Antique Trader Blog - Antique news odd

What do Pere Noel and a creepy foot have in common?

Karen — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:40:25 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Find us on Twitter and Facebook
• Visit the Antique Trader website and sign up for our FREE eNewsletter.

• Get up-to-date pricing for tens of thousands of antiques & collectibles on Collect.com – FREE for 1 year – when you join the Collecting Insider Club!

• Browse hundreds of collectibles reference books in our store.
• Need pricing data? Check out Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide.
• And browse the Antique Trader classified ads or place your own online ad - FREE

Art Loss Register recovers Dieppe carved ivory box

Karen — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:43:06 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Find us on Twitter and Facebook
• Visit the Antique Trader website and sign up for our FREE eNewsletter.

• Get up-to-date pricing for tens of thousands of antiques & collectibles on Collect.com – FREE for 1 year – when you join the Collecting Insider Club!

Wonder Woman's new costume wasn't the first

Karen — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:22:02 GMT

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

Postcard reaches sender's grandson after 95 years

Karen — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:09:17 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.
• Need pricing data? Check out Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide.
• And browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your own online ad - FREE

Mated pair of Andrew Clemens sand art bottles surface ... again

Karen — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:52:09 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

•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.
•Need pricing data? Check out Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide.
•And browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your own online ad - FREE

American Pickers second season premiers June 7

Karen — Sun, 23 May 2010 20:32:58 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Find us on Twitter HERE.
• Find us on Facebook HERE.
• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for ourFREE newsletters!
• Get more information on subscribing 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.
• Enter the Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes HERE.

Picasso breaks all art records at $106.5M

Karen — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:13:56 GMT

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

Recent graduate pays her student loan with $6,000 antique shaving mug

Eric Bradley, editor — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:24:57 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Find us on Twitter HERE.
• Find us on Facebook HERE.
• 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 boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.
• Enter the Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes HERE.

Antique occupational shaving mug brings $8,500

Karen — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:17:10 GMT

Here's an interesting hobby that doesn't seem to get much attention but nevertheless brings respectable prices at auction: antique occupational shaving mugs.

We wrote on this topic a few years ago, but a major collection is being sold by W. Yoder Auctions of Wisconsin over the last year or so. The second installment is taking place RIGHT NOW over at Proxibid. It is the first day of a two-day sale that has some sweet finds.

The occupational shaving mugs were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and added a touch of individuality to a gentleman's daily shaving routine. The barber shop collectible is much sought after by collectors across many different areas.

The mug shown here represents a Civil War soldier/ veterinarian and was sold for $8,500 this morning. Click the image for a link to the auction catalog online.

The auction takes place online today here. Part two starts tomorrow morning and is carried live via Proxibid.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JFK love letters bring $115,000

Eric Bradley, editor — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:46:57 GMT

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 between 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.

Unusual antique and vintage table lamps - Separated at birth?

Karen — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:23:30 GMT

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

Antiques can be a labor of love

Karen — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:25:53 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christie's yanks human skull and bones from auction

Eric Bradley, editor — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:59:09 GMT

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

Reward offered for trailer of antique furniture stolen in St Paul, Minn.

Karen — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:44:41 GMT

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

Rago's 20th Century auction antique tortoise lamp is a unique find

Karen — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:26:42 GMT

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.

Antiques news you won't want to miss

Karen — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:44:00 GMT

Click on the links below to read the articles:

Red Baron’s three-day fall auction a success

Dealers from 12 states to attend Antiques in Charlottesville

Audubon’s ‘Birds of America’ folio brings $272,000

Art Deco and Modernism light up San Francisco

Worthpoint, Heritage Auctions announce mobile phone applications

Original Frederick Remington plaster model will be sold in January auction

Archive of cigar label proofs among top lots in Dec. 3 map, ephemera sale

Carved box that consignor used for storage realizes $26,450 in Thanksgiving sale

Jumeau doll found in the Midwest brings $37,375

Visit www.antiquetrader.com for more news and features.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

Wunderkammer on the cover

Karen — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:44:02 GMT

"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.

CLICK HERE to read The Wunderkammer: Curiosity cabinets were the birth of modern museums

Drop us a line here on the blog, in the forums, or at eric.bradley@fwmedia.com and let us know what you think ...

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

Suspect found in theft of antique whiskey bottle

Karen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:20:11 GMT

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.

Taylor Swift loves vintage, spotted at Nashville antiques shows

Karen — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:12:34 GMT

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.

It really is in the mail today ...

Karen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:34:35 GMT

... the newest edition of Antique Trader, that is.

Here's a look at the cover:

It looks great, doesn't it? And it's packed with antique news and features, too!

Visit www.antiquetrader.com for your antiques news fix.

