DARYLE LAMBERT ON ANTIQUES - FINE ART - COLLECTIBLES: 7/1/09

Friday, July 31, 2009

This is the Pow Wow Week” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – This could be a great week.

Menomineee Women - Thanks to Flicker.com

This year has been slow for our business, however, there have been pockets of excitement and native American memorabilia is one of them. I have seen the price of silver work, signed and unsigned, gain significantly over the last year and the same can be said of the better bead work. It is unbelievable what the better baskets are bringing and last year at the reservation I saw baskets that I should have purchased but didn't. I won't make that mistake this year.

Acoma and Pueblo pottery has reached heights that are in the stratosphere. Pots are selling in the $20,000 to $50,000 range like these are the greatest times ever. I don't know why but Cecil has a great bowl by Maria that has some small damage but he is having a difficult time selling it. This should possibly tell us to even be more careful when purchasing and try to stay with the mint pieces. This piece in mint condition could have perhaps sold for $5000 or more at one time.

I missed going to an auction in the last six weeks because of a conflict in scheduling. There was a child's vest with beaded American flags on it and I believe it sold for under $2500. I later saw an almost identical one at over $15,000. You do have to be on guard for fakes because there are many on the market today.

One area where I feel I must give you a warning is arrowheads and spear points. Arrowheads and spear points can sell in the thousands of dollars and a spear point that reaches over 8" is one that you may be able to just name your price. These are being reproduced today and they are so good it is difficult for even an expert to tell them from the real ones. Don't believe all the tales about "I dug that myself", because the ones peddling the fakes have no sense of right or wrong. Most of the fakes will be found at swap meets, flea markets or antique shops where the owners aren't experts on arrowhead or spear points. You have a better chance of finding the real things at garage sales where they have been passed down through the family.

A good book on Indian Artifacts is “North American Indian Artifacts by Lar Hothem” and it should be found on Abe Books or Amazon's site.
I have been waiting for this weekend for a year because we will be returning to Northern Wisconsin and the Menominee reservation. Last year was my first year there and it took me some time to acquaint myself with the area. But this year I am prepared and I feel that there are treasures just waiting to be found there. Last year at the pow wow there were at least 500 dancers and over 50 drumming groups present and when Joshua saw that his eyes got as big as silver dollars but before long I had him down on the dance area.

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Thursday, July 30, 2009

“Carnival Glass With a Message” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – You Will Smile.

Good luck Bowl - Thanks to usauctionlist.com

I am sure that you have heard that words are sometimes worth very little but this isn't always the truth. Let me share with you where words can mean a lot. Writing on Carnival Glass can greatly enhance its value, in fact, to a point that it is even hard for me to believe.

Because Cecil, my friend in Kentucky, was selling several pieces of Carnival glass, I thought that it might be time for me to update my personal information on Carnival. Boy was I surprised with the new prices. In fact I am glad that I haven't found any great Carnival Glass lately because I would have given it away. I am going to give you an update of five pieces and get ready to hold your hat.

A Millersburg piece called Court House came in a 7” bowl and only one color Amethyst. The old price was $2500 but today it should bring $4500. A George W. Getts plate by Northwood in Amethyst in the old book was listed for $2000 and today it is only $1850. That is where the bad news stops if you can believe it.

Now we are going to where the big money is and where finding one piece can change things in your life for awhile. The Good Luck Plate by Northwood was $5000 in my book but this piece in Ice Green now commands a price of $20,000. That could be a down payment on a house! But not to be outdone, the Soldiers and Sailors Indiana plate by Fenton has come a long way from its price of a few years ago of $3500 to where now people would search you out and pay $30,000 for one if you had it. Then we come to the lowly Indiana State House plate in Marigold that sells for $16,000 now versus the $3500 I remember. No one knows how many advertising pieces of Carnival Glass were made but I am sure there are many out there and some that haven't even surfaced yet. I hope you find one of those.

After getting the update from Cecil I had to catch my breath. I had no idea prices had climbed so high but you can bet that they got my attention. Cecil just sold a piece he had listed for $800 called the Campbell and Beesley bowl in Amethyst. I think that he was a little disappointed but still, how can you argue with almost a thousand dollars for something that was a give away?

Be sure to educate yourself to some extent on Carnival and if you have any question either call or email me. There are Carnival Glass Clubs that you can join. They are very inexpensive and I would suggest that you join one. I never thought that I would see a piece of Carnival Glass sell over $5000 and today the heavy hitters in this collectible must think that $5000 is chump change. HAPPY HUNTING.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Using Your Head” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Baseball Caps

GO CUBS - Thanks to capitate.co.uk

Have you ever thought that what was on your head might be worth more than what is in it?

There are a lot of people that might say that about me and even though I don't want to think about it they may be right.

I have written about all types of baseball memorabilia but never just about caps. Yes, there have been cards, uniforms, bats and even programs but never caps. Why is this important? Because what little boy or girl has ever left the the baseball park without convincing their parents that they need a cap from their favorite team. How many of you have seen swarms of kids hanging over the retaining barrier to get a player signature on their cap. I am sure this has been going on since the game became popular. Well, some of those caps have become very popular.

Let's just say you have a Mickey Mantle cap, signed by him. If you check eBay there are two listed: one for $2195 and the other one $1799. I can assure you there are hundreds of these in someone's closet or dresser drawer. Just think if you have a Joe Dimaggo or Willie Mays, what they would be worth. Why stop there? Let's just dream we found a Babe Ruth game cap signed by all the Yankees. If you sold it what kind of car would you like to buy because you could afford it. Just a simple piece of cloth with a bill but it can make your day or year.

I have found that the simplest things can often bring the greatest rewards and I believe that a baseball cap could easily fall into the category. I once went into my friend's bedroom where he wanted to show me his cap collection. There must have been over 100 baseball caps spread throughout his room and he began to explain where each one was from and what he had to do to get them signed. I hope that he didn't have the experience that so many of us had when our parents threw out our baseball collections.

I have told you this before but today it is as vivid in my mind as when it happened. In 1952, Mickey Mantle's rookie card was produced and at that time I was 11 years old and an avid baseball fan. I remember trading with all the kids at school until I had maybe 12 of Mickey's rookie cards. I had one that had a small corner crease that most people would have still graded as very good but because it wasn't perfect I took a wooden clothes pin and put it on the wheel of my bike so that it would sound like a motorcycle. If I had maintained those cards in the condition that they were in I could be slurping coconut milk on the beach in Hawaii today. Oh well, just another story to tell my kids
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009

“Holt-Howard” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Not to late.

Thanks to Flicker.com

Who says you can't hit it rich with the right idea. Holt-Howard did and his creativity can make you big money. In the 50's and 60's everyone wanted to own a piece of his Pixieware. He produced those cute little condiment for Mustard, Ketchup and Jam'n Jelly. The little Pixie's became so popular that he extended his lines to include kittens.

These were made over seas in Japan and imported to this country. He knew he had a hit when his first production sold out almost immediately. His wares were so popular that many manufactures copied his designs. Companies such as Dayar, Lefton, Lipper&Mann and Napco soon joined in the popularity of these little figures. Today the original Holt-Howard pieces bring the most money and there were just 64 of the original designs.

Holt-Howard pieces can be marked which includes the date produced and often they will have a foil sticker also. The foil sticker bars the double H mark. Some of the cats and kitten pieces just had the foil so often it will be missing but if you have the Holt-Howard book you will be able to identify the originals.

In 2002 the present owners of the company made a cookie jar that was produced in China and it was so popular that the company had to reorder4 several times. There was never an original cookie jar in the line. These little cutes were expensive at one time but that has all changed. I have written about this company once before but felt it was necessary to do it again because of the growing popularity of these items.

