Since I appraise all types of antiques, I provide a variety of information about a wide array of objects. I try to dispel the myths that are notorious in my field. Here, I’ll share some antiques information from diverse areas of the collecting field. Did you know these facts about art, antiques, and collectibles from the 1900s? In the early years of the 1900s, gathering in the parlor around the hearth was a longstanding tradition in many American homes. This cultural phenomenon inspired the architectural designs of the famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright who reminded us to focus on family and…

While the Olympic Games originated in the ancient world, they still stir great worldwide excitement today. I have appraised many collectibles associated with the Olympic Games over the years including pins, sponsor apparel, press tickets to individual events, stadium equipment (a field-used track hurdle and baton), and even a torch carried in the famous relay that transports the Olympic flame from ancient Greece to the host city. Recently, I appraised Olympic memorabilia during one of my many trips to Atlanta, where I tape Discovery’s Auction Kings tv show. Atlanta was the American host city …

Stockholm, Sweden is known for its beauty and history. The city’s best known site is probably the three golden crowns which sit atop the Stadshuset.  Since 1901, the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony is held in the Stadshuset’s main banquet hall amid an 18-million piece golden mosaic. The museums of Stockholm are vast and diverse. Museums are housed in historic houses, contemporary architectural marvels, and even in the subway. Art in the subway is an underground art exhibit. The Stockholm subway system is known as the world’s longest art exhibition running 110 kilometers. There was a competition in…

I went to a fabulous museum show recently. This exhibition featured the work of master artists, highlighted aspects of American culture, traced the history of the entire 20th Century, and focused on advancements in technology. It had everything you’d expect from a great museum exhibition. What I didn’t expect … it was all about motorcycles. In Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is a world-class museum that tells the American story through objects on a daily basis. Housing an impressive collection of Native American objects and western art, the Eiteljorg …

Comfortable and cultural are only two of the many words that describe shoes. Shoe history stretches back to the ancient times. Back then, sandals were formal wear shoes and they have the revered distinction of being the first footwear. In the ancient world, everyone wore sandals (no, not flip flops!) to funerals. Some shoes are truly protective like sabatons, the Renaissance- era metal foot coverings that completed suits of armor, circa 1500. Other shoes like those worn by Asian women in the 1600s were binding. European fashionistas selected the finest fabrics for their footwear and made the …

Did you know these basic facts about antiques? --- Age isn’t Everything Most people think that the age of an object increases its value. Age is not an automatic value indicator. Just because an object is old, that does not mean it is automatically a valuable item. I have junk in my house and so did my grandmother. Sometimes it is just older junk. Quality, condition, and historical background are some of the most important factors, but age is not the end all, be all. A fine Spine When it comes to reselling old books, there are some basic rules of thumb. First, if you can smell it, you can’t …

  Have you ever spent a Saturday morning going to yard sales? The signs are all around you, but don’t want to drive around aimlessly or waste money buying junk. Here are some tips for making the most of your yard sale shopping spree. Don’t forget the Cash Yard sales are not like a quick trip to the convenience store. You will need more than just your keys, cell phone, and credit card. You need coins and small bills in order to take home the best from a yard sale. Don’t ask a yard sale seller to break a $50 bill, it could be the end of your negotiations.   Don’t sell Everything Some things …

I have heard many men, at various venues across the country, report that they don’t buy jewelry for their wives or girlfriends, because they don’t know enough about jewelry to make an informed decision. I have had my fair share of cheap boyfriends and let me just tell you what most women think of that lame excuse — you sound cheap. So, in order to educate the masses and help all of my girlfriends get gifts of fine bling, here are some tips about jewelry. If you are interested in purchasing a colored gemstone, diamond or strand of pearls, a jeweler with a GIA certification and a strong, honest…

Did you ever wonder if Christopher Columbus would be upset to learn that a GPS device is named after fellow explorer, Ferdinand Magellan? Maybe today’s techno-wizards didn’t name the GPS after Columbus because he made a big mapping mistake in his quest to find a new route to Asia. The land mass that Columbus thought was Asia was actually, as we all know, a tiny island in the Caribbean. Perhaps Columbus should have asked for directions. When the Ottomon Turks captured Constantinople in 1453, the price of oriental trade goods went sky-high in Europe. Many believed there was a fortune to be made…

As we celebrate President's Day, a review of some pets that spent time in the White House over the last century or so is in order for those of us who love history and, more importantly, pets. From President William McKinley's (in office from 1897-1901) famous and exotic Mexican double yellow headed parrot to President Obama's dog named Bo, the pets of the Presidents have remained a major part of the history of the American presidency. While most of our Presidents had pets, a select few made their pets a major part of their administration. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1933-1945) had a …

