From Crain’s New York Business:
Sotheby’s workers ponder strike

The 40 “art handlers,” Sotheby’s employees who carefully carry the multimillion-dollar artwork, are working without a contract. The union is fighting the auction house’s attempt to ax some full-time workers for temporary ones, make work-rules changes and waive equal-rights protections. The old contract expired July 1. With continuing negotiations, the union has thrown in the “strike” bomb word.

From The Associated Press:
Judge to decide ownership of ‘Jackie letter’

Two years ago, a note from Jackie Kennedy to her sister-in-law, Ethel Kennedy, who had just lost her husband to an assassin’s bullets, was put up for auction. The auction never took place because sons of the slain senator questioned the legitimacy of ownership. The FBI looked into the allegation, and no charges were filed because of the death of the suspect. So who owns it? Here comes the judge.

From Reuters:
Legal battle begins over disputed gold coins

Let’s stay in the courtroom. The feds are saying some double-eagle gold coins took an unauthorized hike 70 years ago from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. The coins, worth a nice $75 million today, are now the center of a courtroom drama. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Romero titillated the jury with “You are going to hear a remarkable and intriguing story about gold coins that were stolen from the U.S. Mint in 1933.” We shall see if she delivers.

From The Telegraph:
Wine glasses bought for 40p at car boot sale sell at auction for £20,000

All right, we confess. We’re running this item only because “car boot sale” makes us smile. At one, an English lady bought three glasses on a “hunch” for a paltry sum. Her hunch paid off when she found out they were 18th-century Beilby glass. The vessels sold for $30,000.

From Fox News:
Meet Christian Lopez: The Yankee Fan Who Caught 3,000

You may have not seen that shot live into the stands, the 3,000th for Yankee Derek Jeter. (Hey, if you’re going for a hit record, might as well make it a homerun.) It would have been hard to miss it on all the reruns. And there was the scramble for the historic ball. A 23-year-old snagged it. Instead of putting it up for auction for five or six figures, he gave it back to the Yankee organization for some Derek Jeter memorabilia, box-suite seats for the rest of the season and the playoffs, should Yankees make it. They are sitting one game behind the Red Sox at the All-Star break.

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From International Business Times:
Elizabeth Taylor collection to go up for auction

It seems only fitting that Elizabeth Taylor’s jewels and designer duds will go on a three-month worldwide tour before ending up at Christie’s auction house. Christie’s has put a $145-million price tag on the fab-u-lous collection—honey, that lady knew how to collect—with some of the proceeds going to a charity La Liz held dear, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

From Reuters:
Government sues Apollo 14 astronaut over lunar camera

Okay, name the three astronauts who crewed Apollo 11. Commander Neil Armstrong, easy. Lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin. And, a little harder, the command module pilot? That would be Michael Collins. Now try the crew for Apollo 14. There are few us except for diehard NASA fanatics and extraterrestrial-life believers who would know the name of that mission’s lunar module pilot. That would be Edgar Mitchell, who is now in trouble with the feds. It seems Mitchell has a camera used to take pictures of the A14 moonwalk and wants to auction it. NASA says, Mitchell, you have a problem, and wants the camera back. The former astronaut contends he was given the souvenir by the space agency.

From CBS News:
The dirt on DJ3K collectibles

Now that Yankees Derek Jeter is off the disabled list, he’s off and batting for his 3,000th hit. And the frenzy for collectibles is rising. One of the silliest will be dirt from whichever stadium the historic belt is achieved. Yes, you will be able to buy soil from the DJ3K batter’s box and his shortstop space. Not to worry that someone will try to fob off dirt from Central Park. There will be a Major League Baseball Authenticator there.

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From the International Business Times:
Diana’s iconic John Travolta gown fetches $800K at Toronto auction

Back in the day, dancing with the star of “Saturday Night Fever,” John Travolta, was something that women around the world were eager to do. Even Diana, Princess of Wales. When Travolta asked her to dance at a White House state dinner in 1985, she happily tripped the light fantastic in a fantastic black Edwardian gown. Lo these many years later, the gorgeous gown was sold at auction for $800,000, the low end of the presale estimate.

From The Guardian:
Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket sells for $1.8m at auction

Calling it “one of the most important pieces of rock’n'roll memorabilia in history,” a Texas gold trader opened his wallet to the tune of almost $2 million and bought one of two leather jackets used in the filming of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video. The jackets were designed by video director John Landis’ wife, Deborah. (Among Landis’ other credits are “Animal House,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Trading Places.”) Some of the proceeds will go to an animal reserve that’s home of two Bengal tigers once owned by Jackson.

From The Guardian:
Lady Thatcher’s handbag fetches £25,000 at charity auction

It was a fashion that Margaret Thatcher clung to during her time as prime minister of England. The handbag draped over her arm. For a while, it seemed as if only Queen Elizabeth maintained the look. Now, darn it, if it’s not back in style. The retroness probably doesn’t have much to do with the auction results of the Iron Lady’s black leather bag. The $40,000 it brought in for charity was more likely because Thatcher balanced it on her arm when visiting Ronald Reagan in 1985.

From TIME:
Al Capone’s Handgun Sells for $110,000 At Auction

UPDATE: Talk about hitting the mark. The presale estimate for a Colt .28 handgun that once resided in the pocket—or maybe holster—of Al Capone was $80,000 to $112,000. It went for $110,000, which in our book is a bullseye.

From The Denver Post:
Only surviving photo of Billy the Kid auctioned Saturday

Ultraconservative industrialist William Koch took a little time out over the weekend from his hush-hush business retreat in the Colorado Rockies to bid on a photo of outlaw Billy the Kid. For $2 million (the presale estimate was $300,000 to $400,000), Koch can now enjoy and “discreetly” share it. “I think I’ll display it in a few small museums.”

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From the Chicago Sun-Times:
Al Capone’s gun could net $100,000 at auction

If the .38-caliber Colt Police Special manufactured in 1929 had been owned by a garbage collector, its worth in today’s market probably wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. But when it was owned by Al Capone, that’s a completely different story. In a sworn affidavit, Scarface’s sister said the rod belonged to her brother. Now the piece might bring in more than $100,000. Alphonse Gabriel Capone could have used that to pay his income tax and stay out of jail.

From The Associated Press via NPR:
Old Mafia File Going On NY Auction Block

There’s more nefarious-figures news. Back in the ’90s, a fellow got into a New York City cab. On the seat was a thick file labeled “Mafia” and “United States Treasury Department Bureau of Narcotics.” The passenger took the binder, which contained data on Mafia figures ranging from Lucky Luciano to Carlo Gambino that the Bureau of Narcotics had compiled. The anonymous finder let HarperCollins publishers bring out a facsimile a few years ago, which was called “a treasure trove for true-crime buffs and mob aficionados” by author Nicholas Pileggi. You can guess where this is going. The file is being auctioned by Bonhams this week with a presale estimate of up to $15,000.

From Reuters:
Stradivarius fetches record $16 million in charity sale

A Stradivarius violin once owned by Lord Byron’s granddaughter hit a sweet note at auction this week. It’s not an understatement to say it shattered the previous record set 40 years ago. That was $135,000. This one—$16 million. Proceeds will aid the Japanese tsunami and earthquake relief efforts.

From Reuters:
Safra collections sale expected to raise $40 million

Another auction for a good cause is coming up in October. Edmund Safra came from a Lebanese banking family and amassed a fortune in his own right with Republic National Bank in New York and the Trade Development Bank in Geneva. It was the circumstances surrounding his death in 1999, however, that created fodder for headlines and speculation. So much so that “Law and Order” loosely based an episode on it. Safra and one of his nurses died of smoke inhalation after it is believed they hid in a bathroom to escape armed intruders. Another nurse was arrested and convicted of arson. There was talk of the widow’s second husband dying under questionable circumstances and bodyguards being given the night off. But all that was then. This is now, and the widow, Lily Safra, is auctioning items from their sizable collection of art, silver and furniture to benefit the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation, which focuses on education, medical research, cultural institutions and other areas. Money raised will go to the foundation.

From the Herald Sun (Australia):
‘Worthless’ painting sells for $US1.2m

It’s another of those stories . . . An elderly, former lumberjack was downsizing. Among some items he sent to a Swedish auction house was a large painting his wife had left him. The auction house put it up for sale on the Internet figuring it might bring in a few hundred dollars. Their interest was piqued when there was an undue amount of interest online. Off the painting went to be examined by specialists. They verified that it was by Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky. Instead of selling for hundreds of dollars, it went for more than $1 million.

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From The Daily Mail:
Rolls-Royce once owned by Princess Margaret and Burt Reynolds to go up for auction

When you’re a princess of the realm, you get to have your private secretary be very specific about how you’d like your new Rolls. Princess Margaret, the tabloid favorite younger sister of Queen Elizabeth, wanted “soft and comfortable seats” in the 1975 Silver Shadow she was ordering. And she wanted “a raised rear floor for easier access; leather trimmed (instead of wood veneered) door cappings; flat side indicators fitted in line with chromed body mouldings; Nuella Black hide interior; and Cardinal Red paintwork with contrasting gold coachlines.” Guess what. She got wanted what she wanted. The long-wheelbase limo, with only 75,000 miles on it, is expected to sell for between $32,000 and $35,000 at a Bonham’s auction Saturday. Seems like a steal considering a new one pushes $450,000.

From The Daily Mail:
Own the opera glasses Abraham Lincoln carried the night he was assassinated as Civil War memorabilia goes up for auction

There was an old joke in the book-publishing industry that if you wanted a sure-fire bestseller, put out a book on Lincoln’s doctor’s dog. All things Lincoln seem to do well at auction today. Now we have the opera glasses that the president had with him on the night of his assassination. Supposedly, the glasses landed on the ground when the president was being taken to the hospital and were picked up by an army officer. Presale estimate: as much as $700,000.

From Bloomberg:
Derek Jeter’s 3,000th-Hit Ball for Yankees Might Bring $250,000 at Auction

As of this week, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has had 2,994 hits. The ball used when he makes 3,000 will be worth more than a pretty penny. More like 25 million pennies. Presently on the 15-day disabled list, fans hoping to claim the prize will have to wait. It’s hard to believe, but Jeter, who has only played for the Yankees in his long major-league career, will be the first Bronx Bomber to reach the 3,000 mark.