At the present time there is a figure riding a seahorse that is listed for $2000. This is a collectible that is in favor and you shouldn't have any trouble getting the price you wish for the harder to find pieces. In the eBay listings there are several in the $1000 range and even then the prices don't drop much because the $500 to $700 range there are several more.

This would be a great book to add to your library and I am sure it can be purchase used on Abe Books or Amazon. These pieces often can be found in the kitchen at house sales and among the least expensive items at garage sales. Lets put some of the Holt-Howard pieces in our sack.

Monday, July 27, 2009

United States of America” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog - Its Time has Come.

Let It Forever Wave

The end of the change is upon us. What are you talking about many of you are saying? Well Obama was elected for change and he told us what that change was going to be but most didn't understand that it meant establishing a socialistic society. Now that he has played his hand, the country is abandoning him on all fronts. But how can that help us, the members of the club?

Do you remember 9/11? That is a great example of what happens went someone threatens this country. We band together and patriotism becomes the word of the day. There was no partisan bickering but only talk about how the honor of the USA had been threatened. During WWII, teenagers were enlisting by lying about their age because they were underage but wanted to fight for this country. Most of you are probably too young to remember but during those war years between 1940-1945 anything that was positive about the USA was being collected by the citizens of the country. Even school kids had bond books where they purchased stamps to put into the books and then they could be turned in for a savings bond that supported the war. Posters supporting the war were everywhere and the movies had clips about the war to encourage the viewers to support it. That was a time when all Americans were bonded together for the greatness of this country and nothing could defeat us. I believe now is a time where that patriotic spirit is going to be rekindled.

Anything that represents the good of this country will come back in favor such as our money that says under God on it and the statues of the Statute of Liberty. The flag will again represent all citizens and it will be coveted by those that love this country. Anything that shows the greatness of America will be a valued possession again. Historical documents and records will be searched out and added to the collections all over the country.The people of San Francisco who no longer believe the laws of this country pertain to them and Nancy Pelosi will be discredited and soon pass into the night as others have that wished the worst for this beloved country. I believe that you will start hearing people talk about the goodness of Americans and understand that we give more to the world than any other five countries put together.

While at those garage sales and house sales, search for things that make you proud of your country and they will turn into treasures for you. Rummage through the secondhand shops and Goodwill stores for items that once brought proud of ownership to those who sacrificed for this country. Believe me, they will be treasured again as we right this ship. Yes it took the election of a President that wants to change this country into a European socialist country to wake us up but the spirit is being awakened and I am seeing its shadow grow everyday. I heard Glen Beck say if you want to take this country back, follow me. I am here to say I am ready to do whatever it takes to reclaim the country that so many have died for. This country wasn't founded to provide every citizen the right to have whatever they wish for but the opportunity to succeed if they were willing to work. I told an older lady that our dictionary should take two words out of its contents, they being "responsibility" and "accountability".

I may be very naive but I think this is going to change. People will again have to be thankful for what they are given and not believe that just because they live in this country they have the right to whatever pleases them. I think it is time for every citizen to read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights so that they know what being a citizen of the greatest country on earth entitles them to.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

“From the Mouth of Babes” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Joshua Lambert.

What A Team

Over the last two years I have attempted to bring what knowledge that I have accumulated over the last 45 years to our members so that they can enjoy the same success that I have in the Antique and Fine Art community. Writing the blog has proven quite challenging on a daily basis but I believe it has been as helpful to me as anyone else. However, I know that it is how a person communicates with the market that will ultimately decide their success or failure.

Joshua, my son, has brought me information that might just be the missing link to your success. What could that be I hear you asking? Well it may be as simple as you having your own website, where you can communicate with the marketplace as well as others in the industry. "But I don't have the knowledge to make my own site" you say, but that isn't true. Joshua came in when I was working on the blog and said, "Dad I want to create a website for us." I halfway said okay just to humor him. So while we sat side by side he began what I thought was playing on his computer. After about an hour he asked what I thought of the site and I said, "There needs to be a lot of work done to it", thinking he was talking about the Club's site, but he wasn't. He had started a website and called it Daryle Lambert and Son.

He informed me that anyone could create their own website and it was free, all you had to do was go on the computer to www.webs.com . At first I didn't believe him but after spending a few minutes on the site that he had made I was convinced. Guess what, you don't need to have any technical experience at all. This is terrific and each reader should do this because it will enable you to list things on your own site plus make it possible to inform others about what you are doing. The free site will have a webs piece to your URL like www.darylelambertandson.webs.com but if you get the premium package for less than $100 and register the name for a year at $21 then you url will read like ours www.darylelambertandson.com. I believe this is a great investment.

If a 10 year old can do it, anyone can, and I have to admit it looks pretty good. If any of you follow this advice please send me your site name and I will try and help you develop it. This will give you more creditability with customers and dealers. You can start your own forums, make a marketplace and post articles about the different antique and collectibles that interest you. I hope that you're as excited about this as I am. Joshua did everything on ours in less than 3 hours so you can see that it doesn't take a lot of time to put something out there that is acceptable.

Good luck and tell me what you think.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

“Stories to Share” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Stephen's First.

Yours for the Taking - Thanks to Teamsugar.com

I love to hear stories from our members and today I heard a doozy. Stephen related to me how a member of his family was tearing down a building and found a old shotgun behind the wall. This might pass as just another story but it was what they found with the gun that makes the story rather interesting. You see there were membership cards for the Communist party with the gun. Can you imagine what those walls could tell if they could talk? Not to mention what value these items might have if there can be documentation found on these individuals.

This happens everyday as when a couple purchased an old movie theater and in the process of removing the building of the lot they found where as insulation for the walls the owner had stuffed that space with old movie posters. Because these posters hadn't seen the light of day for perhaps fifty years, they were in mint condition. Have you seen the prices that vintage movie posters bring today and if you were fortunate enough to find hundreds of them as they did, how you would feel? Yes, you could retire like royalty and I am sure they did.

My uncle dated a girl in Lewisport Kentucky, you know, one of those small towns that didn't even have one stop light. The girl's parents owned the theater there and I have often been temped to contact her to see if by any chance the family still possesses posters or other memorabilia from the movies during the 30's to the 50's. What am I waiting for you must be asking and my answer would be, I don't know.

There is no rhyme nor reason when it comes to finding treasures as this next story will prove. I was working for my Dad in the oil fields while in high school and found a chest full of treasures. My friend and I were making our money for the summer by painting oil tanks and digging ditches for the pipes running between the tanks and wells. One afternoon we decided to explore the old farm buildings that were literally falling down. In one of the barns we found this old trunk and inside were some of the first school books ever printed plus records from the Civil War. There were also tin photographs and other miscellaneous items. We asked the farm owner if we could keep the chest and contents and his answer was yes because he had no use for them. I didn't really know the value back then but if I had kept everything in the chest I am sure that I wouldn't have to worry about Joshua's college expenses today.

I am sure that if I continued to think, there would be many other stories to share with you about treasures and the unlikely places they can be found. All of you have heard about great treasures that have been found in old farm wells. They were often used to hide family items such as money because people didn't trust the banks and often they were too far away to use anyway. Also if you run across any handmade furniture, be sure to check for hidden drawers or false backs because, like the well, these were places of safety for valuables.

What are the lessons to be learned here? First, treasures can be found anywhere so don't limit your thinking to one or two areas. Second, items were often stored in old chests and trunks so be sure to look in the basements and attics for these and then examine their contents carefully. Third, if it is old it is worth some of your time to check for its value.

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Friday, July 24, 2009

“Perhaps Dolls are It” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – French – German – American.

