This here is the Whiskey Jack's Trading Post Blog, where I'll be posting my comments on Antiques, Collectibles, and Online Sales. I'll also be posting comments about my Bonanzle Booths and my eBay auctions and store. I hope you'll come back often, and subscribe to and follow my blog. Also, don't forget to rate the articles and leave your comments as well. Thanks for stopping by to see an ol’ cowboy!
WOW! Has it really been a month since I've posted a new blog entry? I'm gonna have to watch that! But I have been busy. As many of you know, I retired from my regular job after 23 years in the profession, in order to try my hand at selling online full time. It has had its ups and downs, good weeks and not so good weeks, but I haven't thrown in the towel yet, and have no plans to. In addition to my eBay store and auctions, I have two booths on Bonanzle.com. There's Whiskey Jack's Trading Post, and Whiskey Jack's Book Nook.
I've been out and about hunting down treasures to put in my store, auctions, and booths, and although I love sales and auctions, it is time consuming. Among the treasures I found this past week were: A beautiful art nouveau double candle holder featuring two birds of paradise and two tulips. I really like the way the drip glaze blends. I spoke with one fella who said that he thought it dated to around1915 - 1920. He didn't know for sure because the glaze was so thick on the bottom, that it obscured the makers mark and the pattern number. Also found was this nice heavy glass amberina table ashtray. I don't know that date or maker, and I haven't been able to find a similar one in any of my reference materials (any thoughts from any of my readers though would be very much appreciated!).
This Russel Wright 2 quart covered casserole was a nice thrift store find. I did manage to find this piece listed in my copy of Kovel's 2009 guide. They list it as valued at $70 - $200. Not a bad find!
These lamp shades feature caramel slag glass panels and the metal looks like brass with a very nice patina. You can still see some of the brass color (but not much) under the patina. I love the art deco pattern. It reminds me of a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
I did find many other little treasures, but I haven't had time to photograph them yet, and I'll try to get soem pictures of them up as soon as I can. Some of these pieces include some primitive pottery pieces, a 1950's ear cowboy plate and bowl, pottery barn candlesticks, an old Corning Blue Cornflower covered casserole with its metal stand, and a lot more. I think I filled the van twice over!
Before I go for today, I'd like to thank my readers, and my loyal followers: Lynn-Marie Hodges, Poppy0927, jammatun, Dede, JudyBug, treasurechest39, Action Healthy Life, Coach Gary, What Baby Boomers Pursue, Phaedra, Mitzi, and Auction Wally who has, and still is, inspiring me to continue through his great podcasts. Thanks guys for your loyal support by following my blog, adding your comments and suggestions, and not giving up on me. Sounds like an Oscar speech, doesn't it? I'm not trying to be maudlin, but I just can't tell you all how much I appreciate you. Until next time (hopefully soon!), Adios my Friends, May your trail be smooth and the wind at your back. Whiskey Jack
Today's Word of Wisdom: "The man who wears his chin on his instep never sees the horizon."
Howdy Folks, I just finished reading one of the online newsletters that I receive, and I have to say, that I am not all that surprised at what I read. In fact, the article seemed to validate something that I have been saying for quite some time. That eBay has changed their primary focus to the larger online retailers, and has been catering to their needs and whims, all while largely ignoring those of us who are smaller retailers. In effect, eBay is abandoning it's core group of sellers. Those how made eBay what it is. In the words of Stephen King's "Gunslinger", Roland, eBay has "forgotten the face of their father."
I would encourage all of my readers to read the article I am talking about. (Click here to read it). And be sure to click on the links in the article for some further insight and comments about the article. Since most of us still use (or are used by) eBay, I think that by keeping tabs on eBay's new direction, will help us to keep a leg up on what's going on, and help us to adapt and hopefully maintain our sales. After all, that's what its all about isn't it?
Until next time, thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to leave your comments and ratings for these articles. They are always welcome and appreciated.
Adios Amigos y Amigas, Whiskey Jack
Today's Word of Wisdom: "When ya think yore up ahead of the herd, it's always a good idea to take a look behind you and see if they are still followin'."
Today I visited Collectics.com, and that is the subject of today’s article. Actually I have visited this wonderful web site many times, and I just keep going back. Why? Because it is one of the best antiques and collectibles web sites around today! Now, Collectics is not a new site, and mine is definitely not the first review of this site. World Antiques Weekly said about Collectics:
"Antiques, collectibles, antique and vintage jewelry, and home furnishings in a large, eclectic antique shop and mall, collector bookstore, collecting information, prices and values, antique shops and jewelry stores directory, antique collector quiz, and Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Tiffany online museums. Quality, selection, and discount prices make Collectics our top antiques and collectibles web site. It's just plain fun!"
