Antique Collectibles From Cameo Doll Company

Founded in 1922, Cameo Doll Company primarily produced wooden dolls but they also created dolls made of bisque, vinyl, hard plastic, and celluloid. Most of the designs were made by Joseph Kallus who also designed for other doll manufacturers such as Effanbee Corporation and Ideal Novelty and Toy Company. Cameo was also the manufacturer of Kewpie dolls made in the US. The Cameo Company was acquired by Strombecker Corporation in the 1970's and the operation was relocated to Chicago.

The first few batches of Cameo dolls did not bear any of their labels but doll made later were marked on their heads, back, or feet with "Cameo". In 1971, they have also added on their label the tag S71. Some collectible dolls from Cameo are as follows:

1. Kewpie (1909) - The baby doll was designed by Rose O'Neill which was initially produced in Ohrdruf Germany. The Kewpie dolls made by Cameo measured 2 ½ to 12 inches and bear a read heart paper label on its chest with the marking of its patent. Some also had the signature of O'Neill on their foot. The character doll was characterized by its side glancing eyes, molded and painted hair, pursed smiling mouth, legs are molded together while the shoulders are jointed.
2. Baby Bundie (1921 t0 1925) - The first Baby Bundie dolls were first made by the Rex Doll Company in 1918 and then by Mutual Doll Company from 1919 to 1921. But in 1921, Cameo started producing these dolls and these were still designed by Joseph Kallus.
3. Wooden Dolls from 1929 to 1940's (Bandy, Pete the Pup, Superman, Ginger, Feliz the Cat, Popeye) -  The wooden segmented dolls became one of Cameo's popular creations and its height usually ranges from 9 inches to 16 inches. It is composed of a hard wooden body and head with a paper label on its chest.
4. Affectionately Peanut (1958) - Measuring 18.5 inches, Peanut is an all-vinyl doll came with a Kewpie Playmate with features such as sleep eyes, drink-wet, and real eye lashes. The doll also coos when squeezed and cries when her legs are pinched. This model was also a reissue from the 1930's original Peanut yet its head is fashioned after the 1956 doll called Dyp-A-Babe.
5. Ho Ho (1965) -  Probably one of the most sought after collection, this 7-inch tall doll was the last that was design created by Rose O' Neill in the 1940's. The doll is composed of soft vinyl with a squeaker feature and looks like a smiling Buddha.

Anyone who is into collecting antiques will find a wide selection of character doll series from Cameo. There were several other dolls created by the company such as the cartoon characters of Walt Disney. People who are interested in collecting them should also scour the internet for doll manufactured by the company from 1922 to the 1970's.

If you would like to get started in collecting dolls, or introduce a loved one to the tradition of doll collecting it might be a good idea to start with dolls that interest them and are of relatively low cost. Our Generation Dolls are great for younger girls while Monster High Dolls might be better aimed at pre-teen and teenage young ladies.

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Antique Oriental Rugs Collection Tips

There are different ways to distinguish antique oriental rugs to a semi antique oriental rug and to a normal oriental rug that are sold everywhere in the market. An antique oriental rug has characteristics that a normal rug does not posses. Antique carpets have a specific color called abrash. Abrash is what antique experts call the hue of the rugs when viewed in different angles. This abrash effect is still a mystery for antique collectors who also studied the uniqueness of these antiques. They have tried to replicate the process of giving color to the wool but they fail to get the result they wanted. This is the main reason why antique collectors are very fond of collecting these fine rugs.

Collecting antique carpets has become so popular these days, because of its value that goes up as time goes by. It is true that collecting antique rugs is a very fine hobby. It is also an ideal way of investing on something that is old but has a very good price value. Here are some tips on how they collect antique oriental rugs.

The first thing you need to do when planning to collect antique oriental style rugs is to learn how to distinguish the difference between the antique oriental and synthetic rugs. Buy books that will give you information that will help you learn important things about oriental rugs. You can also use technology in your search for information about these antique rugs. Attend seminars and join collector's groups that specialize in collecting antique carpets. By doing so you can gain access about the first hand information that they have.