From The Associated Press via Auction Central News:
Balloon Boy parents extend auction for balloon

It may have not been the OJ-white Bronco chase, but TV viewers were glued to their screens as the National Guard and local authorities pursued a helium filled-balloon that reportedly was carrying a 6-year-old boy as high as 7,000 feet. When the contraption came to earth an hour later, there was no boy. He was found at his parents’ Fort Collins, Co., home. Hoaxer mommy and daddy did jail time and are now trying to auction the balloon, setting a minimum of $1 million. They received offers below that or (fittingly) prank bids. So they extended the deadline. You now have until Friday to acquire this piece of Americana.

From Lead 411:
WorthPoint earns “Hottest Companies in Georgia” award

Each day, the Lead411 research team scours through information regarding venture capital fundings, company launches, new office openings and press releases to formulate a list of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Its “Hottest Companies” awards have been created to recognize these fast growing companies in different geographic regions and WorthPoint has earned one of these honors.

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From The Guardian:
Magritte on Magritte: letters reveal surrealist Damien Hirst

René Magritte, the 20th-century Belgian surrealist, was no naïf when it came to getting his paintings sold. This is evidenced by a batch of letters he sent to his New York dealer in advance of some exhibitions. Magritte specified the frames he wanted, where the pieces should be hung, catalog copy—a regular Damien Hirst. The collection of letters, which has 40 drawings in them, will be sold at a June auction and is estimated to go for between $150,000 and $250,000.

From Bloomberg:
Lord’s Bugatti Racer Tops $13.7 Million Auction; Lennon Ferrari Withdrawn

Update: John Lennon is said to have bought the 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Coupe shortly after he got his first driver’s license. The present owner put it in a Bonhams classic-car auction expecting to realize in the neighborhood of $200,000. At the last minute, the owner changed his mind and decided he had to keep the car. But weep not for Bonhams. The Paris sale brought in $13.7 million.

From CBC News:
Stephen Colbert portrait set for charity auction

Faux TV conservative pundit Stephen Colbert is at it again. For those not familiar with the “The Colbert Report,” every year, Colbert hangs a new pompous portrait of himself. He was able to finagle the Smithsonian into hanging one temporarily in what museum officials deemed an “appropriate place”—between two bathrooms. Colbert tried to sell last year’s portrait to comedian Steve Martin, who has a fine eye for art and boasts an enviable collection. Martin wouldn’t bite even after artists Shepard Fairey and Andres Serrano popped up during the show—much to Martin’s amazement—and added their contributions to the painting. Undaunted, Colbert has put the portrait in a Phillips de Pury & Company March auction. Money from the sale will be given to DonorsChoose.org, which directly links donors with public schools requesting help with everything from pencils to pianos.

From The Toronto Star:
U.S. brothers bring bogus “Bernie Madoff” auction to Toronto

The ripple effect of Ponzi king Bernie Madoff’s billions-of dollars perfidy continues. Most recently, a couple of Americans from Virginia set up Canadian auctions with items purportedly owned by the disgraced financier. The Toronto Star did some investigating and discovered the brothers had a history of suspended and revoked auctioneering licenses and have been fined for misrepresenting the value of items.

From The Associated Press via Auction Central News:
Picasso painting fetches $40.7 million at London auction

A 1932 Picasso depicting his young mistress blew through the ceiling at a Sotheby’s London auction. With hot and heavy bidding, “La Lecture,” with a presale estimate of a mere $28.9 million, gaveled down at a jaw-dropping $40.7.

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From USA Today:
A 1931 Detroit Electric car heads to the auction block

As the old saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun. Case in point: electric vehicles. People living in Brooklyn in the 1920s and ’30s fondly remember electric delivery trucks. And then there were the Detroit Electric cars. The first Detroit Electric was manufactured in 1907. Some drivers preferred them because, unlike gas cars, you didn’t have to crank—a shoulder-wrenching task in the early years—to start it. A 1931 Old Sparky was up for auction last weekend. The beautifully restored blue vehicle comes with tiller steering and a passenger seat that swivels.

From The Washington Post:
White House crasher Michaele Salahi to auction off dress she wore to state dinner

Groan. Will Michaele Salahi’s 15 minutes of fame never end? That sari-like, red lengha worn by the she half of the couple who thought it was a good idea to attend a White House state dinner without an invitation will be auctioned. Michaele Salahi, now the hated one on (groan) “The Real Housewives of D.C.,” is apparently keeping a promise to put the dress on the block and donate the proceeds to charity. It’s thought it will go for between $2,000 and $3,000.

From AFP:
Michael Jackson auction ‘not against his wishes’: report

Another auction of the King of Pop’s memorabilia, another controversy. Julien’s Auctions will be selling some 100 Jackson items in Macau. The singer’s former lawyer is protesting, calling the sale an “outrage” because his client “never wanted this material to be auctioned.” Darren Julien, president and chief executive of Julien’s, fired back that the lawyer is “only seeking publicity.”

From artdaily.org:
Bonhams to Sell Elvis Presley’s Mercedes-Benz 600 in December

Lucky for Bonhams, no one is protesting the December sale of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll’s Mercedes-Benz 600. Elvis gave the car to a friend who later sold it. Expected sale price? From $200,000 to $310,000. The rock star probably paid more in the range of $20,000. Other owners of the 600 included John Lennon, Hugh Hefner, Aristotle Onassis and yes, Fidel Castro.

From The Boston Globe:
Worcester auction has historians and collectors abuzz

Andrew Haswell Green (1820-1903) accomplished a lot in his life. Considered the 19th-century Robert Moses, he was instrumental in many New York City projects—Fort Washington Park, Riverside Drive and Central Park. He worked for the consolidation of the five boroughs into one city. He battled the corruption of Boss Tweed. And with his downtime, he collected. Did he ever collect. A copy of George Washington’s will. An 1810 letter from James Madison to James Monroe. A virtual trove of artwork, handwritten letters, toys, you name it. After he was shot to death, Green’s vast collection was passed from family member to family member and was never uncrated until after the death of his great-great-grandniece last summer. The items will be auctioned over four days this week and are expected to fetch $1 million, if not more.

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From the Lexington Herald-Journal:
Country ham goes for $1.6 million in charity auction

So, the ham that went for $100,000 a pound wasn’t some weird Damien Hirst creation. It was a real ham, the kind you eat. This annual charity event has been going on since 1964 when the winning bid was $124. Talk about inflation.

From The Orlando Sentinel:
Lavish dinnerware, Yoda entice buyers in auction of Lou Pearlman’s property

Lou Pearlman seemed to have it all. He got into the lucrative boy-band business introducing the world to the Backstreet Boys, with the group selling more than 100 million albums, and *NSYNC, which brought us Justin Timberlake. And Pearlman lived large. As it turned out, a lot of the “large” didn’t come from his music company. Instead, it was discovered Pearlman was running a massive Ponzi scheme, swindling more than $300 million. Pearlman’s new abode is federal prison to where he was sentenced for up to 25 years. Some of the items he amassed were auctioned this weekend including a statue of the beloved “Star Wars” character, Yoda.

From Reuters via MSNBC:
John Lennon’s toilet sells for $14,740 at auction

Toilets seem to be hot auction items. Last week, it was author J. D. Salinger’s plain white porcelain. At least, John Lennon’s is decorative. In fact, when he gave it to his builder, he said “put some flowers in it or something.” The estimate for the toilet was between $1,100 and $1,500. Never underestimate Beatles fans.

From The New York Times:
A Turnaround in Ansel Adams Photo Dispute

UPDATE. UPDATE. Another day, another twist in the ongoing Ansel Adams negatives saga. This time, one of the appraisers—not the felon—says he made a mistake about some of the negatives. Apparently, the shots were taken by a photographer far less renowned than Adams, Earl Brooks. The negatives will be shown in a Beverly Hills gallery at the end of September, selling for between $1,500 and $7,500. Stayed tuned. More updates are sure to follow.

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From The Associated Press:
NC memorabilia dealer selling Salinger’s toilet

You can pick up a toilet at Home Depot for 79 bucks. However, if you crave to sit on the same throne that author J. D. Salinger once set his derrière upon, you may have to fork over one-million bucks. We kid you not. Someone is hawking it on eBay with an asking price of $1 million.

From The New York Times:
No ‘Lost’ Left to Unravel, Fans Buy It Piece by Piece

Fans of the TV series “Lost” showed up to bid last weekend on props and costumes. The owner of auction house Profiles in History has deemed “Lost” as the new “Star Trek” in terms of collectibles. One man spent $3,000 for a piece of the downed airplane’s fuselage. Outdoing that was a copy of “Watership Down” that was perused by one the characters. It went for $3,300.

From The Daily Journal (Vineland, N.J.):
Resident created museum out of vast car collection

So you think you’re a collector. You might want to think again. Everett Marshall III? There’s no questioning his collecting creds. After years of acquisition, the former mayor of Newfield, N.J., finally opened a museum in a converted three-car garage to show off what he amassed. All told, he has more than 35,000 Matchbox cars, not to mention all the various and sundry Matchbox games and dolls.

From The Associated Press:
Copper cast of Lady Liberty’s nose up for auction

In the 1980s, the Statue of Liberty got something of a makeover. As part of the face-lift, four casts of her nose were made. And now, one of those casts will be auctioned off along with a pair of sunglasses once owned by James Dean and a motorcycle that rode in the Dallas motorcade when JFK was assassinated.

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From The New York Times:
Tale of Ansel Adams Negatives Grows Hazy

Update: Remember that $45 find of Ansel Adams negatives that were appraised at $200 million? We-e-e-l-l-l, maybe not worth so much or much of anything. Adams’ grandson called the announcement a “scam.” It turns out one of the appraisers is a convicted felon whose credentials have been questioned. And then . . . Time will tell.

