Daryle Lambert: Antiques and used items trumps new

Steuben Cintra Bowl

My family just received an early Christmas present and guess what it was? It is used and yet we are so happy with it. It’s not clothing or furniture but a new vehicle. I think that this period in time is changing the way we think about money. In fact, I think we are getting smarter. Our new purchase is a 2007 model that was never sold by the dealer and so we saved several thousand dollars; saving more than half its original price. Now that is quite a stocking stuffer.

I recently recommended buying sterling service pieces for $5 to $10 per piece depending on the pattern. There should be willing buyers if you simply price it for twice your cost because in today’s market it is difficult to find good sterling for under $45 per piece in the stores. Also remember it is best if the pieces aren't monogrammed. This will give you the opportunity to complete one or more steps in your race to the finish line in the "Million Dollar Race." For you new readers, this is a program that the members of the 31 Club are using to gage their progress in this business. You can find out all about it on the 31 Club’s website at www.31corp.com.

Value of some things change when used but others don't. Example; fine crystal such as Waterford and Steuben always retain their value so if you come across six or more of these pieces for $5 a piece, you can be assured that they will sell for more than double their purchase price (even online). Most dealers don't buy these items and I often find them still setting on a shelf at a house sale on the last day of the sale marked half price. You can even offer less for several pieces and generally make the purchase. I purchased a Steuben Cintra fruit bowl for $20 and its value is approximately $1,200. It was overlooked by other buyers because they thought it was too new. I think that it is even better than new. There are so many other items that fit the 31 Club’s program. Go to the store and check the price of good sets of china. Names like Doulton, Rosenthal and others can run into the thousands but in the secondary market they may be bring only $200-$500. If you break these sets down and auction the pieces on http://www.seeauctions.com/ , http://www.onlineauctions.com/ or eBay the set may double or triple your investment.

Although name doesn't always equal quality, it usually does and when you can buy the best names for up to 90% discount, this should put you well on the road to success in this business. When I said that people are getting smarter, I meant it. You can tell that even the stores are recognizing this fact when they put up sale signs on new merchandise as soon as it comes in. My wife routinely looks for highly discounted racks when shopping and the merchandise is still new. On a recent shopping excursion, I spotted a great vest with horses on it for my wife but when I showed it to her with a price tag of $125, she shook her head no. Not giving up, I asked the clerk to check the price. The register reflected that the price was reduced to $44 and with a coupon for an additional 20% off; I quickly purchased the vest and can’t wait for her to wear it.

With money being tight, people are looking for bargains for quality items and that is where we can shine. Show them the bargains and the quality items you have to offer. Use your time wisely and get out there and buy. I know some of our members have purchased quality items that haven't sold yet but they will. While the lesser pieces may not sell, quality always will. One of the first things I wrote about was that this business is always about your ability to buy right and never about selling because rare and unusual items will always sell. I also put quality items in that statement. If you have questions, now is the time and I am a waiting to assist you in meeting the goals you have set for yourself.

Daryle Lambert: Silver is beginning to shine again

Wouldn't it be fun to collect coins again like we did when we were children? Perhaps that will be possible as the price of silver continues to drop. Yes, silver is no longer selling at $20 an ounce, but that may be good for the collector. You see when the price of the base metal gets too high, the numeric value doesn't increase equally. So when the silver market is headed lower, you can get more bang for your buck with the rarer coins. This would be a great time to introduce your children to the fun of collecting and where better to start than with coin collecting.

If you have read my book, "31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles", which can be found at www.31corp.com., you have probably seen my story about paying for my college education by selling my coin collection. If you decide to begin collecting coins, make sure you don’t buy coins that won't appreciate due to the fact that everyone thinks they will and millions of those pieces are set aside to wait for the big jump in price that isn't coming. For example, I put the state quarter sets in that category. You will find great pleasure in trying to complete sets of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars. The next step should be to upgrade pieces in your collection and often by selling a particular coin, you may be able to purchase a higher grade coin with the proceeds of the sale because of the price you paid for the first coin.

Why are you talking about starting a collection when I thought your idea was to be a seller and to buy right? Good question - but with coins often you will buy multiple coins at one time and again if you read my book you will find that I state you should set aside pieces after your goal of compounding is completed. So here is an example: buy one hundred silver dimes for $30 and sell ninety of them for $100 and set the balance back to start your collection. You may find out that down the road that your collection could pay for college or down payment on a house.

The wonderful thing about coins is that you may find a special one that can sell for a significant amount. In fact, in my collection, there were coins that I had paid face value for that when sold brought $500 to $1,000 back in the 1960s. The best way to start buying coins is to let everyone know that you want to buy coins. Almost everyone has a stash of coins that they have collected or have been given to them by a parent. When you tell them what their worth is today, most will want to sell them.

