Daryle Lambert: EBay Alternatives for Antique & Collectible Dealers

Roseville Falline Vase in Excellent Condition is Available at SeeAuctions.com


Markets always correct themselves. I’ve been writing about this subject on my blogs and in articles months before others were even thinking eBay might be in trouble.* And, it’s not only eBay who will be in trouble. Auction Houses, including online auctions, have surpassed what the market is willing to pay for their services, and a change has been emerging in response. People have had enough of being squeezed for fees and more fees. We see the affect greed has had as new auction alternatives continue to pop up everywhere, and new and exciting opportunities are unveiled. Today, there are some great alternatives to eBay, as well as the traditional auction houses.

Two visionary men have come with an idea that I think will change the way Antique and Collectible dealers do business today. While I’ve written previously about OnlineAuction.com for a while now on earlier posts, Seeauctions.com, the new kid on the block, has really knocked it out of the park completely.

I’ve spoken extensively with Seeauctions and boy – how I wish I had the foresight this owner has. People who are trying their best to make a living in the Antique & Collectible industry will find that Seeauctions.com is helping this industry in an unbelievable way. You see, for the next two years, dealers who use seesauctions will have the opportunity to sell their valuable items totally free of charge.

He has the same vision that I have, and that is to help people to make money now, and accept the pay off for the effort later. When I created my marketplace at 31corp.com, that’s what I had in mind.

When nothing else seemed to be working for me, I decided to try out seesauctions.com and listed some of my own marketplace items on it – almost $200,000 worth of items. To my delight, I’m beginning to get bids on items I hadn’t been able to previously drum up interest on.

To our 31 Club Members I’d say – open an account with Seeauctions, and dual list them on both our site and seesauctions. If you’re item sells at either site, make sure you de-list your item on the site where it didn’t sell. You might be surprised that I say this but know that my recommendation is just another way I show you that I have our members’ interests at the center of all we do. When I published my book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles, my motivation was to help others learn how to make money in this business and learn to effectively grow the profits. It’s my personal desire to see everyone who joins our unique antique business club succeed.

To Seeauctions, I say a heartfelt thank you. You will never fully realize how much you’re appreciated by those of us looking for a good alternative.

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Daryle Lambert: Wood Carvings can be treasures

Thanks to www.carvingworld.com


I remember when I was about ten years old and my parents bought me a Boy Scout knife. That was when I thought I had become a man. The first thing I did was find some branches and whittle on them until I had a toothpick. Not being very artistic that toothpick was about as advanced a carver as I ever became. But that wasn't true of all little boys and some of them became true artists and their carvings bring big money today.

Like most collectibles if a carving is signed by a known carver its value will escalate tremendously but that doesn't mean unsigned pieces can't command high prices also. Each piece will be evaluated on its detail and eye appeal. Often it will be very easy for you in your search to tell the carvings that were done for the commercial market and the ones that represent true art. Wood carving has been a great hobby for people of all cultures and this is one area of collectibles that include pieces from almost every continent.

Cecil Roeder, my friend that I have written about so often, found a very detailed carved bust from the African continent and valued it at over $1000. He still is in the process of selling it but if he sets the price at that you can be assured that is what its value is. I have never met anyone that does such extensive research on the items that come into his possession but I can assure you that his sales reflect the knowledge that he has.

We are all aware of duck decoys that sell for over $1,000,000 but these aren't the only carvings that bring big money. Often if the carvings aren't signed we put them in the category of folk art.

Here are just a few example of carving that could make you a happy camper. If you find this piece --a Bear with paws extended, glass eyes, painted mouth, c. 1910, 10 inches tall it should bring about $2500. Not to be outdone, an Eagle carved from pine with its wings spread, standing on a half orb base, 31 ½ by 26 ½ inches in today's market could easily sell for $5000. A carving that many would put with the duck decoys but I wouldn't, is a Swan carved from pine, painted, 20th century, 19 by 25 inches that could easily bring $4000. Any quality carving should bring $200 or more so when you see that piece sitting on a table at the next garage sale priced at $25 don't hesitate to buy it. ALWAYS BE AWARE THAT QUALITY IS WHAT COUNTS.

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Daryle Lambert: The pictures from that Old Camera can be priceless

Thanks to Flicker


I was invited to a showing of photographs by a friend a few years ago thinking that I would be looking at a lot of pictures selling for $50 or less but was I surprised. Most of the ones hanging on the wall started at $1000 and went up from there. Mr. Porter my friend had several of his hanging and a couple of weeks after the show he informed me that all had sold with the exception of two.

