Antique Trader Blog - Historic Preservation

Several pieces from antebellum potter Dave the Slave in Ga. auction

Karen — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:53:23 GMT

If you read Antique Trader magazine, you've occasionally seen Dave the Slave pottery cross the auction block. These pieces often achieve amazing prices of tens of thousands of dollars.

Who was Dave the Slave? According to www.davetheslave.org (a website by Mud Sweat and Tears Southern Antique and Folk Pottery):

Dave the Slave was an enslaved African-American potter who turned wares in the plantation potteries of Edgefield South Carolina before the Civil War. He made pottery from as early as the 1820s to the mid-to-late 1860s.

Dave is famous mainly for two reasons. First, he had the ability to turn large pieces of pottery, forty gallons or more in size. This was an incredible feat.

Secondly, he would sometimes write on the sides of his ware. It was against the law for slaves to learn to read and write in the antebellum South but Dave could and did. Dave sometimes wrote his name and date on his pottery and on very rare occasions he would write short two line couplets or short poems.

In 2004, an Edgefield District poem jar in ovoid form with ear-shaped handles, inscribed with the poem: 'Whats better than kissing (or) wishing while we both are at fishing'; and on other side signed & dated: "Febry 10, 1840, Mr. L. Miles, Dave," sold for $140,000 at a Charlton Hall auction in Columbia, S.C. (The photo shown at right is courtesy LiveAuctioneers.com.)

More Dave the Slave pieces are crossing the block on Aug. 28 at Hawkins Auction Barn in Waynesboro, Ga. Among other important pottery pieces, Hawkins is offering: Recently Discovered Signed and Dated, Dave the Slave 4 Gal. Storage Jar, never offered for Sale to the public. Another signed and dated Dave Jar (Oct, 16th 1854). (Photo at left courtesy Hawkins Auction)

Visit http://www.hawkinsauction.us/ to learn more.

— Karen Knapstein

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17th annual Folk Fest this weekend, Aug. 20-22

Karen — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:44:04 GMT

NORCROSS, Ga. – Folk Fest – billed as “The World’s Greatest Self-Taught Art Show and Sale” – will celebrate 17 years in Atlanta with a three-day show slated for Aug. 20-22 at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross. Nearly 100 galleries and dealers will exhibit at the air conditioned, 85,000-square-foot venue. Norcross is located north of Atlanta, off exit 101 of I-85.

Visitors will pour into Georgia from all around the country to see what’s hot in the world of folk art. Folk Fest is where museums, prominent galleries, serious collectors and major art publications make their new discoveries. Attendees will find items priced from a $5 starter piece to a $50,000 museum masterpiece.

Jumping on Grandma's Bed by Woodie Long.

Since its inception in 1994, Folk Fest has become the largest and most important event in the rapidly burgeoning folk art genre. Prestigious galleries and dealers from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe – all specializing in self-taught art, outsider art, Southern folk pottery, antique folk art and anonymous works – have regularly attracted 12,000 people or more.

As with previous Folk Fests, this year’s show will kick off with a Friday night meet and greet with the artists. Attendees of past events have mixed and mingled with some of the biggest names in folk art: Woodie Long, Charles Lucas, Cornbread, Michael Banks, Chris Clark, Willie Jinks, Mary Proctor, Ruby Williams, Michael Crocker, the Meaders family and many others.

Double face jug by the late renowned folk artist Lanier Meaders.

Folk Fest has been staged from the start by Steve and Amy Slotin, owners of Slotin Folk Art, based in Gainesville, Ga. The couple regularly holds folk art auctions in Buford, a bit further north from Norcross, in addition to Folk Fest. It was Steve who got the folk art bug first, when he ran across an ugly Lanier Meaders face jug near his childhood summer camp in Cleveland, Ga.

“I discovered there were primitive forms of pottery and art all over the South,” Steve remarked. “These incredible pieces were created by housekeepers, janitors, factory workers, farmers and house painters. They created art, but had very little formal education at all. They used found materials – rusty metal, stray sticks, discarded objects, leftover house paint, mud.”

The art was pure and honest, beautiful in its simplicity and embodying the best the South had to offer. Slotin knew he’d found a treasure in his own back yard the day he saw that first face jug. He created Folk Fest to share it with the world. He advertised the very first event in a prominent folk art magazine, without a show date, a venue or even a single exhibitor signed up.

“I took this enormous leap of faith,” he said, “believing that if I could just share this primitive art, this local treasure with others, they would appreciate it as much as I did.” His gamble paid off. Exhibitors signed up and on opening night 6,000 enthusiastic people packed the auditorium. Over the course of its 16-year history, Folk Fest has doubled in size and attendance.

Guinea Fowl by the artist Cornbread.

Slotin said that, despite folk art’s emergence as a legitimate and popular art form (it’s regularly displayed at the prestigious High Museum in Atlanta), he still finds himself having to explain to people exactly what folk art is. Generally, folk art (also referred to as self-taught art or outsider art) includes paintings, sculptures and Southern pottery – some of it anonymous works.

“For a long time this art has been kept outside the mainstream art community,” Slotin explained. “Self-taught art is the most important visual culture America has ever produced. And it’s not country crafts, duck decoys or split-cane baskets. It is highly personal art. It’s religiously inspired paintings, crude tin cutouts, wood-relief carvings and environmental sculpture gardens.”

And it’s usually created from refuse and other found objects. “Self-taught artists don’t seek out the art world,” Slotin observed. “The art world, collectors and dealers passionately seek them out. Their art is done by untrained people who draw on their culture and experiences in an isolated world. It’s made with a true, untutored, creative passion, raw and totally original.”

Artistically acclaimed acceptance has caused the folk art genre to blossom. But, ironically, its very existence is threatened by the inevitable urbanization and population of the onetime habitat of self-taught artists: rural areas. The purpose of Folk Fest, Slotin said, is to celebrate these artists and share with the public an art culture whose roots may soon disappear.

Sadly, over the years Folk Fest has had to say good-bye to many of folk art’s more celebrated masters, legends like Howard Finster, Leroy Almon, Mose Tolliver, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, R.A. Miller and Steve Slotin’s first find, Lanier Meaders. But the enthusiasm for folk art continues to strengthen, as visitors pour into Atlanta to add unique pieces to their collections.

Folk Fest will begin on Friday, Aug. 20, with the Meet-the-Artists Party & Show Opening, from 5-10 p.m. ($15 includes readmission). The Aug. 21-22 show hours are 10-7 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. Admission is $7 both days. Children 16 and under are free. The North Atlanta Trade Center is located at 1700 Jeurgens Court in Norcross, off exit 101 of I-85.

For more information, you may call Slotin Folk Art at 770-532-1115 or visit www.slotinfolkart.com.