Inaugural Baltimore Big Flea draws the crowds

Original York Antiques Show & Sale returns in January

Record number of bidders take part in poster sale

Japanese toys gross $700K in November auction

Rare diamond brings eight figures at Christie’s auction

Glass museum launches drive to clear mortgage

“American Pickers” coming to television

Art restoration company reveals $300K Duncanson painting

Greater Charlotte Show sells to Lydia Sullivan

Tiffany on Display: Colorado collector shares his passion with the world

... that's a lot of news, isn't it?! And that's not all of it, either!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

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

Karen — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:24:20 GMT

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

Haunted antiques anyone?

Karen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:21:02 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

New Antique Trader hits the mail today

Karen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:22:55 GMT

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!

Stock market hits 10,000! Time to sell your collectibles?

Karen — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:19:43 GMT

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.

Vampire killing kit to cross the auction block

Karen — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:29:52 GMT

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.

Valuable marketing tool for dealers: hold a show before the auction

Karen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:31:16 GMT

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.

If you can't get enough Warhol just check out his junk

Karen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:08:04 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

Here’s to the antique misfits

Karen — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:08:59 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

Question of the Week: Weird collections

Karen — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:58:27 GMT

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.

And more recent antiques-related headlines:

Karen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:32:05 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Find us on Twitter HERE.
• Find us on Facebook HERE.
• 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 boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your FREE online ads HERE.

Antique headline shortcuts anyone?

Karen — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:24:44 GMT

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

Are antique shops really just pawn shops?

Karen — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:59:46 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

Techno-collectibles?

Karen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:56:28 GMT

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?

Holt-Howard hits the spot

Karen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:12:26 GMT

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.

Jaw-dropping pearl ...

Karen — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:57:11 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

NH man hawked paintings stolen from Fla.

Karen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:43:57 GMT

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.

Any press is good press, right?

Karen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:44:16 GMT

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• 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.

I don't think you'll want to miss these either

Karen — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:05:25 GMT

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.

New Antique Trader sweepstakes launches today

Karen — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:06:42 GMT

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
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
• Browse the Antique Trader Classifieds or place your free online ads HERE.
• Find us on Twitter HERE.

Feature articles from the latest issue of Antique Trader

Karen — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:21:58 GMT

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.

A week from today: Grayslake "Late Nite" Flea

Karen — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:05:41 GMT

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.

Armacost "Brighten Your Home" contest

Karen — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:01:01 GMT

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.

AntiqueTrader.com article links

Karen — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:09:25 GMT

Hello shortcut lovers!

Here are quick links to some of this week's Antique Trader articles:

Former owner gets carried away with old mill

From accident to innovation: Celebrating the craftsmanship and artistry of ancient Roman glass

Ask Antique Trader: Seldom-seen Cincinnati dog table is valuable Victorian piece

The mischief makers (naughty children on postcards)

Once upon a time: The history of Little Golden Books®

Sew there! Buttons can be a window on history

Collecting classic cookbooks: Repasts from the past

Rich Penn auction prices are rock solid at Spring Spectacular in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Rare Seminole shoulder sash is top lot in Cowan’s auction

Seven major Crowell decoys in Copley’s July 15-16 sale

Robin Starr named director pro tem of Skinner’s fine paintings department

— 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.

Pulp Fiction convention in the Windy City

Karen — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:14:23 GMT

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.

FREE online classified ads

Karen — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:52:03 GMT

Collect.com offers free classified ads

Everyone 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.

Links to Antique Trader articles

Karen — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 22:13:05 GMT

Here are some of the articles we posted on AntiqueTrader.com this week:

2,000 lots to cross the block in 3 days of Weiss auctions

Victorian lamps and antique glass highlight Woody auction, April 4

Rock Island Auction Company’s Regional Sale proves gun prices are on the rise

Hal Hunt sells Belter bed for big bucks

The best of the Victorian era offered at Fontaine’s April 4 auction

What has happened to eBay?

Stoneware: The Tupperware of the 19th century

Did Napoleon need a nightlight?

The Antique Detective: Revival furniture styles pose problems

Art Markets: President's image on campaign poster subject of lawsuit

Privy to history

And of course there's so much more ...

Digging for history & Question of the Week

Karen — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:13:31 GMT

In this week's edition of Antique Trader, we're running a story on collector Rick Weiner of Allentown, Pa. You might say Rick acquires his collection "the hard way"; he digs 19th century outhouse pits for his finds.

Click here to read the story Privy to history: Digging 19th century outhouses for historic glass

Digging in old privies for vintage items is kind of an odd hobby.

Do you, or someone you know, have an offbeat collection or hobby?

Post a reply here, on the Antique Trader message boards, or e-mail sandra.sparks@fwmedia.com.

Kamehameha quilt on Antiques Roadshow

Karen — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 01:55:58 GMT

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 Karen

Oh, by the way, if you missed it ... the quilt was valued at $25,000.

Heritage offers free dino teeth to kids

Karen — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:44:46 GMT

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.

My reaction would have been different

Karen — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:43:22 GMT

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.html

Want ticket information? Visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tickets.html