Fishing Antiques Collectibles, News and Information

Every thing else being equal, head toward those church sales, country auctions, estate, and tag sales that advertise "FISHING BOAT FOR SALE." When you arrive early, forget the old skiff - they seldom have antique value. Look instead for everything else having to do with fishing. Quite often, people selling the "old boat" are also looking to rid themselves of the accompanying rods, reels, nets, and tackle boxes stuffed with tangled spinning lures and plugs, tied flies, an old fishing license, knives, line, hooks, and other fishy smelling things. Some of these "cast-away" objects can reel-in surprising prices. For instance, a single fishing lure-a 6" long "Haskell" minnow, patented in 1859, recently sold at auction for $14,850!

Like most old lures, an early Haskell Minnow wouldn't strike you as anything important. It looks like a little dead fish with a barbed double hook at the end. Originally, the lure was silver-plated. But that probably wouldn't strike you as odd. Only about thirty or so have been identified to date. Who would know? If you found a Haskell Minnow in your basement, or one of the scarce few other types that bring huge prices, you'd probably go fishing with it and hook it on a submerged log. So wouldn't most antique dealers. The point is, don't sell or discard Grampa's old fishing stuff! This is one time when you don't want to brag about the one that got away.

The valuation of old lures is dependent upon: condition, age, attribution to a recognized collectible maker, interest and appeal, the track record price of the lure type, and basically, how much those fellows who covet old lures are willing to pay for yours at the time. Most lures you'll encounter will be worth but a few dollars. One or two, if you're lucky, will be worth couple hundred. Casting lures, most early ones are made out of wood, metal, string, or rubber-not modern plastic, are the most sought after. Look for glass or tack eyes and hooks that are fastened inside tin cups set into a small hole drilled into the lure. A small weight tied to the lure is a good sign. Flies are collected by their tier. An original paper backing or envelope will usually be marked. Carrie Stevens (1882-1972) is a master tier whose files are recognizable by a tiny red band in their heads. There are a thousand other things to study in discerning the age and quality of lures but you'd forget them just like I do. Here's my suggestions for the novice:

1. Keep in mind that 60 years is old for a lure.
2. Look for "associated" clues as to how long they've been around and buy lures with age. If there is a boat for sale; how old is the boat? Who fished with the lures? Dad or Great Grand Dad? I bought a tackle box full of lures last year based on a 1952 fishing license that was enclosed within.
3. Be cheap. Pay no more for lures than what seems to be a good buy if you're just purchasing them to catch fish. If you don't fish, pay less. That way you won't get hooked.
4. Look for lures that are beautifully crafted and have interesting, mechanical, fish-catching design. An original lure box is a big plus.
5. Once you've made what you think is a great catch. Relax, and do your homework. Hope you land a big one!

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Getting started in antiques, collectibles, including articles and information

If you're interested in collecting antiques, then read on because you'll need to know some commonly used terms when it comes to antiques.

Antique
An antique is something that is old, preferably about 100 years old. Although, a 50 year mark is also considered by some. It needs to have value whether because of its aesthetic or historical significance.

Original Finish
This meant that the piece of antique had the same finish that it had when it was created. This finish can be in a form of varnish, wax or polish that was applied to the piece after it was produced.

Importance of the Original Finish
This is important because it affects the value of a piece. If an antique piece has its original finish, then the value of the antique would increase. However, if an antique piece has lost or has been stripped of its original finish, then the value of antique piece would diminish.

Original Condition
The original condition of an antique piece affects its value. If the antique piece was almost in the same condition as it was when it was created, and without having the original parts removed or replaced, then it can be said that it still in its original condition. The value of an antique piece in its original condition would increase. But once the original parts of an antique piece has been removed and/or replaced, then it is no longer in its original condition. This means that the antique piece would be less valuable.

Patina
Patina is the result from the built up of polish, dirt, grease, wear and chemical changes over the course of time. It gives an antique piece its character and beauty.

Provenance
This refers to the documents that describe the antique piece. It can be a form of bills of sale, letters, photographs or anything that would describe or give information of the antique piece. This would help authenticate the piece, therefore, add to its value.

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Collectibles Business

You can, if you are ambitious, start a Mail Order Business selling collectables to hobbyists by mail. To begin, you must first find a hobby that appeals to YOU. Next, you must spend several weeks researching that hobby. You must learn what collectors want and how much they are willing to pay for it. You should also know what other dealers are willing to pay for the merchandise which they sell. And you must be willing to pay the same amounts.

Perhaps you already know exactly what you want to sell. If you have been collecting old Valentines, then start a Mail Order business buying and selling old Valentines. Or Stamps. or Comic Books. The first rule of Mail Order selling is to sell what you yourself would buy.

To give you an idea of what collectors buy and sell by mail, here is a partial list of today's collectables:

• Phonograph Records
• Cigar Label
• License Plates
• Beer Labels
• Circus Posters
• Music Boxes
• Salt/Pepper Shakers
• Greeting Cards
• Old Pencils
• Atlases
• Military Medals
• Sheet Music 
• Doll Clothes
• Cigar Boxes
• Train Photos
• Old Calendars
• Maps Street
• Car Tokens
• Buttons
• Postcards
• Fruit Jar Labels
• Old Magazines
• Gun Catalogs
• Paper Currency
• Cartoon Books
• Theatre Programs
• Political Buttons
• Baseball Cards
• Children's Books
• Stock Certificates
• Old Toys
• Gems
• Minerals
• Belt Buckles
• Airplane Photos
• FBI Posters
• Newspapers
• Coins
• Arrowheads
• Old Jewelry
• Boat Photographs
• Advertising Cards
• Dog Pictures
• Movie Magazines
• Autographs
• Dolls
• Hunting Licenses
• Cookbooks, 
• Beatle Items
• Stamps
• Indian Relics
• Railroad Books
• Fishing Licenses
• Comic Books
• Thimbles
• Automobile Manuals
• Diaries
• Railroad Passes
• Antique Barbed Wire 

Once you have selected your field, start a file. Keep copies of all the ads selling your kind of merchandise. Also keep ads showing the dealer's buying prices. If price lists are offered in ads, send for them and STUDY them. MAKE YOURSELF AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD.

