Three or More...A Perspective on Antiques, Collecting and Pop Culture

Something for next to nothing....

I don't know about you, but I like something for nothing.  Very few things in life are free, so when I see a good deal, I'm gonna talk about it.

If you like a bit of nostalgia, the Geppi Entertainment Museum is for you.  This museum offers a look at over 6,000 items of American Pop Culture from the last 250 years.  So what that translates to is a look back in time for things like cartoon character's, TV entertainers, sports collectibles, toys and so much more.  And the best thing about it?  It's not just for kids!  It's a family experience.  Bring your grandma (so she can see what stuff of yours she threw out!), your mom, yourself, your kids...EVERYONE!

Now, why is it something for next to nothing?  If you visit the museum on a day the Orioles or the Ravens are playing home games...you get in for $1.00.  Yup, just a buck!  Even better...you can have a tour guide for another dollar.

That I'd think can fit into anyones budget!

Geppis Entertainment Museum is located at Camden Yards in Baltimore MD - on the second floor at 301 W. Camden St. 

For more information call: 410-625-7060

Or visit their website at: www.geppismuseum.com

Trash or Treasure?

Recently I was asked by CBS "The Early Show" to have a monthly Saturday morning segment on collecting. I wanted to keep it basic, in that every viewer might be able to relate.

I thought the first segment would be fun to start with something that relates to stories I hear all the time from collectors; ie - My Mom Sold My Insert Collectible of Choice here in her yard sale.

I'm sure you've got a similar story you could tell so wouldn't it be great if I could reach out to Moms across the country giving them hints of things they should maybe hold onto? (along with your first fingerpaint drawing, lock of hair, and high school yearbook)

Let's face it, we can't know everythng. In fact, I'm sure there is some Internet study that shows just how little we truly do know, but that's a soapbox for another blog and another day.

In the meantime, below is a link to the segment if you'd like to watch, and a list of things that come to mind that you or your kids might have that just might be worth giving a second look at:

CBS: The Early Show: "Trash or Treasure"

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/04/18/earlyshow/living/home/main4953982.shtml

Common collectibles: Coins, Paper Money, Autographs, Sports Collectibles (baseballs, bats, footballs, signed jerseys, cards), Action Figures, Comic Books, Barbie Dolls (and their clothing and accessories), costume jewelry, fine jewelry, vintage clothing, purses, accessories; fountain pens, marbles, books, early toys, vintage cameras, records/albums, concert posters, etc.

I am sure there are many of you who will want to add to this list and by all means, please do.  Just remember, I'm still not of the mindset "Tickle Me Elmo" and "Beanie Babies" were more than a passing fad, so keep that in mind when posting suggestions such as McDonalds Toys, and bar soap from hotels/motels.

Happy Hunting!

Reyne

The serious side of eBay!

It's been a while since I saw something on eBay that made me take a second look.

One of the discussion groups I moderate was discussing a porcelain item that recently sold on eBay. I'm not a big follower of porcelain, so I didn't pay too much attention. I noticed the thread went on a little longer than a usual so I decided to investigate.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280330581997

With an opening bid of $5,000 - had I seen it I would have laughed and kept on trollin (that means searching the net or eBay for bargains.)

I'll be the first to admit when I don't know something, and ok...admittedly...I didn't know $5,000 would be quite the bargain for this 1926 rarity. I probably would have passed at $500. 

By all appearances, this little advertising item is pretty scarce!  With 24 bids it ended up selling for $8,410.15 (plus shipping from across the pond)

The seller did a great job promoting this item which I greatly feel contributed to the ending price:

1. Great photos....when selling something/anything - the better the photos, the stronger the bids. No two ways about it.
2. The main photo showing the piece as the cover image for the reference book on the subject. Smart!
3. The background information on where the image can be found in other reference guides. In all my years selling, everyone likes a story, no matter how common or scarce an item is.

The media is quick to pick up on the more "unique" items selling on eBay such as the Mother Mary image on the grilled cheese, the entire town that was auctioned, and lots of velvet Elvis stuff.   I thought I'd take a moment to show there is more to eBay life than bidding on lunch with a celebrity, buying a kidney, and a bunch of fake Tiffany.

I wonder if they'd come photograph and list things for me?  hmmmmmmm

Vanity Fair humor....

A friend of mine sent me the below link to an article on Vanity Fairs website:

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2009/04/the-future-of-movies-george-lucas-was-dead-wrong.html

He wanted to know my thoughts on the writers comment reagarding the art market tanking. First of all Dan, please do not ask me to read such humor with a mouth full of Captain Crunch.

Once I cleaned up the mess, and finished the article, I had to wonder just how exposed to the art world is Mr. Sancton is. (and I'm thinking, not so much)

It might help if Mr. Sancton read press releases on recent art sales (see my earlier blog on the Yves Saint Laurent sale for starters) before claiming "... whereas the art market is tanking (not to mention real estate), films have turned out to be ..."

The art market is still doing relatively well. Great things still fetch great prices. Lower end and middle of the road have hit rough spots, and some is just adjustment, meaning, people with more money than sense have stopped swinging the virtual baseball bat at sales.  Is that scaring away the serious collectors? Gosh no.  Just the wanna be's with new money.

Never fear Mr. Sancton, the serious art enthusiasts are still there, still looking to buy, still looking to invest.  Market interests change (ie, less interest in American Impressionism today than a few years ago, stronger interest in Modern and Contemporary art) but that does not equate to dead market - just an ever changing one.

Parking your money in fine art and antiques, to quote the lovely Paris Hilton:  "That's Hot"

By the way, I've seen the latest Fast and Furious movie..."That's not"

Thanks for the entertainment Dan!

Reyne

Premier Car Collection Up For Grabs

If your passion is collecting cars (I have 5 collector cars so I qualify) or are looking for a special one for a weekend cruise....take a look at the upcoming GM auction!

 

http://www.barrettjackson.com

In these economic times, its not just the public looking for ways to generate cash flow.  General Motors Corp has decided to auction some of their prized possessions - classic cars!

This week, GM plans to auction about 100 of their show pieces to raise cash.  100 cars might sound like a lot, but at one point, GM had a stash of 1,000 of these beauties.

I've managed a handful of car collections over the years. Never have there been so many in one single collection. Drool factor here...very high!

The sale is this Thursday. GM of course chose to partner with Barrett-Jackson to handle the sale. If you reside in Palm Beach, you should head over and at least watch the action. I guarantee it will be better than The Tonight Show!

A few highlights include:

1920 Chevy Model T pickup truck, a 1999 Camero Z28 that was used in the movie "Runaway Bride" (get your checkbook ladies, Richard Gere's behind sat in this baby!) - and for all you race car fans; a 1978 Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car - one of only 4 made.

Check back here soon for a follow up on the sale!

Happy Hunting!

Reyne