Antique Trader Blog - Antiques Auction

Everyone likes shortcuts

Karen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:53:51 GMT

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

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

Man turns childhood home into classy antiques shop

Talking Sports: A hobby is born during the Great Depression

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

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

Postcard prices realized vary at auction

SOFA Chicago sees increase of ‘young collectors’

Vintage video game sells for $5,250

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
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Milagros are the spotlight of this week's Antique Trader

Karen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:29:07 GMT

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

Let us know what you think!

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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• 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.

Free collectibles auction catalog available for download

Karen — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:52:23 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos courtesy Dennis & Terri LaMothe.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CATALOG (PDF)

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Dec. 12 sale features the lifetime metal mesh, vintage celebrity couture collection of Dennis & Terri LaMothe

Karen — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:41:00 GMT

IOLA, Wis. – Collect.com Auctions will present more than 400 lots of the Dennis & Terri LaMothe metal mesh collection in an Internet, absentee and phone auction closing Dec. 12. The LaMothe Collection is the largest assortment of metal mesh – mostly produced by Massachusetts’ famous Whiting & Davis Co. – ever to come to auction. It includes classic mesh handbags and iconic celebrity memorabilia from Cher and Lisa Hartman Black.

Lifetime collectors, the LaMothes spared no expense in building their comprehensive collection of metal mesh. “We did all kinds of crazy things,” said Dennis. “We started buying collections here and there — amassing them. We like to joke that our kids grew up at the auctions because we were there three, four, five times a week.” Added Terri: “Our one rule: They had to be in the best condition we could afford. We didn’t buy just to buy. We bought the very best and traded up.”

Throughout the better part of their married lives the two were well known as powerful, committed buyers. At one time the two employed between 20 and 30 pickers to scour the nation’s auctions, antiques shows and private collections for the best examples of Whiting & Davis, Mandalian Co. and other dazzling antique and vintage mesh handbags.

“This collection is just stunning in so many ways,” said Steve Bloedow, director of Collect.com Auctions. “The quality, the quantity, the variety — you just don’t find collections like this. With so many lots available during the online bidding, there is something for every collector — from jewelry to fashion, even gloves owned by Cher. The entire collection will impress anyone who views the lots.”

It was the LaMothes who the Whiting & Davis Co. contacted to create a 110-year retrospective on the firm’s best examples for its anniversary celebration. The company gave the couple exclusive and unfettered access to archives. As such, the sale contains more than 250 lots of stunning mesh handbags. The LaMothes took special pride in collecting unique pieces such the Whiting & Davis handbag decorated with enameled metal mesh in a shimmering likeness of Clark Gable (estimate $2,500-$3,000). Other specialty handbags include Mickey Mouse ($500-$1,000), Charlie Chaplin ($2,500-$3,000) and a special commemorative produced for the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair ($1,000-$1,200).

The auction will feature a comprehensive selection of Whiting & Davis’ highly desirable “El Sah” mesh handbags, including a circa 1920s example still retaining its delicate compact built into its gold tone metal handle (estimate $250-$350). The auction also features classic plain, enameled and colored Whiting & Davis lines such as Poiret, Gloria and Baby Peggy handbags. In addition to being the most complete collection of Whiting & Davis handbags, the collection is a shimmering cross-section of American vintage couture, including celebrity memorabilia including a pair of mesh gloves worn by Cher during the height of her late 1980s comeback tour.

The auction contains more than 100 selections of vintage fashion and couture. For example, a pair of silver-mesh gloves by designer Michael Schmidt from the personal collection of Cher is expected to make $750 to $1,500. The gloves hail from Cher’s late 1980s revival as she produced hits such as “If I Could Turn Back Time” and used mesh in many of her outrageous costumes. The lot includes a certificate of authenticity by the Walt Disney World Co. A dazzling red mesh top once owned by Lisa Hartman Black, actress and wife of country music star Clint Black, is expected to bring $500 to $800.

Besides producing its iconic mesh handbags, Whiting & Davis was one of the first companies to produce a prolific line of costume jewelry. As one of the oldest costume jewelers in the United States, its lines are of the kind currently enjoying a rise in popularity. The auction features a large selection of mesh necklaces and neckties, belts, bracelets, earrings and rings. Pieces are heavily influenced by Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Victorian revivals with huge, raised relief bangles and high quality intaglio cameos. Many retain the original Whiting & Davis cards and tags.

A fully illustrated catalog for Collect.com Auction’s Dec. 12 sale of the Dennis & Terri LaMothe Collection, plus additions, will be printed in the Nov. 25 issue of Antique Trader magazine or available by calling 888-463-3063 after Nov. 11. An online catalog will be viewable through the Web site www.Collect.com/Auctions.

All absentee forms of bidding are available through www.Collect.com/Auctions or by calling 888-463-3063, fax 715-445-4087 or e-mail at auctions@collect.com. The Dec. 12 auction features a 17 percent buyer’s premium. Visit Collect.com Auctions online at www.Collect.com/Auctions.

Photos courtesy Collect.com Auctions.

— Posted by Eric Bradley

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Antique article shortcuts

Karen — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:57:56 GMT

Here's an easy way to get your antique news: click on the links below to read the articles:

Antique Trader breaks new ground with new “Collecting Depression Glass” online seminar

Portraits and pistols earn top prices at Garth’s

Liberace’s cousin’s estate draws standing room only

This Emilio Pucci designer dress with matching panties was sold at Liberace's cousin's estate auction in Wittenberg, Wis. Photo by Eric Bradley.

Brimfield completes Fiftieth Year Celebration

Jenkins Shows draws 20,000 for Springfield Extravaganza

Toy world mourns passing of Donald Kaufman

Depression glass collecting continues to evolve

Art Markets: Gallery label prompts investigation of attic find

Ask Antique Trader: Cheers! Robj liquor decanters worth $900

Posted by Karen

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• 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.

More antique news -

Karen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:02:41 GMT

And more antique news

Africa, Oceania, Asia art showcased in LA show

Competitive changes at Nottingham Shows in U.K.

Puchsteins take over West Palm Beach shows

Antique Trader online conference Nov. 5 - the Webinar with Ellen Schroy on Collecting Depression Glass ... I'm looking forward to it!

Making shows fun again: Zurko Promotions combines ad show with Grayslake event

Chippendale tiger maple desk hits $41,400 at estate sale

Rosewood cylinder desk soars to $49,450 at sale of Kirkwood Mansion contents

Jeffrey S. Evans to sell important antique sewing collection

RIA rounds up nearly $8M in September firearms auction

Masterpieces of pin-up art in Dallas auction Oct. 27

Chamberlain’s All-Star Game uniform slams it in at $72K in Grey Flannel auction

Many of these businesses are paid advertisers in Antique Trader magazine.

So much antique news ... so little time

Karen — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:56:14 GMT

so here are some quick shortcuts to some of our latest news stories and features.