From USA Today:
$5 bike turns out to be worth $8000

It might not have the same potential payout, still five bucks turning into $8,000 isn’t bad. Someone found an abandoned bike on an Interstate, but thought it needed too much work to get it rideable. For one thing, the pedals appeared to be broken. So into a yard sale it went. The buyer was curious about it’s true worth. And lo and behold, it turned out to be formerly owned by Floyd Landis, who was stripped of his Tour de France victory for doping. Oh, and the broken pedals on the custom-made bike? Worth $500 all by themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal:
Sotheby’s Puts Veggies on the Block

Usually the only vegetables you’ll see at Sotheby’s are the crudités served with smoked salmon dip. But for a change of pace, the auction house will be selling them. Not those bags of mini-peeled carrots, of course. They’ll be peddling heirloom veggies at $1,000 a crate for a good cause, GrowNYC New Farmers Development Project. The project helps immigrants become farmers.

From Bloomberg:
Presley, Beatles Pianos Fail to Rock Block at Memorabilia Sales

A couple of rock pianos did not play hot auction music recently. Elvis’ beloved white Knabe baby grand did not fetch the expected $1 million. In fact, it fetched zilch. The second piano, which was played by the likes of the Beatles and Pink Floyd in the famous Abbey Road Studios, was pulled off the block. The presale estimate on the Challen upright was $230,000. The owners of the piano on which John Lennon composed “Imagine” did not say why they took it off the block.

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Whether Victorian furniture or 18th-century salt-and-pepper shakers intrigue you, you’re bound to find something you like among the auctions’ array. Look through the catalogs (click here for May 16, here for May 17). If you can’t wait for the live online auction, place an absentee ballot after registering. (All bidders must register.)

To whet your interest, take a peek at just a few items up for bids.

Lot 2512594 (May16 auction) is a Spanish National cash register. What a wow, this circa 1908 to 1916 complex and intricate machine was designed to be used by nine different clerks or keep track of nine separate departments. It was also the most expensive machine produced at the time, with prices from $315 to $555, possibly much more if a floor stand or other options were added. It is in very good condition and carries an estimate of $1,700 to $2,200.

Antique Spanish National cash register

Lot 2512749 (May 16 auction), a sheet poster of the movie “Woman of Rome” with Gina Lollobrigida. La Lollo, once deemed the most beautiful woman in the world, starred in this Luigi Zampa flick. “Love was her profession . . . men her career!” the poster proclaimed. Pretty racy for 1956. In very good condition, it’s estimated at $275 to $400.

"Woman of Rome" poster

Lot 2513471 (May 17 auction), “Army of the Future,” a book by Charles de Gaulle. Charles de Gaulle, a World War I hero, fell out of favor with the French military brass after writing this book in 1934. He made a case for a small, highly mechanized, quick-moving army, arguing that the old theories of warfare that produced the Maginot Line, erected to stop the Germans should they decide to invade, would no longer work. He proved, tragically, correct. When the Germans did invade in 1940, they used new tactics, went around the Maginot Line and quickly added France to their list of conquests. In good condition for its age, it’s estimated at $35 to $65.

"Army of the Future" by Charles de Gaulle

Lot 2512634 (May 16 auction) is a splendid example of 19th-century craftsmanship. This writing desk and étagère comes from the workshop of John Jelliff (1813-1893), a renowned New Jersey cabinetmaker. From 1836 to 1890, John Jelliff and Co. produced what is considered some of America’s finest, handcrafted furniture. Made from fine rosewood, the desk measures approximately 64.5 inches high by 36.75 inches wide and 23.75 inches deep. Condition: Very good. Estimate: $7,750 to $9,000.

Antique Victorian American desk

Lot 2513444 (May 17 auction), a circa 1850 rose medallion reticulated basket in good condition. This Chinese Export chestnut basket, sometimes called a fruit basket, is 10.75 inches by 10 inches with a height of 4.25 inches. There is no underplate. It is estimated at $950 to $1,200.

Circa 1850, rose medallion reticulated basket

All these items are subject to a reserve price.

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Here is a sampling of what readers are saying. Please don’t hesitate to send us your thoughts.

——— WP ———

Lots of children make presents for their mothers on Mother’s Day. Lots of the gifts have a flower theme. Christopher Kent’s recounting of what his mom did with flowers in “A Mother’s Day to Remember—1965” elicited more than one comment.

Thank you for sharing that heartfelt story about your mother. It reminded me of those halcyon days of the 1960s and the structured lifestyle we all lived. Sadly, the humor of those days is passé, and we are hard pressed to find a good laugh anymore. Thanks again for a laugh and a tear.

Robert

You painted a picture so vividly, I could imagine being there. Brought great memories of my mom and dad. Thanks so much.

Alison

This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks, Christopher! I think I would have liked your folks!

Lisa

What a wonderful story, Christopher, a great memory of your parents on Mother’s Day. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Barbara

——— WP ———

As you’ll learn by reading “Chris Hughes—Seeking a Collectible’s History,” Chris is real treasure seeker. And the treasures he most likes to find are military items and the stories that go with them. But he has lucked out this time. It was Jack who came seeking him.

We have one of those WWII uniforms in our garage. It is a Canadian uniform worn by an American who enlisted to fight Germany. George Knowles Sr. thought the American politics of the time were alarmingly wrong not to get into the fight. So he enlisted in Canada’s armed forces. He never received any pension or post-service benefits from either country since he was serving outside his domain of origin.

We would gladly send you this uniform for the cost of shipping just to have our garage space available. George Senior went on to achieve 17 patents for Coors. One of which is the aluminum pop-top beer can. Quite a man!

Jack

To which Chris replied:

Jack,
That is greatly appreciated . . . This uniform sounds like it would be great fun to research and author an article on!

Chris

——— WP ———

Steve found the profile of Worthologist Christopher Kent, “Christopher Kent: A Man for All Seasons,” a “gem.” We’re glad because Christopher himself is a treasure.

This brief summary of Christopher Kent’s career is a gem. The ability to identify a pivot point like this lunch box sale in the market and explain how such a sale was a catalyst for market transition to a new parameter is true wisdom. There are book-learned people being turned out of colleges like factory farming right now, but here is an example of a man with a career who has genuine talent enhanced with common sense and a dose of “book-learning,” which didn’t ruin him. Thanks for this wonderful story.

Steve

——— WP ———

The insights and observations in Harry Rinker’s story, “With Gold Sale Parties, It’s Caveat Venditor, Not Emptor,” hit home with readers. And the reaction in the following comments serves to reinforce the importance of the WorthPoint mission. As Will Seippel, founder and CEO of WorthPoint, said after reading the responses, “That is why we are here—to help people learn the value of their items and how to sell or buy them!”

I loved your article. In 1996 I, too, was taken to the cleaners out of desperation. My chiropractor husband got Alzheimer’s, and we were losing our home. I went to an antique shop and sold off most of my sterling Tiffany, brilliant period crystal and diamond jewelry. I think I got around $1,200. The jewelry alone was worth double. The crystal also double.

But I knew resale was always less . . . or so I thought. I told the antique dealer I had more stuff, so he came to my home to look. Well, I had a dirty Waterford vintage crystal stemware on the kitchen counter. He saw it and asked if I had any more. I opened my cupboard, and he saw my 32-piece set in four sizes. He said he would put those on his buy list. We then go to the living room, and he spots an antique, very small Persian rug on the floor and a 1918 watercolor above the piano. He examined all the items and made them out to be “So So.”

He pulled out $200 for the rug, painting and crystal. I, like a desperate fool, accepted it thinking after he paid me $1,200 the day before that he knew his prices. He said he would be back. After he left with all my treasures, I got a weird sinking feeling in the pit of my gut. The next day when he returned I told him NO THANKS, I was finished selling. He hesitantly went on his way, and that was that. I to this day could KICK myself for being taken. Now again we are in desperate times, but I have learned and will be Caveat Venditor. Thank you for your article.

Linda Rowan

The irony of the situation is that I was having a discussion on the vulnerabilities of those who find themselves at a disadvantage because they have to sell precious heirlooms to satisfy their financial obligations.

I’m extremely grateful that you wrote this, and it further reinforces the fact those who have chosen this profession are not all thieves and predators. I have sent this to friend and foe alike. It should be printed as a public-service announcement in all publications.
Once again, thanks.

James Adams

——— WP ———

Not surprisingly, Lt. Lawson Reichard’s World War II diary has generated much interest. It is one man’s experience in the “Good War” in his own words as he made his daily entry. A reader sent a comment about a project to preserve the real story of the conflict as seen by someone not in the upper echelon of command or leading daring raids. Rather a relative working with the Red Cross in North Africa.

I am working on my aunt’s letters from Africa and Europe during WWII when she worked for the American Red Cross. I am also searching for other events that were happening at the time of each letter. When Lt. Reichard’s was still in the U.S., my aunt was in Casablanca with the Red Cross. I am hoping to form all of her letters and corresponding events into a book for her nieces and nephews.

Tobey

Hi Tobey, That is wonderful that you will work to preserve that part of your family’s history. We really are the last generation to have firsthand accounts to learn from. I hope you continue to follow Lt. Reichard. He does eventually get overseas. It might be fun for you to track them together. Please write back as you get into your aunt’s letters, and keep us informed about how your project is going.

Alison Harder

——— WP ———

After reading “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself,” Annie had a question for Sharon Maxwell-Yamamota, WorthPoint’s vintage-clothing and accessories Worthologist. The answer may not have been what Annie was hoping for, but some novel Christmas decorations could be in the offing.

I have a beautiful jacket that I have barely worn that I can peel the fur with my fingers. Is there any help for restoring the fur? It’s an old jacket. Thanks.

Annie

Hi Annie,
I’m sorry to tell you that if you can peel it so easily with your fingers, it’s too far gone to do anything with. That is best used for crafts, like making Santas and such, using glue, since the skin would never hold a needle and thread at this point. Sorry!

Sharon

——— WP ———

And many thanks to prh for catching an error in a headline, no less. He noticed that the date for the Weekly News Roundup was 2006. We always welcome corrections.

——— WP ———

Kathy sent this question after reading “WorthPoint Offers a 14-Day Free Trial,”and Marci responded, a great example of the WorthPoint community’s give-and-take.

I would be interested in finding out how to buy and sell antiques. How do I become involved?

Kathy

Kathy, you “could” accumulate antiques and hang your shingle, but there are far better ways.

Be certain that you have knowledge first. How do you receive it? Well, by taking antiques classes, reading everything you can get your hands on, visiting antique stores and shows, attending auctions, checking auction results, etc. Speaking with seasoned dealers and asking questions. Then you must get a tax number to file sales tax.