In the past I had always though that only very early photographs from the turn of the 20th century or earlier had true value but I was mistaken. Yes these early pieces do command high prices but they aren't the only ones. Here is an example of a later photograph that did quit well, Carousel Horses, Israel Bidemananas, 1940 9 ½ by 1 inches $1150. Children are often great subject matter for photographers likt this one, Children Singing in the Rain, 1950, 13 5/8 by 17 ½ inches $485.

The best place to find this wonderful pieces of art often is in boxes in the basement or attic. They may be stored away in sleeves or folders and often the owner has even forgotten that they own them. Often the owners are personal friends of the artist and these were given as presents. I would like for you to spend some time on your computer researching the top photographers. A great source can be eBay in their completed section.

I am trying to complete this blog but I don't think I can. I haven't been out of bed all day and I feel weak as a kitten. Most of you have the Kovel Antique Price Guide so I would direct you to the section on photographs. You will find there why I want you to add these to your list of treasures to search for.

I hope to feel better tomorrow. But I could use as little pray.

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Daryle Lambert: Antique Canning Jars can be rewarding

Thanks to countryjoe.bizland.com


I just finished talking to my brother in Bowling Green Kentucky and was told that all his garden had been canned. This is very important to his family because they seldom have to buy vegetables from the grocery. I still remember my grandmother as she slaved over the coal stove all day canning the items from her garden and how much better they tasted than store bought. Beans of every variety, corn, tomatoes, squash, peppers, cucumbers, pears, apples were just a few of the things I remember from those days on the farm that came from grandmother's canning jars. The thought never crossed my mind that at some future date those jars would become collectibles. Some of those jars are worth their weight in gold in today's marketplace.

Which ones, you say? The Canton Domestic, cobalt blue, glass lid, wire bail, 1900, one quart fruit jar could bring you in over $14,000 in today's market. Your reaction is probably the same as mine; you must be kidding. That happens to be the truth and even more startling is that there are many more jars that are valued in the thousands such as the BBGM Co. jar in amber with glass lid and zinc band that is the half gallon size that comes in at $8,500 or the DA Knowlton jar, Saratoga NY in dark yellow olive, wide mouth, 1870, one quart for a mere $6,300. I know that Granny is turning over in her grave. I am sure that she was able to buy these jars by the dozens for no more than a dollar or two.

I'm sure you are asking why is their value so much and my only answer to you is that there are at least two people that are willing to pay that price for them. Also, you can be assured that there are few in numbers available for collectors to purchase. Color seems to be very important when it comes to valuing these fruit jars so I would suggest that you get the guide on fruit jars if you are going to actively search for them. Kovels Antique Guide will provide you with a lot of information but it definitely isn't the whole guide for this collectible. I was able to count over twenty five different jars that listed for more than $1,000 and I wouldn't be surprised if there are many more listed in the official price guide for fruit jars. I couldn't believe myself how many others listed for $200 and up. I will never look at the lowly fruit jar the same way again.

Let me list a few of the companies that manufactured fruit jars. A. Stone and Co., Air Tight, Altas, Cunningham and Co., Gem, Mason, Millville and many more. This seems to be a wide open field for us to research and where our efforts could be well rewarded.

I knew even as a young boy that food from canning jars tasted better but little did I know the the jar that I was eating from could be worth a grown man's wages for a year. If you don't believe me; I've left the best for last. Find this jar and you may equal your year's annual salary. The Millville Atmospheris, cobalt blue, glass lid, iron clamp, one quart could bring you over $25,000. Happy Hunting.

Daryle Lambert: Aantiques and Fine Art for the Designers.

One area of the Antique and Fine Art business that I have been lacks in is the Design and Interiors business. There are no better clients for us as dealers in antiques and fine art than the designers. They have the clientèle for the wonderful treasures that we find plus their constantly on the search to find the rare and usual items to enhance their customers homes. This is what sits them apart from the average decorator. I would suggest that you contact every interior designer in you surrounding area and make an appointment to offer your services to them in the future.

I know again you are asking where did he come up with this? Well it so happens that the reason is an unfulfilled promise I made and haven't kept. You see a wonderful lady contacted me from Catherine-Interiors in Boston and we agreed to exchange links. She was very prompt on her end but because I don't do this myself I have been a little tardy on my end. This morning I received a very nice email from her asking about our well being and also reminding me about the link. I most certainly want to pursue this relationship because going to her site I was amazed at the beauty that her firm creates. You may want to take a peek at www.catherine-interiors.com yourself.

It is so easy for us in our hurry to sale the items that we find that we pass by some of the better marketing outlets we have available for them. As for the designers there is an opportunity for us to work with them from the beginning of a project and we can even be instrumental in some of the choices they make for their clients. I have found that this is an avenue that most antique dealers don't take advantage of but we don't want to fall in that category.

