My Unknown Treasures [ Trade Cards ] – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Look what I found.

What a Great Card - Thanks to tkinter.smig.net

Many of my readers might remember me saying that if you purchase a quantity of items at one time and successfully sell enough of them to achieve your goal for the purchase, it is okay to stash a few pieces away for another day. Over the years this has happened to me on many occasions and my wife, Vickie, often asks why I don't get rid of some of these things. True to my nature, I usually assure her that I will but you can be assured that I have no intention of doing so.

This may have just changed. Through my computer, I can see you’re wondering, “Why would he change now?” Here is the reason. Getting home late from skiing with my wife and son, I hadn't written a blog, so about midnight I decided it was time but what to write about was the question. I looked all over my office for ideas and then scanned my books but no thoughts came to my mind immediately. Now I was getting anxious, so I starting browsing through boxes and, lo and behold, there was this brown leather scrapbook. I pulled it from the box.

Having no idea what could be in the book, I opened it and my eyes popped out. It was full of perhaps 250 very old advertising cards or trade cards, as they are better known. I couldn't get to the computer quickly enough to see what value might be there. The first card that caught my eye was a card featuring an old Uncle Sam looking over a city and factories. It says, “look what we have given the world” plus, at the bottom it says, “hold to the light”. When you put light behind the card, you see the words “Everett Piano Co.” I might be totally wrong, but this card may be worth several hundred dollars and if it isn't, I am sure there are others that will be. There are Pond Extract, Acme Soap, Superior Range and Stove, Keystone Wringer and many more cards. Now you say “Why am I so excited?” and I will let you figure that one out. If they are worth $50 on average, then this group of cards could sell for $12,500 and I didn't even know that I owned them.

This is why I say there isn't a business in the world that can compare with Antiques, Collectibles and Fine Art. Today, I may have found a treasure that could be worth 25% of the average man’s wages and I didn't even have a thought about owning it. In fact, I probably will spend a good part of the rest of this night trying to figure out where I purchased them. There is a fairly good book on advertising cards written by Dave Cheadle and Russ Mascieri called Victorian Trade Cards.

Here is a little tip. When you set something aside to keep, it shouldn't mean that you forget about the item or what has happened to its value. Oh by the way, those advertising cards aren't half bad, are they?

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Cybis – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Have you ever changed your mind?

Cybis Deserves a New look - Thanks to Laurelauction.com

Yes, I have know for years that this business is cyclical, but the cycles seem to be shortening. It used to be that an artist’s works would go up in value but, until their death, their works never seemed to skyrocket. This seems to be changing and perhaps some of that can be attributed to the internet and the ability to get information immediately.

The hot periods for an artist can change within a two year period today. Take for example the works of W. A. Slaughter, the Texas artist who paints Blue Bonnets. His larger paintings were bringing $25,000 or more at private sales and today you may be lucky to get half that, while the reverse is true of Harvey Joiner's paintings. I thought that anyone who would pay more than $2500 for a Joiner was out of his or her mind, but today that amount won't purchase a 4 x 6 inch painting by him. Joiner usually painted wooded scenes and there are pictures of him painting the same painting over and over. It is said that he painted 5000 or more of the same scene. I am seeing paintings by Joiner bringing $7500 to $12,500 that wouldn't sell for $2000 five years ago.

These trends aren't restricted to just paintings either. Cybis figurines used to leave a bad taste in my mouth because I never seemed to recover my investment in them. I would say to myself that there is no way I could lose money on this large Cybis figurine if I could buy it for such and such. This strategy just never seemed to work. Now, however, I believe this has changed. At the Sohn's auction in Evansville, there was a fairly large collection of Cybis and I thought maybe it might be time for me to reconsider my position on these figurines because I was having very little luck buying the Tiffanies and Doultons that were bringing huge prices.

So, as I sat in the audience and the Cybis started to cross the auction block, to my surprise they were bringing more on the opening bid than I was willing to give for my final bid. At first I said to myself this will only last for a few pieces and then it will be my turn to step in. That never happened and after perhaps two hours of sales of the Cybis figurines, I had made one purchase. So I guess my advice to you is to take another look at Cybis. It may be its time to shine.

Here is another situation that has my head spinning. Doulton flambé was something that I simply couldn't give away for years. Cecil, my friend from Owensboro, had a pair of beautiful flambé vases that he tried to sell me for years. I never made him an offer because I knew they would be mine if I did. However, today I see the large elephants bringing $2000 that I wouldn't have given $400 for just a short time ago.

These are just two examples that have set me back to thinking about what I really know. Perhaps it might also be a great time for you to reassess how you feel about certain items. Like me, you may be passing by great purchases because of your past experiences.

