Windmill Weights as Folk Art

After I posted yesterday’s blog about the Whirligigs sought after by collectors, I guess my mind started going back to the days I spent growing up on a farm. Before I knew it, I was researching Windmill Weights. Maybe windmills were on my mind because of the need for this country to find new energy resources. Maybe the windmill images from the T. Boone Pickens commercials were forward in my mind. Only the Good Lord understands the intricacies of my mind. But, boy! I’m glad I did the research. I always thought windmill weights were in the form of animals, birds, moons, or stars, but I was mistaken, and I got quite the education on these folk art collectibles.

In case you're not as old as I am, I'll provide a little background info to understand the historical interest in windmill weights. Yesteryear, in parts of rural America and other parts of the world, many farms used windmills to capture the power of the wind to pump water out of wells for use on their land. Windmills also provided the energy to pump well water to fuel the early locomotives. Grain, especially in Europe, was ground by the energy provided by windmills. These windmills had many moving parts, of course, and a windmill weight was one of them.

Today, these weights are very collectible, valuable, and make great folk art. And there are lots of collectors who'd be grateful if you found a real beauty for their collection.

There are four different kinds of windmill weights – the Tail Weight, the Governor Weight, the Spoke Weight and the Regulator Weight. The Tail Weights are the most decorative of all.

There are hundreds of windmill weights to find, and they are still out there in the old barns and sheds. And some are quite valuable. Many of the weights you’ll find are painted, but I learned that this was usually done after the weight had out-lived its usefulness and later became a piece of folk art.

Many times paint is used to disguise a reproduction, however there are many ways to distinguish the real thing from a new reproduction.The best way is to look for rust. When these weights were used, they picked up sand in the rust, and this is what made the finish on the older weights. Watch for holes in the weights. They shouldn’t be straight up and down on the real ones, rather tapered. Any damage can quickly reduce their value.

I was fortune enough to run across the book, Windmill Weights, by Rich Nidey and Don Lawrence. I took a look at a site with some info on their book, and boy – what a head full I got.

I know you’re waiting for some price examples, so here they are:

A Black Bull with white writing, 18X24 inches, $920. Horse standing,white paint,16 X 17 inches, $920. Rooster, writing, Power & Pump Co. , 13 inches, $1495. ARooster by the Elgin Co., 15X19 inches, could bring you over $5000 today.

Today's Photo comes from Ames Hill Antiques and this 15 inch star weight made by the U. S. Wind Engine & Pump Co. Batavia, Ill. c, 1890. is mounted on a tiger maple stand and has provenance to a Minnesota farm. It's priced at $2250.

I think you’ll agree that these nifty items are worth looking for.

There is an endless stream of items people collect, and if we find them for collectors (or for ourselves) our coffers will be filled. An old saying I recall says, “Go where others have feared to go.” 31 Club says, “Look where others have failed to look.”

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Things Happen

I received some bad news yesterday, and I want to apologize if there were any emails or questions I didn't return answers. My son-in-law in Tennessee passed away unexpectedly and my family and I had to prepare for our trip down south for the funeral.

I’ll be in contact with Cindy to be sure our unbroken record of consecutive blogs isn't broken. If there is anything that needs immediate attention she can be reached at cindy@31corp.com. In fact often times, she may be able to answer you better than I. While I'm away, I would appreciate you continuing to send me ideas about what might help your success, or sending any ideas you have for the club. There isn't a wrong subject, and there may be many others just waiting for someone to ask for a blog on the subject you suggest who will benefit by your suggestion or question. This Club will always have, front and center, the desire to help our fellow members. Hopefully soon, we’ll have a way for you to communicate with each other. Keep watching because Jeremy has some exciting things in store for you in the future on our website.

Truthfully I have to admit, at this moment my heart isn't into writing about Antiques and Art, but about the importance and beauty of finding true friends and sharing your life with them. God willing, there will be many years for us to discuss adventures and treasure finds together, but by chance, there may also be times we need to share our pains. Please always feel free to express to us and your fellow 31 Club members, times when you need prayer and support. We are your friends. Having said that, I ask for you keep my family, and especially my daughter, in your prayers until we return on Monday. This will be a difficult trip, and my wife Vickie will be doing most of the driving, so I ask for prayers that she’ll be able to get some rest somewhere along the line.

When you think about it, you could die of a bee sting, a car accident, or on the operating table like my son-in-law, but God knows your time so it’s best to always be prepared. You can wake up each morning and figure it won’t be today, but are you sure?

Never leave anything undone that needs your attention today, because by waiting, it may be too late to tell those kids or grandkids you love them, or to give your wife or husband that last kiss.

The last thing I do before falling off to sleep each night is to give God thanks for all the blessing I’ve had that day. At my age, I am truly beginning to realize how little control I have over things and how grateful I am for that. As I leave on this trip thinking about a number of things, one of them will be about all the success we’re having together, giving God the appreciation He deserves for this.