There are great guide books on coins and they can be found by going to www.abebooks.com or www.amazon.com. I have run across a site that should be of great interest to you if I have caught your interest with coins. The website is www.silvercoinand.com

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Jewelry warms a Lady's Heart

Thanks to Flicker


I know of no other season where the proper gift for a lady is more important than Christmas. Yes, almost all ladies appreciate a little piece of jewelry to adore that Christmas sweater or a necklace for all eyes to see. There isn't a better way to show that you care for that special friend or spouse than to buy them something special from your heart.

My advice to you is to start your search early for that special gift and recognize that most everyone you meet is doing the same thing. If you wait too late, the only option you may have is to go to the local jeweler and pay three times the item's worth. By starting early you may find exactly what you want at an auction or house sale and save perhaps thousands of dollars. Also, if you start early, you can search eBay and other sites for that special gift. You will find that these gifts will warm the heart of the person receiving them. Any other pieces you purchase may more than pay for what you keep for yourself. What could be better than finding the gift you need and making a profit on additional items?

We can use this in our business plan. You know potential customers are out there; but do you have what they are looking to purchase? I find that for me the best way to sell what I have is to convince the buyer that I am offering them a deal that can't be found anywhere else. Almost any piece of jewelry that is 10 carat gold or greater is desirable. Platinum pieces will not stay with you very long if you advertise. Marked silver pieces also do very well today. Mexican silver is very popular. Once you have acquired several pieces of jewelry, place a small ad in your local newspaper. Jewelry and other Antiques for sale for that special Christmas gift and your phone number is all you need to include. I think that you will receive more calls than expected and before Christmas your cupboard will be bare.

Remember that you should be able to purchase gold, platinum and silver jewelry for a small fraction of the replacement cost so there should always be plenty of room for the profits that we search for, remember at least 100% to meet our goal. I know you are asking why would a person buy from me rather than the Jeweler? Simple answer is because he can get so much more for his money. I purchased a diamond tennis bracelet from a lady for $660 and she had the receipt where her husband had paid $6,600 for it. Do you think that I could sell it for $1,320? Of course I could and probably have people fighting for it.

Today I had a friend call me to discuss purchasing a set of rings for a special person. His question to me was , “Do you think $1,600 is too much for the rings because I have the diamond?” My answer shouldn't surprise you, “ Yes, I think that is far too much for the rings and I think I can get them for you for $500.”
This is the same process that you should go through as you search for jewelry. If I can show a person that I can sell him a particular piece of jewelry at half what he was intending to spend and also give him a better quality piece, how can he refuse?

You only have a few weeks left to cash in and purchase something special for that special gift; so don't wait... get out there and start buying.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antique Advertising Tins From Times past

Our history has been recorded in many way but would you have thought that one of the best ways was through advertising. Yes, that is the truth and when paper items had limited life spans due to the very nature of paper there were other forms of advertising that have last through the years. The ones that I would like to discuss today are the antique cans and canisters.

These tin advertising pieces were produced to not only safeguard their contents but to also remind the buyer to purchase the brand advertised on the can again. Often the graphics on these can where fabulous and true works of art. The tin cans and canisters were first used commercially in the United States in 1819. I was surprised to learn how many collectors there are for these advertising pieces and also what values they put on them.

Believe it or not through my research I have learned a greater respect for this type of collecting and may even become a new collector myself. First a collection can be started very inexpensively in this area and this should be the first consideration for the new collector. The true collector is the one that does his research and adds the more expensive items to his collection as his knowledge increases. I don't consider a person a true collector just because he has the money to purchase the better pieces but has very little true knowledge of what he has chosen to collect.

I will give you an example in my own years of collecting. Very early in my quest to become knowledgeable in the art world I was fortunate enough to find a fabulous painting by an English painter Frederick Morgan. You can see the whole store in my book “31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and collectibles” . At the time I discovered the painting I didn't feel that I deserved to have a painting of this quality hanging on my wall because I simply didn't know enough about art. I was able to sell it for a handsome profit and now many year later and through much study it has made me more knowledgeable on the subject of art so hopefully I can find a painting of equal quality now and I would be proud to hang it in my home.

But back to the tins and your question where might I find them? As you visit older home for garage and estate sales be sure to look in the basements and garages. Check every sack and box that you see because often these items aren't thought to be worth much so they are just thrown in with a lot of junk. These particularly items are more frequently found in older communities so as you travel check the small shops that are selling collectibles and antiques. Another great place is online. Yes often as your knowledge grows in this area of collecting you will discover great buys on sites like Onlineauction.com and eBay.com. My newest site is seeaution.com and I believe that these sites will produce some great finds for you.

I usually give some example of the more expensive items and I will list a few of these for you but there are hundreds if not thousands of others that sell for $100 up to many thousands. This is an area of collecting that doesn't lack for material.

