Hummel's Discontinued

Hummel's Discontinued



This is of no surprise to me and it shouldn't be to you. I have been saying this was going to happen for over a year. Even if someone does take over the manufacturing of these cute little figures it won't be the same and the prices will have to drop tremendously for them to sell. When I began to see examples of the Hummel figurines that listed in the price guide for $500 selling as low as $75, I knew there was a crisis coming for the collector.

I have written about the couple that had a collection valued at $250,000 by the guide, sat aside, for their retirement that today would not bring $35,000. You may have thought that your portfolio has dropped in value over the last six months but I would say you're lucky compared to this couple.

But don't despair there may be a silver lining here. “ How could that be” well, let me tell you. The true collectors are still there but they will be looking for only the best and at better prices than in the past. This is where you come in because as prices drop people will sell the rare and the ordinary for near the same price giving you a great opportunity to cash in if you know the difference. In the future, only the Crown and Full Bee Hummels will really command prices that will put money into your pocket. For this reason, I would advise you to buy nothing below these marks unless by purchasing a whole collection it even brings the price you pay for the rare ones even lower.

My rule until I finally quit buying the Hummels was 25% of the book but today I would lower that to 10-15 %. You may think that this is to low but I guarantee you that they can be purchased at this price today. This would be a great time to advertise for Hummel collections because a few thousand dollars could go a long ways in purchasing a hundred or more of these today and this would assure you of a nifty profit when they are all sold.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008
PRODUCTION OF HUMMEL FIGURINES TO STOP SOON

PRODUCTION OF HUMMEL FIGURINES TO STOP SOON
Goebel Germany is stopping production of Hummel figurines on October 31, 2008. Demand has dropped to one third of expected sales. They will sell the figurines as long as they have supplies. We spoke to Carrie Kulak, the American media contact, and she said the 2008 International Club Convention in Germany October, 17th and 18th is cancelled. An announcement will be made in Germany at a special event on the 18th about the "solution" to the question "will there be more Hummels?" We are sure the rights to make the figurines will go to another manufacturer. Will prices for old Hummels go up or down? What do you think?

Posted by Ralph and Terry Kovel at 3:33 PM
Labels: Goebel Germany, Hummels


Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com
Posted by Daryle Lambert at 5:06 AM

Obama Memorabilia - A Big Deal

31 Club’s main goal is to help our members make money, and we do this trading in antiques, fine art and collectibles. If you are looking for a way to make up for your stock market losses, this is the place to roll up your sleeves and get to work, especially in the next few weeks before the election. So if you haven’t joined with us yet, why not do that now.

Why are the next few weeks important? In previous blogs, I’ve written about the historical significance of this election. I’ve even written that this election might compare, historically, with the election of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I’m repeating this again, because after last night’s debate, it’s my prediction that Barak Obama will be our new President. In the world of political memorabilia, this is a big deal.

I don’t make my prediction lightly. Obama’s plans for this country are 180 degrees from where I think the country should go, but after tuning in to the debate, it seemed to me that McCain just wasn’t up to the task of selling his plan to a country thirsty for change. Watching the demise of a man who has given so much of his blood, sweat and tears to this country, and whose courage, sacrifice and perseverance I have long admired was a difficult thing. McCain looked tired and used the same tired lines and catch phrases he’s used in the past. Somehow, I was hoping for more.

But, in this country, the majority rules and every man’s vote should count. Part of the beauty of how this country is governed is that it gives a new president four years to lead, and after that time, he can be replaced if the electorate isn’t satisfied. Yes, Obama will be my next President, and I wish him well. He will have the weight of the world on his shoulders, and I ask for God’s wisdom and strength to guard him. My only hope is that our country can become that shining light on the hill.

So, if you didn’t take a truck to the convention to fill up on anything and everything Obama, now there's only have a few more weeks to buy everything you can find that’s connected to Barak Obama. Everything that pertains to him will increase in value ten fold over the next couple of years. Obama’s signature on almost anything will become a true treasure, and collectors will be searching high and low for these items. Can you find a signed copy of his books? In only a matter of years, it will command thousands of dollars. Just take a look at what the Obey-Giant Obama Posters have already sold for on eBay.

