"College Memorabilia” - Daryle Lambert

Yes it is a time for a Change
Reward Excellence

Since Obama is going to send everyone to college whether they are prepared or not, the collector base for college collectibles should be expanded. I wonder if he realizes that if everyone went to college the country would have to increase the number of colleges 100 fold? Does he not think that there should be any requirements to attend college? In fact, it looks as if he wants college degrees to have as little value as some high school diplomas do today where the schools have dummied down the requirements for graduation so low a chimpanzee could graduate from them.

I am a strong advocate of education but if it is given free it should be earned and appreciated. To me an education isn't a right but a privilege. Why do we think that drop out rates at some schools are approaching 70%? Is it because students are learning how to support themselves on the street better than in the class room? Yes, it may be an education on how to beat the system, but it works for them as our welfare rolls are expanding at an alarming rate. In Europe education is free but the students have to continue the grade point average through each grade so that they may progress to the next level. If these courses aren't passed their opportunity to advance in their chosen profession ends. When are we going to put pride back into our education system?

Excuse me for going off on a little tangent but I will try to get back on the point of collectibles. Being able to provide people with what they want is our goal and after leaving college most graduates are interested in the items from their schools, past and present.

Here is a great little story. I found a pottery tennis plaque that was given as a trophy in the 30's or 40's. It had the name of the person that was the winner of the tournament and the person that designed the plaque on its the back. It was from the North Dakota School of Mines. I thought it was unusual so I purchased it for about $50 I think, and posted it on eBay. Wow! I wasn't prepared for all the interest and information I received. I got email from individuals that knew these people on the plaque and even told me stories about the school. I think that it finally sold for a little more than $500. When you find items that can be identified as belonging to a certain person you will find it very rewarding to try and return it to someone in their family or even themselves.

Watch for trophies that are engraved to a person or banners that have been autographed. Year books with signatures, school books that have a person’s name in them and photographs that are signed on the back and give the name of the ones in the photograph can be sure winners. Use your imagination and I am sure you will come up with many other college items that someone would want to own.


Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

“Used can Make You Money” - Daryle Lambert

Tomorrows Antiques

I woke up this morning and realized that I have been preparing for the events that are happening for over 10 years. Vickie and I have been buying things that we could not afford for most of our married life. Today is the best time to do that in memory and you will be finding more and more people following my example.

You are asking “Has he lost his mind? I'm not going to spend more money than I can afford in this dismal market.” I think after I explain myself you will be right in there with me.

I wish that I could invite each one of you to my home and then I could show you what I mean. First, as you enter my living room, the focal point is a wonderful china cabinet where I display such items as Meissen figurines, Daum Nancy glass, Steuben and other favorite treasures. The retail price for this cabinet 15 years ago was $25,000 but I purchased it for $1000, I can still see the receipt for the purchase from the furniture store that the previous owner gave me. You know mine looks just as good in my living room as it does in the person’s that paid $25,000 for theirs. Next is a wonderful inlaid cabinet that holds my Rookwood lamp. It cost someone nearly $5000 but it cost me $500. Both these items are in mint condition and I can assure you that at their retail price I wouldn't own them. Are you beginning to see what I am talking about? Who wouldn't love to have quality furniture and other items in their home that they could not afford but with your help they can. The key word is quality and I can give you other examples where loads of money can be made by spying items that will enhance people’s homes and they won't have to pay an arm and leg for them. I call them tomorrow’s antiques.

Here is just another story of where this principle worked. I visited a lady’s home. She was moving but first had to dispose of her furniture. There was nothing but the best of the best in her home and I was honored that she choose me to call first. It was important that the transactions were completed quickly because she needed to get into her new place. In the dining room I spotted a lovely dining room suite and asked the price. “Would you give me $1500?“ was her reply. I asked what she had paid for it and her answer was “$12,000 to $15,000. You bet I included that set in my buys for the day. Later I sold it to a furniture dealer for $4500 and he said it was already sold before he picked it up. This was just one of the fantastic buys I made from her.

Tomorrow’s antiques should be a part of your game plan and I assure you they will fatten your bank account.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

“Alert! When is Something too Cheap? “ - Daryle Lambert

Meissen - Thanks to www.flicker.com

My answer to that question is very simple and here it is “When people throw the baby out with the bath water things have become too cheap.” I was talking to a friend this morning and during the conversation I realized that my life really hasn't changed with all this economic upheaval and the same can be said about quality antiques and fine art. Yes, my 401K has lost value and the equity in my house is lower but still I continue to live as I did before all these things happened. So how, you must be asking, does this apply to antiques and fine art?

Well, a painting by Picasso and a Rookwood vase are still as rare as they were before this downturn and the people that wish to own them are thankful to buy them at cheaper prices but if the price hadn't dropped they would have still have bought them. So what has changed? Only people’s fears. This is causing them to throw away real treasures at under valued prices and this is great for us.

I received an email about several Meissen figurines and so to check what the market had done to Meissen I went to eBay where I was startled by the prices. Only a few months ago the same pieces would have brought two or three times as much as they do today. Meissen is still the number one porcelain for collectors in the world and I think it will always be.

So here is the ALERT! It is time to buy Meissen and even good pieces should be considered that are listed on eBay. Scour all the garage and house sales for these pieces and if they are priced comparable to the prices on eBay put them in your sack. There are very nice pieces that are selling on eBay that you can sell on other venues for double if not more. This is happening because of the lose of viewership at eBay. More and more pieces are passing under the radar screen undetected. Be sure that you are familiar with the Meissen marks which can be found in Kovel's New Dictionary of marks.

The drop in the prices for the lower end items is explainable but the drop in the price of quality antiques and fine art isn't warranted. This is an opportunity that I doubt will last long and we should take advantage of it while it exists.

My friend Farad found a Meissen cup and saucer and I don't know what he paid but I am sure it wasn't much. His sale price, however, will surprise you: $3500. Remember the three figurines I told you about that we sold for the 31 Club? They were bought for $170 each and sold at an average of $600 each. This is the time that you can enhance your bank account by purchasing Meissen so keep your eyes open.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

“Hush Hush Could it be True?” : Daryle Lambert

Jan Brueghel the Elder - Thanks to AskArt

What a day yesterday was, disappointment for one of our members but possibly a bonanza for another. I enjoy waking up each day because I don't know what God has planned for me. Whenever a member of the “31 Club” asks me for information on something they have in their possession, it is like going on a treasure hunt with them.

I received an email from a young lady yesterday asking about a painting she had but that I knew very little about. After our talking about the painting for a while and looking it up on AskArt, I found that if it were truly a piece by the artist, as signed, its value would be from $5000 up. Unfortunately, after having her remove the panel on the back of the painting she discovered that it was a print, bummer. The great thing was her attitude. Without a moment’s hesitation she said, “ I will have to go out and find another one and hopefully it will be real. To that I said “Atta Girl”.

Not the way I hoped my day would start but I know that at least she had the information she needed. What I didn't know was what lay right around the corner on my next email. Checking my computer there was another email about a painting. This time I had my doubts but stranger things do happen so I answered it very promptly. You see this artist sells from $500,000 to $6,000,000.

Contacting the person on the phone it tuned out to be a wonderful lady who said she needed help but didn't know where to turn. I assured her she was at the right place. First, I warned her that the chances of her painting being a true example of the artist’s work were slim but that I needed to ask her some questions. I needed to know if it was signed. She informed me that she hadn't been able to find a signature. At first I assumed this to be a big negative. Next, I asked if she could see the back but was told it was covered by paper. I wasn't getting the answers that I had wished for but I knew not to give up.

Beginning to prepare myself to give her the bad news, I asked what I figured would be my last question, “Is there any writing on the back?” Now was when she caught my attention as she said “Yes there is a museum tag and a label that gives the artist’s name and that it is an oil on panel and the date when he lived.” Wow! This sent me back to the books and guess what I found? Most of his paintings were unsigned. The painting that we were discussing was of a vase of flowers which happens to be what he is known for. The good news is that a painting of flowers could bring in the millions!

I am trying to keep my composure but even the slightest possibility that this is a true work of art is so exciting that I have to pinch myself to stop from day dreaming. I now have the necessary information to track this painting from the museum tag and there should be records of it in their archives. So stay tuned because I am sure that you will be hearing more about this in the near future.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Beware of Your Experts

Tiffany Studio

I have been in the antiques business for over 45 years so my reputation is very important to me. If it is questioned and I am wrong then I will apologize. Something happened yesterday that I think should be brought to the attention of the 31 Club members.

I was asked to send pictures of the Tiffany center piece that I have listed. The person represented himself as a buyer. When I didn't get a response I emailed him and he informed me it was a fake and he had listed it as such on his website. I think that this is very unprofessional since he didn't inform me of his opinion or give proof of his judgment. If it is fake, I definitely want to remove it from the sale.

It is very important when dealing with others’ reputations that you have your facts straight and there should be no doubt about your stance. In this situation, I have to doubt this man’s honesty because he doesn't even give you his name on the site. I personally have pointed out fakes to my members and it is a shame that there are people that are trying to profit from others lack of knowledge but by doing this I have a very heavy burden of proof. I want to be as equally responsible to the seller as I am to the buyer. This site gives no proof of its judgment on the pieces it states are fake. In fact, he could be doing this to buy real items very cheaply himself.

The protection of this business should always be of the utmost importance to us but don't take everything you hear to heart without testing it. If I had thought a person had a fake for sale I would have contacted him and discussed the possibility that the piece was fake before publicly exposing it as such to the public. Remember that the purpose of making fakes is to sell them as real so there should be many of these pieces around however in over 45 years in this business I haven't seen another one. If you have seen this piece please point me in its direction?

Below you will see my response to him.

Hi

My name is Daryle Lambert and I have the centerpiece that you have stated is a fake. I have contacted my attorney and unless you can prove it is a fake by showing another piece like it, I will be forced to file a law suit against you for defamation. This is serious to me because I never want to represent something to be real if it isn't. However you have never seen my piece and I don't think you can show me another one like it, when there should be many if it is a fake. So I would suggest you remove this piece from your page until you have further proof that it is fake. I will wait one week for your reply.

Daryle Lambert

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: How Do House Sales and Garage Sales Work?

Garage Sale thanks to www.flicker

I enjoy giving the members of the 31 Club information that will help them in their search for treasure. I received an email asking how house and garage sales work as well as what is the best way to advertise? This information will be very useful as you go out into the field because there are strategies that you can implement

First, let’s tackle the house sales and their history. In the beginning, these sales were conducted to help the home owner liquidate holdings before moving, but this has all changed. In fact, at most house sales, the conductor is running a retail sale and often I find their prices higher than I can buy at auctions. They also are beginning to take the better items to list at auctions where they receive a commission on the completion of the sale. I once asked a conductor of a sale why I was there if all the great stuff had gone to auction?

These house sale conductors used to be a service to the home owner. They charged a fee to liquidate the home furnishings. Today, however, they run the sale as if they were a retail shop because they get a commission on the final value sales. This used to be where most antique dealers got their merchandise to resell but this is getting harder and harder as the sales ask retail or more for their offerings. About the only way that I can buy at a house sale today is if they make a mistake and don't find the pieces I am interested in listed in a price guide or in auction results. Be forewarned that the conductor is often also selling his or her own items at these sales.

Most house sales reduce their price by 50% on the second day and this is when I attempt to buy items that I think are over priced if they are still there. I don't leave bids because they are often used against me by showing them to others who will then give a higher bid than mine. It is perfectly okay to ask if they will take less than their offering price on the first day but I find that few reduce their prices on the first day.

The garage sales are a different matter. You will see mostly low end items there that you must search through but now and then you will come across a treasure. The people conducting these sales are usually less sophisticated than the house sale conductors but you may have to travel quite a bit to see several of these sales to be successful. The prices will be more reasonable because the seller is the owner and there aren’t any commissions to pay.

At each type of sale, get there early because dealers will go to garage sales far before the listed time for them to start and unfortunately the sellers often let them in. If you arrive at the time posted all the bargains are gone. The same works for house sales. Most conducted sales accept lists that are kept by someone who arrives early and unfortunately there are often many names put on these list that haven't come and signed in themselves. Most lists for good sales start as early as 3 or 4 in the morning. I have spent the night in a driveway to be first in line myself. Believe it or not it was well worth it and I made several thousand dollars for that night’s sleep I missed.

I think that I got carried away today so the advertising blog will have to wait until tomorrow.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: What a Great Day

Together Again

This has started out to be one of the greatest days in a long time for me. Vickie, my wife, returned from Hawaii after nine days and we sure had a lot to catch up on whenever our son, Joshua, would let us get a word in edgewise. I learned a very serious lesson with her being gone and that was that having her home is the most important thing in the world to me. It took hours of talking before I even mentioned the great buys I made yesterday.

After looking at all the wonderful pictures she took, I can fully understand why a person would want to remain there as long as they could. But there is another side of Hawaii and it is the wonderful art and pottery that is produced there. I was watching the Antique Road Show one day and a woman brought in a painting of one of the islands. The appraiser looked very pleased to be seeing the piece and asked what she thought it was worth. I believe that she said that a person had told her it could be quite valuable but she didn't have a real idea as to value. If my memory is correct, it appraised at over $100,000. I have seen many other artists’ works that included scenes from Hawaii and they can become very expensive quickly.

Even if your thing isn't art, Hawaii still has something for you. Travel posters and post cards can bring unexpected money if they are rare and these are still plentiful. Weavings, pottery, and art glass with scenes of Hawaii can bring back memories to the traveler that has experienced the beauty of these islands and they often are willing to pay big bucks for those memories. Owning wonderful items isn’t only for those that have traveled there but also for the ones that wish to in their dreams. Who wouldn't want to own a hula skirt?

The history of Hawaii is fascinating and historical items are much sought after by the collectors. These island were a paradise into themselves before disease was bought to them by outsiders. The history of these islands can hold your interest for years. The history of these people will make you wonder how the world has gotten into the mess that it is in.

If you think something has to be old to be valuable then take a look at this, a 2008 double struck Hawaiian quarter that is struck as a dime. It sold for $13,400. There is a lot of other Hawaiian money that is collected, including both bills and coins, and you should keep your eye out for them.

Here are few other items that caught my eye, a surf board for $5000 and a painting by Jean Charlot for $6200. If you go to eBay there are over 14,000 items listed. Some of the most expensive are time shares, however, you will find enough items that can bring you big bucks that from now on they won't escape your attention.

Maybe next time Josh and I will go with Vickie because hearing her talk about the trip only makes our dreams include a family trip there in the future.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Does the “31“ Rule Work in these Markets?

Lotton Pieces by Daryle Lambert

Most of you who have followed me for any amount of time know that the rule I suggest that you follow in buying is the “31 Rule” which states that you should pay 25% of the retail value for the items you purchase.To make money you must value your time and if by spenting 4 or 5 hours to purchase an item for $20 and then sell the items for $25, yes, you have made money but I assure you that that is the track to going broke and being disappointed in the antique business.

Why do you have this rule? First your goal is to double your money on each of your purchases and my belief is this can only be done if you purchase your items correctly. At 25% of retail, after trying to get the top price for your item, you can reduce the price 50% which would be in essence be wholesale and still reach your goal. This also covers you if you have made a mistake in your judgment. Hopefully, you won't pay over 25% of the value so you should always be safe at that figure. Another advantage to this rule is that you don't invest your money in items that won't sell or that produce very little return for you. I have known people that end up with all their money invested in inventory that can't be sold so they go out of business very disappointed. It isn't how much you sell but what you make on the items you sell.

It is true that it requires patience and self discipine but to be successful in the Antiques and Fine Art business these are two elements that are necessary. If you read the “31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles” you will find that everything is possible if you finish the race and it really doesn't matter how fast you get to the finish line. That smart old turtle proved that to us as children, didn't he?

Many people ask me if I use my own rules and the answer to that question is yes. I would rather never buy an item than to over pay. You see that way I always have my money for when the special deal does come along. For instance yesterday I was having a very restful day with my son Joshua while Vickie my wife is still out of town until the phone rang. “Mr Lambert”, the gentleman on the other end said “Do you buy Lotton Glass?“ It took me a moment to get my head cleared and answer his question but then I said “ yes what do you have for sale?” I soon made an appointment with him to see the pieces he had which consisted of a Charles Lotton perfume bottle and Jack in the pulpit vase plus a small piece by one of the other artist at Lotton gallery. When he arrived I examined the three pieces to be sure there wasn't any damage and asked his price for all three. “I would like to get $1100 but I know the market is soft, what could you offer?” I figured in my head that on a good day they would bring $2500 but all days aren't good during these markets so I offered $500. He said “Is that cash?” and I instantly answered ”yes”. I didn't have the cash in the house so he drove me to the bank and we completed the deal. The picture that is at the top of the page is of the three pieces.

I had a great day and I am sure that I sensed a need that the gentleman had for the money. Just like that “Old Turtle” I just plod alone but it sure feels good knowing that my course is straight and the finish line is just in front of me.



Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: The most Hated Person in the Antiques and Fine Art business.

Daryle Lambert - America's Most Wanted

By the People

It all started several years ago when one of my best friends said ”Daryle, why do you feel that you must educate everyone?" I have thought about that question many times over the years and here is my answer.



There is a fair way to conduct business and everyone is entitled to make a profit from their efforts but then the question comes up, “What is fair?” Is “let the buyer and seller beware”, a fair method to do our business by? I don't think so. I believe that we are the experts and it is our responsibility to be ethical.



Here is my standard and I can assure you that I sleep well at night. If a person asks me the value of any antique or painting I must give them an honest answer to the best of my ability. Then, it is perfectly okay for me to say that I can't pay that for it because I still must make a profit when it is sold. So let’s assume that a painting is worth $10,000 retail. I feel that a $5000 offer is within the realm of reason but if you offered $500 for it I would take exception. I also always tell the person where they can check what I have shared with them pertaining to value, so that they aren't totally dependent on me for the value. The only time I vary from this is if an item is already being offered to the world and I haven't been asked about it. Under those circumstances I feel that I have the right to purchase it at the asking price.



Over the years I have been confronted by many people in this industry but I have the same answer for each of them. I have to be true to the people even if it is at my own cost. EBay was one of my first targets because they were being unfair to the average person. I had many individuals say “Why don't you mind your own business” as eBay continued to escalate their prices to where they were often making more money than the seller. Not wanting to stop there they even bought their competition, PayPal and Pro Stores, so they could have a greater strangle hold on the market. But I warned that there has never been a market that wouldn't adjust itself if it became too unfair. Meg Whitman must have realized that too because she left at the peak, leaving the hot potato in the lap of her replacement. I now say that, due to their past sins, their future is bleak if there aren't major changes to their business plan.



Next it was to the Auction Houses . When I began going to auctions, the fee was 5% to the seller and nothing to the buyer. They considered themselves service companies but that has changed over the years. First it was 10% and then 15% but still this wasn't enough so today we have auctions charging the seller up to 27.5% commission while charging the buyer 25%. If my math is correct that is 52.5%. They no longer are a service company but your partner. Yes, they deserve fair compensation, but I consider this grand larceny. I believe it is about time we, the public, told the auction houses to go and find their own merchandise to sell.



Not wanting to be unfair and leave anyone out, I then began to write about antique malls and shops. They didn't take my articles as flattery. First, the malls have become, as a general rule, just storehouses for garage sale merchandise. If the dealers do run across something that a true collector would desire to own, they send it to auction. I am laughing all over again. Entering a mall in the front showcase were items that the dealer had listed on eBay. I asked the owner why I was there and he answered, “I don't know.” My response to him was that if all I could buy in his mall was what the dealer didn't want to put on eBay why didn't I just stay at home and bid from there. I left him with a startled look on his face but I believe I got my point across. This is the same situation with regard to the antique shops. Are you beginning to understand why I am so unpopular?



You know I really don't care what others think of me as long as I can live with myself and the way I conduct my business. You see I am one of you and all I ask is to be treated fairly. I hope that some of the people I have written about don't have a carton of eggs.



Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Make Money with the Average Man's Art

William Horton thanks to www.31corp.com

It has always been exciting to see a Picasso or Warhol painting sell for hundreds of millions but do you really see yourself doing that? Probably not. But is there art that can be found reasonably and change your life financially? To that question I would have to say “yes”. So where do we start to find this undervalued art?

If you go to the 31 Club’s website [ www.31corp.com ] you will find under the gallery a “sold” section. There you can see an Ida McAfee painting that sold for $2500. It was purchased on eBay for about $500, making the owner extremely happy. Here are a few other examples where the mid priced paintings have done well for me. I purchase a Harvey Joiner from an auction house when it didn't reach the reserve. I bought it after the auction for a little over $200. I thought if I took it back to where it was painted I should make a fair profit. This painting was sold in Evansville Indiana for $3500. I have to be honest, however, I thought that it might have reached $10 to $15 thousand. I hope you don't think of that as sour grapes. Then there was the William Gollings that I purchased in California for $12,000 and sold in Chicago for almost $30,000. No million dollar paintings there but I think you will agree that at that rate my money is compounding fairly quickly. I want to be sure that I also remind you of my friend, Jim, who bought a painting for $40 by Jessie Wilcox Smith and a few months later sold it in the same town for $22,000. I can't even figure that rate of return. Paintings from $500 to $10,000 should do very well in these markets, and as people liquidate their belongings to raise cash, your chances of buying bargains increases.

The middle of the art market in hard economic times may be the best place to spend your money for the greatest return. Sure there are the high end paintings that will still do well but if you have one of those and it doesn't sell, large amount of your capital will be tied up and, for all intents and purposes, you may be out of business. By spreading your money among several pieces, the chances are great that some will sell, your money will continue to turn and that all important bank account will grow.

Now let’s explore where these treasures may be found. I am sure you have read stories where expensive paintings have been discovered in re-sale and white elephant shops so these would be great places for you to explore. Also local auctions, where a painting might pop up that is not recognized as being by a listed artist, or one that doesn't appeal to the local crowd but in another location might draw greater attention. Watch your local newspapers for listings of art for sale and also the penny savers. I have saved the best for last. Here we go. Tell everyone you talk to about your interest in purchasing art work. Mouth to mouth advertising will always be the best advertising that you will ever receive.

Strike now while this iron is hot.

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Walt Disney Even Feels Hard Times.

I was having a harder time than usual writing a blog this morning and then in my closet I found it, the offical Walt Disney Classic Collectible price guide. There was my answer, something that brings back joy but also shows what has happened to the collectible markets in just a short period of time. This can be looked upon as a bad things or an opportunity that we didn't have before.

I am talking about the Walt Disney Classic Collectibles or WDCC's as they are know to the collectors.The way I got introduced to them was went I bought a collection from a lady that had unfortunately allowed her credit card to be use to buy ever piece that was produced. There were actually hundreds of them all packaged in green boxes. It took two trips to her house before I was able to move them all.

Some of you that have been with me awhile know that this collection was part of the reason that Warner became my partner. He went on to organize the “Lotton Glass Club” and is in the process currently of some new wonderful ventures that you will soon be hearing about.

After deposing of the collection with the help of Warner I though that I would never want to see another green box in my life but that didn't last long as I met many serious collectors of these wonderful figurines and enjoyed their fellowship.. It didn't hurt that it added, if I still remember right, perhaps $25,000 to my bank account. These are the items that made me realize that if you can buy a collection it could mean big bucks to you.

These little fellows were introduce in 1992 for $200 or less. There were few exceptions to this but one of those was “A Lovely Dress for Cinderelly“ that came out at $800 and in the after market it reached nearly $3000. But what happened after their introduction was the thing that was amazing. “ Little April Shower” from Bambi was introduced in 1992 for $195 and I believe at its highest was commanding $2000 and this was with 7500 being produced. It didn't stop with just the ones made in 1992 because “Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf” was produced in 1993 with 7500 made and its price was $295 but quickly advanced in value to near $2000. I had people calling me from all over the country wanting to know what I had left. My sells were in the thousands to most of the customers and often they were upset because I had sold pieces before they had a chance to purchase them.

The bubble has burst but I don't thing the love of Walt Disney characters has so now may be a great time to watch for those green boxes with the cartoon characters inside. I looked at eBay and there was the “ Cinderelly Dress” that sold for $1500 . There were many more selling for 50% less than what they did at their peak but you may find them where they could be purchased at 20% of what they were several years ago.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Time for Humor from the Past

Howdy and Bob - Thanks to www.myspace.com

“Hi I'm Buffalo Bob” was the sound that came from my TV as a young kid and when it did I knew it was time for laughter. Yes, maybe we need a show like that today. It is time to stand up and say we are Americans again and not let the doomsayers devalue what our ancestors gave their lives for. We are the greatest country on earth. There are some that want to relinquish that title, but not me.

I can still see Old Bob saying "What do you want to share with the kids today, Howdy?” If you don't remember Howdy Doody you have missed a real part of what American life was all about from 1947 till 1960 when the Howdy Doody show went off the air. It did reappear in the 70's as a favorite of college students that were recalling their past. For those of you who don't know, Howdy was a red-headed puppet.

Today, if you run across a Howdy doll that measures over 12 inches it could return you $600 to $700. A Howdy swinging from a bar toy with the box could cash in at near $1000. You have Howdy books, games, lamps, puppets and wristwatches that still can bring a smile to your face and a chuckle to your stomach if you are able to remember this wonderful time in our history.

Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody were symbols of what we stood for as we took time to laugh at ourselves but I'm not seeing much of that today. I yearn for the old shows that made all our troubles seem to fade away but even then we realized that there was hard work to be done. We just didn't complain about it all day.

People back then didn't expect to get everything given to them and they worked hard to educate their children, pay their medical bills and feed their families. Welfare was when you went to the warehouse and received a block of cheese, some powdered milk, and a few other things to get you through tough times. Being an American doesn't mean you get a free ride because I still remember Dad walking to work and Mom pushing the stroller to the grocery store.

If there are people that don't like working or living in this great country and are only looking for what it can give them, then it may be time they go where they think it's better. Please let us that do love this country keep what is left of it. We no longer can provide for those that don't contribute. Free lunches will eventually reduce this great country to a third world status and I have to admit I'm not ready for that.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Another Way to Look at Money.

The Angel - Thanks to www.flicker.com

I have for almost two years now shared with you the way I feel a person can make an honest dollar today while still being a person of integrity. Yes, knowledge is the most important thing in reaching our goals, but yesterday I shared in an experience that went far beyond knowledge to the very heart of who we are.

Attending church as normal, I had prepared Josh, my son, for a field trip. We had stopped at McDonald's for breakfast, then journeyed on to church, My wife, Vickie, is in Hawaii so today was a man’s thing. Everything seemed to follow the normal course for me on Sunday morning until after the service a young friend of mine by the name of Austin walked up to me and said, “Can you take this offering?” This often happens to me when someone is late for service or misses the offering plate but this was a young man under twelve years old.

I looked down at his hands and there was this small cloth bag just filled to the brim with change. His eyes beamed with joy as I opened the bag to expose quarters, dimes and nickels. Believing that his intent was to give part of the coins to the church, I poured a few into my hand and asked if that was enough but his answer was “No, I want to give it all.”

I was amazed and asked how long he had been saving his money, “Just a few weeks”, was his answer. I looked at him and it was as if I were looking at an angel. There seemed to be this special light shining on him.

Not wanting this moment to pass, I found the head of our elders and asked him to let someone hold the things that he had in his hands and then form a cup with them. By this time a crowd had gathered watching what was transpiring. As I poured the little treasure in these large hands there appeared the most beautiful smile that I have ever seen on Austin’s face. I quickly explained what Austin had done and I believe that I saw tears in most of the eyes in the crowd. Austin had taught us all a lesson that we will never forget. He had given his all. Where have we heard that before?

I must ask you to forgive me but this was just too important not to share. I am sure that over the next few days I will get back to the lessons of making money but not today. I have to admit I even have a tear in my eye as I write this.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Man's Best Friend

Man's Best Friend - Scottie

Good morning and I do mean “Good Morning”. It is 6:00 on Sunday morning and I just finished taking Katy, my dog, for a walk. God couldn't have made it a more beautiful day. A cloudless, blue sky with the biggest moon you have ever seen greeted us as we walked out the door, and with just a little nip in the air, I felt like I was in heaven. The silence was amazing and my mind began to wander to the last year that we have spent together in the 31 Club. What a year it has been with its trials and successes. But back to the morning.

For the first time I think I realized why people say a dog is man’s best friend. Katy would walk slowly beside me then off she would go to some adventure that I couldn't share but just as quickly she would return to see if I was all right. Patting her on the head to assure that everything was okay, off we would go again. I wish I could say her tail was wagging but she is an Australian Shepherd so she doesn't have a tail. I felt a pure love coming from her that is hard to imagine. Wanting nothing but to be with me, even though I might have left her a little too long before taking her out, but you see that didn't seem to matter.

Being a canine collector in the past, I don't think that I fully got what a dog can mean to you until today. I now know that people don't collect dog figurines and other items showing dogs just because they are beautiful. It is almost a spiritual connection. A person has a connection with his dog that is almost beyond words.

I know now that when I see the Boehm figurine at a house sale I will see it in an entirely different light. Yes, buying that Scottie for $50 and later selling it for $5000 will still be exciting but now I can understand why someone would pay that. Dog memorabilia, like everything else, has dropped in price but that may mean that now is the time to buy again. You see the love for a person’s dog hasn't changed a bit.

There are a few names of companies that product quality dog figurines that I would like for you to remember: Meissen, Doulton, Boehm, Rosenthal, Nyhenburg and Hutschenreuther. Pieces produced by these companies are eagerly sought after by collectors and can add to your bank account.

If you own a dog, give it a special pat on the head today because God has blessed you with it. If you don't own one, I hope now you understand better why people like me do.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: My Little Buddy.

Valentines Day - Thanks to Flicker

Yes it is Valentine’s Day and I hope that you will take time to be with your loved ones. That little Cupid is always getting into trouble but he sure is a cute little thing, isn't he?

Today isn't so wonderful for everyone and that includes my little buddy that I shared a perfect day with only a few weeks ago. I believe that I can still see everything that his little hands picked up and the shine in his eyes as he asked, “How about this?” Jesus said bring me the little children and I feel the same way. Yes our members have taught me a lot but nothing compared to that of my little buddy.

Here is an email that I just received from Ann Shaw about Andrew’s condition.

[ After a rocky week, Andrew fell into autonomic crisis at 3:50am this morning.

Blood pressure = 174/121 with a Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) = 135
HR = 150's
Retching
Valium needed = 7mg at onset and 5mg 1 hour later

No nurse - Kenny and I are rotating shifts ]

My heart is saddened, however, I know that Andrew still has his wall of humor and it will see him through. That is that special place in Andrew’s room where he has hung pictures of all his favorite old time comedians. If only I had his strength. I usually think of Andrew at least once a day and ask God why this wonderful young man that he created has to be tested in this way when I feel so blessed, but we all know his plan is perfect and part of that plan may be for me to see the strength that God has given Andrew. Oh yes, by the way if you don't know yet, my little buddy is suffering from FD and here is their website fdnow@comcast.net.

I have an idea. Why don't we all send Andrew a Valentines card? You can address it to the email site above. Let’s together let Andrew know that the 31 Club truly love each other and that we want to lift some of the pain he is suffering from. Boxes of candy, flowers and cards all have great meaning but a simple show of love has no measure.


From all the staff at your 31 Club “Will you be our Valentine?”


My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Is It Time to Sit Back and Have a Coke?

Coca- Cola Thanks to www.art.com

I am looking around and it seems that everyone is in a panic mode and the real question is should we be? I don't think so and here is why. Yes, people are watching and waiting, but as this happens it presents special opportunities to purchase the better items at unbelievable bargain prices. So again, if anything is bought at the right price, the expectation should be for a better than average return. This is what I believe is happening in the Antique and Fine Art business today.

Lets say you buy a Coca-Cola bookmark, Drink Coca-Cola, 1903, 5 cents 2 X 6 inches. for fifty dollars. Should you expect an above average return on your investment? I think that any advanced collector of Coca-Cola would be willing to pay you $1000 for it and I would think that is a better return than you would receive from your local bank. The last time I checked if I put that same $50 in my bank account I would have received less than $51.50 at the end of a whole year for it. I will never live long enough for that $50 to be $1000 if I leave it in my bank account. Can this happen to you? Sure it can because that story that I share happened to me.

While we are at it why don't we explore more of the opportunities that Coca-Cola presents to us? First, did you know that Coke at one time had an unmentionable ingredient, I will let you guess what it was but here is a clue. It is illegal to own it today. Coke is such a common name today that in fact when someone asks for a Coke they may be pointing at a orange soda. The name has become the generic name for all soft drinks. This wonderful all-American drink was first sold in Atlanta Georgia in 1886 and was patented in 1893.

The range of Coke collectibles is inexhaustible. I will give you a short list of the categories that are sought after by the collectors: bottles, calendars, coolers, signs, trays and carriers. The Kovel price guide gives you a pretty extensive list of prices but nothing compares to the price guides published for just Coca-cola. These can be purchased on Amazon.com. I personally have a bottle with a round bottom that won’t stand up with my home town of Owensboro Kentucky on it. It is priceless to me but truthfully it has a value of perhaps $25 - $50. You can see that Coke has something for everyone.

How would you like to run across this little dandy, a 1909 calendar, girl holding a glass of Coke-- $16,000 or more? This is closely followed by the sign of a woman in a white dress, 1905, that will fatten your bank account to the tune of $15,000 or more. Yes these are the rarest but there are hundreds of items that were made by Coca-Cola that will fetch over $500 and I can assure you they are still out there to be found.

Very important-- there are many reproductions on the market so beware. If you don't know how to spot a reproduction ask someone that does.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Waterford Glass May Shine

Waterford Factory thanks to www.flicker.com

What makes anything become sought after by collectors? Often the reason is availability and when collectors see the discontinuation of production for certain items and availability ceases except for what has already been produced, they start searching every nook and cranny for it . With the closure of the Waterford plants and the very likely possibility that their plants will not be re-opened, the collectors’ interest will increase.

Another place that you can see this reaction is in the art world. You all have heard the phrase “Starving Artist” but do you fully understand its application? Starving artist is a name associated with an artist who is living and sells his wares at prices so low that they often trade a painting for a meal. However, here’s what is interesting. Upon his death, very often the same painting that had no value becomes something that all the collectors fight over and at prices that often reach the sky. I believe this is what will happen with the rarer pieces of Waterford glass.

Waterford that had been selling for $50 to $100 might now sell for $200 to $500 in this new market. You will have the opportunity to pick up some great values at the garage and house sales because they won't know about the increase in value because of the plant closures. The resale shops are also a great hunting ground for Waterford. Often I see large collections of it displayed in these shops when someone has decided that they no longer have a need for this high-end crystal.

Not all of the Waterford lines will have this tremendous appreciation, however, I think all of it will gain some value. The unusual pieces such as chandeliers, large bowls, decanters, compotes and some vases will be the pieces that really shine and they will be the ones where you can really make money.

I personally have been able to buy 12 or more cordials and goblets for $5 to $10 apiece and then sell them for $25 each. Yes, this does qualify for a double and remember, this is what we want to do as we progress up the 31 Steps. The neat thing about Waterford is that you usually don't find just one piece, so by being able to buy in quantity, your profit is multiplied.



My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: To Make Money We Need a Spring Cleaning

Thanks to www.flicker.com

I have been thinking about what we could do that would make sense in this economy? The first thing that needs to be taken care of is to replenish our bank accounts, but how can we do that? My advice is to take all our marginal items and dispose of them, even if we just break even. By doing that we can upgrade our inventory with better items especially now that prices have been reduced on even the most desirable pieces.

By using onlineauction.com and seeauctions.com you should be able to rid yourself of items that are just taking up space and holding your cash hostage. If you have purchased with the rules set forth in our guide book “31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles”, your listings will be very attractive to the buyers and should fly off your shelves. I have to admit that there are items that I am tired of looking at so I will be more than glad to see them depart from my sight. Spring is a new awakening and this is when God makes everything fresh and new, right? I believe most of us are ready for the return of that excitement that comes from acquiring new treasures. I know that I am.

However, if you follow what I have suggested, it doesn't mean you're to sit on the cash. It can't be compounded sitting in the bank, so you must buy something. Today I am seeing more and more treasures that are being sacrificed because of the need for cash and this is what we have been waiting for. I just purchased two Ila McAfee paintings for $1500 and they should easily double my money with the right collector. I sold a much smaller one for $2500 several months ago. This is also a great time to return to where you spotted a great treasure that was not in your price range at the time. Today a seller might be willing to negotiate on price to where it fits our standards.

I sometimes forget to mention that while you're using the auction sites you should also list your items on the 31 Marketplace at the same time. In yesterday’s log I showed where one of our members just sold their collector car, a 1968 Cadillac convertible, on our site. The 31 Club is always trying to ensure that the items you purchase will be sold within 90 days or they will become stale. I hope that as soon as we are able to find the person that can manage our technical support, I will become more active in buying and selling myself.

The stories that you as members of the 31 Club share often inspire me into action and I am sure that is true of other members as well. So don't be shy and please let us hear from you


My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: Make Money Buying & Selling the Right Large Items

Classic 1968 Cadillac Convertible Sold Through 31 Club Antiques & Collectibles.

I've often said that you can make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles with items smaller than a bread box. That's the general rule I usually stick to. But, when something comes along that's bigger than a bread box, and I can make a good profit, I'm not going to dismiss the opportunity. My decision to list a 1968 Cadillac Convertible on the 31 Club Marketplace (certainly larger than a bread box) finally paid off when, yesterday, it sold!

Yes, the car is sold, and the buyer is a very happy camper by having found it. I know some of you wonder if the listings on our site are selling. If you take the time to go and look, you'll find our marketplace is doing quite well. We've got a lot of people looking through the pages of the 31 Marketplace. I still suggest that you not only list your items on our site but also on Seeauctions.com and Onlineauction.com as well. This way, you'll receive the most exposure for your items. And that's what you want, right? Never forget that our purpose at the 31 Club is to help you learn how to successfully make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles. Wherever you can best sell your items doesn't matter to us as long as you become successful.

Here is a tip should you come across something that is too big for you to take home. Ask the seller if you may keep the item at their place for a short time until it can be moved. In fact, I am doing that right now, because I purchased three very large paintings that I have no place to store. The woman I bought them from still has them on her wall. You might do something nice for the seller, like giving them a little bonus for this service, when the item or items sell.

I have the fever now because I really like older cars, so my wife said “Here we go again.” You see I can't do anything half way, so you can be certain that I will have an eye open for that special car I'd would like sitting in my parking lot, until of course, it's sold. Then, someone else can enjoy it. half Did you see the article about the car that sold for 4.4 ? That's why I say, rules as general guidelines are great. It keeps you in check. But my bread box rule gets broken from time to time when the right opportunity presents itself.

In these tough economic times, you'll probably find people trying to unload a lot of items. If you haven't joined us yet to learn how to make money buying and selling antiques, collectibles and fine art, what are you waiting for. You'll probably not find a better place to learn, and if money is tight, you'll find our ridiculously low one-time membership fee is the bargain of the century.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Us Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Daryle Lambert: You Can Make Money by Not Giving Up.

Patience -Thanks to www.flicker.com

I just received an email from Marsha about the house sale she attended. We had talked about two paintings that she was interested in but they seemed priced a little high. She decided to take a chance on buying them on the second day which proved to be a very smart move.

The larger and better painting of the two was priced at $800 but finding it still there on the second day she offered $200 [ that's my girl!] but the offer was rejected. She did, however, purchase it for a price of $250. I believe she will easily triple her money when this painting is sold. The smaller painting was bought for $50 after being priced at $125. This is definitely a great start to the week. Way to go Marsha!

Yes, it is always best to buy the items you wish to own while you’re at the location where they are but there are times that the sellers just won't come to a price that makes sense to you. This is where patience comes in. You can't make money if you overpay so it is always better to pass on a piece than to overpay. Remember my experience when I wanted to purchase the Grueby vase for $5000 but was told I would have to get in line. Not wanting to wait, but still being patient, I returned to purchase it plus four other items for $3200. The combined sales price for the five items came to over $15,000. The return trip was well worth it. How about the $25,000 painting I waited for two weeks to buy and then purchased for $16,000 instead of the original price of $25,000. Yes, the auction price on that painting was $115,000. I love that old saying “ If it doesn't work the first time, try and try again.”

I have heard dealers say “If I can't buy it while I'm there then I never go back.” These dealers will be your best friends and account for some of your greatest buys. With rare exception, on the last day of any sale, the prices will be slashed by a least a half. This is why I am never disappointed at a sale when something is way over priced. If I can return the next day and purchase it at half price, it may be the price that I intended to offer originally and it gives me the opportunity to offer even less then half like Marsha did. I don't leave absentee bids because they are usually not successful. The sellers tell what your bid is and encourage others to top it. However, I do ask the person conducting the sale if they would entertain an offer less than the asking price while I'm there? Usually you will find that at most sales the prices are firm for the first day.

When working with individuals things can be entirely different. I am still in touch with people that have items that I would like to purchase and I continue to call them on a regular basis hoping that I will get a different answer than I did the last time I talked with them. Believe it or not I just talked to a lady in California yesterday about some paintings done by her grandmother that I would like to purchase. I first contacted her over 10 years ago. Patience will pay off, I hope. I don't know if she will ever sell her paintings but if she does I think I will have the first shot at them.

If someone else is willing to overpay then I say “It's better them than me.” As long as you have your money in the game and that game is to make money. Profit and fun is what we're after so sit back, be patient, have fun and watch your bank account grow.

My 220 page book about how to make money buying and selling antiques & collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.