Heir Apparent Daniel Lotton - Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Changing of the Guard

The Beauty of Art Glass

There is definitely a change blowing in the wind when it comes to Lotton Glass. Charles, the ultimate glass blower, may finally have reached the top of his production. When prices out pace demand, buyers search for an alternative and I believe this is true of Lotton Glass. With more and more of the expensive Charles' pieces going unbid, Daniel's work seems to be more in demand and available at lower prices.

With the economy still sluggish, the buyers are looking for cheap items to purchase and still retain the quality. This describes Daniel Lotton's work. You can still purchase a great piece made by Daniel for $500 or less. While the present pieces being made by Daniel are perhaps his best works, Charle's pieces from the 80's seem to command his highest prices.

Everything changes and it isn't a surprise that perhaps there is a changing of the guard at Lotton Glass. While the Lotton name will continue to be heard when people talk about fabulous glass, it is my opinion that Daniel Lotton's name will be coming up more often in conversations going forward.

I would definitely recommend to the members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club that they keep an eye open for pieces made by Daniel for purchase as gifts to themselves or items to sell to their customers. You can't go wrong with the best.

In years to come, if you set a piece of Lotton Glass next to a Tiffany piece, I believe the discriminating person will pick the Lotton. When you consider that the Lottons make everything that goes into a piece at their factory, down to making the glass itself while Tiffany often just supervised his production, which would you prefer?

Don't forget our friend Warner Smith and his www.glassclubs.com if you are in the market for great glass. He has incorporated the Lotton Glass club into his new site and you can also find great pieces by Smallhouse and Satava there.

To me, there isn't a better investment than art glass while you own it and your pleasure and sheer joy will only be increased when you sell it for a profit.

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

Antique Trader and Randolph Street Market Enter Media Partnership

Randolph Street Market

Annual Ticket Holders 

Mark your calendars because the Antique Trader and the Randolph Street Market will kick off their joint media partnership on May 29^th in Chicago. This will be a gala event that you won't want to miss. There will be appraisals, antiques, food, music and design studios, and fun will be had by all. Perhaps the greatest thing about this event is mingling with all those wonderful people that have similar interests to yours. I will be there representing the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club and will be doing appraisals. Please drop by and say hello.

Sally, the owner of the Randolph Street Market, will be there to greet visitors in a manner that can only be described as gracious and warm. Her efforts to make these events something not to be forgotten for her guests could be described as super-human. Her charm inspires both dealers and visitors.

Eric Bradley, the editor of the Antique Trader hopes to be in attendance. Like Sally, he is a bundle of energy and his personality will light up any event. His knowledge of the antiques business, combined with his ability to run a newspaper, gives him a powerful presence. When you see a crowd gathered, you can be pretty well assured that Eric is in the center of it. the Antique Trader has been a true supporter of our club from its beginning.

The two parties put out a press release that will better describe the event, so take time to read it and there will be no doubt where you will be on May 29^th. Two are better than one and this partnership was made in heaven for those interested in antiques, collectibles and fashion design. Whether you're selling or buying, the relationship between the Antique Trader and the Randolph Street Market will give you more of the exposure that is required for your success.

Chicago is a city of opportunity and with this event, that statement will never be more true. This partnership will be a lasting combination of great experience and knowledge that will ensure that all involved will benefit. 

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

Music Box – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – To me they are the sound of spring.

Music Box - vincentfreemanantiques.com


 

I remember the first music box that I ever owned. It was a wonderful wooden box with very elaborate inlay. Inside it there was a mystifying mechanical device. When I set it in motion, however, the most harmonic music filled the air. I can close my eyes, even today, and hear the music from that music box. If you have interest in music boxes, you can visit this site for their history:  Antique Music Box.

Visiting a home in southern Indiana, I was looking for things to sell in my antique shop, but little did I know that a music box was in my future. I had looked through the house and made offers on several things when my eyes lit on this fantastic box sitting on a table. At the time, I wasn't sure what it was so I asked. The lady, with pride in her voice, said it was a music box that had been passed down to her. She knew I wanted to hear it so she very gently started the box and I was mesmerized. I was hooked and knew that if it were possible I would be purchasing it before leaving the house. Knowing very little about these boxes at the time, I could have easily been taken.