And Collectibles Guide 2009 had this to say:
"Best online shopping for antiques and collectibles, featuring antique, vintage, and retro jewelry, bakelite and lucite, clothing, dinnerware, kitchenware, ceramics, glass, art, memorabilia, and home decor -- with prices 30% less than your local antique shop or thrift store plus free shipping."
So as you can see, I am not the only one enamored with this site! Rather than repeat what the web site’s “about” page says, I think they say it best when describing their site:
“Founded in 1998 by Karen Lee, Collectics is one of the Internet's largest and most diverse online shopping and resource destinations for finer antiques and collectibles. Collectics brings you an eclectic array of collecting and home decorating ideas from the finer estates of the eastern seabord as well as select consignments from around the world. Those of us who work with Karen don't always understand some of the things that catch Karen's eye, but our many long time repeat customers long since convinced us that you can sell L. C. Tiffany Favrile glass and $15 salt & pepper shakers on the same site. In fact, Karen personally vets all the inventory on the site, an important aspect of our business often mentioned in letters from our clients who have been deceived through misrepresentations and reproductions elsewhere.
Our main Antique & Vintage Shop and Mall offers thousands of finer antiques and collectibles in over 30 categories, at prices 30% or more below typical antique mall prices- all with free shipping within the continental United States. The Antiques & Collectibles Bookstore sells only the best reference books and price guides on antiques and collectibles, compiled by top dealers and auction houses. Don't miss our exclusive Collector Book Reviews on all the top dealer reference books! You can learn about major artists, manufacturers, and design periods on our Antiques Information & Education pages, while Collector Books Topic Search and our unique Antique Price Guides Slideshow help you find the best reference books by manufacturer or type of collecting. The Art Deco & Art NouveauMuseum 1890-1935 displays the best design of the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Arts & Crafts periods and features Tiffany, Handel, and Pairpoint lamps. Learn the life history of Louis Comfort Tiffany and see an exhibit of famous Tiffany Studios lamps and Favrile glass in our TiffanyLamps & GlassMuseum. If you're planning a trip or just out for adventure in your own area, use our Museum & Historic Site Directory to locate museums, national parks, historic homes, and other attractions by state and city across the U. S.
The Collectics Group has won numerous industry awards for top online shopping sites, plus technical awards for web site design and operation. We're glad you're visiting us and look forward to serving you, and your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Collectics Gift Certificates are a great way to let your gift recipient select something they really want from our diverse inventory, and enjoy playing the Collectics Quiz each month to win a free $100 Collectics Gift Certificate.
Thanks for visiting and shopping at Collectics!”
Believe me when I say that every word of this is true! In fact, I think they have understated it a bit.
Included in this area are 96 different topic pages ranging from Amberina Glass to Bakelite to Depression Glass to Limoges. Collectics “Antiques Information and Education area of the best sources of information on Antiques and Collectibles on the web today, and well worth the repeat visit.
From the antiques and collectibles bookstore to the collector books topic search, and the collector book reviews, it is possible to find just about any reference book on antiques and collectibles you might possibly need or want. And, when checking the book reviews, it is possible to simply scroll your mouse icon over the photo of the book in question and get a quick summary of its availability and price from Amazon.
The primary reason most folks visit Collectics, however, is their Antiques & Collectibles Mall. The mall is fun to browse around and see what’s what. Like window shopping in a huge antiques mall, right from the comfort of your home computer. I did find some of the prices a bit high, but I assume that is to offset the free shipping offered by the site. On the other hand, however, I did find a few good bargains.
All in all, I found Collectics.com to be a fun and enjoyable site to visit, and spend some time at, and I definitely plan to visit often!
Today I'd like to talk a little bit about shaving mugs.
As many of you know from reading this blog, I have recently become “retired” from my job of 18 years (22 years total in the field). As a recently retired fella, I have really begun to look at where I can save a couple of bucks. One of those areas is shaving. Currently I have one of those fancy Mach 3 razors. You know the ones I’m talking about. These are the ones that you have to pay $10 - $15 just to buy replacement blades. Well, not anymore! I picked up a vintage safety razor, a pack of 10 new blades, a shaving mug, and some (here is were I splurged) custom made Bay Rum shaving soap. All of this cost only $10. Less than a pack of 5 replacement blades for my Mach 3.