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Meissen – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Or is it?

Is it or is it Not Meissen

Today I was confronted with the unpleasant duty of informing a gentleman that the beautiful clock that he had inherited from his mother wasn't Meissen, as he had been told all his life. This isn't a rare occurrence and happens more than you would think. However, there are ways to confirm the identity of almost everything you run across if you know where to look.

In the case of Meissen, there is a very good book called The Book of Meissen by Robert E. Rontgen, that not only details all the Meissen marks but others that resemble Meissen and many outright fakes as well. In the case of the clock, I was able to share with the gentleman that the manufacturer of his clock was a company called Voigt. Now it will be up to us to find the true value of the clock. In all honesty, I don't believe that the value will be as high as if it were Meissen, however, due to its size (20”) and detail, the value should be substantial.

The Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks is a great resource that all my readers should own, but it is only a starting point for your research on identifying a treasure, Be sure that, as your success grows, you invest in books on individual companies where there is far more information than in a general guide.

The suggestion that I have just shared with you has allowed me to identify items that have been incorrectly identified by auction house, house sellers and even shop owners. Often by being able to correctly identify an item, it has meant that I have purchased a true treasure for a very small cost. To give you just one example, I purchased a silver teapot that was marked as being made by a company in the 1920's, however, by doing my home work, I found it was from the early 1700's. Do you think by any chance this proved a very very profitable transaction for me? If your answer is yes you would be correct.

Even companies like Rookwood Pottery had many marks besides the one that almost everyone recognizes, the reverse R's and the flames. By owning , you will have all the company’s marks at hand. You could get lucky and find a vase with a great deal of value, just because you could recognize the more obscure Rookwood marks.

I could give you many more examples of what I'm talking about but I think you get the picture. Remember, knowledge is king in this business. Don’t neglect reference books. If you don’t own some of them, you will miss out on many treasures, I promise. None of us can keep all that we learn in our head.

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Erphila Pottery – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - What Great Pieces.

Erphila Rooster - Thanks to johnsneddenltd.com

One of the members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club has come up with some great finds again. “Mary you have outdone yourself.” She has come across several pieces in a collection of Erphila and they are eye popping. The Erphila company was an importer of fairly inexpensive pottery. Their wares, however, were such that they would really catch your eye.

I was first introduced to Erphila when the only thing I had on my mind was creating the best canine collection in America. I never completed that feat but my collection had several of the rarest porcelain and pottery dogs that were ever made. Marshall Boehm, Rosenthal, Doulton and Meissen are the names of companies that comprised the larger part of my dog collection. However, there were less expensive and more common pieces by companies like Erphila that I was proud to include in the collection.

So who was Erphila? This company combines the Czechoslovakian company’s name Ebeling & Reuss with the name of the city where the importer was located, Philadelphia, and came up with ER and Phila. When you combine these, it is Erphila. Rather unique don't you think? Erphila started importing wares after 1920. Their whimsical figural pitchers, figures and planters became an immediate hit here in this country. Many of the items they produced have an Art Deco appearance so they fit right in with the Deco collections. Their teapots and pitchers command prices usually starting at $200 or more and good examples won't stay in your inventory long. You will find that often great pieces of Erphila can be purchased for under $20.

Yes, you can easily make $100 or so on one of these pieces but what is great about what Mary has found is that there are several pieces in a group. If you are lucky enough to find a collection of Erphila then the possibilities of make $1000 or better is quite good.

There is a great lesson to be learned here, You don't have to find that one great piece to substantially increase your bank account. A coin collection or a Carnival glass collection can bring you greater rewards than perhaps the beautiful Rookwood vase you found. When Warner and I went to Baltimore and purchased the collections of depression glass, Rookwood and several other items, we knew that the combined sales would put us half way to our goals for that year. Yes the rare and unusual are great but never forget what can happen with multiple purchases.

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Paul Sawyier – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Do you know that name?

Paul Sawyier - Thanks to Bertc.com

I believe that art can help us to achieve the goals set by the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club quicker then any other items. In fact, it should be a requirement that all our members be knowledgeable of the artists who come from their states or surrounding areas. You have read my many blogs about Kentucky artists and you can be assured that my knowledge of them has paid off for me handsomely, but not always, as you will read.

First, I would like to acquaint you with Paul Sawyier, a Kentucky artist who is also claimed by New York. Before I share stories of the opportunities that knowledge of him has provided to me, here is a biography for you to read.

