"Proud of Your School" - Daryle Lambert – Name of School Can Mean Money.

Notre Dame - Thanks to www.gnu-bee.com

I was just wondering what the name of a school could be worth? Are you a graduate of a college that the public easily recognizes? If so, this could put money in your pocket. You may just be a follower of the school's sports programs and want to have a collection that represents its sports history. You wouldn't be alone. There are many collectors that specialize in these schools' sports memorabilia.

Let's take Notre Dame for instance. Who doesn't know the name of the Rockne. Knute Rockne, I mean. He was perhaps the greatest coach of all time. Yes Notre Dame had other great coaches such as Ara Parsegion, Lou Holtz and also great players like the Four Horsemen but who can forget the Gipper speech? George Gipp was a player for Notre Dame under Knute Rockne and at half time, when they were in trouble, Rockne gave a speech and in it said, "Let's win one for the Gipper." This has to rank right up there with one of the greatest sayings ever in sports history.

Why have I told you all of this? It is because of the history of this school that almost anything associated with it is collectible and will bring big money from the collector. Let's just mention a few items to look for that represent Notre Dame: signatures, helmets, jerseys, programs, photos, footballs, banners, rings, flags and so many other items that it would just take me too long to list them. You can be sure that if you find any item associated with this school or its players there is someone wanting to add it to their collection.

There are other great schools that have traditions that transcend the norm and a few of them are the University of Kentucky in basketball with their bigger than life coach Adolph Rupp, UCLA and their coach John Wooden, Duke and North Carolina with their successful programs and the list goes on and on. As a member of the 31 Club you can build your entire business on items from the schools mentioned above and their players. This market has already been created and you can join it at any time.

The greatest thing about being a dealer in items from your favorite school is that the market is wide open. For instance the Heritage sports auctions would be more than glad to auction anything that you run across and they have an excellent following. There are many other auctions that specialize in these items and they can be found by searching the internet.

It is great to watch sporting events but I prefer to make money from dealing in items from the greatest sports events of our time rather than just being a couch potato.

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"What Can You Get For a Dollar?" - Daryle Lambert – A Lot.

Is this a Treasure ? - Thanks to www.forums.civfantics.com

I have found that reading the articles in the trade paper has become of little interest to me and they seem to all become blurs in my mind in a relatively short time. Unless there is information in these articles that increases my knowledge, it seems to almost be a futile effort on my part and a waste of time reading them. But there are articles that I still enjoy and these stories usually contain examples of where someone has found a true treasure that others have overlooked.

Here is a story that I would like to share with you that I received just this week. One of our readers was shopping at a local flea market and spotted a Rookwood Standard glaze vase sitting on an outside table. Hurrying over to where the vase was being offered, another gentleman arrived at the same time. The question was asked, "What is the price of this piece?" "$1.50 if that isn't too much", came the answer. As the story was related to me our member and the other gentleman lunged for the vase but the gentleman was the successful one. Trying to negotiate a deal with the successful buyer to purchase the vase from him, our reader offered a price of $125 for the vase but it was quickly rejected and my friend stated that it was just another one that got away.

You are asking about the true value right? Well after researching it I believe that a conservative value would be $350. Here is the point of this little story. There are many dealers that would have paid $300 for the vase hoping to receive $50 profit on it but to me that isn't finding a treasure but merely being a buyer. I want us to be treasure hunters and that way the excitement will always stay fresh with us and we will never burn out like people that are just working at a job. Remember I have stated many times that if what we're doing isn't fun and profitable don't do it, because life is too short.

If you have been with me for awhile you will remember the story where I bought a Saturday Evening Girls' plate for 25 cents and sold it for $375 on eBay. Now that was a treasure. Yes, a dollar treasure can be more satisfying to you than the 10% profit that some dealers are satisfied with on their transactions.

By using our skills in buying, we protect ourselves from the few mistakes that we make. It is obvious that both these sales far exceeded our 25% rule (We at the 31 Club try to buy our items at 25% of their retail value) and therefore would be classified as treasures.