Once you've gathered all the information and knowledge that you need to start collecting rugs it is time for you to go out there and see oriental antique rugs in real life. To be able to learn everything about antique rugs you should experience a close encounter with one. One place to go are shops that sell antique oriental rugs that has value. When you visit shops you should be able to distinguish valuable rugs with those that don't have values. You can practice your skills in identifying authentic rugs. You ask the seller whether what they sell are merely replicas for oriental antique rugs or authentic antique collections. You can also check from auction houses that sell antique rugs. You should also be keen on the price since authentic and valuable antique rugs are a lot more expensive than its other counterparts.

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Antique Vanity Mirror!

Mirror mirror on the wall... well in this case not on the wall but an antique vanity mirror in your home. In the beginning, "Natural" glass was used to make glass products, which came from volcanoes that melted granite and it turned glassy when cooling. Later people learned to make glass but the origin is not known, glass beads turned up around 4000 B.C. and the first glass industry did not start until much later leading to the creation of mirrors.

With such a large variety of styles to choose from you can design your home in a way of expressing yourself through decor. A favorite for many is to fill their treasured corners and walls with history by using antiques mirrors from the past. What is an antique? An old collectible item. What makes a vanity with a mirror antique? Age, beauty, rarity, condition and history. Antiques are often family heirlooms passed down from generation to generation and an antique vanity with a mirror is very special because they are often created by someone with a love of wood and an artist's heart. The craftsmanship is usually unique and precise to what the crafter intends and many times you can tell who the crafter is by their personal touches to the finished product.

The vanity mirror comes in many shapes and styles. Oval, with or without inlays. Square, oblong, three sided, tall, short and so on. All of them can have different designs etched into them. The mirror can also be made with different colors of glass which can give the mirror a smoky reflection, mild reflection or the everyday bright reflection. Gold mirror frames were popular in the 1700's and were covered with real gold on the leaf etchings, but very few could afford them. Usually only the very rich had them or they were installed on ships or common areas in high-end businesses.

Madame's and brothels were famous for having vanities with mirrors for their ladies sit at. Handheld vanity mirrors were all the rage when they came out in the early days of ancient Greece and Rome and people could afford them, later full length mirrors were made. Today you can buy beautiful antique vanities and antique vanity mirrors in countless places. You can buy vanity mirrors that are surrounded by brass or wood that are used on table tops or dressers or antique vanity mirrors that are attached to a vanity dresser or hutch type of dresser.

Beautiful old handheld vanity mirrors with ceramic, tile wood or metal on the back and colorful pictures are on the market also. Just holding one in your hand can let you see that craftsmanship is not only for vanity mirror tables or table top vanity mirrors but for handheld mirrors also. There are so many choices and so many styles you will certainly want to do some research and compare some prices but in the end these pieces of furniture and mirrors are lovely warm editions to any home.

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Art Fair Company Will Launch Metropolitan Art Show: Art & Antiques

The Art Fair Company, which presents the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fairs and the Art and Antique Dealers League Spring Show NYC, will launch The Metropolitan Art Show: Art & Antiques @ The Pavilion, a new art and antique fair which replaces The American Antiques Show (TAAS), formerly organized by the American Folk Art Museum, it was announced by Mark Lyman, the company’s president.

“The Art Fair Company will build upon the strength of The American Antique Show, which has now ended,” said Lyman. “We will add several new components to the mix of Americana and folk art, including modern design and photography.” According to Lyman, the presentation of the show will be upgraded with an exciting new layout using state-of-the-art 12 foot high walls and a sophisticated lighting system. Lyman anticipates that the new fair will debut with approximately 45 to 50 exhibitors, on January 18-22, 2012, at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, with the opening night preview benefiting the American Folk Art Museum. “We respect the tremendous effort that went into creating TAAS by the American Folk Art Museum, and look forward to partnering with the museum for their opening night.”

