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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
12/31/2008 5:00:46 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00) 
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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
12/30/2008 1:01:07 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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
12/21/2008 3:16:50 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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.  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.  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
12/17/2008 3:28:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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
12/16/2008 9:48:14 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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
12/15/2008 9:52:49 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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! 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
12/14/2008 8:01:44 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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
12/14/2008 7:36:46 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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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
12/13/2008 6:05:27 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Thursday, December 11, 2008
Antiques By The Bay, Jan. 4, 2009
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
From Antiques By The Bay:
Over 800 outdoor dealers selling their merchandise
on the first Sunday of every month at the former Alameda Point Naval
Air Station in Alameda, California. Everything sold at our show must be
at least twenty years old and there are no reproductions allowed. The
Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire entered its fifth year as
of September 2003. The show has grown in leaps and bounds, giving
Northern California the largest antiques and collectibles faire ever.
In 1998, the show started out with 250 booths and an attendance of
about 3300 antique shoppers.
This
year, we broke all of our records with 800 booths and a growing
attendance that recently topped out at 10,000 customers. No pets are
allowed as we are adjacent to a National Wildlife Refuge. We have grown
in reputation as well as size. The Alameda Point Antiques and
Collectibles Faire has been featured in Sunset Magazine, as well as
Home and Garden Television's antiques show, "Flea Market Finds," and
attracts buyers from as far away as Japan. The Alameda Point Antiques
and Collectibles Faire is co-produced by Betsy and Jerry Goldman and
Allen Michaan and Sandra Michaan.
Click here to visit the Antiques By The Bay Web site.Sounds like my kinda show ...
Antique Show | Antiques Show
12/11/2008 4:18:32 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Dead Sea Scrolls on exhibit in St. Paul in 2010
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Exciting news. This is truly a rare and exciting opportunity. The priceless treasure from the shores of the Dead Sea will be put on rare display in 2010 at the Science Museum of Minnesota.
It will be the first time the ancient and priceless writings will be
displayed publicly in Minnesota, museum officials said Tuesday.
You can read the full article from the Star Tribune by clicking here.
Antiquities | Historic Preservation
12/10/2008 5:13:41 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Antiques education on the rise during recession?
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
A bad economy spurs growth? While at first glance this statement might seem somewhat contradictory given today’s economic woes, it would appear that a few sectors of the antique market are experiencing some rather significant gains in some rather unexpected areas. The Asheford Institute of Antiques, a professional-level distance-learning program on antiques and collectibles, recently announced that it’s winter enrollment applications had spiked dramatically during the last quarter of 2008 - a somewhat surprising development when considering the overall state of today’s current marketplace. When contacted directly about the sudden rise in enrollments, Asheford Admissions Dean, Tony Dre w, commented that, “In times of economic trouble, people often turn to education as a means to increase their income, and sometimes even as a catalyst to find a new career direction in life – we’ve seen it before.” He went on to say that with the school’s addition of an “appraising program,” he thought there might also be more interest due in part to recent housing foreclosures and subsequent content sales - resulting in the increased demand for qualified appraisers. “Almost every other enrollment we take now is based on students wanting to become antique and collectible appraisers,” said Drew.0A Longtime industry analyst Jeffery Archer also noted that, not all areas of the economy are always affected adversely when it comes to a recession, “In fact,” said Archer, “some sectors of the antique and collectibles market can offer tremendous value and superb buying opportunities for those with the right knowledge and expertise.” Archer went on to say it shouldn’t be a surprise when schools such as Asheford witness strong growth demand, “It’s all about opportunity – when times are tough, people often seize the best options available to them – in this case it happens to be antique education.” The Asheford school, which recently celebrated its 42nd year this past week, marked the milestone with a small gala, during which school director Charles Green commented, “It’s nice to be able to provide our students with some positive growth potential - even in such difficult economic times.” For more information call 877 444-4508, visit www.asheford.com or write Asheford Institute of Antiques, 981 Harbor Blvd., Ste. 3, Dept. 275RY12, Destin, FL 32541-2525
Antique News | Antiques | Antiques News
12/10/2008 5:04:45 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, December 09, 2008
International Society of Appraisers sets 2009 education schedule
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
The International Society of Appraisers is ready to start 2009 with a
high-quality education program and expanded course offerings.