In His grace,
Daryle

Call Us Country

I am so appreciative that my readers allow me to, on occasion, write about something other than Antiques and Fine Art. This happens to be one of those days. You will find out, if you continue to follow this blog, that the most important things in life to me are God, Family and Country. Often in my daily life I forget about these things to some degree because of my daily surroundings. I have to admit that I am a television junkie, and the negative focuses of most programs do nothing to strengthen my core beliefs. This is why this trip to the Smoky Mountains has been so refreshing to me, and it is just starting.

When I hear people say they aren’t proud of this country nor ever have been, this causes me to wonder why they live here. The reason I allow myself to say this is because while I don’t agree with everything that is done in this country or all the things that are said about it, I will never waver from saying that I am extremely proud of the Red, White and Blue and am offended by anyone who doesn’t. Yes, they have the right to state their opinion; that’s what makes this country great, but that right doesn’t include saying they have never been proud of it when so many men and women have given their last breath defending these peoples’ rights to their opinions.

It’s so refreshing to be in a place where people speak to you before being spoken to and that’s what I am finding in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I see men opening the doors for ladies and parents that are proud to have their children sharing a vacation with them. I’ve encountered very little discussion of politics and much more interest in their spiritual life and that of the people they meet. I have heard no condemnation of the country or its President. Yes, they may not have agreed with every decision the President made but do still recognize him as their president. It feels as if I might be in a foreign country compared to the news that comes out of Chicago. Yes, I think that I can state, without reservation, that I am country.

Last evening, my wife Vickie, her stepmother, our son Joshua, Vickie’s niece Samantha, and my friend Colin attended a show, and it was such a pleasure. It was filled with comedy that was appropriate for all in attendance, and we shared laughs together. Also, the Veterans were honored for their service to country, and they stood to lengthy applause. God was honored in song and praise, with many songs giving thanks for all he has provided this country. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd.

Last, but definitely not least, we sang patriotic songs together, ending in God Bless America. You can bet I will sleep well tonight as just one old country boy.


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Antiques & Collectibles: Learn What to Avoid or Buy Extremely Low

I’ve received many calls lately from people wanting to know my opinion on contemporary collectibles. I’ve taken the general view that these aren’t worth the time needed to sell them, however, there are always exceptions – like at what price I can get them for.

Frederick Hart is a wonderful artist that worked in Lucite and Bronze. However, to give you an idea why I avoid this type of merchandise unless I can purchase it at a price that seems almost idiotic, let me share a couple of stories.

I’d been working with a couple on their art collection for several weeks when they sprang a surprise on me. They had acquired several Frederick Hart pieces and asked if I was interested in them. They showed me a small bronze. I offered $1,000 for it, and they accepted. I soon sold it for $2,500. But, then they ask me if I would be interested in a major piece of Hart’s work called “Fidelia.” I was reluctant to even give the owner a bid, but since I had purchased so much from them, I did. $2,500. Again, I was startled when they accepted, because I had no idea what I would do with it. There was, however, one lady that had purchased the small bronze from me, and she was willing to take a look. Thankfully, she bought that one as well, for $5,000, allowing me to make some money on the piece. Today, “Fidelia” is in a gallery, offered at over $25,000. I wish the gallery luck getting the price.

Can you imagine taking a 90% licking on something you purchased? I was able to double my money but that wasn't a guarantee. I could have had some real trouble selling these pieces. Don't hesitate to offer what you may think is a totally unreasonable price for items that could be potentially difficult to re-sell. Even original Erte bronzes can be difficult to sell, unless you can buy them extremely reasonably. I’ve purchased two Erte bronzes and was able to double my money on both, but only because I was able to purchase them at less than 25% of their retail value.

Perhaps the strangest piece I’ve purchased was a bronze of two Leopards with a nude on top. This piece was about 2/3 life size and extremely heavy. It listed for about $55,000 and I purchased it for $5,000. I tried and tried to sell it with no success, but finally a dealer in Florida took it off my hands for $7,500. Believe me, even though the dealer paid the shipping, it wasn't worth the headaches to get it shipped. At last check, the dealer still had the piece after almost two years. I wish him luck because he bailed me out.

It’s has been my experience that if you don't have some idea of where to move the merchandise, it’s better left for someone else. It totally amazes me how people can buy these types of items with so little regard for their money. “I just loved it and wanted to own the piece for my home” is the reason most people buy these items, spending more money than they could ever resell it for.

Other items that fall into this category are Franklin Mint, Collector Plates, Thomas Kincaid, and any other Collectible you’re told will become very expensive in the future. Remember the Beanie Babies? How about the Dolls that you could adopt, what happened to them? With items such as these, please be safe rather than sorry.

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Antiques & Collectibles - 31 Club Memorial Day Blog

I have never been as proud to be an American in all my life as I was this weekend. I attended a small church service in Calhoun, Kentucky where they honored our Veterans this Memorial Day Weekend.

