Antique Trader Blog - Antique news odd

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

• Learn more about Antique Trader HERE.
• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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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

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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 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

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• 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

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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

The "Antiques Rogueshow," starring the Johnson family

Sandra — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:53:19 GMT

It took a while, but this rogue family in the UK has finally started serving time. For stealing over millions in art and antiques over the last 20 years, the five members of the Johnson crime family will serve a total of almost 50 years.

It doesn't seem like much time to serve, does it?

Imagine: Staking out a British manor for a week, waiting until the right time, and smashing your 4-wheel-drive into the property and hauling away a take of $A49 million in art, jewelry, and antiques in 10 minutes.

That's just one of the nefarious family's misdeeds over the past 20 years, but it was the family's largest heist.

One article says of the family: Barely able to read, write or even spell their own names, their loves included dog and game bird breeding, hare-coursing and bare-fist fighting.

Crude, but apparently they could spot the good stuff.

You can read more here. Or click here to Google "Johnson crime family" and take your pick of the coverage.

Amusement park owners not clowning around

Noah — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:17:08 GMT

Where can a life-sized clown named Louie wander off to? Or was he clown-napped? When you first read about it, you might think it's some sort of spoof of CSI or some other detective show. But amusement park owners Stanley and Margaret Nelson are serious about getting their clown back.

According to a news story in the Fort Mill Times, the 60-year-old Witchita, Kan., amusement park is missing two important antiques: its life-sized, carved clown named Louie and the automated Wurlitzer organ Louie played.

The Nelsons have sued the former Joyland operators who say they know nothing about the missing clown's whereabouts. In the meantime, the status of the park's reopening remains in flux.

To read more of this detective drama, click here or here. They're not clowning around.

Vargas hottie - still turning heads 70 years later

Karen — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:29:07 GMT

Readers are commenting on a rather racy drawing heading to auction July 15. Some say the very first Vargas girl is a little too risque for Antique Trader readers.

One commenter said the image was perfectly acceptable in 1940- the year Alberto Vargas sketched the relining nude blond bombshell for the pages of Esquire Magazine - but not in 2009. Vargas became one of the most prolific and popular pin up girl artist of all time. Not only are his actual images valuable (the original drawing is estimated to bring $20,000 to $30,000) but back issues of Esquire are more valuable because of Vargas' work.

What do you think? Do you think the Vargas print is a bit too racy to include in Antique Trader and on its Web site?

Let us know here or on Twitter. We'd love to print your reaction in next week's issue.

*Posted by Eric
eric.bradley@fwmedia.com

Click on the picture to see Antique Trader's original article on the rare Vargas drawing.

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A road well traveled

Noah — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:29:23 GMT

The antiques world is fascinating. Unfortunately, because of the abundance and the value of antiques, they are targets for criminals all over the world.

For example, check out this story from Standart News:

Antiques Are Smuggled in Bulgaria Through Drug traffic Channels

The police say that there are about 200,000 treasure hunters in Bulgaria, working in over 300 organized groups. Each of these groups makes one or two million levs a year.

Western experts say Bulgaria is the third largest supplier of antiques in Europe.

Antiques, mafia, treasure hunters, smugglers ... Disturbing, but fascinating.

— Karen

Hoping to get the Triceratops back...

Noah — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:36:39 GMT

I wrote about the Triceratops auction in Paris a while back...

Here's an update from a North Dakota archeologist who is hoping the buyer will give it back to the state, since the state was never given a chance to get it in the first place. There has been no word from the buyer, either on whether he or she will give it back, or who they are.

Look... As much as I'd like to give you back my triceratops - I call him Sticky - I just can't bear to. I rule the playground now, and the chicks really dig it...

Antiques and the Russian mob. I think I smell a tv pilot...

Noah — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:44:42 GMT

This is interesting and - dare I say it - sexy for the antiques industry.

From ArtInfo.com.

I wrote here not two weeks ago about the market in Russian art, followed by something about Muslim art, and shortly after that Sotheby's has a huge sale of Russian art. Who buys it? Oh yes, Russians.

Except that one peice, and only one piece failed to sell for it's estimated amount. Why? It's alleged ties to the Russian Mob, and the death threats that came with its initial theft.

No picture available to my knowledgable, which might just push this thing mainstream. I hope that guy from CSI Miam is in in the pilot...

Yes. Very sexy.

My daughter would love to have this...

Noah — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:24:37 GMT

Only it would be a bit of a hassle to dissassemble, move and re-assemble into our backyard in Central Wisconsin.

