The Worm Turned - Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Patience

Don't Be Sad be Happy!

Boy did I get ahead of myself. After two days at the Sohn's Auction, I figured things would just get that much better for me the last two days of the auction, but that didn't happen. In fact, I just barely cracked the get started button yesterday. I watched as item after item that I figured on buying went to other bidders. I had forgotten that this was a public auction and not one just for me. As pieces came up to be auctioned, there were bidders on the phone, some bids coming from the internet and two very stubborn people in the audience who seemed to have unlimited resources.

Yesterday tested me on several fronts and perhaps the one that I hated most was patience. Up came the John Lotton vase that was 6 inches tall. I figured it was mine for $300 dollars, only to see it sail past $600. There were also the Cybis figurines that I watched sell for hundreds more than I was willing to pay.

I bet you can just imagine how I felt and how I could feel the tension building inside me, saying don't let them do that to you. If this ever happens at an auction you are attending, stick to your guns and remember we are in this business to make money, not to overpay for items, even when others are. There will always be another day and today will be that day for me.

This may be a great time to read my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles again so that you can reacquaint yourself with the rules we use to reach our goals in this business.

I am very homesick to see my wife, Vickie, and son, Josh, but I will be returning to Chicago tonight. The site for the Club has undergone some changes and I am looking forward to talking to Ondre, Bob and Gary when I return. I hear that most of our members have received their ID's and Passwords but if you haven't, please let us know so that Ondre can check our list for your name.

Please pray for my safe travel back to Chicago.

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Auctions - Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Pot of Gold.

Working Together - Watch Out World

I have stated that the best two ways for a person to find the treasures at the end of the rainbow is to attend as many auctions as possible and to spend weekends at house and garage sales. But if I didn't follow my own suggestions, that advice probably wouldn't inspire you.

So I am here to tell all that will listen that this strategy is at work for the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club this week. I have, in the first two days of the Sohn's auction in Evansville, Indiana, spent most of the money that I had planned to spend the entire week and the better pieces haven't even sold yet. The last two days of the auction will prove very exciting for me and I believe I will be calling Ondre to see how far I can go.

Doulton, Herend, Silver and Ivory have been the stars of the first two days in my buying, but Cut Glass, Pottery and Art Glass may very well be the stars by the end of this auction. There is a chance that by the end of January, the Club will have successfully completed one half of its projections for the entire year.

I will be reporting the results of the auction to the readers on Tuesday and I believe you will be impressed. Hopefully this report will be a battle cry for all our readers and together we can share this experience and many others together soon.

The weather is supposed to turn bad over the next two days so I would like to ask that each one of you pray for safe traveling for me and safety for my family. If this weather affects any of your families, please share that with us and I assure your there will be many prayers sent to you and your family.

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Daryle's Ups and Downs – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog - Just another day.

This is going to be a Great Year

Tuesday started out to be an exciting day when my feet hit the floor at 4:00 in the morning and I headed to French Lick, Indiana for what I thought would be a treasure trove added to the Club’s inventory. I arrived shortly before 12:00 at my destination and I didn't have to wait long until my friend Cecil joined me. Cecil had already previewed our prospective seller’s items but the lighting in the older building was dim and Cecil did the best he could with this problem. But that is where the story begins to unravel.

After seeing the items for sale last week, Cecil informed me that he had viewed a 16 inch Grueby vase, two Tiffany lamps, a jeweled Weller vase, one Aston Knight painting plus many other interesting items. So you may understand the restless days I spent waiting for our visit Tuesday. Entering the older building and being led to the second floor, I was amazed because it was a wonderful apartment that seemed to be loaded with priceless treasures. The gentleman was very friendly and I began to browse around the rooms admiring each and every piece. I felt like a person gong on a museum tour as each piece was explained.

It was at this time I was told that only the items spread out on his dining room table would be sold and they had to sell as a lot. Cecil and I quickly browsed the table finding mostly common pottery, a few pieces of red ware, two reproduction lamps and a fairly nice quilt. I had in my head about $2500 and later I found out that Cecil had come to about the same figure. It was that time, I call it crunch time, that out of my mouth came that familiar question, "How much money are we talking about?” The seller didn't wait long to give his answer "$10,000". It was then that I knew the long trip had been for nothing.

However, my trip was to be a two pronged venture since I would be attending the auction in Evansville, Indiana the last four days of the week. Cecil and I excused ourselves and headed for the local diner to discuss our situation. We came to the conclusion that, so as to not waste a day, we would tell the gentleman in French Lick that we weren't interested and then head for Evansville, a day early, to preview that sale. Entering the door of the Sohn's Auction gallery, I saw an old friend by the name of Don who happens to be the owner of the auction house. I asked him if there was anything in this sale for me. His face lit up with the biggest smile you ever saw and he began to lead us through the gallery. I have to confess my eyes lit up too. This is one of the best cut glass auctions that I have ever seen. But not only that, there were treasures everywhere and I could feel that feeling of anticipation welling up inside me.