Click on the headline to read the article:

Serious ToyzTM Fall ‘09 Online Vintage Toy & Collectible Auction ends Oct. 9-10

Lifetime collection of folk art to be sold Nov. 7 in Slotin Auction

Mr. Mint’s robots unleashed in Smith House Fall Auction

Rich Penn promises treats at Halloween auction

Red Baron’s Nov. 6-8 sale will feature one of the very first computers

Gatling gun hits the mark for $172K at Fontaine’s Civil War, Firearms and Militaria sale

Fine porcelains abound in Oct. 10 ‘Living’ Estates auction

$149,500 Marklin fire truck tops prices realized at Bertoia’s $3M sale of Kaufman toys, part II

Tucson Gem Show could see record turnout

Many of these businesses are paid advertisers in Antique Trader magazine.

dmg world media sells AntiqueWeek, three others in deal finalized late last week

Karen — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:30:27 GMT

KNIGHTSTOWN, Ind. – In a deal finalized late last week, dmg world media sold its Knightstown, Ind., publications, including its flagship antiques and collectibles newspaper AntiqueWeek. Included in the sale are publications AntiqueWest, The Auction Exchange and Collectors News and Farm World, billed as “the largest farm newspaper in the Midwest.”

The new owner is MidCountry Media, Inc., which has ties to the Mayhill family who founded AntiqueWeek in 1968 and sold it along with its other titles to dmg in 2000. dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc, one of the largest and media companies in the United Kingdom.

Talks of a sale surfaced in October 2008 when employees were informed the Indiana titles were under contract to be sold. Since then, dmg has steadily sold segments of its antiques and collectibles businesses.

It sold the London-based newspaper Antiques Trade Gazette in October 2008. In June it sold four of the biggest antiques and collectors' fairs in the UK. In July, dmg sold back the Florida show known as “Palm Beach - America's International Fine Art & Antiques Fair” to its original owners, the Lester family.

In the case of Antiques Trade Gazette, it was employees who purchased the publication. The UK fairs (Newark, Ardingly, Shepton Mallet and Detling) are owned by a group, which includes a former dmg executive who oversaw the original acquisition in 1994.

AntiqueWeek is a national publication with The Auction Exchange and Collectors News focuses on the Great Lakes region and AntiqueWest focuses on the West Coast.

dmg owns The Avignon (France) International Trade Fair, The Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, The Miami Beach Antique Jewelry & Watch Show, The New York Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, The Original Miami Beach Antique Show and the The Washington DC Antique, Art and Jewelry Show, which debuts Oct. 15-18.

dmg also publishes more than 40 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports and employs 700 people worldwide.

-posted by Eric Bradley

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
• Antique Trader message boards HERE.
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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.

Skinner Discovery Auction Sept. 16-17 in Marlborough

Karen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:54:20 GMT

What's more exciting than a discovery auction? Where you never know what you'll have the opportunity to buy?

Skinner's upcoming Sept. 16-17 sale will offer silver, jewelry, toys, dolls, American Indian arts and more. You can view an online auction preview at www.skinnerinc.com.

Here's a breakdown of the sessions:

Session I

Wednesday’s session offers over 200 lots of silver and silver plated flatware, hollowware and domestic accessories with work representing many of America’s leading silver manufacturers including Tiffany, Gorham, Dominick & Haff, Whiting, Arthur Stone as well as a selection of European 18th, 19th and 20th century articles. Immediately following the silver portion of the auction are over 300 lots of vintage and estate jewelry and accessories featuring gold, silver, and gem-stone jewelry as well as period eclectic, signed & designed costume jewelry, and examples of international wares from the British Isles to Thailand. Skinner’s silver and estate jewelry auctions provide a wonderful buying opportunity for quality and design at surprisingly affordable prices. Preview now at http://tinyurl.com/l3n6pd.

Session II

Thursday morning’s auction features Discovery's usual fare: a wide and varied offering of estate furnishings, decorative accessories, carpets & rugs, and artwork from the 18th - 20th century. A particularly strong group of furniture by the Boston area firm of A.H. Davenport/Irving & Cassons is included. Known for good design and impeccable workmanship, Kerry Shrives, VP, Director, Discovery Auctions, notes that “manufactured custom furniture by this firm continues to see strong demand, is affordable and is predicted to be desirable well into the future.” Rounding out the 800 lot session are interesting collections of vintage toys, dolls, bears and accessories. Closing the sale is more than 100 lots of American Indian and Ethnographic art featuring textiles, beadwork, Native American & Southwest jewelry, pre-Colombian artifacts and more.

You can participate at www.skinnerinc.com:

Skinner’s Web site now features real-time online bidding via the Skinner-Live! bid applet. Visit www.skinnerinc.com and click on the blue Skinner-Live! bidding button for full instructions prior to the auction. Once pre-registered on their Web site, you can join in the live bidding as soon as the auction begins and listen along with the real-time live audio feed of the auction from the comfort of your home or workplace.

Visit www.skinnerinc.com to sign up for their free eZine of upcoming arts & antiques auctions and events. ... free is good!

— Posted by Karen

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• Find us on Twitter HERE.
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• Visit the Antique Trader Web site HERE. Sign up for our FREE newsletters!
• If you really like what you see, get your very own subscription to Antique Trader HERE.

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

Valentine Antique Gallery leads to new full-service auction company

Karen — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:39:14 GMT

SUNBURY, Ohio – Jo Valentine, co-founder of central Ohio’s multi-dealer Valentine Antique Gallery, has established a new offshoot company in partnership with Ohio auctioneer Cynthia Schillig.

Known as The Antiques Auction Gallery, the new business will base its operation and conduct its sales at the 12,000-square-foot Valentine Antique Gallery in Sunbury. A debut auction is planned for Friday, Oct. 9, and will include Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.

Valentine (left in photo) said the new business was launched with Schillig (right in photo) to serve a growing need in the region for a full-service auction house specializing in antiques, fine and decorative art, collections and estates.

“When my husband John and I first opened our auction gallery in 2003, we wanted to include auctions, but we were so busy, those plans got sidetracked,” said Valentine. “During the six years that we’ve operated our gallery, we’ve noticed that there is a need here locally for an antiques and fine-art auction house. There are auctions in central Ohio, but they handle mostly box lots. Not a week passes that we don’t get several calls from sons and daughters of parents who are downsizing or who have passed away, telling us they don’t know what to do with all the articles in the family home.”

Valentine said that when Schillig expressed an interest in co-founding an auction company, she knew she had found the right partner for her new endeavor. “Cindi is highly qualified. She has three auctioneer degrees and is a certified estate specialist, but what impressed me most was her love for the auction business and her incredible enthusiasm. For years she had been planning a trip to Greece, but when she thought our first sale might be held in September, at the same time as her trip, she was prepared to change her travel arrangements. I told her, ‘Don’t do that. Take your trip, have a great time, and come back refreshed and ready to work.’ So that’s why we chose October 9th as our first sale date.”

Valentine said the plan is to hold monthly auctions featuring fine art, porcelain, pottery, glass, silver, Oriental rugs, lighting, and collections of various types, including antique toys and dolls. The premiere auction will contain between 300 and 350 lots.

“Luckily, we have some very knowledgeable dealers selling through our gallery who will serve as our expert appraisers and catalogers,” said Valentine. “Another nice feature to our operation is that we have ample gallery space, so the auction goods can be previewed over an extended period of time prior to auction day.”

The Antiques Auction Gallery and Valentine Antique Gallery are located at 579 W. Cherry St. in Sunbury, Ohio, just off exit 131 of Interstate 71, 13 miles north of Columbus and 120 miles south of Cleveland.
For information about consigning to The Antiques Auction Gallery, call 740-965-9519. E-mail info@valentineantiquegallery.com. Visit both galleries online at www.valentineantiquegallery.com.

