Antiques & Auction News - April 26, 2024

Antiques & Auction News Marks 55 Years

By Karl Pass

Engle Printing & Publishing Co. Inc. is marking the 55th anniversary of Antiques & Auction News. It’s a major milestone for the company, which is celebrating its own 70th anniversary in 2024. First and foremost, we’d like to thank the regular readers and loyal advertisers who have supported the publication over the decades. There is a lot to be excited about as we both reflect on the history of the paper and look ahead to the future.

The publication was founded by Joel Sater in May of 1969. From the inception, distribution was strong. “Antiquing With Joel Sater” was a syndicated newspaper column that ran across the country. Sater began by publishing a series of regional antiquing guides, and the newspaper format version was an outgrowth of the guides.

At first, the paper was published monthly. Early on, interest grew, and it soon went to a biweekly schedule and then to the weekly format of today. Since Volume 1, Number 1, the paper served to provide

information to readers on upcoming auctions and shows, as well as reports on past shows and sales, museum exhibition coverage, and other interesting topics and marketplace news. An article that ran in the first issue was titled “Post Card Buffs Fear Rate Hike.” Postcard stamps were five cents 50 years ago (today, they are 53 cents).

The main headline in that Vol. 1 No. 1. May 1969 issue was “Eastern Antiquing Season Opens,” with the subhead reading, “Antique shows and flea markets now in operation every day this month.”

Marketplace news among the antiques trade was abundant. A full slate of multiple farm sales took place every Saturday, and regular sales occurred nearly every night of the week. Regional antiques shows were a regular occurrence as well, and it was all happening here in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The markets in Adamstown were among the epicenter of it all. Fresh items bought at sales on Saturdays were taken to the markets to be offered for sale on Sundays. The markets remain basically a mecca for an antiquing enthusiast. Other markets remain active such as Golden Nugget in Lambertville, N.J., and Brimfield, held three times a year in Massachusetts. We send an extra 12 boxes of Antiques & Auction News for distribution at the Brimfield shows, the next one running from May 14-19.

The country’s bicentennial in 1976 only fueled the growth and interest in antiques. Americana was vogue, and our paper became a regional powerhouse providing a go-to source for news. It was the proverbial heyday, and the paper was hitting its stride. The

and pride felt for the country’s material culture and heritage was evident. Perhaps, in two short years, during our country’s semiquincentennial in 2026, a renewed affinity and appreciation will be felt for American decorative arts?

Engle Printing & Publishing Co. Inc. bought Antiques & Auction News in 1984. Joel passed away the following year. His widow, Denise, was one of six editors of the paper. In sequence they have been Joel Sater, Jim Powell, Marjorie McCarthy, Denise Sater, Doris Johnson, Denise Sater (second time), and myself, Karl Pass, since 2013.

In 1996, four-color was added, giving the publication color-printing capabilities. Especially important for this industry, the change allowed readers and advertisers a truer impact of an item’s detail and represented an object to better scale and quality.

The biggest news for any trade paper is prices realized. And from the beginning, we consciously report what things are selling for from as many auctions and shows as possible. What something is worth and how much it sells for are at the core of any market-based trade paper. With that said, any aspiring freelance journalists who wish to report on regional shows or auctions for the paper are encouraged to email me at kpass@antiquesandauction news.net to discuss opportunities.

A cover redesign took place in 2015, so more articles could appear on the cover, laying out a clean and professional product. Circulation has long been a success story. A comment that was often said to Joel became the unofficial motto and placed on the masthead: “You See It Everywhere.”

Just a couple of the longtime advertisers who use the paper to promote their businesses include Barry Slosberg, Dave Rowe, John Hess, Clarke and Luke Witman, Howard Parzow, Ron Funk, Gary Fluck, Ted Wiederseim, and many more. Auction houses and shops that wish to advertise in the paper can learn more by visiting www. antiquesandauctionnews.net.

There are so many exciting things on the horizon as we look to the future. And, as always, thank you for the support.

This Reinvented Resource Brings Word Definitions To Life Through Videos Of Artists Making Objects

Three years in the making, Craft in America is launching the first ever Craft Video Dictionary (CVD) this spring, www.craftvideo dictionary.org. The CVD is a free online resource that gives the public a direct, close-up view of craft processes and techniques. Instead of words and images, CVD definitions are conveyed via video. Clear and concise, these videos are edited to focus strictly on the artists’ movements and the transformation of materials. The project was initiated with seed support from The Decorative Arts

“Action Comics” No. 1, Which Introduced Superman

In 1938, Sells For $6 Million

Price Is New Auction Record For Any Comic Book

Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s the most valuable comic book in the world.

A copy of “Action Comics” No. 1, the comic book that introduced Superman to the world in 1938, sold for $6 million on day one at Heritage Auctions’ April 4 to 7 Comics & Comic Art Signature Auction. Graded CGC Very Fine+ 8.5, this issue from the Kansas City Pedigree is one of the world’s

finest copies. Only two other unrestored issues featuring Superman’s first flight have ever graded higher.

According to CGC’s list of the most expensive comic books ever reported sold, a copy of “Action Comics” No. 1 sold privately for $5.3 million in 2022. The previous auction record was held by the CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 copy of “Amazing Fantasy”¬†No. 15, featuring the debut of Spider-Man, that

sold for $3.6 million at Heritage in September 2021.