What a beautiful Lady - Thanks to collectdolls,about.com

I have to make a confession. Yes, there are still buyers for the best pieces, but even then you have to find them in these markets. In fact, I have what I consider several choice paintings and pieces of pottery that I have offered in the market with no takers. If I can't evaluate items that will sell with my years of experience, I know that it is difficult for the new or beginning dealer. However, this isn't a time to quit, but rather a time to educate ourselves and buy the cream of the crop at below wholesale values. Just like the stock market, the prices of Antiques and Fine Art will rise again. It was only a short period of time ago that people were saying that art was dead, only to see it resurrected and obtaining record prices through the early 2000's.

There is one market, however, that hasn't even looked back and that is the Doll market. The desire for the better French, German and American dolls seems to be unquenchable. With prices for the better dolls starting in the thousands, and reaching the hundred of thousand of dollars, it is no wonder that sophisticated dealers spend time educating themselves in the field of this collectible.

The collectors seem to never tire of adding French dolls to their collections. Here are a few of the French names in dolls: Kestner, Armand Marseille, Simon and Holbig. These name should become household names for you. But not to be outdone, here are the German names to watch for: Bru, Gaultier, Rohm and Huret. Just writing these names make me think of money. We shouldn't forget our Barbies with the 1959 selling at over $20,000. There are also other American dolls that can fetch a pretty penny. But that can't compare with dolls that sell for millions of dollars and there are those.

I know a lady here in Chicago that advertises for dolls in the local paper and this is her specialty. The best I can figure she must doing very well, because at the sales I see her attend there is always a big expensive Mercedes parked near the house and I see her get out of the driver's side. The truth of the matter is that few dealers really know the doll market and this would be one area of collecting that you should consider. Best of all, dolls never seems to decline in value and in fact I saw as I researched for this blog where a mechanized doll was valued over $6,000,000. Where can I find one of those so that I can stop staying up all night writing about them?

The doll market is such that if you find a great one you will never have trouble placing it. I wish it were so with other items that I have accumulated over the last 6 months. Their time will come but not soon enough for me. Like I have told you, my wish is to buy and then as quickly as I can reap my profits, but this market has slowed the pace of that a little. Dolls- Dolls- Dolls, these little ladies won't let you down.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

“It is Great to be Right” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog - Obama

Obama

The President is having a rather tough time with his Health Care and Cap & Trade legislation but if you remember I stated that his memorabilia would be prized by the collectors. We now are truly beginning to see what he has in mind for the country and it should be to no one's surprise that some like it and others say he is going to destroy the country. I personally don't agree with his direction for the country because my whole life I have prospered by being a capitalist.

This really has nothing to do, however, with what is going to be a wild ride for anything that bears his name especially if it is signed. In the past I have stated that items pertaining to Barack Obama would be treasured right alongside of Lincoln's and Washington's and I wish to restate this again in this blog. The real money has yet to be made in Obama memorabilia and even though he is having a rough start in his first term, this should only delay for a short time the appreciation that I foresee for his items.

Here are just a few items that I gleaned from eBay: White Sox Jersey signed $3495, Campaign poster $1995, many items from 4-5 hundred dollars, Obama State Senator 1996 Celluloid pinback $2738.88, The book “Dreams of our Fathers” advance reader's copy $2000, the book “ The Audacity of Hope” $1075 and last but not least Obama's etopps card $787. With figures like this already, can you imagine what we will be seeing in a few years?

Like I said this is just beginning and each of you should be souring the second hands shops, flea markets and garage sales for any item featuring Obama. Remember there are ways to get items signed. If you are fortunate enough to be at an event where he appears, try to get something with his signature or in the special circumstance that you get to meet him, have something signed even if it is just a flier from the event. This will be an opportunity that only comes around maybe once every fifty years so be sure that you take advantage of it.

Please let me know if any of you were able to pick up items that featured Obama before he was elected. I will share your good fortune with the rest of our readers.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

“Back to the Past” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog - Anything for a '53 Olds Super 88

My Dream Car

I was riding around looking at all the cars that gather in Gatlinburg for the car show on the 4^th of July and what did appear to my wandering eyes but a 1953 Olds Super 88. Why do I mention this in a blog I am sure you're asking? This was the first car my parents owned and I was twelve years old at the time. This could have been a Rolls Royce as far as I was concerned. You see I was brought up in a poor neighborhood where few owned cars and if they did own one it would have been used. I would give anything to own that car again, robin's egg blue and fast as a bullet. You see my parents didn't know it but as soon as I received my license I raced everything in sight.

Here we go again you are saying to yourself not know where this blog will go. Well, just think of a car that has meant something to you through the years. What would you pay to own it again? With the prices as they are today, it may be out of most people's reach to purchase the cars of their dreams but this is where models and toy cars come in to play. There are models that can be purchased for a few dollars or ones that command prices in the thousands. I know there is a market willing to pay whatever it takes to recapture the excitement of their old cars even if it is only by buying a model. Yes, if you find a “53 Olds model please call me.

I just received an auction flier from one of our members that contained perhaps 50 automobile models and my recommendation was for him to buy them all if the price was right. Most of these models were still in the original boxes which even made them more desirable. Whether you find the 24 inch models or the hot wheels, there is money to be make dealing in them. Yes the VW bus with a surf board on top did sell for over $18,000 dollars while I have seen large models approach the $100,000 mark. Whether it is plastic, tin or cast iron makes little difference if it is the right model.

I have shared with you how I missed out on owning a Edsel Convertible so that is definitely a car that holds interest for me and if I ran across the model of this car I am sure that I would pay a premium for it. However, when I was in high school I attended the Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg car sale in Auburn, Indiana and a gentleman from St. Louis offered me a Cord with the rumble seat for $1800. I just wonder what it would be worth today?

I may, like most people, never have a car collection like Jay Leno's but I still can have a collection of models that I can set around and look at while dreaming of how things could have been. You can make yourself a lot of money with models of cars from the past.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

“The Right Spot” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Cecil was there.

Carnival Glass Plate - Thanks to Centennialantiques.com

Yes I have shared with you that if you are at home there will be a great chance of missing treasures that others find. I have found items that have brought me thousands of dollars by going where I thought nothing would be found. If you have a couple of hours, visit the re-sale shops, second hand stores, malls, antique shops and pawn shops. The first question that I ask as I enter one of these establishments is, "Do you have anything that I can't afford?" This usually gets a laugh and the relationship starts out on the right foot.

Two days ago Cecil Roeder my friend from Kentucky called and shared this exciting story with me. He had nothing to do so on the spur of the moment he headed to the mall where he has a booth. As you know I am not a big fan of setting up at malls but after hearing this it may change my mind, although I doubt it. When he arrived there was quite a commotion around one of the booths so he ventured over to see what was happening. Two individuals already had several pieces of Carnival Glass in their hands but there were still perhaps 30 pieces still on display. In fact, the owner was still unwrapping more pieces as he watched. Cecil immediately began to inspect what was left and eventually purchased maybe 10 pieces. It was evident from the descriptions of the pieces that he purchased that they had come from a serious collection of Carnival. How do I know that? Because they were all in special colors like ice green, ice blue, green and blue. Some were electric iridescent which increases the value tremendously. Also there were several plates, which are my favorite pieces of Carnival Glass.

Yes Cecil again hit the Jackpot but it was because he was out looking. His month and perhaps several months are made now and whatever he does for the rest of the month is just gravy. I have written many stories about Cecil but I think you know why and that is because he is successful and follows the rules that we have set out in the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club. There is another part of this story, however, and it has to do with the early bird gets the worm.

Yes Cecil did hit a home run but remember earlier when I said there were two others that got to the booth first. Well there was one of them holding a plate in a pastel shade with one of the most popular patterns in its design. Cecil said that he was sure that the purchase price was in the hundreds not thousands of dollars. After doing the research he found that it was a $10,000 plate or more. In this case the largest worm had already been harvested but guess what, I assure you that Cecil wasn't shedding any tears.