Selling antiques is a lot of hard work, but if you have the passion, you won’t mind the work. Good luck with your endeavor.

Marci of The Way It Was Antiques

——— WP ———

It’s always nice to get positive feedback. In this case, it’s on Harry Rinker’s positive story, “Good News for Dealers—Finally.”

Great article. I am having success in my antique/gift shop even in the downturned economy. I am the “face” of my shop and work to serve the customer. I also take items on consignment from local folks and enjoy helping them out, too. It gives me a great variety in my shop. (Tickled that you used my picture of the pink Depression glass perfume bottle that I have listed on goantiques.com!) Thanks for the positive article

Carolyn of Memories Past and Present

——— WP ———

The Internet has brought the world closer and as evidenced by this comment to “Wooden Carousels: Historic Collectibles’ Worth Preserving,” spans the generations.

I am the granddaughter of E. Joy Morris. Thank you for recording his importance in carousel history. He often gets lost because of being over shadowed by PTC. I agree that the Kit Carson County Carousel is the finest American carousel in existence. One of my goals is to be able to visit one day. I have yet to see it in person.

– Morris Cook

I do hope you have a chance to ride this carousel. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and it really is a ride back into the past.

Here’s the next best thing to being there—a link to the video about the Kit Carson Carousel. Click here to view it.

— Mary Brenneman

——— WP ———

I am so glad you put all these wonderful comments in one place! I love hearing what other members have to say, and sometimes their thoughts point me to an article that I might not have otherwise read. Hope you make it a regular feature.

— Alison

——— WP ———

Barbie’s turning 50 and a number of you commented on Sandy Stuart’s story on Barbie’s birthday.

I am a collector too, and I hope Barbie stays around for a long time for other generations to enjoy. I still have my Barbie from 1969. My granddaughter also loves to play with Barbie. I have started a collection for her.

— Debra

Personally I think that Barbie should be retired. The vintage dolls would escalate in value on their own merits. Barbie is doing a burnout and it shows.
Thank you and good-bye Barbie.
I am a collector with lots of Barbies, but only #3`s.

— Mary

——— WP ———

Worthologist Christopher Kent’s story of a pint-sized antiques expert also garnered a number of comments including some from his fellow Worthologists.

Oh the adrenalin of the chase, and my you found a corker.
What happened to the cobra in the end, and is that gifted child still in the business?
You have a way with words, and have perhaps missed your calling. More please!

— Maria

——— WP ———

Hello Chris, Great article! I look forward to your articles, knowledge mixed with a bit of wry humor. I will do my best to emulate you! May I ask…who is this mysterious and precocious 7-year-old?

— David Mycko, Worthologist

——— WP ———

Christopher added this postscript to his story.

It is with great sadness that I report that after 71 years in operation Merritt’s Antiques will be closing their doors as of May 2. With a possible on site auction of the remaining contents. The reason, reports general manager Randy Westley, ”It’s not just the economy but it’s difficult to find good antiques.” The company will concentrate on its internationally known clock shop as well as the doll segment of the business. It is indeed the end of an era and the passing will be mourned by many.

— Christopher Kent, Worthologist

——— WP ———

Another Christopher Kent article, “How To Clean Silver–Buyer Beware,” brought this question from a Ina.
I purchased some 1847 Roger’s Brothers flatware to replace some missing pieces. Unfortunately the seller had “dipped” the pieces and the detail has lost much of its color.
Can that be replaced?

— Ina

——— WP ———

About Sandra Lee Stuart’s story, “What’s Hidden in Your Attic?“, a reader wrote about some of the oil paintings she had inherited.

I inherited many framed oil paintings of southern settings by Georgia artist, Pamela Renfro. They are typical of her work in that they are well executed, nostalgic depictions of country homes, stores and landscapes with great detail including animals, quilts, antiques, etc. I believe they were done in the late seventies and early eighties, before her work was commissioned by Coca Cola and other corporations.

I have been unable to find her work for sale anywhere on the Internet and wonder how to price the paintings for sale.
Do you have any suggestions?

— Katherine

——— WP ———

Writers also wrote in with comments about two of Worthologist Fred Taylor’s articles including this one from Pete about using a cupboard for a stereo cabinet.

Mr. Taylor, I had not thought about using my family’s older furniture for anything other than what it had been intended for. You gave me a great idea on how to use an old cupboard for my stereo equipment. Thanks for the insight.

— Pete

And in response to Fred’s article on locks, Ken wrote about an old china cabinet that he can no longer unlock.
Thank you for this wonderful article! My wife and I have an old china cabinet with a full mortise lock. It has worked fine for a few years, but now the key will not open the lock. The key is notched. As the key is turned, it seems to get stuck before it engages the bolt. Based on you terrific diagrams, I would guess that the security ring may have been bent slightly and that this denies the key the ability to turn fully. Is this a reasonable guess in your opinion? Do you have any suggestions as to how we may overcome this problem? Thanks again for the article.

— Ken

——— WP ———

Our latest fly-fishing video by Worthologist Steve Ellis received this comment about selling chewed up in poor condition fishing lures. Fred’s response is interesting too.

Garage sale time just around the block!
I’ve sold the chewed up missing eye, rusty hook lures to artists. Buy em cheap and sell em cheap… the lady’s love them. Your going to pay for better lures there are so few around. He’s right about the word “MINT” with lures… I think of it as “Un-fished” with the BOX and Label. Garage sale time just around the block!

— PickerBrad

——— WP ———

And finally on one of Comic Book Worthologist Matt Baum’s articles, we found this sad question from one of our readers. Do any of you have advice for Travis?

I just lost 100s of old comics in a fire. I didn’t have issues listed and saved for protection. How do I place a value on them for insurance purposes?

— Travis

——— WP ———

What’s On Your Mind – March 5, 2009

On Linda Stockwell’s story on Mary Alice Hadley pottery, one writer is looking for seconds—those less-than-perfect and therefore less-expensive items.

I am seeking “seconds”… there used to be a source in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where I could purchase Hadley pottery ware at a discount price. If these sources are still available, please direct me to the nearest one. I live on a farm; I do not collect this dinnerware as an investment; I use it for everyday enjoyment. I have no concern for rejects due to color, mismatch or small chips. Thank you,

—Mari

——— WP ———

Worthologist Chris Hughes wrote back to a reader who commented on his story on the good old days of antique collecting, which to Chris are the late 90′s!

Carol,
Thank you for reading. I agree that a deal can be had when bartering in a shop with a dealer, but I’ve also found that online dealers create opportunities for a bargain. Two weeks ago, I bought an item online that was unknowingly priced at least 2/3 below market value. There are deals to be had everywhere, especially in this economy! I also like to recall the items that got away because it keeps me charged up, hoping to get a second chance if a comparable item pops up.

–Chris

——— WP ———

James Taylor’s article, “Your First Coin Show? Eight Tips for Success,” garnered a number of comments, including this one from an appreciative reader. James is the president of ANACS, the oldest coin grading service in the United States.

That helps me a lot. I have many vintage silver coins, which were in my great-aunt’s estate, we didn’t want to sell them but with these economic times my grandpa really needs the money. Appreciate the info.

——— WP ———

“Simply put, people aren’t going to buy collectibles from athletes with tainted numbers,” says writer Eric Brantner in his article on Alex Rodriguez collectibles. One reader wrote:

Let’s just see what A-Rod does this year. He is one of the best players to ever play the game, with or without steroids. You can blame the players, but I would blame the amount of money these players are getting for all the steroid use. If there were a cap on what players could make, like $1,000,000, players would stay with the team that drafted them and would not take all these steroids. A-Rod has had some great years with the Yankees while not taking steroids, so just how big of a part did steroids really play in his numbers?

—Tim Meyer

——— WP ———

Worthologist Liz Holderman wrote back to two readers who commented on her series of articles on collectible book terminology.

Ron: You are right, book terms are often used loosely and interchangeably, which is why they are sometimes so confusing. Technically, “hinge” is supposed to refer to the inside junction of the spine with the binding and “joint” to the outside. But many sellers don’t make that distinction. “Gutter” (another duplicitous term) can either refer to the outside indention made where the boards and spine are joined (like a bowling gutter), or the inside indention where two facing pages meet.

Jacqueline: Thanks for your excellent response on the definition of “tipped in.” Part V of this series will cover illustrations and that is one of the terms that will be discussed. I’m thrilled and impressed to learn that the Boy Scouts have a merit badge in book binding! Book repair is always an option of course, and it can save a beloved book for shelf value. I had an old family bible fully restored for just that reason (although it was very expensive). If important pages or the covers are missing, restoration will not improve the retail value very much, but it can certainly bring new life to a family heirloom.

——— WP ———

Sharon Maxwell-Yamamoto, our Vintage Clothing Worthologist, is an opera singer who enjoys her glamorous vintage furs. When she paid good money to a furrier for a repair that she found inadequate, she decided to do repair it herself and she’s sharing what she learned with our readers. Perhaps it is our less than robust economy, but her article “How to Repair Vintage Fur Yourself” that is bringing out the DIY attitude in many of our readers

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for generously sharing this information! I am just beginning to use fur and would appreciate any other information or ongoing email exchange with you. I have purchased two eBay furs that need some work and the furrier has gone out of business so I am on my own. I have many years of experience sewing… but not on fur. Can you recommend any books, pre”fur”ably with detailed pictures? Again, thank you.

—Thula

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The bidding starts at noon (EDT) on Sunday, May 3. Absentee bids may be placed after registering. (All bidders must register.)

Thom Pattie, WorthPoint’s chief Worthologist, has been in the auction industry for 40 years. He and GoAntique dealers looked over the items to make sure descriptions are accurate and informative and the estimates reflect good value, an additional step in the process to ensure buyer confidence when bidding.

Here are a few offerings that might catch your collecting fancy.

Lot 2511930 is a 1969 Marc Chagall lithograph, “The Yellow Background.” It comes from a Galerie Maeght edition of 3,000. The 31-inch-by-22.5 inch poster is listed in fair condition because the outline of a previous matte is visible. A new matte and frame would hide that. Estimate: $275 to $450.

Marc Chagall's "The Yellow Background"

Lot 2512143, a 1920 carved-shell cameo of a red-haired beauty. Delicately lovely and versatile, this 14-karat yellow-gold piece can be worn as a brooch or pendant. It is 2 inches high and in excellent condition. Estimate: $250-$350.