Photos courtesy Slotin Folk Art

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Preserving the relics of our collective past

Karen — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:07:53 GMT

Everyone has a few items in their house they are saving for reasons only they know. Over the past few years I’ve worked hard to keep my pack-rat habits in check. However, there’s always one or two boxes full of newspaper clippings, magazines and assorted snapshots of our lives that seems to accompany us in every move.

This week’s cover feature offers a new look at what you can do to preserve the items dear to your collection or dear to your heart. Many people look at their collections as a personal, intellectual pursuit – one that their children may not be excited to inherit.

But the old quilts, jewelry, books and pocket watch in use every day is often the most cherished items passed down from one generation to another.

Congratulations!

A hearty congrats goes out to Sherri Jones of Tampa, Fla. As the lucky winner of the July Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes, Jones will get a two-volume set of jewelry reference books by Kathy Flood, as well as a blue and green crystal Christmas tree brooch featured on the cover of “Warman’s Costume Jewelry Figurals.”

August Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes

Make sure you visit the Antique Trader website each day to enter the August Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes for your chance to win one of four Noritake British Airways pickle plates. Enter at http://sweepstakes.antiquetrader.com.

— Eric Bradley

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Roy Rogers' Trigger finds a new home

Karen — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:43:10 GMT

Ok, so he’s not technically an antique, seeing as he passed away in 1965, however following the July 15 Christie’s auction of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans memorabilia, Rogers’ horse Trigger can be classified as one expensive collectible after selling for $266,500.

First purchased by Rogers on a payment plan for $2,500 back in 1938, Rogers needed to select a horse for the film Under Western Stars. The horse then known as “Golden Cloud,” handled so well it was reported Rogers never looked at another.

The horse starred in 188 movies and the Roy Rogers Show on NBC from 1951 to 1957. When he died in 1965 of old age, Rogers was reluctant to “put him in the ground” so he had Trigger mounted and put on display at the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum.

The mount was purchased July 15 by Patrick Gottsch, founder and operator of RFD-TV, a nationally-broadcast rural-themed TV network. Gottsch plans to display Trigger at RFD-TV’s corporate headquarters in Omaha.

Launched in 2000, RFD-TV initially reached 4 million homes through DISH satellite. RFD-TV now reaches 40 million homes through major cable systems, DISH and DIRECTV.

It seems Trigger is a good match for the channel’s television lineup as well. The station will air Roy Rogers movies starting in November with Rogers’ son Dusty and grandson Dustin as hosts of a regular program. ■

Trigger photo courtesy Christie's.

— Eric Bradley

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Why buy a repro when you can get the real thing?

Karen — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:11:13 GMT

My eyes just about bugged out of my head.

Glancing through a mail order catalog recently there they were: More than four pages worth of “vintage charm for your home.”

A major national catalog retailer has picked up a line of reproduction “Depression-era glassware” and has it on sale for just a few bucks. The glassware is in the more popular colors of Depression glass and there are also some pieces usually found made of milk glass, such as hens on nests and assorted candy jars.

These are the pieces that it took five pages in “Warman’s Depression Glass, 5th edition,” to illustrate.

The real troubling part is that the prices the new reproductions are selling for are the exact same prices for the originals that can be found at your local shop or county auction. I some cases, the originals can be found even cheaper. An EAPG footed candy dish selling for $5 online looks very similar to the reproduction selling for $11 in the catalog.

Sure $11 isn’t much. And to most people an $11 reproduction doesn’t represent the greatest threat to the antiques business. But it’s something to take seriously.

Isn’t it funny how often dealers and collectors can be heard lamenting the state of the antique market? Yet, major retailers are turning to our hobbies to make a quick buck when times turn tough. One would think a few knock-offs here and there would reaffirm our trade, but in the case of mass produced reproductions it only hurts.

Maybe these reproductions will catch the eye of more young collectors who will then start searching out new pieces and eventually discover the real thing. Plus, the repros further open the chasm.

The trouble is, the reproductions make it all that more difficult to sell authentic pieces and educate a customer on what makes the piece worth copying in the first place.

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RWCS sponsors latest Antique Trader sweepstakes

Karen — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:31:25 GMT

We’ve been very busy working up new ways for readers to interact with fellow collectors and collections. One project in particular is a great opportunity for lovers of Red Wing stoneware and art pottery ceramics.

Antique Trader is teaming up with the Red Wing Collectors Society to bring you a whopper for our monthly, online-only Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes. In exchange for signing up to receive our two, free weekly e-newsletters through the sweepstakes, entrants have a chance to win a $150 prize package through the month of June.

The Red Wing Collectors Society is one of the oldest most active, engaged and knowledgeable clubs in the United States. You can lean more about this great group of people at www.redwingcollectors.org, which incidentally is the No. 1 source of Red Wing Pottery knowledge in the world. Its famous national convention is scheduled for July 8-10, 2010, in — where else — Red Wing, Minn.

The prize package includes a one-year membership in the RWCS, which includes the official newsletter six times a year, a rare 2009 RWCS convention commemorative advertising bean pot (available only to RWCS members and limited to 3,600 pieces) AND a 2010 RWCS convention commemorative, yet to be released, that’s only available to members at the July 8-10 convention.

You can enter at http://sweepstakes.antiquetrader.com/. This is the first time we’ve ever offered such a prize package and we’re proud to partner with the RWCS. Remember, this is an online only sweepstakes.

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This issue made it all worthwhile

Karen — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:08:18 GMT

It has been a crazy-busy week this week.

We've had two publication deadlines: the June 16 edition of Antique Trader and the Summer edition of the Antique Trader Traveler. The Traveler will be available soon as a free PDF download, so you'll want to watch for that. We'll announce when it's ready and where you can get it.

And, of course, we had the Auction Extra on Tuesday, and our regular e-newsletter that went out today. Plus, we had to produce next Tuesday's Auction Exra early because of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday. [You can sign up to receive your free Antique Trader e-newsletters at www.antiquetrader.com.]

Also, the office has been abuzz with preparations for the Randolph St. Market's Chicago Antique Market. Editor Eric Bradley will be out the door shortly to hop on down to Chicago and make final preparations there.

Whew! That's a lot of commotion!

But, I tell you what: Seeing this week's issue come together really made it all worthwhile. This may be our best issue yet! Here's a look at the cover. We've got a really fascinating piece on industrial antiques as our cover feature, and Eric had the chance to speak with American Pickers' Frank Wolfe on just that, industrial antiques.

I have to admit, when Eric told me about the industrial antiques feature, I had my doubts. But I have been completely won over.

We here at Antique Trader wish all of you a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. We're planning on sharing our weekend antiquing experiences with you — and we hope you'll do the same.

... and if you're in the area, drop by the Chicago Antique Market and experience the excitement! Eric will be at the Antique Trader Appraisal Fair.