There are just 78 copies of “Action Comics” No. 1 in CGC’s population report, with the grading service estimating there are a scant 100 survivors of the comic book that launched superheroes into popular culture. That is 100 out of the 200,000 copies printed by DC Comics’ predecessor National Allied Publications. Little wonder copies are so coveted by collectors when they appear at auction. Look no further than Heritage’s September 2023 sale of an issue graded CGC 0.5 for $408,000, which leaped over the previous record in a single bound.

“Action Comics” No. 1 is hailed as the most important comic ever published, and the Superman who first appeared in the spring of 1938 remains remarkably like the version still filling comic-shop shelves

every week or awaiting yet another big-screen turn in writer-director James Gunn’s retelling of the tale. He was more violent than the Big Blue Boy Scout of the 1950s and ‘60s, but that’s only because his creators wanted him to be “very serious about helping people in trouble and distress,” Jerry Siegel once said. And in the case of “Action Comics” No. 1, trouble and distress were not in short supply: In his debut alone, Superman squared off against “unjust imprisonment, spousal abuse, disarmament and drunken driving,” as Les Daniels summed it up in “Superman: The Complete History.”

And moments after the record-setting “Action Comics” No. 1 took flight, it was followed by what could have been the centerpiece of any other auction, a professionally restored copy of “Action Comics” No. 1 bearing the CGC grade of Apparent 8.0, which realized $576,000, an all-time high for any restored comic book.

“The first three lots today would be tough to beat when it comes to exciting bidding wars, the all-time record for a comic book, bracketed by two absolutely stunning surprises,” recounted Heritage Auctions Vice President Barry Sandoval. “We’re thrilled to have made history today with an auction that’s rich in history, encompassing everything from a preGolden Age Superman artifact to the Teenage Mutant Ninja

Turtles. We couldn’t be happier for our consignors and those winning bidders who acquired items without equal.” Superman was far from the lone record-setter.

One of the five best copies of 1963’s “The Avengers,” featuring Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp, sparked a bidding war and in the end, a CGC Near Mint+ copy of the book written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby realized $432,000, a new record for the beloved title.

In all, the four-day sale was the highest grossing of its kind, bringing in $28,204,583. The previous record for any comic book and comic art auction was $26.5 million set at Heritage in September 2021.

Speaking of super copies of books featuring super teams, there are two copies of

Continued on page 10

One of the five best copies of 1963’s “The Avengers,” featuring Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Ant-Man and Wasp, sparked a bidding war, and this CGC NM+ 9.6 Near Mint+ copy of the book written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby realized $432,000, a new record for the comic.

Moments after the recordsetting “Action Comics” No. 1 sold, a professionally restored copy of

Comics” No. 1 bearing the CGC grade of Apparent 8.0, realized $576,000, a high for any

A copy of “Action Comics” No. 1, the comic book that introduced Superman to the world in 1938, sold for $6 million, graded CGC Very Fine+ 8.5.

“Action

restored comic book.

The CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 copy of the comic book that featured Wonder Woman’s second appearance is a sensation in every regard. This copy of “Sensation Comics” No. 1 is the highest-graded copy in the world and set a record at $420,000.

What Constitutes Value In The Antiques And Collectibles Trade?

By Shawn Surmick

Back in the 1990s, a mentor of mine in the antiques and collectibles trade would frequently lament that value is all that anyone cares about. In 2024, truer words have yet to be spoken. I have had more than one dealer tell me that they don’t think anyone even cares about the history of the item. Tune into any episode of “Pawn Stars,” and you can see a lot of would-be sellers’ eyes glaze over while they have to sit through a monologue about the history of an item they just want to sell for the right amount of cash. Some of these would-be sellers don’t even care about what the expert has to say about their item, just as long as it is worth more cash than they originally hoped to get for it.

At its core, this is understandable. Value does matter in the antiques and collectibles, and as much as I hate to admit this, in some cases, it matters more than the history of the objects themselves. Case in point, I tend to think that the history of a 1933 $20 Double Eagle gold coin is more important than the history of a copy of “Action Comics” #1, which featured the first appearance of Superman. The reason for this is simple, the 1933 $20 gold coin was never officially put into circulation by the U.S. Mint, and as a result only 13 known examples exist. This is in sharp contrast to a copy of “Action Comics” #1, which was readily available at newsstands back when it was first published in 1938, but almost no one thought to save it as a potentially valuable collectible. Today, both the 1933 $20 gold coin and a copy of “Action Comics” #1 can each be considered rare, and both are in demand. However, the history of the gold coin is much more interesting simply because it was never put into circulation and was never meant to be owned by the general public. The monetary value of each of these items reflects this very point. The 1933 gold coin previously sold for close to $20 million dollars at auction and a high grade copy of “Action Comics” #1 just recently sold for $6 million dollars. This does add credence that the history of the object does matter when monetary value is being assessed, but this does not answer the basic question as to what actually constitutes value?

Without getting into a deep analysis of this book, which is well worth reading, in my opinion, I’ll use Wikipedia’s simple summary of the book to get this conversation going: Smith argues that value is an effect of continuously changing and interacting valuables. Smith also argues that value is a product of a system, more specifically, an economic system. With that said and to be fair to the author, this is a simplistic analysis of the book. What makes “Contingencies of Value” a worthy read isn’t this concise conclusion, it is how Smith manages to elegantly portray the definition of value as something both abstract and logical that is ever changing.