Paul Sawyier was born on March 23, 1865 in Madison County, Ohio to Nathaniel J. and Ellen Wingate Sawyier. He was not the only Sawyier in his family to take brush in hand at the easel. His father was an amateur and his sister, Natalie became a professional painter. Nathaniel Sawyier moved the family to Frankfort about 1870. Frankfort had been the home of both, Nathaniel and Ellen when they were children. Sawyier attended Second Street School and the Dudley Institute during his formative years in Frankfort. Elizabeth Hutchins, a Cincinnati artist was employed to give lessons to the Sawyier children. During 1884, Paul attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. There he studied under Thomas S. Nobel, a known Kentucky artist. Using crayon, he began to paint portraits to supplement his income. Returning to Frankfort in 1886, Sawyier went to work at the Kentucky River Mill as a hemp salesman. A year later he gave up his job at the factory to paint scenes around Frankfort. His Old Covered Bridge series became popular when the bridge was closed in the winter of 1893. Sawyier moved to New York in 1889 and lived with his sister, Lillian and her family. He began to study watercolors under William Merritt Chase at the Arts Students League. Then returning to Cincinnati in 1890, Paul studied oils under the Frank Duveneck, a well known Kentucky portrait painter. Sawyier moved back to Frankfort and shared a studio with photographer, Henry G. Mattern. During this period he concentrated on landscapes, painting in oil, pastels and watercolors. Paul purchased a houseboat on the Kentucky River for his studio, which doubled as his home. He traveled up and down the river painting and selling his paintings. In 1913 he moved to Brooklyn, New York and again made his home with his sister, Lillian. There he was commissioned by New York art dealer, Edward Jackson. He moved to the Catskill Mountains and then to Fleischmann, New York where he died on November 4, 1917 and was buried. In June of 1923, Sawyier's remains were moved from Fleischmann, New York to the Frankfort Cemetery.

This biography was found on the Franklin County Kentucky Historical site.

Now that you know who Paul Sawyier was, I will share a few stories about him that have come my way. Most of them are missed opportunities. The first one is when I was presented the chance to purchase two small watercolors measuring about 8 x 10 by Mr. Sawyier at a Bunte's auction in Chicago. I knew they were good but I thought that, just to be sure, I would ask a good friend of mine his opinion. Well, he said not to go over $2500 each so that is what I did. Being the under bidder on each painting I have to admit to being a little disappointed. But that was nothing compared to when I learned they were sent to New York just a few months later and sold for $7500 each.

My next experience with a Sawyier painting came when I was invited to a lovely lady’s home. One of the things she had for sale was a painting measuring about 10 x 20 of an Ohio River scene by Sawyier. It looked as if it had been painted on the banks of the Ohio River in my home town of Owensboro. I asked what she would have to get for the painting and her answer was $7500. Because I was new to the upscale markets, this seemed a high figure for me so I asked if she would let me call the next day. Her response was “Sure”.

Getting home and doing my research, I couldn't wait for the morning to come to confirm the purchase. So early the next morning I called and to my surprise I was told that the afternoon before she had called one of the auction houses and had consigned the painting. I had broken one of my own rules “Don't leave a treasure when you have the chance to own it.” The money just scared me a bit.

Last but not least, is recently when a Sawyier was being offered by the New Orleans Auction Gallery with a $7000 – $10,000 estimate. I got busy and forgot the auction date on which it sold for only $7200. This was one of the largest Sawyiers that I have seen, measuring 20 1/2 x 29 1/2 inches. In Kentucky, this painting might well have brought $30,000. Oh well.

I believe there are many lessons to be learned from my experiences with Sawyier paintings and I hope the next time I write about him, it will be a success story.

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Be Vigilant – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Sounds like a fairy tale.

Lets Pray For Them - Thanks to Paulstroede.com

I am sure that you have heard of thieves cutting a painting from its frame and walking out with it but this story takes the cake. It may make you have second thoughts about your treasures and where you are going to present them. Having something of significant value stolen can set you back a few steps so it will serve you well to be vigilant.

My friend, Cecil, and I were just beginning to cover the Tailgate Antique Show in Nashville, Tennessee when he spotted a Currier and Ives print called High Water In the Mississippi. It showed a group of people sailing down the river on a raft. After much discussion, we were allowed to open the frame and examine the print. This took perhaps 15-20 minutes but when Cecil was satisfied, we negotiated a purchase price and were thrilled to have bought this wonderful piece.

Upon completing our search of the show, we decided to return to Franklin, Kentucky where Cecil has a large booth in the mall. Because he had the wall space to show the piece, I left it at the mall for Cecil to sell. At a price of $6450 and that still being a bargain, our conversation turned to how long we expected it to stay there before selling.