Featuring 300 years of great American design: folk art, furniture, fine and decorative arts, jewelry, ceramics, silver, American arts and crafts, and American Indian art, the former American Antiques Show was considered the premier show of its kind.

According to Lyman, an advisory board consisting of several dealers who were part of the original show is now in formation. “We encourage the active participation of the dealers themselves,” he said. “This show is an important venue to many specialists in the field and they are dedicated to building upon the success of the previous show.”

St. Louis Antique Festival Fall Show Sep 3-4

Fine antiques and collectibles abound at the St. Louis Antique Festival held twice yearly at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville, Illinois. The fairgrounds have been home to the festival for over 20 years with a spring and a fall show most years. If you’reinterested in fine quality antiques, this is a must-do show. We feature many investment quality antiques from some of the top dealers in the country.

This upcoming Fall’s 35th Show will be held Labor Day Weekend–Saturday, September 3 & Sunday, September 4, 2011. Hours for the Show are Sat. 10 am – 5 pm and Sun. 10 am – 4 pm.

A few years back, Steve and Virginia Hallett of Scottsville, KY. purchased the St. Louis Antique Festival and have since expanded the show and improved its quality. The Halletts have over 40 years experience together in all aspects of the antique business.

It will feature 100 top quality antique dealers from 32 states displaying and selling items including: Dresden, Meissen, porcelain, jewelry, Nippon, knives, Orientalia, art glass, art pottery, bronzes, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, paintings, furniture, silver, china, country store, quilts, clocks, French Cameo glass, lamps, photographs, Civil War, coins, dolls, toys, signs, sports, advertising, Paper, glassware, prints, statuary, majolica, old west memorabilia, collectibles and more. Many of the dealers are Associated Antiques Dealers of America members.

The Belle Clair Fairgrounds is located 6 ½ mi. off of I-64, exit 12, south on Hwy. 159 at Hwy 13. The show is held inside a climate-controlled building with plenty of free parking. Admission is $6.

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Antiques - How to Find Out How Much Something Is Worth

When you are on an antique hunting mission, and trying to find out how much something is worth, you need to answer a few preliminary questions. These are:

• What is it?
• Who made it?
• When was it made?

What is it?
What the item is may be obvious, or not - it depends on whether it is a well-known household article or piece of furniture or something more specialized like for example, a tool or something from a different culture that is not easy to classify.

These days you can take a photo of an unusual object and scan it into your computer, then do an image search on Google to see if you can find a picture and some information to help you identify your object.


Who made it?
This is not always easy to find out, unless the maker was in the habit of putting his name or some other distinguishing mark on the item. For example, in the past some retailers of what are now antique clocks put their own names on the clock casing.

This means that you may find a name that informs you who sold it, but not who actually made it. On the other hand, some clock makers did place their mark on the clock dial, where it can easily be seen.


When was it made?
Long case clocks often had the clock mechanism removed from the original case and set into a new housing, simply because the original wooden case was worn and damaged.

This reduces the value of the clock considerably, so watch out for this when you are planning to buy an antique clock. You are on much safer ground with Lantern clocks, because most of them are still in their original condition.


Furniture
The topic of antique furniture covers a vast field, spanning many centuries and countries of origin. However, once you have found out what your antique item is, the best way to proceed is to take a look online for the same object, for example, 'antique English high boys' which will take you to an online antiques shop with photos.

Then look at prices for the same or similar pieces of furniture. You must remember that a retail price is much higher than the value, because it is bound to include a hefty profit margin.


Auction houses
If you think you have a genuinely valuable item of glass, china, furniture or any other antique, my advice would be to make contact with a reputable auction house. They will ask you to furnish them with a set of photos taken from several different angles, which will be inspected by a specialist who can give you an accurate valuation.

I always advise antique hunters to look out for a short course on antiques, either online or in your local area. It is the only way to find out the basic secrets you need to know and get in touch with some reliable information on your field of interest.

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Antiques and How to Have Them Appraised

Though buying and selling antiques can be a profitable career choice, the majority of people are uniformed when it comes to the antique pieces they have in their possession today.