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

Penn Auctions wins six NAA marketing awards this week

Karen — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:31:49 GMT

The National Auctioneers Association has awarded Rich Penn Auctions six different first place marketing awards at its annual convention and conference in Overland Park, Kan. this week.

The annual competition is presented July 13-18 in partnership with USA TODAY and this year judges reviewed over a thousand entries.

Penn Auctions was named first place in the categories of color catalog for antique auctions, color catalog for liquidation auctions and color printed material for automotive auctions as well as for online catalogs for both antique auctions and liquidation auctions and for black and white newspaper advertising.

Penn’s company specializes in auctions of country store, drug store, petroliana and advertising antiques.

And off it goes! Antique Trader 7/22/09

Karen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:15:06 GMT

The newest edition of Antique Trader just headed off to the printer.

This week's cover features: those adorable Holt-Howard collectibles and vintage canning labels.

Oh, by the way: we change the cover to say "Pixie-flair" ...

What do you think of it?

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

I'll make that bid!

Karen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:37:33 GMT

As many of you know (at least those of you who follow Antique Trader on Twitter and Facebook), editor Eric Bradley and I showed up at the same auction last Saturday.

It was a multiple-estate and consignment auction held in Weyauwega, Wis., at the Liebe auction facility. There were crocks galore (some in "barn found" condition: dirty but in great shape), Fiesta ware, carnival glass, Depression glass - all going for bargain basement prices.

There was even an absolutely gorgeous walnut cylinder desk. It went for only $595.

But then there was a pizza oven that went for almost $40; that left Eric and me scratching our heads.

I didn't have a child in tow that I had to entertain or keep busy so I was able to thoroughly enjoy myself. Of course, if my daughter were there to distract me, I probably wouldn't have ended up with a truckload (literally - not figuratively) of treasures to haul home. ... I still haven't sorted it, by the way. There's soooo much!

I did score a beautiful painted green chest that will go great with my dining room cupboard (CLICK HERE to see the post about the cupboard: Falling in love with old paint) I'll try and get a picture posted.

As I was soaking up the whole auction experience, I was watching around the room and watching the crowd. I can't help but smile when I think about all the different bidding styles bidders use.

Some bidders make a show of it: they raise their cards with flourish and they drop out of the bidding with just as much theatrics: with a disgusted shake of the head and turn their bodies away.

Some are sneaky; they signal the auctioneer with an almost imperceptible nod of the head or flick of the card.

Some use intimidation; they hold their card up and keep it there, signaling the crowd that the item will be theirs at any cost.

What style do I use? I'm all business. I keep steady eye contact and raise my card confidently and clearly. I don't bid just to run the price up. I bid because I want something. Don't get me wrong; I've got a set price in my head what I will go up to ... and usually I stick with it.

Ah, good times! So, where's the auction next weekend?

What is your bidding strategy? Or maybe that's a secret ...

We'd love to hear your auction stories. Post a reply here or e-mail them to Eric.Bradley@fwmedia.com or Karen.Knapstein@fwmedia.com.

— 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.

• 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.

Isn't she beautiful?

Karen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:30:06 GMT

Both Barbie and the newest cover of Antique Trader.

We were so busy ... it slipped by me that I didn't load up the newest cover image.

Here it is.

What do you think?

— 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.

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.

If you're into 20th century design ...

Karen — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:52:38 GMT

then you'll probably want to check out Heritage Auction Gallery's June 4 auction offerings at www.HA.com/5021, where the press release boasts " a wide selection of American Modernism, with work by names like George Nakashima, Harry Bertoia, KEM Weber, Gilbert Rohde and Donald Deskey as well as examples of American Arts & Crafts up through Contemporary design."

They've got a load of Tiffany lamps, too.

Though the items offered in the catalog are beyond my budget, I enjoy and benefit from reading through the detailed descriptions and perusing the high resolution images on their Web site ... I glean knowledge wherever I can, and Heritage's site is one of many that I can wile away my time soaking up valuable information in the process.

George Nakashima, A Slab Walnut Coffee Table, 1987
Signed and dated on base: George Nakashima Oct. 2, 1987
Inscribed on base: Studio
13 x 69 x 32 inches (33.0 x 175.3 x 81.3 cm)
Estimate: $18,000-$24,000.
Image courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries.

Collect.com Auctions Catalog Available for Viewing

Karen — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:25:19 GMT

It's almost here - the debut sale of Collect.com Auctions. Bidding begins May 29 and ends June 18. Those interested in what items will be available in the auction can view the catalog by clicking on the cover (left) and downloading it to their computer.

Remember, this is just part of the nearly 1,000-lot auction. The remaining lots will be available for viewing online at www.collect.com/auctions when the auction begins on May 29.

Happy bidding.

UPDATE: ALL AUCTION LISTINGS ARE ONLINE NOW. CLICK HERE TO VIEW!

Lots of auction news: previews and highlights

Karen — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:26:14 GMT

And the auction news:

Angel and evangelist icons fetch $30,510 at Philip Weiss auction

The illuminated vision of Ed Hardy at Bonhams & Butterfields

Impressionist and Modern Art brings more than $100 million

Bronze wins gold at Kaminski’s April auction

Howard no. 61 Astronomical Regulator with impeccable provenance in Fontaine’s sale (more details coming on this sale)

Glitz, bling and glam challenge elegance, history and the classics at Brookfield auction

New online marketplace launched for antiques and art

Morphy Auctions returns to its roots: Dan Morphy buys back company’s operating assets

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

Collectibles blog you'll want to check out

Karen — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:47:53 GMT

Heritage Auction Galleries has launched their own collectibles blog at www.HeritageAuctions.Blogspot.com. We think you'll want to check it out ...

Heritage issued a press release announcing their new site feature:

Collectors, consignors and the curious alike can now get the inside scoop on hot lots coming down the pipe at Heritage Auction Galleries, along with insight, interviews and commentary from Heritage Auction Galleries staff at the company’s recently launched blog at www.HeritageAuctions.Blogspot.com. Posts are added each weekday.

With three full months under its belt, the blog has already proven a hotspot for a wide cross-sampling of the Heritage audience. Principal writing duties for the blog are held down by staff writer Noah Fleisher, who joined the company in September of 2008.

Noah made a name for himself in the antiques and collectibles market as a writer and an editor for a variety of publications, including Antique Trader, New England Antiques Journal and Northeast Journal of Antiques and Art. He has written several articles for digital publication Style Century Magazine, and also penned the Style Century blog, StyleWire, from May 2008 to January 2009. Noah is also the author of the forthcoming Warman’s Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide to Mid-Century Modern Furniture, due out this summer.

“Heritage is an amazing place to work, with so much great stuff coming in and out on a regular basis that no one could possibly take in the total history and value that the company represents,” he said. “With my past as a writer and an editor I can’t help but want to explore the things going on here. In my work as the staff copywriter I also have access to all 26 departments in the company, the people who work in them and the singular items that routinely come up for auction. It’s a natural fit.”

The blog also features regular Coin Monday posts from numismatic cataloger John Dale Beety, a young numismatist of note with a flair for making the often mystifying world of coin collecting accessible and interesting to any collector. Other Heritage employees have been enlisted and will be contributing from time to time as the rare and valuable collectibles that cross their desks call for.

"The response has been great," said Fleisher. "Heritage has insisted that the voice of the blog be independent, which is a great thing to hear as a writer. That lets us choose our subjects and write about them freely. At heart we're just collectors talking about things that we'd love to have."