Four days later, I received a call from Cecil saying he had bad news for me. I couldn't imagine what it could be. “Someone stole the Currier and Ives” was what he said, but I couldn't believe my ears because the piece must have measured 3 by 4 feet. Cecil assured me that the mall had cameras and they would find the thief or at least file a police report. After examining all the film, they couldn't find anyone leaving with the print so further investigation was needed. I am sure you won't believe this but today they found the frame behind some showcases without the print. Yes, the thief had taken the piece off the wall, disassembled the frame, removed the print and left with it. This leaves no doubt that it was a professional job. We will be filing the report and hopefully listing it as stolen in the Maine Antique Digest and Antique Week.

Are there lessons to be learned here? You bet there are. First, most thieves are looking for expensive items to steal so extra protection should be used with these items. In fact, maybe anything over a couple of thousand dollars should be where the person on the desk can always view it or even behind the desk. Second, if this isn't possible, these items should always be in a place that is completely covered by a camera. Third, you must calculate your risk against selling these expensive items at auction where they are insured and fourth, investigate if there are ways that you can insure your treasures when they are displayed in a mall.

I believe that it is imperative for malls to find better ways to protect their dealers or the malls will only be filled with junk that it doesn't matter if it is stolen or not. I know that from now on I will think long and hard about putting a thing of value in a mall.

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Doll Trunk and Accessories – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – They go together

She is ready to Travel

I was never one to play with dolls but perhaps I missed out on something after seeing what they are bringing in the marketplace today. In fact, I am learning a lot about how dolls were cared for 50 or 100 years ago. It seems that the little girls often had miniature trunks that were their storage for the dolls and their accessories.

My interest in dolls was peaked when I purchased a camel back miniature trunk in Evansville while attending the Sohn's auction. This little jewel has all that is needed for the well-dressed doll to travel. There is the bottom where essentials are stored and a tray and covered compartment for the delicate items. Yes, you may want to even put your doll in the bottom compartment. The highlight to this little trunk are the beautiful and colorful pictures that adorn its insides. If you check auction records, it is very easy to find a doll accompanied by her trunk selling for thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars. These little miniature jewels are highly sought after and if you find one at a house or garage sale, don't be bashful but just step up and take the plunge. I believe you will be adequately rewarded.

My biggest surprise was what doll clothing sells for if it is vintage and part of the doll’s original attire. With my research, I learned that a doll might have several outfits which could easily double the value of the package. If they are contained in an original trunk, its value might blow your mind. I believe that vintage dolls and their accessories are perhaps in the top 10 collectibles on the market today and your search for treasure should definitely include them.

There are too many books on dolls for me to list all of them, but I would highly recommend that you visit Amazon or other used book resale sites and purchase several for your permanent library. I would suggest that you include one on American dolls and then maybe two or three on German and French dolls. Also, if at the present time you're not getting the Maine Antique Digest and Antique Weekly, what are you waiting on? These two publications have made me more money than all the other resources combined and their weekly auction and sales results are priceless to the person wanting to make money in the Antique and Fine Arts markets.

I will be listing our miniature camel back trunk soon and I believe you will fall in love with it like I did. My biggest problem is knowing what to ask for this fabulous piece, so if there are any doll experts among my readers, I would appreciate any help I can get on the pricing. Oh how I wish it had a beautiful French doll with her clothing in the trunk but maybe the new owner will provide those.

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Doulton Series Ware – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – There are special ones.

Gnomes - Royal Doulton

I have seen people pay huge amounts of money at auctions for the most common Doulton plates, while paying very little for the rare ones. How could this happen, you ask, and the answer is fairly simple. First, people place far too much value on a name such as Doulton and second, they seldom know the rare from the common.

Here is a tip when it comes to these plates. If they have a means of transportation (not carriages) on them, they are rare. Ones with airplanes and cars are the best ones. The series on automobiles is called Early Motoring and the airplane ones are the Aeronautical series. Some other series that bring big money are golf and other sports plates. The old English series usually does not fare that well.

My personal favorites are the Gnome series and they remind me of the Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre. For the collector of this series, there seems to be no limit to what they will spend for a piece. I once had a lady who gave me permission to buy any piece of this series and told me she would give me a handsome profit over my cost. If I were ever thinking about collecting Doulton again, it would be this pattern. In fact, if you run across any pieces with the Gnomes, please contact me.

The last series I will share with you is the Blue Babies series and this pattern looks similar to flow blue. I have never had difficulty in selling a piece in this pattern and they usually will at least double the price of other patterns. Series ware not only comes in plates, but also vases, bowls, pitchers and many other forms.

If you ever have an interest in Doulton series ware, the best reference is the four book set called Royal Doulton Series Ware by Louise Irvine. I feel certain it is probably out of print but perhaps you could find it on Amazon or Abe Books.