Not only am I saving money, but I’m getting a better shave. If you’re wondering where all this is leading, it’s this – shaving used to be an art. One of the “Manley Arts.” A gentlemen’s art if you will. And something that has somehow been lost over the ages. Each morning as I lay out my shaving equipment I look at my vintage shaving mug, and I think about what a work of art these little mugs are, and that’s what I want to talk about today. Shaving mugs. Specifically, vintage shaving mugs. It’s amazing the prices that these things can command these days. I got lucky. Real lucky. I found one at a local Goodwill that the workers apparently thought was just an oversized coffee mug, and they had a .49 cent price tag on it. Needless to say I snatched that up right quick! (It just goes to show that there are still treasures to be had at Thrift Stores!).
Shaving mugs have a long history throughout the world, and even in this country. From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, almost every man owned a shaving mug. Either at home, or at his local barbershop. And some of these little beauties can fetch a pretty penny. Today, collectible shaving mugs can bring anywhere between $1.00 - $9,000, depending upon the age, condition, rarity, and style of shaving mug.
Essentially there are five styles of shaving mugs that are collected today. These are Decorated Mugs, Occupational Mugs, Fraternal Mugs, Scuttle Mugs, and Advertising Mugs. There are others, of course, such as metal mugs (tin, graniteware, and silver), but the market for these types seems to be more limited, although the right one could bring a substantial reward. Remember to always do your research before investing in a collectible whether for yourself or to resell.
Types of Mugs:
Decorated mugs
Originally, decorated shaving mugs came from England, France, Germany and Austria. Although they were rarely used before the late 19th century, after they became popular, these ceramic mugs were manufactured in Europe and then imported, undecorated, into the United States. Once here, they were decorated with the owner’s name and often with a hand painted over-glazed enamel decoration of some sort. Usually these decorations included floral, scenic, animal, or comic designs. My research has shown that current prices for decorated shaving mugs range from $1.00 - $100.00+
Occupational mugs
Occupational shaving mugs are among the most sought after and popular shaving mugs collected today. They are almost always ceramic / porcelain, and will feature as a decoration the name of a particular profession or occupation, as well as a scene related to that occupation. The majority of occupational shaving mugs represent middle-class professions. A few upper and lower class professions were also made, but these are a rarity. My research has shown that current prices for occupational shaving mugs range from $50.00 - $9000.00+
Fraternal mugs
Fraternal shaving mugs were owned by members of fraternal organizations such as the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the B.P.O.E. (Elks Lodge), and others. Fraternal mugs were decorated with the organizational logo, and often the owners name. These decorations were usually hand painted.My research has shown that current prices for fraternal shaving mugs range from $10.00 - $200.00+
Scuttle mugs
An unusually shaped shaving mug, scuttle mugs are actually quite unique. Scuttle mugs can be plain or decorated. As for shape, these mugs feature what looks like a second mug attached to the main mug. The mug features a shallow dish area in the top, with holes in the bottom of the dish area. This is where the soap goes, and the holes are designed to help drain off water and excess soap. After shaving, the water and excess soap is poured out through the “secondary” mug area, and the brush is then stored in this area. My research has shown that current prices for scuttle shaving mugs range from $5.00 - $1000.00+
Advertising Mugs
Often used as sales promotions for shaving soap manufacturers , Advertising Shaving Mugs were given away to customers. These were generally inexpensive ceramic mugs that the manufacturers hoped would convince their customers to continue purchasing their product. My research has shown that current prices for scuttle shaving mugs range from $1.00 - $200.00+
For more information on collecting shaving mugs, visit the National Shaving Mug Collector’s Association. They have a pretty cool site, and I personally found my visit to this site to be quite enjoyable.
Or, you may want to invest in a couple of good books on shaving mugs. Some of these include:
Occupational Shaving Mugs by W. Porter Ware
Antique Shaving Mugs of the United States by Robert Blake Powell
Occupational and Fraternal Shaving Mugs by Robert Blake Powell
Barber Shop History and Antiques by Chris Jones
The Best of Shaving Mugs (Schiffer Book for Collectors) by Keith Estep
The Shaving Mug and Barber Bottle Book by Keith Estep
Some Collectible Shaving Mugs that recently sold on eBay:
Machinist Occupational Shaving Mug & Personal After Shave Bottle
Howdy Folks, Just a quick update to let you all know that I've posted some new items up in my eBay store. I made a trip to town to do a little shopping, and I found some pretty nice little treasures, including a pair of Pfaltzgraff Latte Mugs in the Heritage White pattern. A little research showed that this pattern was first introduced in 1963. I don't think these mugs are from 1963, as i don't think there was much call for lattes back then, but they are nice none the less. The treasures I like the best, though, are four pieces of Lefton China in their Fruit Fantasia pattern. I found a covered sugar bowl, matching creamer, napkin holder and spoon rest. I was unable to find out much about this particular pattern, other than that is fairly rare, and there aren't too many pieces of it for sale. When I checked with Replacements.com (I telephoned them), I was told that even though they knew of the pattern, they had never been able to find any to have in stock.
