download

2009-11-13T15:52:23.764-05:00

You've probably heard by now that the LaMothe Collection will be featured in the Collect.com Collectibles Auction #1 that runs from Nov. 23-Dec. 12.

The latest news is that the auction catalog is available for download:

Collect.com Auctions is expanding its reach across the collecting spectrum by offering 487 lots including the largest known collection of metal mesh handbags and vintage fashion. CLICK HERE to download the free special eight-page catalog for the sale, composed primarily of the Dennis and Terri LaMothe Collection, a three-decade pursuit for Whiting and Davis and Mandalian Mfg. Co. metal mesh handbags and fashion, plus additions of fine jewelry. The online, absentee and telephone auction opens Nov. 23 and closes Dec. 12 on www.collect.com/auctions.

It’s rare when husband and wife come together with a shared passion for collecting, yet the LaMothes’ union produced two of the 20th century’s top collectors of metal mesh used in fashion. The auction is comprised of four different categories: antique mesh, vintage fashion, jewelry and the LaMothes’ collection of Department 56 collectibles.

Standout lots include a series of handbags depicting Hollywood icons Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable and Mickey Mouse as well as celebrity memorabilia from Cher and Lisa Hartman-Black.

Included are a number of rare scenic handbags depicting a range of Art Deco-inspired themes such as skyscrapers, peacocks, sunrises and meadow scenes. Once a design was chosen it naturally narrowed the market for the handbag. As such, the design and style had to be of the finest quality and feature dynamic designs. “It took 24 hours for each color to dry once it was applied,” Terri said of the different colored enamels used in the designs. “Once they were complete the stencils were destroyed so they really are living history.”

Also in the selection of handbags are 70 lots of rare specimens made by the Mandalian Manufacturing Company. Mandalian-made handbags are highly sought after by collectors because of the company’s eclectic designs and strict production methods. “They used crushed fish scale and applied it to the mesh to give it the shine,” Terri said. “They made a better bag but they couldn’t go up against Whiting and Davis.”

Rounding out the metal mesh collection is a selection of vintage fashion designer Anthony Ferrara made specifically for the Whiting and Davis line.

Among the fine jewelry is a white gold bracelet adorned with 72.23 carats of rubies and a pair of earrings with an impressive 8.7 carats of sapphires accented with diamonds.

Collect.com Auctions’ first vintage fashion sale welcomes mail, phone, absentee and online bids through Collect.com. Bidding opens Nov. 23 and closes Dec. 12. Complete descriptions and images for all lots can be found at www.collect.com.

For information on any lot or to learn more about bidding in this sale, call the Collect.com offices at 888-463-3063.

Photos courtesy Dennis & Terri LaMothe.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CATALOG (PDF)

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• Find us on TwitterHERE.
• Find us on FacebookHERE.

• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!

• If you really like what you see, get your very own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

Do you collect a family namesake?

2009-11-12T10:41:50.4430015-05:00

Here's the cover for the latest issue of Antique Trader, which hits the mail for subscribers today. (Click on the cover to visit AntiqueTrader.com)

What do you think? The cover feature is a subject near and dear to my heart :) ... now we'd like to hear your collecting story ...

Do you collect a family namesake?

If you’d like to share your story behind your own family-based collection, please send your story to editor Eric Bradley at 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945 or eric.bradley@fwmedia.com. Your story may be published in an upcoming issue.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

Question of the Week: Used gifts?

2009-11-12T10:07:36.767837-05:00

This week's Antique Trader question of the week ... what do you think?

Do you think it is tasteful and appropriate to give an antique or collectible as a gift or does the holiday season encourage you to purchase new items?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945.

Or you can post a reply here on the Antique Trader blog, or HERE on the Antique Trader message boards.

If you love unique then you'll love Chicago's Modern Vintage Holiday Market

2009-11-11T18:24:20.8842452-05:00

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

Will eBay bounce back?

2009-11-11T11:00:02.5597596-05:00

What the heck happened to eBay?

A few years ago many of us were complaining that finding “it” online was the final nail in the coffin of every brick and mortar shop around. A recent Associated Press report now states that eBay subsidiary PayPal could overtake the giant online marketplace in gross revenues by 2011. It’s not that surprising since eBay remains an online marketplace and PayPal has the capacity to be used everywhere for a variety of goods and services. The full story is on page 12.

But why isn’t eBay projected to grow in lock step with PayPal? After all, we who stood by the behemoth when it required us to accept PayPal for every transaction dutifully signed up and paid the fee for the right to do commerce on eBay.

The crippling snag is likely due to a slew of major site and policy changes that occurred at the same time as a calamitous worldwide financial meltdown.
During the past two years eBay has worked to develop new ways to claim their rightful share in the millions of transactions through its sites. EBay had every right to find new ways to make money from the site – business is business. However, the difficulty came when it started to over regulate the transactions and encourage sellers of antiques to “get in line” or get out.

What makes eBay most successful for sellers is the massive flow of site traffic. The extra bells and whistles added on to a seller’s listing are nice but they wouldn’t be worth squat if eBay didn’t attract so many millions of unique users. It’s what is separating other startups with feisty fee structures from becoming the No. 1 Web site for selling antiques and collectibles online. However, there is a downward trend at eBay. Just last month AuctionBytes.com’s Ina Steiner reported eBay’s August-September site traffic has hit a five-year low.