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American Pickers - Daryle Lambert’s Antique and Collectibles Blog - What a great show

The American Pickers are searching for another type of gold - Thanks to Flicker

If you haven't seen this show (American Pickers) on the History channel, you're in for a treat. I would recommend that all my reader tune in to this show at least once. Just two good old boys scouring the countryside looking for treasure where no one else has. It sounds like someone I know well--me. The Antique Week has been featuring letters to the editor about this show and I thought I would give you my opinion for what it is worth.

It seems that many are troubled that the boys encourage the elderly to sell their antiques, collectibles or fine art under pressure but I feel nothing could be further from the truth. In fact the people they visit should be thankful because what they find is usually in the barn, basement or garage, wasting away. Most of the items that I have seen them discover were headed to the junk heap or the water shed to prevent run out.

Here is a personal story about when I visited a home and what I found in the basement. It seems that the lady I worked with was selling some of her father’s things and, in his past, he had been an employee of the Wackers, a very prominent family in Chicago. This family had bestowed items on him for years and now he wanted to dispose of them. Well, as I entered the basement, I eyed a pile of metal lying on the floor and after closer inspection discovered it was lamp bases without their shades. I asked about them and was informed that her husband wanted to trash them but they just hadn't taken them out yet. My question to her was, “Could I buy them” and she said “Sure. What would you give?” Remember our motto Treat the customer fairly and always stick by it. "Would you take $5000" I asked, and you should have seen her eyes! In fact she couldn't even give me an answer that day. But the following day I did purchase them and when they were sold, I made a fair profit. "What were they?" you're asking, and the answer is Tiffany. Now I believe this lady should be thankful that she let me rummage around in her basement, what do you think?

The Nay Sayers will always be with us but who are they helping? Probably no one. Yes these good old boys are doing a public service and all that see their show might go looking for treasures that they didn't even realize they had. If fact, I think they should charge for their services. God Bless them.

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I love Silver - Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Going Back to School.

Scottish Silver - Thanks to USSCOTS.COM

The last two weeks I have really enjoyed buying some great pieces of silver. If you are interested in these purchases, please feel free to visit the Daryle Lambert's Marketplace at www.darylelambert.com. Not wanting to follow that old saying, "Fools rush in”, I have decided that I need a little tuning up on silver before I go hog wild with my buying. Thankfully Deniece took pity on me and has been helping me ever since.

A few days ago I admitted that my knowledge of silver, other than American, was quite limited and Deniece sent me a site www.925-1000.com as a resource that could help me, which it did. But she is so giving that she didn't let it stop there. I guess because she knew I needed real help. I got to thinking that maybe I wasn't the only one that could use some information on silver and that is when Deniece's email arrived. I thought about how to share parts of it with the readers but you know I think that I will just let her speak for herself. Here is her email.

Hi Daryle,

I finally got around to writing this in response to your blogs from 2/8/10 and 2/11/10. At last, my field of expertise. I started collecting English Georgian silver a decade ago and quickly advanced to collecting Irish Georgian silver and the occasional piece of Scottish Georgian silver. While I have reached the point where I can let go of much of the English silver, the Irish, other than the more common pieces, will only be sold if I am starving.

I have many, many silver reference books. Some of them as rare as the silver itself. The two standard references for silver are Jackson's Silver & Gold Marks of England, Scotland and Ireland edited by Ian Pickford ($80+) and for European silver the reference is Tardy's (International Hallmarks on Silver collected by Tardy) ($45+). Both books are out of print, but usually easy to find. Jackson's is available in a pocket version for less than $20; however, the true reference is the complete version which is over 750 pages. The pocket edition is good for taking to auctions and sales. The complete version is a must for identification. The two Irish standard references are both by Douglas Bennett - Collecting Irish Silver and Georgian Irish Silver, both out of print since the 1980's and priced from $200 for the first to well over $600 for the second. Stay away from Seymour Wyler's Book of Old Silver - English, American and Foreign - this book is completely outdated and contains many mistakes. There are specialized books for particular silversmiths, particular items, particular cities, particular countries, etc - if anyone has a particular interest, I could probably recommend a specific reference.

Silver is a very specialized area and there is some knowledge and experience required. There are fake pieces all over eBay as well as those pieces that people have completely misidentified due to their lack of experience. I have made many good buys over the years as a result. The most collectible silver is Irish, especially provincial silver, and Russian silver, then would be Scottish and Scottish provincial, English and English provincial with European following those. Irish, Scottish and English silver are all sterling (925/1000 and Britannia silver at 950/1000) and hallmarks are dictated by law, Russian and European silver vary, usually 800 and up depending on the country and the time period. The smallest change in a hallmark can be extremely significant with regard to the value. Interpreting hallmarks requires references and a knowledge of how to use them, as well as a very keen eye and a jeweler's loupe.