The famed solar powered ferris wheel on the Santa Monica pier is up for sale. Bids start at $50,000.

We'd have the kids lined up around the block, though...

My wife is from Santa Monica, her birthday is coming up, and I'd sure love to give her something that reminded her of home.

Crystal Skull mania!

Noah — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:53:48 GMT

This summer, as the world prepares for the fourth installment of Indiana Jones - Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls - you can bet the real crystal skulls will be getting plenty of scrutiny from the public at large.

Yes, the Crystal Skulls really exist.

This is an article that appeared today on archeology.org, and it's quite enlightening as to the history of the real crystal skulls, about which there is suprisingly little really know, other than that they date back to ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, among others, are weighty, valuable and bear little stylistic resemblance to any of the great art of antiquity that came out of these cultures.

If you're one of the 10s - yes 10s - of people that have read this blog with any sort of semi-regularity, you know I'm always game for a good conspiracy theory, especially if it involves shadow governments, aliens or marshmallow Fluff.

The crystal skulls fit all of these in that there are widespread theories about their mysterious magical qualities, that their secrets have been contained by malignant government forces, that they were gifts to ancient humankind from alien overseers and that I'd love to get my hands on one to see how well a jar of Fluff would spread on it - I can see an Elvis pompadour right now.

When me lived in the Hudson Valley, my wife was a longtime employee of The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, and every summer there would be a weekend workshop dedicated to the crystal skulls, in which at least one of the skulls would make an appearance and its magical powers would be revealed.

I always wanted to attend this workshop - along with the one about learning how to do remote seeing (see conspiracy theories above) - but never did, for fear of the ridicule I would have to endure. The aging hippies in the area loved it, though, and I heard tales extolling the virtues of these mysterious sculptures over and over. I should have taken the chance when I had it. Who needs to see Thich Naht Hahn, anyway?

They are indeed beautiful to behold, and certainly a little creepy. There are countles dissafected teenagers dying to burn a candle on top of one of these things and take a black and white picture of it, or put it on a shelf next to their similarly designed bong.

Indy will certainly reveal something important about the skulls when he makes millions this summer, so if you want to impress your friends with your advance knowledge of the skulls, check out the link to the truly informative archeology.org article, written by an expert. All kidding aside, it's good stuff.

Unhappy in your marriage? Don't take it out on the antiques!

Noah — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:59:01 GMT

I don't mean to make light of marital disputes - because I believe wholeheartedly that marriage is the bedrock of civilized society - but this story, out of Ontario, Canada made me snicker just that little bit.

Domestic violence in any form is not funny, but it seems that a man - or a "guy" as the headline says - took out his frustrations not only on his wife, but also on her antique dresser. It's not like he kicked it, or punched it, or broke a handle or a drawer or something, he actually took a chainsaw to it.

A chainsaw!

C'mon, man! Go to a counselor, seek mediation, take Prozac, anything. Just leave the antiques alone!

While we're in the Middle East: Go Tiberias! Go!

Noah — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:13:43 GMT

How could I possibly resist a headline like this:

Ancient Tiberias making a comeback

Tiberias deserves a comeback, right? If Fleetwood Mac can do it, and The Who can do it - and The Stones, who have never even quit - then why not Tiberias?

Man, those guys rocked.

When a penny ain't worth a penny, it's an antique!

Noah — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:07:53 GMT

I believe this originated with the Chicago Tribune, and seems to be an editorial, but it came to me via The Valdosta State Spectator in GA, certainly one of the more obscure sources I've dug around on. I worked on my college paper and, let's face it, a lot of them are pretty bad.

It is, actually, an argument you can dig up most anywhere. I just couldn't resist a link with something from Valdosta State.

This, however, I happen to agree with. When it costs more than a penny is worth to make one, then it ain't worth it, plus the good, collectible ones that are out there will become that much more valuable, which is good for the business of coins.

Numismatics and antiques unite! Down with the penny!

The Guru and the Auction House

Noah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:28:24 GMT

This has been very interesting to watch - somewhat obscure, perhaps, bubt a lot of fun.

Sotheby's claimed some armor being sold belonged to a very important Sikh guru. Sikhs got angry, and Sotheby's claims that the armor is not actually the Guru's, but one of several sets he had made, as he was involved in many wars and military campaigns.

The post linked to above is from a post to WorthPoint.com out of India.

The whole thing is interesting, as I have always associated Sikhism with dervishes and mysticism, a la the sublime poetry of Rumi ("Dissolver of sugar, dissolve me."), not necessarily with warring kings. I'd love to see the armor, but no pics have been released. Check it out if this sort of thing interests you, which it does me, which I bet you've already figured out.