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Antique Trader is giving a free antique appraisal to attendees of the Chicago Antique Market

Karen — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:59:13 GMT

Own an antique or collectible?
Of course you do!

Want to know its value?
Absolutely!

Come meet Antique Trader at Chicago's largest antiques and collectibles festival May 29-30! Every attendee to the Chicago Antique Market at the Randolph Street Market Festival will giving free antique appraisals at the inaugural Antique Trader Appraisal Fair. After shopping from aisles and aisles of more than 300 vendors inside and outside Chicago’s historic Plumbers Hall, regional and nationally-known antiques experts will answer your questions on family heirlooms and rare items from your collection.

Situated under the big top tent, every attendee is eligible for a free appraisal of an antique or collectible with additional appraisals (as time allows) available at $10 each. Appraisal fair hours are limited to 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 29 and from 11 to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30.

Among the experts scheduled to appear:

* Mark Moran, appraiser and senior editor of Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide, 44th Edition antiques and collectibles books for Krause Publications and an appraiser for PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow.”

* Brett Benson owner of Jewel Sphinx Extraordinary Objects and Jewels

* Daryle Lambert, founder of the 31 Corp., and author of the book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles.

Among the unique “show within a show” features at the Chicago Antique Market include:

* The Indie Designer Market, the lower level of Plumber’s Hall, features the hottest young designers creating avant garde and one-of-a-kind fashion, art and jewelry.

* The Vinyl Swap Meet, where thousands of collectible records from 45’s to LP’s, jazz to rock and show tunes are availabel to buy, swap or sell.

* The Fancy Food Market, offering all types of chocolates, cakes, breads, spices, olive oils, salsa to bring home or enjoy during the event.

More Info:

Chicago Antique Market at the Randolph Street Market Festival Saturday & Sunday, May 29-30, 2010

1350 Block W. Randolph Street & inside Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Street, Chicago.

Free pickup and drop off from Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave.

Show hours

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 29
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 30

Antique Appraisal Fair Hours

1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 29
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30

Tickets

$10, available at the gate or in advance online

Chicago Antique Market
312-666-1200
info@chicagoantiquemarket.com
www.chicagoantiquemarket.com

-Posted by Eric Bradley

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Nostalgia is a powerful force.

Karen — Fri, 14 May 2010 20:56:59 GMT

Nostalgia is a powerful force.

If you read both Melody Amsel-Arieli’s cover story on Judaica and the fascinating story behind former Illinois Gov. Jim Thompson’s recent duck decoy acquisition, you may see a common theme between two very different collecting areas.

The reasons people collect things have long fascinated me. It’s not so much what they collect, but why. For Amsel-Arieli, the collecting area of Judaica is deeply personal and reflects her family’s struggle and near extinction in the 20th century. For Thompson, his pursuit of Illinois-carved duck decoys reflects his admiration and respect of the state he served while in public office.

This is why we should never dismiss the reasons why someone collects. Thompson’s nostalgia for Illinois moved him to push the sales price of the Robert Elliston-carved decoy past its $12,000 to $15,000 estimate to its $40,250 sale price.

For true collectors, the object is a small part of the pursuit and joy. In most cases, it’s what the object represents that makes all the difference.
Happy Anniversary

This issue marks my one-year anniversary as your editor of Antique Trader. It has been a wonderful year and a fulfilling experience to talk with readers, work with talented writers and develop interesting projects and features on our website and in print.

Working with Online Editor Karen Knapstein, sales reps Ryan Solberg and Nick Ockwig and designer Wendy Wendt, our goal has been to diversify the magazine and provide information on the greatest variety of antiques and collectibles available. During the past year our team has completely changed the format, more than doubled the size of the magazine and has served more than 563,000 readers and more than 1 million page views on AntiqueTrader.com

The year to come will feature even more features, projects and plans. Thank you for making this year exciting and thank you for supporting our advertisers who support this magazine.

For me, each issue has been a collector’s edition.

— Eric Bradley

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Blue & White Pottery Club to convene in June

Karen — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:49:03 GMT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Blue & White Pottery Club was founded in 1981 by a handful of Blue & White Stoneware pottery enthusiasts and collectors, principally in the Midwest. The Blue & White pottery interests include Blue & White, Uhl, Blue & Gray (Utica/Flemish), Sleepy Eye, Spongeware, Red Wing, and other stoneware. The Blue & White Pottery Club now has more than 300 members reaching from coast to coast and border to border.

The principal goals of the Blue & White Pottery Club are to share information, encourage learning, and foster an appreciation of the distinct history, wide variety, and increasing collectability of Blue & White Stoneware pottery. Equally important goals are the promotion and nurturing of friendships with fellow collectors and to further the equal opportunity for all to participate in new discoveries and exciting information about Blue & White pottery.

Attending the Club’s annual convention each June is a highlight of membership; this year it will be held June 10-12, 2010, at the Cedar Rapids Marriott in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. One of the highlights of the convention is the Club Consignment Auction consisting of approximately 120 pieces of premium stoneware including Blue & White, Sleepy Eye, Red Wing, Western, Whites Utica as well as others.

To join the Blue & White Pottery Club, a membership form can be found on their website at www.blueandwhitepottery.org and you will also find this years convention agenda along with more information about convention and the Blue & White Pottery Club.

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Annual Antiques & Gardening at Bryn Du opens May 14

Karen — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:18:25 GMT

GRANVILLE, Ohio — Antiques & Gardening at Bryn Du will open its doors for the fourth annual event this Friday, May 14 at the historic Granville Mansion. Proceeds from the event help support the Bryn Du's restoration and preservation as a National Register of Historic Places landmark.

During the event Bryn Du Mansion's porches, walkways and lawn will be highlighted by a variety of garden art, statuary and plants. In addition, the Mansion, Carriage House and adjacent Field House will host antique dealers from more than a dozen states, according to Bryn Du Mansion Executive Director Bruce Cramer.

Photo courtesy Eric Miller.

It’s an event well suited for the historic property.

The 19th-century Federal-style estate has served as a community venue for educational and cultural meetings and antique and art shows, athletic and social gatherings, weddings, and polo matches since its creation in 2002.

A preview brunch is set for Friday, May 14 to open the show. General admission to Antiques & Gardening at Bryn Du begins Friday at noon and continues until 6 p.m. Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Preview brunch admission is $20 and includes re-admission to the show throughout the weekend. General admission tickets are $8 and are also good for the duration of the event.

A short drive east from downtown Columbus, Bryn Du is located east of the Village of Granville at 537 Jones Road.

The Antiques Show (managed by Melrose & Duddy) bring 25 years of antiques show experience to Antiques & Gardening at Bryn Du and has successfully managed antiques shows since 2007. More information on The Antiques Show is available at www.theantiquesshow.com. More information on Antiques & Gardening at Bryn Du and Bryn Du Mansion is available at www.brynduantiques.com.