It is also, these same changing variables that make an investment in the abstract (i.e. any investment in an antique or collectible) not logical over the long term. Sure, today in 2024, we can agree that a 1933 gold coin and a copy of “Action Comics” #1 are very valuable and have a lot of demand that attributes to this value. But now let’s go into the future 100 years. In 2124, are both of these artifacts going to be just as valuable as they are now? How about 500 years from now? In 2524, will people still care about Superman? Unfortunately, my crystal ball is getting extremely cloudy, but if I was a betting man, I would choose the 1933 gold coin over the copy of “Action Comics” #1. However, both of these artifacts are simply items that we as a society choose to value at present time for what could be considered enormous amounts of money. Neither the coin nor the comic provides any underlying cash flows to the owner of these items.

Collectibles, or even antiques for that matter, have no value without cultural relevance or at the very least, demand. This is what makes investing in antiques and collectibles so inherently risky over the long term, and this is something that a lot of collectors and speculators operating in these markets get wrong. It is very easy to predict the desirability of an item over the next six months or even the next six years; however, trying to predict what will be collected and sought after 16 years from now or 60 years from now is no easy task. Even the experts get it wrong. Just because something has a lot of value and is in demand now does not mean this demand will increase over the coming years. The worth of anything is consistently changing and never constant.

Unfortunately, some in the trade think that the value of even the most desirable objects only continues to increase year after year, not realizing the abstract

In 1988, literary critic and author Barbara Hernstein Smith decided to answer this fundamental question in her now classic book titled, “Contingencies of Value: Alternative Perspectives for Critical Theory.”

variables that define this value. This is why few experts in the antiques and collectibles trade can consistently beat the returns of a basic S & P 500 index fund over the long term by choosing a simple index of fixed antiques and collectibles to compete against it. This is also one reason why

collectible indexes like the PCGS 3000 (an index of rare coins) are completely meaningless over the long term. If anyone ever claims they have created the perfect index to track the value of a group of collectibles, please adhere to the advice given in the Tom Hanks movie “Forest Gump,” and run, Forest, run!

Furthermore, valuing an antique and collectible is not the same as valuing a financial asset like a stock or a bond. There are real business and financial metrics we can use to assess the health of a business, like projected sales, inventory turnover, cash flows, and return on investment. At its core, an antique or collectible is abstract and has none of these same properties. As a result, value is much more abstract than logical when it applies to the antiques and collectibles trade, simply because we are dealing with emotional (not logical) assets.

A Study In Sherlock Part II Realizes

$217,000 Sale Featured Books, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Props, And Association Items Related To Celebrated British Author Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)

Potter & Potter Auctions is pleased to the results of this 336-lot event held on Feb. 15. Prices noted include the company’s 20-percent buyer’s premium. The top lot in this sale was Arthur Conan Doyle’s autographed manuscript of the novel “Uncle Bernac,” trading hands at $42,500. This complete manuscript as published in the original serialization appeared with the provisional title “Boulogne. A Memory of the Empire.” It was written in Egypt, London, and elsewhere in the summer of 1896. It was housed in a folding cloth chemise and slipcase and presented in a custom folding box detailed with brass plaque and latches. This remarkable document was sold with the complete three-part American serialization of “Uncle Bernac” as it appeared in “The Cosmopolitan” in January through March 1897 and a copy of the first English edition of “Uncle Bernac.”

Doyle’s “The Lost World” with its nearly impossible to find original dust jacket realized $12,000. It was published in London by Hodder and Stoughton in 1912. This first English trade edition featured the iconic image

Doyle’s “The Lost World,” with its virtually unobtainable original dust jacket, was estimated at $8,000-$12,000 and sold for $12,000. Continued on page 5

Arthur Conan Doyle’s autographed manuscript of the novel “Uncle Bernac” was estimated at $30,000-$40,000 and sold for $42,500.

Potter & Potter

Continued from page 4

of Arthur Conan Doyle disguised as Professor Challenger on its dust jacket. A pair of photo albums featuring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes or in various stage roles sold for a whopping $6,600. This lot included a photo album of 80 color behind-the-scenes photos of Brett as Holmes and Edward Hardwicke (1932-2011) as Watson, and an album of 22 color photos of Brett on stage in various plays, or posing with other people,

A first-edition, first-issue of the large paper copy of Doyle’s “The Lost World” was estimated at $2,000-$3,000 and sold for $4,560.

including Lillian Gish and Lauren Bacall. These albums came from the estate of Jeremy Brett. A first-edition, first-issue of the large paper copy of Doyle’s “The Lost World” made $4,560. It was published in London, New York and Toronto by Hodder and Stoughton in 1912. This oversized book featured 13 mounted plates, including a portrait frontispiece, and two maps. According to Green and Gibson, “Although 1,000 copies were prepared, only 190 were bound. The remainder were transferred to the second issue.” “It was all but elementary here on auction day, we saw strong bidding on many unusual and elusive items from the Arthur Conan Doyle cannon, and looking forward to, perhaps, yet another installment in this series of auctions in 2025,” sais Gabe Fajuri, president at Potter & Potter Auctions. For further information, visit www. potterandpotter auctions.com.

A pair of photo albums featuring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and in various stage roles was estimated at $150$250 and sold for $6,600.

Railroadiana Collection Sold

Material Contained Antique Canadian Railroad Collectibles, Bottles, Pottery, Nautical And Marine Items

The 1914 brass shipbuilder’s plate #41 for Collingwood Shipbuilding Company for the S.S. Pelee sold for $15,340, and Canadian National Locomotive plates #6057 and #4006 brought $14,160 and 11,210, respectively, in the online-only auction of the William Robert Wilson collection held March 23 and 24 by Miller & Miller Auctions Ltd.