Isn't it strange how those old sayings that we have heard all our lives seem to be so true? I hope that we have nothing but early birds in our club.

Monday, July 20, 2009

“Let's Talk About Fish” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Your Future

Make Them Think Your Big - Thanks to Flicker.com

I hope that these little pearls of wisdom will keep you on the right track. When I was younger my father would share these little sayings with me and to tell you the truth they didn't mean much to me until later in my life. Perhaps you need some encouragement now and these will help.

As you know I am an avid fisherman so we will start with a fish story. You have heard all your life that you can be a big fish in a small pond but have you ever really thought about that saying? All it means is that yes, you may start at the top but this only gives the other fish the opportunity to grow and catch you so then you will no longer be the big fish but only another member of a group in the pond. The other half of this story is you may be a small fish in a big pond. This indicates that there are larger fish in your pond. What are you supposed to come away from this story with? If you are lucky enough not to be eaten then you may someday become a big fish but, guess what? You will also still be in a big pond.

I have analyzed these two sayings and my conclusion is that I still want to be the small fish with unlimited possibilities to reach the top. Yes, there may be sharks out there to get you but if by your craftiness you avoid them, your goals and ambitions will be achieved, My father said it another way, “One of the secrets to success is to hang out with the successful people in the industry that you had chosen for yourself." I have to agree with him because you see he was my father and a very wise man.

Another pearl is one that I have shared with you before. The biggest deterrents to your success are your friends and family. Yes, they both love you but your friends are afraid that if you are extremely successful you will stop being their friend and your family is afraid that if you step out of your comfort zone you will be hurt. Because of these factors it is your responsibility to assure not only your family but also your friends that by doing nothing, failure is guaranteed.

I believe that I have very few readers that have achieved everything in life that they want to accomplish. So by working together perhaps we can make those dreams come true. In this business to be truly successful you have to find a few people that you trust. In Church we call this the cord of the triple strands. One strand by itself can be easily broken but a triple strand is stronger than many strands by themselves. So you must be asking what can these other people do for me because they may be competition, right? No, they are the ones that will encourage you when you want to quit or give you the right advice right before you make a mistake. They are the ones that want to accompany you to a sale when everything in your body says don't go, or they may partner up with you on a purchase because they know you need for something good to happen in your life. God didn't create us to go it alone.

I am going to end with a little poem called "Don't Quit".

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

My mother had this framed and sent it to me when I was going through some difficult times. If you ever need it be sure it is close at hand.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

“Reedy, But Which One? “ - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – J. Loren not Leonard Howard.

J. Loren Reedy

I know today I was supposed to share some pearls of wisdom with you but that will have to stew for a day. The reason for changing my mind is because I met an exceptional artist and wanted to share him with you while my memory is fresh, you know how that is.

My love of art is growing everyday and when I think back just a few years I barely knew who Picasso was. But it was during those early days that I began appreciating Western Art as my family returned to a ranch in Wyoming over and over and I visited the art galleries around that area. To my surprise I encountered the work of Leonard Howard Reedy, a Chicago artist, and over the years I have bought and sold many of his paintings, mainly water colors. His best pieces are of Indians, Cowboys and Stage Coaches. However this isn't the Reedy that I would like to discuss with you today. This artist name is J. Loren Reedy and he is also from Chicago.

Let me tell you how Mr. Reedy and I got to know one another. I had just completed having work done on one of our bathrooms and we needed accessories for it so off to the “Bed Bath and Beyond” we went. As we entered the parking lot of the mall, I noticed that there was an art fair going on and this gave me the excuse that I needed to not go shopping which is my least favorite thing to do. Pretending that I really had interest in the show, I asked Vickie if it would be okay for me to browse around. Her answer was "sure" but I could see in her eyes that she was saying to herself "He has done it again", and she would have been right. I really had very little interest in the booths but it was better than shopping.

This is when things began to change because the first booth that I approached stopped me in my tracks. Usually I have very little interest in contemporary art, but when my eyes landed on several paintings by Mr. J. Loren Reedy, I knew that I had to talk with him. That didn't take long because I thought that the gentleman with the badge must be him. My instincts were right and we immediately struck up a conversation like we had know each other for years.

One of his first questions was “What do you think?” Since I have complemented few contemporary artists and usually sidestep this question, I surprised myself by telling Mr. Reedy how much I liked his work. The colors and composition of several of his pieces really caught my eye. Even though there was an impressionist look to his canvasses, there was also a quality of realism. I wasn't as impressed with his figures as I was with his landscapes and still life's because the landscapes and still life's seemed to really flow, while some of his figures seemed to me as if they were painted while he was looking through someone Else's eyes. That is what makes art so wonderful. Everyone has a different opinion but in my case I try to be truthful to my opinion. I believe that in the future you will be hearing great things about J. Loren Reedy and if you have the chance to purchase his work now you may be well rewarded in the future. In fact Mr. Reedy's work should be among your artists to watch and he would love to talk to you about selling his paintings.

I would encourage you to go to his website “www.JLorenReedy.com” and if you like what you see, give him a ring at 773-404-0584. I can promise you that some of my clients will have their walls adorned with select pieces of this gentleman's art.

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Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

“Lots to Learn” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Don't get in a Hurry.

Working Together

Yesterday's Blog must have struck a cord with many of the readers because of the questions I received. The question that I will try to answer first is how did you know the paintings were fakes? This requires more than just a casual answer because of the numerous components that have to go into the answer. But if you will be patient, my now favorite word, I will give it my best college try.

Over the years, I have viewed as many painting as has been possible and this included visits to museums, studying sales catalogs, visiting art galleries and previewing thousands of auctions, not to leave out the many hours I have spent on the computer at sites like eBay and others. Once I have done the research I try to group artists by Western, Midwest, Eastern and this gives me a focal point to work from. By keeping a visual image of as many artists works as I can in my head often I simply can say that piece isn't by the artist it is represented to be, the quality isn't there. If I am not totally sure ,then I run through the steps that will give me confidence in reaching this conclusion.

The first step I use to authenticate a painting is checking to see if the signature is right and if the subject matter of the painting is something I have seen this artist do in other paintings I have viewed. Next, I find a painting listed somewhere like Askart, Artprice or Artnet to compare it with. By this time I should begin to form an opinion but even then I may pass it by another person that I respect for their opinion. I am always aware that there are special situations and I have told many people to seek another person to view the painting to confirm my appraisal.

One of the greatest advantages of being a member of the Daryle Lambert Antiques and Collectibles Club is that I will assist you until we both are satisfied with our conclusions. All the resources necessary in the process of analyzing a painting is available to you through the Club. In five minutes,I should be able to set you on the right course as to what you have or something you may want to purchase.

If you have further questions please call or email me and I promise to take the time to answer your questions. If by any chance you don't get a reply please re-ask your question because some of my emails end up in my spam file. There isn't anything better for an art dealer than the number of paintings he previews. By seeing more and more paintings, we in the business say you develop an eye and I have never found a person that could totally describe this but once it is obtained you will know it.

Yesterday, I had a wonderful conversation with a young man,Stephen, that I am certain will be a great success story in this business in the near future. During the time we spent talking many keys to success were discussed and the next blog I write will contain some of these.

Friday, July 17, 2009

“No Patience Hurts” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog- Lesson Learned.

Joe Beeler Painting - Thanks to Artroots.com

A couple of days ago I shared with the readers that I had exercised patience by not buying a damaged and repaired piece of pottery. I was proud of my ability to resist the temptation to try and squeeze a profit out of what was a sure loser. Hopefully this will be the tract that I follow in the future but it may take a little teaching to get everyone on board with this philosophy.