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Congrats to Ted Hake on 200th collectibles auction

Karen — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:19:10 GMT

Ted Hake’s career dealing in iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Buck Rogers and famous politicians has risen to its own iconic status. Regularly referred to as a dean of American pop culture and Americana, Hake will go down in history as leading the charge to celebrate our nation’s shared childhood.

Hake has a deep and profound respect for his fellow collectors. That respect trickles throughout the rest of his business. What impresses me the most about him is that he doesn’t discriminate against the items that make people happy. It doesn’t matter if you find joy in tiny, inexpensive political buttons or in $150,000 display figures. We’re glad to offer you a snapshot, however brief, of his 50-year passion for collectibles.

Inside this issue you’ll also discover a new feature to Antique Trader. Starting with the May 12 issue , we will feature the column 60-Second Silver by Jeffrey Herman, owner of Jeffrey Herman Silver Restoration & Conservation of West Warwick, R.I. Herman is a craftsman and expert silversmith. His columns will range from general information about silver to technical tips.

On a more serious note, we at Antique Trader and F+W Media, Inc. must differentiate ourselves from a company that has adopted our name into its business. This online company is offering an antiques-related scholarship contest for high school students using the Antique Trader name. It is important to us that our readers know our magazine brand in no way supports or endorses this promotion, nor are we affiliated with the company in any way. We have contacted the company and are working to resolve the matter.

Since Antique Trader has one of the most developed and comprehensive antiques related websites on the Internet, we shouldn’t be surprised over this latest incidence, a practice known as cybersquatting.

We sincerely apologize if the fraudulent use of our name causes our longtime readers and recent subscribers any inconvenience – you can do that when you’ve been around for 53 years.

— Eric Bradley

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Anniversary of PT Barnum's 200th in Antique Trader

Karen — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:42:28 GMT

The May 5 edition of Antique Trader is filled with antique and collectible news and features.

The main cover feature celebrates the 200th anniversary of P.T. Barnum's birth. Circus enthusiasts are planning a year of celebrations and events to commemorate the occasion.

CLICK HERE to read the Antique Trader cover feature on P.T. Barnum and circus collectibles

This week's Antique Trader Question of the Week:

What do you think of collectors or crafters physically altering postcards for craft projects?

Post a reply here or drop us a line at eric.bradley@fwmedia.com. Or feel free to send us a note: Letters to the Editor, c/o Antique Trader, 700 E State Street, Iola, WI 54990.

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RWCS announces free trial membership offer

Karen — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:18:38 GMT

RED WING, Minn. – As part of its 2010 membership initiative, the Red Wing Collectors Society (RWCS) is offering FREE trial membership to everyone interested in Red Wing stoneware and pottery. Established in 1977, the RWCS is the largest group of collectors dedicated to the study and preservation of Red Wing and American pottery in the country.

As part of the free trial, participant will receive the February and April issues of the 2010 RWCS Newsletter. Packed with full-color feature articles about various lines of Red Wing wares, collector profiles, collecting trends, latest finds and club news, the Society has one of the best newsletters of any collectors group in the nation.

Those who take advantage of the offer will also have access to the “Members Only” section of the RWCS Web site with a temporary user id and password. When you log in, you will be able to access the hundreds of resources available to our members including: past newsletters, articles, Convention supplements, etc.

This offer has no gimmicks and no catches. Since a credit card number is not required for this free trial, trial membership will simply expire May 31, 2010 and you won’t need to call the Society to cancel.

“If you find value in the trial membership, we’d love for you to contact our office and join the RWCS as a primary member,” says RWCS Executive Director Stacy Wegner. “Annual primary membership costs $25 and includes a lot of great benefits, including the opportunity to buy our annual members only commemorative piece. But if you decide the RWCS isn’t for you, you can keep the newsletters as a gift and you owe us nothing.”

Other benefits of RWCS primary membership include free access to the RWCS video library of more than 200 educational presentations, the opportunity to attend the annual July Convention and February MidWinter events, and the ability meet and network with other members. As long as there’s at least one primary member in a household, associate memberships including all benefits except the newsletter are available for spouses, etc. for an additional $10 annually.

To sign up for this free trial offer, please visit the Free Trial Membership page on the RWCS Web site [HERE], call the RWCS Business Office at 800-977-7927 or e-mail your name and mailing address to trialmembership@redwingcollectors.org. Use promo code ATa1.

For more information about the Red Wing Collectors Society, please visit www.redwingcollectors.org.

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Antique Trader columns cover a wide variety of antiques

Karen — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:36:58 GMT

Tips on finding good antique furniture; Q & A's on what your antiques and collectibles might be worth; antique dolls; art market analysis - you'll find it all on www.antiquetrader.com.

Here are some of our recent antiques, art, and collectibles columns:

Furniture Detective: Avoiding phony mahogany

Ask Antique Trader: Water cooler found at yard sale worth $400 to $500

Art Markets: LeRoy Neiman prints gaining momentum

Guest Column: How I paid my rent by thrifting - a favorite among Antique Trader readers

Postcard Album: Messages on humanitarian postcards still ring true

Furniture Detective: Veneer fact and fiction: Appreciating an age-old process

Speaking of Dolls: After 100 years, Bleuette still attracting new fans

Furniture Detective: Veneer fact and fiction: Appreciating an age-old process

This is a minute fraction of the wealth of information you will find on the Antique Trader Web site.

If you would like to see a specific topic covered, let us know: e-mail us at ATNews@fwmedia.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Antique Trader goes out in the mail today

Karen — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:56:14 GMT

Here's a look at our most recent cover:

Looks great, doesn't it?! This week's Antique Trader is packed full of information: We've got feature articles on collecting antique tools, including grading guides and practical advice. There's also a great story covering Renninger's Florida antique show that was held last month ... and so much more! And it's headed to subscriber mailboxes today.

Here are links to some of the antiques articles:

• Antique tool collecting gets down to brass tacks

• Stanley tools establishes itself as a new subset of tool collecting

• Ask Antique Trader: Mother of pearl ‘Last Supper’ valued at $2,000

• Speaking of Dolls: After 100 years, Bleuette still attracting new fans

• Vendors, shoppers dodge freezing temps at Renninger’s

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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To restore, or not to restore?

Karen — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:35:26 GMT

While reading through the March 3 galleys, I was surprised to find that Restor-A-Finish has been around for 40 years. Four decades. Wow. Just think of all the pieces this product has touched.

[CLICK HERE to read Restor-A-Finish relaunched for 40th anniversary]

Notice I didn't say "improved," as I believe that word is subjective.

Personally, I have used Restor-A-Finish and have been very happy with the results. No, they didn't pay me to say that. But I will disclose that the Howard Company, the maker of the product, is a frequent advertiser in Antique Trader.