Part one featured 451 lots of railroad collectibles, bottles, pottery, stoneware and architectural items. Part two had 511 lots of additional railroad and architectural items, plus nautical and marine lots. The auction was officially titled “Advertising, Railroadiana & Historic Objects / The William Robert William Collection.” It grossed $554,453. All prices quoted are in Canadian dollars and include an 18-percent buyer’s premium.

The cast brass Collingwood Shipbuilding Company Ltd. (Canadian) 1914 builder’s Plate #41 had a modest $500-$800 estimate. Collingwood was commissioned by the Pelee Island Steamship Company of Amherstburg to build a reliable freight and passenger steamer. This plate would have been on the S.S. Pelee to show who the builder was.

The brass Canadian National Locomotive Number plate #6057 was for a Class U-1-e train built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1930 and scrapped in 1960. The famous locomotive was used on a leg of the Royal Train trip in 1939, from Kamloops to Jasper. Included in the lot was a framed copy of Canadian National Magazine with a cover relevant to the plate. The brass Canadian National Locomotive plate #4006 was for a Class T-1-a Santa Fe 212 type locomotive, built by an American locomotive company at the Brooks plant in 1916 and scrapped in 1960. The boiler was built by Montreal Locomotive Works.

Day one saw 454 users registered to bid, placing a combined 7,173 bids. On the second day, 323 users placed a combined 8,695 bids. Internet bidding was via the

Miller & Miller website and LiveAuctioneers.com.

One of the sleepers of the sale was a cast brass English Electric Company locomotive builder’s plate #4006 (Canadian, 1924). The train

removed from service in Pointe St. Charles in 1973. The plate bested its $200$300 estimate by bringing $6,490. Also, a Canadian 1930s-era McAvity Canadian

was

National Railroad six-chime steam whistle, painted cast

A 1914 brass shipbuilder’s plate #41 for Collingwood Shipbuilding Company for the S.S. Pelee sold for $15,340.

This brass Canadian National Locomotive Number plate #6057 was for a Class U-1-e train built by Montreal Locomotive Works in 1930 and scrapped in 1960; it realized $14,160.

One of the sleepers of the sale was this brass English Electric Company locomotive builder’s plate #4006 (Canadian, 1924). The train was removed from service in 1973. The plate sold for $6,490.

This Canadian 1930s-era McAvity Canadian National Railroad six-chime steam whistle made from painted cast metal, embossed, sold for $5,310.

Insights And Strategies For Collectors From Deloitte’s Collectibles Report

By Jestin Davis

Deloitte’s report, “Collectibles: An Integral Part of Wealth,” delves into the nuanced world of collectibles, offering valuable insights and strategies. This comprehensive examination provides collectors with an understanding of the evolving dynamics in the market and how these insights can be harnessed for financial growth. Let’s investigate the key findings.

1. Changing Collector Profiles: Deloitte highlights a shifting collector profile, with a younger, tech-savvy generation entering the market. Understanding this evolving demographic is crucial for collectors seeking to adapt to changing marketplace dynamics.

2. Digital Transformation: The report emphasizes the impact of digital transformation on the collectibles market. Online platforms, blockchain technology, and digital art are becoming integral components, altering the way collectors engage with and perceive their collections.

3. Investment Considerations: Deloitte’s research explores the investment potential of collectibles, indicating that while financial gain is a motivator, collectors should approach their acquisitions with a balanced perspective, considering both the emotional and financial aspects.

4. Rise of Sustainable Collecting: Sustainability emerges as a prominent theme, with an increasing number of collectors prioritizing environmentally conscious choices. This shift aligns with broader global trends towards eco-friendly and ethically sourced products.

5. Wealth Management Integration: The report underscores the integration of collectibles into broader wealth management strategies. Collectors are advised to consider their collections as integral components of their overall wealth portfolio, requiring careful planning and consideration of potential financial implications.

What strategies can be ascertained from this report? Let’s take a look together.

1. Tech Adoption and Digital Engagement: Embrace technological advancements in the collectibles space. Utilize online platforms for acquisition and explore opportunities presented by blockchain technology, ensuring a seamless integration of the digital and physical aspects of your collection.

2. Balancing Emotional and Financial Considerations: Deloitte’s findings emphasize the importance of striking a balance between emotional attachment and financial considerations. Collectors should approach acquisitions with a dual perspective, recognizing the potential for both personal satisfaction and financial growth.

3. Wealth Planning: Position your collection within the context of your overall wealth management strategy. Deloitte’s report underscores the necessity of careful planning, including insurance considerations, estate planning, and financial forecasting related to the collection. Don’t be afraid to discuss your collection with your financial advisors, and if they are not comfortable helping you integrate the two, seek out an advisor that has an understanding of the antiques and/or collectibles market.

Deloitte’s insightful report serves as a compass for collectors navigating the evolving landscape of their passion. By understanding the changing dynamics, embracing technology, and adopting strategies that balance emotional and financial considerations, collectors can ensure their journey is not only personally fulfilling but also financially astute.

Jestin Davis is a Chartered Economist who has spent his professional career in the financial sector and brings that perspective to the antiques and collectibles market. To learn more, visit www.RootedCapital Consulting.com. Please note, this is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute investment or tax advice.