There are many websites that are helpful. As you mentioned www.925-1000.com is one; however, do not use this site as a complete reference as there are mistakes there. Another great website is Association of Small Collectors of Antique Silver (http://www.ascasonline.org/), The Online Encyclopedia of American Silver Marks (http://silvercollecting.com/ ), Silver Maker's Marks - England, Ireland, Scotland (http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/). Two forums online which are helpful are: http://www.silver-collector.com/ hosted by English dealers Franks Antique Silver and SMP Silver Salon Forums (http://www.smpub.com/cgi/ubb/Ultimate.cgi? ) While SMP may help identify a piece they will never discuss value or price. Both forums can be viewed without joining, although joining both is free. SMP leans more toward collectors and Franks addresses both collectors and dealers issues.

I would highly recommend that any silver sold in The Market Place include a clear close-up of the hallmarks, the weight in troy ounces and an honest condition report. Most collectors will not buy a piece of silver without seeing the hallmarks. Condition is primary in determining the value of a piece of silver - dents, repairs, tears, monogram removals -which makes the silver thin in that spot, excessive wear - all reduce the value. Many silver collectors are extremely particular.

One of my finest discoveries was at a well known auction house (the owner is a regular on the Antiques Road Show). It is an 1810 Georgian Irish Silver Gilt swing handled profusely respoussed basket weighing 10 troy ounces. The catalog description, based on scratch marks on the bottom stated it was believed to be Irish, but was unmarked. I examined the piece prior to the sale. There was no direct lighting and the building was rather dark. I had my penlight flashlight and my loupe - I could have used another hand. Holding the basket in one hand, the loupe in the other and the flashlight in my mouth, after only about one minute of looking, I found the hallmarks amid the repousse work. They were in crisp clear condition. Obviously an oversite on the part of the auction house, which in the end cost them and the owner dearly. Even though the house was full and the auction was also listed on line with many participating buyers, I won the bid with just $210 - this is a $1500 - $2000 piece easily. While it isn't normal, it is possible for even well known auction houses to make mistakes. It is up to us to find them.

I would also volunteer to members only, to try to research any silver hallmarks (not silver-plate marks), they have questions about. As I have a plethora of references they might as well be put to good use. I can offer no guarantees, but usually I am pretty accurate unless it is a very obscure mark. I am not so great with European marks but am willing to see what I can find based on what they have. At the very least I may be able to point them in the right direction. I would need a photo of the object and a clear close-up of the hallmarks. If I can't find a mark, I will tell them. They can email me anytime with hallmarks. (Actually this may be the type of thing that could be done in a forum, if photos could be posted in it. That way everyone who has knowledge in one particular area can assist those who don't. Perhaps you can look at the forums I listed above particularly Franks, as it is more user friendly, IMO.)

Anyway that's me on silver. Hope some of it helps someone.

Regards,

Deniece

How fortunate we are to have a member like Deniece that is so willing to share.

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Success Stories – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – I must have been right.

Now This is a Special Story
My Friend Andrew and His Mother

Over the last three years, I have asked the members of our Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club to share their stories with me and I have a few special ones that will be appearing in upcoming blogs. I believe this sharing is one of the best ways we have to continue our efforts in the Antique and Fine Arts fields and to stimulate interest in these fields from others.

It is almost a self fulfilling prophecy that when others read of people making money, they want to duplicate that success. This can be done by people like you sharing stories of great treasure finds that were overlooked by others. Someone finding a copy of the Declaration of Independence behind a $2 frame made a lot of people visit their second hand shops looking to duplicate this feat after it sold for several hundreds of thousands. A lady buying a table for $25 and selling it for over $500,000 sent scores of people out to the local garage sales. This is what we are searching for, people showing interest in what we are doing.

Here is the catch. Most people are told not to tell anyone about their successes because it will create competition. Nothing could be further from the truth because if there isn't interest then no matter what you find there will be no market for it. Also you will find that people like dealing with successful people because they feel that if you’re successful there is a better chance you are also honest.

We create our own markets and here is one example of that. Warner and I helped create a very active market in Charles Lotton Glass, however, the Lotton company never realized the importance of our developing a secondary market for Charles' glass. I wrote that in my opinion he was the next Tiffany and Warner started the Lotton Glass Club. However, after being rejected by that company, Warner and I moved in another direction. The market will remain high for a few exceptional lamps and vases made by Charles Lotton, but in my opinion the average or lower end pieces will find it hard to maintain their values. In fact, looking at current sales, I believe the lowering of values has already begun. This company in my opinion was very short sighted by trying to keep all the interest within the company.