The thoughts of my early day disappointments soon faded as I began to think about which of the treasures in front of me would find their way into our inventory over the next few days. I may not be able to spent a cent at this auction if everything goes too high, however, I promise I will make it a horse race on a few of the items. From lemons to lemonade is what today was like for me but the reason for this blog was to share with all the readers that everything never goes perfectly for anyone. When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, just get up off the ground, dust yourself off and get back in the fight. I don't think that is original with me but I don't recall who said it first

By the way the Tiffanies were reproductions, the Grueby had a huge repair and the Weller vase had several hairlines. Hopefully by joining the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club you may be able to miss a few of these unproductive trips and captilize on the great ones.

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Walt Disney Toys - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Mickey and Donald.

Mickey Mouse - Thanks to hollywoodstandups.com



There is no cartoon character more famous than Mickey Mouse and you will be amazed at how his merchandising got started. I found this information and almost couldn't believe it. It shows how a little ingenuity can produce big bucks. Walt Disney didn't sell most of the items that bore the characters that he produced but instead licensed them to others. Here is the story of Mickey.


Disney merchandise

A man in New York offered Walt $300 for the license to put Mickey Mouse on some pencil tablets he was manufacturing. Walt Disney needed the $300, so he said okay. That was the start of Disney merchandising. Soon there were Mickey Mouse dolls, dishes, toothbrushes, radios, figurines - almost everything you could think of bore Mickey's likeness. The first Mickey Mouse book was published in 1930, as was the first Mickey Mouse newspaper comic strip.

Isn't that hard to believe? You could have owned Mickey for $300. There are still a lot of people who want to own just a little piece of that mouse. Just take eBay where there are 32,523 old or completed listing and 25,237 active listings. That mouse must be eating some expense cheese by the prices his images are bringing. How about the Andy Warhol Mickey Mouse lithograph priced at $150,000 or the rare Mickey magazine selling for 5700? Here is just a smattering of other sold items: 1930 Steiff Mickey $2200, 1939 Lionel Circus Train Set $1500 and a Picnic Pail from the 30's, $1100. I believe that I sold that same pail for $50 but hopefully it was a little different.

Disney collectibles will always be near the top of the collecting list because of their numbers and also because there is a place for everyone in the Disney collecting family. The best place to find true Disney treasures is at garage and house sales. Once you feel confident enough to put small ads in the paper or on posters, Disney should always be listed. Don't forget to place Disney on your business cards as items you are looking for.

I would try to share with you the Disney items that I have sold, however, it would be difficult because of the number of them that have been in my inventory. Old Mickey has been quite a friend to me over the years and I am sure he is waiting to be your friend too. I didn't have the space to write about all the other Disney characters, but I am sure you know most of them They all will make you money. Don't forget about condition because there are many pieces in the market just like yours and the better the condition the higher the price.

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Tonka Toys – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - My kind of Truck.

Tonka Truck - Thanks to Do you remember.co.uk

Over the last three days, I have shared with you the early toy companies that I vaguely remember but there is one that I am very familiar with: Tonka Toys. My Dad purchased 10 shares of their stock for me when I was rather small and I just found them in my mother’s lock box. The stock’s value shot up there for some time but I don't know much about its value today. However, the toys that were produced by Tonka have done very well.

The best buy and sell of a Tonka Truck for me was about $500 but the cost was right, $10. At garage and house sales you will still find bargains in the Tonka lines. Here is a clue for you. While looking through the toys for sale, you will often find the Tonka trucks, but before you leave the house be sure to look in the garage and basement to see if by chance you can also come across the box. If you do find the box of a Tonka toy, the owners will usually just give it to you free. Always say “thanks” because they have just given you the pot of gold.

Not a Tonka story, but do you remember my story about the friend of mine that bought a book for $2.00, only to see another dealer pick up the dust cover for the book that was lying on the table? The end of the story was my friend paid the other dealer $1000 for the dust cover and sold them together for, if I remember right, $18000. You may not do that well by finding the Tonka box but be assured it would add hundreds to the toy’s value.

Here is a little history of the company and it seems their story is similar to the other companies I have written about. They started by manufacturing other products before they turned to toys.


