Frankoma - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Cecil strikes again.

Happy New Year From The Lambert's

Part of my vision for the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club is to educate its members on the rare and unusual items that can return huge profits. In past blogs, for example, I have shared many of the marks on pottery that most dealers aren't aware of so that the members could profit from this knowledge. However, I missed one and Cecil, our ultimate expert, brought it to my attention.

It seems that Cecil was attending a flea market and found a very small piece of Frankoma on one of the tables. Because it was a miniature, he showed some interest in it and asked the price. The dealer looked embarrassed but still asked $2.00 for the piece. Cecil quickly said “sold”. You may be asking why this would excite anyone because you can buy a train full of Frankoma for not much more than that.

Here is what you need to know. The company was started in 1933 by John F. Frank and stayed in Ada, Oklahoma up till 1956. The pottery made in Ada was a white or light cream colored clay. After 1956, the clay used was red and found at the new site of the company, Sapulpa, Oklahoma. I am sure by now you have figured out that the white or cream colored pieces of Frankoma are the ones to look for, but Cecil even took it a step further. He discovered that from 1936-1938, Frankoma used a different mark than what most of us recognize as Frankoma. That mark has the design of a panther above the word Frankoma and pieces with this mark are most desirable. Are you ready to hear the final price for that inch and one half piece? $132. How many times did he double his money just because of a mark? I'll let you figure that one out.

One of the first things that I ever shared in a blog was for members to study the truly rare and unusual because that is where the money will always be. Can you imagine if you ran across a large piece of Frankoma bearing that mark? They are out there. Hopefully, I will be able to share more of these stories with you and perhaps even your story will appear in my blog soon.

I am sure that most of us would have just passed that table by, thinking that nothing but junk was there, but not eagle eye Cecil. I hope that we can learn from him.

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Inventory – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Can we help each other?

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Today, I received a very interesting email from one of our members in North Carolina. He had noticed that most of our inventory had been in the marketplace for quite some time and since he has an auction company wanted to know if we would like to have an auction for the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club members. I have to admit it sounded interesting and hopefully he will be calling me soon.

I have also been giving serious consideration about how to get our Associate Program on its feet. For the first time in my life, I have funds to spend but nothing to spend them on. The thought behind the Associate Program is to help members get started in this business without having to invest large amounts of money or have the knowledge necessary to purchase expensive items when they begin. So far, the Club must not be getting this message out very well so we will be spending more time in the future explaining this program to our members.

Here is another thought. If you have buyers for items in the marketplace, I would encourage you to make offers so that, if they are accepted, you will still be able to make the profit that we set out in our rules. Remember, our marketplace will always contain treasures that the collectors are searching for but maybe just haven't seen on our site. Items in our marketplace should be a source for you to use as if they were your own. Don't be afraid to make offers. That is one of the first rules I taught you in my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles. The worst thing that can happen if you make an offer is that it is turned down and guess what, you haven't lost a thing.

My position in the Club should be to motivate you into taking action and after the first of the year that is going to be my focus. However, it is a two way street between the members and your staff so if we don't hear from you it is difficult to know what you need from us. I so appreciate the email this morning because I know someone was thinking about how to make our club better. I am asking you to get involved and help make 2010 the best year ever.

Nippon – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog - Cheap or Expensive?

Joan F. Van Patten - Thanks to Amazon

When it comes to one of the most sought after collectibles, Nippon, can you tell from looking at a piece whether it is rare and expensive or a cheap export? Most people can't and that is why Joan F. Van Patten has written at least three books on the subject. Whenever you find that a person has taken the time required to write several books on one subject, it is usually a good indicator that there are a lot of people interested in that subject. Mrs. Van Patten's series is called The Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain and you can find it on Amazon. Again, I would suggest you buy used copies of her book because they should be very cheap.

Did you know that Nippon is the name the Japanese call their homeland and it isn't the name of a manufacturing company? In fact, many companies use the Nippon mark on their wares and the marks can vary. The cheap items bearing a Nippon mark were usually produced for export while the wonderful pieces that are sought after by the collector were meant to stay in the country. If you are fortunate enough to find a signed piece, it is even that much better.

When you first come into contact with Nippon, you will soon see the differences between the common and rare. The better pieces of Nippon often are delicate and lavished with gold overlay while others are embellished with very fine beading. All Nippon is old and most pieces are hand painted, which is often stated on the bottom of the piece.