Red-haired lady shell cameo

Lot 2512067 is a litho of an 18th-century François Boucher painting. Boucher (1703-1770) was a French engraver, illustrator, designer and Madame de Pompadour’s favorite painter. Boucher, known for his mastery of genre scenes, captured the sweetness of the moment (“sweetness” depends on how you interpret the woman’s expression). The litho, once part of the Seattle public library art department, is 8.5 inches high and 11 inches wide. In good condition, it is estimated at $25 to $50.

Litho of a 1793 François Boucher painting

Lot 2511970 would make a nice addition to any Florence Ceramics collection. Lovers of these ceramics know that the company evolved from the grief of a mother trying to get over the death of her son. Florence Ward turned to pottery making and developed an expressive style, creating perfectly proportioned graceful figurines. This 7-inch Rose Marie is in good condition, although there is some damage to one her lace sleeves. Estimate: $75-$125.

Florence Ceramics' Rose Marie

Lot 2511986, an 1870 Bohemian glass vanity set. Wonderful for a boudoir, a boudoir in the offing or to add a touch of romance to the bathroom, the three pieces are graced with etched hunting scenes and floriated work. The set is in excellent used condition and estimated at $100 to $150.

Antique Bohemian glass vanity set

With Lot 2511994, you won’t have to worry about people sticking their hands into this Art Deco-period biscuit jar. They’ll be too busy admiring it. Spice up your kitchen by displaying the bright, bright orange jar with its flowers-and-fruit pattern. The top and handle are electro-plated nickel silver. Made by Hampton Ivory, it is 5.5 inches tall with a few specks where color have been lost, some roughness around an edge, but there are no chips or cracks. Estimate for this exuberant 1925 piece is $100 to $150.

Art Deco period biscuit jar

All these items are subject to a reserve price.

For more information on the auction, click here. To create a bidder account, click here.

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As Will Seippel, founder and CEO of WorthPoint, sees it, “People come to an auction hoping to find something they want, preferably at a good price. They also want items to be described accurately and in a consistent manner.”

That’s why Thom Pattie, WorthPoint’s chief Worthologist and a 40-year veteran in the auction industry, was chosen to lead this exciting auction. Thom is helping the dealers review all items for accuracy and value. That should give buyers confidence when bidding.

As Thom says, “You won’t find any Pigcassos being sold as Picassos in this GoAntiques Auction.”

Here are some auction highlights.

Lot 1502151, a sterling-silver pot for chocolate or demitasse coffee. Since 1831, the Gorham company has produced beautiful silver items favored by presidents and their wives from Mary Todd Lincoln to George W. Bush. This pot has simple, classic lines with ivory separators to keep the handle cool. The Gorham mark and date letter for 1947 are inside the base. In very good condition, the estimate is $250 to $300.

Gorham sterling pot

Lot 1502120 is a collection of three adorable Niloak frogs. These midcentury, high-glaze pieces can be used as planters or ashtrays. Standing—or more accurately sitting—4-and-half inches high, there are no chips or cracks, and show only minor glaze imperfections consistent with manufacturing. Estimate: $200 to $300 for the lot.

Niloak frogs

Lot 1502252 is a beautiful painting attributed to Austrian artist Paul Grabwinkler (1880-1946). This hand drawing depicts a very young Pan, the Greek nature god who was half-goat. Grabwinkler captures the joy of the little fellow, horns just beginning to sprout, as he plucks some grapes. The mixed-media work is in excellent condition and has an estimate of $800 to $1,200.

Grabwinkler painting of a young Pan

Lot 1502141, an 8-inch Weller vase. This Deco-style mauve vase has a matte finish and is decorated with a lovely dogwood flower. With no cracks or chips, the estimate is $100-$175.

Weller vase

Lot 1502117 is an oil on masonite from Deanna Matteson’s “Bride Goes West” series. Known for her fine realism style, Matteson favors Old West subjects. Here, she has painted a bride “Standing in her parlor.” In very good condition, the estimate is $1,200 to $2,000.

Deanna Matteson’s “Standing in her parlor”

Lot 1502060 is a fabulous antique sterling-silver purse. Made circa 1880, it is in perfect condition without a tear, hole or anything missing. A striking accessory that can be carried as a purse or hung from a belt. It would make a wonderful wedding gift, one that the bride will still be thanking you for at her 50th anniversary. Estimate: $325 to $400.

Antique silver purse

Lot 1502108, a Van Briggle Hopi maiden figure. The Van Briggle company has been producing fine pottery since 1899 with some of its pieces on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum and the Louvre in Paris. This 6-and-a-half-inch depiction of a maiden kneading corn was created some time in the early- to mid-20th century. It has an estimate of $175 to $200. (Buyer pays shipping and handling costs.)

Van Briggle Hopi woman

All these items are subject to a reserve price.

For more information on the auction, click here. To register, click here.

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Beloved and coveted by so many little and not so little girls—the average age of female collectors is 40—the beauteous and curvaceous Barbie was born March 9, 1959. That was the day she was first introduced at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

She was conceived, so to speak, a few years earlier. Paper dolls had been popular for a long time. In the 19th century, you had your Dottie Dimple and Jessie Jingle. McCall’s magazine had Betsy McCall. In the 1950s, you cut out clothes and dressed actresses June Allyson and Jane Powell.

Ruth Handler, co-founder of the Mattel toy company, saw her daughter eschewing baby dolls in favor of the grownup paper cutouts, and that got Handler thinking. Maybe the toy world was ready for something different. Touring Europe in 1956, the eureka light bulb went on in Handler’s head when she saw Bild Lilli, a curvy, bosomy doll based on a comic-strip character.

Back in the States, she and engineer Jack Ryan designed a similar adult-looking toy, named it Barbie after Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and voilà, history was made.

1959 Barbies on exhibit in Prague

The popularity of Barbie and company—boyfriend Ken, girlfriends Midge, Stacy, Cara, Lea, the list goes on and on and includes many, many pets—is staggering. According to Mattel, more than a billion Barbies have been sold in some 150 countries at the rate of three per second.

What accounts for this success? Barbie Worthologist Melissa Musselman says, “Barbie was about being popular, about being glamorous. Girls pretended to be that doll with all the fun clothes, the cars, friends, boyfriend and roles to play.”

Early Barbie and Ken shown at a Washington state museum. Photo by Joe Mabel.

1961 Barbie and Ken fashion booklet

To get details on the fashion booklet, visit GoAntiques.

That has translated today into tens of thousands of Barbie collectors.

Shari Caudron, author of “Who Are You People?” (Barricade Books), wrote about attending a Barbie convention and being mystified by the fervor and delight the collectors took in the doll. Then she saw a vintage Barbie, the first— Teenage Fashion Model—and got excited because she remembered her sisters playing with one.

“Oddly,” Caudron related, “I find myself a little thrilled to recognize the doll. I confess this to Sandi [Holder, owner of the Doll Attic]. She laughs. ‘That’s what Barbie is all about,’ she says. ‘It’s about reliving good memories and helping people get back a bit of their childhood.’”

She's in the Army Barbie

Inside Barbie's Friend Ship

If you’re interested in learning about this Army Barbie, click here and here for Barbie’s Friend Ship.

And there are A LOT of different Barbies to collect. Over the years, this has not been a gal afraid of changing professions. Barbie surgeon, career girl, art teacher, aerobics instructor, NASCAR driver, 1976 Olympics gold medalist in gymnastics (which probably came as a surprise to Nadia Comaneci, who took three golds, and Nellie Kim, who won two), Barbie in the army. Why, there was an Astronaut Barbie four years before Neil Armstrong took that one small step for man on the moon. And she’s run for president three times—take that Hillary Rodham Clinton. (Barbie’s platform? World peace, aiding the impoverished and homeless, and caring for animals. That could have been her answers in the Miss America pageant, which she apparently won in 1974.)

All the many incarnations of Barbie over the years, of course, came with numerous accessories and outfits—all the better for collectors.

1968 party outfit

Vintage Barbie straw bag

Vintage Barbie Ballerina tutu

For more information on the party outfit, click here. On the vintage handbag, click here, and the tutu, here.

Despite all the doll’s wonderful attributes, Barbie has not been controversy free. That first swim-suited fashion model had measurements the equivalent of 39-18-33. (Two actresses who came close to those proportions were Jayne Mansfield (40-21-36) and Sophia Loren (38-24-38), though both were obviously a lot hippier.) Some people felt Barbie’s figure gave little girls an unrealistic ideal. She eventually got a little wider around the waist and not quite as big across the chest.

Then there was book that accompanied Slumber Party Barbie—“How to Lose Weight.” “Don’t eat” was the answer. Oops.

And what could Mattel have been thinking when it came out with Oreo Fun Barbie? There were Caucasian and black versions. In Mattel’s defense, this was a promotion with Nabisco. Still, it didn’t go over well in the black community because Oreo was an unflattering term used to describe someone “black on the outside and white on the inside.”

Then there was the pregnant Midge with a little removable pouch that contained newborn Nikki. Despite Midge being married, there was enough of an uproar that Wal-Mart discontinued selling it.

1988 Cool Times Midge

Cool Midge can be found on GoAntiques.

Of course, some of the criticism has bordered on just plain silly. A researcher in Finland, with nothing better to do, calculated that Barbie did not have enough body fat to menstruate. Get a grip. Barbie is a toy.

As one enthusiast said to Shari Caudron, “Anything that allows us to play is a good thing, and I don’t know why people are so critical of Barbie sometimes. I mean, I can’t believe it when people say Barbie is bad for a girl’s self-image. That’s ridiculous. It’s a doll. Kids know that. It’s adults that make Barbie a problem. In the 1960s, America was barely in space, and there was already an Astronaut Barbie. How can that be bad for kids?”

1971 Malibu Barbie

A newer version of Malibu Barbie comes with sunblock. Click here to find out more about 1971 Barbie.

Whatever your opinion of America’s perkiest and leggiest sweetheart, there’s no denying she’s brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. To celebrate her Big Five-0, from March 9 to 14, Mattel is selling a “throwback” Barbie in her original zebra-print swimsuit at the 1959 price of three bucks. And it’s throwing a Barbie bash in a 3,500-square-foot, human-size Barbie Malibu Dream House. Among other festivities will be the Barbie Beauty Pageant at the SideBAR in New York. Contestants will dress up as their favorite Barbie and prance along the bar.