I asked her if it was for sale and her answer was yes for $500. At that time in my life, that was a lot of money. But no matter, I wanted it and the price wasn't astronomical, so into my truck it went. If my memory serves me right, it played a metal cylinder that had pins that struck a keyboard which produce the sound. This cylinder held ten songs and each song was more beautiful than the one before it.

Later, after I did some research, I found that earlier music boxes used disks while the later ones had cylinders. By the end of the 19^th century, however, mass produced music boxes with interchangeable metal disks began to take the place of the boxes with cylinders. The music boxes seemed to fade away as pianos increased in popularity. What I didn't know was that these music boxes came in all sizes, some as small as a kitchen match box and other ones that could fill a medium sized room. To see some exceptional examples of music boxes, visit this site – M.S. Aru Antiques.

Paul Harvey used to say “Now for the rest of the story.” Before putting it up for sale, I wanted to have that music box in my house for a while so that I could enjoy it. But that caused a strange ending to my ownership of the box. I had a woman visit my house. She spotted my music box and asked to have it played, which I was more than happy to do. After listening to the songs, she said “Would you take $5000 for the box?” I thought she was kidding so I said “sure.” To my surprise, I realized I no longer owned it when she said “SOLD"

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

Kentucky Derby Time – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – “And They’re Off.”

The Kentucky Derby - Thanks to Facebook.com

This will be a sad time for me as the announcer says “They’re off” at the 2010 Kentucky Derby on May 1^st.. You see my family owned a box ever since my Dad was on the Kentucky Racing Commission many years ago. When you own a Derby box, it only lasts for the lifetime of the owner or their spouse, so with the death of my mother this year, the Lambert family no longer owns the box. Going to the Derby has been a way of life for my family, and thankfully all of my children have had the experience of the excitement and gala of perhaps Kentucky's greatest event. You can read more about the Derby at their official website.

The Kentucky Derby has become a part of the American heritage and you will find few that don't wish to attend at least one Derby in their lifetime. So that is why I am so blessed because I can't even number the ones that I have been fortunate enough to experience. I would have liked to report one more Derby from the race itself for members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club but that won't be happening.

However, as I check the prices for Kentucky Derby memorabilia, I see the prices aren't dropping at all but maybe even increasing. The only 1940 Derby glass that is being offered this year is priced at $14,999. My friend Cecil still did quite well with the one he bought for $12.50 and two weeks later sold for $12,500 but he didn't quit there. He and I bought another one and it also sold for over $12,000. The Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide by Judy Marchman would be very helpful to you as you purchase Derby glasses. There is money to be made even with the most current glasses and many older ones command prices over $1000.

Each year, I remind my readers of the items pertaining to the Derby that they should watch out for. Often these items are purchased by people attending a Derby but when they return home the items are just pitched in a box somewhere and never thought of again. This is your good fortune because as these items lie there, their values continue to increase until, surprise, you come along and find them. This can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Here is just a short list of items from the Derby: photos, tickets, posters, glasses, hats, programs, jockey colors, signed silks (jockey uniforms) and pins. All of the items mentioned are highly sought after by collectors and you will be safe in purchasing them because they will sell almost immediately. 

Not everyone will be attending the Derby May 1^st, but there will be thousands of Derby parties around the country. If you’re not one of the fortunate ones to attend the actual event, I hope you will attend a Kentucky Derby party. By the way I have never tasted a Mint Julep but I am told they taste horrible.

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

Children's Books – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Your Favorites.

 

Treasure Island - Thanks to Taringa.net

I have written several blogs in which I mentioned books that I loved as a child. Some of those books even had an influence on my life. Reading can take children into another world, perhaps especially when the one they’re in isn't comfortable for them. Many young people become emerged in the books they read, while others develop invisible friends. Even as adults, we may want copies of the books that influenced us in our earlier years.