The blog is updated daily. Recent postings have covered the sale of an exceedingly rare 1932 Freaks movie poster, the consignment of the Charles Martignette Estate – the finest collection of illustration art to ever reach the market, a trove of rare sporting memorabilia related to legend/pariah “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, a mid-nineteenth century gold ingot coming up for auction in April, a copy of a very rare Showcase#4 comic, the book that started comics’ Silver Age, and much more.

As you probably already know, Heritage auctions offer treasures that cross the entire collecting spectrum ... you name it, at some point or other, they'll have it! (Not just any auction house can say they've auctioned off a triceratops!) So whether you're looking to buy or for information on estate jewelry, fine timepieces, numismatic material, natural history relics ... the list goes on ... www.ha.com is worth the time to browse and check out.

And you may want to catch up with Noah <NoahF@HA.com>...

— 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.

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.

Weekend do-over?

Karen — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:23:04 GMT

Is it possible to request a do-over for the weekend? I think I could have done better.

I really wanted to get out and visit one of the "local" flea markets (local for me is within 100 miles), but the weather and my schedule didn't co-operate.

How far will you travel to attend a one-day show or flea market - or auction, for that matter - as a buyer, browser or spectator?

If I travel any great distance, I certainly want to make the trip worth my while and soak it ALL in ...

How about you?

— Posted by Karen

Worth more than a thousand words

Karen — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:45:36 GMT

“A picture is worth a thousand words,” but not just a thousand words. A picture is worth so much more, as they can cause the viewer empathetic pain, pleasure, sadness, joy. They can make you sit and ponder their intricacies and nuances for time that you don’t have to spare.

These are significant moments frozen in time.

One nice thing about the art of photography is that the artists can produce such prolific bodies of work, providing an eager collecting community plenty of opportunities to expand their collections.

Jeff Vallee “Harvey” from the series “ This time tomorrow, where will we be?” Courtesy iGavel.com.

Currently, iGavel is holding an online photography auction celebrating American photographers and benefiting the Americans for the Arts organization.

The show features the work of more than 40 artists, including Jock Sturges, Les Krims, Ben Watts, Cass Bird, Jason Nocito, and Vincent Laforet. Opening bids are $300.

This auction is going on through April 30, 2009. (Click here to learn more about the online photography auction benefiting Americans for the Arts.)

Eduard Steichen, Lilac Buds, Mrs S., 1906. Courtesy iGavel.com.

Also, through May 13, is the Spring Online Auction of Photographs presented by Daniel Cooney Fine Art.

(Click here to learn more about this online photography auction opportunity.)

— Posted by Karen

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 ...

Some of this week's stories

Karen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:29:05 GMT

Here are some shortcuts to some of this week's Antique Trader features and articles (click on the headline to read the article):

‘March Madness’ at Carlsen Gallery, March 21-22

Magic collection on the block

Economic silver lining found at Dargate auction

LL Auctions shifts focus to include online-only sales

Ken Leach to direct perfume bottles auction

Positive news from the Feb. 7 York Toy Show

Arlie Sulka to address gathering of perfume bottle collectors

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Brits and pieces: Antique malls, UK style

AntiqueSpider.com welcomes trade in legal antique ivory

Official news from the NAA

Karen — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:54:50 GMT

We just got this press release from the National Auctioneers Association:

The National Auctioneers Association <http://www.auctioneers.org> (NAA), the nation’s leading association of auction professionals, reported today the results of its 2008 industry survey. In 2008, approximately $268.4 billion in goods and services were sold at auction in the United States, a decrease of slightly less than 1% compared to 2007.

Growth in 2008 was limited to five sectors of the industry: agricultural machinery and equipment, commercial and industrial machinery and equipment, land and agricultural real estate, residential real estate, and charity auctions. Significant decreases in gross revenue were reported in art, antiques and collectibles (-9.3%), automobile (-5.4%), and personal property (-5.1%) auctions.

“The results of the industry survey are consistent with what we continually hear from auctioneers across the country. While some sectors of the industry have been impacted by the economy, others have grown or held strong,” said NAA President Randy Wells. “Consumers continue to attend auctions to find treasures and sellers continue to utilize professional auctioneers to help turn their assets into cash.”

Agricultural machinery and equipment auctions led the industry with gross sales revenue increasing 1.9% in 2008. The commercial and industrial machinery and equipment sector also witnessed growth last year. In addition to increased interest in auctions, growth in this sector can be associated with consumers choosing to purchase used equipment at auction, in place of buying new.

Since the NAA began tracking the industry in 2003, gross receipts from real estate auctions have increased each year. Last year, residential real estate auctions increased 1.1%, along with land and agricultural real estate, which grew 0.5%. Commercial real estate dipped 1.4% last year. Real Estate Owned (REO) properties were also a major contributor to the industry’s growth in 2008. Banks frequently contract professional auctioneers to sell foreclosed properties at auction, as well as refer auctioneers to customers with troubled assets and use them to sell their own foreclosed properties.

Auction calendar update

Karen — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:41:18 GMT

The AntiqueTrader.com online Auction Calendar has been updated with an index at the top of the page. Click on the state you want to see to go directly to those listings. Use your back button to go back to the top of the page.

To get your auction listed in the Antique Trader calendar (both in the magazine and onine), e-mail showscalendar@krause.com.

Please provide all the relevant information: Auction date, time, auction location, contact information (e-mail, Web site, telephone number).

If you would like it listed online only, send it to me at karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com.

Does the index make the calendars much easier to use? Or was it OK without it?

Newest issue of Antique Trader

Karen — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:55:58 GMT

Here's a sneak peek at the newest issue of Antique Trader (cover date February 25).

Inside you'll find antique auction news, antique show previews and reviews, a beautiful story on the museum exhibit of a fabulous quilt collection, and so much more!

Also included in the Feb. 25 issue is this month's bonus postcard content: articles on George Washington, England, real life heroes, and the almost-lost art of fan-carving. You can read these postcard stories (and more) on the Antique Trader postcard page. You won't want to miss the fan-carving article if you're interested in getting a set of free postcards featuring this astounding art form.

And don't miss the cover story on Levittown, "the birth of the 'burbs," an insightful look into post-war American culture.

Enjoy!

Buyer vs. Seller POV; Bonanzle vs. Ruby Lane vs. TIAS

Karen — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:18:56 GMT

I wanted to take a moment and thank Antique Trader forum user trantiques for their comments in the "Alternatives to eBay" forum thread. [you can read the thread here]. (scroll down to the bottom of the thread)

He takes the time and analyzes his buying and selling efforts on a number of sites other than eBay.

If you're in the market for learning about someone else's online buying and selling experiences, with both positive and negative points, you won't want to miss what he has to say.

Thanks again trantiques. I'm sure our readers will find your insights invaluable.

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

Do any of you have online buying or selling experiences you would like to share? Feel free to post a reply here or in the forums.

Get your free show/auction/sale listing on AntiqueTrader.com

Karen — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:57:27 GMT

Free Antiques and Collectibles Event Listings Still Available in Marketplace of Rising Prices

IOLA, Wis. — Antique Trader, the national antiques publication delivering news, commentary, and advertising for the antiques market, continues to offer free publication of antiques auction and antiques show listings in print and online.

