Haviland China Collectors Articles and Information

When searching for an antique that is enduring in beauty and affordable, why not consider Haviland butter pats? Although the larger pieces of Haviland such as tureens, compotes and chocolate sets are rare and prohibitively expensive for most of us, butter pats are plentiful and reasonably priced.

It has been determined that Haviland companies alone designed as many as 60,000 dinnerware patterns – most with matching butter pats. The Haviland factories in Limoges, France manufactured china that was decorated in the French style of pastel floral motifs for the American market. The 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog advertised a 100-piece Theodore Haviland dinner set, including 12 individual butter dishes, for $23.50! The mail order company offered sample butter pats, postpaid, upon receipt of ten cents to allow the customer to see "the beauty of the ware and the delicacy of the decoration." Today the same tiny piece would sell for approximately $25.

Throughout Haviland’s years of production, patterns and colors were carefully designed to enhance the numerous shapes of the blanks. These patterns and colorations ranged from the plain Wedding Band pattern to the aristocratic and elaborate golds, flowers of all genera, classical motifs, Art Deco and all in a multitude of shapes.

These charming miniature plates take minimal space and they can be creatively integrated into your decorating scheme. Butter pats make beautiful wall displays pieces, alone or combined with handsomely framed and mounted artwork. Try grouping an assortment of pastel Haviland butter pats around an Impressionist piece of artwork. The results are stunning! For a special dinner party, utilize pats as votive candle holders at each place setting. Diminutive Haviland pats have been seen on the tables of royalty and presidents, as well as the homes of fine china lovers everywhere. Why not make Haviland butter pats part of your table and home décor.

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Do Your Antiques Speak To You?

Born into immense wealth Henry Francis du Pont grew up in a home named "Winterthur," after an ancestral estate in Switzerland. As a youth, he collected birds’’ eggs and minerals on the Delaware property. At the turn of the century he studied horticulture at Harvard. Du Pont became as famous to gardeners as he is remembered by antiquers. He became captivated with American antiques and, by the time of his death in 1969, du Pont had amassed nearly 100,000 objects. Today, the stately home and the famous gardens he created are open to the public thanks to his passion for antiques and landscaping and his civic spirit.

Mr. du Pont became known to antiques dealers as a gentleman with an aristocratic mien who possessed highly personal and equally magical gifts. Legend has it that when he stepped into New York’’s exclusive antiques galleries, he was able to find important antiques that other collectors had overlooked. It was as if the decorative objects spoke to him alone. When he discovered a great example of early Americana he would exclaim, "It speaks to me." He was often seen holding his arms out in the manner of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster with quivering hands. Du Pont would, for a moment, set aside his upper-class sensibilities and shout out, "It’s mine! It’s mine! I’ll talk price with you later. I can’t talk now. It’s mine!"

We have heard tales of otherwise normal people who behave like whirling dervishes when that little voice says, "Come over here, you missed me." How many times have you been ready to leave a shop when that inner voice whispers "look again?" One of the thrills of collecting is the hunt. It helps if you develop the extraordinary magical gift of listening for your prized collectibles or antiques to speak to you.

My friend Dottie, who lives near Princeton spends most of her early retirement dollars driving around The Garden State hunting for 1950's toys. Her bumper sticker reads, "I Brake for Antiques!" Dottie’s finely tuned inner voice has been known to scream, "Get off at the next exit. Now!" She never thinks she has gone a bit dotty for inevitably she finds just the toy that she has been in search of for her collection.

Many collectors know the satisfaction of rescuing overlooked items from dingy antiques shops or flea markets. They heeded the call. We can share the sentiments of the writer Walter Benjamin, a collector of rare books. He explained that, "one of the finest moments of a collector is the moment when he rescued a book which he might have never given a thought, much less a wishful look, because he found it lonely and abandoned on the marketplace and bought it to give it its freedom––the way the prince bought a beautiful slave girl in The Arabian Nights." "To a book collector, you see, the true freedom of all books is somewhere on his shelves."

Another rare book lover is my attorney friend Marshall, who boasts that he intuitively knows when it is time to escape from the legal brief on his computer screen and log in to eBay. Marshall has developed that amazing sixth sense that tells him something spectacular is going down on the computerized auction site.

So, if you start hearing voices while you are shopping, or driving, or even working on your computer, maybe it isn’t time to check out your emotional health. It may just be a golden opportunity to seek out and obtain a new prized possession for your collection!

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Starting an Antiques Business

Antique dealing is always a friendly business, with endless opportunities to learn something new, great prospects and always that golden dream of hitting the jackpot. This month I will look at the structure of the antiques game, and give some advice on the smarter ways to set up.
In order to know what any given object is worth to a dealer, or a private collector, you need very good knowledge of that area, and the ability to check out the details before you buy.

Many dealers develop an “eye” for quality and sales appea, and buy all kinds of goods, thriving on variety. This can be a big disadvantage.