There are collectors that just collect certain items of Nippon. Perhaps the most collected items are the humidors. But don't get confused as there are many other pieces of Nippon collected, such as vases, chocolate pots and cups, plates, urns, bowls, tankards, dolls and whiskey jugs to list a few. Once you are able to tell the better pieces, you will see that their values will range from a couple of hundred dollars to $5000 or more. I have to admit, I enjoy just browsing through the series of three books because of the beauty of the pieces.

You can often find a real winner with Nippon because most people think that it is all cheap but that definitely isn't true. Keep your eye out for the delicate blown out pieces and the ones with signatures if you want your bank account to take a hefty leap.

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Ronson Lighters – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – These may soon disappear.

Ronson Lighter - Thanks to Vintageronsonlighters.com

I hope each one of you had as great a Christmas as my family did. We never stopped but it was truly a great time. One of the things we did was draw names and give gifts that started with the first letter of the family members you drew. One of the gifts given was to a non smoking female named Amanda and she received an ashtray.

This got me to thinking about what was happening to smoking collectibles and as I researched them, it soon became apparent that as smoking has decreased, the collectibles’ values have sky rocketed.

One company that made a name for itself in the smoking arena was Ronson and I would like to give you a little of the company’s history.

Ronson Lighter Company

In 1913 Louis Aronson applied for a patent for a Liter (lighter), which was approved, along with others in years to come. In 1926 he released a new "automatic operation" Banjo lighter, which offered both ignition and extinguishment in a single push. It was a great success, demand shortly exceeding supply, spurring Aronson to patent it and design other products around the invention, which were marketed under the Ronson brand name.

As with the Art Metal Works output, many well-built and stylish early Ronson lighters demand high prices in the collectibles marketplace. [1]During World War II, Ronson plants were switched to 24-hour ammunition production. In an ironic turn, even though US GIs were issued Zippo lighters,[2] American made Sherman tanks were nicknamed "Ronsons" by German tank crews for their propensity to catch fire when hit by German tank shells.
Ronson Consumer Products Corporation

Postwar,

Ronson turned to producing lighters, then branched out into domestic goods such as electric shavers and cooking appliances. The company expanded to include England and Australia.
In the early 1980s high costs and the advent of cheap disposable lighters forced closure of its production facility at Leatherhead in England. For a time, a European branch at Long Buckby in Northamptonshire in the UK sold a range of stylish and expensive butane lighters consistent with the firm's great legacy, before being shuttered.
Ronson appliances in Australia, eventually sold by a corporate entity divorced from the original lighter manufacturer, have also gone under.

Today

Today, only a much downsized American branch of Ronson remains, selling butane disposables, a few inexpensive refillables, a naptha-based Zippo clone, along with an accessory line of fluids and flints.[3]

On October 15, 2009, Zippo announced plans to purchase Ronson, for their lighter and lighter fluid products.[4] The acquisition does not include the Ronson Aviation subsidiary.

There are many companies that manufactured lighters but Ronson is perhaps the best known There is a guide book by Neil S. Wood called “ Collecting Cigarette Lighters – Vol 11 that will help you in pricing these items and I would like to give you just a few Ronsons to be on the lookout for. You should be able to purchase this book cheaply at Amazon.I feel that smoking memorabilia has nowhere to go but up.

1. Ronson Touch-tip bartender Light Enameled bar with cigarette holder and a Black bartender. $1400 and today it would even bring more. Page 15
2. Ronson Touch-Tip Rolltop chrome and enameled box $500. Page 18
3. Ronson Deco nude with marble base lighter $900. Page 38


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Christmases Past Toys – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible’s Blog – Things to Remember.

Harry Rinker - Thanks to Harryrinker.com

Hopefully, by the time you read this, my family will be settled back at home in Chicago. Vickie will be putting things away as Joshua and I play with his new WII. That seems unfair but Vickie would rather Joshua and I stay out of her way. It always amazes me how everything seems to get put back in its proper place without me even moving one thing.

But it is about this time of year that I start thinking about all the presents that I have received that turned out to be treasures ten years later. Yes, many of the gifts that are exchanged this year will be tomorrow’s collectibles of value. If you wish to give a special gift, you might think about giving vintage toys. I remember, I believe, when toy expert Harry Rinker picked the top toys from each year and bought one hundred dollars worth of them and then stored them, hoping that in a few years they would be treasures in mint condition.

I still remember my first Christmas presents such as Japanese tin toys, I wish they had been robots that today sell for tens of thousands, or cast iron racers that may sell today for one thousand or more. Then we can move it up a little to when my first children collected Hot Wheels, like the VW bus that auctioned for over $18,000, or my little girl’s Barbie from 1959 that also sold for nearly $20,000.

But we don’t have to stop back there because my youngest children had huge collections of Star Wars toys plus G.I. Joes. If you wish you might check eBay for these toys but be prepared for a surprise. These toys can definitely help you to your goals whatever they may be. Isn’t it wonderful that toys that brought us so much fun as children can even bring us greater pleasure as adults?

On a serious note, this time of year, from now to the end of January, will be when people will be cleaning out their closets so that they will have room for all the new items they received for Christmas. I have been able to buy some of the best buys ever because the old things are not exciting any longer and they are replaced by the new gifts. There won’t be as many garage and house sales during the winter but don’t miss them because treasures come at the most unexpected times. This is also a great time for inexpensive ads in your local papers. These can product unbelievable surprises for your bank account. Be a contrarian because when others don’t think their efforts will produce success is when you want to be the most active and guess what, there will be less competition for the great items you will find.

We at the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Club are preparing for a great 2010. God Bless

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Indian Relics – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Blog – Where to find them.

Beautiful Indian Banner Stone

When I was a little boy, my uncle Billy took me to a shed on his farm and showed me a large tin can full of arrowheads and asked if I would like to have them. You should have seen my eyes as I assured him that I would.

It seems that a large contingent of Indians gathered at the side of the Ohio River near my uncle’s farm and their relics got buried there. He had collected arrowheads, pipes, axes and flagstones over many years. These relics would come to the surface when the fields were plowed and they would be picked up and put in tin cans. There are still places today where you can go and have an excellent chance of finding something.

Joshua, my 11 year old son, traveled with me to see another aunt and uncle, not the same uncle I mentioned before. They live in the same neighborhood where I had hunted for relics in my childhood so I asked Joshua if he would like to travel a few miles to see if we could be successful and find a real relic. He got a very large smile and said "sure", so off we went.

But before we left it was important to be prepared, so we went and found two tobacco sticks to dig in the ground with. With these sticks, we hoped to turn the ground and uncover a real Indian relic. After several hours of searching, we still hadn’t found a single arrowhead but what a great time we had spent together. There were old bottles, cans and even a few jars but nothing to take home. I was so hoping to find something on our treasure hunt but it wasn’t to be. I show Joshua arrowheads at every show or house sale we attend but most of them are fake and the only way I could guarantee that they were real was if we found them ourselves. Being with someone you love and doing something you enjoy together is as good as it gets.

There are many guide books on antique Indian relics and before you buy, be sure that you can tell the real from the fakes. The real things just seem to continue to increase in value. An 8” spear point can easily bring you thousands of dollars. The thing that I have always wanted to find is a banner stone. Often the banner stones come in the shape of animals or other items that meant something to the Indians. These are the top end of Indian relics.

I do want to give you a warning before you go out on your search for Indian relics. It can become an obsession. The history of the American Indian is the history of our country and without the Indians there would be no country as we know it. Plus, the craftsmanship of the Native American Indian has never been duplicated in my opinion.

Joshua has told me that there wasn’t another thing that he wanted to do more over the Christmas Holidays than spend time with me. With God’s help, I have been able to grant that wish. We will return to Chicago Sunday and I hope that all of you feel as blessed as we do. Merry Christmas.





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Letter to Santa – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Blog – From Daryle Lambert

Please Read My Letter Santa

Dear Santa,

I would like to write you this letter on Christmas Eve night and hope that you get it in time. This has been a wonderful year for the men and women of the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Club plus the young people in our Kids Connection program. These members have prayed for others and been there to encourage members that needed a little help. I have never worked with a group of people that have a bigger heart than the members of our club. I hope that all the readers of this blog that aren't members with us will join in the coming year.

I would only ask that you fill these fantastic people’s stockings with Steuben, Lalique and Tiffany. If there is any extra room you may want to put a few pieces of Rookwood, Grueby and Newcomb in there too. I know they would be thankful and put the money they earn to good use. Just another thought, if you have your elves giving books this year, a few books on Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art would be appreciated by all.

Santa, I can assure you that all the members of our club treat everyone they deal with honestly and you would be proud of them. There are no switches needed here and the milk and cookies will be on the table.

P.S. Even though we are celebrating with gifts and wonderful food you can take comfort in the fact that our Club, most importantly, is giving thanks for what we have been given. A child was born that changed the world and his name was Jesus. Amen.

Have a wonderful Christmas and may it be safe for you and all your family. The staff of the Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Club will be praying for each and every one of you.

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LENOX CHINA - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog - Poor Man's China.

Lenox for You -Thanks to Replacements.com

I thought that after several blogs about being successful, it may be time to share about how you can make money and with what. I was at an Antique store and saw several small China figurines that were marked Lenox they weren't Meissen but were still beautiful.. They were quite detailed so they caught my attention. This got me to thinking maybe there was money to be made with Lenox. Checking eBay, many sets of Lenox China were listed for over $3,000 and figurines listed as high as $1,250. But before I got to involved, I researched the company and below you will see the history of Lenox that I found on the Internet.

Lenox was founded in 1889 by Walter Scott Lenox as Lenox's Ceramic Art Company, Trenton, New Jersey. From the start it was organized as an art studio and not as a factory. It did not have full lines of ceramics but rather one-of-a-kind artwares. The company at first had just eighteen employees. Their products were carried in exclusive shops specializing in high quality pottery. Lenox's work showed up at Smithsonian Institution as early as 1897.^[1]

Lenox china became popular in the early 20th century when separate dining rooms and hostess parties became the new trend. Lenox then started making custom designed elaborately decorated dining plates. He had European competition but had his plates decorated artfully by such American artists as William Morley. He gained success at this and eventually turned his attention to complete sets of dinnerware. In 1906 he changed his firm's name from the Ceramic Art Company to Lenox Incorporated to show the widing scope of his products.^[1]

Two of the first patterns Lenox produced came out in 1917, the Ming and Mandarin, which were eventually manufactured for over fifty years. Lenox products also became well known thanks to Frank Graham Holmes, chief designer from 1905 to 1954 and who won several artistic awards such as the 1927 Craftsmanship Medal of the American Institute of Architects and the 1943 silver medal of the American Designers Institute. Of the afore mentioned, 34 Lenox pieces were chosen for display in 1928 by the elite National Museum of Ceramics in Sévres, France - the only American porcelain to receive this honor.^[2]

The traditional European system of selling fine china is the purchase of an entire service set at significant cost. The Lenox company broke away from this tradition in the 1950s. They could then reach the budget of the average family which expanded their marketplace worldwide. Lenox offered for sale to the average family five-piece complete place settings, three-piece-buffet/place settings and individual tableware pieces. Lenox was the first company to develop a bridal registry.^[3]

Lenox company initiated an acquisitions program in the 1960s to diversify. They first purchased work of America's oldest and best-known crystal glassblowing firm, Bryce Brothers. During the 1970s they continued by purchasing Hartmann Luggage and Athalon Products. In 1983, Lenox was acquired by Brown-Forman Corporation.^[3] Brown-Forman acquired Dansk International Designs and its Gorham Manufacturing Company division in 1991, which were incorporated as part of Lenox. James E. Solomon, then 36 years old, was appointed as president of the newly-combined company, having previously been a general manager of a company that manufactured children's athletic shoes. Solomon succeeded Richard Ryan, who had presided for five years in a period in which the company expanded significantly.^[4]

Brown-Forman later sold its Lenox division as part of a plan to refocus the company on its wine and spirits production. The income generated by the sale was distributed to the shareholders in the form of a one time special dividend. In 2005, Lenox was acquired by Department 56 for about $204 million. Department 56, which has since changed its corporate name to Lenox, took on substantial debt at the time.

On November 24, 2008 Lenox filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.^{[citation needed]}

This is quite a history and the variety of products makes it a great source of products to buy and resale. Please add Lenox to your list of items that may be treasures for you. Often see pieces of Lenox in the bargain bin at sales so be sure to look there.

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Hummel Angels – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Blog – The right season.

Your Plan - Thanks to Greekahares.com

I am not sure but I believe there is an old saying that goes something like this, “There is a time for all seasons.” Why do I write on this today, you must be asking. The reason is to point out a clue that may make it easier for you to succeed.

We are creatures of habit, so when the Christmas season descends on us, we begin to look for Christmas items to purchase. At this time of year, we are often willing to pay more for those items than at any other time, and this may be a mistake. If we wait to buy those items in their seasons, we will find our margin of profit diminished. The time to buy Christmas treasures is in the middle of the summer when their prices will be the cheapest, and it is the same with all other seasons. “Daryle, you have told us to turn our inventory as quickly as possible, isn’t that right?” Yes I have, but let me explain how this will be taking place, even if you are holding merchandise for a few months.

How many seasons can you list? There’s calendar seasons, with winter that contains Christmas, spring that makes you think of love, summer with its travel dreams and fall that may make you think of Thanksgiving. Each of these seasons has treasures associated with them. The season of winter with Christmas brings to mind Santa, angels, elves, reindeer and gifts. Spring is for lovers, new life, flowers and religious holidays. Summer is for sports, travel, fishing and painting. But we don’t want to leave out fall that has its own set of items associated with it. Are you getting the idea that buying items for resale continues in a circle each year, so if you are buying something out of season, you are also selling items that you have in your inventory from a different season.

I will give you an example of what I am talking about. During the summer, I could buy Hummel angel figurines for practically nothing, but now I find these same figurines on eBay for hundreds of dollars, so when would have been the proper time to buy them? This same principle will apply to each season and, as you fill your inventory pipelines, there will always be things in season that you will be selling.

The most important thing to keep in mind for all of you who have read my book (and if you haven’t, you should) is to turn your inventory at least four times a year or every three months. Isn’t that strange? It coincides with the seasons. So you see, if you follow the seasons, you will be following our original plan and that will qualify as turning your inventory quickly enough.

Let’s not get too far from the plan that we set for our success.

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Elves Working – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Blog – Christmas without Elves is unthinkable.

Is This You?- Thanks to Houseflags.com

You might ask, “What would Christmas be without elves?” I would tell you very little. Even Santa has to have his helpers and without them there would be many unhappy children on Christmas Day. Elves are Santa’s worker bees and they work day and night to ensure that all children get to enjoy Christmas. I love the movie North Pole, where you see the elves as they busy themselves, preparing all the toys for the long sleigh ride that is coming. Santa, like God, wants to please all children and it takes many hands to prepare all the necessary toys that are to be delivered.

This is a wonderful story that should touch our hearts but remember that each one of you is like a little elf and the world would be lost without you. At this time of year, I’m amazed at how many elves I see rushing around making those last minute decisions. Santa is the elves’ leader as we celebrate this Christmas season of giving, and yes, the elves may not be recognized as much as Santa, but I would like to tell you that you are appreciated. The Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Club would like to thank all the elves that make up our Club and take this time to tell them “thanks” for all they do. Remember, the elves don’t prepare things for the people or family they know but mostly for the ones they don’t. Keep this in mind all you little elves as we come to the end of a special season.

But back to something I know a little about and that is what people collect. Elves may rank right up there at the top of the list. Even though they get most of their attention during Christmas, you may see them around during most of the year.

Here are just a few random items that have sold recently that have to do with elves. This one touches my sweet spot: an antique German chocolate mold of an elf and sleigh $1232. But close behind in price were the two Hamberger animated Christmas elves that sold for $910. This one might be hard to store: a life size Santa and Twinkle elf by OOAK that tickled the seller to the tune of $800.

We have all seen those cement garden elves but I have to admit to giving them very little attention until I found where there were 4 that sold for $750. Possibly the most expensive elves, however, are the storefront mechanical ones and these can run into the thousands if they are vintage ones.

For all you elves out there who are reading this blog, please keep up the good work.


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Angels in Your Life – Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible’s Blog – Do You Believe?

This Angel is for You - Thanks to Flicker.com

During the Christmas Season you always hear about the Angels - but do you believe in them? I have to admit, I do and with good reason. I believe they were there when my little brother drowned and was revived with no brain damage after being under the water for over 15 minutes. How can a person be in an automobile wreck were the car was totally destroyed and receive no injuries? I did in Palm Springs, California.

Only a fool would take these two experiences as blind luck and say they turned out the way they did by accident. In my mind, there were Angels there to intervene in both situations. God never leaves us alone – He is always there if we believe.

Beginning at a very early age and continuing today, I have had an unusual affection for Angels. I can say there is no longer any doubt about their existence in my life.

I have shared with you where I bought a pair of Angel candelabras for under $100 and sold them for $2500. I also purchased a painting from the 15th century that contained several Angels in the sky that may have been the second most expensive piece that I ever sold. It seems that people want to believe and almost any item that features Angels can become a true treasure. Whether it is a painting, porcelain figurine, piece of jewelry or a gold coin, if it contains the image of an Angel, the value is greatly enhanced.

On eBay you can find examples where items with Angel brought good money. There was the painting by Carol Lee that sold for $5,000 and the 19th century Meissen grouping with blue crossed swords mark hammered at $4,900. Jewelry with Angels like the Carrera Y Carrera Gold and Diamond bracelet that was only 1¼ inches wide with two rows of small diamonds sold for $3,299 and don’t forget the Isle on Man Angel gold coin from 1986 that commanded a price of $1,399.

Here are just a few other pieces that might make your mouth water: antique cameo brooch with Angel 14 karat gold $1,200, KPM plaque 9” $975, OOAK Custom Angel doll Blythe by Melacacia 12” for $960.

I remember as a child praying at night that the Angels would protect me and my family and I believe God heard my prayer. That is one of the reasons why today I continue to give thanks for all the blessings that I receive. Yes, I believe they are also watching over your family and come to think of it I need to include my new family in my future prayers - the members of Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectible Club. Please pray for safety for my family and me while we’re away.




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Smooth Sailing – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – So far so good.

Smooth Sailing - Thanks to Flicker.com

Wow! We are on our way. Yes, I did get a few emails from people who were having small problems with the site, but Bob was able to answer those fairly quickly. I would appreciate emails if you as readers spot any problems that need to be addressed with our transition to the new site, www.darylelambert.com. I will be gone for a week but Ondre and Bob will continue to address the changes to the site that will ensure the success of our members in the antique, collectible and fine art field. This is the time for our members and readers to speak up and tell Ondre, Bob and myself what you are thinking and share with us what would make your jobs easier. If you were building the club, what would you want it to do?

Besides the cosmetic appearance of the site, the next changes will come with the reopening of the members only section and the affiliate program. Both of these features will be of great value to the members. In addition, Bob is constructing the software functions on the site to allow for the members’ stores. I believe that 2010 will be a break out year for our Club and we will be leaving our competitors in the dust. When the members only section is reopened, I intend to really focus on the Million Dollar Race and I hope that the members will be more open to sharing their progress with the rest of us.

Today I was privileged to go to my son Joshua's piano recital. All in attendance received a treat, but something happened there that I would like to share with you. You never know when God will share a lesson on living with you. I didn't plan for today to be one of those times but it was.

Halfway through the recital, a young man, perhaps 16, was sharing his talent with the audience when he had a miscue. Time and time again he tried his best to get back on track, but to no avail. Never giving up, however, he plowed ahead and finally near the end he once again was on cue. After the performance he bowed but kept his head down and quickly walked off stage and out of the room.

It didn't take me long to follow him and my question was, "Weren't you one of the performers today?" His answer was “Yes, but I didn't give a very good one today.” I asked him whose performance he thought was the best. “I really don't know” was his immediate answer. “Yours was”, is what I told him and then explained why. “You see you never quit when it was rough and neither did you start over, which most people would have done. No, rather you continued on in your journey, even though it was bumpy. Finally, after your fears abated, you got back on course and finished strong. You grew up a little today and this experience will serve you well in the future.” He thanked me and I could tell that those words had touched him.

We can relate this story to our attempts to succeed in the business that we have chosen for ourselves: Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art. Yes, on occasion you may miscue, but never stop the direction you are headed in and continue until success is on your side again. It won't always be easy, but like the young man, with each little bump in the road, you will grow up just a little and be a better man or woman for it. My hope is that by working together most of us will cross the finish line together and along the way we might just pick up someone else and assist them to the line also. God bless you and God bless this season.

PS : I just found out that we have lost a friend by the name of Gary who had a site called the Auction Rebel. He did the annual garage sale challenge and was an expert on the Internet and eBay. I know that I will miss him because he was always an listening ear when I needed one. I will pray for his family and their loss.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club. Join Us Today
www.darylelambert.com

Where are the Ornaments? - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – The tree will soon be decorated.

The Ornaments are on and the presents are under the tree - Thanks to Flicker.com

Yesterday’s blog introduced the new site by changing it from 31corp.com to darylelambert.com. I said that the new tree (site) had been completed. But what does that mean to me, you must be asking. The biggest change that can be noticed is that the new site is much easier to navigate. The marketplace and all of its contents can be seen in just a matter of minutes and pieces listed there can be purchased immediately. Second, the blog now has its own page and the archives can be searched very quickly. On the home page you will notice that items in the marketplace are displayed and rotate when you click to a new page.

But what you don't see is perhaps the greatest part of the change. Every element of the site can now be controlled in house, with no waiting for outside people to complete changes for us whenever they get around to it. With our CMS, or computer management system, Ondre and Bob are in total control of our site and whatever needs to be done to improve the quality of the site can now be completed in an orderly fashion. But where are the ornaments?

This is where I really get excited because I have promised my members of the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club that there were wonderful things in our future. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have up until now been unable to produce them, but no longer. I will list what is coming below and soon I hope they will be additional ornaments on our tree.

I. Each member will have the opportunity to sit up their own store or you could call it their booth on the Club's website and list their items, just as they would on eBay for a fixed auction. I have shared this idea with many of our members and they can't wait to get their stores started. The cost will be as little as $1 per item for 30 days, with no final selling fee.

II. The name of the wish list might be changed but the principle will be the same. This is where you will advertise for the items that you wish to purchase. These lists will be prominently displayed on a separate page and accessible from the home page.

III. Members will be able to earn money by listing the Club’s affiliate program on their own site. In the future this could be a great source of income for our members as people take advantage of the program and as we increase the number of products that we are selling.

This is a short list of what is coming. As a member of the Club, these benefits will put money in your pocket. Bob is going to help us start a SEO (search engine optimization program) that will greatly enhance our hits to the site and provide more buyers for the items that we wish to sell.

One quick note: Bob is working on the members only sign in and it should be available soon. Ondre will be working inside the members only section so that you can access all the features that we had listed there on the old site.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me by email Darylelam1@att.net or phone 847-784-8544. I have to admit that over the last few days I haven't slept much because of my excitement over what Ondre and Bob are bringing to our club.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club. Join Us Today
www.darylelambert.com

"It Finally Happened" - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog - www.darylelambert.com

"It's Finally Happened"

This journey has, at times, appeared to be unending, but finally we have arrived, with the creation of our new website for the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club. Starting today, you will be directed to www.darylelambert.com to access our site. Patience is mine saith the Lord and he is right because, without my faith, there is no way I could have withstood the last two years. I was also sent angels to keep me in check and do things right and before I go any further I must acknowledge them.

First I want to thank Karla Zehnder, who allowed her husband Bob to take time away from their very successful business, Hodgson Consulting and Solutions, and also his family, so that he could establish the direction that we should follow with our Club’s site. Bob has been the Titan that has held our hands through the process of completely changing our site and business model.

I would like to think that I had a little to do with our progress but to be truthful the next person that I want to thank is the woman that single handedly kept me in check and that is Ondre Huston. Without her editing my blogs each day, they would have been almost unreadable. However, the editing is just the beginning of what Ondre has provided for the Club. Her countless hours spent going over all the suggestions that I came up with and then sharing with me where I was wrong, proved perhaps to be the most helpful advice that I have been given. She will be taking on most of the responsibility for the content on the site and also the financial responsibilities for the Club.

My wife, Vickie, has been my personal angel and when I was ready to pitch in the towel she would encourage me. Even Joshua got into the act by sharing his knowledge of film making with me and also producing videos for the Club.

I can't leave out the early members of our team: Cindy Nieder, Chris Erbach and Clarke Echols. Without their help, this moment could never have happened. What do I mean by this moment?

For over two years I have tried to get our site to a point where all the edits and additions could be done in house, but as hard as I tried that feat wasn't accomplished until Bob and Ondre came on board. Even if you aren't able to see a tremendous difference in the two sites, I can assure you there are so many I couldn't list them and you will be the benefactor of the improvements. Now if something needs to be fixed, Bob and Ondre can have it done in no time where before it could have taken months.

I explain it this way. The Christmas Tree is up and now the ornaments will be attached to it. The first thing that you will find is the blog archives are now correct and without duplications. Second, the pages themselves should be easier to read and understand and third, the functionality of the site has been optimized. The marketplace will be much easier to navigate and our cart will provide for the purchase of an item right off the site. We’re still doing some editing and within a month also plan to have new photographs of items in our marketplace.

Tomorrow’s blog will provide the ornaments and be ready for some surprises. This journey will be well worth the fare that you have paid and the successes that I have envisioned for our members are right around the corner. I now can say I am a happy camper and this will be one of my favorite Christmases.


My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club. Join Us Today
www.darylelambert.com

My Christmas List – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – You may be surprised.

Christmas Dreams - Thanks to Flicker.com

What will I be looking forward to after Christmas, that is the question. First, I hope that my family will be healthy and that we will have been able to see and feel what Christmas really is and that isn't gifts. Sharing God's love with others will be the lasting part of the holidays for me. I feel so blessed to meet so many wonderful people through the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club, even if it is only through an email or phone call. Some of my best memories over the past year were the times when I would send out a call for prayer where it was needed. I can guarantee you that I felt the response.

But what do I really want this year? You know how much I love beautiful paintings, but Vickie says I have enough. How about a few artist signed Rookwood vases, but my dog, Katie, might destroy them. And then, there are the great toys that I could add to my collection, but I would play with them and Joshua until they were no longer mint. It seems that maybe things aren't for me this year. So what could it be?

Well I just bought me a pig. Yes, a pig. Remember three blogs ago when I shared with you that a wonderful lady called me about an Anna Pottery Pig? Well I am now the proud owner of that pig. Yes, I believe I have a buyer for it, but in the meantime I have just made a new friend and guess what? She has wonderful children who will celebrate Christmas with their mom and nothing could be better than that. Yes, I do believe that I have already received my first gift. It wasn't the pig but the new friendship that I now have.

So over the next week or so as you are out there on your treasure hunts, if you are successful, remember that the people who you bought items from can become your close friends and that might be your best Christmas present. People being with people seems to bring out the true joy of Christmas and in all the stories of people being miserable during these holidays, it is usually when they are alone. Please take some time to visit an elderly man or woman in a nursing home and your rewards will be great or find someone who will be spending Christmas in a hospital and take them some flowers or even just a card.

Yes, there are wonderful buying opportunities in these last days of the year and you should keep your eye out for them, but this time is when we should truly feel how blessed we are. This country is the greatest country in the world and I ask God regularly, why me? Why did you choose this country for me?

Not much about Antiques, Paintings or Collectibles in this blog but I hope that I have even given you something greater. God bless and Amen.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today
www.darylelambert.com

Dolls for Big and Little Girls – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Fit for a Queen.

French Doll - Thanks to Flicker.com

This is the Christmas season when girls’ thoughts and dreams turn to that special doll that will be under the tree. Santa had better check his bank account this year because those cute little figures may well set him back a step or two. Few collectibles are gaining in value during this time of recession but that can't be said of dolls.

French, German and even American dolls are on a tear with no end in sight. Checking eBay, I found where there were over 730 dolls listed that sold or were in the process of selling for over $1000. Even Barbies got in the picture with 9 listings over that magic mark of $1000. I won't be talking about sales at the doll auctions that may top several hundred thousand dollars today, just the simple ones for the average little girl.

The dolls that I am going to list are the ones that you may find at your next garage or house sale for $200-$500 dollars. First, how about this one: rare early antique French fashion doll by Huret - c. 1860. It has a wooden body, bisque head, original clothes and measures 18 1/2 inches. I believe that at the price it sold for, the buyer got a bargain--$16,900. What do you think? Not far behind came the 21” wooden bodied Portrait Jumeau poupee doll sailing in at $15,000. Still not in your price range? Then I will tell you about two others: first, the Bebe Jumeau/ Depose Jumeau 1886 wooden bodied with original clothes and human hair doll, selling for $10,950 and last, but not least, the Dressel and Kister half doll, being extra large at 9 ¾ inches, with the blue mark inside the doll, flying to $5227.

You can see that some little or even big girl for that matter is going to have a fantastic Christmas. Any dealer that doesn't have dolls on his or her long list of things to buy is missing the boat. I know one lady that basically only buys dolls. She has an ad in the Chicago Tribune almost every week and when she arrives at an auction, she steps out of a top of the line Mercedes Benz. It doesn't take long for a person dealing in dolls to have made a significant difference in their bank account at the end of the year.

I can still remember when my little girl, Dana, would get up before daylight on Christmas morning looking for that new doll that would be added to many others on her bed. I believe Christmas wouldn't have been Christmas without at least one doll under the tree with Dana's name on it. My how things have changed. I remember when my grandmother would make dolls out of old socks, but that day is long gone and we now have the American Girls dolls selling for hundreds of dollars.

To us as dealers the value of the doll is important, but on that special morning with the sleep still in their eyes, girls from all over the world are just looking for the doll that will fit perfectly in their arms.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership in the 31 Club. Join Us Today
www.darylelambert.com