Antique Trader Blog - Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Our condolences go out to the friends, family and co-workers of Peter Berwind Schiffer, 60, who passed away Dec. 19 of a heart attack.

Mr. Schiffer was the founder of Schiffer Publishing Ltd. of Atglen, Pa., which is located on the Schiffer Book Farm, approximately 30 minutes east of Lancaster, Pa. He also authored several collecting and special-interest books.

Schiffer Publishing specializes in a wide variety of book subjects, ranging from antiques and collectibles to lifestyle to aviation and military history.

Schiffer is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nancy Nutt Schiffer; his mother, Margaret Berwind Schiffer; a sister, Susan Berwind Schiffer; and two sons, Herbert and Peter.

Online condolences can be posted on the Wilde Funeral Home Web site: http://www.wildefuneralhome.com/content/peter-berwind-schiffer

Antique News | Antiques News | Antiques publications

Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:18:22 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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December's over ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

the computer just doesn't know it yet.

We'll be picking a winner for the December Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes soon. That lucky winner is going to receive the Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles 2009 Price Guide. Although the entry form doesn't reflect it yet, we're giving a new prize away for January '09: Petretti's Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide. All entries received from January 1 to January 31 will be entered for the chance to win the Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide.

Your soda pop collecting library isn't complete until you have a copy of this book on your bookshelf. It's absolutely beautiful: This 12th edition is hardcover and has almost 650 full-color pages packed with 2,000 color and 3,000 black and white photos, along with descriptions and values. The cover price is $49.99.

If you want to be able to recognize a $10 Coke item from a $100 Coke item from a $1,000 Coke item, this is the book to have. For example, the Coke playing card values range from $10 to $6,500! Would you be able to tell the difference?

Click here or on the banner above to enter the sweepstakes.

If you've decided you have to have this book and don't want to wait to see if you won, you can order it from www.KrauseBooks.com and use offer code ATBL19 to save 10% - that's a savings of $4.99, folks.

Click here for more information on Petretti's Coca-Cola Collectibles Price Guide.

I'm not eligible to win, but if I were, I would be entering this sweepstakes every day. Being the bibliophile that I am, I want this book for myself ... but some lucky sweeps entrant is going to win it!

Good luck to you all!

Antique News | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Antiques, Atlantique City, Antiques Show, Antique Trader, Collectibles

Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:25:16 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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My reaction would have been different
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

I caught part of the Antiques Roadshow season premiere last night. And I was able to see the half-million dollar painting by Clyfford Still – the highest-value item ever appraised on the show. I was surprised by the owner’s reaction… or rather, the lack of a reaction. That lady was reserved.

Or, perhaps, I just wear my heart on my sleeve ... I was very excited for her.

If you caught the show, what was your take?

Anyway, the Roadshow’s summer 2009 tour schedule has been released.

June 6: Atlantic City, N.J.
June 27: Raleigh, N.C.
July 11: Madison, Wis.
July 25: Denver, Colo.
Aug. 1: Phoenix, Ariz.
Aug. 15: San Jose, Calif.

If you would like more information about this summer’s tour, visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/faq.html

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

Antique News | Antique news odd | Antiques News

Tuesday, January 06, 2009 8:43:22 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Monday, January 05, 2009

If they have everything ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

... and money is no object, opt for the triceratops!

Heritage Auctions has announced they have a 93% complete and intact triceratops skull in their January 18 Natural History auction. The artifact was discovered on a private ranch in Montana some years ago and - literally - kept under wraps. Get this: It's 7 1/2 feet long, so you'll need plenty of space to store or display this amazing piece.

If you find you've gotta have it, it'll set you back about a cool quarter million, though.

You can click here or on the image to learn more about the dino and about some of the other amazing natural history highlights Heritage has to offer.

Antique News | Antiques News | Antiquities | Auction | Historic Preservation

Monday, January 05, 2009 3:05:54 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Friday, January 02, 2009

Antiques Roadshow's 13th season launches with high-ticket appraisals
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Happy New Year everyone! I hope the new year finds you all healthy and happy.

Personally, it's been a tumultuous week for me. 2008 ended as low as it could have, but 2009 is looking very promising.

Enough about me. On to the world of antiques!

According to a recent news report, the Antiques Roadshow, which launches its 13th season this month, found some extraordinary items at its Palm Springs taping.