Slacks with sharp creases and starched shirts decorated with ribbons and medals was the dress of the day. Flags were held proudly as they were presented, and America The Beautiful and the National Anthem were sung by people who had tears streaming down their cheek. Great love of their country was the unifying thread that bound together men and women in their eighties with others in their twenties. Not one asked for a single thing for themselves, rather prayed that under God, this Country would return to what God intended for it to be. This image will be etched in my mind and heart for the rest of my days.

I remember those times when people were proud of our Country and had the love of God in their hearts. Where have these days gone? How have we strayed so far? Our political leaders seem more interested in party affiliation than the good of the county.

To see and know what has made this country great, you must return to rural America. I am saddened to have returned home and turn on the television, only to see the disharmony that is prevailing in this country that so many have given their lives for.

My hope is that this little community we are in the process of creating through the 31 Club, will stand proud for what our forefathers held so dear. Yes, we are going to learn together about how to provide for ourselves, but I'm hopeful we won't forget our fellowman.

I am asking you to start looking for items that show our Country in a different light. Let’s see if we can find posters that show the pride that all citizens of this Country had at one time. How about books and paintings showing people helping others in times of need. You will probably have more ideas than I about what these items can be. I know you are asking if there be a market for them. The answer to that is yes, because we will create a market in our market place.

Remember, just one year ago everyone was saying that there would never be another collector, but we said they were wrong. They said this business was of the past, and we said it’s the greatest business in the world today.

We’ve shared with you that in every category of this business, records are being set at auction. I no longer see all the negative articles written nor hear the doom and gloom that prevailed just one year ago. Yes, the message of the 31 Club is being heard loud and clear, so now I’m asking you to extend this positive attitude even a step further. Let’s include our pride in America into our plan.

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

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Are you Prepared for Success in the Antique, Fine Art & Collectible Market?

Some of us have been working together for almost a year now, but are you prepared for success?

Yes, we have studied antiques & collectibles, listened to stories of success, but have we assembled the tools needed to master this market?

These questions came to me as I was working with one of our members yesterday. She’s one of the best students I have run across and never fails to do her best to meet the assignments I give her. Her eye for quality is impeccable, and the knowledge she has acquired through her international travels serves her well in the antiques & collectibles arena. But, as we visited, it became apparent there were some basic tools still missing. Like a current computer!

You see, we tried to upload her new digital camera, but couldn’t. Her computer was too old to handle it. Without a computer and digital camera, I don’t know how you can compete in the Antique, Collectible and Fine Arts Markets today.

To Compete in the Antique, Collectible and Fine Art Markets Today, a Digital Camera and a Computer That Can Handle it are Two Necessary Tools for Success.

A fairly new computer and a digital camera is a requirement. Most of you already have one that is sufficient, but if there are members who need to upgrade, this might be a good time. The prices have dropped at an unbelievable rate for desktop models, and you can probably get all you need for $400. A reconditioned computer will be even less. If you’re not able to do this, I’ve seen the “buddy system” work well. One person has the camera already, the other has the computer, and they work together.

Without these two items, your connection with the markets will be very limited. Each day, people send me photos to look at. With those, I can help the sender decide whether or not to purchase the item, or what price to ask for it when they sell it. I also have people who offer me certain items, and e-mail me a photo to look at first, before deciding if I’m interested enough to consider buying it. Once people know you buy antiques, collectibles and fine art, they’ll want to e-mail photos to you, as well.

The computer can help you access auction sites, such as eBay, Rago Arts & Auction, Treadway and others, to do price research, as well as general research on just about everything imaginable. With the use of a good computer and digital camera, you can create limitless results.

I see so many trying to make it in the Antique field who don't take time to research and learn. The computer can help you research like never before, and if you’ve joined the 31 Club you have these tools already aiding you on your success in this trade through many of our professional subscriptions that are costly to subscribe to individually. Access to a wide network of professionals and collectors can also be at your fingertips when you join us. If you haven’t joined, why not do so today? My 220 page paperback book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is free with your membership, and the complete list of trade tools is listed in the book. Join Today!

Our community is growing everyday and I think you will agree that our site is becoming the standard for the industry. Cindy, Chris and Jeremy have done an outstanding job and the best is still to come. Clarke is waiting in the wings for his next assignment, and I can guarantee it isn't far a way.

Join with like-minded 31 Club Members and put a turbo charge on your antique & collectible treasure hunting skills. Get FREE Mentoring. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to make high profits and continue to grow your money buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles.

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How to Pay for Your Travel with Antiques, Collectibles & Paintings

I traveled to Baltimore yesterday so my wife, Vickie, could attend a business conference, and Joshua and I could visit with my other son, Lawson. In past years, I went out to look for treasures as she participated in the scheduled events and classes. This year started out different, however.

It was a task being ready for the early morning taxi. We allowed plenty of time to arrive early and get through security at O’Hare – that is, of course, if the taxi showed up. Six calls later to the taxi company, each time being told the driver is five minutes away was not the way to start the day. We finally called another company, but by this time it was 9:30. It was not likely we’d make our 10:30 flight. But, the second taxi company made good on their word, and as we were pulling out of the driveway, wouldn’t you know it -- the other taxi appeared. We all smiled and waved goodbye to him as we burned rubber on the way out.