Yes, it is easy to share with you the stories of $1000 plus profit on a transaction, but they don't all qualify as "satisfying" just because of the amount of the transaction. I have forgotten many great stories of where I made considerable amounts of money but I will never forget about that SEG plate. The story behind the plate makes it a true treasure find for me and you can bet I will be sharing it with my grandchildren if God gives me the opportunity. Yes, a dollar can still make life exciting.

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"New Treasure for You" - Daryle Lambert – E. Radford Pottery.

Edward Radford Vases

I have found that this business of Antiques and Collectibles never gets dull. About the time I feel comfortable that I know most of what I want to search for in my quest for treasure, up springs a surprise. This happened this weekend at a house sale.

Getting there late about 12:00 I encountered something totally new for me. They had closed the sale for 15 minutes and then it was going to reopen with all sales at ½ price. The people standing in line were as surprised as me because they had never heard of this practice either. In fact some in the line got rather irritated. I decided to try it even though my patience was thin at the time.

Entering the home I found very little of interest, as I had expected, but there by the cashier was a vase that looked like Weller or Roseville if you were comparing the vase to a piece of American pottery. It was about 9 “ high and 4 “ across with a floral decoration across its middle. I couldn't stop myself from picking it up since the tag read $32 and now it would cost only $16. Turning it over to expose the bottom I found something that I hadn't expected. The mark read E. Radford England printed in blue with a very distinctive appearance. I was in a quandary. Should I or shouldn't I purchase it for the $16, since I knew nothing about it? Not buying it won out and later I found out what a mistake I had made. This vase could very easily been worth $300 to $500.

I believe you know the practice by now. When I don't know something I usually call Warner or Cecil. This time, because it was pottery, I called Cecil and sure enough he had the answer, "Radford Pottery made in Ohio". Yes there is a Radford pottery in Ohio but not the E. Radford Pottery that made this vase. I can't recall when Cecil was wrong before. But this time he was, so I began to research on my own and here is the result.

Edward Radford Jr. was the son of Edward Radford Sr. from England. Senior worked for Wedgwood and Pilkington potteries. His son was born in 1883 and joined him at Pilkington in 1905. After the war around 1930, the son formed the Radford Handcraft Pottery which is the company that I am telling our members of the 31 Club to keep their eye out for. He primarily made hand thrown vases, jugs and bowls in a matte finish. Most of his production was floral but he also made some very rare scenic pieces with trees. He died in 1965.

Rather than trying to tell you about all of his production, I found a site that I would like to direct you to E. Radford pottery. Be sure to spend some time on this site and familiarize yourself with Mr. Radford's work. The rarer pieces can be rewarding to the finder.

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“Warning That Can Save You Money" Daryle Lambert – Be selective as you have never been before.

The Lambert's Wish You Success

Some of the 31 Club Members are beginning to scale the higher levels of purchasing power through the compounding of funds and it is time to issue them a stern warning. Yes, the higher end of the Antique and Fine Art markets is where the real money will be made in this market, but haste can make waste. Remember, we are not in any hurry to reach our goals and the rules for the club members are to try to compound your money at least twice a year. So there is no need to rush and make mistakes when you need make only two purchases and sales a year.

Here is some great advice for those individuals who are purchasing items with prices over $1000. Don't guess or assume that just because a certain item brought big money last year it will again this year. Prices have changed dramatically and you need to be aware of this. With the higher end items today you can make mistakes that will take you a long time to work out of if you aren't cautious. Be sure to take the time necessary to know what the item you are purchasing should bring in today's market. Even if it takes leaving the item where you found it and then returning after you have assured yourself of its value.