.History of Tonka


1. In 1946, three men set out to create a metal implements and tools business on the shores of Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. They called their company Mound Metalcraft. Fortunately for little boys everywhere, they were more successful with toys than with gardening tools, their intended product. Having only a couple of tie racks as products, the men decided their garden tool business might need a secondary product and so they tried their hand at toy truck design based on the failed designs of the previous building owners.
Significance
2. The owners made some changes to the original designs created by the former owners and decided that the logo for the toy division of their new garden tools company would be the word "Tonka" placed on the metal toys. Tonka is a Dakota-Sioux Indian word meaning "great" or "large." The first year, the young company only created two designs of toy metal vehicles, a crane and a steam shovel. However, in that first year, the company managed to sell 37,000 metal toy cranes and steam shovels.
Function
3. The huge success of their first year led the partners to set aside the garden tools business and make metal toys their primary product. The partners focused on making the most durable and sturdy toy on the market for its value. The Tonka brand metal vehicles earned high praise and ever increasing sales. Their popularity skyrocketed. In the year following WWII, inventory sold out in just a few months. In November 1955, as sales continued to climb, the company changed its name to Tonka Toys Incorporated.
Types
4. The first Tonka dump truck was introduced in 1949. The most popular Tonka truck ever manufactured was the Mighty Dump Truck introduced in 1964. In 1965, Tonka began to manufacture the Mighty line of toys. From then to present, the Mighty line of vehicles continue to be popular. The significant changes, outside of a few decals, over the years have been the reduction in steel content and an increase in plastic parts. However, today's Mighty Tonka Dump Truck still carries a lifetime guarantee and assurance of durability.
Identification
5. In 1991, Hasbro bought Tonka Toys. Throughout the 1990s, several other vehicle-based products were added including mini cars, books and talking trucks. Tonka also produced several non-vehicle products such as some doll-like creations such as Star Fairies and Pound Puppies along with developing computer games such as Tonka Raceway. One little known expansion of the Tonka brand label occurred in 1964, when the company acquired a manufacturing company and began producing barbecue grills. These grills carry the brand name Tonka Firebowl


This history was written by Elizabeth Stover.


Tonka Trucks back in the 50's could be purchased for just a few bucks, but look what you would have to pay for them today. Let’s start with a private label Hardware Truck $600, 1956 Tonka Robin Hood Flour Box Van $1500, 1963 Tonka Ramp Hoist Truck w/b $1000, 1959 Hi-way set w/b $825, Fireman’s Pumper w/b $800, 1956 Gasoline Tanker $675 and last but not least the 1955 Carnation Milk Truck w/b $650. All of these prices came from eBay and I am sure they will appear in toy auctions where their prices will be many times what they achieved on eBay. To finish this blog I would like to list a website that you should visit: http://www.100megsfree3.com/lonestar/history.htm. I believe you will find it very interesting and informative.

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Hubley Manufacturing Company – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Last of the three.

Hubley Motorcycle - Thanks to Westwall.com

This will be my last blog on toy companies from 1900 to 1940's. Arcade, Buddy “L” and Hubley were the premier toy companies of their time. Hubley perhaps was the largest of the three and during the WWII, 89% of their production went to the war effort.

One of my first presents was a Hubley motorcycle made of cast iron with rubber tires. I found this toy at my mother’s home while I was attending her funeral. I don't know what it is worth, but that doesn't really matter because it won't be for sale as long as I am alive. Toys made by these companies were meant to last and that is why most were made of cast iron or sheet steel. Today you will find that many of these toys have been repainted, but the toys themselves are almost indestructible.

Just to give you an idea of what a Hubley piece in near mint condition is worth, in November of 2000, a Packard sedan with an open hood sold at auction for $21,000 and it was well used. I remember more toys made by Hubley than Arcade or Buddy ”L” but I would like to own any of them today.

Perhaps the greatest thing to know about these companies was that they were manufacturing toys to make kids happy and I believe God let them prosper for that reason. They all three grew into huge enterprises and even later helped keep this country free. Here is the history of Hubley from Schiffer Books.

The Hubley Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley and produced toys throughout its history. Early Hubley production consisted of many cast iron toys including various horse drawn vehicles, guns, and household objects such as doorstops and bookends. Many of their cast iron objects were dogs, and they are highly prized by collectors today. With the automotive age, cars, trucks, and other transportation became their focus. The Hubley Company made accurate metal replicas of Model A Fords and other cars for many years; for example, there are 7 Model A Ford body styles alone: Sedan, Station Wagon, Coupe, Roadster, Roadster Pickup, Victoria, and Phaeton. Though mass produced, Hubley toys and doorstops were painted by hand, so each has become a unique treasure appreciated both for its subject matter and the �folk art� quality of its paint, form and design. After WW II, die-cast zinc alloy models for the most part replaced the cast iron ones. In the casting process at Hubley, metalworkers would carve out a form of wood, or hammer the doorstop or toy design out in metal. The form was then pressed into finely compacted sand, making an impression. Cast iron heated to 3000 degrees was poured into the sand mold and, when cooled, the form would pop out and rough edges were filed off. In the decorating department, painters applied a base coat (usually white or cream but sometimes black) to the doorstop. Then, colorists used a variety of hues to highlight important details, usually only on the side that would face toward the room. Many doorstops bear identical color schemes, suggesting that decorators may have copied a model finished by a master artisan. A well-cast iron doorstop will be smooth in texture. Small chipping of paint is acceptable, but there should be no repainting of an antique item.