In my view, specializing always pays off in the long run. Firstly, you can get a reputation as an expert in just a few years, and secondly, you can “plug in” to your own little network of suppliers, dealers, collectors and speciality auctions. Thirdly, you will quickly learn where to go for research.

The largest sectors of the trade, deal in furniture, fine art (paintings and prints) and ceramics (pottery and porcelain). Competition is fierce, and you really must know your stuff if you want to avoid buying stock which nobody else wants, for some good but unobvious reason.

Other smaller sectors include the horologists (clocks and watches), silverware dealers, jewellers, glassware dealers and the sale of early weapons, armour or guns. In recent years, oriental carpets have had a great revival, and have joined the ranks of firmly established specialities.

Then there are the mini-specialities, all of them competitive areas in their own right: dolls and nursery furnishings; pipes and smokers’ requisites; old postcards and greetings cards; buttons; small wooden articles of every description, old mechanical items from musical boxes to balance scales; lace and early clothing. War items are also in great demand.

WINNERS AND LOSERS
The antique trade is run on very informal lines but it’s organized into armies, in which all the dealers are highly independent mercenaries. Here are some guidelines to help you use the system:

COLLECTOR/DEALERS
All dealers tend to hoard some of their best finds, but the dedicated collectors are compulsively hooked into a particular area. They usually work from home, buying their stocks by placing small ads in local papers, and attending house clearance sales, or auction rooms.

A collector/dealer will be very tight with his or her money, and know the precise value of anything they want to buy. If you get to know local characters and seriously want to sell items to them, you need to equip yourself with as many good sale room catalogues as possible, so you know the value of everything you sell to them.
                                                             
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Collecting antiques, collectibles, articles and information

In today's world, everything that’s old can be described as antiques and generally speaking that’s quite true. A product is considered to be an antique if it is over a hundred years old or is rare enough to have some value. In other words, these are old items that are in limited supply.

An antique is something collectible. It may be a piece of antique furniture that you want to collect to enhance the look of a room, or a piece of antique pottery to decorate a corner cupboard, or some antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique jewelry, antique money, antique car, antique clocks, or antique watches that you want to hand down to your grandchildren but the items must be rare enough to be considered an antique. The others are just secondhand goods junk. Most people have a common misconception about an antique: the older they look, the more antique they must be. Appearance has nothing to do with it, just because a piece looks like it came out of grandma's attic does not necessarily mean that it’s an antique. The value of an antique is based on demand due to suitability and limited supply.

Most people become fascinated in an antique for two reasons; either they have an interest in collecting antique purely for personal enjoyment and are willing to shell out money for antique restoration or they inherited it from a family member. The most common are antique pottery, antique car, antique furniture, antique books, antique camera and photographs, antique clocks, antique money, antique jewelry and antique watches. However they came about it, everyone wants to be sure of one thing that what they buy or inherit will escalate in value as time goes by. That is what antique collection is all about.

There are two main principles that apply when collecting an antique: The first is to know everything that you can about the antique that interests you and second is to obtain them at the lowest possible price. Doing so will not only give you satisfaction and enjoyment, but at the same time you will also be assured that your investment will appreciate in value.

Some people only developed an interest in antique because they inherited an item or a whole house full of antique from a relative. The dollar signs started to appear and they began their hunt for some antique appraisals and antique auction. But what most failed to consider is that much of what Great Grandmother had is probably just junk, unless she was a seasoned collector who’s into antique restoration or an expert in antique appraisals.

It’s true that people could have bought a piece of furniture to decorate their home a long time ago and that furniture, if it were of fine quality, would now be worth something. But only a professional appraiser can guarantee that, and appraising costs about $100-150 an hour. So if you are keen on bringing you item in an antique auction and contemplating about asking someone how much an item is worth, be prepared to shell out a few bucks for the information. Appraisers charge so much because they shoulder the lion’s share for insurance companies and lawyers settling estates. Although appraising is not an exact science, it still requires an appraiser to do lots of research and then prepare a detailed report that’s acceptable in a court of law.

Thinking about exploring the exciting world of antiques? Join us and utilize our resources in the treasure hunt for the exquisite. There is no membership required. Use the link below to get started today:


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Finding Antiques And Collectibles

There's often something in the house that has been passed down to from generation to generation that we often overlooked. It could be a jar or some vase. If you have something old that has been handed to you by your parents or grandparents, then you might one to check it out because sometimes this old piece is valuable. Such piece could be a collectible, antiques or a rare object.

Often there are people who collects such items either because of its aesthetic value or historic value. As the years pass, these old pieces tend to become more valuable especially if these items are kept in good condition. If your in possession of such items and do not care for or want such items, you bring it to an auction then people who collects and recognize their values could buy it from you. You could rake in big bucks if you happen to own a very rare object that is in mint condition such as paintings or even sketches of a master artist. Price of such objects could amount to millions.

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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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