Antique, collectibles and estates are the subjects of national and international news stories every day. We monitor these articles covering a wide range of topics. Rare antiques turn up inside old homes or are found at thrift shops and tag sales. The antique and collectibles market is constantly in flux with some items selling well above prices from 10 years ago and others bringing less. Online auctions and other methods of selling and promoting the sale of estate personal property continue to evolve.
We continually share news from the world of antiques through our social media accounts. From my conversations with many regular readers, I realize you may not be able to access the stories. Here are highlights of some recent articles.
One of the biggest news stories is that a tintype photograph purchased for $2 in a California junkshop is believed to be a $5 million picture of Billy the Kid. A San Francisco dealer of Western Americana authenticated it and insured for $5 million. Only one other Billy the Kid photo is known to exist. It sold at auction in 2011 for $2.3 million. Despite the authentication, some remain skeptical that it is actually Billy the Kid pictured in the image.
The Florida Times Union reported that a 2013 storage bill led to the discovery of objects that belonged to industrialist Alfred I. DuPont. After checking the bill, three hundred boxes were discovered that came from the Florida home and yacht of DuPont. New York Yacht Club china, a 1919 sailing loving cup and a Tiffany sterling silver bowl were just some of the items that were discovered and auctioned.
A Danish mid-century modern dining table set an auction record when it brought 6 million Danish kroner ($1.3 million) in Copenhagen. The previous record for a piece of Nordic design modern furniture was a 1949 Chieftain armchair by Danish designer Finn Juhl which sold for 4 million Danish kroner in 2013.
Advice for estate sale buyers and sellers is the subject of many recent articles. A North Jersey Record article recommends that realtors run open houses in conjunction with estate sales because estate sale clients may have interest in the home. “Dallas Homes” magazine advises estate sale buyers that they may be able to buy items at a discount when the sale end time nears. They point out that arriving at the beginning of the sale is best for those who want a wider selection of items however.
1852 Oil painting of clipper ships in our January 28th auction
Kovels recently published their list of “Antiques and Collectibles that are Selling Now”. Their list includes costume jewelry, studio pottery, vintage purses, fifties furniture “not brown”, space memorabilia, Hot Wheels and mechanical and still banks. These items, along with our recent top 10 list of antiques and collectibles, may help you generate a little extra income for the upcoming holidays.
To keep updated on antique, collectibles and estate news click on the Google+ link on our website www.centralmassauctions.com.
Our next live auction on January 28th is shaping up well. We have been picking up items from estates ranging from an early 1800’s tall case (grandfather) clock and paintings from the early 1800’s to mid-century modern furniture and 1960’s GI Joes.
Contact us at: Wayne Tuiskula Auctioneer/Appraiser Central Mass Auctions for Antique Auctions, Estate Sales and Appraisal Services www.centralmassauctions.com (508-612- 6111), info@centralmassauctions.com