An artist's depiction of a naturally aged 50-year-old Barbie

So here’s looking at you, Babs. Many happy returns.

Sandra Lee Stuart led a deprived childhood without a single Barbie doll, which may be why she can’t accessorize to this day.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

A Cincinnati, Ohio, attic produced more than your average trove. Up there at the top of the house was discovered not one, not two—oh, let’s cut to the chase—80 works by Thomas Corwin Lindsay, which apparently had been stored there for more than 70 years.

Woman leaning on stone wall

Farmer with walking stick

Lindsay (1845-1907) was a Cincinnati artist known for painting landscapes and animals. He was one of many Americans who studied at the Düsseldorf (Germany) Academy, which arose from German Romanticism. The academy, with its emphasis on “plein art painting”—painting landscapes on site—contributed much to the Hudson River School.

Lindsay’s work was shown at the Cincinnati Industrial Exposition, which ran from 1870 to 1883 to showcase local manufacturing, art and the city’s economy, and in 1896, at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Countryside

Cows in front of farmhouse and barn

Most of the attic find is being handled by Wooden Nickel Antiques, a Cincinnati antiques and art dealer, and will be shown at the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art.

According to the gallery’s owner, Douglas Eisele, who also specializes in restoration, the works have never been on the market. While their condition is characterized as “attic found,” some will only need minor touchup. Others need to be stretched.

Seated figure

Cows in pasture

Some of the paintings are of the Ohio and Kentucky countryside. Others show historic sites. A letter of authentication will be provided with any that are unsigned.

So come spring, you might consider cleaning your attic. Who knows what you’ll find.

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From The New York Times:
Flickery Images of Black Life Back Then

Documentary footage shot in the 1920s by Solomon Sir Jones will go up for auction next week at Swann Galleries’ annual African-American sale in New York. The 16 mm footage of a rarely documented side of African-American life and culture during this time—the five hours of film mostly feature pieces of the daily lives of prosperous African-Americans—was shot primarily in Oklahoma when Jones traveled around the state helping build churches and organize congregations. The reels are expected to go for between $40,000 and $60,000.

From Auction Central News:
Roger Clemens’ World Series Trophy in Grey Flannel’s April 29 Auction

Though lately embroiled in controversy over his alleged steroid use, Roger Clemens remains one of the greats of modern baseball. Clemens led the Yankees to multiple World Series titles, and his trophy from the 2000 “Subway Series”—when the Yankees beat the neighboring Mets for the championship—will be up for sale at a Grey Flannel auction in April. In addition to the trophy, the sale is scheduled to include other items and memorabilia from Clemens and fellow Yankee Andy Pettitte, all from the collection of former Yankees trainer Brian McNamee. McNamee testified against Clemens in December 2007 during the Mitchell Commission investigation of whether the pitcher used anabolic steroids.

From The Associated Press:
Bonhams to auction wine hidden from Nazis

Bottles of rare vintage wine that were hidden from Nazis during World War II will be auctioned off at Bonhams on March 17. The 1,500 bottles were hidden at Bucktrout & Co. during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands, located between France and England. A bottle of Harvey’s 1897 Special Quality Port is expected to sell for $285.

From The Times Series (UK):
Spitfire for the highest bidder

A World War II Spitfire airplane is expected to fetch £1.5 million (more than $2.1 million when it goes under the hammer at a Bonhams sale held at the RAF museum in Colindale, England, in April. The first of its kind to be on the auction block in more than 20 years, the 1944 Spitfire has undergone extensive restoration and is airworthy once again.

From Bloomberg:
Like French Kings, Thain’s $35,000 Commode Didn’t Store Socks

Amid his company’s demise, a question concerning Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain’s office furniture lingers. The extravagant $1.2 million that Thain spent to decorate his office made him one of the more infamous of the ousted Wall Street CEOs, and now the question of where it all should go—or if it will stay—has experts guessing. Included in the $1.2 million worth of items is a 300-year-old French commode, worth about $35,000. Industry insiders advise Thain to “quietly” give the chair to an auction house to sell if he decides to liquidate. Thain is reportedly paying the company back for his redecorating project.

From Forbes:
Magical Carpet Set To Fetch Millions

A rug made of pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds will highlight the Sotheby’s inaugural auction in Doha, Qatar, on March 18. The auction house is hoping that auctions in the Middle East will buoy its current financial state. The rug, made in the 1860s for the tomb of Prophet Mohammad, took five years to create and is expected to fetch $20 million at auction.

From Voice of America:
Plan to Auction Gandhi Belongings Draws Criticism in India

The planned auction of several of Gandhi’s few worldly possessions has sparked controversy in his native land. As previously reported, eyeglasses, sandals, a pocket watch, and a bowl and plate that belonged to India’s independence leader are scheduled to go under the hammer in New York next month to private collectors. Critics of the sale say that it represents two things Gandhi stood against—consumerism and materialism—and his possessions shouldn’t be sold for profit. Many believe the items should remain in India, as national treasures, and displayed in a museum for the public to draw inspiration.

From The New York Times:
China Seeks to Stop Paris Sale of Bronzes

The Chinese government is singling out two Chinese bronze statues that are part of the Yves Saint Laurent “sale of the century” at Christie’s. The bronzes, part of the late designer’s vast collection of fine art, antiques and furniture, are—according to the Chinese government—Qing dynasty statues plundered from the Summer Palace outside Beijing during the Opium Wars. So far, Christie’s hasn’t relented, but the Chinese consider the statues to be national treasures and continue to pressure the auction house to remove them from the sale.

From The Guardian:
US and France battle for rights of shipwreck found in Lake Michigan

A ship that experts believe to be a 330-year-old French vessel was found in the bottom of Lake Michigan and is now the center of a battle between the state of Michigan and the French government. Michigan claims the shipwreck of the Griffin belongs to the state as it was abandoned after it sank in 1679 and found in waters belonging to the state. France insists that because the ship is originally French, and sank centuries ago, it is the rightful owners of the remains.

From the Examiner:
Holmes gloves go for $70,000 in auction

The gloves worn by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes in Super Bowl XLIII sold for $70,000 in an online auction at Reebok.com. Holmes decided to put the gloves up for sale to benefit the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America—an organization close to his heart, as his son suffers from the disease. Holmes was wearing the gloves when he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to seal the Steelers’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

From Wicked Local Sherborn (Mass.):
Lincoln books up for auction at Sherborn Library

Thirty antique books, all in some way related to Abraham Lincoln, at the Sherborn Library in Sherborn, Mass., are up for auction to benefit the library. The books range from an 1880s guide for collectors of Lincoln memorabilia and children’s books about the former president published in the early 1900s, to a variety of Lincoln biographies and four “Lincoln Readers.” All the tomes up for auction were donated to the library over the past 30 years.

From MTV News:
Michael Jackson Auction—Including White Glove!—To Take In Millions

Headlining the auction of more than 2,000 items from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch are the gates to Jackson’s home and his iconic white sparkly glove. The public auction, scheduled for April 22–25, will also feature the King of Pop’s Rolls-Royce, custom-made costumes, suits of armor, fine art and furniture, and other items from the ranch. The sale is estimated to bring in between $1.5 million and $3 million. Jackson’s representatives maintain that the star’s recent financial troubles are not the catalyst for the sale.

From BBC News:
Nude Madonna ‘sets sale record’

Lee Friedlander’s 1979 black-and-white photograph of Madonna—before she became the entertainment icon she is today—sold at auction for $37,500 last week. Part of the collection of Leon and Michela Constantiner, the photo brought in more than $20,000 above Christie’s original presale estimate of $15,000. Another famous photograph of Madonna, shot by Herb Ritts, was also sold at the auction.

From The Oregonian:
Auctioneer accused of theft dies in N.Y.

A Portland, Ore., auctioneer who was wanted in several counties for aggravated theft and for swindling more than 20 people out of a total of $1.7 million worth of family heirlooms, jewelry and antiques, died of a heart attack in Buffalo, N.Y. Robert Mathison fled to New York in 2004 with the stolen goods, and Portland police officers had recently found him in Buffalo. When they arrested him and were transporting him back to Oregon to face trial, Mathison suffered a heart attack and died despite medical help. The stolen items are being returned to Oregon.

From The Washington Post:
Obama Collectors’ Quandry: T-Shirt or Bobblehead?

Veteran collectors know a thing or two about which items are worth the cash and which ones probably won’t go up in value. With the plethora of Barack Obama- and inauguration day-related memorabilia available right now, it takes a sharp, discerning eye to separate the wheat from the chaff. Among the scores of items are an “Obama Victory” commemorative plate, prints of Shepard Fairey’s iconic poster, inaugural mints and Obama action figures. According to one experienced collector, people like him are waiting until the Obama collectibles market calms down to buy in.

From Auction Central News:
Carter Center raises $800K at annual auction

Topping the Carter Center’s annual auction in Port Lucie, Fla., last week was a painting by the former president himself, which sold for $100,000. The auction brought in more than $800,000 to benefit the Atlanta-based Carter Center, which does humanitarian and aid work around the world. The limping economy had some affect on the auction. Last year’s total was more than $1.2 million. Other highlights included a fly-fishing trip with the Carters ($80,000) and a baseball signed by five former presidents ($82,500).

From BBC News:
Are coin fairs the new investment clubs?

Investing wisely in the right kind of coins could help you get through the tough economic climate. Coin dealers and collectors have been busy at recent coin shows and fairs around England, including the Midland Coin Fair, hoping that a little investment will pay off. Some are investing in strictly gold and silver coins, and others are looking for that one specific coin to complete their collection. Either way, collectibles like coins are seen as a fairly solid investment, especially in times like these.

By Elizabeth Hendley, a WorthPoint writer based in Seattle

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

Wait a second, Mary Richards of the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” was not particularly romance adept. Maybe it wasn’t her fault. Perhaps potential beaux should have showered her with, let’s say, antique jewelry. Then the nerdy IRS auditor played by Paul Sand might have made an inroad into Mary’s affection.