Rushing out of the taxi to check our bags, we were told the plane had already closed its doors, so we spent three hours hanging around the airport before we caught the next flight. Vickie missed the day’s sessions, but we did have a wonderful meal with my older son and his wife once we arrived. I do hope to treasure hunt tomorrow, but I am wondering what could happen next.

When you are visiting another part of the country on a trip, be sure to
look for items that are out of place there. For example, if you are on the East Coast, look for West Coast paintings. By doing this, your chances improve for finding a treasure. Remember, I found the painting by Kentucky artist Harvey Joiner on the East Coast. The market for this painting was in Kentucky. That’s when $240 turned into $3700. That isn’t so bad for a country boy.

On several past trips to Baltimore, I found items that fattened my
wallet quite well. I once purchased a painting from an antique store for $500 that was later sold for $2500. And the store shipped it to me in Chicago. I’ve also found pottery such as Rookwood and Roseville priced to my liking on these trips. I used to have a rule that no matter where I traveled, I could pay for the trip plus turn a fair profit for myself by selling the things I bought on the trip. As your knowledge increases, you should be able to do this, too.

PS : I hope to hear from a lot of you on Monday on the AuctionWally BlogTalkRadio Show at 8PM Eastern Time.

Join with like-minded 31 Club Members and put a turbo charge on your treasure hunting skills. Get FREE Mentoring. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to make high profits and continue to grow your money buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

Take a look at our Gallery of Fine Art Paintings by Listed Artists, here.

Antique Soda Shop Items Have Stong Values Today

Antique Soda Fountain found at the Bryant House in Weston, Vermont. Photo from roadfood.com

As a young kid, I remember going to the Olde Soda Shop in Lewisport Kentucky with my Uncle Jim. He was my father’s youngest brother, yet only four years older than me. The town of Lewisport had a population of about 500 back then, and everyone, including the adults, seemed to congregate at this shop on the weekends. It was the most popular place in town for feasting on delicious homemade ice cream and sundaes.

Little did I know back then that almost everything in the store would become a real treasure in a few year’s time. One of the biggest tragedies to this little town was when the government closed the ice cream shop stating sanitary reasons. Most people thought that the real reason was because the larger company making ice cream in the city couldn't compete in quality with the homemade kind being made in Lewisport. I have to agree with this assessment.

Let’s take a look at some values of the items found in the Olde Soda Shop, like the ice cream scoop. The Gilchrist No. 34 Banana Split scoop was recently listed at $675.00. There are many that will bring even more than this, and if you’ve ever had a dip of homemade ice cream served from one of these, you’ll say it is worth every penny of that price. How about soda dispensers? Most of these were also advertising pieces of what they dispensed, like Hires Munimaker Syrup. Today, that dispenser would cost you $6,500. Today, a Scott’s Root Beer Barrel shape dispenser can be yours for the small sum of $4,500. These dispensers were in all kinds of soda shops, and you might find one at your next garage sale.

Advertising was what really caught your eye when you entered the shop in Lewisport. Coke Cola, Green River, Cherry Smash, Root Beer, and Grape Crush were just a few of the dispensers that you might see on the other side of the counter. Almost all of these dispensers today will bring over $500 and several will sell in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. Not to be out done are the tin and cardboard signs that were sitting everywhere. This made it virtually impossible not to order something, and if you find one of these, their value will compare with the soda dispensers.

When I close my eyes, I can still catch the aroma of fresh fruit, candy, peanuts and chewing gum that filled the air. And there were dispensers and jars in which these items were contained, too. What stories these shops could share if they still existed today.

Ice Cream Parlor tables and chairs, stools, and benches will still bring a pretty penny today. Who says the old days weren’t worthwhile? Be sure to keep these in mind when you are on your search for treasures from yesteryear.

Don’t just follow the daily Blog. Join with like-minded 31 Club Members and put a turbo charge on your treasure hunting skills. Get FREE Mentoring. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to make high profits and continue to grow your money buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

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Napkin Rings to Dream About

Antique Tiffany Co sterling silver childrens napkin ring c1890

is offered at OneOfaKindAntiques.com for $900

Do you know a single napkin ring can bring up to $5,000? But be careful, because there are reproductions. Napkin Rings were fashionable from about 1860 to 1900, and no formal table would have been set without them. Where did the days of the formal table go, now that we are in the disposable age where everything goes into the trash as soon as the meal is completed?

Several years ago at an auction on the far west side of Chicago, I found 25-30 silver plated napkin rings from the late 1800’s. I was new to buying silver then, because my first love had always been pottery, so I was a little reluctant to buy these. But, I did buy half a dozen of them at prices from $75-$100. Soon after this purchase, a man approached me and asked if they were for sale. He was more familiar with silver than I was, so I declined to give him a price, and took them home instead. Then, I listed them on eBay.