But I got to thinking and wondering about the Antique Trader readers' views of re-touching and restoring, which led to this week's Antique Trader Question of the Week:

What are your personal views on antique restoration? Do you feel a touch-up here and there makes a piece all the better? Or should antiques be left all-original, all the time?

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

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Historian's $5M+ collection of American documents in NYC auction

Karen — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:24:48 GMT

NEW YORK — Described as a collection people have waited for decades to come on the market, a colorful author and historian's extensive multi-million dollar archive of important American manuscripts, maps, letters, early photographs, books and documents tracing America's journey to the Wild West will be offered in a public auction conducted in New York City by Spink Shreves Galleries, Jan. 27-29, 2010.

"They were collected over a 50-year period by Floyd E. Risvold of Edina, Minn., who participated in expeditions in the West with the Coast and Geodetic Survey in the 1930s and '40s. His jovial admonition to nearly everyone he met was, 'Keep your powder dry,'" said Charles Shreve, President of Spink Shreves Galleries of New York and Dallas.

"This collection chronicles the U.S. movement westward to find 'the Promised Land.' It's filled with unique, eyewitness accounts to American history. The presale estimate is $5 million or more."

Risvold died last June at the age of 97, and his family now is making his vast collection and library available to the public.

The wide array of extraordinary items, most of them one-of-a-kind, include a 12-page letter written by John Adams during The War of 1812, a prospector's 1849-era hand-drawn map to the California gold regions and an Indian peace treaty directive to the Secretary of State signed in 1864 by President Abraham Lincoln. There are hundreds of other items related to the Pony Express and U.S. postal history, the Alamo, the Civil War, expansion of the railroads and Mormon history including an 1841 letter signed by both Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, early leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

"Collectors and museums have been waiting for decades for many of these unique historical documents to again become available," said Shreve.

For additional information, contact Spink Shreves Galleries at 212-262-8400 or visit online at www.SpinkShreves.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Antique telephones/museum needs new home

Karen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:19:25 GMT

That's what our cover story is about this week.

Here's a look at the newest Antique Trader cover. What do you think?

It was sent out in the mail today.

CLICK HERE to read the "Calling for help" article.

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The new kid in the vintage costume world: Welcome CJCI

Karen — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:58:20 GMT

The newly formed Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l is launching a fresh, new Web site and quarterly print publication for friends and fans of vintage costume jewelry.

CJCI was created after Lucille Tempesta, founder of Vintage Fashion and Costume Jewelry Newsletter and Club (VFCJ), announced her retirement in the last issue of the newsletter published late last year. VFCJ published for about 20 years and hosted a convention for the last 16 years, becoming the backbone of a group dedicated to the history and dazzle of the highly-collectible jewelry.

CJCI Co-founders Melinda Lewis and Pamela Wiggins want to continue Tempesta's excellent legacy as well as adding a strong Web site and engaging social media, a critical need to reach today's collectors.

Lewis is a long-time jewelry collector, historian, and stylist and is currently completing a book on Napier jewelry. Her personal Web site is here.

Wiggins, the expert guide to antiques for About.com, will lend her expertise as an author, editor and jewelry enthusiast to CSCI’s quarterly publication.

CJCI yearly memberships are available at several different levels ranging from $25 to $35. Memberships for $30 and $35 include a listing in the club’s member directory. Visit here for more information.

It's great to see fresh faces in antiques, but when it results in a new club and newsletter it is doubly exciting.

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

Karen — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:26:42 GMT

Maybe it was the tortoise that won the race? Unlucky for him but lucky for us.

The rare copper and tortoise shell desk lamp being offered as Lot 49 in David Rago's Jan. 16 auction of early 20th Century design is beautiful for a 100 reasons. It's curved neck and leaf-patterned base share a beautiful amount of patination that is hard to come by in some lamps, not to mention the attractive mounting of a diminuative tortoise shell shade. The shell gives off a mica-hued glow that would look at home on a worn desk in dark, woodwork-lined den. The lamp is just 9-1/2 inches tall by 5-1/2 inches wide. It carries a pre-auction estimate of $2,000 to $3,000.

For such stunning craftsmanship, there is precious little information on the Internet about its maker, Henry W. Cleaveland.

Cleaveland, of Boston, wrote a book, it seems, titled "Village and Farm Cottages" in 1856. Technically, the full name of the volume is "Village and Farm Cottages: The Requirements of American Village Homes Considered and Suggested; With Designs for Such Houses of Moderate Cost." He also lent some critique to various forms of design of the day.

Lucky for us he knew quality when he saw it ... leaving us this gorgeous lamp as a reminder that good design is never resigned to a single era.

If anyone has more information about Cleaveland, feel free to share.

Wunderkammer on the cover

Karen — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:44:02 GMT

"What's a Wunderkammer?" you ask ... why, it's a "chamber of wonders." And we've got a fantastic feature from Melody Amsel-Arieli on the cover of this week's Antique Trader.

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

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

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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It really is in the mail today ...

Karen — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:34:35 GMT

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

Here's a look at the cover:

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

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

Inaugural Baltimore Big Flea draws the crowds

Original York Antiques Show & Sale returns in January

Record number of bidders take part in poster sale

Japanese toys gross $700K in November auction

Rare diamond brings eight figures at Christie’s auction

Glass museum launches drive to clear mortgage

“American Pickers” coming to television

Art restoration company reveals $300K Duncanson painting

Greater Charlotte Show sells to Lydia Sullivan

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

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

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Question of the Week: When & how do you research?

Karen — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:21:33 GMT

Question of the Week:

Do you research your antiques and collectibles before or after you buy them?

If so, how do you research them?

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

Or post a message here on the Antique Trader blog or HERE on the Antique Trader message boards.

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• Reference books available about your favorite collectibles HERE
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Free download of Antique Trader Winter Traveler available

Karen — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:03:32 GMT

Hot off the production line, the new Antique Trader Winter Traveler has been uploaded to our site and is ready for all of you to download.

The Winter Traveler is a 24-page PDF with stories on antiquing destinations throughout the United States.

Some of the articles include pieces on the Scott Antique Markets, the Tucson Gem Shows, department store displays at the Smithsonian, and timepiece and Americana displays at the National Heritage Museum.

All of the links have been made "live," so all you have to do is click on the URL or ad and you will be taken to the respective Web site.

What an easy way to find out more about antique shows, malls, museum exhibits, and more ... they are just a click away!

CLICK HERE or on the cover image above to download the Antique Trader Winter Traveler.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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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

From the Editor: The collector’s quandary

Karen — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:21:56 GMT

There are several methods to liquidate a collection, ranging from an auction to an estate sale to selling to another collector. One method that’s come up recently in two high-profile cases involves the role of museums.