Even in these tough economic times, when the cost of living and the costs of operating a business continually inch upward, Antique Trader is continuing to offer the free placement of auction and show listings in its publication and online at AntiqueTrader.com.

Antique Trader’s show and auction calendars are valuable resources for both antiques event organizers and attendees. Listing a show or auction in a national publication reaches a much broader, interested audience.

There is an immediate benefit in listing an auction in the auction calendar if online bidding opportunities exist. A direct link to the auction company’s Web site is placed with their listing in the auction calendar, giving readers a shortcut to online bidding.

“The show and auction calendar pages are consistently ranked in the top 10 most visited pages on AntiqueTrader.com,” stated Karen Knapstein, Antique Trader’s online editor, “showing us there is a definite interest in the antiques community to find out what antique events are taking place nationwide.”

To have your event included at no cost in an upcoming issue of Antique Trader and listed online at www.AntiqueTrader.com, send your show or auction information to deb.schellin@fwmedia.com.

To view the current Antique Trader auction and show calendars, visit www.antiquetrader.com/events/ and click on the calendar link for the type of event calendar you would like to see.

About Antique Trader
Antique Trader, a newspaper published in Iola, Wis., has served the antiques and collectibles community since 1957. Today’s Antique Trader is known for its timely news coverage, collector profiles, in-depth articles on general antiques topics, auction reviews and antique-show reports delivered via its print product, Web site (www.antiquetrader.com), and two free weekly e-newsletters. Its loyal following includes antique dealers, antique show promoters, shop and mall operators, and collectors, some of whom have subscribed to the paper since its inception.

About Krause Publications
Krause Publications, based in Iola, Wis., is the world's largest publisher of leisure-time periodicals and books on collectibles, sewing and quilting, hunting, and fishing. Chet Krause, a long-time collector of coins, published the first issue of Numismatic News on Oct. 13, 1952, with nearly 1,000 readers. Today, Krause Publications, owned by F+W Media, offers over 40 periodicals, 10 hobby shows, 750 reference and how-to books, and web properties. F+W Media, an ABRY Partners, LLC company, also operates book clubs, conferences, trade shows, interactive media and education programs.

Contact:
Karen Knapstein
Online Editor, AntiqueTrader.com
karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com
715-445-4612 ext. 13627

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.

NJ collectibles auction with potential

Karen — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:01:44 GMT

This looks like it might be a fun collectibles auction ... after all - you don't see a mesh belly dancer outfit listed in many auction bills. What a great way to start a new year!

Country Joe's New Year's Day Collectibles Auction

We will be holding our annual New Years Day Antiques and Collectibles auction Thursday, January 1, 2009 at the American Legion Hall, Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt, N.J. 08533. Auction starts at 12 noon, preview at 9am.

Partial listing of antiques, collectibles and decorative accessories: Victorian Fish Knife and Fork serving Set; Victorian gold filled with 10k & cameo slide chain; Victorian sugar shaker; Marx b/o train in box; Effanbee vintage fairy tale character dolls in boxes; vintage advertising labels, Belly Dancer mesh outfit;

slot cars + trucks; NASCAR posters; 4 Kiss Dolls: grasshopper planter; Saks Fifth Ave. decanter; vintage figural cookie jars; sterling jewelry; lots of costume jewelry; Victorian painted pitcher; vintage cocktail ware; Weller teapot; Religious lot of vintage rosaries, medals; Catholic Last Rites kit; vintage wire frame glasses with cases; sterling candle holders, sterling compote, Whiting & Davis mesh purse, graniteware deep oval roaster; 1964 World's Fair paper; several scrapbooks with vintage greeting cards; 1,000's of non-sports cards, Marvel Comics, Hulk, James Bond etc;

Depression glass, lots of assorted glassware, stemware, china, pottery and porcelain. U.S coins, silver dollars, proof and mints sets etc.; Collection of classic automotive repair manuals 70's and 80's - muscle cars, classics, original shop manuals; vintage paper from central NJ towns, deeds, cancelled checks, tax bills, etc; early 60's bread storage basket; automotive tools; glassware and knickknacks from the 50's; framed prints; vintage photographs and photo albums;

vintage pharmaceutical bottles and other bottles; milk bottles' Mickey Mouse items; assortment of vintage military items including ammo magazines, WWII flares, belt knife, canteen, first aid kit, luger holster, WWII destroyer paperwork, early wood ammo boxes, trench art shell, several WWII boxes with flares etc. WWII machettes, WWII compass, weapons parts, repro WWI trench knife;

1990's Exxon Race car, old roadmaps + travel pamphlets, old N.J. license plates, Victorian vase, Hermes bag, perfume bottles, vintage purses, vintage lipsticks & compacts, advertising collectibles, vintage paper and old postcards, country and kitchen collectibles; loads of small collectibles; toys, pictures, prints; lamps, assorted furniture, decorative items, old tools, odd & unique items, loads of nice tray lots of all types of goodies. Loads of other neat stuff and undiscovered treasures.

Consignments need to be brought in December 31st. 9am - 5pm. No box lots or low end this sale. You never know what might show up here. 10% Buyers premium. Lots of seating, non smoking, snack bar. Dec. 31 and day of sale only 609-758-8131

Directions: NJTPK Exit 7A to I-195 East to 6 Flags Exit; Rt537W go west past Great Adventure to Rt528 (3rd light) turn left go to Meadowbrook Lane (Across from Agway) turn left.From Rt 206 go east on Rt 537 to Rt 528 turn right go to Meadowbrook Lane.

Austrian Art Nouveau lamps at Morphy Auction

Karen — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Tiffany Studios’ stunning turn of the 20th century leaded-glass lamps appear frequently in the auction marketplace, but many collectors may not be aware of a contemporaneous but far-less-expensive alternative: Austrian figural bronze-base lamps.

Made during the same timeframe as their botanically themed Tiffany counterparts, Austrian Art Nouveau specialty lamps often incorporate bronze animal forms as their bases. They are almost always devoid of manufacturer or foundry marks.

“These lamps have always flown under the radar,” said a New York collector of 30 years. “Not too many people know what they are. They’re very unusual and of incredible quality. From a design standpoint, they were ahead of their time, and are now rarer than Tiffany lamps – that’s something that always attracted me to them.”

The collector, who uses his lamps functionally and has kept them in perfect working order, says it is unusual to find an example for sale at a public venue. “It has always been incredibly difficult to find these lamps. The first one I ever saw was in the United States at a show, but over the past three decades I’ve obtained almost all of my lamps through private sources. Dealers have gotten to know me and will call when they find a lamp they think I would like.”

Tiffany Studios lamps, by comparison, are much easier to source, the collector said. “If you wanted a Tiffany Magnolia lamp, for example, you could put the word out and probably find one within months. That’s not the case with these Austrian lamps. They’re extraordinarily rare and unique.”

In his collection, one may find lamps replicating peacocks, a frog and toadstool, a dragon, alligator, and mythological Jugendstil-type fish, among many other creatures. Each features an enameled or faux-jewel-studded shade, as well as cabochons and other iridescent jewel accents, often serving as eyes. Throughout, the artistry is superb.

When lamps of this style appear at auction, it’s major news to collectors, said the interviewee. “There was a lizard lamp at Christie’s East, but that was over 15 years ago,” he said. “Then last year a collection appeared at Hal Hunt’s auction house in Alabama. There must have been 700 people there.”