Remember the little black dress that Marilyn Monroe wore in "Some Like it Hot"? Well, it turned up in one of the Roadshow appraisals. (SPOILER ALERT) ... and it's valued between $150,000 and $250,000.

But that's not the most valuable item ever appraised on the program. That honor goes to a 1937 painting by abstract artist Clyfford Still. Received by the current owner as a housewarming gift, it's currently estimated at (*drumroll, please*) $500,000.

The Palm Springs episodes were taped last June, and will be aired beginning January 5th.

Visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html for the full schedule and more information.

— Karen

Antique News | Antiques News | Antiques Show | Vintage Fashion

Friday, January 02, 2009 10:12:24 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Resolve to find success in 2009
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Let’s see… This year I want to lose 15 pounds… This year I am going to get organized… This year…

Don’t you just love New Year’s resolutions? Not me. There is always so much to do, so much I want to do, I am never sure where to start.
It seems each January 1st we use the New Year as an opportunity to examine our lives and determine what steps we should take to make them better. This turns into a list, often a lengthy, overzealous one, called resolutions. I wholeheartedly support the notion, but know the reality for many of us is a lack of follow-through and lasting commitment beyond 30, 60 or 90 days.

Maybe the easy route for me this year is to lower my expectations – not resolve to change anything. Trust me, that is a very appealing option. I think what scares me is the word “change.” I deal with so much change the way it is, personally and professionally, do I want to facilitate even more? And what about the risks of trying something different?

Do you think about resolutions for your antiques business? You probably do, but just call them “goals” instead. That’s a good starting point. We should be looking ahead – but must learn from the past.

2008 was a tough year for a lot of us, whether we are shop owners, dealers or collectors. What can we learn from it? Was there something we could have done differently to change the outcome? Do we know people who had a positive year financially? How did they make that happen? Is it something we could try, too?

Sometimes the word “change” is intimidating. Maybe we should use the word “improve” instead. I resolve to improve my business this year … but may have to make some changes to reach my goals. Do I need to exhibit at more shows this year? Less shows? Do I need to add an online component to my business? Or do more with what I have?

A quote that inspires me to action is this: “To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.” What do you want to get in 2009? What are you willing to do to get it?

Antique Trader would like to hear about your New Year’s resolutions for your antiques businesses and collecting activity in 2009.

Drop me a letter, an email at robyn.austin@fwmedia.com, or share your thoughts as a reply here or in our forums at www.antiquetrader.com.

Let’s make 2009 the year we make our resolutions and actually keep them! Happy New Year!

— Robyn

Antiques, blog, question of the week

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 4:00:46 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Grand Rapids Antiques Market
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

If you're in the Grand Rapids area, you won't want to miss the Grand Rapids Antiques Market this weekend.

Antiques Roadshow appraiser (and Atlantique City alum) Caroline Ashleigh is slated to appear and speak on Saturday about using antiques as investment opportunities (that is, of course, for those of us who need a reason other than "love" to rationalize buying antiques).

Ashleigh is but one of many speakers scheduled to appear at the market, in addition to the offerings of 130 booths with 200 dealers.

You can read more about the G.R. Antiques Market by clicking here.

Antique Show | Antiques Show

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 12:01:07 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

The visit to the antique mall results
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

A while back, I mentioned I was taking my daughter, who is 6, to the Fox River Antique Mall for her first antique mall visit.

I'll bet you're all on the edges of your seats wondering how that went.

I have to tell you, I was nervous taking someone so young - who likes to touch everything - to a mall that is packed with as-yet unfound treasures.

I was pleased with our visit. My daughter followed my instructions and only had to be reminded a few times about not touching the breakables.

I asked her what she liked the most about the antique mall, and she said, "All the bones." (They have a booth that has many fossils and petrified items for sale.)

All the furs also made an impression on her ... a not-so-pleasant one. We were both somewhat mortified by the "rare monkey fur hand muffler."

Sad to say, though, that the oak bookcase/secretary that I wanted was gone. And so were the end tables that I was sitting on the fence for and finally made up my mind to buy. Sad for me, happy for the dealers.

I guess I just have to remember: If you snooze, you lose.

Have any of you ever lost out on an antique treasure because you waited or couldn't make up your mind? I'd appreciate it if you would post a reply here and let us know.

— Karen

Antiques

Sunday, December 21, 2008 2:16:50 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A different kind of holiday classic
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Long before there was American Idol and Star Search and The Gong Show even, there was the Hedberg Family Christmas Program brought to you by… the Hedberg family, of course.