Many have furniture that has been passed down throughout family and be unaware of the actual dollar value of the pieces they own. Your grandmothers pie shelf that you are using as a plant stand may be worth more than you think.

If you are lucky enough to own some existing pieces or have a love of searching for hidden treasures, it's worth getting a good idea of how to get your antiques in good shape and when to call in the appraiser.


The Main Factors
There are four main factors that you need to consider when it comes to determining the value of an antique.
The history of the piece. The more information you have available the better the value.If your piece was made by a specific woodworker or workshop, it may help increase its value.The rarity of an item. The rarer it is the more valuable it is.The condition and quality of the piece. The design and the craftsmanship used in the making of the item.


Steps You Can Take
Before you present your piece for appraisal, take the time to get it in the best condition possible with a thorough cleaning. It is important to use a cleaning guide specifically for antiques and you must be careful not remove or alter the finish as it may actually lower its value.

There are many of sturdy home cleaners that can do a good job without harming the piece. Use an amalgamator for any water stains and pigmented oil stains to help remove scratches. You can also use a good wax to give its some shine but never use a silicon type spray.

Take pictures being sure to use good lighting so that any special details can be seen. Take pictures from all sides including the any notable features such as armrests, pulls, legs or ornaments. The better the detail, the more accurate the evaluation.

Find a reliable appraiser by contacting antique dealers in your area. If you know of other collectors, ask for their references. You can also frequent organized events such as antiques furniture shows and auctions.

Another option is to send your pictures to a reputable auction house where they will evacuate your item and give you all the necessary information.

In having your piece appraised you can expect an estimate of the amount of money you could receive from a buyer. Keep in mind that the market price of your antique furniture item will be determined by other factors apart from its value.

If you do have antique furniture pieces, it is essential to have them evaluated. Generally, most certified appraisers will not charge you for their services, but there are those who do. You can also research your items yourself with various books, price catalogs and of course online auctions where you can see similar items and the price they have been sold for.

In the end, you can keep your pieces for personal pleasure or you can sell them to add to your nest egg. It really is just a matter of choice.

Got a burning question about antiques and how to have them appraised? Grandpa Gord and Grandma Gertie put a sensible spin on expert advice, with a little humor thrown into the mix. We cover topics ranging from pets to parenting, careers to hobbies, relationships to lifestyle, finances to food, and everything in between.

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Discover The Secrets of Wonderful Vintage China

When trying to put a value on vintage china, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration. If you are thinking of collecting vintage china for investment purposes, it is necessary to do a considerable amount of research about china value, so that you know what to look for, or, rather, look out for. What makes vintage fine china sought after and, therefore, valuable, depends on its period, age and design and the rarity of the pattern. So, let's take a look at some of the things, that you can do to determine the value of china.

It maybe a little obvious to point out, but it can't be emphasized enough, in that research is the key to a successful career in antiques, and there is much to learn. Even experienced collectors and dealers keep themselves well-informed and up-to-date on the latest information. Much of the information is reasonably straight forward to come by, so you should look into and acquaint yourself with the various kinds of china that is sought after:

• From which dynasty
• Pattern types
• Stamps or any markings that may be found on an antique

When searching for an antique, check each piece closely for:

• Chips
• Cracks
• Discolorations
• Hairline Fractures and Scratches

These defects can greatly affect the value and be noted when it comes to its appraisal.

While on an antique hunt, it would be advisable to bring a magnifying glass and a black lamp. The black light can identify previous repair work that could not otherwise be seen by the naked eye or magnifying glass. New paste and paint will show up against the old. A magnifying glass is very useful to spot those hairline fractures and to find markings and indentations that could reveal the maker and period that could be easily missed. Blemishes will decrease the value of china as does some repair work, but it's worth noting that good repair work may help to restore and maintain the value of some chinaware.