To my surprise, there have been several emails sent to me at the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club, asking if I would include different books in some of my blogs but until now I couldn't figure out how to do that. So today, I am going to make this blog about books that have had an effect some of our members’ lives as a children.

First, two that meant so much to me that they were included in my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles. Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe allowed me to dream about finding treasure when there was little treasure in my life. Wearing used clothing and getting one present a year wasn't a Life of Reilly back in the 40's. But when I entered the world of Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe, I became a giant.

Other books that members shared with me are: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, now that one would have scared me, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and the Little House on the Prairie, which stole my heart. Then there was those that just made you feel good like Little Women, Black Beauty and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

If you would like to review a list of Classic Children books, you can find one at Wapedia. This may be interesting for you as it brings back memories that you may have forgotten. Many of these books as first editions will reward you with thousands of dollars in your pocket and many may actually increase that total to tens of thousands. Take time to look through all the books that can be found at your next garage or house sale. Who knows? There might have been a first edition passed down through the family.

Amazon.com is always a great place to find books that I’ve mentioned and others that I haven’t. Abebooks.com is also a very good reference for you to use in pricing your books. Happy Reading. 

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

Special Weddings – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Collectibles Forever.

Vintage Wedding dress - Thanks to hk.myblog.yahoo.com

Yesterday it was my honor to serve in the wedding of John and Elsie at my church. It was so wonderful to see two young people so in love with each other but also so loving to others. I look at weddings differently now than I did many years ago, because by growing older and looking at it through aged eyes, it seems that marriage is the pledge to one another to serve others together for the rest of your life. When I was younger, marriage meant the husband and wife would have this separate life from the world, but today I know it is just re-entering the world together.

You are asking where is he going with this that pertains to antiques and collectibles, aren't you? I have seen many vintage wedding gowns sold, and each time I have thought if only those gowns could talk what stories they would have told. Yes, I even questioned why someone would want a used gown, but now I see that it is as if you are sharing something with the person who wore it first. In fact, it is almost like you can create your own story about that original union. I have always liked mysteries and purchasing a vintage wedding gown will most likely leave you with an unsolved mystery for the rest of your life.

Perhaps the surprising thing is what people will pay for vintage wedding gowns. I believe it will also surprise you, so keep your eye out for them. They may be a treasure for you. Just checking eBay, I found several gowns listed. The most expensive one was an Italian satin gown, ivory in color with a medium train for $3500. The next one was an 1800's Victorian gown with a full train for $1400. If you are into silk and lace, there was a lovely French gown for $1200 but perhaps my favorite was the 1950's white chiffon gown because it was from my era and perhaps I could have known the bride who wore it. The price was $920.

There are many other items that represent weddings and all of them can be collectibles. These items include figurines like Lladro, dolls, rings, announcements and special celebrity signed items like napkins.

You will never be able to convince my basketball and football buddies that I wrote about wedding gowns but that is okay too. You see Christ said “Love one anther as I have loved you” and I now know there is nothing more important than that in today’s world. Thank you John and Elsie for sharing your love with us. God Bless. 

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

Enameled Glass – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Not Daum.

Thanks to cgi.ebay.com

It is no secret that I love Daum Nancy enameled glass, but I may have found a new love. I just viewed a great collection of glass and hopefully I can purchase it. My wife, Vickie, will be keeping a close eye on me, but perhaps, if I am successful, I can sneak a couple of pieces into the house. It was hard for me to believe, but when I was called to a home to look at a glass collection, the gentleman said there were many pieces of enameled glass and I got really excited.

I didn't want to give myself away by telling him that Daum Nancy was my favorite glass because I felt confident that there should be at least one piece of it in this collection. Before I arrived at the house, I began to picture all the great pieces that I was going to look at and believe me, I wasn't disappointed. Piece after piece crossed my hands, each more beautiful than the other, but I hardly looked at them because I was searching for Daum. After completing my inspection of the collection, I realized that no, there wasn't any Daum, but perhaps there were even more beautiful pieces being offered than the Daum I had envisioned.