I’m not exactly sure how far back our family Christmas program dates, but we’ve been putting on a performance for my parents well over 30 years.

xmas 3 wisewomen.jpg

One of my earliest recollections was acting out the Nativity Story. I think I was about 4 years old. I was wearing a robe so I believe my role was a shepherd. I can’t remember exactly, but I do recall that my three oldest sisters portrayed the three wise men. Wearing dish towels on their heads, they marched in with the gifts of gold, frankincense and ... packages of graham crackers (see photo).

Each year for our family Christmas gathering, we either put on a play, share a reading or sing as a family unit or as individuals or small groups. Thankfully, this is not like American Idol. Mom and Dad do not judge us, merely enjoy the performances.

elves xmas prog 3.jpg

We also learned early on that there was no such thing as embarrassment. Check out the picture at right. My twin sister Raylene (the taller one on the left) and I dressed up in the elf costumes we wore for our grade-school program and sang a song. No one ever accused me of being shy (or tall, for that matter).

As our family has expanded over the years to add spouses and children, the format of the program has changed. Now, instead of the original family doing something together, each of us eight kids do a number, so to speak, with our respective families.

Many times, on the long drive to our family gathering, I have written a poem or something my family can read together. As a former elf, I always look forward to it. I just have to get my other “participants” to share the excitement. I mean really, they can’t be that embarrassed. It’s not like I’m making them wear elf suits!

Or am I?

Antique Trader would love to hear stories of your family holiday traditions — whether it’s trimming the tree, caroling, participating in a program or watching the real holiday classics on television.

Drop a note in the mail box, my inbox (robyn.austin@fwmedia.com) or post a reply in our forums online at antiquetrader.com. Maybe your holiday tradition can become a classic for someone else.

Happy Holidays!

— Robyn

Antiques, blog, question of the week

Wednesday, December 17, 2008 2:28:55 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Uninformed point of view?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Good Morning Everyone!

That was an enthusiastic greeting, wasn't it? Probably because it's not even 9:00 yet and I'm on my second cup of coffee ... (regular, of course)

As I was cruising the antiques news this morning, I read a show announcement for a Tucson, Arizona, show (40-plus dealers expected at antiques fair Sunday) and couldn't help but daydream just a little bit about what it would be like to go. After all, the thermometer here in Iola reads -8 degrees at the moment, and my husband was just telling me last week how nice it was in Arizona when he was there the week before.

I'd consider it a nice place to visit, but roots in Wisconsin tend to run deep.

As I scrolled to the bottom of the page — I like to check the comments people leave on stories — I saw this:

Where does one even begin to comment on this sort of statement? Of course, we really can't guess the situation "Scotty F" is in as he wrote the comment. Perhaps he's just stirring the pot, so to speak.

It is true that unless you're in the antiques business, buying antiques doesn't rank up there with the necessity of keeping food on the table and a roof over your head.

But I don't consider money spent on antiques as being "pissed away."

(Though I do have to confess that I don't feel the same way about some items touted as "collectibles" that are on the market ... but to each their own.)

I know many — if not all of you — feel the same way about antiques. It's money well-spent if you spend wisely.

If you haven't read it already, I encourage you to read How to rationalize almost any antiques purchase by Mark Roeder. (Part 2 of "how to rationalize" is coming soon.)

I think our pal "Scotty F" should read it too.

antique | Antique Show | Antiques | Antiques News | Antiques Show

Tuesday, December 16, 2008 8:48:14 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Tin Toy Expert To Visit Trenton City Museum
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Noted tin toy authority Alan Jaffe will speak at 2 p.m. Jan. 11, 2009 at Ellarslie, the Trenton City Museum, in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition A Toy Story: Seven Decades of J. Chein and Company, New Jersey Toymaker. Jaffe, a former newspaper reporter, editor and contributor to Inside Collector, an antiques and collectibles magazine, has collected antique toys and advertising characters since the early 1980s. Copies of his book J. Chein & Co., A Collector’s Guide to an American Toymaker (Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1997) will be available at Molly’s, the Shop at Ellarslie, after the talk and while the exhibit is on display.