Now it is the collector’s turn to sell. In the opening session of Morphy Auctions’ Dec. 11-13 Winter Sale, his 23-lamp collection will be auctioned, with no lamps held back. If there is a showstopper that leads the rest of the menagerie, it’s the superb 18-inch-high figural peacock lamp whose draped bronze base dramatically replicates a peacock’s showy tail feathers with inset jewels. Adding to its magnificence is a Mont Joye enameled-glass shade with quintessential Art Nouveau butterfly-and-dragonfly motif. It is expected to make between $6,000-$8,000.

For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or view the fully illustrated catalog online at www.morphyauctions.com or www.liveauctioneers.com.

Circa-1915 jewel-eyed frog and toadstool lamp with Austrian glass shade – estimate $2,000-$2,500.

"Variety" sums up this auction offering

Karen — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:48:55 GMT

I perused the ProxiBid listing for this Official Auctions, Inc., auction. (Click here to take a peek here if you like.)

Lots of cars, coins & a wonderful variety of art.

Official Auctions, Inc., Huge Fine Art Auction- Saturday December 13th 2008 from 10:07 a.m. to 6 p.m. 3130 Wheeling Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129.

Large private collections featuring hundreds of original framed oils, prints, serigraphs. Signed prints: Matisse, Dali, Rockwell Merkin, Max, Escher, more. Sculptures by Preiss, hand carved Hopi Indian art. Original oils by famous artists: Jansem, & Simari. Early American, European, and Western art. Pre-Columbian pottery. Other auction items: Antique one owner vehicles, 1950 Packard, 1972 Lincoln Mark-4, 1948 Harley. Rare collector coins, antique furniture, railroad collectors pieces. Simulcast online bidding. Online catalog www.oaiauctions.com 816-861-3700

Violano brings $137,500 at Showtime sale

Karen — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 21:44:23 GMT

From Showtime Auctions:

A rare bow front violano music player, made around 1910 by the Mills Novelty Company of Chicago and professionally restored in excellent playing condition, soared to $137,500 at a three-day multi-estate sale held October 10-12 by Showtime Auction Services at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. The violano, serial #195, is one of only 20 still known to exist.

The sale, which saw 2,340 lots cross the block over the course of the weekend, featured all three versions of the Mills violano. It might be the first time in auction history that all three Mills violano versions were offered in the same sale. The bow front sold had a midi player with wireless system that permits the user to operate it from 90 feet away. Included were three Mills rolls and four midi albums.

The featured collector of the sale was Sandy Rosnick, the founder of the Antique Advertising Association of America (AAA) and a dedicated collector of country store tins in many categories. A top earner from his collection was a very rare Mohawk Chief cigar tin with just some minor scuffs and scratches but otherwise in very good condition. The tin, once containing nickel cigars, brought $1,800.

“Sandy Rosnick was the featured collector, but we had so many items in such a broad range of categories this was our most diverse auction ever,” said Mike Eckles of Showtime Auction Services. “We weren't sure what to expect, because the financial crisis hit the week before the sale, and things were still in is a state of turmoil that weekend. But I was very pleased with the outcome. It was great.”

A strong crowd of more than 400 people enjoyed the balmy weather and packed the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. The Friday session was held solely for in-house bidders. On Saturday and Sunday, phone and absentee bidding was brisk, while about 2,500 registered bidders participated online via LiveAuctioneers.com and eBayLiveAuctions.com. In all, the auction grossed around $2.2 million.

Following are additional top lots from the sale. All prices quoted include a buyer's premium that ranged from 10-20 percent.

A paper sign advertising Buffalo Brewing Company of Sacramento, Calif., and depicting a nude Indian maiden on the back of a buffalo, in a period walnut frame and in mint condition, hammered for $45,100. Also, a Brunhoff light-up Coca-Cola advertising sign, inviting patrons to “Lunch With Us” and depicting a fountain glass, in excellent original condition (12 inches by 14 inches) fetched $12,650.

An original oil painting by the German-born American artist Edmond Osthaus (1858-1928) realized $44,000. The hunting scene, depicting two Irish setters and a pointer, measured 24 inches by 36 inches (32 inches by 44 inches framed). Osthaus was commissioned by the major firearms and gun powder manufacturers of the day, such as Remington and Winchester, for their posters and calendars.

A Watling Cupid trade stimulator (coin-operated, five cents, with gum vendor) in excellent condition and with keys, went for $38,500. Also, a limited-production exact replica of a Mademoiselle Zita fortune teller, in excellent working order, hit $17,050. The original was made by Roovers Bros. Mfg., Brooklyn, N.Y., around the turn of the century. The replica was manufactured by Mike Gorski.

A “Happy Jap” gum vendor, coin-operated and made around 1902, in good original condition (10 inches by 13-1/2 inches by 10-1/2 inches), went to a determined bidder for $39,000. Also, a four-gallon mechanical butter churn with no chips or cracks – a wonderful example of grey stoneware pottery – made $3,000. The piece, 35 inches tall, was made by Jos. Hamilton Mfg. of Greensboro, Pa.

A Buster Brown Shoes tin sign, depicting Tig pulling Buster in a big shoe, measuring 40 inches by 24-3/4 inches and made by American Art Works Lithographers of Coshocton, Ohio, and in overall excellent condition, climbed to $20,900. Also, a Boyce Moto Meter die-cut tin flange sign, two-sided, measuring 21-1/2 inches by 18-3/4 inches and with a bullet hole and a few bb dents, brought $18,700.

A child's sled intended as a Christmas present for a little boy in Pennsylvania in 1893 who died before the holidays, retired to an attic ever since and in original excellent condition, with a beautiful hand-painted rendering of the Finger Lakes in New York, wood with iron runners and geese head pulls, coasted to $5,775. Also, a Popeye Bag Puncher tin wind-up toy, with the original box, reached $4,125.

Showtime Auction Services' next big sale will be held the weekend of March 27-29, also at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor. Mich. The featured collector will be Fred Bahlau who, over the course of 57 years, has amassed an impressive accumulation of leaded glass windows, Nickelodeons, lamps, signs, country store, petroliana, advertising and other items – 1,800 lots in all.

Select items from other estates will also be offered. Showtime Auction Services is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single item, estate or collection, you may call Mike Eckles, at (951) 453-2415. His e-mail address is Mikeckles@aol.com. To learn more about Showtime Auction Services and its calendar of upcoming sales, click on www.showtimeauctions.com.

For Fellow Antique Lovers and Collectors

Karen — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:29:25 GMT

This looks like it's going to be a really, really good auction at the Santa Margarita Auction Barn. All the pictures that I've seen are absolutely gorgeous! Check out the partial list below.

Sunday OCT 26, 10 AM Sharp. A great consignment auction of hard to find and some one of kind antiques and collectibles, many from local estates. Our web page www.smab.com is updated for this auction which includes Victorian, turn of the century oak and mahogany, , early lamps, selection of clocks, early prints, glass, china, pottery, gold coins and other quality collectibles. ...