What got me off on this kick you must be asking? Well, while in Nashville, I was approached by a couple that were handing out little yellow fliers with the title “Wanted: Amazing Stories!!” To my surprise, as I read the flier, I realized they were going to be writing a column for Antique Week while later possibly publishing a book. What a great idea but they are three years late because that is what I have been doing for that period of time already. However, it may well be worth your while to visit their site www.myamazingfind.com because if they publish your story it will increase your visibility in the marketplace and possibly bring you business. You see we want to spread the great news not hide it under a bushel, as the Bible says. Please don't forget, however, that we want your stories too!

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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Associate Program – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles – Let’s Make Money Together.

Josh Knows This is a Great Deal

I have to admit the last couple of months have been almost unmanageable. With my mother’s death and the complete redo of our website, it seems that I have had very little time to really focus on what the members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club need from me. But today’s call from a gentleman in the Atlanta area made me remember why I started the Club. Yes, it is God’s calling for me to help others with the knowledge that I have accumulated in over forty five years of collecting and dealing in antiques, collectibles and fine art.

Here is how the conversation went. “Mr. Lambert, you don't know me but I have the opportunity to buy some real treasures and I need a partner.” How I love those calls. I assured him that he had come to the right place and introduced him to our Associates program, where we partner with our members. He was amazed that he could share in the profits by finding treasures that we would buy, at no expense to himself, and when they were sold, his share of the profit would be 35%

Let’s figure that out. If the cost of a painting, for instance, was $10,000 and the item sold for $30,000, the profit would be $20,000, correct? Under this scenario, the profit for just making a telephone call would be $7,000, could that be correct? Wow! Once we are able to fully inform our readers of this opportunity, I believe we will have to hire a special operator just to answer the phones.

The first gentleman who participated in the Associates Program brought two items to the Club for our consideration and they were both purchased. This resulted in a profit for the gentleman of $3250 in only two weeks. It may take a little longer to turn some items, but I think you will have to agree that wasn't a bad payout for just 14 days. I don't believe there is another program that can even come close to this one anywhere on the Internet.

One of the biggest problems I find with dealers purchasing expensive items, is that they don't fully trust their instincts. The Associate Program eliminates any risk to the finder and it is totally the Club’s decision whether an item is worthy of being bought. If there is a mistake made, the Club bears the total loss. It simply doesn't get better than that, however, we don't want to think about mistakes but just how much money we can make together.

Dealing in Tiffany, Daum Nancy, Steuben, Newcomb, Grueby, Teco and Fine American Paintings will become a habit that you will enjoy and the Club will be right beside you in the celebration. When you combine the Associates Program, Members Classified and Affiliate Program with the unlimited knowledge that is shared between our members and the Club, your success must be right around the corner. All this at the low cost of $19.95, can you believe that? I feel certain that many of us are going to become very close friends in 2010.

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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Enamel on Copper – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Will make you money.

Enamel on Copper - Thanks to Flicker

Almost a year ago to the day, I purchased a small enamel on copper vase for about $50. It was dark maroon in color, with some people dressed in European attire adorning it. One of my friends, who is a dealer, came to my house because he needed merchandise for a show in Atlanta. To my surprise, he picked some higher priced items but when he saw the little enameled vase, asked if it would be okay to take it. First, I asked what he figured the vase would bring and the answer stopped me in my tracks. “Perhaps $900 or $1000.” “Sure you can” was my response and guess what, it sold at the show.

This has sent me on a quest for more enamel on copper and, as I am finding out, it seems that the sky is the limit for the value of these wares. Just checking eBay, I found one piece priced at $75,000 and many more from $3000 to $5000. I am sure that these are just the tip of the iceberg for Russian and French enameling. When you visit that next antique show to acquire more knowledge, be sure to look at as many enameled pieces as you can and examine each one for its detail and craftsmanship.

Why are you writing about enamel on copper today, you must be asking and here is the answer. I received a call from an old friend and he asked if it would be okay to drive over and show me four pictures that were enamel on copper and mounted in gold gilded frames. Of course you know my response. “Sure.” When he arrived, I was holding my breath because these could possibly be of any value. Entering the door, he had a rather small box which he opened to expose four miniature pieces measuring about 4 by 2 inches without the frames. However, even if they were small, the enameling was fantastic. All four were landscapes and the frames were real gold gilding. Needless to say I wanted them and soon asked the price. Once he quoted them to me, they had to be mine and sure enough they are. I will not sell them immediately because I would like to admire them for a few days, but yes, they will be for sale and yes, they will complete several, yes several, steps in our race compared to their cost. The race that I am referring to is the Million Dollar Race that I hope all the members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club are participating in.