Where did they get that?

Noah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:26:59 GMT

No, really posted by Karen pretending to be Noah ...

Well, it happened this morning. After limping along on life support for months, my Mac finally gave up its ghost. While IT is diligently readying a replacement, I'm taking advantage of the disruption and putting it to good use...I'm catching up on (or at least chipping away at) my news alerts from the past couple of weeks.

Have you ever watched a period movie and saw a piece of furniture or an item that caught your eye and thought to yourself, "Where did they get that?"

Well, I read an interesting article this morning about a shop in Haverhill, Mass., that has supplied a number of production companies with props.

You can check the story out here ...

omg, can u believe it? spoilt singer demand $140K antique table for signing

Noah — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:06:00 GMT

Okay, so I couldn't resist this gossip. Some spoiled singer, who's been told for some time now that the sun rises and sets out of her... eyes... demanded that a $140,000 table be flown from NY to London, and covered with silk, so she could do her signings...

I remember Maria Carey from the early 1990s, when she would hit her signature high-C note in every song. I'm a music snob, so I have to admit I literally cannot stand to be in a room where her music playing. She's worth a ton, and has had fools bow to her whims forever and a day, so of course she's going to continue to think that her money gets her anything she wants. I guess it pretty much does. Considering she makes more than the GNP of many small countries, however, I think she should be mortally ashamed of her behavior. That's all any pop star really needs, isn't it? A good talking to...

I would, however, like to see the table.

Lincoln letter goes for more than $3M

Noah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:16:45 GMT

And to think that I was willing to take a triceratops over this, if given the choice...

I love Honest Abe, but I stand by my decision. Besides, I just spent that last $3.4M on a new yacht. I'm a bit tapped at the moment.

This is the Yahoo story, just breaking. Pretty cool, I have to say.

Papa's Brand New Bag on the auction block

Noah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:57:43 GMT

When James Brown died on Christmas Day 2006, he left behind a lot more than one modern music's greatest catalogs of work, he left behind a life filled with turmoil and an estate that has been the subject of constant wrangling between his family, his adult children, his ex-girlfriends and his ex-wives.

Finally, Christie's has stepped in and said, "That's enough!"

I actually don't know if that's what Christie's did, but either way, the venerable auction house will be auctioning of the possesions of the Godfather of Soul sometime this summer. This sale will include Brown's awards, instruments and all kinds of various posessions.

No matter what you think of the man personally, his influence on music was, and is, undeniable. He blended together many sounds and came up with something that was totally original, and musically, in his prime, there was absolutely no one more important. The interlocking parts of his songs were pure genius and made countless millions of people understand not only how music worked, but that they too could follow a few simple rules and enjoy playing music. For that, I do have to say, I miss Brown greatly.

To see him covered with a jacket and walked, exhausted, off stage accompanied by one of his crew, only to ruh desperately back to the mic for one last chorus, or word - then to hear the crowd shriek with delight - makes you understand that he truly was... the hardest working man in show business.

And I'd love to get me one them guitars...

This wood's no good! Dealer in fake antique wood busted in MO

Noah — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:11:22 GMT

Interesting, but probably not as rare as we'd like to think.

This St. Louis dealer in supposedly antique wood is going to be paying a hefty fine and maybe seeing the inside of Club Fed for a while. It just goes to show that you have to be wary of who you buy from, and alays do you research, even if your next antique is going to be your floor.

This story comes via the St. Louis Business Journal.

The last I'll post about the most stupid eBay auction ever...

Noah — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:40:27 GMT

I think this guy, at a site called Blorgable, sums it up as well as my not-so-well-hidden cynicism ever could.

You will never hear about corn flakes on this blog again, and that's a promise from me to you...

"Something really dramatic just happened with our cornflake."

Noah — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:21:50 GMT

I posted about this the other day, the corn flake shaped like Illinois...

The AP is reporting that eBay pulled it for some violation or another. Not to worry, though, it's been taken care of and is now back online for all the people dying to have it...

I was a little worried, myself, but am now happy to report that you can get the Illinois flake, as well as one that looks like Hawaii and a couple other states...

The line, "Something really dramatic juts happened with our cornflake" is one of the best I've ever heard...

Just what I've always wanted! A corn flake that looks like Illinois...

Noah — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:19:13 GMT

Um... I'm... I'm just not sure what to say about this, or why I'm even posting it...

I feel a little confused, and fragile... Somebody hold me...