Hubley doorstops have been bringing record setting prices in recent auctions have drawn the attention of folk art collectors, as well as decorators, and of course, doorstop collector enthusiasts. As such, Hubley doorstops and toys are being reproduced, so it is important that collectors educate themselves and seek out experienced collectors and dealers. Older doorstops usually have a smoother, more refined casting, while reproductions are rougher or pebbly. Seams in the casting, if any, are usually tighter on the original doorstops. Reproduction doorstops cast in 2 or more pieces are usually assembled with Phillips-head screws, while the originals used slotted screws. The mold marks in old casting were generally ground off by hand using a file, while reproductions are cleaned up using power tools and tumblers, leaving coarser grinding marks. Look carefully at the wear patterns on the doorstop, and remember most old doorstops were used for their original purpose of holding doors open. Therefore, look for wear in the logical places � at the top where it was handled and around the base.

There are 3 tips you should keep in mind when assessing vintage and antique doorstops and other cast iron toys from manufacturers such as Hubley and Bradley & Hubbard. First, the better the condition, the higher the likelihood that the doorstop will retain and increase in value over time. Second, doorstops with outstanding form, character, sculptural quality and folk art appeal are in demand among collectors, all of which cause the price to go up. Finally, look out for the rare or unusual examples. In some cases, the original production run was low because the designs failed to find a market, because they were too costly to produce, because the foundry was in business for a relatively short time, and sometimes just due to poor quality or design. Hubley Manufacturing Company was bought by Gabriel Industries in 1965 and disappeared from the market shortly after the take-over.

Hubley toys can make 2010 a great year for us. Remember condition is important when finding toys, but if they have the name Arcade, Buddy ”L” or Hubley on them, it means dollars in our pockets.

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Buddy “L” - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Bigger and Better.

Buddy "L"

Like the Arcade Company, the Buddy “L” company was a little before my time, but I still can appreciate their toys today. This company started simply with a father making toys for his son and his neighbors who wanted some for their children.

Here is a complete history of the Buddy “L” Company.

Buddy L History:

Buddy "L" toys are manufactured by the Moline Pressed Steel Company in East Moline, Illinois. The company was founded in 1910 by Fred A Lundhal and originally manufactured automobile fenders and other stamped auto body parts for the automobile industry. The company primarily supplied parts for the McCormack-Deering line of farm implements and the International Harvester Company for its trucks.

Moline Pressed Steel did not begin manufacturing toys until 1921. Mr. Lundhal wanted to make something new, different, and durable for his son Arthur. He designed and produced an all-steel miniature truck, reportedly a model of an International Harvester truck made from 18 and 20 gauge steel which had been discarded to the company's scrap pile.

The other kids in the neighborhood loved the toy so much they got their parents to request that Mr. Lundhal make similar toys for them. The demand made Mr. Lundhal consider manufacturing toys for the toy trade. He designed and produced 3 samples of all steel toys under the name Buddy"L". The name Buddy "L" came from his son, Arthur, who was known in the neighborhood as Buddy "L", to distinguish him from another Buddy in the same neighborhood.

Mr. Lundhal took his samples to the 1922 New York Toy Fair and received a lukewarm reception. Toy buyers thought the prices were too high; however, the toys became noted for their size and quality and toy sales took off. Therefore, Lundhal went ahead and launched the first large American pressed-steel toys - Buddy L.

The toy business prospered so much that by 1923, Moline Pressed Steel stopped fabricating full-size auto parts in favor of toys. By 1925 the toy line expanded to 20 items, including fire engines, moving vans, tanker trucks, lumber trucks, overhead cranes and sand loaders.

In 1926, the fabulous "Outdoor Railroad" train appeared. It was soon followed by ice trucks, coal trucks, tug boats, airplanes and a bus. Highly detailed and functional construction toys were also introduced, including some of the most desirable Buddy L toys ever manufactured.

In 1930 the name of the company was changed to Buddy "L" Manufacturing Company. The toys underwent some improvements to make them more realistic. The Junior line of trucks and toys were introduced.

Buddy "L" continued as the leader of large pressed steel toys up until World War II. Because steel was unavailable at that time, a line of wooden cars and trucks was produced. After the war, Buddy L continued to manufacture toys; however, it was never the same as before as toy manufacturers began making plastic toys.