Now was the time to go back to the start and begin again. As I picked up each piece, I realized that maybe I had limited myself too much when it came to enameled glass, and perhaps other manufacturers of this glass made pieces equal to or better than Daum. There were large vases, goblets, bowls, boxes and even perfume bottles decorated with the most fantastic enameling that you could imagine. Just think Moser or Austrian glass decorated by the best craftsmen in the world and that was what I had in my hands.

Looking through this collection of glass, I became quite fond of the clear pieces that had been enameled. In fact, I think I liked them even better than the acid etched pieces. My biggest problem was that I didn't know what to offer for the collection because I hadn't studied the values of most other enameled glass. I have been spending several hours over the last two days getting my knowledge up to speed and on Monday I will return with an offer for the collection. This isn't a time to be guessing because there is going to be too much money involved. This way of thinking would be a great lesson for all dealers. It’s almost like the song “Know when to holdem, know when to foldem and know when to run.” There is a real profit to be made with this collection but I will need to know what its true value is so that I can make a fair offer and still make the profit that is needed to continue our race to the million.

On eBay, I found several enameled pieces listed such as the Germany 18C enameled vase at $3000, Moser Vaseline enameled lamp $1458, 6 signed Moser enameled goblets $1200 and the 19^th C perfume $500. However, to see some really magnificent pieces, you need to look at the Early's Auction past glass auction and the internet. Not all enameled glass is signed. In fact, most probably won't be, but you should have no problem with quality. These pieces are what I call eye dazzlers and you know they are expensive when you see them. There may be one or two enameled pieces in the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles marketplace.

I just have to stop finding things that I want to add to the collection, but I forget. Everything I own with the exception of my wife and child is for sale, right? 

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

Did You Hear The Ice Cream Truck? – Daryle Lambert's Antique and Collectibles Blog – Yes.

 Give me a Popsicle - Thanks to Millenniumfalcon.com

I write about the childhood memories of my past because they are perhaps the most pleasant part of my life. During those early years, I had no responsibilities and everything was about me. If I ever wanted to have a do over in my life for sheer pleasure, it would definitely be my childhood, that is for sure.

This week I visited a home where the gentleman had collected ice cream toy trucks with his son. He is now ready to sell them. There must be at least 100 different models, from Hot Wheels to Tootsie Toys in the collection and I hope to be able to purchase the collection next week. But as I looked over all the tiny toys, I could just see in my mind the joy that this father and son had as they went searching for those small treasures together.

What memories did the collection bring back for me personally? Well, no matter what we were doing, when I was young if we heard the bells of the ice cream truck, everything else stopped. It is still a mystery to me that I always had money for the ice cream truck. When I think back, I don't remember where it came from because we had so little money for anything else. I must not be the only one that had that feeling for those trucks, however, because when I returned home and searched the records, I found that it would take a great amount of money to assemble that collection today.

Here is just a small sample of what I am talking about: rare matchbox #47b Ice Cream Truck (mint in box) $1500, 1930 Steelcraft “Fro-Joy” Ice Cream Truck $212.50, 1950 Bungalow Bar Ice cream Truck $150 and the Hot Wheels 1990 #5 Good Humor Truck $100. I am sure that if I had the time, I could find examples that sold for many times these but I believe you get the idea. Often people would collect together: fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and even brothers and sisters. When we come across these collections, yes they may make us money, but I hope mostly they will give you a chance to pause and think about your childhood. 

The Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club is all about having fun, making money and remembering who we are. God made us special so don't you forget that.

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

Chicago's Hidden Art Treasure - Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - A must visit.

 Gretchen Smith - Murphy Hill Gallery

Anyone who wants to visit the Chicago art scene would include a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, that is for certain. But there is an unpolished treasure that most art lovers would miss and that is the Murphy Hill Gallery, located at 333 W. Arthington 3^rd. Floor Chicago Il. 60624. The historic Sears Roebuck Building, where the gallery is located, may be one of the largest buildings you will find in the southwest section of the city.

When you enter the gallery, the size itself (20,000 square feet) will amaze you. The wall space is large enough to accommodate any showing. The space is open and appealing and provides a lovely setting for the art on display. There is also adequate space for the artist to be present and talk about his or her work.