First lets look at the Bambino Tin that featured the silhouette of Babe Ruth, it contained smoking tobacco, measuring 4” X 2” todays price could be as high as $5000. Even out doing that one the Gray Dunn's Biscuit tin with spoked wheels measuring 7 ½ inches could put up to $10,000 in your pocket if you came across one of these in mint condition. Nor bad for something that the company thought would be throw away after the contents were used. The funny thing about these tins is that often they were used for storage for things such as buttons, screws and pins after they were emptied and these items can often still be found in them when they are discovered.

This is a fun area of collecting but still can bring you big dollars so I would advise you to get a guide from Abebooks or Amazon because Tins should be added to your list of items to search for.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antiques should be on People's Want list

The bird is gone and most people have had enough football so what is next? Gift time, right? I hope we all thought of the blessings we have received this year before we go out and spend too much money on things that perhaps we don't need. I personally have been looking in every nook and corner to see what I still have that someone might want to purchase as that special gift. I am surprised at the items that I had forgotten about that were just sitting out in the garage and storage room. Yes, you will soon see them listed on eBay. I think the deals that they will be offering during this Christmas season will make it well worth using their services. The cost of selling the $12,000 Kentucky Derby Glass on eBay was just $250, not bad at all. But don't forget that other sites such as Online Auction may charge even cheaper rates.

What will people be looking for this year that we can provide? Royal Doulton and Lladro figurines are being sold at almost give away prices. I think the mothers on your list may be looking for one of these; ones that bring back precious memories of their little girls or boys. Dads will be buying sports figurines for their young sons that involve the sport they love. Husbands may purchase that vase that is perfect as that special centerpiece on their table or that lamp that makes their living room complete. Wives will be scouring the shops for a collectible that can add to that special collection of their husbands. But this Christmas, I believe people will be shopping much more carefully and quality will count. Isn't it strange that we have been teaching that quality counts from the 31 Club’s formation?

Remember: if you don't show people what you have for sale soon, the season will pass quickly and you will have missed an excellent opportunity to decrease your inventory and increase your bank account. So how should we advertise?

The local papers are excellent venues for advertising during this season. You may want to say “Christmas Specials” (Antiques and Collectibles for the Ones You Love) and your phone number. You should find this ad to be very inexpensive yet effective. Also, don't rule out Online Auction.com or eBay.com or a new website called seeauctions.com that you may want to investigate. All of these sites’s traffic will pick up over the next few weeks and this increases your chance of success in selling the items you have listed.

I believe that the best way to sell your items at this time of year is to call or e-mail past customers to inform them that you have something that would make a fantastic gift for a loved one. For many years now I have sold one of my customers a painting for his home each year and I don’t think this year will be an exception. I know a person that prepares a list of special items that they have for sale and a letter wishing their past customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. They also include a list of items they have available for sale. I think that is quite an original and inexpensive idea. Most stores make 80% of their profit for the year during this season so maybe they have something to teach us.

Usually I am a humbug this time of year but for some reason I have the Christmas spirit already! I think it may have something to do with all of you and the encouragement that I receive from you. Many thanks and happy hunting…

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Happy Thanksgiving

The 31 Club wishes everyone a special Thanksgiving. This is the time that I take to reflect on all the blessings that I have received through the year. Many of those blessings have come from all the new and wonderful people that I have had the pleasure to meet through the 31 Club, both in person and on the Internet. God has blessed me more than I could ever deserve; but should we expect less of a loving God?

Vickie has the Thanksgiving meal in the oven and I am getting ready for more football than I need to watch and Joshua is chasing his nephew around the house. Just your typical Thanksgiving right? This is the first Thanksgiving that Vickie's father isn't with us but we know one day we'll be together again for all eternity. Flo, Vickie's stepmom, and one of her sisters and nephew have come from Kentucky to be with us this year and for that we are thankful. This is a time for family and friends so be sure to reach out to someone and you are certain to find yourself blessed.

Those treasures that we hunt for will just have to wait today for there are many things that are much more important and today is one of those. Be sure to remember all our troops that won't be spending their Thanksgiving this year at home with friends and family because they are protecting us. Please say a little prayer for them and their families. If you know someone that is currently serving in the armed forces, they would be grateful if you called their families or even took a pie to their home to be enjoyed by all.

You can still even reach out to someone who is spending today alone and ask them to join your family in this celebration of the plenty that God has provided. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to share the real meaning of Thanksgiving with your children and I promise you that they will never forget it. You may be passing on a tradition of sharing that will be carried forward for generations to come.

Happy Thanksgiving and may your family be Blessed!!!

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Western Paintings by Tom Darro

Tom Darro Painting is Available at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Several years ago I visited the home of a wonderful lady located on the north side of Chicago. Since that time, we have continued to stay in touch. On my first visit to her home, I saw many wonderful items and purchased several of them. This visit started a love affair for me of paintings by Tom Darro.