Furniture
Museum quality R.J. Horner mahogany library desk with full standing winged griffins, carved top & claw feet * Art Nouveau style oak & marble top sideboard with leaded stained glass door, French c. 1910 * Outstanding oak triple bow glass china cabinet with bonnet top, carved winged lions, mirror back, claw feet * Highly carved English oak umbrella stand with Northwind motif, refinished condition * Fabulous Victorian mahogany hall seat by Paine Furniture Co. carved winged lions, fancy brass hooks, lift seat * Great Victorian walnut Renaissance Revival marble top deep well dresser with tear drop pulls * Beautiful Victorian walnut 3 pc Rococo Revival parlor suite, Sofa & 2 side chairs * Very ornate oak Armoire with 2 drawers, carved crest, beveled mirror doors * Oak stacking lawyer's bookcase by Macy Co. * Exceptional oak buffet with carved standing lions, fancy carved with claw feet * Victorian 54" round oak pedestal dining table with 6 leaves * Quality oak tall chest with serpentine front & sides, fancy carved with beveled mirror * Quality 48" square oak dining table, 5 carved legs, with leaves, c. 1900 * Very ornate oak hall seat, lots of carvings, round beveled mirror, original brass hooks * 48" oak "S" curved roll top desk, double pedestal base * Empire Period mahogany flip top game table * Pair of French style 3 drawer inlaid side stands * Original oak Hoosier kitchen cupboard * Mahogany Chifferobe with beveled mirror, Sandwich glass pulls, c. 1890 * Great oak Morris chair with large claw feet, refinished & reupholstered * Oak pressed back rockers * Unusual oak Larkin desk with beveled mirror * Victorian walnut cylinder secretary bookcase desk, lots of burling * Great Victorian walnut Rococo Revival full size bed, c. 1870 * Eastlake Victorian walnut & marble umbrella stand * Matching mahogany tall chest & dresser with serpentine fronts, fancy carved beveled mirrors * Art Deco style painted Hoosier kitchen cupboard * Selection of oak & mahogany lamp tables & fern stands * Victorian oak cylinder secretary desk, c1880 * Oak Jeweler's work desk, c. 1910 * 45" round oak pedestal dining table with claw feet & leaves * Sets of oak dining room chairs * Oak office chairs * Set of 4 Hitchcock style chairs with rush seats, c. 1840's * Matched pair of Victorian oak Armoires with crests * Fantastic Eastlake Victorian stick & ball carved oak hall stand * Louis XVI style mahogany vanity with beveled mirror * 2 door mahogany bookcase with columns & claw feet * Unusual oak ice box with sliding top * Arts & Crafts style oak blanket chest * Oak 4 drawer file cabinet by Library Bookcase Co. * Selection of oak dressers, tall chests * wash stands * Victorian walnut 42" ladies' S curved roll top desk * Selection of Victorian walnut platform rockers * side chairs * Oak smoker's stand, Arts & Crafts * Mission oak chairs & rockers * Much more...


Glassware & China
Brilliant cut * Limoges * Nippon * Roseville * Depression * Bavaria * Ironstone * Carnival * Victorian art glass * Cruet sets * Brides' baskets * Fiesta * Moser * Much more....


Miscellaneous
Victor #5 oak record player with spear tip external horn * Empire Revival mahogany 3 weight grandfather clock with moon dial, c. 1900 * Victorian oak barber's chair by Koken, Chicago * Victorian rolled wicker baby buggy with original parasol top * National brass cash register, c. 1910 * Oriental rugs & carpets * Gold & silver US coins * Estate jewelry * Quilts * Oak organ with carved gallery & mirror * Collection of old radios * Early country store coffee tin * Restored Victorian cast iron & brass scale * Edison "Home" model cylinder record player * Selection of Victorian & 1920's decorative prints & mirrors * Gone with the wind style lamps * Tiffany style slag glass table lamps * Brass floor lamps * Leaded stained glass Tiffany style hanging lamp shades * Mantle clocks * Advertising * Kitchen collectables * Tools * Toys & dolls * Much more.....

For more information and images: info@smab.com, 805-438-5395, www.smab.com

Oh how I wish-wish-wish I could make it ...

The most rare of the rare

Karen — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:46:50 GMT

Imagine: A 1,000-year-old carved rock crystal ewer, one of only seven known surviving examples, will be offered Christie's Islamic art sale next month. It's expected to bring over $5 million (U.S.)

Made for the court of the Fatimid rulers of Cairo in the late 10th or early 11th century, carved out of a single piece of hollowed-out rock crystal and later embellished in enameled gold mounts (1854) by a French silversmith.

The last time this ewer was bid on, it reached more than 1000 times its presale estimate. Well, the estimate is set pretty high this time, due to the more accurate description, I'm sure. This is truly a historic treasure.

The craftsmanship and the detail are overwhelming, especially considering it was carved and polished entirely by hand a thousand years ago. Whew! I'm going to watch—with great interest—for the outcome of this auction.

Click here to learn more about this exquisite piece and its history.

— Karen

Has the bottom dropped out?

Sandra — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:48:18 GMT

From the Wall Street Journal: New Bargains on Old Furniture: As 18th- and 19th-Century Antiques Fall Out of Favor, Prices are Plummeting

A very interesting article to be sure. I like that the author cited several of the big names in the antiques marketplace who have different positions and see a different perspective of the situation.

The result: Good news for buyers, bad news for sellers. Sellers of mid-century modern may have a fighting chance to keep a decent share of the market.

Personally, it sounds like it's a good time for me to look to upgrade my antique dining room set.

Now, if I can just find one of the deals they say is out there ...

What do all of you think? I think down-turn, but has the bottom dropped out of the market?

— Karen

P.S. While you're cruising the cyber super highway, I encourage you to check out http://rarevictorian.com/.

Unusual French art glass vase

Sandra — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:49:27 GMT

Check out this unusual Schneider art glass vase that recently sold on eBay for $2,425. (Item number 120283294262 if you want to see many more images and more of the description.)

ANTIQUE SIGNED SCHNEIDER FRENCH ART GLASS VASE WITH IRON MOUNT CIRCA 1920S. The glass body is mottled red-orange to yellow, and is mounted by iron, which to my eye resembles very moderne styled stick figures assending the sides of the vase. The design is Arts & Crafts in style with the hammered base, but also has an Art Deco & a very modern architectural element, with the simple & interesting criss cross design. Arms outstretched they climb...Anyway...this jewel has something for everyone, as I believe the design is as valid now as it was then. The vase is approx. 20 3/8"h X 9"(dia. top) X 5 1/2" (dia. bottom).

I'm awestruck by the craftsmanship and the design.

What do you think of it?

— Karen

Can you hear me now?

Noah — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:53:01 GMT

Well, Ma Bell can finally rest in peace. Despite this age of texting and emailing, some people still find value in the old telephone. So much so, that someone paid more than $100,000 this week for a phone book!

On Tuesday, a private U.S. collector paid $170,500 to win a Christie's auction for the first phone book printed for New Haven, Conn. The New York auction house had expected it to go for $30,000-$40,000.

Why is it so valuable? The book was published by the Connecticut District Telephone Co. just two years after the telephone was invented. So essentially it is one of the earliest possible telephone books in the country. What a neat little piece of history!

Click here for the whole story by The Courant.

Marvelous Marbles

Noah — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:32:58 GMT

Remember our recent cover story on marbles? Seems we weren't far off the mark when we reported that the collecting trend just keeps rolling...

Morphy Auctions reported this week that its May 29-31 Spring Antiques Auction hit a $1.4 million record – including the sale of an $18,400 box of marbles.

