Antiques Looking Too Good Mean Caution Necessary before Buying

After a period of dedicated time spent working on our 31 Club website and attending to other club business, it was a great treat to be able to get back in the game this past weekend.

After church on Sunday, I spent part of the day with Cindy and Marsha back at the estate sale I went to on Saturday, but I ended up with as much money in my pocket as when I began the day. However, with the Saturday’s purchase of the Rookwood lamp, I have to confess that it was a pretty good weekend.

I’ve noticed that there are items entering the market that are just too good, and I want to warn you about some of them, as well as the reason you need to be very careful. At this weekend’s estate sale, there was a Cushman Scooter that had been customized by converting it into an ice cream vendor cart-scooter, similar to the old bicycle-vendor carts. Was it a vintage? It appeared in mint condition in every detail, even down to the Cushman emblems. However, upon further inspection, several clues didn’t add up. I could see the work that had been done on it. No doubt the skeleton and the engine were old, but I have doubts about the rest of the cart. Why?

First, it was held together by Phillips head screws. These type of screws were not available when this piece was originally made. Second, the heads of the nuts that were used to bolt the bumpers and other attachments were not old. I continued to inspect and came to the conclusion that most of this piece was newly fabricated and therefore, had very little antique value. However, this didn’t deter the seller from asking $10,000 for the cart.

Remember, when you are buying something for its antique value, the more of the original condition that has been maintained, the better the piece and the higher the value will be when it’s sold. Any alteration will take away value. If the piece is over-restored, it becomes a novelty item, not an antique. And novelty items are less valuable.

This becomes very important in other areas such as antique banks. If you find an antique bank in mint condition, with the paint as fresh as it had been done yesterday, it’s most likely a reproduction. Older paint will have a patina on it that will look soft and mellowed, while new paint will appear start and harsh. An old bank could also have been restored by repainting, and if that’s the case, its value can be reduced up to 75%.

When you find anything that should have antique value, leave it as found and buy it accordingly. My rule is that if I can't wash off the dirt with water and a mild detergent then I let the new buyer decide. In this way, the buyer will decide if he or she wants to take the chance of fully devaluing the item. New is new, and even if the con artists have come up with some of the most ingenious ways to age certain pieces, there are still telltale signs that will give them away. Any time you have a question regarding these matters, be sure to contact me either by email or phone. Happy Hunting.

P. S. Please comment on the website changes we are making. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. --- Daryle

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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Ironstone Can Be Easy Money

Antique Johnson Bros. Royal Ironstone China Chamber Pot available at Sea Witch Antiques for $179

Have you seen any stark white pitchers, plates, or platters at almost every sale you attend? We might even pass them by without a second thought. Some of us have poured buttermilk from these pitchers at out grandmother’s house. I know I did, so how valuable can they be? These items were used by farm families, and certainly not the upper class. But, you might be surprised at what the fetch in price today.

These common items were meant to be used daily back then. But, if you see any of these at the next sale you attend, it might be worth you while to take a look at them before you walk on by. Jug, Pitchers, Chamber Pots, (I doubt many people under the age of 30 know what one of these is] and Pitcher and Bowl sets are bringing fair money in today’s market. As I researched for this blog, I was amazed to find many pieces bringing $200 to $400. Some Ironstone is unmarked, but a lot of the pieces do have the word “Ironstone” on them. But, you won't have to worry about what it is. You’ll know it when you see it.

In England and America, starting about 1813, is where these pieces were made. A great number of companies produced ironstone in the early days, because these wares were needed for everday living. Companies such as Johnson Bros., Mason's, and Meaken Bros. were common household names to most people back then. Back when I was a youngster, broken pieces of ironstone were thrown into the gully, used to help stop erosion.

What’s interesting to note about Ironstone, is that somewhere along the line, a decision was made to decorate it to help fancy up the average household. When this happened, transferware was created to imitate the expensive painted pieces that most people couldn’t afford. Soon, these companies were making Chinese reproduction patterns in the famous Blue Willow and Flow Blue decorations.

If you think back, I said I would offer you examples that would help you in the early stages of your million dollar race. These are items that you can be used to buy, sell, and build up you cash account. The white pieces are still fairly and reasonably priced, so you can still turn them for the percentage profit we want to maintain. But, let me assure you, there are decorated items in the Ironstone that will bring well in excess of a $1,000. I've seen sets of plates in the Chinese patterns sell for as much as $125 a plate. When you buy 12 plates for $20 each, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air as you walk out the door of that house sale.

There are still items to purchase that will propel us along the way in our own individual race. Just remember that it isn’t a sprint. The first one out of the gate usually doesn’t win the race. I can see that old turtle now.

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 that last a lifetime with your profits. 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.