At any rate, there are some more treasures up that I thought my great customers may like to take a look at. And if you have any questions about any of them, please feel free to ask. Until next time, this is ol' Whiskey Jack sayin' Adios!
I was going to write an article today about collecting shaving mugs, but as I thought about it more and more, I began to realize that as much as I wanted to write that article, there was something more pressing on my mind. Perhaps it was the radio which was broadcasting the latest unemployment rates and yo-yo effect on the Dow, or perhaps it was my own situation. At any rate, I thought that what I needed, as well as many others out there, was a word of encouragement. So here goes.
For the past several months, the economy, not just of the our country, but globally as well, has been heading straight into a hole. It astounds me how many people have lost their jobs, and how many more are losing their jobs each day! Not to mention those who are losing their homes! And this is something I do happen to know a little about. After 22 years in the same job, I have suddenly found myself unemployed as well. And in case you're wondering, the answer is no. I did not receive a severance package or a severance check. I did get a nice plaque, however. No, I will be cashing in my retirement in order to have something to live on and support my wife and grandkids. Not that this is a bad thing in light of the fact that the private company that is managing not only my retirement but that of many other public employees, is going under at an alarming rate. So, the sooner I can get my retirement money out of there, the better! And this is something that is affecting millions of people everywhere!
The way I see it though, is those of us who find ourselves in this predicament have two choices. The first is the easiest, and that is to whine, cry, and bemoan what is happening to us. Let's face it, this is the easiest way to handle this kind of situation, but in the long run it doesn't really get us anywhere. The second method of handling this situation is to create our own economic stimulus package, and by that I mean get back to work as soon as possible. Yes, I know that jobs are becoming increasingly harder to find, but we can always do something. In times like these it is important to remember the words of Dan Reeves, former Head Coach of the Denver Broncos football team: "Tough Times Don't Last, But Tough People Do!" And also, the words of Joseph P. Kennedy, "When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going!"
In other words, don't just sit around, get up and do something about your situation! There are jobs out there. Believe me. All you have to do is find them. You may have to take a cut in pay, but a cut in pay is better than no pay at all. And, in keeping with the spirit of this blog, there is always online sales. Whether eBay, or Bonanzle, or any of the other eCommerce sites. But it does take some work. Hard work, and also long hours, dedication and education. Not the kind of education that comes from a public school, but self education. Go to the library and check out some books on eCommerce. Read some of the many many blogs and forums regarding eCommerce. There is a wealth of information and help out there, and it is all free for the asking. All you have to do is get up and go get it.
Then take that knowledge and apply it to your situation. Sales may be slow, and may be nonexistant for a while. One thing you have to remember is that internet sales will not make you rich. I don't care what those late night infomercials claim, you are not going to make $5,000 a week selling info-products online! But you can make a living selling online. However, as I said, it does take a lot of work and a lot of time and a lot of dedication.
So don't despair. You can do it. You can make it. You can survive. Things will get better, they always do, so don't give up. Just get busy and hang in there! Okay!
Until next time, this is Ol' Whiskey Jack sayin' Adios!
Today's Word of Wisdom: "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start now and make a brand new ending." ---Carl Bard
Today’s article is a review of the Collector’s Quest web site, a site where they claim that hunter’s gather! The Collector’s Quest site is not necessarily a site for specific antiques or specific collectibles, but rather a site for collectors and collectibles, as defined in the broadest sense of the term that a collectible is simply nothing more than something that people collect. Using this definition, virtually anything can be a collectible, from bottle caps to pez dispensers, as there are folks who collect these things as well as a plethora of other things.
On this site you can find articles and blogs, videos and notes on just about everything that people collect, whether Pez dispensers or Cookie Jars, Action Figures or Dinosaur toys, matchbox cars, guitars, Tea Pots, Elvis Presley, Snow Globes, Corkscrews, or, well, you get the idea.