Jewelry, we are asked to believe, is a human phenomenon. The desire and need to adorn the body is not a consideration of bird, fish and even other primates. (Though, one might wonder if blessed with a credit card, Tarzan’s Cheetah might have given a spectacular set of earrings to his chimpy love.)

There is evidence that cave guys and gals wore stag teeth on a twine necklace as adornment. The Egyptians? All you have to do is check out their tombs. We’re talking magnificent rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, necklaces. Amulets and certain types of stones were believed to have mystical powers. Wear them and be blessed.

Ancient Egyptian amulet

(Photo courtesy of the Science Museum/Science & Society Picture Library)

And so it went through the decades and centuries. There were times when religious and secular leaders sought to restrict what was kosher to wear. For instance, in the 13th century, sumptuary laws were passed in Europe that frowned upon showiness. If you were a simple townsperson who lived in France or England, you had to forget about wearing clothes with gemstones, gold, silver or pearls.

Antique jewelry we find today is often from the Victorian era. Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne in 1837, may not have a great beauty, but many beautiful, romantic pieces were created during her reign.

1880 double heart moonstone pendant

Victorian sapphire-and-pearl ring

If you’d love to have the exquisite pendant, click here. Has the ring captured your fancy? Click here.

This period also gave rise to machine-made jewelry with centers in Germany, Birmingham (England) and Providence, Rhode Island. Though disparaged by some in the upper class, fine- quality items were produced.

In the mid-19th century, Charles Lewis Tiffany bought up diamonds from European royalty strapped for cash. He reset them and sold them in his New York City store. Wealthy American women so loved the sparklies that they wore them in brooches, chokers, pins, hair adornments—all at the same time. Europeans took this as proof that their cousins across the Atlantic had no taste.

Belle Époque diamond-and platinum ring

Edwardian brooch

1910 diamond-and-platinum ring

Marie E. Betteley is offering these three magnificent items. To learn more about the Belle Époque ring, click here; the brooch, here; and the diamond-and-platinum ring, here.

Queen Victoria popularized a peculiar tradition, that of mourning jewelry. After her beloved consort, Prince Albert, died in 1861, the Queen went into intense bereavement that lasted until her own death in 1901. Following her example, mourning was a rigid ritual. For instance, following the death of a husband, the widow had to wear all black and weeping veils for at least two years. Clothes right down to petticoats had to be made from certain types of fabric. She had to carry mourning handkerchiefs. And when jewelry could be worn, it had to be, of course, black.

Queen Victoria favored black amber, or Jet. Often pieces of the deceased’s hair were incorporated into rings, necklaces, earrings and watch fobs. Such items today are prized—if a little creepy.

Victorian mourning brooch with braided hair

For more information on this brooch, visit GoAntiques.

The end of the 19th and early 20th century gave way to lighter styles. The Art Nouveau period (1890-1910) produced exuberant, fanciful pieces with images of flowers, animals and humans. Many of the baubles were enameled using a technique called plique a’jour in which gold and silver filigrees run through transparent glass enamel.

Art Nouveau enamel pendant

Learn more about this delightful piece at GoAntiques.

Cocktail jewelry became the height of fashion in the 1920s. So what if the “gems” were glass? If it was good enough for Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, it was good enough to be flaunted. And when World War II rationing of metals stopped fine-jewelry production, costume jewelry became even more acceptable.

1920 Galalith plastic bracelet

Add this fun piece to your costume by visiting GoAntiques.

Need a romantic little hideaway for some of your trinkets? Check out this sweet Limoges box and this one, too.

Hand-painted Limoges box

Hand-painted Limoges trinket box

If you want to score some serious “smooch” points on Valentine’s, consider what has worked through the ages—beautiful jewelry.

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

From Auction Central News:
Seattle buyer returns 1919 car to France

The Seattle man who purchased a 1919 Turcat-Mery roadster in France for almost $1 million has decided to return the car to its native country after the French government claimed it as a national monument. Charles Morse will ship the car back to France, hoping to find a buyer an antique-car show in Paris. The car was originally built for a descendant of Louis XVI, and as an original part of the Randan royal estate, is considered a French national monument.

From Bloomberg:
Koons Snubbed for Cheaper Art in London as Bargains Sought

In what was expected to be the highlight of Phillips de Pury’s London sale, Jeff Koons’ glass-vitrine sculpture failed to receive a single bid from buyers. Koons’ work was estimated to bring in at least $2.6 million at the sale, which sold two-thirds of the lots for a total of £4.2 million ($6 million). The Phillips de Pury sale is yet another indication that the contemporary-art market is far from healthy.

From ARTINFO:
Lincoln Reelection Speech Sets Auction Record

The handwritten text of Abraham Lincoln’s re-election speech sold at Christie’s in New York for $3,442,500, a new record at auction for an American historical document. Lincoln delivered the speech two days after his re-election to the presidency at the White House in 1864. The document’s previous owner was the Southworth Library Association, which had owned it since 1926. It was part of a sale that brought in a total of $5,565,063.

From The New York Times:
Glamour Girls for the Middle Class

Through April 7, the Center for Jewish History’s Leo Baeck Institute is hosting an exhibit of Goldscheider ceramics. The popular, kitschy collectibles were made in Vienna from 1885–1938 and are from the collection of Kathryn Hausman, who serves as president of the Art Deco Society of New York. Goldscheider figures were splashes of glamour that decorated middle-class homes. More than 9,000 different models were made, ranging from the Hollywood starlets of the 1920s to North Africans in native costumes.

From BBC News:
German court orders poster return

A Florida man whose German father’s collection of vintage posters was seized by the Nazis during World War II has won the court decision over the ownership of the posters. The 4,000 posters, currently in the German Historical Museum, will be returned to Peter Sachs. It’s only a piece of the 12,500 posters that made up his father’s collection, but Sachs is hopeful that the German court decision will help bring the rest of the collection together. The entire collection is thought to be worth about £4 million ($5.7 million) and includes a 1932 “Die Blond Venus” movie poster, featuring Marlene Dietrich, which was used at court to argue Sachs’s case.

From Bloomberg:
Hirst Opens Second Shop, Defies Slump With £3.50 Keychains

British artist Damien Hirst has no doubt been affected by the contemporary-art market slump and has decided to do something about it. Hirst recently opened a new shop, Other Criteria, in London’s Marylebone district, selling smaller, affordable items for as little as £3.50 ($5). The cheapest of Hirst’s wares are the £3.50 Hirst-designed key chains, limited-edition prints, books and sculptures.

From WTHR-TV (Indianapolis):
Fate of antiques at children’s home debated

An Indianapolis children’s home that started as an orphanage for children of Civil War veterans is may close its doors, and with that comes the question of what to do with the home’s vast collection of antiques. Items amassed at the home since its opening in the 1800s include old clothing, bathing suits, a box of diapers from the early 1900s, original artwork, antique fireplaces, handmade clocks and furniture, and stained-glass windows. For now, the antiques will stay put thanks to a lawsuit filed in hopes of keeping the items in place.

From The (Colorado Springs) Gazette:
Antiques preserve experience of world’s first skiers

Most collectors keep their antiques in their homes on shelves where the collectibles can be admired. A Carbondale, Colo., man who possesses one of the most extensive collections of vintage ski gear in the world, likes to use his antiques for their intended purpose: on the slopes. Richard Allen owns a ski shop in Carbondale and organized antique-ski races in Aspen, as well as renting out equipment from his extensive collection—boots, skis, hats, gloves, poles, posters, patches and pins, to name a few—for commercials and the like.

From BBC News:
Gandhi’s spectacles up for sale

Mahatma Gandhi’s iconic glasses, along with a pair of leather sandals and a pocket watch, will be auctioned in New York next month. The spectacles, which Gandhi once said gave him “the vision to free India” from British colonial rule, are valued at $42,000, partly because he had so few material possessions. The Zenith pocket watch, made in 1910, is expected to be the biggest sale at the auction.

From The Chicago Sun-Times:
Cars, collectibles worth millions saved from fire

A fire at an auto showroom in suburban Chicago went up in flames Monday night, but the business’ $500,000 Ford Mustang was saved from the blaze. Another Mustang—this one a 1964 car that was the first Mustang to ever come off the manufacturer’s assembly line and worth about $5 million—was also saved, along with multiple signed rock ’n’ roll records from Elvis, the Beatles, Buddy Holly and others. The fire department that responded to the call reported that the blaze started in a 1968 Oldsmobile in the showroom. The Oldsmobile was worth $75,000.

From Luxist:
Watch Owned by Kennedy and Onassis Up at Auction

A 14K gold watch that belonged to both John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis is scheduled to be up for auction at Antiquorum in March. Estimated to bring in bids up to $200,000, the watch has 57 gemstones on it and has two inscriptions. Kennedy’s personal secretary found the watch in his desk after he was assassinated and gave the timepiece to Jackie Kennedy. She later gifted the watch to Aristotle Onassis.

From The Art Newspaper:
Design forgery ring uncovered in France

Double-check your collection if it contains pieces by Jean Prouvé, Charlotte Perriand, Alexandre Noll and Pierre Chareau. French police have busted a counterfeiting scheme that reproduced objects by these famous 20-century designers. The artist behind the fake pieces died several years ago, but members of his family, in addition to other associates, were arrested on charges of counterfeiting, receiving counterfeit goods and fraud.

From The New York Times:
Artist Sues The A.P. Over Obama Image

Shepard Fairey has had quite a week so far. After being arrested in Boston—on his way to a retrospective in his honor at the Institute of Contemporary Art—for illegally papering the city with posters of his artwork, Fairey, in a pre-emptive strike against the Associated Press, has filed a lawsuit asking to be protected from a claim of copyright infringement. Fairey’s now-iconic poster of President Obama is based on an AP photograph of the then-candidate. Fairey’s lawyers believe he falls under the fair-use exemptions of copyright law. The AP has not taken legal action to date but contacted Fairey’s studio last month asking him to pay for the use of the image.

From The Associated Press:
Rare trove of Hebrew books displayed in NYC

The Valmadonna Trust Library, estimated to be worth $40 million, went on display at Sotheby’s in New York this week. The 11,000 works are thought to be the greatest collection of privately owned Judaica. Among the rare Hebrew books and manuscripts on display are a 16th-century Hebrew bible once used at Westminster Abbey, a 10th- or 11th-century Franco-German Hebrew bible and an almost-perfect complete edition of the Babylonian Talmud, printed in 1519-1523. The collection is the life work of London collector Jack Lunzer, who wanted it to end up eventually at the Library of Congress. Per his request, Sotheby’s will sell the collection as a whole to either a private collector or public institution.