My money doubled the first they were listed. You see people back then thought that a snipe was a bird, and they didn’t wait until the last 30 seconds to bid on something they wanted. The best of the bunch closed at over $500, and the rest were not far behind.

You must be sure of what you are looking at because some are still being produced today. The figural rings are usually the most expensive, and in Kovels Price Guide, some of these go up to $4,000. A silver plated 3 ½ “ ring with a Conquistador on top made by the Toronto Silver Plate Co. sold for close to $5,000. I would suggest that any older silver or silver plated napkin ring would fetch at least a hundred or two.

You will find all kinds of of Napkin Rings, and often, they will be round with just a letter engraved on them. Even these simple one can sell for $100 or more. But if you find ones with children, oriental figures, Lads and Lassies, animals or Samurai's, then you have found a treasure. It might seem strange, but it doesn't seem to matter if the napkin rings are sterling or plate and the maker seems to be the most as it pertains to price. And although napkin rings are made in many different materials, only the silver ones shine.

Often you will find napkin rings in box lots. Some of the time you really have to look thoroughly through the entire box to find where people have hidden them during the preview, hoping that no one else would know these valuable ones are there. If you locate a set of these in a house and can negotiate a price for them all, you should come out smelling like a rose when they are sold individually. These may not get you to the million, but they are definitely more than pocket changes.

Some of you wrote about yesterday’s blog, and you are right. Cindy did correct me. There doesn’t seem to be any Key Ring Clubs but she did point out to me that Key Rings and Key Chains are the same and there is a Key Chain Club. However, as I studied it, I found they aren’t offering what I had in mind.

Construction Alert: Yes, we are under reconstruction and you might see some glitches for a few days. But, when we are finished, you will be pleased. Thanks for your patience.

Don’t just follow the daily Blog. Join with like-minded 31 Club Members and put a turbo charge on your treasure hunting skills. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to make high profits and continue to grow your money buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

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Daryle Lambert Blog: Valuable & Collectible Paper-Mache

Did you ever make paper-mache while you were a young school kid? I don't know about you, but this was always a favorite of mine. I liked it so much because I had absolutely no artistic talent, but with paper and glue it didn't matter. If you're like most parents, you might have paper-mache items at home that your children have made with great pride. I know I do.

But did you ever think that pieces like these could have value? This never occurred to me until I found a section in one of the guide books on paper-mache, and I couldn't believe my eyes. Most of this work is unmarked, but from what I have read, some fabulous artists used this medium to express themselves. The surprising thing about pricing paper-mache is that like most folk art, its beauty and value lies in the eye of the beholder.

It seems that this form of art came into its own in the 1800”s and was likely brought back into the country by soldiers and sailors. The best of these items usually combine other elements in their construction. This might give you a clue when you are in the field searching for these treasures. Pieces will often be decorated with mother of pearl, brass inlay and bamboo. The corners can be metal, and many of the most valuable pieces are lacquered inside and out. Many pieces have Victorian scenes or religious themes.

Boxes are much sought after by collectors, and a 13 inch box featuring three horses racing in carts is listed for $1,035. But this is just a start. A 6 inch 1880 egg, with one side showing the resurrection and the other side a view of the Kremlin might well bring you over $2,500. But I left the best for last. A tray stand, Regency, with black lacquer and Chinoiserie figures within a landscape is listed for $10,350.

This almost makes me want to pull out the old newspaper and glue and get busy. But seriously, I think that you'll agree that not many people will be out there looking for these pieces, but from what I can tell, there certainly is a ready market if the piece is exceptional.

If you'll go to a museum or antique show and examine this type of work and then examine the many Asian imports that have little value, you'll soon be able to distinguish between the valuable and the less expensive items.

Don’t just follow the daily Blog. Join with like-minded 31 Club Members. Turbo charge your treasure hunting. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to build a bank account to last a lifetime, buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

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Daryle Lambert: Run Across Any Stamp Collections? What a Gift They Can Be.

Inverted Jenny, a 1918 US Stamp,known for its error, is Valued at $525,000 at famousstamps.org

Forget about the baseball cards, I wish that I had my stamp collection back. The stamps that were given to me as a young child might have been the fortune that got away.

When I was about twelve years old, my father walked out to his car one morning and was astonished to find an older man asleep in the back seat. My father woke him and asked if he needed help. In broken English, the man told him he was hungry. My family took him in, and Mr. Michael stayed with us for several weeks. We began to form a lasting bond with him. It seemed that he was of Greek origin and from a well to do family. However, he had run out of money and needed to reconnect with his family. After a few weeks, my father set him up in a hotel and tended to some of his other needs.

Mr. Michael soon pulled himself together and shared gifts with my family, some of which were several fabulous rifles that had silver and gold inlay. On today’s market, I’m sure they would bring over $25,000 apiece. He eventually left our town, but each Christmas, he sent enough frozen lobster and shrimp to feed an army, and this was a very special treat us. We were an average family at that time, and shrimp and lobster definitely wasn’t on our usual menu.

