In this article I have explained a few techniques on how to date and test for authenticity of antiques using a black light. Black lights produce Ultra Violet (UV). Many materials fluoresce under ultraviolet lighting producing colors or light that our eyes can see, and making things that might go undetected visible to us. Some clues to age or telltale signs of repair are not easily visible to the naked eye, but will fluoresce under ultraviolet light (black light). Continue reading ››

When buying antiques you want to be confident and knowledgeable. In this article i have covered 10 things you can do to help protect yourself and to find a few good bargains at the same time when buying Antiques or Collectibles. 1. Always Negotiate the price Many dealers will have a code marked somewhere on the antique that you’re interested in. This marking tells them exactly how low they can go on the price. For example X20 or X45 could mean the amount they will discount the price. or this maybe their bottom price. Use your own judgment and always ask. Continue reading ››

I have put together a list of the most popular antiques in regards to what sells good, what retains their value well etc from the broader antique market. This article covers a small sampling of the myriad of antiques you can find on the market but should be enough to give you a very good idea of whats going on in the antique market. Antique Silver Antique silver has always been one of the hottest sellers on the antique market retaining it's value over the years. Silver has seen a recent boom over the past few years with the increase in the price for silver. Unfortunately this leads to antique silver getting melted and sold for scrap. Individual pieces of silver such as antique silver-plated serving forks are  very popular. There  are two main categories of antique silver. Continue reading ››

This is a Hummel figurines and collectibles suggested retail price and estimated auction (fair market value) price guide. Use this chart to find out the value of your Hummel. Find your Hummel in this chart to determine the Suggested Retail Price and estimated Auction (Fair Market Value) Price. Hummel Price Guide Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart (Opens the link in a new window) Download the Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart in PDF format (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file) Continue reading ››

Facts about Roseville. In this article I will talk about some interesting facts about Roseville Pottery Company. I will also cover the value and how to tell the difference between a fake and a reproduction. Roseville used many different marks throughout the years. These marks can be used to help determine the age. Most all Roseville pieces and patterns are very collectible. Collectors look for pieces that are in mint-very good condition. Even the most common pieces of Roseville have high auction value. Reproductions do cause problems for new collectors who have not handled many Roseville pieces, but most reproductions are easily recognized by avid collectors. Continue reading ››

There are many avenues to sell your antiques and collectibles; private sells, auction houses, eBay, antique brokers etc. In this article I have compared between the auction house and eBay. I have presented the pros and cons of both the Auction house and eBay. Who will see your antiques or collectibles? In an auction house your antique or collectible will be seen by buyers that are there specifically for that type of item. Most auction houses advertise world wide through there mailing list, brokers, internet based auction proxy such as live auctioneers, live auctions, and proxy bid to name a few (They advertise on your behalf for your product too). Continue reading ››

In 1887 Justus Seeburg started his career in the piano industry. He spent these years in the Chicago-land area. The first company Seeburg worked for was C.A. Smith this later became Smith, Barnes, and Strohber.  Seeburg then went and worked for Bush and Gertz. After Bush and Gertz he became the manager of the Conover Piano manufacturing facility of the Chicago Cottage Organ Company. Continue reading ››

Joshua Lionel Cowen, born August 25, 1877 in New York City, started his toy train enterprise in the late 1900’s. Lionel's dominated the toy train market from day on and still does to this day. This was mainly due to Cowen’s personality and engineering skills. Cowen also had excellent marketing skills for his trains. One of the major marketing tools used by Lionel was the color catalogs they produced annually . Continue reading ››

The Victor -VVX (25) was also called the “School House Phonograph”. The Victor XXV was intended to be used in schoolhouses. This phonograph was build to withstand rough use and could be moved with ease. The Victor XXV was made of basic oak. A lockable lid was also included to prevent little hands from damaging the tone arm and turntable. The early Victor VVX phonographs had a non-removable lid. This was soon replaced with a more convenient lid that could be removed and hung from the back of the phonograph. Other design upgrades soon followed. One of these upgrades was the ability to store the horn under the phonograph using a hinge system. This phonograph also has a pull out self that could be used for temporary storage for phonograph records. Continue reading ››

Hummel Figurines have been a part of many peoples lives over the year. There is a Hummel Figurine out there for almost every occasion; starting from "A Flower For You" to "Zealous Xylophonist". Boys and girls doing everyday duties from picking apples to delivering letters. I remember the Hummel Figurines that where always on the shelf just out of my reach when I was a little kid running around grandma’s house. Now you may want to find out the age of the Hummel Figurine you remember so fondly. Continue reading ››