As well as the condition of the chinaware it is important to note its age and to do this it is necessary to find the antiques mark or emblem. More often than not, these markings are usually located at the base or underneath the base of the piece, and if you're fortunate enough it may even include a production year. However, most specialists can give you a lot of information from just the mark or even just by the style and pattern used. Dating an antique as precisely as possible will determine whether or not a piece that you are interested in is a reproduction or the genuine article and will, naturally, have a bearing on its value.

So, to sum up, it isn't difficult to become an antique china hunter, and to become a good one requires interest and knowledge. Much information is available at your finger tips, especially these days. Look in libraries and antique journals and find out all you can about chinaware, familiarize yourself with well-known markings and learn to spot those reproductions. There are many bargains waiting to be discovered so why not get out there and see what you can find.

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Guide to Obtaining a Number 1 Bone China Piece For Your Collection

How easy is it to Get started and what should I know?
Firstly, it is important to understand a little of its history and then, to learn what to collect and what to look out for when collecting bone china pieces.


How did it all begin? Josiah Spode is credited for the creation of bone china. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England in 1733. Staffordshire is renowned for its ceramics and porcelain factories. Since a young man, Spode had worked with other potters and, in fact, had worked as an apprentice with Thomas Whieldon before opening his own factory, the Spode factory, in 1767. This factory is still in operation today. Although, Spode china is highly collectible, as is Minton, Coalport & Ridgeway and Davenport, his recipe for the making of bone fine china has spread all over the world, so it is important to learn and familiarise yourself with the Spode markings. Not many collectors can identify Spode china from other major manufactures producing similar wares, so, this is where you can gain the upper hand.


Why it's so collectible and a top bone china secret?
There are a number of reasons why antique china is so popular with collectors worldwide. Quality and design of the top manufacturers of bone china are unequalled and although many of the wares seem delicate bone china is the hardest and most resilient of all porcelain. Its colour is typically a translucent ivory white. Traditionally, the ingredients consists of 6 parts bone ash from pulverized animal bone, with a mix of 3.5 parts china clay (kaolin) and 4 parts chinastone (feldspar). One little secret to identify true bone chinaware is to hold a piece over a bright light. The light should pass through it.


What do I look for?
Rarity and condition is very important when it comes to searching for that collectible, particularly so in porcelain and bone chinaware. As mentioned before check for the makers mark. Since the 1770s to the present there have been over 300 backstamps for Spode. If 'England' is on the stamp then the date of manufacture is after 1890. Date marks came in 1870. Letters showed the month and two numbers indicates the year of manufacture.Shape and decoration can also determine the rarity and age of a piece.Ensure that there are no defects such as chipping, age cracks and colour ware. Look out for any repair work. Good repair work may not affect the price too greatly but try to purchase the best you can afford.


What's the best way to start collecting bone china?
Most collectible is the tea set chinaware. It is, arguably, the best way to start your collection, as you can purchase small items in a relatively inexpensive way and gradually add to your collection. Pieces can be found at car boot sales, auction rooms and garage sales and often at bargain prices, if you know what to look for. English bone china is generally beautifully decorated and, usually, of the highest quality. If you can afford to collect Spode - do so, but there are other manufacturers well worth mentioning:

• Royal Doulton
• Aynsley
• Limoges
• Haviland
• Shelly
• Paragon

are just a few you may like to consider.

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How To Find A High Quality And Affordable Antique Desk

Antique Desk That Looks Expensive And Is Wonderfully Comfortable
There are various kinds of antique desks or writing desks on offer, and it could be quite challenging to decide what type to go for. There is a definite attraction that lures people to purchasing an antique desk even though they may not use it for its intended purpose. Desks offer much more than functionality, they bring a certain elegance and beauty to a home, as well. This is a guide to the different types and styles of desks available.


The Types of Wood
Over the course of the last few hundred years three types of wood were typically used to make desks. Mahogany, Oak and walnut were used to craft all sorts of different styles of writing tables throughout the course of our history. Whilst oak is generally associated with furniture made in the 16th and 17th centuries, many oak desks were still being made well into the 18th century. The lighter colour is a giveaway that a desk is a more recent vintage. Walnut was the material of choice in the late 1600s and early 1700s. It can easily be mistaken for mahogany to the untrained eye. Mahogany was first used in the early 1700s when timber was imported from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, San Diego and Cuba.