Many of my favorite dealers packed up and left – some in the middle of transactions. One situation I remember vividly: I was all set to buy a framed print when the seller told me in a response to one of my questions that he was no longer selling eBay … right now. He blamed the overly aggressive changes to feedback policies, among other changes. He hasn’t been back since.

So as PayPal breaks into new and growing markets and methods for making payments (some predict we’ll be using our cell phones to buy antiques at brick and mortar shops in just a few years) where is eBay supposed to grow?
Will the threat of losing its valuable site traffic encourage it to rethink some of its policy changes? Even if major changes were reversed – would they be enough to bring sellers back when the economy rebounds?

Eric Bradley
Editor

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Free admission to antique show

2009-11-07T09:23:46.4127243-05:00

I received this e-mail this morning for free admission to the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show.

It says pass along to a friend ... I'm going to pass it on to many — all of you! (Hey, it's worth a try, right?)

Click Here for Free Admission to the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show

This year's Historic Alexandria Antiques Show brings together 30 top-ranking antiques, fine art and jewelry dealers from around the US and abroad. You'll discover thousands of pieces of period furniture, paintings, prints, folk art, tapestries, textiles, carpets, lamps, ceramics, glass, jewelry and unusual decorative accessories, every one backed by a guarantee of authenticity.

The show takes place November 13-15 at the Holiday Inn Historic District. Hours of the show are Friday, November 13, 11 am-8 pm; Saturday, November 14, 11 am-6 pm; and Sunday, November 15, 12 noon-5 pm.

You and a companion can enter the show free of charge. Simply click here to print out your free pass. And be sure to forward this message to a friend!

Visitors to this year's Historic Alexandria Antiques Show can also receive free verbal appraisals of their treasures by antiques expert and professional appraiser Todd Peenstra.  Verbal appraisals will be limited to two items per visitor. It's a great chance to learn if you have hidden wealth.

The Holiday Inn Historic District is located at 625 First Street. Free parking is available. For more information and directions, click here.

Proceeds from the show benefit the Historic Alexandria Foundation.  Separate tickets are required for the preview party, November 12, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm, and for all other special events. More information is available at 703.549.5811.

— Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

Nov. 7 LA gallery event to benefit Linda Blair's animal rescue charity

2009-11-05T17:14:52.6250316-05:00

LOS ANGELES - On Saturday, Nov. 7, Gallery Brown and internationally acclaimed pop artist Steve Kaufman will present "Art Goes To The Dogs," a benefit for film star Linda Blair's animal rescue charity, the World Heart Foundation. Blair will be present at the event, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the gallery, located at 140 South Orlando Ave., Los Angeles.

Steve Kaufman, "the former assistant to Andy Warhol," will feature all his colorful images including Marilyn, The Rat Pack and Michael Jackson, plus homages to Lichtenstein, Picasso, Dali and van Gogh. See these famous icons come alive on canvas.

The Linda Blair World Heart Foundation is a non-profit, 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused animals from the harsh streets of the Los Angeles area and the overcrowded and overwhelmed city and county animal shelters.

The fundraiser is open to all, and there is no charge to attend. The evening starts with complimentary valet parking, followed by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction that will feature Steve Kaufman's 36-inch-tall RCA Dog, one of a limited edition of 20. Additionally, 10% of all show sales will go directly to the Linda Blair World Heart Foundation.

LA art fans won't want to miss this exciting opportunity to meet both Steve Kaufman and Linda Blair on Saturday, Nov. 7. For further information, call 323-651-1956 or visit the gallery's Web site: http://gallerybrown.com.

Visit Linda Blair's World Heart Foundation online at www.lindablairworldheart.org.

Haunted antiques anyone?

2009-11-05T13:21:02.456-05:00

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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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

Question of the Week: Is it time to REALLY celebrate antiques?

2009-11-04T15:52:08.7517695-05:00

What do you think?

Do you think it’s time America develops a National Antique Week such as it is in England, Nov. 23-30?

Send your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or to Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54945. Or post a message here on the Antique Trader blog or HERE on the Antique Trader message boards.

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.

History's Jackpot: A great place to start

2009-11-03T11:27:10.596-05:00

I had the chance to read Craig Gottlieb's History’s Jackpot, Investing in Antique Collectibles over the weekend.

It's a brand new book that just came out in October, and Mr. Gottlieb has chosen to use Antique Trader to help get the word out, making him a valuable supporter for Antique Trader and AntiqueTrader.com.

I'm glad I read it. It has a lot of valuable information and advice about buying antique collectibles that will not only hold their value, but will increase with value over time.

[Read the full book review here.]

Just as important as being able to pick those items that will increase in value over time is knowing which items to stay away from. Mr. Gottlieb – and others – recommend you stay away from manufactured collectibles if you would like to recoup your investment. If you're buying that Franklin Mint plate because it speaks to you and you plan to treasure it for years, that's fine. Buy it and enjoy it. But even years down the line, you or your heirs probably won't be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

I found it to be valuable reading.

— Posted by Karen

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boardsHERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online adsHERE.