See the fine paintings we have listed in our gallery like the Texas Bluebonnet painting by William A. Slaughter. Works from Robert Woods, William Horton, Tom Darro and more. Our Hannah Barlow decorated Doulton Lambeth Vase is superb. Take a look here.

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Daryle Lambert: Bad News All Around -- But Great News for Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art

The Stock Market was down 250 points yesterday, unemployment rose to 5 %, plus housing sales were the worst in sixteen years. Time to panic, right? Not so fast. This might very well be the best time to be in our business -- buying and selling Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art. In fact, it might even be the best time I've seen in the past ten years. With all this bad news circulating on every news channel, how can that be? Let's examine some facts to find out.

Higher unemployment means more people will be selling some of their possessions. That is good for us.

The stock market might plunge and investors might need to get some quick money to meet their margin calls. I've certainly seen it before in my days owning a securities firm. If you're not familiar with the stock market terminology, a margin call is when a person borrows from the brokerage house to buy more stock than there is money in their account to pay for this purchase. As the price of their stocks go down the brokerage house makes the investor put more money up so that the brokerage company doesn't assume risk for the customer. Where will this money come from? Perhaps artwork and other antiques? It's a good way to raise capital quickly.

Houses are being foreclosed or sold off, and either way, Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art, more likely than not, will be coming to the market as people try to resolve some of their financial stresses. Again, these events can be times of great opportunity for us. So let's be on the lookout and scout out these situations.

As you begin to understand the 31 Club plan, you come to realize that you won't be hurt even if all other markets go south. How can that be? In part, this plan works on the spread between what you buy something for and what you can sell it for. With a very short time span between the time you buy and then sell, the market will have a very short time to move against you, and the spread that you've built into your purchase price should more than protect your profit. Combining this component with the compounding strategy, you will produce amazing cash results for yourself.

If you've been reading our Blogs, and you haven't yet joined us, why not? Our charter member fee is ridiculously low right now. But that's not going to last too much longer. Join today and become a charter member. You'll get in for next to nothing and not ever have to pay a renewal fee. Plus you'll get the 220 page book that shows the plan, plus tons of insider trade secrets that only the most seasoned professionals know. Click here to join us.

It is hard for most people to believe, but hard economic times create the perfect time to make the most money for those with the knowledge. An important part of our plan is having cash and being able to buy. These funds will be cash that you've created working the 31 Club plan.( We never borrow a dime from a bank or anyone else.) In bad markets, more things come to the marketplace to be sold. Since you'll only be buying the best, there will always be people waiting in line to buy your treasures all over the globe.

When someone needs to sell and you have the cash to buy, it's usually a done deal. That's why "Cash is King." We teach our members strategic buying and selling, not buying everything in sight that might produce a minimal profit. It's in the strategic buying and selling of only the finest and highest quality items that real cash will be produced and put you in the position to be "King."

As your buying account grows according to the growth plan we've laid out, the balance in this account can become quite large. Once you've made your next planned buy, then quickly sold it, you'll have an even greater amount to go on to your next buying/selling cycle. You can learn about our strategy and all about buying/selling cycles by becoming a member, here.

I have also found that in hard times the chances of purchasing multiple items increases, because people are trying to raise capital. You could always make a better deal for yourself when you are buying more than one item from a seller. If sellers have multiple items, your chance to make a great deal increases tremendously. And if you need help negotiating, we're just a phone call away.

I have told many of you that the months leading up to the elections should hold great opportunities for us. There is much uncertainty and nervousness, and there will continue to be until November. Happy Hunting.

If you're looking for the pathway to reach your goals with antiques, collectibles and fine art, the 31 Club can be the venue that will give you the nuts and bolts for successfully buying, selling and profiting in the 21st Century Marketplace. Join us today and rub shoulders with like-minded people.

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Daryle Lambert: The Underdog Can Win in Antiques, Collectibles, & Fine Art

Last night I got a lift from watching the election returns. It didn't matter who you were rooting for, which candidate had the most campaign money or endorsements by notable institutions. In the end, the "little man" won on both sides. It was like reading the story of David and Goliath. And this is what our 31 Club is all about. Do you think you're the underdog in this market? Do you want to take advantage of the sizzling hot antique, collectible and fine art markets but think you don't have the money or knowledge to do it? If you have as little as $100 and the willingness to study and learn, the 31 Club can help you turn that $100, over time, into a figure with many more zeros. Can you wrap your mind around that?

You can become educated with the help and direction offered through joining the 31 Club and in time, be trading in the higher-end of these markets reaping the financial gains that, right now, you see others reaping. And you don't have to leave your present employment to do it.

If you can commit yourself to actively participating in expanding your knowledge through further education with us and study on your part, you will blossom and flourish. Ask yourself if watching TV in the evenings or chatting on the Internet is adding any money to your bank account or improving the conditions of your life.