I met a young man at my home yesterday who wanted me to look at several pieces of art that he had purchased on eBay. I walked out to his car and in the trunk were perhaps half a dozen paintings. With the speed that can only be related to Superman I looked at each one and passed on to the gentleman that they were all fakes. I could see the disappointment in his eyes but I assured him that he was very lucky because it could have been much, much worse. We then returned to my office where I got the whole story. He had been buying these pieces on eBay to replace pieces that had been in his family. That was when I told him that in my opinion 50% of the paintings listed on eBay are fakes. He then pulled out of his briefcase some watercolors by well known western artists such as Beeler, Wieghorst and several others that he had purchased from a lady who said they were her father's collection and the real thing. Guess what? They weren't and they couldn't even pass for real with my 10 year old son. I believe that this gentleman will some day become a very serious collector. We shared perhaps a couple of hours together. I told him it was time to slow down and if he purchased one good piece a year he would soon have a fabulous collection. He thanked me and I am sure that we will stay in touch over the years.

He is a businessman so I asked him if the prices from his vendors for a product came in at $1000 at the lowest and $1500 at the highest but on the last day a vendor entered his office and said I can sell you that product for $100, what would you do? “I would kick him out of my office” he said. “Then why did you buy art that should have cost you $25,000 to $125,000 for $500? Isn't it the same situation?”

Remember mistakes can be made by dealers if the items they are selling aren't easy to research but if the items are available to everyone I doubt they will make many mistakes. Fakes survive because of people thinking that they have found something no one else knows. But if you take the time to become knowledgeable, fakes will never dent your armor. Here is the most amazing thing about this story. The gentleman had taken several of these paintings to an Antique Road Show and he had been assured that some were real. Unfortunately the person stating that these paintings were real must have been talking outside of his or her expertise. This is why it is often advisable to get a second opinion. If a doctor told me I had an incurable disease I can assure you I would get that second opinion.

Time, research and patience will be necessary for you to become the professional that you wish to be in the Fine Art and Antique business.

P.S. When you come into contact with someone selling fakes as originals turn them in for the good of all of us.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

“When Is a Signature Valuable?” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – When it is Picasso's.

Picasso Print - Thanks to arts-wallpapers.com

Many times I have stated that the original works of an artist are what we as members of the Daryle Lambert Antique and Collectible Club wish to deal in but there are always exceptions. One of the rule breaking items would be anything that bears the original signature of Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

Because Picasso is so well known often people assume that any print or etching that is signed with his name is a fake or copy. This doesn't necessarily have to be true and I personally have owned a piece that was an original print signed by him that I bought as if it were a fake. It wasn't a million dollar piece but if I have been in our “Million Dollar Race“ back then I would have taken several steps forward. If you become a member of our Club you will understand the reference to the Race.

Yes there are thousands of fakes and fake signatures on the market bearing Picasso's signature but don't forget this is what gives us the advantage over others. We do our research before we purchase. There are books on the genuine prints and they can be found and purchased on Abe Books and Amazon. A supposed copy that proves to be the real thing can bring a huge smile to your face. I know that most of you have heard this before but it reminds me of when my friend Jim purchased what most thought was a print for $40 and soon sold it for over $22,000 because he knew it was the real thing.

Let's examine a few of Picasso's prints from Art Price. First let me tell you that most real prints bearing Picasso's signature will bring at least $1000 and most of them will fall into the $3000 to $8000 dollar range. Now for the names and descriptions of a few prints, Sans tite $2500 July 12, 2009, Tete de faune 1966 $10,000, Le crane de chevre 1952 $8000. Have I got your mouth watering yet? Well I am just beginning, so now to the big boys: Taune devorlant une femme de la Suite 1936 $42,252 and last but not least Buste de femme an chapeau a Pompons et au Corsage imprime 1962 $207,639. I hope that I spelled at least half of these correctly.

There are pages and pages of sales records and almost any of them would make me happy if I owned them. But being able to identify the real items is a must so do your research.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

“Yes I Have Patience” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog - No Picasso for me.

Picasso Madoura - Thanks to masterworksfineart.com

Yesterday started off just right because I was excited about the auction I was going to attend. There was a Picasso ceramic that I had spotted and one like it had sold at Sotheby's for $5500. It also didn't hurt the day that the stock market continued its advance and several of my stocks headed higher.

But back to the Picasso. I arrived an hour early for the auction so that I could preview the sale and reacquaint myself with the many friends that I was sure would be attending. So that everyone at the auction wouldn't know what my interests were, I had one of the attendants bring the Picasso to the back of the auction house for my inspection. The first thing I did was look at its bottom. The mark of Madoura was impressed in the clay making it the real thing, but that is as good as it got.

The pitcher was dirty and there were many scratches and marks over the entire piece. I began to examine the parts of the pitcher that would have been most susceptible to damage and I began to notice differences in the clay around the lip and neck of the piece. The paint seemed to have been placed on the lip recently and the clay on the inside of the neck changed from grooved to smooth as you moved your finger from one side to another. This indicated to me that there had been major repairs to the neck. But before I completely rejected the idea of purchasing the pitcher, I had to reconstruct what I thought the piece had gone through during its lifetime.

In my mind I could see how this expensive item probably had been damaged and then treated with little respect. It had probably spent time in a box lot with other items of little value and that is where it had obtained all the scratches and marks. But the question still remained. How did it get to this auction?

Here is my guess. A dealer spotted it priced at only a few dollars, was aware that it was a real Picasso and decided to have it repaired. By doing this and putting it in an auction where everything is sold "as is", the dealer didn't have to reveal that it had been repaired. Hoping that someone would be familiar with the piece and its value in mint condition they hoped that the bidding would take the item to 50% of what it had sold for at another auction. In this case that would be about $2500. With an investment including restoration of perhaps $300 this would be a huge score. I can't deal this way and I hope that my members wouldn't be able to either but it is important that we are aware that this is a part on our industry.

This is where patience comes in. After rejecting the pitcher as a possible purchase I continued to preview the rest of the sale. There really wasn't anything else that excited me so rather than stay at the sale and purchase items that I knew I shouldn't, I simply left the auction. Remember you don't always have to buy something. The blog on Picasso prints will have to wait until tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

“The Real Thing” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Picasso

Picasso Plate - Thanks to sapergalleries.com

I seriously doubt that I will ever have a Picasso painting but that doesn't mean that I won't have a real Picasso. In the past I have written about the Picasso ceramics but their prices seem now to be coming back into favor. You should keep your eyes open for pieces stamped Madoura.
Over the last few years I have had several opportunities to buy pitchers and plates with the abstract designs of Picasso but their values were in a steep decline. This trend might have ended with the auction in London by Sotheby's that far out paced their estimates. This has generated interest again and now there are auctions on both coast offering several of these ceramics. Both Christie's and Bonham have new listings and if my guess is right they will do better than what the auction houses expect.

There is a wonderful lesson to be learned here and it is that as with stocks, there is no good or bad fine art, just prices that go up and down. A painting may be worth $1000 and six months later the value might have escalated to $50,000. I shared in a blog where I purchased a a painting for $16,000 and six months later sold it for $115,000 but how about the lady that purchased a painting for $18,000 that I finally sold for her for $1000? You would agree that one of these painting most people would call good but how about the second one? The only way to be sure about prices on fine art is to stay current and check where pieces have been sold recently. Since this is a current happening you may be able to get ahead of it before the general public is aware that something is going on.

I wish that I had my Madoura plate back that was stolen out of a mall where I had it displayed. The thieves actually stole it and never entered the building. You must be asking how did that happen? These thieves were special, they broke out the front window of the mall and also the side of my display case reached in from the outside and took several pieces, one of which was the Madoura plate. Thank goodness I had it insured for $7500 and this made me a happy fellow. Yes it is good to insure your better pieces even if it is for only a short time. You will find that a good insurance man or woman can service you and the cost is minimal.