To learn more about Buddy "L" history, we suggest you consider purchasing a copy of The Story of Buddy L, which is available on our literature page.

[ The history of Buddy L information above is from the Collector's Guide to American Transportation Toys, written by Joe and Sharon Freed ]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I believe that this history will be an inspiration to all that read it. To spark your interest even more, I will give you some examples of Buddy “L” sales from the March 26, 2001 Antique Trader: Insurance Patrol fire truck with box $37,000, Pile Driver on crawler tracks $20,000, Steam shovel mounted on truck $32,000 and Shell truck with box $20,000. There are more auction prices listed in the article and I hope that you can find it for your records. After I finish this series, you may want to contact the Trader to see if they would send these articles to you.

My only memorable sale of a Buddy “L” was a fire truck that I bought for $50 and sold to a collector for $2,500. This was the same man that purchased Joshua's ¼ midget racer from me. He came to see the racer and spotted the fire truck that wasn't for sale until he offered $2500 for it. I tried to say no because it was Joshua's, but I couldn't help myself. I said "sold". Since that time, I have been able to replace the truck many times for my son but at much lower prices as they weren't Buddy “L”s.

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Arcade Toys – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Smart marketing.

Arcade Car for the Ages - Thanks to www.bargainjohn.com

The first company I would like to discuss is the Arcade Manufacturing Company. This small company was founded in 1885 and produced industrial castings and household goods, but no toys. After a disastrous fire in 1892, they rebuilt and toys started appearing in their catalogs. But it wasn't until the early 1900's that they began to put out 50 page catalogs of toys that included small stoves, banks, trains and even a few items like pile-drivers. There was a wonderful article on Arcade toys in the Monday July15, 1996 issue of the Antique Week. You may be able to find it on the internet or Antique Week may provide you with one if you contact them. Why would I suggest going to the trouble of getting this information on Arcade toys? This may answer that question. In September of 2004, a circa 1932 Arcade Cab sold for $20,350.

The company continued along but it wasn't until a young man came to the company with a very unusual idea that it really prospered. His idea was to make toy copies of vehicles that were the leading ones being used during those days, such as Yellow Cab, General Motors, Ford, Deere and Harvester. Approaching these companies for their okay to duplicate their brands, he would give them exclusive right to use his toys for their advertisements. This was so successful that by 1927 they had to build larger facilities. However, it wasn't going to last long because the Great Depression was coming their way. The company was purchased in 1946 by Rockwell Manufacturing Co. and they soon discontinued the toy line. Even though this company was a little before my time, through my research I have found that they were one of the better toy makers ever, especially in the United States. They produced quality cast iron toys that have lasted through the ages and often, when found today, they are nearly as good as new. Probably the thing that distinguishes them from other manufacturers was the attention to detail. If you own one of their toys today, you know what the real item looked like back in the 20's and 30's.

If you acquire O'Brien's book on collector toys, there is a full section on Arcade toys with pictures. Some of my favorites are the Steamroller, Century of Progress Bus and the Double Decker Bus. The car lines are quite popular with the automobile collectors and the farm implements are also highly sought after.

These little jewels can command prices in the thousands if the are in near mint condition and regardless of that, there is a ready market for any Arcade toy.

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Toy Time – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – What I remember.

His First Tonka - Thanks to Forums.vwvortex.com

I will be attending the Sohn's auction in Evansville, Indiana all of next week so I thought it might be best to write a series while I'm away. I chose toys because of all the fun I had writing about the Walking Man tin windup toy.

It is very difficult to write on just one type of toy when there are so many to chose from. You can spend all of your time just hunting for treasures in these categories: Vehicles, Animal Drawn, Mechanical Banks, Tin Windups, Battery Operated, Soldiers and Premiums. Then, if that isn't enough, you have all the different companies: Arcade, Buddy L, Hubley, Disney, Tonka, etc. to catch your attention. Then when you think you're getting it right, remember materials: Tin, Plastic, Glass, Wood, Rubber and Cast Iron that you have to master. Being a Toy dealer can be a lifetime venture. (Just a little side bar; my Dad bought me 10 shares of Tonka Toys when I was very young.)

If I were to chose only one type of collectible to buy and sell, it would be toys. You might be asking why toys over pottery, paintings or even art glass and here’s why. First, they will never go out of favor so there will always be a market for them. Second, they weren't made to collect but to play with so their numbers continue to be depleted. Third, every generation has its own favorites so the prices will continue to escalate. Here is my favorite reason for collecting toys; they are simply fun.