From The New York Times:
Rare N.Y. Photo to Be Offered by Sotheby’s

A rare photograph of New York City, dated 1849, will be up for sale at Sotheby’s next month. The auction house claims that the daguerreotype is the oldest photograph found of the city, a landscape of what is now Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Because antique daguerreotypes of the New York City are quite rare, experts at Sotheby’s don’t have an estimate of how much the photograph will sell for at auction.

From Auction Central News:
Santonio Holmes’ Super Bowl gloves in charity auction

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl star Santonio Holmes has donated his Reebok-made gloves to an auction to raise money for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Inc. The gloves, worn by Holmes when he made the touchdown catch to seal the Steelers’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals, have a current high bid of $15,200 on the Reebok Web site that is running the auction through Thursday. Holmes’ son suffers from sickle cell disease.

From BBC News:
Classic Bugatti makes 3.4m euros

After being discovered by its late owner’s children in a musty garage in England, a classic Bugatti automobile sold for 3.4 million euros ($4.43 million) at a Bonhams auction in Paris. The 1937 Type 57S Atalante has not been driven in more than 50 years and is considered to be one of the most coveted cars among automobile collectors.

By Elizabeth Hendley, a WorthPoint writer based in Seattle

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth

An Ephrata, Pa., auction of Amish diaries brought in about $3,000—mostly from Amish bidders. The diaries aren’t exactly what most of us think of. Instead of juicy details about our high-school crushes, the writers of these notebooks recorded chores, recipes and other facets of daily Amish life, often completely devoid of any hint of emotion. Ranging from the 1850s to several written as recently as the 1990s, the diaries are an interesting peek into the largely unknown—to outsiders, that is—world in which the Amish live. Keeping meticulous records is a fairly typical practice in Amish communities.

From the Lake Oswego (Ore.) Review:
Antique barber pole theft brings out the vigilante in Lake Oswego barber

Lake Oswego, Ore., barber Tyler Atkinson is on the hunt for his stolen antique barber pole with the help of his community. The Marvy barber pole has been a fixture outside the shop for more than 50 years, and Atkinson estimates that purchasing and installing a similar pole would cost upward of $2,000. Adding a twist to the story, in recent years, several antique barber poles in the Portland area have been stolen. None have been recovered.

From BBC News:
‘Rediscovered’ art fetches £4.4m

At its first appearance at auction, Lucio Fontana’s 1961 painting, “Concetto Spaziale,” sold at Sotheby’s contemporary-art sale in London for £4.4 million ($6.5 million). The abstract white-and-gold work ended the sale with the largest price tag, even though it didn’t reach its £5 million low estimate. “Concetto Spaziale” had not been seen in public for more than 40 years. Other works at the sale were a Jeff Koons sculpture and a Gerhard Richter oil on canvas.

From Bloomberg:
Brandeis ‘Screwed Up’ in Handling Art Museum’s Fate

According to Brandeis University President Jehuda Reinharz, the university’s decision to close its Rose Art Museum and liquidate the museum’s assets was mishandled. After an outcry from university board of trustees and the public, Reinharz says the museum’s building will remain open, but no final decision has been made about whether the art will be sold. Originally, the plan was to sell off the museum’s collection for fundraising purposes, as the university’s endowment has decreased in the current economic climate. Insiders feel certain that this plan will be carried out to some degree.

From BBC News:
Monet painting auctioned for £11m

A Monet painting depicting his wife, Camille, reclining in a field of flowers sold for £11,241,250 ($16.4 million) at Christie’s in London. Though the sale was a triumph in the midst of the art-market recession, it failed to reach its expected price tag of £15 million ($22 million). “Dans la Prairie” was part of the auction house’s Impressionist and Modern art sale, which also included a Renoir, a Matisse and another Monet. All three failed to reach their reserve price.

From BBC News:
‘Lovejoy’ find sells for £8,800

A 15-inch Chinese scepter that was originally purchased for £300 ($441) was sold for £8,800 ($12,864) at auction in Dorset, England. The 18th-century piece is believe to bring good luck to its owner and is thought to have been originally made for Emperor Quinlong. For those non-British collectors and readers, “Lovejoy” refers to a BBC television show about an antiques dealer of the same name. Lovejoy had a knack for discovering good bargains.

From Bloomberg:
Japanese Emperor’s Chinese Box May Sell for More Than $5 million

A gift from China’s Tang dynasty to a Japanese emperor is expected to sell for at least $5 million when the 8th-century vanity box is auctioned at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The tortoiseshell box with mother-of-pearl and amber inlay was given to Emperor Shomu in the 700s. Its high value is due to its rarity, according to Sotheby’s.

From BBC News:
Dancer fetches £13.3m at auction

Edward Degas’ “The Little Dancer” set a record for the artist when it sold at Sotheby’s for £13.3 million ($19.2 million) during the auction house’s Impressionist and Modern art sale. The bronze statue was originally made from wax in 1879–81 and went for £1 million more than the previous record for a Degas statue. With this sale, Sotheby’s cleared the bar for the first major test of the art market this year. Sales totaled £32.5 million ($46.8 million).

From BBC News:
Prison for Rothschild book thief

A man who stole hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of rare books from the well-known Rothschild family has been sentenced to jail time. David Slade, an antiques-book dealer, will spend 28 months in jail after the theft of books from the Rothschild private library. Slade was hired to catalog the book collection by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. Christie’s auction house estimates the value of the stolen tomes totals at least £230,000 ($332,000).

From Playthings.com
Mattel to preview ‘Ghostbusters’ collectibles

Fans and collectors of all things Ghostbusters will be excited to hear that Mattel is producing a line of collectible toys to coordinate with the 25th anniversary of the film’s release. The 12-inch figures will be available on the company’s Web site starting in June, but attendees at New York’s Comic Con and Mattel’s New York Toy Fair Collector Preview Night will get a sneak peek of several of the toys. Mattel will also sell a few 6-inch Ghostbusters figures, as well.

From the New York Times:
Treasure Hunters Say They’ve Found a 1744 Shipwreck

The wreckage of a ship found last year in the English Channel has been confirmed as British warship H.M.S. Victory, according to Odyssey Marine Exploration researchers. In a severe 1744 storm, the ship sunk with 900 men on board, as well as a speculated four tons of gold coins—worth an estimated $1 billion.

The discovery team verified the ship’s identity by examining 41 of its cannons that were visible through the water. In its time, the H.M.S. Victory was one of the most feared vessels that sailed, complete with 110 bronze cannons. The Odyssey group came across the shipwreck last April. After 20 years exploring the English Channel, the group finally hit the mother lode.

From Auction Central News:
Lost 1793 Trumball painting discovered in England

A mislabeled painting bought for $280 turned out to be worth almost 80 times more than its purchase price. The miniature painting, which experts now know was painted by Colonial-era artist John Trumball, is valued at $22,000. A researcher for the London art dealer who purchased the painting thinks that the inscription on the back of the painting was mistakenly read as “Humbert” instead of Trumball. Trumball, a Connecticut native whose works hang in the U.S. Capitol, painted the portrait of Philadelphia lawyer William West in 1793.

From Art Info:
California Biennial Sculpture Mistaken for Trash

Jedediah Caesar’s sculpture, “Gleaners Stone,” is back in place as part of this year’s California biennial after a Culver City resident supposedly mistook the artwork for debris and contacted local officials to remove it. Caesar’s cast-resin work is known for its use of found objects and trash, and was installed on a street corner—part of an off-site project for the biennial.

From BBC News:
Turner landscape sells for £9.1m

Despite gloomy times for the art market, JMW Turner’s “The Temple of Jupiter Panellenius” sold for £9.1 million ($12.9 million) at Sotheby’s in New York last week. The oil painting is the second-highest price paid for a Turner work and has been in a private collection for the past 25 years. One of only three Turner paintings depicting scenes from ancient Greece, the landscape features dancing figures and a backdrop of a classical temple.

From The Winchester (Va.) Star:
Citizens Petition for ‘Jake’

Fifty residents of Winchester, Va., have signed a petition to keep “Old Jake” close to home. A town fixture, the 6-foot-tall copper weather vane has sat atop Rouss Fire Co. for 137 years, and Winchester citizens want him to remain there. Jake failed to sell at Sotheby’s last month. Presale estimates were between $3 million and $5 million, but the highest bid was only $2.1 million—short of the minimum purchase price. While Rouss Fire Co. is still working with Sotheby’s to find a buyer, local residents wish the company would keep this piece of town history.

From The New York Times:
Hard Times Hit Auction Houses

Christie’s press officers are fending off rumors that François Pinault, the luxury-brands mogul who owns the international auction house, plans to sell the company. Amid the economic crisis, eyes have been on auction houses, especially after Sotheby’s downsized to the tune of 60 personnel layoffs and archrival Christie’s let go more than 100 staffers. Both auction houses claim to occupy the higher end of the art-market spectrum, but results from upcoming Impressionist, modern, postwar and contemporary art sales will do the talking.

From BBC News:
Funds Secured for Titian Painting

After an extended deadline, the National Gallery of Scotland and the National Gallery in London have finally raised enough money—£50 million (about $71 million) to be exact—to keep Titian’s “Diana and Acteon” in the hands and in front of the eyes of the British public. The painting’s owner, the Duke of Sutherland, announced plans to sell “Diana and Acteon” in 2007 to the highest bidder and gave a Dec. 31, 2008, deadline to raise the necessary funds to keep the painting, which had been on public display for more than 200 years.

From Forbes:
Bowl-Related Business Less Than Super

Leading up to kickoff of Super Bowl XLIII, purveyors of game memorabilia were seeing lackluster interest in their wares. With game attendance projected to be down at least 1 percent compared to last year, it’s not surprising that fans didn’t have much cash left over after flying into Tampa from Arizona and Pittsburgh. A pregame auction in the Hall of Fame room slashed prices, and still there were few takers.

By Elizabeth Hendley, a WorthPoint writer based in Seattle

WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth