Antique Trader Blog - Thursday, June 11, 2009

24 charged with Native American artifact looting
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

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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Antiquities | Historic Preservation | stolen antiques

Thursday, June 11, 2009 4:07:20 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Vintage market opportunity
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

The SoWa Antiques Market (Boston) is open every Sunday (except holidays) through Oct. 25 (open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; free admission; free parking).

Looks like a great opportunity for those in the area to browse and pick up a "selection of antiques and quality collectibles, including vintage fashion, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern furniture, jewelry, books, art glass and more."

Held at 540 Harrison Ave., Boston.

For information call 781-862-4039 or visit http://www.sowaantiques.com.

If you go, please let us know what you think. Is it worth the trip? Did you find a treasure to take home?

Post a reply here or drop us a line ...

I'll quote my niece when I once gave my husband a five pound Hershey's chocolate bar: "Share - share - share!"

— Posted by Karen Knapstein (karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com)

P.S. Thank you Shaun for the heads-up!

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

Thursday, June 11, 2009 10:48:02 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Question of the Week: Getting in touch with other collectors
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

This week, we'd like to know how you get in touch with other collectors.

Do you network with folks with similar interests at shows and conventions? Or do you use online services like Facebook, My Space, or Twitter to get in touch with others who share your interests?

Or are you an "island" and keep to yourself when it comes to collecting?

I've not considered that option before ....

Please post a reply here or in the Antique Trader message boards, or drop us a line at karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com and let us know.

Antiques Blog | Antiques Blogs | Antiques, blog, question of the week

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:33:14 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Tick ... tick ... tick ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

And time ticks away. Here it is, past six p.m. on Wednesday, and I haven't blogged since Saturday! Where did those days go!?

Ah, yes, I remember - I was in the throes of getting the newest edition of Antique Trader ready to go to the printer ...

If I do say so myself, it's another good issue, folks. This week's features are on the challenges of collecting Native American artifacts and on collecting military patches.

Interesting stuff.

Here's a look at the cover:

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Antique News | Antiques | Antiques News | Antiques publications | Antiquities

Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:27:17 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Saturday, June 06, 2009

I don't think you'll want to miss these either
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Lots of antique auction news ...

Rare ark form Hanukkah lamp sells for $314,000 in Skinner's Fine Judaica Auction

Peter the Great portrait steals the show at St. Charles Gallery sale

Impressive lifetime collections hit the block, June 27

Entertainment icons live on at Julien’s auction - Marilyn Monroe & Elvis Presley: what's not to love ...

Anglo-Portuguese chest on stand gathers $74,150 at Weschler sale

Historic Enchanted Village holiday display to be auctioned

James D. Julia’s June sale offers their finest selection to date

Swann Galleries’ June 11 auction offers large selection of atlases, maps, and works on natural history

First edition Harry Potter trove highlights June Rare Books Auction in Dallas

Vast array of fine antiques offered at Susanin's, June 13

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More exciting news: Antique Trader broke 600 followers on Twitter today! Follow us at http://twitter.com/antiquetrader and find out what's going on with us first-hand.

Saturday, June 06, 2009 5:05:25 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Friday, June 05, 2009

Antique article shortcuts
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Shortcuts can be a good thing ...

The Lalique mystique still captivates collectors

Nothing to sneeze at: Shakers add spice to life

Ask Antique Trader: Gent’s stand allowed shaving in style

Postcards tell of disaster in Texas City

Burning stones: Mining history tells a dark tale

(on a personal note - I think the Texas City disaster postcards and the burning stones articles are my favorites for the week)

When room runs out for the collection, the collection gets another room

(isn't it every collector's fantasy to have a totally dedicated space for their collection?)

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

Friday, June 05, 2009 4:59:42 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Thursday, June 04, 2009

Mystery antiques: The Great Unknown
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

The Great Unknown

Every week, “Ask Antique Trader” receives scores of inquiries from readers, seeking more information about a recent find, a gift from a friend or relative, or an oddity that’s been sitting on a shelf for years.

