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Learning About CINER Costume Jewelry

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:08:07 +0000

I had the good fortune to visit the Ciner showroom and meet the incredibly stylish Pat Ciner Hill the last time I was in New York. Here's some information on this highly regarded company and the marks they've used over the decades I wrote with this informative visit in mind. Read more...

What is Tobacciana?

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:23:11 +0000

The name tobacciana alludes to tobacco, and that's precisely what it's about. Tobacciana comprises antiques and collectibles related to cigars, cigarettes and other tobacco-related items. While not everyone is a fan of tobacco products today and smoking is being banned in more and more places, it's hard to deny that some of these items aren't downright interesting. Read more...

Foiling Fakers in the 1800s

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:16:58 +0000

While we certainly have our share of fake products on the market these days, counterfeiting isn't a modern concept. In the 1850s sellers of run of the mill cigarettes were wrapping them up and selling them as expensive Cuban tobacco products. One Cuban cigarette maker, perhaps inadvertently, foiled the fakers by using the first series of lithographed labels to brand its products. Read more...

The Jewelry of Louis Comfort Tiffany

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:34:37 +0000

If what you know about Tiffany jewelry begins and ends with sterling silver, take a trip back in time to discover Louis Comfort Tiffany's version of wearable art dating to the early 1900s. His "art jewelry" is both rare and enticing, and I was thrilled to see a number of pieces on a visit to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, Florida last fall. My partner and photographer, Jay B. Siegel, did an exceptional job of capturing photographs of the Tiffany peacock necklace on display there in spite of challenges created by the glass cases holding the pieces and low light in the museum setting. It's my pleasure to share these photos and some history about Tiffany's jewelry with you. Read more...

Who Was George E. Ohr?

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:55:37 +0000

Looking at his pottery, it's no wonder George E. Ohr deemed himself the "Mad Potter of Biloxi." His work was, to say the least, a little off kilter when compared to other wares made during the late 1800s through the turn of the last century. But modern art historians are now considering Ohr as one of the forefathers of the modernist movement, and in that light those freeform pots, urns and pitchers don't look quite so outlandish. Read more...

Learning About the Glassware of Emile Gallé

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:16:51 +0000

There's lots to learn about Emile Gallé, the glass made in his French workshop, and reproductions signed Gallé. Get a brief introduction to this exquisite glass through my latest feature article, see a piece from the Morse Museum, and learn more about how to recognize those pesky reproductions, too. Read more...

Killer Stuff and Tons of Money

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:36:34 +0000

Killer stuff and tons of money. That's what we all want as antiques dealers, right? So when I was asked if I'd be interested in reviewing a book titled Killer Stuff and Tons of Money: Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America, I couldn't say yes fast enough. It doesn't really tell you how to find the old stuff we love and turn it into money per se, but it does tell the story of a show dealer and a journalist that most antiques dealers and collectors would find relative and amusing if not illuminating in a number of respects. Read more...

Notable Women in Antiques History

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:59:19 +0000

This tribute to women's history from a different perspective features names not well represented in mainstream historical texts, but worth recognizing nonetheless. These women had a notable impact on our culture in varied ways, and they're still recognized in their fields today. Read more...

Illustrated Guide to Vintage & Antique Necklace Styles

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:52:26 +0000

Have a vintage or antique necklace you want to sell but don't know what the style is called? Take a look at this illustrated guide to necklace styles, which is a work in progress with many more styles to come, to learn how to describe it. I've added a few photos of celebrities wearing modern versions just for fun. Don't you love Kristin Wiig's dog collar? Read more...

Learning About Occupational Shaving Mugs

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:13:13 +0000

When it comes to the most rare and valuable barber shop collectibles, occupational shaving mugs are among the finest. Finding a mug with just the right occupation illustrated on it can bring in lots of cash at auction, but condition issues can diminish value so it's wise to check these interesting antiques over carefully before buying. Read more...