Tomorrow I will follow up with Picasso prints. It is great to be back.

Monday, July 13, 2009

“Back in the Saddle” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – Catching Up

I Don't Look This Calm Today

I am going to have a long week of catching up on all the emails and calls that I have received. Just on the emails there are perhaps 500 and the phone hasn't stopped ringing. Patience is a word that I have shared with you many times and now I have to apply it to myself.

I just finished talking to a gentleman for over one hour, I think. He is looking to build a fabulous art collection and has seen many fantastic buys on eBay. However, I had to warn him that often if it seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Patience was the advice I shared with him and also that he should seek professional advice. If you have questions that I can assist on, now is the time to send them while I am in the process of getting back in the swing of things.

I feel that now might be the opportune time to begin to offer some of my treasure to the market because if the trip I just completed didn't teach me anything else it did show me that there are still buyers for quality and that is what I have to offer. Everything that you offer may not find a new home but the pieces that do sell should bring fair prices and you shouldn't have to reduce your offering price to a point that is insane.

The auction season is upon us and there should be many wonderful opportunities for you to pick up fabulous bargains, using your skills of separating the rare and unusual from the common. Now also is the time to visit all those garage and house sales because the dealers can't be at all of them at the same time so you may be fortunate enough to get the first look.

Early's auction just posted their catalog for the up coming sale and it looks as if there are going to be a few real bargains there so you may want to take a look. Also if you have made business cards now is the time to be passing them out. If you don't have them, now is the time to invest a few dollars to have some printed.

It will take a few days for me to get my equilibrium but then hopefully I can start a series of what new items we should be looking for.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

“New Merchandise” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Be Prepared.

I did accomplish some things on this trip and one of those was the discovery of several fantastic glass artists. While in the mountains I met artist that produce some of the most beautiful Art Glass that I have seen in many years. The information that I requested from them should be on my computer when I arrive home today.

Hopefully we as members of the Daryle Lambert Antique and Collectible Club can promote these artist and by doing so enhance our profits together. I believe that with the right exposure the status that was obtained by Charles Lotton and other can be achieved by these artist that I met. How would you like to have the corner on the works of several artists that have the collecting community waiting for the opportunity to purchase their wonderful pieces?

Some way I managed to catch the flu so last night I sat in a chair all night and this morning I am in a daze so I am going to sign off early. God Bless and I will be talking to you from Chicago tomorrow.

Join us at http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/21incantiqueandcollectibles/Detail?no=1

Saturday, July 11, 2009

“Half Way There” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible

We have arrived in Owensboro Kentucky and while here, I hope to meet Cecil Reoder my friend, to see if the items I sent him to sell have sold. If not I will be raising the prices as I stated yesterday because I had fallen into the trap that this economy meant that the price for my items had to be reduced for them to be sold. However, on this trip I have found that this thinking is just an illusion. Collectors are still paying fair prices for the rare and unusual items and that is what we hope to be dealing in, right?

Sunday as I get reestablished in front of my computer, I hope to refocus my attention on making this business pay off not only for myself but also the members of the Daryle Lambert Antique and Collectible Club. Hopefully you will participate in this endeavor and we will be able to report successes on our site.

The number of emails that have been sent to me will be answered and I apologize for not answering them more promptly but I haven’t been able to access my emails on this trip. The orders for the book will be sent out by Tuesday and I thank all the people that order it for their patience but I assure them the wait will be worth it.

This has been a wonderful opportunity for my family to spend quality time together and I have to admit that my time spent looking for treasure in Gatlinburg was limited and not what I thought it would be as the trip was being planned.

I hope that you have spent these day thinking of question that I can answer and situations where we can work together to assure success. In two days I again will be at your disposal so get prepared.

Please remember myself and family and ask for traveling safety for us.

Friday, July 10, 2009

“Life’s Little Challenges “– Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Night at the Hospital

We Will be Home Soon - Katie

I am getting to you late today but I think you may give me a pass. At about 9:00 last night the young man that has shared our vacation with us injured his eye and we were at the hospital until around 3:30 in the morning. Vicikie being the loving wife that she is still managed to wake me at 6:30 to join my friend Donny to continue our time in the Word that has become a tradition while we are in the Smokies.

It is great to report that Colin and his new bride left for home this morning and the result of his accident seem to be minor. I have been blessed by having this new couple who are just beginning their life together to take this time with my family. Also we have enjoyed having Flo, Vickie’s stepmother, with us this week. This annual trip always included Vickie’s dad who is now with the Lord but there is no way we haven’t felt his presence this week.

Antiques and Collectibles have sort of taken a back seat to family this week but as I have told you “take care of the important things in life because you will always have time for the business that you have started.”

This trip has provide me time to refresh my passion and I believe that upon returning home you will find that I will have gained a new energy for the goals we have set together and the finish line will look closer than when I left. God Bless.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

“Can’t Wait to Get Home” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Money to be made.

I'm Still Here But Not For Long

I did as I said I would- I looked for treasures to buy but was I surprised. I believe I can make my prices 50% of the asking prices I have seen on this trip, and then I would only have to raise my prices for my merchandise by at least 100% or more. You wouldn’t believe what the dealers are selling items for here in Gatlinburg. If I could sell at their prices there would be no stopping for me or the members of the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Club.

If you remember, I have stated that usually I don’t reduce my prices unless I receive an offer but when I get home my prices will be raised, and guess what I think? “They will sell at the higher prices because people will stop waiting for me to give my items away and realize if they don’t buy them now they may not get another chance.” I think now is the time to find the ultimate buyers and stop selling to the dealers that are taking our merchandise on eBay and other auctions sites and then reselling them in places like Gatlinburg. We have done the work so why wouldn’t we deserve the profit?

I watched as Andrea Ludden of the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum had a stream of buyers pass through her shop and almost without exception they bought Salt and Pepper shakers without asking for any reduction of the price. My question to you is why shouldn’t we do the same, because it seems to be working for her? It appears to me that too many of us, and that includes me, have come to the conclusion that others should set the value of our merchandise. How foolish does that sound if we get caught up in all the talk about how bad things are and it can happen without us realizing it has happened.

When I return home my desire is to share with you plans for merchandising that will capture the end buyer. During this trip I have formulated a method that I believe will expose your rare and usual items to people that are searching high and low for them but unfortunately never come across your listings.

By any chance I forget to do this within 10 days of return please contact me and I will get it up on the site.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

“Some are the Best “ – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Andrea Ludden

The Queen of Salt and Pepper Shakers

Some days are more blessed than others and yesterday was a very blessed day for me. I meet Andrea Ludden who is an archeologist and has traveled the world. She is originally from Belgium and has had the great fortune to work with her daughter and husband for many years. You may have seen her on The Food Network where she has appeared many times.

Believe it or not we discussed salt for perhaps two hours. Did you know that salt is mentioned in the bible 31 times, it is also found in the book of Job and Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt? You may be asking why is that important to me. Well Andrea is perhaps the greatest collector of salt and pepper shakers in the world. Yes you guessed it she is the curator of the Salt and Pepper Museum in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Her museum contains more than 20,000 pairs of shakers. As I strolled from room to room the set od shakers became over whelming. Each type of shakers is displayed with like ones. There are dozen Penguins, 100 of Chef’s and animals and I couldn’t count the cars. They come from all over the world and she said the really valuable ones were stored.

She was a world of information like the fewer holes in a shaker means it is salt because in the USA salt is bad for you but in Europe it is just the opposite. Plastic shakers are the up and coming prizes in the shaker collectibles and she said this is because so many of them have been damaged. The few pieces the higher the price remember that.