The winter holiday of Valentine’s day, which falls on Feb. 14, honors Roman Goddess of Marriage, Juno, and the Christian martyr, St. Valentine. Persecuted by the Roman Emperor in 273 AD, St. Valentine enjoys a legacy that has been carried on by lovers, young and old, for centuries. Children and adults alike annually honor St. Valentine by gifting flowers, sharing symbols of love, and sending romantic cards to loved ones.  While St. Valentine presented the flowers from his garden to young lovers in an effort to promote the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, the February holiday that bears his …

When it comes to fine china, the phrase ‘handle with care’ couldn’t be more important. Everyone knows that china is fragile. Fine china—be it Meissen, Wedgwood, or Royal Copenhagen—should be used with care. Here are some tips so you can enjoy your china and prevent damage. First rule: Don’t place fine china in the dishwasher, refrigerator, or microwave. If you chose to display your fine china in a china cabinet, give your collection breathing room. Do not stack plates more than six plates high and place separators in between each piece. Display teacups atop their saucers. Don’t hang teacups …

You may have attended one of my antiques appraisal shows or you may have read about some of the places that I have visited or the people I have met. Ever since 1998, I continue to present my appraisal events to live audiences across the country. It is fun to hear the stories of how someone acquired a vintage or antique piece. Recently, I met some folks with some interesting stories to share.   Raining Jewelry I met Kelly in rainy Seattle, Wash. He wanted me to appraise a gorgeous Native American necklace, in the squash blossom form with semi-precious stones, during my appraisal event. I asked…

Kitchen collectibles are some of the most popular objects for collectors. While these items typically hold great sentimental value, many of our most common and useful items are also highly collectible like cookie jars, mixing bowls, and baking dishes. These kitchen mainstays say a great deal about our culture. Since I burn most of my baking attempts, I gravitate toward non-stick cookware and particularly, Pyrex products. From oven to fridge, these baking dishes demonstrate technological advancements and they say a lot about how Americans lived in the early decades of the 20th century. …

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935 and he died on August 16, 1977. He left a legacy that continues to inspire many fans to this day. In addition to his mansion, Graceland, his mountain of hit records and his popular movies, Elvis still connects with collectors decades after his untimely death. Beloved by millions, Elvis was a star among stars. Recently, I made my way to Memphis, TN, to pay homage to the King of Rock n Roll. Visiting Graceland, the home of the late Elvis Presley, was a truly moving experience. Elvis’ famous home is both a museum and a memorial. While the living room and…

With the sky-high prices for gold and precious metals making headlines, I thought some information and useful tips would prove helpful. Precious metals, gemstones, and fine design pieces have dazzled us through the ages. Called precious metals, gold, platinum and silver are some of the world’s rarest materials. These three metals are found in many parts of the world, but they are not easily extracted from their natural state. Precious metals maintain their luster and shine and resist corrosion with little care. Objects dating back to the world’s ancient civilizations like the Native Americans…

Throughout the fall of 2011 at sites around the globe, there will be a series of public exhibitions and events leading up to the sale of the vast collection of the late Elizabeth Taylor. The three month-long tour of highlights from Taylor’s immense private collection will begin in September of 2011. The traveling exhibition will make stops in major global centers such as London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Geneva, Paris, Dubai, and Hong Kong.   At the tour’s New York finale, from  December 3 thru 12, there will be an exhibition featuring The Elizabeth Taylor Collection of jewelry, fashion, …

I am a Penn Stater. I both studied and later, taught on the University Park, Pennsylvania campus. My Ph.D. in art history is from Penn State and I taught art history courses on the main campus and through the university’s distance education program, called the World Campus, online. I have known Coach Paterno, President Spanier, and many other important figures who have contributed to the university community. And, like many people worldwide, I know Penn State to be a fine academic institution. But, recently, as I introduced myself as a Penn Stater at TV studios for media hits and at some of …

If I had a dime for every time I advised people not to use eBay or any online auction site as a method for finding out the value of a work of art or antique, I’d be able to help out with the debt crisis. I have told folks time and time again that you can’t use an eBay listing or posted online sales results to put a value on an object. Online fraud is widespread and that’s why you can’t rely solely on an online auction website’s sales records to provide you with an accurate appraisal. Only an honest appraiser who can analyze the market data can provide you with that critical information. …

In many countries around the world, the Day of the Dead holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to memorialize deceased friends and relatives. While the ceremony can be traced back to the indigenous people of North America, the holiday is observed in Mexico, the United States, Spain, Brazil, Asia, and Africa. The event relates to All Saints’ Day and All Soul’s Day on the Roman Catholic calendar. The Day of the Dead takes place on the feast days of Nov. 1 and 2. On Nov. 1, at the break of dawn, the spirited events begin. Relatives of the deceased visit and decorate the graves of …