A beautiful painting of an Indian mother brushing her daughter’s hair was on her wall. This painting took my breath away. I purchased it and continue to enjoy it more than a decade later. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of working with the Lakota Sioux on a reservation in South Dakota. These visits are some of my best memories. Every time I visit this reservation it makes me appreciate my painting that much more. I continue to advertise for Tom Darro paintings on AskArt, hoping to acquire more of his work. The reason that I write about Tom's work today is that I received a phone call from a lady who is constructing a website for Mr. Darro’s gallery. She had come across my ad in AskArt and saw I was interested in paintings by Tom. We agreed to work together to promote the paintings of this outstanding artist and I think that in the near future, you will see the value of his work increase substantially.

I would suggest that you keep an eye out for paintings by Tom Darro because your bank account may be increased if you can acquire one or more of his paintings before they become highly publicized. I believe that he will soon become one of the best known Western artists of our time.

You must however, remember to keep my rules in mind, and consider everything you own, outside of family, for sale at the right price. The price for certain items may be much higher than you think someone would pay for the item and that is certainly okay. You can see the Darro painting discussed above in the 31 Club’s gallery. If someone is willing to pay my asking price for the painting, it will be sold and I will just hope that the new owner enjoys it as much as I have. I promise not to be sad since I’ve enjoyed it for several years, plus the profit it brings and will have passed it on for someone else to treasure.

The 31 Club can help our industry by being temporary guardians for the treasures that come our way. Just think: if no one was willing to sell us their treasures, then we would have no business or treasures to enjoy in our homes. The moral of the story: Don't be sad when something leaves your possession - just look forward to your next purchase and the joy it will bring you.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your one-time Membership fee. Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle. Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antique and Collectible Automobile Memorabilia

Daryle Lambert: Antique and Collectible Automobile Memorabilia

What could be better for us as dealers and collectors than to have the “Big Three” auto manufacturers headline the news each day if automobiles are our passion? Everyone is talking about what the government should or shouldn't do. To bail or not to bail! This will definitely cause collectibles from auto industry to appreciate. It looks as if many models produced by the major companies Ford, General Motors and Chrysler will cease to be made. You should be aware that when any model of car is discontinues or deleted from a company’s assembly line, that car’s advertising, manuals and anything else pertaining to that model becomes collectible. I personally believe that coming years may be the best of the automobile years for the collector since the muscle car mania.

So the question is; how do we take advantage of this period of time when the automobile is the subject of every discussion? My answer is to buy, buy, and then buy some more. This is one of the few areas where paper items can command nice returns on your investment. Old magazines with car ads can bring more than you would think, dealership cardboard cutout ads can bring hundreds of dollars and the owner manuals from rare and unusual models find eager collectors just waiting for these items to come into your possession.

If you recall, I recently did a blog on license plates with the values that can exceed a thousand dollars for certain ones. There are so many other items to be collected from the automobile industry. Tin Dealer signs can bring out of this world prices while hood ornaments seem to be the cream of the crop for collectors (the right one can often bring tens of thousands). I received an email recently from a lady that has an entire collection of some fabulous hood ornaments for sale. She had them all mounted for presentation. I am waiting to hear back from her because I believe this collection could be quite valuable and I would like to represent her in finding a buyer.

Model cars, toy cars, paddle cars, and even small scale cars are out in the marketplace just waiting to be found by the members of the 31 Club. With all the publicity surrounding the automobile industry today, this should be one of your centers of focus while you are searching for treasure.

I will share a short story with you and I hope I haven’t shared this before. I was in a home with various antiques but after spending several hours there, I found nothing of interest to me so as I was leaving through the garage, I noticed a small wheel under a pile of other things. Asking the gentleman what was there, he told me it was his son’s race car. I immediately uncovered a quarter midget racer from the 50's. Thinking this would be a great thing for my son, I asked what he would take for the racer. The gentleman said $300 and I said "sold." Getting the car home and doing my research, it soon became apparent to me that this was quite a collectible and not a “go-cart” for a child. I ended up selling the racer for about $2,500. I have to confess - I hated to part with it more than my son did.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Colectibles Today

Thanks to Flicker.com


Just when everyone thought that collecting was breathing its last breath, it looks as if there is a new trend forming. I’m sure you’re asking; what could it be? I think you will be surprised. We are collectors by our very nature and that is also true throughout the animal kingdom. Birds decorate their nests with trinkets that they find, crabs use different items at the entrance of their homes to attract other crabs, ferrets are kleptomaniacs and they hide everything the can get their paws on. Humans aren't far behind their fellow creatures in these inherited traits.

