Whiskey Jack’s News Round-Up for May 15, 2011

Each day I scour the web in search of relevant news articles relating to antiques, collectibles and online selling, and each week I hope to present them to you here on the Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post blog. If a particular article looks interesting, just click on the headline to view the entire article. I hope you enjoy these articles and find them informative as well! Thanks for stopping by!

(To read the full articles, just click on the individual headlines)

Collectibles can be affordable

It certainly depends on our wallets, but for most of us, it’s fun to look for old items that are inexpensive and just might increase in value. If we stick to the definition of “antique” as an item that’s 100 years old or older, the task of finding that bargain with profit potential gets much harder. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

2 SoCal men charged in scheme to sell counterfeit Disney pins, pass them off as collectibles

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Two Southern California men have been charged with illegally importing about $2 million worth of counterfeit Disney pins from China and selling them over the Internet. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

In coin dealings, ex-cons make a killing

In three decades of investing in gold and silver, Dean Dellinger amassed nearly 27 pounds of coins. His collection might have been worth more than $645,000 at current prices -- if he still had it. Instead, the 88-year-old Florida resident says his devotion to hard currencies made him an easy mark for a pitchman who cold-called and persuaded him to trade for a class of historic coins called "numismatics." (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Passion for antique dolls

FOR Coleen Anderson, reproducing antique dolls is more than a hobby – it’s a passion. “I’ve got hundreds of beautiful dolls in my collection,” the Tintenbar woman said. “I started making dolls nearly 30 years ago and I do a lot of antique reproductions. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

eBay Sellers Lose Appeal in Antitrust Lawsuit

eBay sellers whose class action antitrust lawsuit against eBay was dismissed last year have lost their appeal. Court documents on Leagle.com show the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals were satisfied that the district court "did not err in ruling on eBay's motion for summary judgment without delay for further discovery." (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collectibles: How Not to Lose Your Shirt

During times of economic dislocation – when people lose faith in conventional instruments like stocks and bonds – investment dollars are often allocated to various unconventional vehicles, including rare collectibles. A mysterious and fervent devotion attaches itself to items like watches, coins, stamps, art, jewels, antiques, wine, books, paintings, sports memorabilia, automobiles, and other exotica. This can happen in good times, too. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique inkwells

The Tehachapi Museum has inaugurated its new “Community Case” with a special collection of antique inkwells and other ink and writing related objects. The program is designed to feature vintage collectibles from Tehachapi area residents. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Spending: Is your antique a gem or junk?

Everyone dreams of finding a priceless antique in their attic. But how do you determine whether your treasure is a valuable heirloom or something better suited for donation to Goodwill? Look for unusual markings or details on the object, then search for more information online. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

A 30-Year Evolution of the Coin Market, and a Look Forward

In March of this year I will turn 42 years old and it occurs to me that 2011 marks my 21st year as a full-time coin dealer. So, exactly half of my life has been devoted to professional numismatics, though I have been attending and setting up at shows since I was 5 years old. It’s truly amazing how much the coin industry has changed over this time. Like many other markets, change was slow for the many decades prior to the 1980’s, and for many collectibles not always positive. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Top Ten Tips for the week of May 15, 2011

Many of you have expressed that you enjoy the tips and hints that I post on Face Book and Twitter, but that you would enjoy them more if I put them on the blog. Therefore, beginning this week, I will be putting them in weekly blog articles as the "Top Ten Tips of the Week." I realize that you would prefer all of the tips at one time, however, as there are about 20 pages of them, I have opted to put them into weekly articles. They will be here in the archives, should you ever need to refer to them. Happy reading and I hope you find these tips and hints of some value.

1. Many antique and vintage items can be damaged by the oil on your finger tips. Always keep a pair of clean cotton gloves handy in case you will be handling such items.

2. Do not attempt to clean coins, as cleaning makes them less desirable to collectors. Always leave them in “found” condition.

3. When washing ceramics, use only mild soap and lukewarm water. If they are damaged, repaired or have cold-painted decorations, clean only with gentle wiping with a damp cloth.