Many have asked me why the 25% rule [purchase your items at 25% of the retail value] is so important. Let me share with you where it has saved me big time. I purchased several pieces of Roseville pottery for about 4 or 5 thousand dollars. At that time I thought they should easily have brought 15 thousand or more as in years past. To date, I have only sold one of the pieces at what I paid for it and I am hoping to make a little bit of money with the rest. What would have happened if I had paid even 50% of the retail? I will let you answer that. I sent a Rookwood lamp to Cincinnati Art Gallery's auction with a $3500 to $4500 estimate that was placed there by the auction house. It didn't sell but, thankfully, I only had a fraction of the amount invested so I still will not lose money. William and I purchased a painting for $600 that was shipped to Christie's where they gave it a $5000 – $7000 estimate. It didn't sell and has been re-entered at $3000, so there is still profit to be made if it sells this time, thank goodness.

I try faithfully to stick closely to the rule about buying prices and this has kept me in the business when others have failed. I wonder every day where those people are that told me I was foolish and they worked on 10% margins. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that most of them are no longer in the antique and fine art business. This may be a great time to re-read the "31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and Collectibles" because the truth is between the cover and back page of those 224 pages and even the best of us need a little refresher now and again.

***** We are finally making progress on the future developments to our site but in the meantime there may be a few glitches. I know that the Gallery, Million Dollar Race and Archives are not functioning but they will be back soon and even better than before. Patience is mine saith the Lord and I have to admit that my patience have been sorely tested over the last few months but I hear the cavalry coming. God Bless. ******

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“Birds of Spring Can Make You Money" Daryle Lambert – Remember who was released to spot dry land in the Bible? A bird.

Heade Hummingbird - Thanks to www.oceansbridge.com

Old Noah knew who his friends were and when he released the doves they spotted dry land and didn't return to the ark. Since that time the bird has been man's friend throughout our history. But how can this make the members of the 31 Club money?

To start let's consider jewelry. There is perhaps no subject more visible than birds in the jewelry market. Gold and silver pins of birds with eyes and feathers of precious stone adorn the most fashionable ladies' coats and blouses today. How often do you see a necklace with a beautiful hummingbird or a parrot being featured? These exquisite items can cost from a few hundred to over a million dollars and are designed by the leading design studios in the world. I had a friend that found a 24 karat gold pin with real diamonds, rubies and sapphires in a box lot of costume jewelry, so it still can happen and maybe it will to you.

But what other bird items bring good money, I hear you asking? How about painting and prints of birds? One of the greatest print makers in history was John W. Audubon. The thing to remember about his prints is that there were just two original sizes. First the elephant portfolio which were 26 1/2 x 39 1/2 inches and then the book page size 11 by 7 inches. Later additions can come in all sizes but they have very little value. If a print is trimmed from the original size it takes a tremendous amount of its value away. But what could an Audubon print be worth? Hold your hat because they range from a few hundred to over hundred thousand dollars. The Wild Turkey used to be the most valuable but I think today it might have been replaced by the Blue Huron.

Paintings are another thing all together. These paintings of birds are usually valued by the reputation of the artist. Remember the story I shared with you about the young man I know that bought a painting from a lady for $25 because he felt sorry for her and did nothing with it for many years. One day he decided to try his hand at cleaning it and discovered that it may have value, so he sent it to Christies and it proved to be by Martin Heade and sold for over $675,000. Sporting paintings of Quail, Pheasants and Ducks also bring unexpected rewards in these markets.

These two areas of collecting bird items barely scratch the surface, however. There are French and German music boxes that feature little birds with real feathers that I have seen bring $5000 or more, antique birdhouses selling in the hundreds of dollars, bronze statues bringing $25,000 or more and these are still just a start to the items featuring birds that you will find.

When you hear the beautiful songs produced by the birds in your yard you will know why they bring so much joy to people. If you have never watched as a hummingbird feeds itself from a feeder you have missed one of the true pleasure that you can have today. Yes, the birds do represent something special in God's creation.

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“Mother's Day" - Daryle Lambert – Nothing else really need be said.