I was scanning Yahoo's news articles this morning and came across an article that discussed people who are searching for items that they used and have subsequently been discontinued. Their obsession for these items has caused a collector’s run on many of these items. People are now feverishly searching for tubes of lipstick, shampoo bottles, soda cans and many other items that are no longer being produced. This is a new trend in collectibles that has captured a new group of collectors and the beat goes on…

How can we profit from these new trends? My initial thought is to search eBay and enter words such as shampoo, soda cans, Fizzles, lipstick and other special products you may have used in the past. I always start with the completed items section because this represents recent sales and that is what I look for. The value of a Pepsi Crystal diet soda can is already gaining in price. I found several that sold for $19.95 recently and the current asking price is $35.00. Who knows how high the price will go because it depends on the supply and ultimately, the collector’s interest. A little research will give you the information you need to profit from these new trends. Now is the time to get ahead of the trend. Don’t wait until it heads down. My advice to you is to use caution as the downward direction can happen very quickly if the supply outnumbers the interested purchasers. These are the types of items that I suggest you turn very quickly. Remember Beanie Babies and collector plates.

While we wait patiently for buyers of our true treasures, it might be a great time to pick up a few bucks by participating in this search. If you can find the time, share with me some of the items that you think will fall into this category.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: When the Tooth Fairy Can Pay Off

My question to you is what do you use your spare time for? That question today could have many answers because we live in a mobile society but what if you were confined to a small space for great lengths of time would it be the same? The boredom could become over whelming if there wasn't something to pass the time with. I know you are asking where is he going with this right?

I am talking about the old Sea Farer's that were called old salts. You see they were at sea for long stretches of time with very little to do besides the jobs that they had signed on for. However many of these Sea Farer's where excellent artist and craftsmen. By being members of the sailing community they had very few materials to practice their skills on besides ivory and whales teeth. The whales teeth and walrus tusk were plentiful around the sea ports and the made excellent material for the skilled craftsmen to show life as it was upon a ship at sea. Often the greatest resource that we have remaining of life at sea are carved on these teeth and tusk.

For the advanced collector there isn't a better find then one of these pieces of history to be added to their collection. The wonderful part about us finding exceptional pieces of Scrimshaw is that it will not only be sought by the collectors but also by the museums. This make for healthy competitions between the collector and museums and this pushes the price for scrimshaw through the roof. Hurray for us the good guys.

You must be warned that there are people making Scrimshaw today and also many fakes made from plastic are in the market. On the plastic Scrimshaw it is easy to test by placing a hot needle to it in a place on the item that will not disfigure it and if it melts then it is plastic. On the other pieces that are new you must be able to tell if they are genuine by the patina and quality of workmanship. By placing these pieces in tea for a long period of time it will give them a darkened color but to the trained eye it is nothing like the true patina that comes from many years of exposure to the air.

The most sought after Scrimshaw will be decorated with ships, whales, birds, emblems from their country of origin, mermaids and sailors. These pieces can become quit expensive with some selling in the tens of thousands of dollars. It is rather common for good pieces of Scrimshaw to bring from $1000 up. In slow markets for other items I believe you will always find a ready market for these items.

My best advice to you when it comes to Scrimshaw is never take anything for as it appears because about the time you think the item that you are holding in your hand is a fake it will prove out to be real and make your day. These teeth are to valuable to put under your pillow for the tooth fairy.


Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antiques and Collectibles Come Full Circle

Where are you today in your search for success with Antiques and Fine Art? Have you been disappointed over the last few months as markets have seemed to shrink? Are you finding it more and more difficult to get out there every day? Well you're not alone, but this is the time to keep pushing forward. These times are just like the ones that a marathoner goes through at about that 20th mile in the 26 mile race. He can quit and he knows it, but with just a little more endurance, he can cross the finish line. My hope is that with the help that can be provided here at 31 Club, all our readers and members will cross your own finish line.

I want to share a little story with you about the ups and downs of this market. Remember the 1940 Kentucky Derby Glass that I've written about in pass blogs. Well, when one of or members of the 31 Club discovered it, and enterd the glass through our Associates Program, this is where the 31 Club partners up with its member and shares the profit from its sale. It didn't take long for the glass to be "sold" and our celebration started, but it was short lived. The sale wasn't consummated, and our joy soon turned to disappointment. This was the wall just like that marathoner reaches. So, what should we do? Well, I have to give it to Cecil, our partner in the glass, who said we need to suck it up an take it to the next step. I am happy to report to you that now the Kentucky Derby Glass has found a new owner at a price equal to what we thought it was sold for the first time. The second success is even sweeter than the first.

If you are in a similar state of mind with perhaps inventory that you thought should have sold but hasn't, it may be because you have stopped putting forth the effort needed to get the items sold due to past disappointments. Give it another try and see if the results aren't different. They sure were with the Kentucky Derby Glass.

One way I try to get on the brighter side is to have something that in the future, can change my temperament. For example, I'm looking forward to January 9th because that's the day that William and the 31 Club will be selling a painting at Christie's. The artist is Bannard. I believe it will bring more than Christie's high estimate, because this artist's works have been exceeding the high estimates in almost ever auction where they have been consigned. Even though other things may not be going just as I had planned, I still have something to look forward to. Is your glass half empty or half full? That's what you might ask yourself. You are the only one who can make that decision.