ISA is the leading association for personal property appraisers and
information on the appraisal profession. ISA delivers a clear, concise
path to certification for its members ensuring ethical, quality, and
sound appraisals. The CORE Course is designed to give an overview of
the personal property appraisal field. “The importance of the CORE
Course is to provide a strong understanding of the basics to begin
and/or grow your appraisal business along with your specialty knowledge
with some ease,” said Judith Martin, ISA Board Member.
ISA has chosen a satellite campus of Northern Illinois University in
Hoffman Estates located at 5555 Trillium Blvd. to hold the majority of
their 2009 courses.
More information about ISA and their education program can be obtained
by contacting ISA Headquarters at 312-224-2567 or visiting www.isa-appraisers.org.
Antique News | Antiques | Antiques News
12/9/2008 5:03:04 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, December 08, 2008
Austrian Art Nouveau lamps at Morphy Auction
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Tiffany Studios’ stunning turn of the 20th century leaded-glass lamps
appear frequently in the auction marketplace, but many collectors may
not be aware of a contemporaneous but far-less-expensive alternative:
Austrian figural bronze-base lamps.
Made during the same timeframe as their botanically themed Tiffany
counterparts, Austrian Art Nouveau specialty lamps often incorporate
bronze animal forms as their bases. They are almost always devoid of
manufacturer or foundry marks.
“These lamps have always flown under the radar,” said a New York
collector of 30 years. “Not too many people know what they are. They’re
very unusual and of incredible quality. From a design standpoint, they
were ahead of their time, and are now rarer than Tiffany lamps – that’s
something that always attracted me to them.”
The collector, who uses his lamps functionally and has kept them in
perfect working order, says it is unusual to find an example for sale
at a public venue. “It has always been incredibly difficult to find
these lamps. The first one I ever saw was in the United States at a
show, but over the past three decades I’ve obtained almost all of my
lamps through private sources. Dealers have gotten to know me and will
call when they find a lamp they think I would like.”
Tiffany Studios lamps, by comparison, are much easier to source, the
collector said. “If you wanted a Tiffany Magnolia lamp, for example,
you could put the word out and probably find one within months. That’s
not the case with these Austrian lamps. They’re extraordinarily rare
and unique.”
In his collection, one may find lamps replicating peacocks, a frog and
toadstool, a dragon, alligator, and mythological Jugendstil-type fish,
among many other creatures. Each features an enameled or
faux-jewel-studded shade, as well as cabochons and other iridescent
jewel accents, often serving as eyes. Throughout, the artistry is
superb.
When lamps of this style appear at auction, it’s major news to
collectors, said the interviewee. “There was a lizard lamp at
Christie’s East, but that was over 15 years ago,” he said. “Then last
year a collection appeared at Hal Hunt’s auction house in Alabama.
There must have been 700 people there.”
Now it is the collector’s turn to sell. In the opening session of
Morphy Auctions’ Dec. 11-13 Winter Sale, his 23-lamp collection will be
auctioned, with no lamps held back. If there is a showstopper that
leads the rest of the menagerie, it’s the superb 18-inch-high figural
peacock lamp whose draped bronze base dramatically replicates a
peacock’s showy tail feathers with inset jewels. Adding to its
magnificence is a Mont Joye enameled-glass shade with quintessential
Art Nouveau butterfly-and-dragonfly motif. It is expected to make
between $6,000-$8,000.
For additional information, call 717-335-3435 or view the fully
illustrated catalog online at www.morphyauctions.com or
www.liveauctioneers.com. Circa-1915 jewel-eyed frog and toadstool lamp with Austrian glass shade – estimate $2,000-$2,500.
Antique News | Antiques | Antiques Auction | Antiques News | Auction
12/8/2008 12:27:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Friday, December 05, 2008
Dreaming of a black Christmas
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
With the calendar page turned to December, Thanksgiving has come and gone – along with Black Friday.