But, the best gift of all was a collection of Greek Stamp he gave to me. Every few months I received another delivery of the most beautiful stamps I’d ever imagined from Mr. Micheal. He also encouraged me to start collecting American Stamps, and I did. I wish that I knew what happened to this collection over the years.
The reason this comes to mind is that a friend asked if I could help her with her fathers stamp collection. As I started to do some research, my eyes popped out of my head because I recognized some of the stamps as being the same that were in my collection. In today’s market, their value had risen into the thousands.
At an auction house here in Chicago I saw a stamp collection auctioned that took several months to complete. One book sold for over $10,000. I wonder what was in that book.

I suggest that you watch the sales you attend for stamp collections. If my memory serves me well, most of my collection was from the early !900's thru the 1940's. I still run across collections regularly, and I can assure you if I think that they a worthy I will be picking them up. Be sure to check that the stamps aren't glued down on the pages but are connected by hinges. Every stamp that you find might not be a treasure, but it will only take one. And if you buy them cheaply enough, I assure you that you will be well rewarded.

To this day I still wonder what happened to Mr. Michael. One day he was just gone, as if he never was. I continued to ask my father about him, but there was never an answer. It was if he had disappeared off the face of the earth. I pray he is in Heaven.

Don’t just follow the daily Blog. Join with like-minded 31 Club Members. Turbo charge your treasure hunting. Learn Inside the Industry Secrets. Learn to build a bank account to last a lifetime, buying and selling antiques, fine art, and collectibles. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

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Today's Links:

http://www.famousstamps.org/

American Philatelic Society
http://www.stamps.org/

Auction Site Dedicated to Stamps:
http://www.stamps.org/

Barack Obama and Political Memorabilia

Tuesday,I watched a young man give a speech that surpassed any that I’ve heard in my 54 years of being interested in politics. My father was a very well respected Republican in Kentucky, and I was the County Chairman for the Republicans, as well as, involved in several state and national campaigns. But, I am compelled to say that Senator Obama's speech on racism was better than any I heard from Martin Luther King or any other self proclaimed authority on the subject. You might not agree with what he said, but his message was a home run. I felt like I was looking directly into the man’s soul. Never have I heard the racial issues so well explained nor an offer to rise above it expressed quite as he did.

I have to confess that there is no way I could vote for him, because we are so different in our views of the world. However, I think that within Obama is the ability to do great things. I have heard some people say he speaks well, but do you know him? My answer to them is --did you know John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan? I think most fair minded people would say they were great leaders, even if you didn't always agree with them.

Perhaps I could take a chance on Obama if the entire Congress could be dismissed, but that isn't going to happen. With no checks and balances in our government, I don't think I could sleep at night if I voted that way.

So, what does this have to do with Antiques, Collectibles and the 31 Club? Believe it or not, everything I’ve said will help you make a lot of money. Buy everything you can that has anything to do with this election, anything that has Obama’s signature, picture or any mention of him on it. These are going to be historical documents and highly sought after by many collectors. Remember, most collectors are trying to buy back their past ,and in my entire lifetime, I have never seen so much passion in an election as I have in this one. It’s not too late, and the value of these items will escalate after the election, whether he wins or not.

I apologize in advance if I have offended any of my regular readers or anyone else, but I have to call them as I see them. While I could not vote for Obama, I would be untrue to myself if I wasn’t man enough to state that I believe he is a true man of greatness. I will never have the opportunity to see things as he does, but I give him the right to his views, like I hope he will give me mine. If I had a conversation with Senator Obama, I believe we would both leave with a respect and understanding between us. It would be a great honor to shake his hand some day.

Don’t just follow the daily Blog. Join with like-minded 31 Club Members. Turbo charge your treasure hunting today and start building a bank account big enough to last a lifetime. My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. The book is also available on Amazon.com. If you buy the book on Amazon, then the membership is FREE.

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Daryle Lambert Blog: There's Money in Doulton K Series

Yesterday, I wrote about making a good chunk of change if you ran across Doulton Dogs. Today, it's Pigs, Rabbits, Kittens & Penguins and K Figurines. Often, there will be a table of figurines at sales. It's great when you find a table that will have several Doulton animals offered, especially when you know the ones that bring the big money. Many times, those conducting the sales will have the small figurines way over priced because they think anything Doulton must have a high value, or they have them sorely under market value because they think of them as just trinkets.

At an antiques show a few years back, My wife, Vickie, was calling me from across the room. As I approached, I couldn't see anything to be excited about and I felt put out because I was on the hunt. When I got to her, she had me look inside one of the display cases. And boy, was I excited. An entire set of six Doulton K series penguins were there. The woman behind the counter wanted $50 apiece for them, and not a penny less. Ok, I figured, not cracking a smile. She wants $300. I offered her $210. Then I acted as if I was going to leave, looking away from her. I could see out of the corner of my eye that she leaned in toward me. Then I started to look distracted, as if something over in the next dealer's booth was catching my eye. She finally said, "I guess I will take that." I knew for certain she had made a profit, and I was sure I would, too. I quickly wrote the check, thanked her and left.