Your parents and your teachers probably told you all your life that timing is everything. Well, they were right, and this is one of those rare moments.

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com

New Treasures Uncovered Following Financial Market Fallout

Several photos of a gold gilded compote with a glass insert came to me in my e-mail yesterday. The bottom mark read Pairpoint. While I’ve seen many pieces from this company before, I’d never seen one like this before. One particular photo really got my attention, because it was shot under a black light. You might wonder why the woman who sent me these photos shot it under a black light, but if you’ve kept up with my blogs, you would already know the answer. You see, under these lights, the glass insert gave off a fluorescent glow because it’s Vaseline Glass. This is a great way to test for Vaseline Glass, or simply take it into a dark closet.

As the financial markets continue to girate, I’m getting calls from people looking to sell some of the valuable items they’ve collected, like the Harvey Joiner painting I was called on. This is a large one, measuring 17” x 27” in a G.W. Baker frame. The sellers asking price was a little rich for my blood, but now I know who has it, should the right customer come along from my end. It’s important to keep track of the items you pass by, especially because of price. You never know when you’ll cross paths with someone who’d be the perfect customer for a piece like that, or what circumstances might cause the seller to accept a different offer.

Cindy and I have listed the new pieces 31 Club members have sent us, and they are now for sale in the gallery and marketplace. If you haven’t taken a look at what we have yet, why not do that now? You might just see something a customer has asked you to watch for, or you might find a nice Holiday Gift for someone very special.

Paintings in our gallery are getting tremendous exposure through Askart, and we are getting tremendous viewer response. This is just one of many features this club is bringing you at no cost to its members. The fee for the full line of services on Askart is over $200 per month, and you have full use of them by simply emailing us at info@31corp.com. Through our subscription on Askart, you’ll be privy to the most recent auction prices on a particular artist. Kind of like a real estate comparable the realtors use when determining the value of your house.

We’ve always got an open line to our members, so if you have any questions, or just want to call to say “hey”, don’t hesitate to do so.

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com

Stemware Right Under Your Nose

Tiffany Favrile Ribbed Glass Stemware Service, circa 1901, recently sold on eBay for $4,500.



Most companies conducting a house sale or estate sale will put their better items in showcases, in the dining room hutch, or on a table in the living room close to the check out. This way, they think these items are more secure and less likely to be damaged. So, this is where I usually look first. I check for the more rare and expensive art glass items, figurines that might catch my eye, and good artwork. Often times, I’ve left empty handed. However, recently I found a way to make leaving empty handed a less likely occurrence.

You see, now I know I may have been passing up fine treasures in the area of stemware because of my lack of experience in these items. Little did I know that some stemware can command prices equal to the finest art glass. This really adds up when there is from twelve to fifty pieces of the same pattern being offered in stemware and accessories. When you figure the potential profit per piece from $20 to $100 each, for example, you can see that a nifty profit can be had. Until I realized that stemware could make the day for me, I would have passed on these treasures. I seldom attend a sale without seeing groups of fine stemware being offered and this has now opened up a new avenue for me.

One stemware winner that has appeared on eBay recently is a set of Tiffany stemware that sold for $4,500. The set included nineteen stemmed pieces, each one bringing in over $230 apiece. I have no doubt that the seller had less than 30% of that price in as his investment. If my math is right, his profit should have been almost $3,000.

Baccarat, Moser, Gorham, Waterford and Orrefors are just a few of the better names in stemware you might watch for, because they all can make you serious money when you buy them right. What I like about these items is that there is a ready market, even if you choose to use eBay to sell them. Regular auctions can be a great outlet to sell, and now you have the opportunity to use the 31 Marketplace with its extremely low fees to sell as well. The sale of stemware should almost be immediate, and your investment plus profit will be back in your account to use for your next purchases.

Look where other eyes pass over the obvious and be willing to continually learn more. By doing this, your bank account will be greatly enhanced.

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com

Don't Make Compromises When Buying Art in This Economy

Picasso reproduction print, pencil signed by the artist, is offered at 31 Club Gallery.