An exceedingly rare Chinese Clair-de-Lune glazed porcelain bottle vase, Changjingping, found in the kitchen cabinet of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fleischmann III in Cincinnati, Ohio, sold for $444,500 at Freeman’s/Hindman on March 26. The elegant light-blue vase, the crown jewel of the Chinese and Himalayan Works of Art sale, far exceeded its pre-sale estimate on the back of remarkable interest from around the

globe. While the six-inch fine clair-de-lune bottle vase may appear unassuming, it was anything but. Having a low bulbous body and rounded shoulders narrowing to an elongated taut neck, the vase featured a gorgeous skyblue glaze applied evenly throughout the exterior, stopping above the neat foot ring which shows the fine clay that used to make this vase.

ILLINOIS

2024-04-28, , Sunday, 10AM License plate auction featuring the Legendary St. Louis 1911 plate., Donley Auctions

INDIANA

2024-05-03, Lebanon, Friday

9AM - 5PM, Saturday 9AM -3PM Indoor & outdoor vendors selling collectible antique advertising & more!, Morphy Auctions

OHIO

2024-05-03, Delaware, Friday

The 40 Year Americana Collection, Great Estates Auction

2024-04-26, Columbus, Friday & Saturday A large assortment of fine & decorative furnishings., Spring Fab Finds Auction at the Warehouse

2024-05-04, Delaware, Saturday The Beth & Earl Trimble Stoneware Collection, The Americana Collection of the late ASudrey Caspari, and other choice Americana selections., The Great Estates Auction

2024-05-06, Dundee, Monday

9 AM Country Store, primitives, advertising & more!, Atlee-Raber Auctions, LLC

PENNSYLVANIA

2024-05-04, Mt Wolf, Saturday 9AM 2 large wooden temple horses from India, many unusual items, vintage

Hindman

Continued from page 7

It was the six-character mark on the base of the vase, however, that sent bidders into a frenzy.

The vase bears a Yongzheng mark and is consistent with pieces from the period.

The Yongzheng emperor was known for his aesthetic taste in art, particularly in porcelain. Under his and his staff’s supervision, the imperial kiln managed to produce extremely high-quality porcelain objects that were the picture of elegance and taste.

Yongzheng reigned for only 13 years, however, so only a small number of pieces were made during his reign and even fewer have survived to this day.

Most of the pieces like this bear a six-character mark in regular script, but this particular bottle featured bronze script, making it exceedingly rare. Only three such examples are known to exist, including one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The vase came to Freeman’s/Hindman from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fleischmann III. It was

CALENDAR S

A UCTIONS

Christmas items, Halloween items, old toys, primitives & more!, Rentzel’s Auction Service, Inc.

2024-04-27, Easton, Saturday 11 AM Quilts, primitives, lanterns, mid century decor, snowblower, lawn tractor, vintage clothing & furs & more!, Les Beyer Auctioneer

2024-04-26, Dillsburg, Friday

6 PM Longaberger, Pottery, wrought iron, collectible baskets, silk flowers & wreaths & more!, Hardy’s Auction Service

2024-07-10, , Wed Ending starts at 5 PM Antique & modern furniture, glassware, sterling silver, primitives, tools & more!, A & M Auctioneers & Appraisers

2024-05-07, , Tues 5 PM Coins & currency, A & M Auctioneers & Appraisers

2024-05-01, , Wed Ending starts at 5PM Antique & modern furniture, artwork, tools, baskets & more!, A & M Auctioneers & Appraisers

2024-05-03, Manheim, Friday 9AM Antiques & Americana Auction. Over 600 lots to include pottery, glass, artwork, metalware, miscellaneous & more!, Hess Auction Group

2024-05-02, Kinzers, Thursday 10AM & Online Jewelry & Watch Auction. Costume jewelry, watches, silver & sterling silver pieces, gold jewelry

believed to have been acquired during the Fleischmanns’ extensive world travels throughout their lives, just one part of the thousands of objects that comprised their eclectic collection. Interestingly, though, the vase was found tucked away in a kitchen cabinet at their home in suburban Cincinnati, and despite scouring the Fleischmanns’ extensive documentation of their collection, nothing was found on the piece.

Without the complete documentation, Freeman’s/Hindman estimated the piece conservatively, but as bidders from around the world descended on Chicago to examine the vase in person, the market’s opinion on it was clear. Twenty phone bidders battled over the

pieces & more!, Embassy Auctions International

2024-05-08, , Wednesday 11AM Spring Estates Auction. Chippendale desk, antique rose-cut diamond brooch, Tiffany pine needle overlay box, antique Moroccan rug & more!, Aces Gallery

2024-05-25, Mohrsville, Saturday 1 PM Large estate auction. Antiques & collectibles, furniture, tools, lawn & garden & much more!, L & H Auctions

2024-04-27, Easton, Saturday 11 AM Quilts, primitives, lanterns, Easton & Allentown memorabilia, snow blower, lawn tractor & more!, L & H Auctions

2024-04-28, Andreas, Sunday

10 AM Antiques, primitives, pottery, vintage mixers, farm items & more!, Dean Arner Auctioneer

2024-04-27, Saturday 1 PM Spring antique, coin & designer purse specialty sale. Karge selection of 10K, 14K & 18K gold jewelry, scrimshaw, Hummels, furniture & more!, Kleinfelter’s Auction, Inc.