One of the first things that we should do each month is update the list of our inventories and send it to all the designer firms that we can contact. There is a possibility that your prized items such as paintings and other fine items may be sold even before you get to offer them to the market place. The interior designers are truly our friends and my advise to you is keep your friends in mind when you are offering your prized items but also show your appreciation for working with you.

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Daryle Lambert: Staying home with Antiques and Collectibles can be fun.

Thanks to Morningsidemin.org


I just saw the latest unemployment figures and the newscasters gave more doom and gloom. The unemployment rate is now 6.7%? Well, historically, full employment was 6% and anything lower than that was inflationary and bad for the economy. I must be missing something! Or is it just that the news likes to scare people because this increases their viewership as people hang on their every word? I believe that it is time to buy stock and I hope that you’ll remember a year down the road as you look back and see that I said it here first.

What should we do in the meantime - while we wait for the market to right itself? One good idea might be to spend more time at home, but what can we do there that will hold our attention? A good idea is to engage with our families in good entertainment and this may be God's way of waking the American people up to the fact that we might not be in control of things after all.

I remember times in my youth, setting around the old Zenith tube radio with my parents and siblings, listening to the "Shadow Knows" and other shows that very few remember today. How long has it been since you have listened to a radio that was controlled by a vacuum tube, perhaps never? I can assure you that the sound was better than what you get with radios that you listen to today. Just for fun, you should go to a garage sale, pick one of these beauties up for under $25, and receive the treat of venturing back into the past. Also, board games and puzzles are a great way to pass time at home with family. The expense to you is little to nothing. You may find that you enjoy spending time with your parents, kids and/or siblings.

I am getting around to the economics of this story. There is money to be made with the items I just suggested you purchase to use for your own personal enjoyment. Lots of families are in similar situations to yours and and hopefully they will spend more time at home with each other. This is where you come in. While you are out looking for that special Newcomb vase, it may not be a bad idea to also purchase that Motorola Model 51X, Yellow Body, Green Grille Catalin, 1941, 7 inch radio sitting in someone’s basement that everyone else has passed by. This may be purchased for a song, but to the collector, it’s valued at about $5,000. There are many models made by such great companies as Emerson, Garod, General Electric, Philco, RCA, and Zenith that will bring over $1,000 today and few people realize their potential.

How about board games? Where do they fit on the value scale? Let’s take a look. Parcheesi. red, white, and green paint, breadboard ends, Maine, 16" by 24", is valued at $2,500 and its cousin red, orange and dark green, framed, 17 1/2" by 17 1/2" inches at $7,500. These are just two example and many more can be found in Kovel's price guide for Antiques and Collectibles. Believe it or not puzzles too can make your day - I have seen them sell for thousands of dollars.

When you are fortunate enough to find one of these items, it would be terrific to enjoy what they have to offer you before they are re-sold. I guarantee you that great pleasure can be shared by all while sitting around that antique radio or at the kitchen table playing board games or assembling puzzles.

It is a fact that your family will grow up and change over time so enjoy them while you have the chance.

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Daryle Lambert: If it is too good Beware.

Today I am going to share with you what I think is the scam that will be the biggest plague to hit the Antique industry for many years. I want to caution each and ever one of you to be on your toes. This scheme starts with our desire to sell the treasures we have found and often because of our excitement we can make a serious mistake.

How does this scheme work? First you will receive an email informing you that the customer wants to purchase your item and they will send you a bank cashiers check to cover the cost and expenses incurred for shipping. The next sentence will state that they will have their own shippers pick the item up and when you receive the check you are supposed to deduct the cost of the item your selling from the check and then send the balance to their shipper for that expense.

The only problem is that yes you will receive the check but it is phony as a two dollar bill. But if your aren't careful you will have been had by the time you fine that fact out. So lets see how this scheme works. You get a phony check and send the shipping expense to someone that is represented as being their shipper so that money of yours is now gone but remember you are depositing a worthless check. Next they may or may not have someone pick up the treasure that you supposedly sold them, so now they have your item and the money for the supposed shipping and you still have only a phony check. Presto you have just been had.

Can it happen you ask, the answer to that question is yes and it almost happened to me. I received several very pleasant emails about the transaction to sell a wonderful painting of mine to this individual overseas. He wanted to include the shipping which seemed extreme to me but it was his money, right? The shipping was to be well over $1000 but if he crated it maybe that price would be okay but even then it seemed out of place. So when I received the check just to play it safe I took it to my bank and by that afternoon I was informed that it was a fake. Thank you very much Harris Bank. Here is the irony of it all now I am receiving these deals offered to me on a weekly bases. Lucky me I must have gotten on the suckers list.

Isn't it a shame that people want to take something that brings so much pleasure to so many and reduce it to a sham. I have been co-operating with the authorities in hopes of giving this folks something free, like a free vacation.

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