4. A simple brass polish may be made by mixing equal parts of salt, flour and vinegar. Rub the mixture on with a soft cloth, rinse completely and shine with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

5. Glazed figurines and ceramic lamps can be cleaned by spraying them with glass cleaner, and wiping dry with lint-less cloth towels.

6. When storing vintage plastic items, keep them away from heat, and do not allow them to touch one another.

7. Silver, silver plate and ceramics should never be wrapped in bubble wrap when being stored. Heat and humidity can damage items stored this way.

8. An easy way to clean a lot of small glass and china pieces, is to place them on a towel in your sink, and spray them all thoroughly with glass cleaner. Then place them on another towel to air dry.

9. If you have lamps or other items on a wooden tabletop, be sure to rearrange them from time to time. This will prevent light and dark spots from appearing on the wood. This happens when the exposed areas lighten with time, while the covered areas remain dark.

10. Use wig bleach (found at many beauty supply stores) to clean ironstone and porous pottery.

Antique Shopping 101

It has been said that the best time to buy an antique is when you see it. And there is a certain amount of truth to this. That being said, however, there are a few things you should take into account before you even leave the house. And such is the purpose of this article.

The first thing to understand is, to know what you are looking for, and what you like. Then, do your homework. The more you know about the type of antique you’re looking for, the less likely you are to regret your purchase. You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing at least a little something about the kind of car you want, and the same holds true for antiques. So do some research. You might check out your local library to see if they have any books about the type of antique you are interested in, in their holdings. Don’t forget to also ask about an interlibrary loan. You might even want to check out your local bookseller to see if they have am identification or price guide. Remember, however, that the prices in price guides do not necessarily reflect the value of the items contained within its covers. Price guides are best used only for identification. Check online sources as well. To a search online for your antique, and learn about the history of the piece. Learn what type of maker mark to look for, and memorize the mark. Learn any identifying characteristics about your antique. In other words, learn as much as you can about it. In doing so, you will be better prepared to ask an antique dealer educated questions, and less likely to be taken for an uninformed novice.

Tip Number Two, shop with a reputable dealer. Check with the better business bureau to find out if any of the dealers in your area have had complaints. Find out how long the dealers have been in business for any length of time, and ask around. If a dealer has a good reputation, word will get around. If a dealer has a bad reputation, word will get around even more. When you visit a dealer, ask if the dealer is willing to provide a detailed receipt, noting the age of the piece, whether or not it is a reproduction, and maybe even the appraised value of the piece. If a dealer is willing to put this information in writing, then he or she is willing to put his or her reputation on the line. Disreputable dealers will not be willing to do this.

Tip Number Three, don’t be shy about asking for a discount. Most dealers almost expect their customers to ask for a discount, and some even price their items accordingly. Therefore, understand that when you purchase an antique, you may actually be paying more than the expected price if you don’t ask for a discount. But, a word of warning here, I said “ask,” don’t demand. And don’t mention a specific percentage. If you go in and demand or even ask for say a 25% or 50% discount, there is a good chance that you will insult the dealer, and any hope for discount will go right out the window. Instead, you might ask, “Is this your best price?” or “How firm are you on this price?” The just wait and see what the dealer has to say. He or she may then offer you a discount, or they may not. I have had both happen to me when I have asked. Once a price has been agreed upon, either a discounted price or the full price, get ready to ask again. Once you take your antique up to the counter to pay for it, pull out your credit card, pause, and then ask if the dealer offers a discount for paying cash. Some dealers will offer a discounted price to cash paying customers because they realize that they will have to pay a fee when customers pay with a credit card. Again, this may work, and it may not, but you’ll never know until you try. And don’t worry about insulting the dealer by asking for a discount. Most dealers expect it, and are ready to deal.

Tip Number Four, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. Pretty simple advice, right? But you would be surprised how many people will buy an antique simply because it is an antique, and with the full expectation that it will appreciate in value and earn them a return on their investment. But what happens if they don’t really like the piece? And what happens if the value of the piece goes down rather than up? If you really like the piece, then it doesn’t really matter if it’s value up or down, because you will be enjoying the piece, and any appreciation in value is an added benefit to your enjoyment.