2024-04-16, Thursday closing starts at 7 PM Larry Hagedorn Estate. Massive antique bottle collection, inkwell collection, furniture, oak wall phone, Lennox china for 12 & much more!, Lambrecht Auction, Inc.

DELAWARE

04/27/24, New Castle, Saturday 9AM - 2PM Delaware Train Show, Rt 13/198 South Dupont Highway, Nur Shrine Center

04/28/24, New Castle, Sunday

10AM - 4PM April Fool’s Toy Show, Rt 13/198 South Dupont Highway, Nur Shrine Center

GEORGIA

05/09-12/24, Atlanta, Thurs - Sun Antique Show, 3650

Jonesboro Road SE, Atlanta

Expo Center, North Bldg.

06/06-09/24, Atlanta, Thurs.Sun. Antique Market, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE, Atlanta

Expo Center, North Bldg.

07/11-14/24, Atlanta, Thurs.-

Sun. Antique Market, 3650 Jonesboro Rd. SE, Atlanta

Expo Center, North Bldg.

INDIANA

05/03-04/24, Lebanon, Friday

9 AM - 5 PM & Saturday 9 AM - 3 PM Indy Antique Advertising Show, 1955 Indianapolis Avenue, Boone County 4H Fairgrounds

05/03-04/24, Lebanon, Fri

9AM - 5PM, Sat 9AM - 3PM

Indy Antique Advertising Show, 1955 Indianapolis Avenue, Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds

NEW JERSEY

05/19/24, Hammonton, Sunday 9AM - 3 PM Spring

Antique & Bottle Show, Historic Batsto VIllage, Historic Batsto Village

06/08/24, Mullica Hill, Sat

9 AM -3 PM The Annual June Festival of Antiques, 275 Bridgeton Pike, Gloucester 4H Fairgrounds

NEW YORK

05/31/24 to 06/02/24, Bouckville, Friday - Sunday 8 AM5 PM Antiques & Collectibles Show, 6890 State Route 20 , Madison-Bouckville

04/27-28/24, Stormville, Saturday & Sunday 8 AM - 4 PM

Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt 216, Stormville Airport Flea Market

05/25-26/24, Stormville, Saturday & Sunday 8AM - 4PM

Stormville Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt 216, Stormville Airport Flea Market

08/31/24 to 09/01/24, Stormville, Saturday & Sunday

216, Stormville Airport Flea Market

11/02/24, Stormville, Sat

8AM-4PM Stormville Airport

Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt 216, Stormville Airport Flea Market OHIO

04/27/24, Berlin, Saturday

9 AM - 3 PM Early Country

Antiques & Primitives Goods Show, 3558 US Route 62, Heritage Community Center PENNSYLVANIA

12/16/23 to 01/05/25, Berwyn, Every Sat. & Sun, 9-4 Indoor/ Outdoor Vintage Flea MarketNow Open Year Round!, 270 W. Swedesford Rd, Berwyn, PA

01/07/24 to 12/29/24, Lewisburg, Every Sun. 8-4 (except Easter) Rt. 15 Flea & Farmers Market, 150 Silvermoon Ln., Lewisburg, PA

04/28/24, Lancaster, Sun. from 9-2 Lancaster Doll, Toy & Teddy Bear Show & Sale, 1383 Arcadia Rd., Lancaster Farm & Home Center

04/27/24, Lancaster, Sat. from 9-1 64th Lancaster Hunting & Fishing Show & Sale, 1383

Arcadia Rd., Lancaster Farm & Home Center

02/03/24 to 12/21/24, Kutztown, Saturdays 8-4 (7:30am-flea) Antique & Farmer’s Market, 740 Noble St., Renningers Kutztown

02/04/24 to 12/22/24, Denver, Sundays 7:30-4 Antique Market, 2500 N. Reading Rd., Renningers Adamstown

04/24-28/24, Adamstown, Wed.-Sun. April Antiques Extravaganza, 7 miles along Route 272, Adamstown, PA

05/11/24, Fairfield, Saturday

9 AM - 3 PM Country & Primitives Antique Event, 1042 Bullfrog Road, “The Farm” in Gettysburg

05/04/24, Campbelltown, Sat

10AM - 3PM 60th Annual Hershey Coin Show, 2818 Horseshoe Pike, Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company

04/27-28/24, Allentown, Sat 9AM - 5PM, Sun 9AM - 3PM Allentown Paper Show, 1929 Chew St., Agricultural Hall, Allentown Fairgrounds, 04/25-28/24, Denver, Thurs - Sun Antiques April Extravganza, 2500 N Reading Road, Renninger’s Antiques/Collectibles Market

Flea Markets in Philadelphia, 2201 Fairmount Avenue (Fairmount), Eastern State Penitentiary

05/18/24, Philadelphia, Saturday Antique & Vintage Flea Markets in Philadelphia, 500 S 2nd Street (Society Hill), Headhouse Square

06/01/24, Philadelphia, Saturday Antique & Vintage Flea Markets in Philadelphia, 2161 E York Street (Fishtown), Hackett Elementary

05/04/24, Lititz, Sat 10 AM - 3 PM Antiques at the Barn Pop-Up Show, , The barn at 2 E 28th Division Highway

05/11/24, Fairfield, Saturday 9 AM - 3 PM Country & Primitive Antique Event, 1042 Bullfrog Road, “The Farm” at Gettysburg

04/27-28/24, Kutztown, Sat & Sun Vintage Antiques & Collectors Extravaganza, 740 Noble Street, Renninger’s Kutztown

04/28/24, Denver, Antique Show Special Sunday, 2500 N Reading Road, Renninger’s Adamstown

04/26-28/24, Reinholds, 7 AM - 4 PM Spring Extravaganza, 607 Willow St, Shupp’s Grove Antique Market

06/15-16/24, Elverson, Sat

10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 10 AM - 3 PM Elverson Antique Show & Sale, 4897 Twin Valley Road, Twin Valley High School

05/17-19/24, Reinholds, Fri -

11AM-5PM, Sat & Sun 7AM -1PM Friday only Spring Bottle Fest, Adamstown Hunting & Fishing Show, 607 Willow Street, Shupp’s Grove

05/11-12/24, Reinholds, Sat & Sun 7AM - 4PM.

8AM - 4PM Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt 216, Stormville Airport Flea Market

07/06/24, Stormville, Sat

06/15/24, Philadelphia, Saturday Antique & Vintage Markets in Philadelphia, 1400 W Passyunk Avenue ( Broad & Passyunk), South Philly Blues Festival

8AM - 4PM Stormville Airport

Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt 216, Stormville Airport Flea Market

vase for several minutes, sending the price into the stratosphere.

10/12-13/24, Stormville, Saturday & Sunday 8AM - 4PM

To learn more, visit www. hindmanauctions.com.

Stormville Airport Antique Show & Flea Market, 428 Rt

04/20-27/24, Philadelphia, Saturday only Antique & Vintage Markets in Philadelphia, 3400 Lancaster Avenue ( University City), Drexel University 05/04/24, Philadelphia, Saturday Antique & Vintage

A Chinese Clair-de-Lune glazed porcelain bottle vase, Changjingping, sold for $444,500.

A

A Kuntz Park Brewery (Waterloo, Ontario factory) lithograph from the early 1900s, matted and professionally framed, marked, “Grip Engravers Toronto” to the lower right corner, sold within estimate for $4,425.

Charles Heath’s business was located on Store Street (later renamed Princess Street), the main thoroughfare in Kingston. The jug

A rare two-gallon saltglazed jug for Charles Heath Druggist in Kingston, Upper Canada, more than doubled its $2,000 high estimate by selling for $4,425. The very early and desirable Upper Canada ovoid jug was made in the 1830s.

was 14 inches tall. A Canadian Pacific Express single-sided porcelain railway station sign from the 1930s, 12-by-96 inches, with the original mounting brackets, fetched $4,130. Also, an Eaton’s College Street department store sign (Canadian, 1930s), brass mounted on

wood, sold for $3,540. Eaton, originally known as “Eaton’s College Street,” operated from 1930-77. The building is now considered an Art Deco landmark.

For further information, email info@millerandmillerauctions.com or visit www.millerandmiller auctions.com.

$4,130.

Where’s The Market?

By Karl Pass

I’ve been wanting to revisit the topic of market watching in a “state of the market” opinion piece. I once did a “match watch” type story with the same idea in mind. Friends of the publication, columnists Peter Seibert and Shawn Surmick, have also discussed current trends in the industry. Also, newcomer Jestin Davis, an economist, has contributed on this front. His column runs about once a month and engages new readers of the paper.

So much has been discussed in the antiques industry about what’s in and out of favor and who is buying.

Continued on page 10

rare two-gallon salt-glazed jug for Charles Heath Druggist in Kingston, Upper Canada, an early and desirable ovoid jug made in the 1830s, 14 inches tall, restored, sold for $4,425.

The brass Canadian Pacific Locomotive plate #536 from a 460 10-wheeler Class D-6-b train built by North British Locomotive Co., Glasgow, Scotland, in 1903, scrapped in 1953, sold for $4,130.

This Canadian Pacific Express single-sided porcelain railway station sign from the 1930s, 12-by-96 inches, with the original mounting brackets, fetched

Heritage

Continued from page 2

“Justice League of America” No. 1 graded CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 and none higher. That’s why a copy of the Super Friends’ first outing in their own title realized a record-setting $348,000.

The CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 copy of the comic book that featured Wonder Woman’s second appearance is a sensation in every regard. Not only is the copy of “Sensation Comics” No. 1 historic, but it’s also the highest-graded copy in the world. It realized a record-setting $420,000.

This original art for “The Far Side” in which Gary Larson visits the Boneless Chicken Ranch was a hit among collectors, as it became the most valuable original “Far Side” ever sold at auction, realizing $51,600.

Market Watch

Continued from page 9

This has always been a popular subject. After all, prices realized are among the most wanted information out there. For good reason, this is why we cover and report on more postsale news versus pre-sale.

Even for the casual market observer, regardless of category, major shifts have occurred over the last couple decades, and that needs recognized. Many people consider the mid- and late ‘90s as the highwater mark for Americana prices. A lot of figures can point to why. There were a large number of well-heeled active buyers, plenty of material available, scholarship was on the rise, the economy roaring, and those are the larger reasons. When talking about this, I usually cite the Bill Koch estate sale in 1999 held by Pook & Pook as my highwater mark. Major prices were achieved at this sale. If the catalog and price list isn’t in your reference library, hunt one down. Between the dot-com boomand-bust, then 9/11 and 2003 recession, the industry took hits. Some think the 2008/09 recession affected the marketplace even worse. All were significant.