K*B Toys co-founder Donald Kaufman and his wife, Sally, who assembled what will forever be known as the largest collection of automotive toys, considered a museum but decided collectors would take care of the items as their cherished objects.

So, too, did Dennis and Terri LaMothe consider a few museums to house their landmark mesh handbag and vintage couture collection.

When the Orlando couple interviewed a few museums, nonewould guarantee the collection would not be sold in the future if the museum ran out of space.

Both instances are examples of the quandary collectors may find themselves as they try to liquidate their collections. For both the Kaufmans and the LaMothes, the natural obligation they felt to preserve the history and years of research they invested in their collection made a museum a logical choice.

Museums are indeed the backbone of a country’s heritage and play an active role in the current hobby and research. Imagine how shallow and poor America would be without the Smithsonian Institution. What would the scholarship of American folk art be without the work of Winterthur or New York’s American Folk Art Museum? But museums can also be subject to politically charged boards, poor collection-care standards and vulnerable to economic downturns that decimate endowments.

Personally, I have always viewed collectors as a type of historical militia, a force comprised of ordinary people who share knowledge and preserve precious objects. Collectors are constantly engaging in new research and sharing this information in new ways.

As collectors from all levels now take stock to downsize, they face a world of decisions. These decisions are deeply personal — there is not a single solution that fits everyone.

What do you think? What role should America’s museums play as a growing number of collectors dispense with their collections?

Post a reply here on the blog, HERE on the Antique Trader message boards, or send a reply to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com.

Eric Bradley
Editor

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How America lost its $50B furniture industry

Karen — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:55:09 GMT

Check out this fascinating report on the future, or lack thereof, of the American furniture industry. The report asks, "do American furniture companies have a leg to stand on?"

The release on the report reads as follows: Baby Boomers don't care about owning fine furniture. Department stores aren't interested in stocking furniture. Design piracy flourishes. And marketing savvy is in short supply.

What's going on here?

It's another sad chapter in the history of the American furniture companies, a perfect storm of consumer trends, market forces and industry intransigence. A detailed report, The American Furniture Industry: What Will It Take to Survive?, has just been published.

Compiled by Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos, a leading turnaround management firm, in collaboration with Michael K. Dugan, author of The Furniture Wars: How America Lost a Fifty Billion Dollar Industry, the report is based on research conducted over the past two months.

Of the furniture manufacturing companies surveyed, sales dropped over 10% on average last year, with some of the best known brands taking the biggest hits. Retailers were similarly afflicted as housing construction came to a standstill and consumers made do with the furniture they owned.

The economic downturn exacerbated long-standing trends. The industry as a whole has been slow to adopt cost-saving tactics, such as Lean Manufacturing. Nor have there been serious attempts to penetrate the export market, even as production moved offshore. And unlike other consumer goods industries, furniture companies have not become adept at marketing and distributing their products.

The industry has some unusual challenges, such as the fact that well-made wood furniture doesn't wear out, and only goes out of style at a glacial pace. And then there's the truth that price discounts don't work the way they do in other industries where style counts. If the price of dresses goes down, the report notes, women may feel the need to buy more dresses. If sofas are marked down, the customer just needs one, if any.

As manufacturing companies and furniture stores fall by the wayside, some companies will have a chance of surviving.

"Those will be the companies that are open to change," said Peter Tourtellot, managing director of Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos. "The industry needs fresh thinking about marketing and branding, information technology, and manufacturing and distribution."

The PDF report can be reached here (safe to download).

Antique Trader spotlights Woodstock collectibles

Karen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:52:44 GMT

Yes, that's right. In our latest issue, which went out in the mail today, has a wonderful cover feature on Woodstock and Woodstock collectibles.

Here's a look at the cover (click on it to go to www.antiquetrader.com):

CLICK HERE to read the cover story: Collecting Woodstock

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.

Got vinyl? Is it G, VG or better?

Karen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:00:05 GMT

When it comes to buying or selling vinyl records, getting the best price possible is the ultimate goal. And, as is almost always the case, that price depends a lot on what condition those records are in. But determining the condition of your records is no easy task.

Join Goldmine contributor Stephen Braitman at 8 p.m. Easterm Daylight Time on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for Goldmine's one-hour online seminar, "Record Grading Made Easy." The cost is only $15.

Click here for more information about the seminar and to register!

Question of the Week: Is more federal regulation needed?

Karen — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:55:06 GMT

Antique Trader Question of the Week:

Do you think increased Federal regulation is needed for the segment of the antiques market that deals in Native American artifacts?

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

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Colonial Williamsburg offers historic textile symposium

Karen — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:40:44 GMT

One of the items on my "To do before I die" list is a visit to Colonial Williamsburg. I won't make it this year, but we'll definitely go while our daughter is still young enough to be impressed (and want to learn more) about the history of our relatively-young nation.

If you're lucky enough to be in the Williamsburg area this fall, you may be interested in this:

On Sep. 20-22, Colonial Williamsburg is hosting a symposium entitled “A Very Large Curious & Compleat Assortment’: Textiles for Interiors, 1730-1830.

Annabel Westman of Historic Furnishing Textiles of London, England, will give the keynote address.

Other presentations include:

Agreeable to your liking: Dressing up the House in Early America by scholar and author Elisabeth Garrett Widmer

Modern ideas of comfort: Textile floor-coverings in England, 1730-1830, by independent scholar Anthony Wells Cole

Gathering the threads: Unraveling interiors and textile sources, by Lynne Dakin Hastings, VP of museum operations at The Montpelier Foundation

Textile for Interiors 2009 Symposium registration is open to the general public.

For more information, visit http://www.history.org/history/institute/institute_about.cfm

Meanwhile, if you're from the area or have been there, what are some of the "can't miss" sites and experiences? Feel free to post a reply here on the blog.

Thanks!

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

Rare Delaware sampler at All Saints’ Antiques Show

Karen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:44 GMT

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.— A rare New Castle County Delaware sampler will be offered in the booth of John Tompkins of Richmond, Va., at the 60th Annual All Saints' Antiques Show next week. The sampler was worked by Priscilla Talley of Talleysville, in 1839, when she was 15. A sampler is a piece of embroidery produced as a demonstration or test of skill in needlework.

"The quality of the composition and colors belies the fact that it was made by a young girl," says Tompkins. "It has the folky qualities of something made by a much more mature craftsman."

Tompkins explains that the pot of flowers with hearts, the strawberry border, twin squirrels roosters, are all motifs encountered in Delaware Valley objects of this period, but rarely in such lush abundance.

The sampler was discovered in Richmond, still in the home of a direct descendant.

"It was kind of an Antiques Roadshow moment," he says. "The owner brought me in to see some pretty average furniture, and here was this amazing object hanging on the living room wall."