We pass all of these questions along to our panel of experts, but once in awhile, we get a question about an object that stops us in our tracks. We want to share these unusual treasures with readers in the hope that they’ll offer their opinions and perhaps enlighten us all.

“Ask Antique Trader” will feature these oddities on a regular basis in the print and online editions of the magazine. Send your comments to AskAT@fwmedia.com.

I’ve seen many cast-iron picture frames over the years, but never one like this. Instead of the usual scrolls, it has a jack-in-the-pulpit motif. I think it must be quite rare.

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Can you help identify this item?

I bought this item at an auction. No one there knew what it was. I searched through all my furniture books and took it once to a local appraiser, and he was also stumped. The pyramid shape is just decorative. The inside is a square box. The feet have felt-like material attached. Would you be able to tell me what it is and what it’s worth? — J.M., Cape May, N.J.

Post a reply here on the blog or e-mail your replies to AskAT@fwmedia.com.

antique | Antique Mystery Item | Antiques

Thursday, June 04, 2009 9:51:36 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Wednesday, June 03, 2009

And the winner is ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Each month, Antique Trader has been hosting a new sweepstakes related to antiques and collectibles. Usually we select a collecting resource, sometimes we sweepstakes off a collectible itself. You may recall that when we launched the Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes last year, our first sweepstakes prize was a set of porcelain butter pats.

The sweepstakes continues, and the list of winners grows with each passing month. The winner of the April Antique Trader Treasure Hunt sweepstakes has been picked and contacted.

Congratulations to Vernon Sahlin of New Straitsville, Ohio. Vernon won a copy of the Antique Trader Guide to Fakes and Reproductions by Mark Chervenka.
When I spoke with Vernon, he said anything that he and his wife are really interested in, they enter for. He gives a lot of the little things he wins to his grandkids, but he said he’s definitely going to keep this prize.

Vernon and his wife are both in their seventies and enjoy reading the auction and show listings in the Antique Trader. He says they can’t get out and travel to all the shows and auctions, but they can keep up with what’s going on by reading the show and auction news in the Antique Trader. “We can’t retire too much,” Vernon says.

Vernon, we hope you enjoy your Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, and keep those entries coming! The June sweepstakes prize is the Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles and related ceramicware of the ‘50s and ‘60s by Walter Dworkin.

I think everyone would agree with Vernon when he said, “It’s fun to win!” But there’s no way you can win if you don’t enter!

Visit sweepstakes.antiquetrader.com and enter today for your chance to win!

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Antique News | Antiques News

Wednesday, June 03, 2009 6:02:41 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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AT Question of the Week
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

This week, we have a great feature on collections and how they expand to fill a space and beyond.

This feature prompted our question of the week:

How do you store, display or use your antiques and collectibles in your home? Are your favorite things used often or just brought out for a special occasion?

Post a reply here and let us know, or e-mail karen.knapstein@fwmedia.com, or post a reply in the Antique Trader message boards.

Antiques, blog, question of the week

Wednesday, June 03, 2009 5:59:49 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Antique Trader, June 17, 2009 issue
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Here's a peek at the cover of the newest issue of Antique Trader:

What do you think?

Antique Glass | Antiques publications | Antiques, Atlantique City, Antiques Show, Antique Trader, Collectibles | kitchen antiques

Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:50:59 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Sunday, May 31, 2009

New Antique Trader sweepstakes launches today
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Yes, that's right! Your chance to enter for the fan-bird carving and postcards has passed.

But don't worry ... we've launched another sweeps starting today, June 1, that runs until the end of June.

This month we're taking sweepstakes entries for the Price Guide to Holt-Howard Collectibles and related ceramicware of the '50s and '60s. If you're of a certain age, I'm sure you're familiar with the look of these fun and funky collectibles, and we'll be giving away a wonderful resource for identifying and valuing these ceramic cuties.

Don't miss out! Enter today - and every day - for this great prize!