Beginning in 1903 and lasting into the 1970s, the J. Chein and Co. began churning out millions of tin lithographed mechanical toys, many featuring the visages of the 20th centuries' most beloved cartoon characters. These toys have become iconic collectibles sought after at auction the world over. This winter, a never-before exhibited collection of J. Chein tin toys and memorabilia will be on display at the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion in Trenton, New Jersey’s beautiful Cadwalader Park. Chein family members are exhibiting their personal collections, which include their most memorable toys, accompanied by pieces from the extensive collection of Georgia Marsh, the world’s leading collector of Chein Toys.

Jaffe's work outside the antiques community is well-known in southern New Jersey and suburban Philadelphia. A working journalist for thirty years, Jaffe spent nine years with the Courier-Post as an editor and columnist on antiques and collectibles, and another eight years as a news editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer. Currently he is public relations manager for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which produces the Philadelphia Flower Show and also writes a column on historic building preservation for PlanPhilly, a website based at the University of Pennsylvania. Jaffe and his wife, BJ, live in Center City Philadelphia, in a 19th-century home filled with antiques, including vintage toys.

For additional information visit the museum website at www.ellarslie.org or call 609-989-3632. Visitors to the Museum should enter Cadwalader Park at the intersection of Parkside Ave. and Bellevue Ave., (between E. State and Stuyvesant Streets) and follow the drive through the Park to the Museum.

The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion is owned by the City of Trenton, Douglas H. Palmer, Mayor, maintained and operated by the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources & Culture, Division of Culture. This program is made possible in part by the Mercer County Cultural and Heritage Commission through funding from the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts. All programs and additional support provided by The Trenton Museum Society.

Toys

Monday, December 15, 2008 8:52:49 AM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

NJ collectibles auction with potential
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

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.

Antique Glass | Antiques Auction | Auction | Vintage Fashion

Sunday, December 14, 2008 7:01:44 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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The Greater Boston Antiques Festival
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Over 160 antiques dealers from 10 states will assemble under one roof at THE GREATER BOSTON ANTIQUES FESTIVAL at the Shriner’s Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday, January 17-18, 2009, showcasing thousands of sought after items including furniture from many periods, European ceramics, American pottery, sterling silver, folk art, mid century modern and jewelry of all types from fine antique estate to mid century costume. The Greater Boston Antiques Festival features dealers who have been screened for the quality of their items. Antique collectors of all levels can browse New England’s finest antiques collections in one easy stop without dealing with Boston’s parking and traffic problems. The Greater Boston Antiques Festival has something for everyone from the casual collector to the experienced investor to the person who is looking to decorate a home.

Admission to The Greater Boston Antiques Festival is only $8 per person (16 and under free.) Hours are Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, MA, just 15 minutes north of Boston off interstate 93. Directions to Shriner’s Auditorium: Rte 93 to Exit #39 (3 exits north of the I-95 and I-93 interchange in Woburn). Take a right at the end of the ramp onto Concord St. Take your first left onto Fordham Rd. The Shriner's Auditorium is located on the right hand side at the end of Fordham Rd. For more information call (781) 862-4039 or visit www.NEAntiqueShows.com. Free parking is available for 1,500 vehicles.

The Greater Boston Antiques Festival is managed by Marvin Getman of New England Antique Shows.

Antique Show | Antiques News | Antiques Show | Antiques, Atlantique City, Antiques Show, Antique Trader, Collectibles

Sunday, December 14, 2008 6:36:46 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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Saturday, December 13, 2008

Perpetuating the Postcard Pastime
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

My husband recently changed jobs. He was miserable at his former position, which he had held for 17 years, so after months of indecision and doubt, he made the jump to a new career that will be much more rewarding and satisfying for him. However, it will take him away from home for weeks at a time.

We have a six-year-old daughter who will miss her father terribly. Like most kids, she is a collector; she will gather and save everything from pinecones to rocks from the driveway to drawings from her friends.

To take some of the sting out of him being gone, I gave my husband the directive that he should send her postcards from all his destinations. I even sent him on his way with a supply of 27-cent stamps (the current postal rate for postcards, in case you haven’t sent any recently), and he promised to send her cards from everywhere he goes.

I gave her an album that the cards will fit into (as long as he sticks with standard-size cards), and now she’s set to start a collection that she will cherish for the rest of her life. Children always like getting their own mail; I can’t think of a better way to initiate a child into what could be a rewarding life-long hobby.

The first postcard should arrive from Arizona any time now.

And postcards are easier to store than pinecones, too.

— Karen

Ephemera | Postcards

Saturday, December 13, 2008 5:05:27 PM (Central Standard Time, UTC-06:00)

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