According to a company press release, Morphy’s has always drawn a strong contingent of marble buyers to its sales, and this time was no exception. The prize everyone seemed to be after was an extremely rare, complete 100-count box of Christensen Agate Co. marbles. Some of the marbles exhibited extraordinarily rare color combinations – “maybe even unique,” said Dan Morphy, himself a longtime marble enthusiast. Estimated at $10,000-$15,000, the boxed selection finished its run at $18,400.

How do you like them marbles?!

Morphy Auctions is a division of Geppi’s Entertainment Auctions & Publications. For information on consigning to future sales, to view prices realized in past sales or to learn more about upcoming auctions, click here.

Nest Egg Auctions owner dies

Noah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:41:44 GMT

MERIDEN, Conn. – The collecting community is reeling from the death of Nest Egg Auctions owner Carl Brechlin, who died during a boating trip May 31.

Brechlin, 53, was tubing along the Potomac River in West Virginia with his brothers and friends, when he had difficulty breathing and slipped underwater, according to a press account.

Nest Egg Auctions is well known by dealers and collectors in Meriden, Conn., where Brechlin held monthly auctions. The auction house was a later offshoot from a previous career as a part-time show manager for a community-based antiques show as well as a family antiques resale business. Customers said Nest Egg Auctions regularly attracted dealers and collectors from across New England and Connecticut for two reasons: the quality merchandise and what they called Brechlin’s mix of humor and street smarts.

“He was quite a character,” said Alan Brophy, a longtime antiques and collectibles dealer. “Always joked a lot during his sales: part auctioneer-part showman-part comic. But most of all a pretty good guy and a big part of the local trade here in Connecticut.” He was one of the first auctioneers to hold ‘table top’ auctions in the state.”

Brechlin and Nest Egg Auctions are well known to Antique Trader readers. He was an advertiser; however, readers got to know him and his business better in the Connecticut installment of the magazine’s Retro Road Trip series published last year. Nest Egg Auctions have been featured in the Home and Garden Television network's "Cash in the Attic".

The family plans to continue Nest Egg Auctions, with son Ryan Brechlin at the helm. Memorial services were today at the First United Methodist Church in Meriden. An article on the boating trip and an obituary for Carl Roger Brechlin can be found by clicking here.

-- Eric Bradley

A pretty penny expected at auction for first edition 'Emma'

Noah — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:44:42 GMT

Just a tiny mention here at The Press Association regarding the upcoming London sale of a rare three-volume first edition set of Jane Austen's "Emma," inscribed by the great woman herself to her governess.

I will plead ignorance here and tell you I've never read "Emma," or seen any of the film, PBS or BBC adaptations of it. Austen just isn't my thing, really, but I respect her place as a huge and enduring literary figure, and actually do regret the gap in my literary knowledge. Back inmy early 20s, when I was working a night job at Shakespeare and Co., on lower Boradway in NYC, my focus was really on Faulkner, Nabokov, Cormac McCarthy, Russel Hoban and a plethora of great Russians. Perhaps when my daughter gets a little older, and I have time to read a real book in large chunks, I'll pick up Austen. Oh well.

The books are expected to bring about 50,000 pounds, or $100,000, depending on the exchange rate when the sale takes place June 24.

Antiques auction as theater?

Noah — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:51:53 GMT

There was a very contentious auction over the weekend in South Deerfield, MA, my old stomping grounds. (if you're ever in the area, go to The People's Pint in Greenfield for some of the best microbrew beers you'll ever taste, especially the Farmer Brown Ale. Mmm-mmm.)

This story is from The Springfield Intruder, about the sale at the Old First Church, sponsored by the Springfield Museums Association, and run by Douglas Auctions.

Here's what the Springfield Republican had to say about it:

Museum officials this week expressed alarm that historic items were to be auctioned and might be lost to the city. In response, church moderator Susan R. Saunders, expressed surprise, saying that museum and historical society officials were allowed to view and take church items recently.

Add to this a swarm of local media, angry residents and church-goers and you have the makings of a massive Broadway hit like Tony n' Tina's Wedding (hated it!) and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (hated it!) and all those other interactive plays that were so in vogue 10 years ago in NYC.

There were even reporters threatened with arrest! Reporters!

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.

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson bat on the block - my birthday is coming up...

Noah — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:41:38 GMT

This story ultimately comes from AP, but I've linked to a Canadian Web site called SLAM! I mean, how can I resist that?

The only known signed "Shoeless" Joe Jackson bat in existence is going on the block this week at Sotheby's, and is expected to bring about $300,000. That might just be an underestimation because a sports collectible like this really only comes on the market once a generation, and Jackson is simulateously one of the most revered and reviled figures in sports. Some believe he was a saint who was framed and others that he was simply a traitor to his team.

The bat, known as "Black Betsy," is a real beauty, to be sure. The thought of Jackson applying his prodigious skills with - whacking dingers and dribbling bunts - is enough to make even the most jaded sports fan drool.

For all you millionaire readers out there who love this blog like your own children, my birthday is about 1-1/2 months away. Remember, when it comes to your favorite Antique Trader editor, money is no object...

The on again off again massive jewelry auction

Noah — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:39:19 GMT

Been following this the last week or two. Christies has been trying to sell off millions of dollars in rare and antique jewelry for Merril Lynch from the estate of Ralph Esmarian, who owes something like $186M to Merril.

That makes me feel a little better about my student loans...

This is from the New York Times.

eBay to end Live Auctions - What's $100M, anyway?

Noah — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:58:53 GMT

I know I'm a bit late in sounding off on this, by at least 24 hours, but I wanted to wait and see if there was going to be any sort of uproar from the online antiques community over eBay's decision to end its Live Auction business.

I reckon not, though. It may be that the online auction sites are more than ready to jump in and take over - many were never affiliated with eBay's live auctions in the first place. The big boys, like LiveAuctioneers and Proxibid will probably have a bit of a hiccup in auction during the initial period of change at the end of the year, if only for a second as users have to type in a new URL. I imagine that they will be more than ready to pick up where eBay leaves off, however.

By some estimates, eBay's Live Auctions generate about $100M a year. I have no hard data to back this up, just the word of a colleague in the business, but even so, if it's a fraction of that, that's some serious do-re-mi we're talkng about. I guess not to eBay, though. Besides, it's obvioulsy written off several segments of its business with all the changes since Whitman resigned and droids have been installed as overseers.

Here is a link to the message from Jim Ambach at eBay, to compliment the link to the Yahoo story above.

I've exchanged a few emails with John Werry, the proprietor of the Rare Victorian Furniture Blog, and he's equally miffed at the ongoing attitude of the online auction giant. He's a good guy and hopefully won't mind if I quote his comments. Check out his recently madeover blog above, too. It's a good read.

"I think it's a mistake for Ebay to not pursue domination of the electronic link to the live auction world since live auctions will never go away. Maybe their strategy is to not continue to fund the foundation of that link and to instead wait for someone else to build it up, and then acquire them later, if needed.

I can just see their strategy discussion now, 'hmm... let's see. we'll focus on funding the servers, bandwidth, and storage for selling millions of $0.25 items that may not sell and generate a commission and abandon the guaranteed-to-sell $198,000 Charles Rohlfs chair. Sounds like a plan.'"

See, it's funny because it's true...

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Can you hear me now?

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Nest Egg Auctions owner dies

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Antiques auction as theater?

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

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson bat on the block - my birthday is coming up...

The on again off again massive jewelry auction

eBay to end Live Auctions - What's $100M, anyway?