There are many books on enameling on Amazon but one that might interest you is Enameling on Precious Metals by Jeanne Werge-Hartley. It may help you to research this subject on Yahoo where I am sure you will find an abundance of information. Knowledge in this area will pay you back big time because there are so few that really know much about these items.

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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Silver Overlay – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Double your money and double the fun.

Beauty in the Eyes of the Beholder -
Thanks to Nelson and Nelson Aantiques.com

I know that you are aware of my new found interest in silver and, in particular, silver overlay pieces. The craftsmanship that it takes to overlay a pottery or glass piece with silver can only be accomplished by a master. The silver that is overlaid must enhance the beauty of the piece or it would be better left off.

The silver on such pieces as Tiffany, Steuben and Loetz will usually carry the hallmark showing where the silver was manufactured and by whom. How skilled must you be to overlay a piece of glass with silver without damaging the piece itself? Not only must the artist apply the silver but he then has to add the delicate designs to the silver that enhances its beauty. The silver may add as much as 200 to 300 percent to the value of the piece.

Glass is a rather hard substance but how about pottery? It scares me to even think about a beautiful Rookwood vase having silver worked around it and then that silver being tooled into the beautiful patterns that bring out all the subtle features of the piece. Some of the most expensive items that I have encountered by Rookwood were heavily encrusted with the most fantastic silver overlay that you could possible imagine.

I just purchased a small Loetz overlay piece and it troubles me that I wish I didn't have to sell it. Not only that, but there was another piece of Loetz that I wasn't able to buy that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. Remember my rule. Don't fall in love with the items you purchase. It seems the silver overlay items are testing my resolve.

There are two types of silver overlay; one where it seems that the silver was painted on and the other where the silver is substantial. The type of overlay that is attracting my attention is the type that is substantial and the silver seems to encase the piece as if it were a beautiful bracelet adorning a lady’s arm. Here is an example of what I mean. A Chevrolet is an automobile but it isn't a Mercedes. Well, a vase is a vase, but if it is adorned with beautiful silver worked by a master silversmith, it becomes much more than simply a vase.

I would be interested in any silver overlay pieces that you may run across and I might perhaps be your best market for their sale, so please keep me in mind..

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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Bronze Plaque – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Don't be afraid to take a chance.

Bronze Plaque - Thanks to Travel-images.com

I have learned a few things over the years but perhaps the most important one is not to be afraid to take a chance when your senses tell you to. I took a chance on a painting once and it is still my best buy: the Frederick Morgan that sold for $115,000. No, you shouldn't be foolish, but after searching your knowledge base and finding no reason not to buy an item, pulling the trigger should become easy. This is what separates the successful dealers from the also runs.

Over the last two weeks I have managed to spend several thousand dollars on many items but perhaps the one that will ultimately be my best buy was a bronze plaque by the well known sculptor, James Earl Fraser. Cecil was with me and it was the first piece that was bought. What really caught our attention were the newspaper clips that showed the very same piece selling for $1150 in 2007 and another one that sold for $4370 in 2005. I have to admit I know very little about these plaques but, just because people are willing to sell items cheaper than what the market was a few years ago, it doesn’t mean that when the fear of an economic panic passes, the values won't return to where they were before.

You shouldn't count on a re-occurrence of past values when you're deciding what you want to offer but it should be a factor in your judgment. Yes, I believe that the plaque will sell for at least double the price I paid, but if I could get what others are asking for theirs, then it will have been a real treasure for me.

Again, I must encourage you to search for the rare and unusual items. The ability to set the final price may be more difficult, but your competition will be reduced tremendously. If you have an item that no one else is selling, the buyer must decide how dear it is to him before buying. But if the same buyer has an opportunity to buy an item like yours from several people, he has much more bargaining power or he can simply wait until he finds one that has been reduced to the price he is willing to pay.

Here is a tip for you. In the event you are able to buy a genuine bronze by a listed sculptor, the best place to sell it as a general rule isn't eBay, because of all the fakes that end up there. Bronzes should be sold at the major auction houses and, even with their fees, you should still come out much better. When you have a question about where to market your treasures, the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club members will always be there to help you. In the future, I will be placing questions on the blogs that have been sent to us. In fact, Gary is talking about starting forums and I believe that would be exciting for our members. Let me hear what you think.

Doing this blog, I checked some sales on eBay and ran across a Tiffany bronze lamp base that I sold several years ago for $3500. It just brought well over $7500 so I think that I will go to bed and brood. Just kidding, because I hope that with that $3500 I have been able to double my money many times since the base was sold.

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