If you need encouragement, please call me at 1-847-784-8544. I believe after we talk, you will be ready to get back into the saddle. God wants us to succeed but he doesn't promise us it will be easy. Working together, I feel confident that nothing can stop us from crossing the finish line in our own “Million Dollar Race” unless we just quit.


Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antique Minton China Surprises

Form www.flicker.com


I received a call from one of our members of the 31 Club asking about the value of his Minton platter. Looking at the piece, my first thoughts were “this is a relatively new piece.” Going to my trusty Kovel book of marks, listed was the platter made from1951 till present just as I thought. However, before I got to the specific mark that appeared on this piece, I viewed several others that had been used by the Minton Company over the years. This sparked my interest a little more.

This particular platter was from a set of dinnerware that I suggested might better be sold via eBay because of its later production date. As I began to research this piece, I realized other Minton pieces could be wonderful purchases. This company has a long and prosperous history commencing in 1793 through present day. They made quality items from the very beginning. Remember what I have shared with you about value, if something had very little value when it was produced, regardless of its age; it probably has very little real value today. However, if it had great value when it was made, its value could be hundreds of times greater today. This is wonderfully demonstrated by the quality of Minton china and how its values have continued to climb through the years. As a result of research done on behalf of one of our members, I now know that Minton’s tableware ranks right up there with Meissen. To know the value of a Minton piece, you must know the approximate age of the piece and this can only be established if you have the appropriate reference material to cross reference.

I have to admit that I have never held Minton in very high esteem, but that was because I wasn't knowledgeable about the value of their earlier pieces. I am sure that I have passed by several valuable pieces over the last 45 years as a result of not having this knowledge. I hope that by sharing this information, you will not make the same mistakes that I have.

There are some truly fantastic items out there just waiting in the marketplace for your discovery. I believe that if you become knowledgeable about Minton’s values, you will be able to trump almost every dealer that you run into on your hunt for this treasure.

How would you like to find this piece for $150? Majolica bowl staved basket form, rope handles c. 1865, 11 inches, Value up to $6,000. Minton produced a wide range of merchandise including: dishes, figurines, jardinières, jugs, pitchers, garden sets and teapots. Most of these items from Minton’s early years will command prices in the thousands. You can see and research many of these items in Kovel's Antique and Collectible Price Guide.

As you can see, members of the 31 Club’s participation contribute greatly to the information that I am able to share with the readers of this blog. Please keep your questions coming and as McCain said "I will keep your names and make you famous."

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Daryle Lambert: Antique and Collectibles for Christmas Gifts can make the day

This holiday season people will be looking for those special gifts for their loved ones, not just something to fill stockings. Gifts of value will command center stage this year and quality Antiques and Art can make this time special. Giving something that can increase in value rather than becoming worthless will be what I will focus on the coming weeks.

This feeling of doubt and uncertainty created by the falling stock market may keep people out of retail stores but you know they will purchase something for their loved ones this Christmas. Dollars will be used wisely so quality will reign supreme. Items purchased should bring a sense pleasure, not one of obligation.

I hope my readers have followed the suggestions from my blog about buying only the rarest and most unusual items for their inventories because now you will see the wisdom of that advice. When you are able to sell your choice pieces, the average dealer with common items will see his inventory sit much longer whereas your treasures will be eagerly sought after.

Great examples of Lalique, Steuben, Tiffany and Lotton will fly off your shelves during this Christmas season while lesser quality art glass items will be difficult to sell. I talked to Riley Humler at Cincinnati Gallery and he informed me that their last sale, just recently completed, exceeded their expectations. How did this happen in these uncertain times? The answer is simple: quality sells and Rookwood is quality. I hope that over the last few months you have been fortunate enough to pick up a piece of Rookwood, Grueby, Newcomb. George Ohr or Doulton for your inventory. By selling it to an eager collector or someone buying a special gift for a collector can also make your Christmas much merrier.

Don’t forget about paintings because they will never let you down if they are purchased at the right price. I hope to report another great success story in the near future as I have a painting that I am offering at Christie's in January. My phone is beginning to ring on a regular basis with inquiries about items in our Marketplace and I feel certain that many of these pieces will be sold over the next few weeks.

This is the time to put on your happy face and you will find it contagious. Often, the best you can give someone in times like this is a smile but that may be all that is needed to turn their day around. God gave us that smile so let’s pass it around.

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Once in a Life Time

Flash! It is time to invest in the stock market. I suggest that people average into this market that has well overshot the mark. My suggestion would be to invest 25% each month over the next 3 months and keep 25% in cash. Obama's election will begin to sooth the markets. With the lowest interest rates that I have ever experienced and no fear of inflation, these markets could be on the verge of an upside explosion. The bellweather stocks are selling at 6-8 times earnings when the average over the last 30 years has been 21. Some of these stocks are paying up to an 8% dividend. Remember when I suggested selling silver at $17 up to $20 – it is currently at $9. I also shared my opinion on crude oil at $140 and said it was insane - now it is near $50. Well, this is my next prediction for you, and the money you make on the next advance in the stock market may provide you with the extra funds needed for your treasure hunts.