The Types of Desk
The antique desk only started to go through major changes in its design as late as the 17th century, when technology advanced rapidly, replacing the classic sloping lid box, or desk box. Later, in the 18th century, came the bureau, a legged cabinet with a fold down front used, as the writing surface. Here is a description of some of the types of antique desks on the market.

• Flat top desks -- Most popular due to their versatility of use, often large and deep they offer a large workspace.
• Desks for two people -- Otherwise known as partners desks, these were designed to stand in the centre of a room, with ample depth for one person to sit either side.
• Desks with superstructure -- These were made with an elevated structure at the rear of the desk containing drawers or pigeon holes for storage. Generally made to stand against a wall, the back was left unfinished.
• Desks to create an impression -- Some desks were designed to stand out. Placed in the centre of a room, the rear of the desk would be carved with intricate designs, intended to be right in the eye line upon entering a room.

The Styles of Desks
When choosing a desk to suit your needs and your room, think about the look of the desk, the workspace, and the storage facilities.

• Pedestal -- Large desks that are often placed against a wall, they have two pedestals with drawers or cupboards which support the flat top, which may have a leather writing surface built-in.
• Roll top -- A four piece desk that incorporates a cylinder top or a sliding tambour. The top opens to reveal draws and a writing surface, while the desk is supported by two pedestals and complemented by a rear panel.
• Knee hole -- These desks were made in one piece, and were of simple design. The knee hole between the left and right drawer sections was sometimes concealed by a cupboard door.
• Writing table -- A popular antique desk, the writing table has drawers in the frieze and a solid wooden top. Some versions may have an inset writing surface or a superstructure on the top.

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How To Sell Antique Furniture

When you're in the market to sell antique furniture, you need to find a way to connect with genuine buyers, who have an interest in what you're selling. There aren't many things that hold their value particularly well nowadays, so it's reassuring that antiques really do. Ensuring you get the maximum interest possible when you plan to sell antique furniture will ensure you can get the highest possible price in return.

Auction rooms and antique shops throughout the world hold a glorious array of period furniture. Beautifully crafted designs, painstakingly built by hand, that have survived for hundreds of years. The variety of antique furniture available to buy, from desks to chairs, and from tables to lamps, is mouth-watering for any antique enthusiast.

When you're looking to sell antique furniture it's important you weigh up the pros and cons of the many different places you can sell it. For example, an online auction may give you a worldwide audience - but you need to think about logistics - is your furniture fragile and likely to break in transit? If the answer is yes, you should think about selling to a local dealer, or putting it up for auction at a local auction house.

Finding a reputable dealer to sell to isn't hard, and that's good to know because before you can think about selling your antiques you really need to have a ball park figure of what they're worth. Reviews can be found online of the many different antique dealers and independent valuators in your area, so you'll know who the best bet is, when it comes to getting an accurate estimate of the value of your antiques.

If your antique furniture has sat proudly in your home, you may need to think about getting some restoration work or repairs done before you sell it. After all, a perfect antique commands much higher prices than a flawed one - and you want to get as much as possible for your furniture.

Not everyone who deals in antiques does it purely for fun - a lot of people can make a living from it. If you already do, or you're planning to start making a living from antique dealing, then it's worth looking into the many different avenues available to buy antiques from - before going on to sell them for a higher price.

Some dealers sell antique furniture that they've painstakingly restored. The mark ups can be huge - but don't forget about the time and effort that is required to restore a flagging piece of furniture into a real antique treasure! Even if you just wheel and deal antiques for a hobby, you can earn a tidy sum - but you have to be on guard against fake antiques when you're looking to stock up.

Whether you sell antique furniture for a living, or you're thinking about auctioning off a few heirlooms - remember that a little research goes a long way.

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