Try to locate any publications that deal with your field. Often, you can locate small mimeographed publications and newsletters which will give you all kinds of useful information.

Your next step is to look for merchandise in your own community. Here are some suggestions:
Start by attending flea markets and antique shoes. Don't be afraid to make inquiries of dealers. They often have what they consider "junk" stashed away, assuming that it isn't of much value to anyone. I once discovered a fabulous stamp collection that way!

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Art Deco antiques, news and information

French artists formed an informal collective known as, La Société des Artistes Décorateurs (the Society of the Decorator Artists) after the Universal Exposition of 1900. Hector Guimard, Eugène Grasset, Raoul Lachenal, Paul Follot, Maurice Dufrene, and Emile Decour were among the founders.

The Society's purpose was to demonstrate French decorative art's leading position and evolution internationally. They organized the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art) in Paris which would feature French art and business interests. The terms Style Moderne and Art Deco both derive from the exposition's title, though the term Art Deco was not widely used until popularized by art historian Bevis Hillier's in his 1968 book "Art Deco of the 20s and 30s"

Hillier conceived organizing an exhibition called Art Deco at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, which took place from July to September 1971. After this event, interest in Art Deco peaked with the publication of his book "The World of Art Deco, a record of the exhibition".

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Appraising collectibles, articles and information

The first thing you will need to do is check out the condition of your item, be it a train, collectible Barbie doll, Disney collectible, or some other collectible item. Is it scratched, torn, clean, dirty, new, in a box, without a box? You get the idea...

Use a good light source and check the item out very carefully, noting the name, identification marks, and any copyright marks. Also, check for any imperfections, tears, scratches, color imperfections, mars, stains, etc.
Many dolls are collected with the box intact. An intact box can raise the value of an item a great deal. Some are worthless if the box is damaged badly or missing.

NOTE: Some dolls are meant to be played with and taken out of the box to dress. Examples are the Tonner Doll Company dolls: Tyler Wentworth, Sydney Chase, Gene, etc.

Remove the doll from the box for inspection. Look for forums, discussion boards, or news groups where similar collectors gather online. You can also check on eBay (or other online auctions) to see what similar items are selling for and what their condition was at the time of sale. Compare the prices with, and without a box to see the difference.

To find your item on eBay:

1. Find the category on eBay where your item would most likely be listed. (Dolls, bears, trains, Disney collectible would be likely categories.
2. If using Dolls, use the [check only in Dolls box] in the search.
3. Use your keyword to search, such as "Barbie doll". This will bring up the current auctions window.
4. Now, check the completed auctions box, to check out the prices and descriptions on the sold items.
5. When you click on the individual auctions, you can see the price the item sold for, the condition of the item and whether it had a box. Look for terms such as NRFB (Never Removed From Box) or MIB (Mint In Box).

Note that the price on eBay is not the best price for your item. Usually, the price could be more if sold locally because the online auction buyer cannot actually handle the item and examine it in person.
Other places to find information about your item (doll) would be websites selling your item (doll), antique or boutique shops, toy or hobby shops, and resell shops. Also, check out the resource books at the public library.

Popular collectibles might have a price book that is printed for collectors. You can also use a collection of hobby magazines to price items or to locate the year the item was made.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot find the information that you need about your item, check out some local hobby clubs in your area. Most hobby enthusiasts will be willing to help you find the information you need and are eager to talk about their hobby. You might even find an expert on your items, or a buyer!!

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Beijing antique market selections – Antique collectors picks – Part 1

After last weeks visit to the Beijing un-restored  antiques market, several people had asked me for specific recommendations on “which pieces I would buy and why would I buy them.”

I will break this list down into three categories and discuss each in a three part post.


Collectors level: These are often investment worthy classical style pieces which are good materials (such as rosewood), valued in collectors  terms and will appreciate in value. Collectors and those with taste for quality should put their money here. This is a tricky category as Westerners and Chinese value things in different terms (see note below).


Quality antiques: In general these are pieces that may be provincial but good value for the money.  Either the condition is quite good (such as original paintings), it has a fair amount of age to it or its difficult to now find a similar piece at a reasonable price.  Note that these pieces are getting harder and harder to find and will increase in value as well. And this is a difficult category as some pieces here may be a worthwhile investment, even if they don’t fit the strict definition for investment level.


Decorative items: Pieces which may not be significantly worth money but nevertheless charming and have good aesthetic or design value.

Of course its impossible to discuss each piece in detail here and these are just a few of the  items which stand out. Nor will you will not find any Huang hua li or Zitan here – those sort of items will never reach these markets and are rare enough inside China as it is.  However for those with the means and those who appreciate these are items I would put my money into. As this is a three part post, we will start with the collectors level recommendations.

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