The verse Priscilla stitched seems appropriate for a minister's daughter, although other young women wrought similar verses to:

"This work in hand my friends my have
when I am dead and in my grave
and when the work each time you see
I with my Saviour hope to be

The work I leave to those I love
when I have flown to world above
When all my sorrow will be ore
When friends will need to part no more"

"There are a great many samplers out there for sale," says Tompkins, "but it is rare to find one with such lush composition and color, and with a great history as well. There are many Pennsylvania samplers, but Delaware examples are rarely on the market."

Held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, the show will officially launch 6 p.m., July 29 at the preview party. Tickets to the preview party are $30, which offers unlimited attendance over the three-day show. The show will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 30 and July 31, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 1. Admission is $7.

The show’s sponsor, All Saints' Church, is the only church in Rehoboth Beach on its original site and maintaining its original design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it was constructed in the 1890s to meet the needs of a growing number of Episcopalians migrating to the area.

Show managers Melrose & Duddy bring 25 years of antiques show experience to the All Saints’ show and have successfully managed antiques shows since 2007.

Additional information is available on the web at www.rehobothantiques.com.

Photo courtesy Rehoboth Antiques.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Free Download: Antique Trader Traveler

Karen — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:58:47 GMT

Did you know that the Summer 2009 issue of Antique Trader Traveler is available for download? And that it's completely free? No strings ... you don't even have to register. All you need is the Adobe reader.

For interesting news and features from historic destinations from coast to coast, including Vicksburg, Miss.; Coney Island; and Fredericksburg, Texas, download the Antique Trader Traveler PDF.

(The Adobe Acrobat Reader is required; CLICK HERE for the free Adobe Reader).

CLICK HERE or on the cover image to download your Antique Trader Traveler.

Question of the Week: Native American relics

Karen — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:41:44 GMT

Question of the Week:

As seen on page 8 of this week’s issue, should Native Americans buy a tract of land to preserve a rare archaeological site or does the current landowner have the right to sell the artifacts, using the site as a “diamond mine.”

Photo courtesy John Shishmanian/ NorwichBulletin.com

Post a reply here on the Antique Trader blog, or e-mail your replies to eric.bradley@fwmedia.com or post your reply in the Antique Trader message boards HERE.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Karen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:01:10 GMT

American Cut Glass Association Annual Convention to be in Vienna, Va.

The American Cut Glass Association will hold its ACGA Annual Convention on July 24-26, 2009, at the Sheraton Premiere at Tysons Corner Hotel, in Vienna, Va.

The convention gives ACGA members a great opportunity to learn about glass and extra time for sight-seeing in the area. There will be a spectacular display of some of the world’s most elegant cut glass, plus lectures by leaders in cut glass and related fields.

For additional information on joining the American Cut Glass Association or about the Annual Convention, visit www.cutglass.org.

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Fenton Glass Collectors to meet in August for convention

The 19th Annual Convention of the National Fenton Glass Society will be held on Aug. 1-3, 2009, in Marietta, Ohio.

The convention headquarters will be the Comfort Inn. Glass displays and seminars are open to the public. Members and their guests will enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler, participate in Glass ID, attend the NFGS annual meeting, play Fenton bingo, and enjoy the banquet followed by a whimsey auction.

For more information on the NFGS convention or the National Fenton Glass Society, visit www.fentonglasssociety.org.

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Carriage Association of America to hold 2009 conference in Leesburg, Va.

The Carriage Association of America will hold its 2009 CAA Conference on June 17-20, 2009, at the Morven Park Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Va.

For additional information on The Carriage Association of America or the upcoming 2009 conference, visit www.caaonline.com.

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Sewing Machine Collectors to meet in Charlotte in 2009

The International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society will hold their annual convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 17-18, 2009.

The convention will include a sewing machine auction and row upon row of sales tables, plus tours and other activities.

For additional information visit www.ismacs.net/events.html or e-mail Graham Forsdyke at graham@ismacs.u-net.com.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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24 charged with Native American artifact looting

Karen — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:07:20 GMT

Exciting news ... especially when we just went to print yesterday with a front-page feature on collecting Native American artifacts ... Score one for the good guys!

From the LA Times:

24 charged in crackdown on Native American artifact looting

Reporting from Washington and Denver -- Striking at a longtime practice in the Four Corners area, federal authorities Wednesday unsealed indictments against 24 people in what they called the largest investigation ever into the looting of Native American artifacts on public lands.

CLICK HERE to read the full story

This is an area of collecting where extreme caution must be exercised. There are only a handful of auction houses in the U.S. that handle reputable Native American artifacts (they're listed in the Antique Trader feature on collecting in this area).

BTW: You can read the article on collecting Native American artifacts here: Collecting North American Indian artifacts

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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Shortcuts to antiques and collectibles features

Karen — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:14:44 GMT

Do you have little patience for looking for feature stories?

I have a treat for you: here are some quick links to Antique Trader feature articles right here on the Antique Trader blog!

Pardon me, but do you have the time? (Collecting vintage watches)

PEZ: 92 years and counting

Charlie Chan, international man of mystery

The game is afoot! Who is Arthur Conan Doyle?

Take these postcards with a grain of salt

How about a little history? The Quad Cities’ quirks

Modern art movements relegated the queen’s paintings to the attic

Ask Antique Trader: How to fix an old cane seat

Exploring the whalers’ art: Scrimshaw enthusiasts from around the world gather in Massachusetts

As always, feel free to contact us and let us know what you think and what you would like to see more (or less) of!

One of my personal favorites in this week's issue is the Charlie Chan feature. (I never knew he was based on a real person.) It took me back to watching the Saturday afternoon movies on TV as a kid (and my Mom saying "It's nice out! Go play outside!" ... I think so she could watch it in peace by herself ...)

I also enjoyed this week's Art Markets column. It was nice to get a glimpse of Queen Victoria the woman as opposed to Queen Victoria the monarch.

Sandy's favorite article in this issue is "Who is Arthur Conan Doyle?" She said once she was too old for the Hardy Boys, she turned to Arthur Conan Doyle ...

— 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

Mitchell Museum focuses on Native American jewelry and beadwork

Karen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Check it out:

Old Native Jewelry and Beadwork To Be Focus of Events April 25-26 at Mitchell Museum

EVANSTON, Ill. — Special events for seasoned and novice collectors of old Native American jewelry and beadwork — and anyone curious about these genres — are scheduled for Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston.

Tom and Deborah Begner, of Turkey Mountain Traders, Scottsdale, Ariz., will make presentations, conduct an informal appraisal session, and exhibit a diverse collection of items for sale. Ten percent of sales proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Mitchell Museum.

The Begners will give a presentation on “Antique Eastern Woodlands Beadwork” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, focusing largely on beadwork made by members of the various Iroquois tribes from about 1800 to 1930.