When I visited the site, and began perusing the various pages within it, I found that it is an enjoyable site to visit. The videos section contains different videos relating to collectibles and collecting. When I visited, I found there were three groups of videos available for viewing. There were videos of their coverage of the New York Comic Con, the NE Pez Convention, and the Scarsdale Concours (covering collector cars). All in all I found the videos to be fairly informative, and very entertaining.
The Community section of the web site is really nothing more than a place for web site members to upload photos of their personal collections, with a space to leave your comments about the collections. Almost like a photo blog. Interesting and a nice addition for this community. I felt is really added to the web sites appeal by allowing its members to share their collections, which is something every collector loves to do – show off his or her collection. Watch out if you come to visit me, I’ll be dragging out my autograph collection and my John Wayne collection. Collectors I have found, are just as bad as those neighbors who continually bring out their vacation slides!
The Marketplace section, which the site claims is a new section, was not very impressive. Although the purpose behind it is good – that being one of giving members their own place to sell collectibles – I found this section to be somewhat limited, and most of the items offered were from one person. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I can’t really see myself paying $3300.00 for a piece of “art” that consisted of a giant credit card made from the arms and legs of Barbie dolls. Perhaps this section will grow as more and more of the sites members begin to take advantage of it. I also found that in order to purchase any of the items, you must first be a member of the website. I would think that the sites members would find this a bit to restricting. I have to wonder why the site owners have not opened up this particular section to non-members as well, and thus providing their members with a larger group of potential buyers.
Perhaps the most interesting section I found on the web site was the Blogs section. In it I found a collection of very nice, well written, enjoyable and informative articles covering a variety of different collectibles and even some antiques. The blog section is categorized in six different groups – Reviews, Decorating, Interviews, Flea Market Finds, Collecting FYI, and Events. I personally found the interviews, the flea market finds and the collecting FYI articles the most interesting.
Another nice, and very helpful feature of this web site is the Calendar section. The calendar features a calendar format listing of various antique and collectible related events occurring around the country. The calendar also gives you the option of looking only at specific categories such as auctions, conventions, shows & fairs, trade meets, and more. Or, you can also see only the latest additions to the calendar, or search the calendar. You can even promote events by submitting them to the site for inclusion in the calendar.
And then there is the obligatory Links section. The links page features categories that are shown by title and icon. Each with an rss feed button so you can subscribe to the various sites and blogs within each category. Clicking on the icon will take the viewer to a page of links that are related specifically to that category. Very nice, very helpful, and much nicer than a lot of sites where one is forced to go wading through a long list of links that are not in any categorical order and often do not work. I found the rss feeds for each link category to be helpful as well, allowing you to subscribe only to the category you are interested in, rather than all of them.
All in all, the Collector’s Quest web site is an enjoyable and informative site. True, there are a few things that the site owners could improve on, but these are overshadowed by the benefits of visiting this site. Check it out, and sign up for their free eNewsletter. I think you’ll find it worth your while.
Thanks again for stopping by the Trading Post blog. As always, please leave you comments and suggestions – they are always encouraged and welcome. If you enjoy these articles and find them helpful and informative, why not subscribe to this blog and sign on as a follower. Well, until next time, thanks for readin’, and I’ll see y’all later.
Adios,
Whiskey Jack
Today’s Word of Wisdom: “A smile from a good woman is worth more'n a dozen handed out by a bartender.”
My main interest in life is my beautiful wife of 24 years. I absolutely cherish any amount of time that I can spend with her. I also collect just about anything I can find (and afford) relating to John Wayne. My other passion is vintage and antique items, especially glass and pottery. I'm a member of the GPSA (Glass and Pottery Sellers Association), and I have two booths on Bonanzle and I also offer items on eBay.
A beautiful art nouveau double candle holder featuring two birds of paradise and two tulips. I really like the way the drip glaze blends. I spoke with one fella who said that he thought it dated to around1915 - 1920. He didn't know for sure because the glaze was so thick on the bottom, that it obscured the makers mark and the pattern number.
Also found was this nice heavy glass amberina table ashtray. I don't know that date or maker, and I haven't been able to find a similar one in any of my reference materials (any thoughts from any of my readers though would be very much appreciated!).
This Russel Wright 2 quart covered casserole was a nice thrift store find. I did manage to find
These lamp shades feature caramel slag glass panels and the metal looks like brass with a very nice patina. You can still see some of the brass color (but not much) under the patina. I love the art deco pattern. It reminds me of a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
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