Most of you know the reason they call the busiest shopping day of the
year Black Friday is because it is considered the day retailers begin
operating in the black (turning a profit) and, if the season goes well,
will finish the year with financial books in the black.
This year, the black also symbolized death. When I heard the news story
about the temporary store worker who was trampled to death by an
overzealous crowd of shoppers, I was shocked. But not completely
surprised. Sometimes people can be desperate for deals – no matter what
it takes.
I personally don’t shop on Black Friday if I can avoid it. Oh, I
consider it. I page through all the circulars to see what’s on sale,
then ask myself, “Is there anything I can’t live without? That I’d
fight the crowds for? Is this deal sooooo good it is worth setting the
alarm for 2 a.m. so I can be in line somewhere by 3 a.m. for a 4
o’clock opening?” Pretty much without exception, the answer is no.
A friend of mine said he had wonderful shopping experience this year on
Black Friday. That’s because he was hitting antiques shops instead of
the big box retailers. “No crowds to fight there,” he said. Then we
both realized that while it was good news for him and his bargain
shopping mission, empty antiques stores are never a good sign.
Antique Trader would like to know what you shop and mall owners are
doing to attract shoppers this holiday season? How can we as an
industry convince people that purchasing an antique for themselves or
as a gift is a far better investment than buying a silly gadget that
could break by the time the Easter bunny comes hopping around?
Perhaps instead of focusing on offering the best deals, we should offer
the experience. We have something those chain stores don’t have. We
have history. We have nostalgia. Who doesn’t like to step back in time
and remember Christmases past? Have you found a way to offer that this
holiday season?
Please share your ideas via email at robyn.austin@fwmedia.com or comment in the Talkin’ Shop message board on our Web site. Let’s do what we can to help each other finish the year in the black.
Antiques, blog, question of the week
12/5/2008 12:30:57 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Midgetoy founder passes
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
Submitted from John W. Vayo, owner of J.W. Antiques, Hebron, Ill., and author of “Midgetoy: An All American Toy Story.”Perhaps the last surviving founder of any American toy company, Earl W. Herdklotz, passed on Nov. 13, 2008, in Rockford, Ill. Earl was secretary-treasurer of the Midgetoy division of A&E Tool and Gage. Earl was the toy man who gave direction to Midgetoy and the more than 200 toys produced between 1946 and 1980. His brother Al (passed December 2002) was president and more the tool and gage entrepreneur of the brothers. A third brother, Richard (in ill health) worked with them, but never partnered. In our many visits and discussions, cleaning the factory, or just talking, I was fortunate to be able to pick Earl’s knowledge and expertise regarding each toy, its development from drawing to wooden model prototype and finishing casting. He was forthcoming, honest and thorough in his presentations with me or anyone at toy shows or meetings. Certainly the toy world, lovers of “Made in USA,” and collectors will now sorely miss Earl and his straightforward, dry humor approach to his beloved Midgetoys. I hope some of you met or had a chance to listen to his storied information as I did. Earl was 88.
Antique News | Antiques News | Toys
12/2/2008 11:27:06 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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Monday, December 01, 2008
"Variety" sums up this auction offering
Posted by Antique Trader Staff
I perused the ProxiBid listing for this Official Auctions, Inc., auction. (Click here to take a peek here if you like.)Lots of cars, coins & a wonderful variety of art. Official Auctions, Inc., Huge Fine Art Auction- Saturday December 13th 2008 from 10:07 a.m. to 6 p.m. 3130 Wheeling Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129.
Large private collections featuring hundreds of original framed oils, prints, serigraphs. Signed prints: Matisse, Dali, Rockwell Merkin, Max, Escher, more. Sculptures by Preiss, hand carved Hopi Indian art. Original oils by famous artists: Jansem, & Simari. Early American, European, and Western art. Pre-Columbian pottery. Other auction items: Antique one owner vehicles, 1950 Packard, 1972 Lincoln Mark-4, 1948 Harley. Rare collector coins, antique furniture, railroad collectors pieces. Simulcast online bidding. Online catalog www.oaiauctions.com 816-861-3700
Antiques Auction | Auction | fine art | Toys
12/1/2008 12:48:55 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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