Vickie was all smiles. She is a better hunter for treasure than me because she is far more patient. I sold these later at a Doulton Show I had set up. They averaged about $250 each, turning this $210 investment into $1,500. Oh, how I love those little penguins!

These little Penguins all had about the same value, but that isn't true of all the little fellows. In the K series, there are 39 different animals of which six are Penguins. But how about the rest? Dogs make up 18 of the 39, however, all but three of these are very common. Those three are the lying Bull Terrior, the Sealyham lying, and the Airdale lying. The Bull Terrior is the most valuable. I've sold this one in the past for $500. The other two can bring about $250. The reason these three bring so much more that the others is because there are fewer of them, and when a person starts collecting the k series they want to own them all. The rest of the series are common, bringing from $50 to $75.

We have discussed the K Dogs and Penguins but there are some other K's that will bring you some fancy money. Those are the birds. There are 11 of these feathered friends and here is where you have to know something. In the book, these are priced rather reasonably, but to buy them, collector are willing to pay several times what the book says. It is not uncommon to see them go for $250 - $500 each. These are really the hidden treasures of the K series, and I can assure you that if you find one there will be a buyer for it. All the K figures are under 3 inches tall.

Outside the K series are the Pigs, and these are still considered miniatures. They should be in the $300 - $500 range, if you can find them. These little treasure will make you think before passing that table filled with small animal figurines in the future.

To Learn More About Royal Doulton History and Top Artists, Shiffer's "Royal Doulton, A Legacy of Excellence 1871-1945" is an excellent resource. It's discounted at Amazon and includes a price guide.

Join the 31 Club and learn how to build personal wealth through the antique, collectible and fine art markets.

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Daryle Lambert Blog: Is it Time to Buy Royal Doulton Again?

Royal Doulton Tiger sold for $270 at Direct Auction, Chicago

In years past, I was a huge collector of the Doulton animal figurines but choose to sell them at the height of their range. Since then, I have watched as the prices of the Doulton animals have dropped, in some cases, as much as 75%. But, with the British Pound at a large premium to the dollar, now is the time to start watching those Doulton pieces again and consider buying.

Even I make mistakes on the things that I am most qualified on. This week at Direct Auction in Chicago, there was a 13” Doulton Lion that was going to be auctioned. I was thinking that I could make some money with that piece, but when Tuesday rolled around, I talked myself out of going to the sale. What a mistake that was. The piece sold for $270. I believe that on a good day, it could bring $1,000. Even after commission, the profit could have been over $600. Not bad for a Tuesday afternoon.

The story doesn't stop there, however. Two mint condition early Hummel Umbrella Boy and Girl figurines, that in the past, sold for over $1,500, were being offered Tuesday at Direct Auction. They sold for $350 each to a dealer. They could easily have been sold for $650 apiece.

Whenever you preview an auction, always key in on at least one item that should do well for you if purchased right. When you attend that auction, and if you buy your key piece, everything else you buy just becomes a bonus. I might have every easily left $2,000 or more on the table by talking myself out of attending Direct's auction. Shame on me. Even after all these years, I am still learning right alongside you. My only problem is that I seem to be learning some of these lessons all over again.

Like I told your several day ago, the good things are beginning to come to the market, so now is the time to really get active. Check every auction that is listed in your local paper or trade journal then the neighborhood paper if your community has one. Don't forget to see what is appearing in on the Ruby Lane website in your area I have found great buys there. Take a look at EstateSales.net and register to be notified of sales in your area. Winter is ending and many people are in a financial bind. People are eager to make changes and this will accrue to your benefit.

This is the time to see the basic principle that we teach come into play. By the end of the year, your eyes will be wide open to the potential that these markets offer you.

31 Club Members -- Watch your E-Mail for our Tips on Buying Royal Doulton. This will help you weed out the common from the more valuable.

To Learn More About Royal Doulton History and Top Artists, Shiffer's "Royal Doulton, A Legacy of Excellence 1871-1945" is an excellent resource. It's discounted at Amazon and includes a price guide.

Join the 31 Club and learn how to build personal wealth through the antique, collectible and fine art markets.

Read Up On The 31 Club Here.

Visit our website here.

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Spring is for New Life

No matter what we accomplish with the 31 Club, it isn't even close in importance to the plan that God has for us, and this includes our mate and children. He is always there to provide a new Spring in our lives, and I am asking all who read this Blog to pray for that new Spring in the lives of our member, Stephen, and his wife.

I'll share this e-mail I received from him yesterday:


Daryle,

I know I've just become a member of your club, but I can sense from you a man with a heart filled with God's love.

I'd like to ask you to keep my wife and I in your prayers. We are going through some difficult marital times and our marriage is in serious danger. I love my wife deeply and the thought of that destroys me!! I've never been much of a church going person, so prayer doesn't come very easy to me.

