What is it about a doorknob?

We were In Marion for the 4th of July specials and stopped at a store that had architectural salvage.  This store had a wonderful way of displaying door knobs in frames, boards and cupcake holders.  Come to find out the owner is enamored with doorknobs!  I start to share with him that I love doorknobs and the most unique one had a geisha girl surrounded by an umbrella and he knew the exact  set I was talking about.  Apparently I had (sold) the ever sought after Geisha Girl.   He then hands me an application for Antique Doorknob Collectors of America brochure.  Who knew!  I guess there is a collectors club of just about anything.

June  is for weddings and the Brides are looking for hobnail milk glass to use for table decor.  Look for the marked pieces of Fenton, Westmoreland Glass or Imperial Glass.  Still affordable and can be cheaper than new pieces.

What is this?

Watch this page for future pictures with research and appraisals on antiques that come across my table while publicly speaking at antique appraisal events.

Outdoor antique trends

What is the current trend in antiques?  Anything architectural.   If you can use it outside that is even better.  The trend for outdoor spaces has included vintage metal, industrial and wooden farm furniture.  Take a second look at a piece before you edit it.   Can you paint it to weather proof it?  Can your repurpose it?  Price out some of the outdoor decor for sale in todays marketplace and you will see the benefit of recycle, reuse and repurpose.

Repair or replace, that is the Question

We are off today to go antiquing and our first stop will be True Value Antiques  in Illinois to pick up a repair.  Walt has a true eye for repair or replacing antique jewelry.  It is the best investment you can make in the antique business if you can find an artist to identify and repair antique jewelry.  These fine craftsmen can help you understand if something can be fixed or if it's a lost cause.  They are also a good resource for parts to use in your own jewelry making endeavors for those of you who like to design your own jewelry.

Fairy trends effect value on this antique. A 1900's gold filled locket will fetch about $100 but add in the popularity of the fairy and you can double the value.

Antique Fairy Locket

Antique Jewelry and repair

Just had a customer in today to replace a 1930's Art Deco filigree diamond ring.  Be careful who you have work on your vintage jewelry and photograph it before the work is started.  She had a jeweler try to repair her grandmothers ring and he cracked the diamond.   He made it right by encasing it in a pendant, but now she can't wear her grandmothers ring on her finger.  Lucky for me she found one in my store.

Selling your collected treasures.

I had a couple of guys come by the shop today to sell me some items that they have collected.  They just wanted what money they put into them and were befuddled when I told them that I would give them 1/3 of there current value.  You see they didn't understand that dealers have to double or triple their money.  We can pay up to 50% of the going price if it's a quick seller.  We have to clean, repair, price and display the item, let alone pay for rent, supplies and any banking fees involved in selling.  Some times it is a gamble to buy an item we are unfamiliar with.  Well there you have it!  Please be realistic and adjust your thinking to the reality of the market.  Not sure what amount to ask?  Check with your reliable Certified Appraiser.

Antique Wooden Washing Machine

Lately I have seEn several wooden hand crank washing machines come through my door for an appraisal.  These tubs are not very marketable anymore and clients are wondering if they can get ANY money for them.  Unfortunately they sell for about $25 -$75 for a single tub, more for a double.
 
Why would anyone bye these?  Mostly for porch decor or flower displays.  Old tubs are great on a porch for tossing in muddy items or organizing outdoor playthings.  Since they are designed for water it makes a great drink cooler and easily drains.  As for use as a flower display they are wonderful for trailing plants and are cheaper than an equal sized traditional pot.  So take a second look at your old wood or galvanized wash tubs and up-cycle them for todays use.

Shelley Pottery

Here we see an English Shelley Art Deco Coffee set.  The Shelley mark on the bottom of the set was used from 1925-45.  The registered number, 756533, represents the Mode style.  The coffee pot is 7"x8", sugar is 2 1/8x4 1/8, creamer is 2 3/4x4 1/4", cups are 2 3/8x2 7/8", saucer is 4 5/8".  Note the geometric handles and the bright yellow color make this set extremely valuable.  The coffee pot is rare due to the extensive use of tea in England.  All pieces are in excellent condition.  Valued at $4,500.

Baccarat  paperweight

This is a Baccarat scattered millefiori weight 2 3/4" valued at $600.  How do we know if this a paperweight is by Baccarat?  There should be a cane with a 'B' some where in the paperweight.
When it comes to valuing millefiori weights, size and sthe number of canes used to make the silhouettes are all-important .  The more the better!  The silhouettes are made by placing rods of different colored glass together, cutting them into sections and placing them on end so they resemble tiny flowers.  This one is very desirable as the letter "B" for Baccarat and the date 1848 are visible on one cane.  The flowers are set against a carpet of tumbled muslin composed of opaque white latticinio canes.  The passion for collecting weights revived in 1960s and many factories are once again producing fine quality examples.  Be sure to purchase from a reputable dealer.