At 2:15 p.m., they will offer informal identifications and appraisals of old Native American jewelry and Eastern beadwork brought in by the public.

They will speak on “The Top 10 Things to Look for in Old Indian Jewelry” at 3:15 p.m.

The Begners, who founded Turkey Mountain Traders 20 years ago, will stage an exhibition and sale of old jewelry and antique Eastern beadwork from 4-7 p.m. Items for sale include beadwork items priced from about $100 to $3,000, including beaded bags, souvenir “whimseys,” and hats from the late 1800s. The jewelry is principally of Navajo and Zuni Pueblo origin, with items priced from $125. A noteworthy piece is a $12,000 Zuni fetish necklace made of shell and stone by the celebrated carver Leekya, who worked in the 1940s and 1950s.

Antique Indian beadwork and old jewelry also will be exhibited and sold from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26.

Admission to the events is included with museum admission. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, students, teachers (with valid school ID), and children. Maximum suggested admission per family is $10. For information, phone (847) 475-1030. On the Net: www.mitchellmuseum.org.

Looks like an interesting opportunity ...

This week's Antique Trader comin' at ya

Karen — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:11:50 GMT

Here's a sneak peek:

Some of the articles in this week's Antique Trader:

Speaking of Dolls: Chinas: Out of the shadows once again

Ask Antique Trader: These mugs have come a long way

Drink up – Coca-Cola collectors have good taste

Fill up the tank, check the oil: Antique gas pumps

Business Profile: Mill Creek Antiques, Paxico, Kan.

Collector Spotlight: This toy story has a happy ending

The sound of money mixes with music at slot machine, advertising and juke box show

Question of the Week: Does your collection have a family connection?

Karen — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:51:08 GMT

This week's Question of the Week:

Does your collection have a family connection? Does it cross the generation gap or are you a “first generation” collector?

Post a reply here, send one to Sandra.Sparks@fwmedia.com, or post a reply on the Antique Trader message boards HERE.

FREE online classified ads

Karen — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:52:03 GMT

Collect.com offers free classified ads

Everyone wants to get something for nothing, and now that's possible, thanks to Collect.com’s free classified ads.

“The classified ads are completely free — no gimmicks, no strings attached and no limit to the number of classified ads that can be placed,” said Dianne Wheeler, the community leader for collect.com. “This is a great way for collectors to sell the items that they don’t love anymore — and shop for new ones that they will — without pricey consignment fees or drawn-out bidding wars.”

Placing an ad is easy. Just visit www.collect.com, click on the collectibles area that applies to your item (Comics, Music, Sports, Militaria or Antiques and Collectibles), and add in the details. The Ad Wizard walks you through every step of the process, including writing the description and adding a photo of the piece that’s for sale.

The free classified ads are the first of numerous improvements that are scheduled to come to collect.com this year, Wheeler said.

Produced by F+W Media, the world’s largest hobby and collectible publisher, Collect.com is an online community where collectors can discuss and display their finds, keep tabs on the value of their collections, connect with buyers and sellers, read about the latest hobby news and more.

CLICK HERE to sell your collectibles (or post a wanted ad) with Collect.com free classified ads.

Collecting traditions

Karen — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:18:46 GMT

This week, we ran a story by Trina Spillman entitled Collecting Feature: Family traditions.

It's a charming tale of her early introduction to the collecting habit when, as a child, she would help her mother and father search flea markets and antique stores for Royal Doulton Flambé and Nippon porcelain. And how she's grown into a passionate collector, and has passed the collecting tradition on to her children.

I know many people will enjoy reading it as much as we here at Antique Trader have.

You, too, may be able to spotlight your collection and/or collecting tradition in Antique Trader.

Here's how:

E-mail your story, with captioned photos to sandra.sparks@fwmedia.com or mail to Antique Trader Collecting Spotlight, 700 E State St., Iola, WI 54945, attn: Sandra Sparks.

Photos should be well focused and clear. Remove items from any protective covering that may cause glare. Include a photo of yourself. If sending your story and photos via e-mail (preferred), see directions below.

Format: Save as jpeg or tiff

Resolution: 200 dpi or higher

Size: Original image must be a minimum of 4 inches wide/deep

Compressing files: If needed, files can be “zipped” and we can unzip them here.

Posting files: Large files also can be posted to our ftp site at ftp.krause.com; select Inbound folder, then Antique Trader folder. Either drag image or copy and paste it into the folder.

If you have any questions, contact Sandra at the e-mail address above.

— Posted by Karen

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.

ACNA headed to the Big Easy

Karen — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:41:44 GMT

The Antiques & Collectibles National Association is headed to New Orleans in January 2010 for their first national convention and trade show since 2006.

Association members and non-members are welcome. Early registration is encouraged since discounts are given prior to June 1, 2009.

They've chosen a fantastic theme: "Help Your Future – Buy Your Past."

That says it all, doesn't it?

And they have an exciting lineup planned:

Scheduled speakers and topics for the classes include Kyle Husfloen, keynote address; Fred and Gail Taylor – Antique Furniture; Randy and Debbie Coe – Glass; DiAnna Tindell – Art Restoration; Connie Swaim – Recognizing Fakes; Barbara Mauzy – Kitchenware and Beth Walker – Silver.

For more information about the ACNA, visit their Web site at http://www.acna.us/index.php

Chicago Antique Market schedule

Karen — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:36:57 GMT

Visited their site this morning. Looks fabulous! Another way to enjoy the weekends during the summer:

Chicago Antique Market schedule:

Show dates:
Saturdays & Sundays:
Opening weekend: May 23-24, 2009 Memorial Day
June 27-28, 2009
July 25-26, 2009
August 29-30, 2009
September 26-27, 2009

Show hours: Saturdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $10; students $5; children free.

For more information: http://www.chicagoantiquemarket.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.

Chattanooga

Karen — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:59:38 GMT

I've never been to Chattanooga. When I hear the name I think – of course – of the Chattanooga Choo Choo (I'll probably have the song stuck in my head for the rest of the day). As it was a vital transportation/rail hub and manufacturing center, Chattanooga is a city steeped in Civil War history. I think it's one of those places that shouldn't just be passed through, but made a destination location.

The Antiques Roadshow has three upcoming episodes from Chattanooga (to air March 30, April 6, and April 13). I'm looking forward to seeing all the fascinating treasures and heirlooms come out.

After so many seasons of Antiques Roadshow, do you still make an effort to catch the show?

In my case, if I'm home on a Monday night I'm watching the Roadshow. And with a location like Chattanooga, Tenn., I'm going to make a point of being home to watch it.

By the way, the Roadshow will be in Madison, Wis., for an appraisal event July 11, and in Atlantic City at the Atlantic City Convention Center June 6. Visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html for more details.