I’ve recently been bombarded with people wanting to sell me some of the best works of art and glass I’ve seen in many years. Salinas, Wood, Joiner and Sawyier are just a few of those that have come across my desk. I haven’t been able to purchase all the great works of art I’m seeing, because the asking prices are simply too high. But that’s okay. We are in the business of dealing in the rare and unusual, because that’s where we can make the most money today. We have that opportunity now and can be selective during this turbulent economic time. It’s important to be disciplined and use control now in your spending.

Along with some of these fine pieces of art, there’s been a great increase in the number of prints such lithographs, serigraphs and other printing techniques that are being offered to me. At this time, I have very little interest in prints. One of the rare exceptions are wood block prints, because I consider these almost the same as originals. I share this with you because when markets are first elevated, people look for substitutes for originals. These are more readily affordable. At the peak of a market, prints of leading artists can command high prices, but as the market stabilizes and cash is more readily available once again, prints quickly drop in price. In fact, I would state today that most prints will only command decorator prices, and you should give them very little value as a piece of art. Even the most sought after pieces will decline in value if this economy continues to decline.

Having said that, my advise to you is to buy prints only if you can obtain them for less than it could cost to frame them. Today, having a print framed will usually exceed $200 if the piece is matted properly and the frame isn’t from a big box store. I’d be hard pressed to buy a print for over $100 unless it was signed and numbered by a leading artist. Picasso would be an example of where I’d bend my rule.

With the real thing in art, it is almost impossible for the piece to lose its entire value, regardless of the economy, and at times it even makes sense to restore a damaged piece. Not so with prints. They can lose their value quite rapidly, and if you damage a print, it can send its value to nothing. You see, paper items tend to be more likely to get damaged by too much sunlight, and water is often a villain in a print's demise. Prints damaged by water or sunlight often have very little value. Watch for the real thing during this economic turn down, and buy it if you can.

Spend money wisely, and the results will speak for themselves.

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com

Law Enforcement Memorabilia

Bonnie & Clyde 1934 FBI Wanted Poster sold on eBay for $294

A little boy or little girl lives in all of us, and I was reminded of this when my grandson told me he wanted to enter the police academy after graduating from college. He has a deep desire to help other people, he told me. I took a step back and reflected on this decision, and I realized that while I work with a lot of people individually and through the church, I am always aware of my surroundings and feel completely safe. My grandson isn’t thinking about his own safety, but rather the help he could give others. I used to feel like that as a youngster. I wonder where those feelings went. In a way, I feel ashamed I’ve lost them. So, do these ramblings today have anything to do with antiques, collectibles or fine art. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know they do.

It’s good to revisit the past lives we’ve lived from time to time. One of the first rules I shared with my members was to go back into your past and consider the items from that time. Over the years, many of these items have become sought after and valuable. I began to recall the days I spent hours chasing my buddies in a game of cops and robbers. I collected comics about the police and was so inspired by the test of character they went through over life and death situations. Many of my hours were spent glued to the TV watching shows like Dragnet and Starsky & Hutch.

Law Enforcement Memorabilia is an unlimited and fruitful field for the true collector. If you can find some of these items, there is a collector out there who’d be grateful you’ve found that special piece for him. There are so many items that represent this area that I couldn’t possibly list them all, so I’ll mention just a few. How about badges and uniforms? Badges from certain cities can bring huge dollars, but these don’t even compare to the badges from the Wild West and Texas Ranger Badges. Signatures of the good buys as well as the bad guys can bring thousands, and old wanted posters are collected by many. Photos of people running from the law when they got shot are on most law enforcement collectors’ wish lists.

Board Games that can probably be found thrown in with worthless games at almost any garage or estate sale can be bought for a song. Tin Toys from Japan and Cast Iron cars and Motorcycles can bring thousands.

When you remember that little boy or girl who lives within you and you may stumble upon an area of the antique and collectible world you have a true passion for. The time spent writing this blog today has given me such a wonderful gift today as the images of my friend dressed up in his new sheriff’s outfit come up as if they were splashed across a movie screen. I can see how proud he was to be wearing that shiny badge on his chest, carrying those two six shooters at his side. The days of calling him and reminiscing about our youthful days is long gone, but for today, this momentary visit to the past fills my heart with great joy.