You Only Have One Rose

I would just like to ask all the readers whether they are mothers or have a mother to take the day off in honor of this special event that we celebrate once a year. My mother is 90 years old and she never fails to tell me that her children are the most important things in her life. I know, as her eldest son, that there is no way I can do justice to her for all that she has given me. From the early days when she would tend to my scrapes and bruises, till today when I need encouragement and she is always there, I just want to say to my mom thanks for always being there for me. God knew what he was doing when he selected you to be my "MOM.”

Next, I would like to share with you the most wonderful lady in the world, my Vickie, who is the mother of our 10 year old son Joshua. In the Bible, God told a lady she was going to have a son even at her advanced age. She laughed but God knew the truth. Some of the time I feel like that when I think of what God provided for me. I was 58 and Vickie was 40 when our son was born. I don't believe that God could have given me a greater blessing.

The Bible tells of the pain of childbirth but I have never heard of a woman that wouldn't do it all over again for her children. Yes, we as men have a special place in God's heart, but I doubt that it compares to the love he has for mothers. For far too long mothers have been the unsung heroes but not on this day. Let's ask that all the bells in heaven will ring for mothers today.

Be sure that you call, visit and communicate any other way you can with your mother. Yes, some of your mothers may have passed on but if you offer up a prayer for them, I promise you they will hear it. Nothing that is could be without mothers. Their endless work is never completed but they continue to do it unselfishly.

Here is just a little poem I found on the Internet :

Another Mother's Day is here, Bringing joy and pleasures new, On this special day, Mother dear, I want to remember you. I cannot give you costly gifts, And I've told you this before, No matter what I give to you, You give back much, much more. I'm giving you a pure, sweet rose, Gathered in the early morn, This rose you planted in my heart, The day that I was born. In kindly, loving thoughts of you, And with the faith you still impart, The rose I give to you today, Is the love that's in my heart.

Be thankful this day that God knew who would be the perfect mother for you.

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“Some Men Rise to the Top” - By Daryle Lambert – Jack Kemp was one of those men.

The Real Thing

I have had an interest in sports from my earliest years and can rattle off statistics from the early 50's to the present day, but few men have had the impact on me that Jack Kemp has had. He was the true competitor in whatever he entered into, and after you challenged him you knew you were in for a real battle.

It is with great honor that I suggest that any member of the 31 Club that searches for memorabilia featuring Mister Kemp will be rewarded while researching the life of this man. He was the definition of what a true American should be. Yes, I think that anything bearing his name will became a valuable collectible, but in this case the dollars are only the secondary value, the first is that by owning them you honor this great patriot.

Let's just look at a few facts concerning his life. There is no doubt he was a gifted athlete playing quarterback for both the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills over a period of 13 years. Chosen captain on both teams, he proved his leadership ability. He is in the American Football Hall of Fame. He lead the Buffalo Bills to two American Football League Conference championships in 1964 and 1965. In 1965 he was chosen player of the year by the League.

But Jack Kemp knew that there was a life for him after football, so he entered politics where he was in the United House of Representatives for 18 years. I personally had the pleasure of meeting him on numerous occasions and there is no doubt he was always a true gentleman. After my Dad's death Jack was a true friend of my mothers and often encouraged her when she was sad. Jack was one of those rare individuals that never got the big head with his success and had a wonderful marriage of fifty years to his college sweetheart. Both members of his own party as well as the opposing party respected his judgment and conviction. Jack Kemp left a great and honorable legacy and he will long be remembered in the halls of Congress.

There are many things that I could suggest you look out for that bear his name or picture but I will list just a few. Early football cards, programs where he is listed as quarterback, advertising, jerseys, posters, signed helmets, photos and signed footballs. These are important to those of us that love sports but his real contribution was to his country and the service he gave to it. Just think of all the items that cover his life while he was in the political spectrum. I won't try to list all of them but your imagination will help you there. No! When I think of Jack it won't be about what the items just discussed are worth, but about the true worth of the man. God Speed, Jack Kemp.

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