This wonderful woman has more energy than a person has the right to and now she even wants to start another museum in Spain. I believe that a book might be forth coming in the near future and I will be there waiting for it. She has been a collector of the shakers for 25 years and the museum has been open for 7 years.

I ask her many questions but there were a few that she wouldn’t answer such as which shakers are the most valuable and what qwas her favorite. How ever she was forth coming with almost any other question I ask her.

To finish our interview after asking her why Salt and Pepper shakers and the answer surprised me “I collect them because of their creativity.” She did share that some sets have sold for over $100,000 but money wasn’t why she collected them.

There is a great deal on money to be made with these little sculptures and I think it should be important for you to become educated on them.

You can join the Daryle Lambert Antique and Collectible Club at http://store01.prostores.com/servlet/21incantiqueandcollectibles/Detail?no=1

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

“Salt and Pepper” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – These once were more costly than Gold

Salt and Pepper - Thanks to Flicker.com

I have been very interested in salt and pepper shakers for years. I once read a story where salt and other herbs where more precious that Gold to the early people of the Middle East. But even more intriguing to me than their value is the stories they tell us about ourselves..

Shakers have come in almost ever combination you can imagine and they tell the stories of the society at the time of their production. Modern day collectors can tell the history of this country by the images on the shakers in their collections and also the other subject matter used to show the images of the time. I have seen the capitals of almost every state in the United State used in shakers and many favorite vacation spots are also represented by these small little sculptures. I personally have sold sets of Rosemeade shakers in the shape of Pheasants for $500 and there are other shakers that sell for thousands.

Tomorrow I hope to meet with the curator of the Salt and Pepper Shaker museum here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and I hope to report that this collectible is increasing in numbers and value even in these tough times. I will be asking what direction they think that these collectibles are headed and where their future value will be. Isn’t it amazing that there is a museum dedicated to these small collectibles? It takes very little money to start a collection and also because of their size, a collection of them takes up very little space. I also think that most people see the humor or interest in the image that each set presents.

Often when you find one set of shakers there are many more present so even though you pay fifty cents a set and sell them for five dollars that isn’t much money but it you multiple that by twenty five then your bank account will soon begin to show great returns. Remember, it doesn’t matter where the money comes from that hits you account only that it does and in the process, your account is compounding. Of course you know that I mean by any legal means.

Here is a little tip - if you go to Abe Books I am sure you will find a guide on Salt and Pepper Shakes that will cost very little and give you a start on educating yourself on their values. I believe that the values you find in the guide will be low for today’s markets but let’s keep that between us.

To join the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Club visit www.darylelambert.com

Monday, July 6, 2009

“Strike While It is Hot” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Iraqi War.

Iraqi War - Thanks to www.flicker.com

I have seen the memorabilia from most of the wars that America participated in become very collectible. It is early in the process of winding down the Iraqi war but this might be to our advantage. What do I mean by that you must be asking? I believe that this interest in wars will continue for all past and future conflicts that America is involved in.

The Revolutionary War and the Civil War have given us some of the most valuable collectibles in history. Just think if you are fortunate enough to have a document signed by George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. But remember when these men made history, their signatures were probably of little value but those collectors even then who took advantage of these situations did very well for themselves or their relatives. I have sold Civil war documents for thousands of dollars and even some of the coat buttons from certain commands in that war today will also bring thousands. We also have seen what items from the Great War, better known to us as the World War II, sell for today. If a person wanted to he or she could make the business totally focused on World War II collectibles. I believe they were very successful if this were their plan.

But let’s talk about the Iraqi War and what we should keep our eye out for from that war. Remember Colin Powell, he may be the best know person of color ever to lead the American troops. So you would think that history would treat him with favor and anything that is connected to him should have value now and in the future. How about all the scandals from this war and the collectibles that could come from them? Now is a great time to start looking for items about how Obama handles the close of the war. I would also like to have a few items from Guantanamo bay prison wouldn’t you?

It is important for you to keep looking ahead so that you will spot items that will be sought after before others wake up to the possibility that they may become valuable. When you come up with a list of items to watch for be sure to carry it with you at all times and continue to check it often so that these items will stay fresh on your mind.

Remember Dale Emhart’s best quote “the person that finishes second is only the first loser. This is how I feel if others have ideas about the business of Antiques and Collectibles before I do. Let’s continue to be first, what do you say?

You can join the Daryle Lambert's Antitique and Collectible Club at www. darylelambert.com

Sunday, July 5, 2009

“How Time Flies “– Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Taking Count.

" The Best " - Thanks to flicker.com

I hope to use this week to take count of where we started and where we are now with the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Club. When we started together I had accumulated some knowledge on the subject of Antiques and Collectibles that I wished to share if anyone was interested. This knowledge had helped me to even out the difficult and good times in my life. For my early readers and the ones that have read my book I told the story of how I attended college by selling my coin collection. Later I have been fortunate enough to use my ability to distinguish rare and unusual items from common ones to help create money that has made me fairly secure in my financial affairs. However I realized that there were many people that could provide for their families if they acquired the same knowledge that I had. This became the basis for the club and book.

Now we are looking back over the last two years and yes I can say many have taken the time to use the information that I have shared but is the message really getting out to the numbers of people I had hoped to reach? I am not sure of that because I have only heard from a small group of our members that have shared their successes with me. I have had people say that what we are using to change our lives is just to slow and takes to much effort to see any real success. However remember that I have told you about Cecil’s success with the Kentucky Derby Glass that he bought for $12.00 and sold for over $12,000, then there was Warner who not only has made thousands of dollars using the principles I teach but now even has turned them into a very successful business. But what about you? If you don’t have stories of your successes then there are only two reasons for that, first I have done a poor job of teaching or you don’t believe it will work for you. The first I will take responsibility for and will try to do better job in the future but the second will depend on you.

Have you given your self a chance to succeed with the information that I have provide you? How much time have you spent on weekends visiting garage and house sales? Do you truly want to change your life? These questions I can’t answer for you but this I promise I will do everything in my power to assist you but one of the first words I wrote was “Patience” and this will be a requirement in your success. With patience and knowledge success is assured and I hope over the next year there will be a revival of people that for them this current rescission will only be a memory.

I don’t have my resources with me on this trip so I hope to just share with you where I think we are going together and ask for your help in the process. I am going to try and spend more time in the word this week but promise to visit many of the stores and shops in the Gatlinburg area. If it is meant to be I will have stories for you about purchases I make that will be rewarding but also informative to you about what is out there to be found.

Cecil just emailed me about a new artist that he thinks we will be interested in so when I return home I will pass this information on to you. Off I go to see the sites and Joshua will not let me forget that I promised him to go Gold mining.

You can join the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club at www.darylelambert.com

Saturday, July 4, 2009

“Free Day” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Free Can Have Several Meanings.

The American Flag and Freedom -

Today was a wonderful start to a vacation but it had nothing to do with Antiques or collectibles - that will begin tomorrow. I spent the day recharging my batteries and rekindling my spiritual side. The long drive was tiresome but when we arrived it was all worth it. I will give you just few little samples.

We arrived at this huge field of grass that over looked a valley and the most beautiful mountains imaginable. Arriving early, we saw several people roaming around that looked in no hurry for anything to happen. However, I did see many hugs and smiles as people greeted one another. There was this, what looked like, a huge arch that said Inspiration Park and stacks of folding chairs were everywhere, hundreds of them. They weren’t new chairs but looked as if they had been purchased at garage sales for fifty cents. In the middle of this humongous field was a homemade stage with huge sets of speakers on each side that looked as if they were going to broadcast to the whole world. I hope that I have painted you a fair picture of the surroundings I found myself in.