So what about today? I see traditional American antiques as the drivers within the bulk of the marketplace, especially here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. I see as many or more 30- to 50-year olds at shows and sales today as I did 23 years ago when I first started freelancing for Maine Antique Digest. Upon working for Engle Printing and Publishing Co. as editor for Antiques & Auction News since 2013, I’ve seen a regional increase in

Brickerville

Continued from page 1

Daredevil, who’s about to be born again in a new Disney+ series, was another record-setting star in this event, as The Man Without Fear’s debut in “Daredevil” No. 1 realized $360,000 with a CGC Near Mint/Mint 9.8 copy. And Doctor Strange’s debut in “Strange Tales” No. 110 realized a record-setting $150,000, which proved that beauty is in the Eye of Agamotto, as this CGC Near Mint+ 9.6 copy is one of the five highest-graded in the world.

this demographic because the average buyer was no longer priced out of the market. Many people with even minimal disposable income were no longer on the sidelines looking in. Many categories are more buyable today versus 20 years ago, and there has been an uptick of people actively upgrading because the dollar stretches.

Regardless of the generation, it is a relatively small population that is passionate about history and material culture and not a new occurrence to hear dealers lament about wanting to see more young people enter the market. They have said that forever. No matter the circumstance, most active buyers need to be established in a career to have the money to spend. This is nothing new. When I ask most dealers if their children decorate with antiques, figuring they would since they have been educated and exposed to them, too often the reply is no.

Let’s see if the nation’s 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) in 2026 will spark more interest in the decorative arts, the antiques market in general, and museum attendence. So far, I don’t know of major observances being planned. The market certainly benefitted in 1976 during the bicentennial. There is a lot to be grateful for, especially if you live in southeastern Pennsylvania, where shows and sales still take place on a regular basis. I’d encourage anyone reading this to check out a local antiques show and ask the dealers questions. I’ll give my opinion on other topics in a future column. If you have suggestions, feel free to send an email to me at kpass@ antiquesandauctionnews.net.

Happy hunting.

For further information, call the Brickerville Antiques Barn during regular business hours at 717-626-0786. Restaurant). The event will be held rain or shine.

Come check out this fun and free outdoor pop-up antiques show. Stay for lunch at the Brickerville Family Restaurant and/or grab some ice cream at the adjacent ice cream shop, stroll through the other specialty stores, and stop in to the Multi-Dealer Antiques Shop.

The “Justice League of America” #1 (DC, 1960) CGC NM+ 9.6 off-white to white pages sold for $348,000.

Daredevil, who’s about to be “Born Again” in a new Disney+ series, was another record-setting star in this sale, as “Daredevil” No. 1 sold for $360,000 with a CGC Near Mint/Mint 9.8 grade.

Collector

Continued from page 3

And some of these emotional assets, much like “Action Comics” #1, have a lot of nostalgia contained within them. This reminds me what another mentor of mine in the trade once told me about nostalgia. He said, “Nostalgia is the most valuable commodity of all.” If that is the case then how can we ever accurately value

an item when the people paying for these same items are attempting to apply logic to the abstract (i.e. their emotions)? Without going any further down this proverbial rabbit hole, how about this: let’s consider the value of our beloved artifacts to simply be whatever someone is willing to pay for them at a set point in time. And should someone come knocking with an offer that is higher than what we paid

for the item in question, we probably should consider taking it. Now how’s that for a realistic definition of value?

Shawn Surmick has been an avid collector since the age of 12. He currently resides in his hometown of Boyertown, Pa., and is a passionate collector of antiques and collectibles. His articles focus on various topics affecting the marketplace.

Craft In America

Continued from page 1

Trust through their inaugural Prize for Excellence and Innovation.

The first rollout of the new reference tool includes an initial batch of 100 video definitions. This initial collection of videos begins to flesh out the ins and outs of art and craft making across a range of materials and media. There will be 200 videos posted in total later this year. The CVD has the potential to include hundreds of additional definition videos. The CVD includes technique definitions as demonstrated by artists with expertise in ceramics, metal, wood, fiber, glass and more materials. Each video captures an artist manipulating material with their hands and tools through methods that are traditional, historic, and also very much still alive.

“The CVD videos are intended to clearly define a craft technique, rather than demonstrate a how-to process. We hope this project will be useful to educators, museums, and everyone interested in craft,” stated CVD Project Producer Denise Kang.

Thus far, 14 artists were filmed across Southern California; many of them are teaching artists at colleges in the region. The CVD includes definitions of terms ranging from sgraffito, which is a ceramics process, to glass blowing, and from cabinet making and joinery to spindle turning and blacksmithing.

By providing an intimate lens into the artist’s studio, CVD video definitions provide a sense of how the objects in our world come to be and what craft really entails. On creating the videos, CVD Project Director Emily Zaiden noted, “Each artist during filming was able to take a step back from their second nature process and think about what someone unfamiliar with their craft might need to see and understand so as to appreciate their work.”

Craft in America is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit arts organization founded in 2004 with the mission to promote and advance original handcrafted work through programs in all media. The Peabody Award-winning, Emmy-nominated “Craft in America” documentary series first aired nationally on PBS in 2007 and has produced 31 hour-long episodes to date. These programs are filled with artists, techniques, and stories from diverse cultures, blending history with living practice.

In addition to the series, Craft in America’s organizational efforts include extensive websites (pbs.org/ craftinamerica and craftin america.org), a YouTube channel (youtube.com/craftin america), multi-disciplinary educator guides that adhere to national standards, and the Craft in America Center in Los Angeles. All of Craft in America’s multimedia educational content is provided to the public at no charge.

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