CLICK HERE or on the banner to enter the Antique Trader Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Antique news odd | Antiques publications | kitchen antiques

Sunday, May 31, 2009 11:06:42 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Saturday, May 30, 2009

If you're into 20th century design ...
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

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

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

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

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

Antiques | Antiques Auction | Auction | Modern | Modernism

Saturday, May 30, 2009 9:52:38 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Brooklyn Flea expands - again
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

... this time under the Brooklyn Bridge. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, to be exact.

According to a press release, dozens of vendors will take advantage of this venue every Sunday from June 14 through October. Since the Brooklyn Flea's launch in 2008, it has boasted continued and increasing success.

From their official press release:

“It’s an honor to be expanding The Flea to a second location with the stature and history of the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Brooklyn Flea Co-Founder Jonathan Butler. “In these tumultuous economic times, it’s also particularly gratifying to create another opportunity for the hundreds of small businesses in the Flea family to continue to grow.”

For more information on the Brooklyn Flea, visit www.brooklynflea.com.

For more information on the Brooklyn Bridge Park, visit www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org.

By the way, if any of you visit the flea, please share your experiences and post your impressions here.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Antique News | Antique Show | Antiques News | Antiques Show

Thursday, May 28, 2009 11:03:17 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

Comments [2]

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Collect.com Auctions Catalog Available for Viewing
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

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

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

Happy bidding.

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

Antique News | Antiques Auction | Antiques News | Auction

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 12:25:19 PM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Antique Trader Subscriber Alert
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

Please be aware that there are some unauthorized magazine agencies that may attempt to solicit your renewal subscription to Antique Trader magazine either through the mail or by telephone. They operate under several different names and request that payment be sent directly to them.

Be sure to renew your subscription only through one of our mailed notices. These notices bear the Antique Trader logo and ask that payment be made to Antique Trader and sent to our Subscription Processing Center in Palm Coast, FL. Any request for payment made out to someone else or sent to a different address is likely fraudulent.

We value our relationship with you and want to ensure that you are informed of these unscrupulous practices. If you would like to contact us, please send us a note to the Subscription Services address at the front of the Antique Trader magazine.

For more information, visit http://www.fwmedia.com/customerservice.

Antique scams | Antiques publications

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:21:55 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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M.S. Rau's new blog
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

M.S. Rau Antiques has been in New Orleans' French Quarter for almost 100 years. Their 25,000 square foot gallery is filled with collections of fine art, jewelry and the finest 18th and 19th century antiques. (Just saying they're "fine" and even "finest" seems like an understatement.)

They've recently relaunched their Web site (http://www.rauantiques.com/). It's a nice site with a selection of collections that you can lose your day perusing.

And now they've launched a blog (http://www.rauantiques.com/blog/) where you’ll find information on the gallery’s latest acquisitions, show information and their personal insights on antiques and fine art.

Before you pop on over there, you may want to reserve a respectable amount of time to dedicate ... but then again, you may have more strength and restraint than I do.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:02:26 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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Design and value
Posted by Antique Trader Staff

I had an interesting conversation with my husband the other day. After an on-air appraisal (I'll bet you can guess which show we were watching) of a George Nakashima table (1967) valued at $50,000-$60,000. [Click here to view the table and read more about it.]

My dear husband was somewhat dumbfounded. He said "That's not even old!" That was so sweet as I too am of 1967 vintage.

Anyway, what followed was an interesting discussion of value based on design and the designer versus value based on age. Of course, both need high quality craftsmanship. He said he didn't even like the way the table looked. It looked "plain" and "too new." He favors the 19th century Victorian look versus the Modern look.

My personal tastes follow along the same lines as his (another reason we get along so well together).

The attraction (demand) for so many to any finely designed and crafted furniture — no matter what the style — makes it valuable ... it's not just the age.

— Posted by Karen Knapstein

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

Antique Blog | Antiques Blog

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:15:55 AM (Central Daylight Time, UTC-05:00)

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