As I promised yesterday, I want to give you some examples of treasures that are in the market today at bargain prices. Daum Nancy and Galle art glass have fallen in value along with the markets in general. Should they have? I don't think so and at the moment I believe that you should have an open eye for items made by these companies. I prefer Daum Nancy to Galle but that is merely a personal preference. Vases that were selling for $2,500 or more have been selling for a little over $1,000. What a bargain. Daum and Galle pieces are no longer being produced so their numbers are limited. Supply and demand never changes for long and soon the buyers will realize that and begin buying the rarer and unusual pieces again. Buyers will soon be willing to pay what the marketplace demands.

By buying the better pieces that are being offered, your return should meets the 31 Club’s rule for doubling the price of what we sell versus our cost. This will get you back on track again with the 31 Steps to success. Don't forget that a penny doubled 31 times is still over $21,000,000. Where are you in the race to complete the 31 Steps?

Now is not the time to quit, but to increase your efforts, because the best opportunity in the last 10 years to capitalize and become successful is yours today. Buckle up, tighten your belt and dive head long into the search for “Antiques and Fine Art" that can be more rewarding than your wildest imagination.


Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

How Do We Know People Are looking for Antiques and Fine Art ?

This is a question that I am often asked and I have given much thought to my answer. The conclusion that I have come to is fairly simple. Are there paintings or other antiques that I would buy regardless of the economic conditions? The answer to that is a resounding yes! And, if I feel that way, then it only seems logical that others feel the same way. Very few people are in the business of Antiques and Fine Art solely for the money, you will find that most of them truly enjoy the items that they purchase. Most antique and are dealers are also collectors.

I can share my want list with you. These items remain constant regardless of other factors with the exception of price. First are paintings by Patty Thum, a Kentucky artist who painted around the turn of the century. You should add this to your list of things to watch for because I am obsessed with her work and so is my wife. We are also interested in other Kentucky artists such as Harvey Joiner, Carl Brenner and Paul Sawyier to a lesser degree.

But those aren't the only items that stay on my want list. I am always looking for Doulton pieces by leading artists including: Hannah Barlow, George Tinworth, Eliza Simmance, Mark Marshall, Frank Butler and Emily Stormer. By having constant items on your wish list, it helps you begin to associate with other collectors of these items therefore letting those collectors know you are a buyer. In addition, it provides you with a sell list of customers for items that don't meet the requirements for your personal collection.

It will subsequently become apparent to other people and they may consider you an expert in the area or items you choose to deal in. This provides you with a base of business and it will continue to expand as your name is shared with others. One of our first rules in the 31 Club is to let everyone we meet know what we're doing and after we have become established, we tend to forget to continue to follow this rule.

Make your list of items that you are most interested in and share them with everyone you come in contact with. This is the best way to promote yourself and it costs you nothing. Save money and help make money - what could be better than that?

Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Perfume: The Scent that keeps on giving...

Thanks to Flicker


I received an email asking me to provide more information on perfume bottles and since there are huge amounts of money to be made, if one finds that special bottle, then this is a worthy addition to our blog log.

Perfume containers date back to ancient times and I can even imagine Cleopatra using one. The scents that were used in early times came from natural ingredients such as rose petals and jasmine. Today's perfume is a combination of very sophisticated ingredients that tend to attract the other sex. I personally can't comprehend it, but some rare perfume today can command several thousand dollars per ounce.

As such, it is only logical that the containers that hold these exotic liquids would be equally expensive. Further, if you thought that many of the more expensive perfumes and their bottles came from France, you would be correct. The leading company that manufactured atomizers for perfume bottles was the DeVilbiss Company. This company started in 1888, but their most collected pieces were made from 1920 through 1969 when they ceased production. Therefore, if you find a perfume with a DeVilbiss atomizer, it can be dated no later than 1969.

One of the interesting facts about collecting certain perfume bottles is a word associated with them - it is the word “factice” which is term used for large display bottles used in stores to demonstrate its products for sale. These can be so large that it might take more than one person to move them. These bottles come in many different shapes and sizes in addition to the various materials used to produce them. Here is a short list just to give you a few examples of the materials used: agate, amber, cut glass, cameo glass, lapis, malachite and art glass. They may be decorated with gold, silver and many other ornamental decorations.

These perfume bottles usually aren't cheap but they are eagerly sought after by the collectors. If you have an item they desire, they usually aren't bashful about asking you to sell them. Even inexpensive models are desirable because there is nothing more interesting than a mirrored tray in a bathroom filled with beautiful bottles. My personal favorites are the early Lalique bottles.