At this moment I wondered if perhaps I should ask my wife what we were doing there. Looking around I noticed that there were a lot of American flags flying everywhere so I decided to stay silent for awhile. It was at this time that the real crowd started to show up and most of them were carrying their own chairs thank goodness because - there wouldn’t have been enough fold up ones for them. Vickie, my wife said the show was to start at 7:00 p.m. By then there were several thousand people in this huge field.

What had I gotten myself into? It didn’t take long to find out because the announcer said let the show begin and for 3 ½ hours I heard people talking about loving one another and how Jesus loved us. I was back in the real South, American Flags, love of country, gospel singing and talk of heaven, all my stress seemed to just melt in the beauty of the occasion. I was home again and proud of it.

There were the people, a man that I started up a conversation with told me how he and his wife decided to adopt a child when he retired. I said that is wonderful but he stopped me and said “you don’t understand we meant in five years but God had another idea.” I asked what he meant? “Well” he said “I am still not retired but we have adopted three kids and are mentoring others. At this point, I asked myself if I was doing all that I could truly do to help others and I have to admit that I am not sure that I am.

The music was beyond belief as group after group took the stage each one was as good as the one before it. I found myself singing with the groups and often found tears in my eyes and a feeling of well being began to swell up inside me. Where had the worry that has almost consumed me for our country gone, why wasn’t I letting stock trades roam around in my head, why wasn’t I questioning God about what is going on in the churches today. I don’t have the answer to those questions but maybe that was what was intended for me.

Yes, tomorrow it will be back to Antiques and Collectibles when I arrive in Gatlinburg but perhaps I will be a better man and be able to be of more help to the people that look to me for advice. You may want to look at your life and see if it is time for a reality check and if it is don’t hesitate to take it.

Have a “HAPPY FOURTH of JULY”

Friday, July 3, 2009

“On the Road Again” – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Are There Treasures Waiting?

The Great Smoky Mountains - Thanks to flicker.com

I am in Owensboro Kentucky tonight but will be back on the road to the Smoky Mountains at day break. I can’t wait to visit the flea markets and shops in Gatlinburg Tennessee tomorrow. I have been very successful on past trips and I believe this one will be no different.

The great thing about traveling is that you meet old friends again and if they now your coming often they will have items for you to look at and possible purchase. In Gatlinburg there is a shop that is run by a wonderful lady and she was one of the first dealers in Lotton Glass so I am hoping she will have something for me. Her shop is right on the main drag so I will hit it the first thing.

To be completely honest with you however I believe that most of my time will be spent on the NASCAR go cart track. Each year I feel like Jeff Gordon as I pass those 10 and 12 year olds. On the trip this year my son Joshua said that I had better pull my seat belts tight because this is the year he retires his old man. He must be kidding because I am sure that I will smoke him.

But back to Antiques and Collectibles and how this trip can be memorable. I have been able in the past to purchase items on these trips that when sold have paid for my trip. Gatlinburg is a tourist town so many of the people that live there have moved from other locations bringing their possessions with them. This gives me the opportunity to find pottery and art that are out of place, where the locals aren’t aware of their value, so the town can be a furtile field for me. To give you an idea I found a western painting in a shop for just a few hundred dollars that was worth several thousand and this one purchase paid for my family’s entire vacation.

Since I have been on the road all day and it is midnight I had perhaps better wrap it up because 6:00 is going to get here fairly quickly.

You can join the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club at http://www.darylelambert.com/

Thursday, July 2, 2009

“No Triple Crown” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – But you can still be a Winner.

" This is the " one " - 1940 Kentucky Derby Glass.

Thanks to www.abouthorsertaces.com

The triple crown races for this year are over and there were three different winners but I doubt you bet on any of the three. It started off with a long shot winning the Kentucky Derby and finished with a long shot winning the Belmont. Tucked between these races was the Preakness which was won by perhaps the greatest filly that has ever lived. However, there is still time for you to be the big winner if you locate this particular missing glass. If you go to the site that I just highlighted you will find a picture that can make your day and there are many of them waiting to be found by you.

Back in 1940 there was an official Derby glass given mostly to the people with horses entered in the race and work hands on the back side of the track. After the Derby was run, it is reported that many of these were thrown up against the stables like the social crowd used to do with champagne glasses. With the estimate of only 800 produced, the number remaining today might be below a hundred or so. Cecil and I have had the good fortune to have owned one of the remaining glasses and if you were an early reader of my blog or book, you know that to find one is an end to a dream. Both glasses brought $12,000 or more when sold and today one might even bring a great deal more.

I would consider this glass the holy grail of horse racing collectibles. But by no means is it the only piece that can bring a huge smile to your face and put a lump of money in your pocket. I would suggest that you purchase one of the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glass guides and carry it with you on your searches for treasure. They can be acquired on Abe Books or Amazon and it doesn't matter if it is the most current one. They can be purchased for just a few bucks and your first purchase using it will more than pay you back, plus give a nice profit.

It is wonderful to go out searching for a treasure but if it is something that you may never ever see then it can become quite boring, but with racing memorabilia seldom will you go to a sale or mall without seeing at least something in this area of collecting. This keeps your interest high, knowing that any day at any mall or sale you may be as fortunate as Cecil and I and spot those blue horses running around the bottom of a glass. Here's hoping you do.

I would encourage you to start your own collection of Derby glasses and the best way to do that is to buy more than one at a time and as they are sold and your goal of a double on your investment is completed then it will be okay for you to set one aside for yourself. Over the years you will be amazed how your collection will grow. Don't be afraid to purchase duplicates because these glasses are very easy to trade and often you will find a person needing the glass you own for his collection will be willing to trade you one that even has a higher value if he has more than one of it. Good luck and let's go racing.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the Daryle Lamberts Antique and Collectible Club . Join Us Today!Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

“The Webb Can Be Important” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Blog – To not only spiders if it has the extra "B"

Thomas Webb - Thanks to www.antiquecoloureglass.info

I have been extremely fortunate to meet some of the most successful glass collectors in America. One of these gentlemen is Warner's and my friend from Virginia. By the way if you don't know, Warner is the founder of the Art Glass Clubs. Our mutual friend has educated me to the true beauty of cameo glass and one of his favorites is Thomas Webb and Sons Cameo. These pieces when found will have the collectors at your door.

Thomas Webb started his company in the mid 1800's and soon included his sons. His idea was to collect the best craftsmen and incorporate them into a group effort. Most of the Webb pieces had more than one artist working on them so it is hard to say that any one piece was by a particular person. However, if you find a piece that is signed with any combination of the name Woodall on it, then you have a real treasure because George Woodall while working for Thomas Webb was perhaps one of the greatest glass artists of all times. Remember that many of the Webb pieces are unsigned but the quality of the workmanship is undeniable.

The beauty of the glass produced out of the Webb Company is almost indescribable. Often one piece can have as many as four or more layers of glass, each one being a different color. When these layers are carved the results are mind boggling. Usually the themes for these pieces are floral and sometimes animals. There is no way an Art Glass collector can say he has a complete collection of glass without a Thomas Webb piece included. I have written a past blog on Thomas Webb's Glass with all the historical information in it so I won't duplicate that but I will share with you where to see that information if you haven't already. The book that I would recommend is Victor Arwas – Glass Art Nouveau to Art Deco. You may find this book on Abe books or Amazon.

Just one example of this magnificent glass can be found in the sales catalog of the Early's April 2009 sale. It is lot #380 on page 66 of the catalog. This 5 ½ inch vase is acid signed Thomas Webb and Sons Cameo and is made up of four layers and three colors red, white and blue. The subject matter of the vase is a floral scene that contains a bird. The estimate was $10,000 - $15,000. That is a lot of money if you count it by the inch.

I would like to find one of these pieces but I have to admit if I did it would be hard to part with. But remember my rule. I would put a price on it but someone might think my price was very pricey if you get my meaning.