In the show I visited, the assemblage of artists was amazing and their works covered a wide spectrum of styles. There was something that would appeal to any art lover’s taste. Visit the Murphy Hill Gallery website. It will pique your interest and you will have no choice but to visit it in person.

There is a large contingent of artists now presenting at the gallery and many artists are waiting to be accepted for showing in the future shows. The directors have stated that they will only present the most desirable art that the gallery can find and artists wishing to show their works should allow them time to be judged.

The art community should extend a large amount of gratitude and thanks to Bill Hill and Ralph Murphy for their efforts on behalf of all art lovers to expand the Chicago influence throughout the world. 

I have been a little late in getting this blog on the Murphy Hill Gallery posted but it seems that my days are getting filled up even before they begin. 

Just yesterday, I had a wonderful day chatting with an old friend about the welfare of our church, but then we spent several hours discussing items he wished to sell. I will report on them in another blog, but now I have perhaps a week of work to do just estimating values for him. Gilded clocks and enameled glass are two of the collections that caught my eye and there is no doubt their value will be high. Hopefully the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club will either be the purchaser or agent for the sale of those collections. 

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

Treasures at the Last Stop – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – A New Outlook.

Thanks to Cindywallar.com

The reason that I continue to ask that my readers to send me their stories is because they inspire me. The Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club has become the most important thing in my life after God and my family. To hear where a member of our club is successful is a reward like no other to me and this happened today.

John, whom I have mentioned before, called to say that he had been out most of the day without any success. Being very near home, however, and not wanting to take the highway, he decided to take some back streets. He came upon a street that said “no exit” and he debated about whether to drive around it but at last he said “why not?”. At the end of the street, there were several large storage bags sitting with some trash on the curb so he decided to take a look. The first bag was completely filled with games, some of which had never even been unwrapped. That was enough for John so he loaded all the bags into his car. Someone’s children must have grown up and the family decided that these items no longer had value for anyone. Were they mistaken!

Returning home and not expecting anything special, John began to empty the other bags. One or two were filled with old toys like hot wheels and electric robots, the others contain miscellaneous items which were all collectible. I called him back about three hours after he sent me the email and he was still unpacking his treasures. I can't fully explain it but I do know that God helps those who help themselves. The best part of this story is going to be the total money that John receives for his bounty and I wouldn't be surprised to see it over $1000. How many steps will that be in John's race to the millions? How many times did he double his money with a cost of nothing? My question to you is “Are you doing your part?”

I will be going to a house tomorrow where there will be a treasure trove that would make even Captain Hook proud. This is one of those ventures where it really doesn't matter if you buy a single item. Just looking at what is presented will be a feast to my eyes. Several years ago, there was just one lamp sold from this estate that brought over $45,000. You bet I won't sleep too soundly tonight. 

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

Your Lucky Day – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – First time secret.

Your Place to Shop - Thanks to consignmetfun.com

Over the last three years, I have tried to share with readers how God blessed me with knowledge that provided for me when I needed it most. Moving to Chicago was a new start for Vickie and me, and we didn't know what God had in store for us. Joshua soon came to us and we were a family. It was a new beginning financially, but to help I had brought with us a knowledge of the antique and collectible business. I had little idea how important that knowledge was going to be in our lives.

When we arrived in Chicago, both Vickie and I began to work but surprise, our eyes were opened to a way of life that was totally new. Never before had I paid $6.00 for one hamburger or $15 for a movie. It didn't take long before we were asking how could we live here on what we were making. Remember, I did have that knowledge of antiques and collectibles, but how could that help us? It could if I became a dealer in antiques and collectibles, right?

Now you know the rest of the story and I have been sharing it with you for over three years. But I have kept just a few little secrets held back, one of which I will give you today. I have mentioned consignment shops as a possible place to find items to buy but I didn't tell you the complete plan I use for the stores.