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com

Antiques & Fine Art Market Forecast: It's Opportunity Time for Collectors & Dealers

If you like Porfirio Salinas, take a look at William A. Slaughter.

My phone is continuing to ring off the hook with people desperate to sell their belongings because they need cash, or they think they might. This flurry of phone calls might be based on fear – the fear of not knowing what the value of their savings and property will be if this economy continues its downward spiral. The market is changing, and as buyers and sellers of antiques and fine art, we need to adjust our way of doing business to handle the change. This isn't a "bad" thing. I call this time, "Oportunity Time."

It's opportunity time for those of us in this business and for those collectors who have the cash to buy. I’m not saying we should hurry on out to spend our money. It’s opportunity only if we are diligent in our hunt for treasure and select the very best. When we find it, we should take the chance and offer a price that will best assure a substantial profit. I’m not suggesting we be unfair, but rather take into consideration how long it might take to sell that item at the price we’ll need and to consider if it doesn’t sell at that price, how much further we might have to drop the price days or months down the road to move it. These are very uncertain times, and when we’re buying now, we’re taking a substantial risk. That risk needs figure into our offer. Merchandise is only as valuable as the price someone will pay for it. And, right now, it's anybody's guess what will be a week, a month, or six months from now. By all means, adjust offers to the present market conditions, weighing the risk carefully. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how much a Mark Rothko painting or an Andy Warhol will sell for today, in light of this Wall Street fiasco. Whoever has cash, can become king of the hill.

This week, a woman who has a wonderful Porfirio Salinas Texas Bluebonnet painting, called looking to sell it. I asked her what she thought the painting was worth. She told me,“$25,000." She might have been correct a little while back, but not today. The last Salinas, same size as hers, sold for $16,000, and that is a new listed figure. After commissions, the most she could expect would be about $12,000. I explained this to her, and I gave her another place to check further. I haven’t heard back from her yet, but I’m certain I will.

The only way that painting will bring more than $12,000 is at auction. In that scenario, the wait will be several months, and by then, there is no telling what market conditions we will be facing. I just happen to have a buyer interested in purchasing a Porfirio Salinas. At the right price, I could sell the painting very quickly, and she could have cash in hand.

You might be asking, “Why not pay a little more for the painting and be sure that you get it?” Here’s why: The next call might be an even better opportunity, so why should I hurry to spend my money? Then, Bingo! The next call was from a person who has some of the best Lotton Glass I’ve ever seen. If the price is right, I will buy it.

When we are dealing in upper end items in the Antiques and Fine Art Markets, it doesn’t take too much of an effort to tie up a considerable amount of money. The rewards in this business can make our lives a lot easier, but we need to be wise in our spending. Always keep track of where you are money-wise. Know what you can commit and what the risks are. And remember – there is always the Associate Program available to 31 Club members if you find a treasure but don’t have the funds to buy it yourself.

There is a large amount of quality items likely coming to market in the days ahead. I already see some of it coming. At this time, we might not need to spend so much time trying to find items that others have missed. This present and coming market will allow us to pick and choose what we want to buy, and at the price we want to pay. It’s looking like a buyer’s market in the making. Our prices should be adjusted accordingly. Don’t make an offer unless you seriously intend to purchase the item. The seller just might surprise you and say “sold,” and you’ll need to buy. Remember the rules in which we conduct our business. If you need a reminder, it’s in our club guide book - “31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles.”

Treasure Hunters:

You Find It.
We Buy & Sell It.
You Net 35%.

Partner Up with 31 Club on High Quality Treasures You Find. We Do the Rest!!

Sellers:

Sell Your High Quality Items for LOW FEES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.
Keep More of Your Money.

Buyers:

Buy High Quality Items for FAIR PRICES
at 31 Gallery & Marketplace.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Professionals
Making More Money than they Thought Possible.

Daryle's 220 Page Book,
31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your Membership.
Plus You Get FREE MENTORING with Daryle.
Join Today!

Or E-Mail us at info@31corp.com