We have all heard the stories about someone finding a painting at an estate sale or flee market for 10 dollars then selling it at an auction for thousands. While I was working at an auction house in the Chicago area I would see this happen regularly. For example a lady bought a stein for $12.00 at a garage sale on the way to the auction house. This turned out to be a Meissen stein that sold at an auction for $1,200.00. This happens more often than people think. Many times people will have an … [Read more...]
Michael Jackson’s Collection to be auctioned in Beverly Hills California
Michael Jackson's name is known around the world. You can go to any country and someone will know the name. On April 21st, 2009 Julien's Auctions will auction items from Michael Jackson's personal collection and Neverland Ranch estate. The auction will include approximately 2000 items. Some of the items to be auctioned include Michael Jackson's white-jewelled glove, the gates to his Neverland Ranch, fine and decorative art, antiques, collectibles, paintings, life size bronzed statues, … [Read more...]
How to Document your Antiques and Collectibles
Over the years I have seen many antique insurance claims. A lot of the antique collectors face an antique disaster at some point in their life. These disasters can range from a broken dish to a loss of an entire antique collection. In this article I have gone over some steps on how to document your antiques and collectibles in case you ever need to make an insurance claim. Being prepared is your best defense when it comes to making a claim with an insurance company. Use the following steps to … [Read more...]
Best Antique Auction Houses in Australia
While visiting Australia I have been using and have heard good things about the following auction houses. I would recommend these Australian auction houses to anyone who is interested in antique auctions in Australia. Australian Auction Houses: Vickers and Hoad Auctions Kensington, Sydney. Vickers and Hoad is my favorite Australian auction house. It has a nice range of antiques and collectibles.Located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The best part is that their auctioneer will not put you … [Read more...]
Best Auction Houses in the United States
I have had a few readers of this site ask me the following two questions about auction houses: Which are the best auction houses to use? Are there any auction houses located near me? So I decided to compiled a list of the good auction houses in the United States and publish on this site. I have either used or have heard good things about these auction houses. There are over 100,000 auction houses world wide. The most popular auction houses are located in Europe and the United States. … [Read more...]
10 Important Things to do Before Bidding at an Auction
The following list of good auction house bidding practices will prepare you for an auction. This list of things to do before biding will give you the knowledge to help you protect yourself from making big mistakes at an auction and in turn will save you money. 1. View the catalogue Auction houses will usually have their auction catalogues available one week prior to the auction date. Most auction houses offer their auction catalogues on the internet or a hard copy that is mailed out or picked up … [Read more...]
M.I. Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart – Hummel Price Guide
This is a Hummel figurines and collectibles suggested retail price and estimated auction (fair market value) price guide. Use this chart to find out the value of your Hummel. Find your Hummel in this chart to determine the Suggested Retail Price and estimated Auction (Fair Market Value) Price. Hummel Price Guide Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart (Opens the link in a new window) Download the Hummel Figurines and Collectibles … [Read more...]
Auction House vs. eBay
There are many avenues to sell your antiques and collectibles; private sells, auction houses, eBay, antique brokers etc. In this article I have compared between the auction house and eBay. I have presented the pros and cons of both the Auction house and eBay. Who will see your antiques or collectibles? In an auction house your antique or collectible will be seen by buyers that are there specifically for that type of item. Most auction houses advertise world wide through there mailing list, … [Read more...]
Find out the age of your Hummel Figurine
Hummel Figurines have been a part of many peoples lives over the year. There is a Hummel Figurine out there for almost every occasion; starting from "A Flower For You" to "Zealous Xylophonist". Boys and girls doing everyday duties from picking apples to delivering letters. I remember the Hummel Figurines that were always on the shelf just out of my reach when I was a little kid running around grandma's house. Now you may want to find out the age of the Hummel Figurine you remember so fondly. … [Read more...]
eBay – The Death of the Common Antique Market
For years now when my Mechanical music friends, mentors, collogues, and myself get together for meetings and other events there is a subject that always comes up. That is the effect eBay is having on them and the antique world. This conversation on antiques always starts out the same way. They start talking about how good the prices for antiques were in the early 1990's. From about 1989 to early 1997 antique prices where the best ever seen. Then the year 1997 came along. This is when the antique … [Read more...]
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