If you're not familiar with consignment stores, they sell other people’s items on commission and usually reduce the items’ prices each month until they're sold. So here is my plan that I am giving to you for the first time. Locate as many consignment shops as you can and visit each one at least once a week. Make a list of the items in the store that you would like to purchase at a certain price. If the item is priced at or lower than that price, buy it immediately. In most cases, however, it will be priced far above what you would like to pay. So here is what you do. Tell the proprietor what you would like to buy and at what price. As months pass and the item’s price is reduced by as much as 25% per month, some of the items on your list will get to your price and the store will call for you to pick them up. But guess what happens? The proprietor often will share your price with the owner and the owner will agree to sell to you even before their item is lowered to your price. Bingo. You have just found a treasure for your inventory. Does this work? I guess I will have to share a couple of my stories to convince you.

There was a piece of Lalique priced at $695, which was way out of my range at that time but I knew I would make money if it could be purchased at $150. At my next visit, the figure was on sale at half off, bringing it down to about $350 still over my price. Then my phone rang and a voice said “Do you still want the Lalique piece?” I said “Sure and I will be right over to pick it up”. Here is what will surprise you. I knew the market for that piece and had a pretty good idea where I could sell it. Very quickly I had it sold for $850, even more than the original price the store was asking. One more item was an Indian basket that the store priced at $100. To me it was only worth $20. Leaving a bid, I was soon called to pick it up and I sold that piece at auction for over $600. Does this plan work? Yes it does and over the years it has made me tens of thousands for my bank account. Try it you will like it. 

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

Sugar Tongs – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - What?

Sugar Tongs - thanks to Flicker.com

I have written on many things but never sugar tongs. But why would I do it now? Well I have never had anyone present 16 sets at one time for me to evaluate. Going to eBay, however, I found that they must be pretty popular with collectors.

The research is going to take some time because of the widespread differences in value. A Russian one might bring thousands of dollars while the average sterling tongs might fetch $20. In this case, the person offering the lot of 16 tongs is a member of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club, so I will be doing my best to give him an accurate value on his tongs.

If I had received an email for just one pair of tongs, it wouldn't have gotten much of my attention, but 16 is a different matter. I will be contacting several collectors to see what their offers might be on the total lot. Ian is also considering posting them on our classifieds and hopefully that section will be ready at the first of the month. We are really getting excited about our classifieds after making the large sale on the Doulton plates and the napkin holders. What is so special about sugar tongs you are asking, and that is a great question. For those that have followed me for any amount of time, I have always stressed that the rare and unusual was where we wanted to be as dealers. When was the last time you had the opportunity to purchase sugar tongs? I think you just answered your own question because I don't believe that I have found a set at a house or garage sale in several years.

Remember, I believe that silver is a more important metal than gold. When you add on value for rarity, any piece of silver is apt to have a value that will allow for the buyer to make a fair amount of money when it is sold. The common patterns of sterling silverware are another matter, however, and I bid extremely low on them. I try not to bid over $4 or $5 for knives, forks and spoons unless they are rare patterns.

Our eating habits have changed dramatically since the 1800's, and if you search you will find many strange items that used to decorate the formal table that aren't used any longer. Here we go with just a list of sterling tongs: salad, ice, sardines, asparagus, serving, fish and mushroom. How many of these did you know about? To be honest, I would have to say for me, about half of them.

This blog has given me an idea and hopefully I will be able to do several more blogs on unusual dining items. The other items that I write about may not all be sterling pieces but perhaps some glass and other materials that were used on the table that you might not be familiar with. It’s midnight again so perhaps I might need to call it a night. Talk to you tomorrow. 

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

Nothing Doing – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Just one of those days.

Murphy Hill Gallery - Thanks Gretchen

Up early Saturday and back to the house sale for those half price items, right? Well, I arrived at the house but received a surprise. The place was packed again. I hope not everyone is reading my blogs but it sure seemed that way. It was that time when either I was right or wrong about the items that I had left the day before because I hoped they would still be there the next day at half price.

Because I had scouted the house the day before, it was easy to go to where I thought the items of interest would be. Boy was I wrong. The first half dozen spots were empty and when I inquired about them, the conductor, with pride, said they were sold. I could tell from his voice he was saying “You should have bought them yesterday.” Little did he known that at the prices he had marked on the items, they didn't qualify for my purchase under the rules of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club which I follow. Remember, if I can't double my money, it is no deal.

Continuing on, I even looked to see if I had missed anything the day before but no such luck. The return trip was a complete bust which usually doesn't happen. Most of my revisits end with my purchasing perhaps 50% of the items I return for, but not today. At this point should I pout and quit? I don't think so.

There is still the large bag of turquoise and silver jewelry to evaluate that a member of my church brought to me. After I have appraised the jewelry, there may be a chance that I can buy it as a group, but only after sharing with the client the other way this collection can be sold. I want to make sure that my friend and client gets the most possible out of his collection, but in most cases that is by selling it to me. The reason for that is that I know end buyers who will pay me enough to double my money. If the client chooses to sell at auction, where other dealers are the most likely buyers, then my price will usually be greater than what he would receive at the auction.

That was the end of my business day but not the end of the fun of being in this business of art and antiques. I was invited to an art show, The Murphy Hill Gallery Show, by Gretchen, one of our members whom I have written about. She was going to be one of the featured artists presenting. She also was giving a lecture on her style of painting. My friend David accompanied me to the show and I think we both were totally surprised because the space was unbelievable and the presenting artists were fantastic. I will be sharing more about the show in a few days but it was one of the most meaningful evenings that I have spent in a long time. This day was what I call turning lemons into lemonade. Thanks Gretchen. 

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

No. 4 Universal Bread Maker – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles blog – The best of the rest.

 Thanks to egi.ebay.com

It was Friday morning and I was in the mood to go “house sale-ing” so that meant getting up at 6:00 and mapping my routes. There was one sale that stood out so I put that sale at the top of my list. Knowing that I could buy several items because I had set money aside in the account to increase our inventory, I was soon out the door.

This was going to prove to be a real learning experience so I will share it with my readers. Arriving at the residence, I could feel my heart start to pump just a little faster as I prepared for the competition. Entering the packed living room, I began to scan the items that were offered. It soon dawned on me that most of the prices were extremely high, but I kept on searching. The sales company had brought in an appraiser to price the sale I think, and this is a common practice. However, the appraisers often overprice the sale to impress the sales company.

I checked out all the art and it was overpriced. I had to laugh when even unsigned prints were listed at $700 to $1000. Next there was some Doulton china, but likewise it was priced at retail, as well as all the glass. Not wanting to give up, I headed to the upstairs where only clothes were being sold. By this time I had almost written this sale off. There was still the basement and garage to search but I figured even there the prices would be out of sight. In the basement, I started the old look through every box routine. Still nothing, but on a shelf I saw a bread making machine. Taking it off the shelf, I noticed the round brass emblem that read No. 4 Universal Bread Maker awarded the Gold medal at the St. Louis exposition 1904. I knew I had to own it because I had just written about World’s Fairs. Taking it upstairs, I asked the conductor of the sale if he would take $10. He said he would take $20 which I was glad to give. My first purchase.

The rest of my time spent at this sale was looking for items that I might purchase the next day at half price and I found several of them so I will be going back. The items that may be treasures were found in the garage They are cast iron pieces that looked as if at one time they could have been inserts in a fence. They were, however, very decorative with vases of flowers and shields in the center of each panel. To the right person, I believe they could be worth $500 each but the appraiser had priced them at $150 each, which was too much for me. They were more like what the American Pickers would have bought. At $50 each, I hope they will be mine tomorrow. This ended the sale with just the one purchase. Returning home, however, and researching my bread maker, I found one very similar to mine that sold for $50 without the advertising plaque for the 1904 Expo, so I believe mine will bring at least $125. Not a fortune, but with the possibilities for tomorrow, it might not be bad.

I kept my money in my pocket for another day, made one purchase that paid for my time and hope to go back and claim some treasures there tomorrow. These are good lessons to learn.

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

Chicago's Pickard China – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog – Will add to your bank account

Thanks to the Pickard Collectors Club

 

I have mentioned Pickard China before but, with my Chicago connection, I thought that it would be good to give more information on this company and its great artists. The company was started in Wisconsin but moved to Chicago in 1895. The founder of the company was Wider L. Pickard. He wanted to create something different from what was on the market, so he solicited several artists to paint scenes and still lifes on the china blanks that he would buy mostly from Europe.

Even though Pickard is still in business today, the pieces that collectors are after were made during the period from 1900 to 1940. With the artists of Pickard, you received everything from modern design to floral and scenic scenes. Many pieces were also heavily decorated with gold. My personal favorites are the pieces, including scenic plates and vases, that use vellum decorations. Many of the Pickard artists established their own companies after leaving Pickard and you will often find wonderful pieces of their work with a label other than Pickard’s. Here is the website for the Pickard Collectors Club.

In 1995, Allen Reed, who many of us called Mr. Pickard because of his knowledge of the Pickard company, wrote a book called Collector's Encyclopedia of Pickard China. This book has a wealth of information on the artists and pictures of many special pieces. I would highly suggest you purchase Mr. Reed’s book and, with the purchase of one item made by Pickard, you will be paid back many times over for its cost.

I personally have sold many plates and vases with the vellum scenes on them for $500 plus. In fact, if you wish, I can share the names of family members of the artists who are searching for their relative’s works. At the present time, there are 13 plates by Pickard with gold trim listed for $2245, one vellum cake plate $325 and a pitcher for over $1000 that was painted by Fredrick Walters. The plate might be a bargain if it is still available.

This is one of my favorite companies and you will find that the people who collect Pickard are super friendly and willing to share information with anyone who asks. If any Pickard comes your way, contact me daryle@darylelambert.com and I will help you get top dollar for it. 

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

1933 World's Fair – Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Blog - Known as the Century of Progress

I try to bring new and exciting areas of collecting to the members of the Daryle Lambert's Antiques and Collectibles Club and one area that has tremendous followings are collections of World Fair memorabilia. This is particularly interesting to me because I live in Chicago the site of perhaps the greatest World's Fair of all times. I would like to go back in time and give you the opportunity to experience this fair for yourself.

Living in Chicago in 1933, if you drove down Lake Shore Drive, your eyes would have popped out because there was something going on that looked like it came from outer space. The sign said “Century of Progress” and it definitely had that look, with buildings painting in wild colors and huge amusement park rides everywhere. The crowd were huge with the fair attracting nearly 49,000,000 people over two years. The attendance was greater than the entire population of the city at that time, plus most of the state of Illinois.

The size of the event itself would impress you because it covered over 427 acres. If you had been in that area of Chicago on October 26,1933, you might have wondered if the country was under attack as the German airship Graf Zeppelin docked at the fair. The motto of this world fair was highly advanced for the time "Science Finds, Industry Applies, Man Conforms.” The fair also introduced the most advanced railroad engine of its time called the Zephyr which had a very eerie look that almost seemed alien. But what makes this fair really stand out was that it was entirely paid for form its own sources of revenue. Can you imagine something paying for itself without government assistance?

For those of you today that travel to south side of Chicago, there are still remnants of the fair like the Roman columns in front of Soldier Field Stadium. The Century of Progress has remained popular with collectors for 75 years and it doesn't seem to be losing any of its appeal. If you would like to read more on the Century of Progress go to the this website 1933 World Fair. Chicago was in the running for the Olympics this year but unfortunately it was not to be and the city of Chicago will have to wait many years for the opportunity to host the world.

Just to give you a small sample of World Fair memorabilia that is collected, a 1 ½ by 2 inch Boy Scout patch with 1933 Century of Progress on it $1,199, Century of Progress still bank $1,133, 1934 World Fair Bus $637, Century of Progress coverlet $300 and a 1934 ticket $150. You can see these items have appreciated over the years and there are hundreds of other items that the collectors are eagerly searching for.

I will continue to write on places and events around Chicago that give the dealers and collectors the opportunity to make money or increase the size of their collections which are both fun and profitable.

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