Our Last Tip, when you see that special piece, don’t wait! When you come across that special piece you’re going to know it. It will almost call to you from across the room. And even if you’re not 100% sure that you want it, go over and pick it up and hold on to it. Do not put it back down until you are 100% sure that you don’t want it. I cannot emphasize this enough! If you like it, even a little bit, go over and pick it up and hold onto it until you are absolutely certain you do not want it. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched someone pick a piece up and look longingly at it, and then put it back on the shelf while they walk around and think about it. Then when they finally decide they want it, they go back to claim their prize only to find that someone else has already picked it up. Remember, antiques are almost always one-of-a-kind pieces, and there is no guarantee that you will ever find another one. And even if you do, you may end up paying more. So, don’t put that item down until you are absolutely certain you just don’t want it.

So there you have it. Five quick tips to help turn you into a confident, no nonsense antique shopper. So head out there with your head up and determination in your stride! Happy shopping!

Whiskey Jack’s News Round-Up for May 8, 2011

Each day I scour the web in search of relevant news articles relating to antiques, collectibles and online selling, and each week I hope to present them to you here on the Whiskey Jack’s Trading Post blog. If a particular article looks interesting, just click on the headline to view the entire article. I hope you enjoy these articles and find them informative as well! Thanks for stopping by!

Case Study: Using Social Marketing Techniques in Ecommerce

I just returned from attending a writers workshop at which budding authors were exhorted to develop a "platform." What, you ask, is a platform, and what does it have to do with selling online?.... (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collectors Corner: Jigsaw Puzzles

When I was very young and had to stay home from school due to illness, I remember being not too unhappy because Mom would often present me with a new jigsaw puzzle….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Fun ways to keep kids engaged and entertained

PHOENIX - Do you ever find yourself getting overwhelmed when shopping for toys? Which will break, which will keep their attention, and which toys are harmful for your kids?.... (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique Furniture Tips

While many of us treasure our family heirlooms, vintage objects, and antiques, there are some simple ways to enjoy your treasures while working to make them last….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

What's it Worth? Miniature cannons

Q: We enjoy your column every Saturday. We have found one of those tucked away family treasures and would like to find out more about it. It appears to be a small cannon, and we know that it is at least 100 years old,… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Does eBay's Best Match Search Algorithm Favor Certain Sellers?

You don't have to be a disgruntled eBay seller to know there are flaws in the search function - eBay's own executives acknowledge it and say they are working hard to improve the buyer experience…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Kovels Antiques: Old carousel figures coveted by collectors

Carousel figures, made mostly in the early 1900s, sell for high prices today. Carousels probably were first made in the 1700s to train spear-throwers,…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antique Loomisms: Fenton carnival glass bowl worth $100

How amusing to hear how some antiques that we cherish were initially baptized with unkind designations. In the late 1700s, the Shakers, a branch of the Quakers, literally shook…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antiques — Let’s Play Jeopardy: ‘Antiques for $200, Alex’

I admit it. During Jeopardy, I become one of those obnoxious smarty-pants who shouts the answers (I mean the questions) at the television set. I’d risk less humiliation for blurting out incorrect responses if there was an “Antiques” category… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Antiques & Collectibles: Sifters are both practical, nostalgic

If you have never before paid attention to old kitchen gadgets, check out grandma’s basement or your mother’s kitchen cupboards. In the last half of the 1850s, mass-produced kitchen gadgets were patented at… (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Collecting: Madness, method & money

It is a fairly ordinary thing—an old, yellowish envelope with three rectangular stamps stuck on top with postal cancellation of 26.1.1950. There are plenty of cancellations of that date. Holding it out to the sunlight filtering through his office window that overlooks the Bombay High Court, well-known solicitor Rajan Jayakar remarks, “The stamps are fairly common, issued to commemorate the Indian Republic Day. But do you know why this envelope is invaluable?”….. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)

Tonnes of antique silver scrapped after bullion price hike

HUGE quantities of antique silver and gold were scrapped last week as precious metal prices hit record highs. Silver dealers in particular clamoured to take advantage of a two-fold hike in the bullion market, the like of which has not been seen for 30 years…. (To read the full article, just click on the headline)