Thanks in advance for your prayers, and I look forward to building my knowledge and bank accounts too!

I'd also like to get involved partnering with the club on some purchases, how does that work?

Again, thanks!
Stephen


I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, because I can sense the Holy Spirit as he prepares to accept the prays for this couple that will be rising up from so many of you. When I think back on times when I was crying out and the Lord never failed to comfort me. I know he is here with us today.

Here was my response to Stephen.


Hi Stephen

My family and I will be praying tonight for you and for your wife. Making a living is hard work, but nothing like having a good marriage. The way to win this battle is to take it to God. At this time in your lives, it must be you, your wife and God. This threesome can work out any problems that you are encountering. MAKE THE REST OF THE WORLD WAIT UNTIL THE THREE OF YOU HAVE COME TO A SUCCESSFUL ANSWER TO YOUR DIFFICULTIES.

I am going to send you the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, because it gave me the most important information I have ever received outside the Bible for the relationship between a man and woman.

I would like to wait and give you the other answers you ask for later.

God Bless,

Daryle

I was going to conclude this Blog by giving each of you a talk on beginning your race to the million by the start of Spring, but I think I will hold that for tomorrow.

As you can probably see, the 31 Club is more than just a club that uses a wealth building plan that can help you accumulate enough funds to last a lifetime, buying and selling antiques, collectibles, and fine art. Join the 31 Club. When you join today, you'll receive my 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles, FREE.

Daryle Lambert - Must Be Crazy

It is 6:00 in the morning and I am writing a blog. Your first question must be why? So let me explain. As you know, my father-in-law passed away Monday, and I went to Kentucky and only returned to Chicago very late on Thursday evening.

Leaving my wife Vickie and son Joshua in Kentucky to comfort their Mother and Grandmother, I returned to Chicago alone Friday night. Having more to do than one could imagine, I started to catch up on my emails, book shippings and record keeping. You may not believe this, but I am only half caught up and I am still at the computer now at this time in the morning.

Not wanting to be alone, I keep the television on, and as I was working I heard the announcer say, "Our guest for tonight is Marsha Collier, and she will be educating us on making money on eBay. You bet, I stopped what I was doing and began to listen to the show, presented by Public Broadcasting.

Marsha is the author of eBay for Dummies, and several other books as well as a DVD series. As I listened I realized that she has accumulated all the information that a person needs to be successful on eBay and her presentation is very professional. However, I realized that she was showing the viewers how to make a living or extra income, and said that to increase that income all you had to do was work more. She is right. If your goal is limited to weekly or monthly income. In my mind, this defines a job. If that is what you are after, then I would highly recommend her as a source for anyone wanting to use eBay in this manner. However, the program that the 31 Club has designed for you offers much more in the way of life changing opportunities.

I am going to list a few of these life changing opportunities, so that you will truly see the wealth building plan that has been put together for you. First we expect you to provide a living for yourself and your family by doing what you're doing now, or become full time dealers in merchandise that you will be buying and selling.

The 31 Club Program doesn't expect you to spend all your time listing items on eBay so that you can increase your income. Rather, you will become knowledgeable through our program so that you can identify the rare and unusual items that will make you at least 100% return on your investment each time you buy and then sell an item. We are now at the point where the two plans -- Marsha's plan and the 31 Club Plan really part ways. You see, her plan prepares you to do the same thing over and over again, not really providing you with the opportunity to advance up the scale of life. The 31 Club Program, utilizes compounding and can help you to take a very small amount of money and build a fortune from it, while allowing you to maintain your present life style in the process.

I realized that there is room for both plans. In fact, we would encourage you to use a combination of the two if you want to. Many of our members are doing just that. However, 31 Club Plan uses a very definite strategy that must be followed and should be completely separate from anything else that you are doing. All the records such as check books, ledgers,inventory sheets and expenses should be kept totally separate from anything else that you may have going.

By watching this show when I should have been sleeping, it made me realize even more how fantastic and totally unique our program is. Others have started the process for success, but The 31 Club will write the final chapter.

The 31 Club uses a wealth building plan that can help you accumulate enough funds to last a lifetime, buying and selling antiques, collectibles, and fine art. Join the 31 Club. Learn about Antiques & Collectibles. Learn How to Invest in Antiques & Collectibles and build lifetime wealth. The plan is in my book. When you join today, you'll receive my 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles, FREE.

"...I spent about 15 years in the antiques and collectible field
and I can tell you this is one of the best books you will ever
read about making money with art, antiques and collectibles."
-Skip McGrath, Auction Seller's Resources & EBay Powerweller

"It has been a great pleasure knowing Daryle for more than
10 years. I share his excitement in releasing this book. He is
a man of his word."
Riley Humler, Cincinnati Art Galleries
Consultant, Antique RoadShow

Want to read more about the 31 Club? Read an article here.

If you haven't yet had a chance to see what we've got listed in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, click on over and take a look. You might even find a real bargain. We've got many high quality items priced reasonably. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your item to us. No high fees when you sell with us.

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