It really doesn't matter whether what you buy is a $50 or $5000 toy because, if you are like me, you have to keep it around for a little while just to play with. Have you ever watched the Antique Road Show when the expert is giving an appraisal on a toy? First he looks at it and tells the owner how wonderful the toy is and then he operates it back and forth, savoring every second. It's like he doesn't want to let it go and that is how I feel whenever I come across that special toy.

Remember you aren't buying toys to keep, even if you may set aside one or two on occasion, Your intent is to make money and where you look for those treasures is of most importance. I have found the best places for great toys are garage sales, house sales and secondhand stores. On occasion, I have found a special toy at a flea market or a white elephant sale. At most auctions I attend, the toys collectors are in attendance too and it is very difficult to compete with them.

Over the next few days I will be covering individual companies and the different classifications of toys. I will also be listing study material that will help in your search for those special toys.

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Tin Toy (Walking Man) - Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Just Call.

Even Growups Can Enjoy - Thanks to Amazon.com

I love this business. Only a few days ago, this wonderful woman called and asked about a tin toy (Walking Man) that might have belonged to her grandfather or aunt. I didn't know the toy’s name at that time, so I asked if I could receive a picture and she obliged.

My first question was about the condition of the toy and she assured me it was near mint but with no box. Next, I asked if it was signed and she told me that no, there wasn't any writing on the piece. This puzzled me and I wondered if it were a reproduction. It looked real to me, however, so I was truly stumped.

Not wanting to give up, I called her and asked if she would really give it the once over again and she said “Sure”. Not long after that, I received a call and guess what? The toy said “Germany” on it. Now I was on the hunt, soon finding the toy in one of my books listed as the “Walking Man.” If a piece looks right, don't give up on it until it has been examined 4 or 5 times.

My instincts were right and it is a rather rare windup tin toy. The man carries a top hat over his head and when he lowers it and then raises it again, his face changes. In fact, he has three different faces. This toy can be found in the toy guide Collecting Toys by Richard O’Brien. In near mint condition, it should bring at least $250 and maybe more to the right person.

Isn't it a shame that the manufacturers of toys have forgotten how to make us laugh with the same intensity we did when the old windup toys from the 30's and 40s were around? Yes, I am upset to say most toys produced today are designed to last a couple of weeks until the child wants something else or they are broken. I don't know about you but when I was small, each gift I received was a cherished treasure. I believe there were many others like me and that is the reason so many of the toys from that era survived in such great shape.

Older toys will always be in demand and they are a great way to increase the money in your bank account. There will never be a lack of collectors for toys and tomorrow I will share a few of the better ones with you.

P.S. All comments not in English will be deleted. The reason for this change is because i am finding comments that aren't appropriate and if I can't read them they will be deleted. Daryle

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Aston Knight – Greuby – Deco – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Did You Ask?

Aston Knight - Thanks to Nonprints.com

Today Cecil, my friend in Kentucky, will be traveling to French Lick, Indiana on a treasure hunt. This story has an interesting twist to it. I received an email from a gentleman asking if by any chance I would be interested in purchasing a large collection of Tramp Art, consisting of perhaps 500 items.

After thinking about the proposal for two days, I decided to call the man with my answer of “no”. Why wouldn't I be interested? Here’s why. I don't know enough about Tramp Art and having to deal in something that has that many pieces just wasn't for me, but I did follow up. You see I had the reputation of the Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club depending on the follow up.

Here is where the story really gets interesting. I dialed the number and it didn't take long for it to get answered by a firm voice. “Hello.” “This is Daryle Lambert calling you back about the Tramp Art collection”, I said. His response was “Are you interested”? I took a large gulp and said “I'm afraid not.” Waiting for his answer to my response, I blurted out “Do you have anything else?”

I really wasn't prepared for his answer. “I had a large Van Briggle collection but Rago came down and bought it and there was a Tiffany collection that I sold, but what else would you be interested in?” Now I started getting excited. My response was “anything expensive and rare.” This is where I got knocked out of my chair. “How about an Aston Knight painting or a 16 inch Greuby vase or to think about it, I do have a large Deco cabinet.” I have to admit now I was hooked and my thoughts went to how can I see these items. Knowing that Cecil only lived and hour or so from where the gentleman lived, I asked if it would be okay for Cecil to pay him a visit, to which he agreed. This brings us to today and you can bet I will be sitting on pins and needles until I hear from Cecil. Hopefully, we will be able to make a fair deal for all.

I hope you realize the message in this blog. You should follow up on all messages or contacts you receive and just because at first glance you're not interested in what is being offered, take a minute and ask that all important question “Do you have anything else?"

P.S. All comments not in English will be deleted. The reason for this change is because i am finding comments that aren't appropriate and if I can't read them they will be deleted. Daryle

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Smallhouse and Silver Plate – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Can you guess?

Dave Smallhouse - Thanks to Smallhousearetglass.com

My purpose for our blog is to give our members information on how to make money with antiques and collectibles. How can Smallhouse and Silver Plate help you make money? First let me share some of Dave Smallhouse’s work with you. After viewing his work, I believe you will agree he is one of the best in the field today. Dave Smallhouse.

Dave was introduced to me by Warner Smith when Warner created the www.glassclubs.com. This was when I became a big fan of Dave's work. When you go to his site, there are pieces with animals that one day will be in my private collection. But why is Dave's work so special to me, other than just the artistic side of the equation, you're asking. Here is your answer. There are few contemporary artists who when their works are sold at auction bring more than retail. Dave is one of those artists. Once our marketplace is fully implemented, I will assure you there will be Smallhouse pieces represented there.

Yes I am sure you see why Smallhouse is in this blog but what about Silver Plate. I haven't seen a piece of silver plate that had any interest for me other than one coffee pot that I purchased for $100 and sold for $1500, but that story is for another time. Most silver plate is close to worthless and a set of silver plate won't usually bring $100, no matter how good it is. So why am I mentioning them in the same blog?

Now, I will tell you the rest of this story. It is that time of year when I share with my readers my top ten list of “What is hot and What is not.” The rest of my list will be in our Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Club members only section. This is a list that I publish to help the members in their search for treasures. It includes areas where my expertise will help in selling items as our members find them.

We are working to complete the members only section and hopefully it will be completed shortly. I would like to get our readers comments on the changes to the site so far and ask if there are any suggestions that might improve it.

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
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Cadillac Jack – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – A must read.

Cadillac for Jack - Thanks to vintage-automobile.de

I have been bringing my readers information about antiques, collectibles and paintings for nearly three years now and I think that it may be time to share some fun with you. Many years ago, I read a book called Cadillac Jack and it may have set the tone for my life in the antique business. The gentleman in the novel was willing to go to any extent to find the treasures he was seeking, but while he was about it, his life was filled with adventure.

I am going to recommend that all my readers purchase this book and you will find where many of the principles that I live by come from. The book Cadillac Jack can be found on Amazon and it is fairly inexpensive. Even though it is fiction, I think you will agree that the author had a wonderful understanding of this business that we have chosen to pursue. There are parts of the novel centering on his personal life that may be considered rather risqué so, if you are offended, please forgive me before you even read the book. The main character of the book is Jack and his dedication to success never falters, even with all the extra events in his life. You will find he knew what his prizes were and he never stopped looking for them. However, when Jack was successful, his mind turned to the selling of his treasure and he always had a pretty fair idea where the treasures were going.

Just the memories of Cadillac Jack is building the excitement back into me, so I will be digging through my many boxes of books so that I can read it again myself. I remember when I first read about Jack, I couldn't put the book down and over the next couple of months, I am sure that I read it half a dozen times. I hope that is the way many will feel about my simple little book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles and that it may have as profound effect on them as Jack did on me.

Read something on this business every day, because you never know where your inspiration might come from. It could even come from a book that few have read like Cadillac Jack. Even though I had been in the business for many years, it changed my direction.

If you have read something that has touched you in a way that changed the focus of your business, please share it with me and I will pass it on to the Club. I wish you were here with me and were able to see the smile on my face just thinking about old Jack. What a life he lived.

Believe it or not, I found three hard bound copies of Cadillac Jack first editions on eBay and I bought one. I bid $10.00 and it was accepted.

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
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Members’ News – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Gretchen's Art Show.

Gretchen at the Gallery

It is with great honor that I have the opportunity to feature one of our members. Gretchen just completed a very successful showing of her art talent in Chicago and I believe that she is one of the up and coming artists of our time. I will be sharing her gallery inventory with you later.

The Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectible Club is one that creates a family atmosphere where we want to know each other’s likes and dislikes, plus be able to share our thoughts. I have seen in a very short time the need for interaction among our member where we work and play together. If it is all about business, it soon ceases to be fun.

This is the reason that Gretchen is our featured guest today. I met her when she approached the Club about the possibility of purchasing a few pieces of Kentucky Art, and the meeting proved successful for both of us. Since that first meeting, we have become close friends and found we share a love of paintings. Later, I found out she herself was a successful painter and was doing an exhibit in Chicago which started this weekend. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend but since the show will be up for several weeks, I still have the opportunity to view it.

Please send Gretchen an email at [ gretchen4561@verizon.net ] with your encouragement after viewing her pieces. You may even find a piece that would look beautiful on your wall. Gretchen has been very successful as a member of our club and also has given us the benefit of her knowledge of art. Here are a few pictures from her site on Facebook. Gretchen's Inventory and pictures of the show. Gretchen is a Kentucky girl in every way and she promises to answer all emails. On her site, you will be privileged to see the pieces in her inventory and I think you will agree she is quite talented.

Please let us share in the events that are going on in your life that would make us, the members, feel we know you better. This is where the fun comes in to play as we broaden our club family.

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
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Reproductions – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – They want to hear more.

Fakes and Reproductions - Thanks to Misterfindit.com

I have been asked to share more information with our readers on the reproductions and fakes that are flooding the markets today. I was very fortunate for many years to subscribe to The Antiques & Collectors Reproduction News [ACRN ] but it is my understanding that they have gone out of business. At the end of each year, I would receive a bound book of all the monthly news letters and these books have served me very well over the years. I’ve seen a few old issues for sale on Amzazon.com recently.

Antique Trader also has a publication called Antique Trader Guide to Fakes and Reproductions, written by Mark Chervenka. I would highly suggest contacting Mr. Chervenka through the Trader and see if all the issues can be purchased since he began the series.

There are other ways to educate yourself in this field, such as the many articles listed on Yahoo that can be of immeasurable value to the collector. There may be no other knowledge for you to acquire that can assure success in the Antique and Collectible business more than knowing all there is to know about fakes and reproductions.

Here is a funny story. Because I write this blog, most people think I have a fair knowledge of the antique and collectible field, but I will let you be the judge of this story. I was attending a large auction many years ago when a person came to me and asked about a Galle lamp that was coming up for sale. I obliged and examined it. It looked okay to me, however, there was one thing that caught my eye, the word “Tip” next to the signature. I had never seen that mark before so I thought it may have been something special. I informed the buyer that to the best of my knowledge it appeared to be real. Little did I know it was a fake, because that mark never appears on a real piece of Galle. I never found out if the person asking the question was the final buyer but I certainly hope not. Just a side bar, I understand that there are examples of pieces out there where the “Tip” has been filed off. This is just one item that is mentioned in the books that I referred to previously.

Here is my rule of thumb about buying anything. If I am not sure if an item is real or fake and can't get that information before the purchase, I pass. You may have heard about the person that paid $39,000,000 for a painting of Sunflowers to only find out later it was a fake. Good luck with him ever getting his money back. The old sayings seem to be the best and this one will serve you well “It's Better to be Safe than Sorry.”

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
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Doulton Flambé Animals – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Like money in the bank.

Doulton Flambe - Thanks to Allensinc.com

Even though the glaze on the Doulton Flambé animals is soft and prone to scratches, the animals seem to be making a comeback. This resurgence may be due to the differences in currencies but it also might be just the renewed attention that collectibles are receiving. The flambé glaze that simulates the early Oriental glazes, was first discovered by Bernard Moore around the turn of the century for Doulton. After two years of experimentation, the first examples were shown at the 1904 St. Louis exhibit.

Perhaps the greatest artist at Doulton who used the flambé glaze was C. J. Noke and his signed pieces bring top dollar still today . Often Noke and Nixon, another Doulton artist, would have both their signatures on the same piece. Moore, who rediscovered the formula for the flambé glaze, decorated many of the flambé pieces, and there were two other artists besides Noke, Nixon and Moore, their names being Eaton and Bailey. The glaze was formulated by introducing cooper to the mix and allowing small amounts of oxygen to get into the kilns.

Most of the flambé animals were made in the 20's through the 40's and these remain expensive today. The company decided to bring them back in the 70's and 80's, but with not as great a success. The best book on Royal Doulton is in my opinion The Official Price Guide to Royal Doulton by Ruth Pollard. I believe the last one published was in 1987. These can be found used on Amazon for very little and this is one book that should be added to your library no matter what. The Lyle Price Guide: Doulton is another book that I would recommend.

Here are just a few flambé animals to watch for: Alligator $1500, Bull $2000, curled up Cat $800, Fish $1100 and Hippo $1300. On the flambé pieces, I would stick to our rule of only paying 25% of retail very closely. These pieces look quite expensive and it is easy to over pay for them.

I was attending a major antique show when I spotted a rather small flambe dog maybe 4" in length, that just had a different look. I couldn't pass it by, so picking the piece up, I discovered that it was signed and had one of the older marks. Asking the price, the dealer was quick to say that she would take $225, but was open to an offer. Not wanting to seem too anxious, I continued to look through her booth. She followed me very closely and when it seemed I was leaving, she asked is there anything you would like to make an offer on. Then I knew it was time for me to take action so I offered $125 which seemed to surprise her for a moment then she said "sold". This little dog now resides in a Doulton collector's home at a price approaching $600. Buying the Lyle Price Guide will provide you with all the Doulton marks and copies of the artist's signatures. A little knowledge goes a long way in this business.

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
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