It is time to tease your senses by listing a few of the perfume bottles that you should consider in your searches. Since Lalique is my favorite, lets look at a few of these first: Au Coeur Des Calices in blue brings more than $4,500, Ambre D' Orsay in purple should bring $2,500. Some of the rarest bottles by Lalique could command $25,000 or more. I own two Daum Nancy bottles that ended up on my wife's dresser tray, but if I listed them for sale, I think their value would be about $3,000 which is not bad for a $100 investment.

There are many books that list and price perfume bottles. Some can be purchased on www.abebooks.com and www.amazon.com. If you are serious about buying or collecting perfume bottles, I would suggest you obtain one of these guides.

I'm sorry that I'm posting this blog so late in the day but a busy day and other commitments interfered with my normal time frame.


Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Antiques and Collectibles in Odd Places

I just read where a gentleman found a trove of ancient coins in a field and I’ll bet that will change his life. What else can you do after all the requirements of the family are met, that can change your financial well being the way antiques and collectibles can? The stories that I have shared about people that I know personally should be enough to inspire the most negative person to action. Where else can a person like Cecil find a drinking glass for $12.50 and two weeks later sell it for $12,500?

During these times of economic uncertainty, why don't we look for treasure in places that normally wouldn't be on our list of places to check? For example: have you attended any charity sales lately? At the last event I attended, I purchased a designer necklace for $5 that had a true value of $500 plus. Not a bad result from picking through a lot of uninteresting items. Just one item can make it all worth it. True junk shops can also prove to be rewarding. I found a set of andirons at a junk shop priced at $50 that I sold for more than $1,000. I’m not sure the entire value of the shop was worth much more. Yes, you could get a little dusty and dirty but even that can be fun once in a while,

Remember that old saying" When times get tough, the tough get going". I hope all the members of the 31 Club take this saying to heart. During these difficult times there will be people who resign themselves to failure by simply thinking "Why should I go out today because there isn't anything to find anyway?" I hope instead "today is a day to search for treasure because my competition may be reduced since they are discouraged."

These are great times to run small ads in your local newspapers and publications stating that you are buy paintings, art glass and pottery. You can compose your ad as you please and if you keep it concise, the cost should be reasonable. This should bring you clients wanting to cash out belongings to raise cash and you can avoid competition by either visiting them at their home or asking them to bring their items to you. Phone calls are free! You may also want to call people you know and ask if they are aware of anyone wanting to dispose of items you may wish to purchase. Using your imagination can pay off big time and keep the cost minimal. This is certainly a better way to approach your search than sitting in a mall or a shop waiting for people to find you.

I miss receiving your notes on you searches and successes. Let me hear from you.


Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Art Points the Way

Charles Courtney Curran - In Our Gallery


I have to admit it is hard to stay positive when everyone seems to be saying that the sky is falling every day, but the truth is the truth. Christie's just had a record sale and even created three world records for an artist in these uncertain times. Christie’s total gross sales were $325 million dollars. This may seem like chump change when the government is giving away trillions of dollars, but it is still a huge amount in my little corner of the world. It shows that quality items will continue to do well even in depressed times. Hold fast to those true treasures that you have been fortune enough to buy.

I haven't been concentrating on individual items recently because I felt this is a time to encourage my readers that they aren't in this by themselves and that the future will reward those who stay the course. As we read about auctions like the one above, it only affirms my opinion that rare paintings and other unusual antiques and collectibles will fare favorably regardless of other market conditions. I have consigned a painting to Christie's January Sale and I have every hope it will bring ten times its cost. This will make the wait well worth while and also serve to stimulate me into greater action in my pursuit of success. In the most recent sale at Christie's there was art work that was representative of artist with low auction records that sold in the millions so it does not appear to be a shrinking market but one that is expanding every year. The same can be said about all quality Antiques and Collectibles. If the number of items available is small and the buyer numbers are large, you can bet the prices are going up. Yesterday, I received a very interesting call from a lady asking if I could help her sell a collection of automobile hood ornaments. At first it didn't interest me much but as she began to describe the collection my interest was peeked. These weren't your regular hood ornaments but ones that represent the wonderful art movement in cars back in the 1930s and 1940s. They are all mounted as works of art. If you would like to see images of these items go to www.northstargallery.com. I think you will be amazed. I truly believe that she has some items of significant value but it will take research to find this collection’s true value. My days are never dull because presented a new day of treasure hunting. I never know where next call may lead me on this adventure.

If there are certain items that you would like to learn more about, please send me your list and I will try to include them in future blogs.
Learn to Grow Your Bank Account Trading in Antiques & Collectibles. Register for the 31 Club. Daryle's 220 Page Book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Still the Best - Antiques and Fine Art

William Horton - Marketplace

The markets are crashing, home values continue to drop and people are losing their jobs. Where can you find good news in this you may ask? Well, I have to admit it is difficult but I will try. The Antique and Fine Arts markets have become more difficult - but the upper end items still bring top money. That is certainly a plus.