I run across people at every stop I make who have enough money to buy anything they desire, but they pass by the greatest treasures that can be found in this marketplace because they can't recognize a treasure when they see one staring right at them. Wouldn't you like to be the one who can recognize a treasure, have the funds to buy it at the right price, then sell it for great profit? Then, ask yourself how many times a year you'd have to make a trade like that before you'd have enough money to get you through your life.

The 31 Club is dedicated to shaping a new breed of dealers. And it doesn't require you to leave your present job, borrow a dime to buy, nor invest funds to set up a shop. In the 21st century, we work differently. Separating ourselves from the herd in the way we approach this business is the key to our prosperity. And it can be the key for you, too, if you let it by learning with us.

Do you know the difference between a production piece of Royal Doulton and a one of a kind piece? The difference can mean several thousand dollars in your pocket. Is it an old mark or a new one on that Zsolnay vase? If you know, you just might have a month or two's worth of upper class wages to add to your account. Who is the artist with the initials DMR that you happened to find in a second hand shop? Do you know how to find out? Is there anyone you can call for help? If you knew the initials DMR, you might find that the painting in that shop is by a listed artist worth over $50,000. And the shop owner doesn't even know it.

I could go on and on, but this I promise you, the members of the 31 Club will stand out whenever you attend any event where knowledge of the Antique and Fine Art markets is required.

Acquire the knowledge needed to win. Surround yourself with the like-minded people of the 31 Club so you won't be alone. Deal in the high-end markets with confidence. Our members are diligently spending their time acquiring knowledge while they experience the marketplace. Each time they buy and sell, they move to more valuable items. They are learning to be the most informed people around, succeeding by their knowledge and dealing with others in a fair and upright manner. Will you be one of them?

Learn to work this marketplace the 21st century way with the 31 Club. When the last votes are counted, like last night, I'll be betting on you. –Daryle

If you're looking for the pathway to reach your goals with antiques, collectibles and fine art, the 31 Club can be the venue that will give you the nuts and bolts for successfully buying, selling and profiting in the 21st Century Marketplace. Join us today and rub shoulders with like-minded people.

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TROUBLE AT HOME - Make Storage Considerations a Priority for your Antiques & Collectibles.

WOW, did I stir up a hornets nest at home! The scolding started as soon as my wife, Vickie, got home from work and didn’t end until my business partner, Cindy, had her say.

My statement in yesterday's blog sure got some peoples attention, and for that I am thankful. But if it offended anyone, for that I would like to apologize. Yes, I guess I got a little emotional, but in the Bible, God said he knew David’s heart, and I hope my readers know mine.

Now that I have that off my chest, let’s talk about the business at hand. You see, on your road to wealth building with antiques & collectibles, there can be other troubles at home, if you don’t prepare properly before you buy things, whether you decide to keep them, or sell them.

I just had one of those examples where I didn’t follow my own advise. I bought two gasoline airplanes at auction at what I thought was a bargain. My intention was to keep one for Joshua and sell the other. But, they are so large that one must stay in my truck, while the other is hanging from the family room ceiling. Now you know why Vicki was so hot.

You see, I had forgotten to think about where I would store these items until they were sold, or where I would keep one if I wanted it for our personal collection. This didn’t make my wife very happy, and I'm sure you can imagine her response to this. Another strike against me I would rather forget.

So, when you are out there hunting for those treasures, be sure to think about what your going to do with the items that you purchase. Moving, hauling, storing and shipping should be major considerations in each purchase. Whatever you buy, you must carefully consider how it can be appropriately displayed in your house, whether you intend to sell it or to keep it.

The best thing to do is to prepare a separate storage area in advance for items you will be selling. This way, if you have people visiting, it will be convenient to show off the items that are for sale in your home. If you don’t do this, you will be bothered having to say this isn’t for sale, no that isn’t for sale either.

If art is your passion, like it is mine, this presents special problems. Where are you going to hang the pieces you purchase? In my case, I don’t have a empty wall left, and -- you guessed it -- Vicki isn't very happy about that. In fact, she tells her fiends that she never knows what she is coming home to because I am constantly changing our decor.

Paintings should always stored in a position as if they where hanging so you must have space where you can sit them up, putting dividers between each piece. Art is perhaps some of the easiest things to damage, so be careful when they are stored. Each painting should be easily assessible so that they won’t be damaged moving it in and out of storage. The frames are particularly vulnerable. The cost to restore a frame that is only slightly damaged may run several hundred dollars.

Well, I got through that and I hope that now my home will be happy again.

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 an Erte Bronze, Lotton Glass, and many many more high quality items priced reasonably with no buyer's premiums. If you have a high quality piece you'd like us to find a buyer for, why not consign your piece to us. No high fees selling with us.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club Wealth Building and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!"The Guy in the Red Tie" --- Daryle Lambert


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