Comments on: Great Finds—Into the Cobra Pits: A Worthologist Remembers

By: Marilyn Jacobs

Marilyn Jacobs — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:53 +0000

WONDERFUL wonderful story, Chris. Keep ‘em coming…

Regards,
Marilyn

By: Sandra Lee Stuart

Sandra Lee Stuart — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:22:09 +0000

Mary,

Thanks for that great catch. I’m the features editor at WorthPoint, and as much as I might strive for perfection, things get by me. I’ve changed the story. When it comes to finding mistakes, anal is good.

Sandra Lee Stuart

By: christopher kent

christopher kent — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:15:10 +0000

True confession time. The precocious kid turned out to become one of Worthpoints Worthologists, Christopher Kent. I’ve dined out on this story for many years only, in the gentle form of one-ups-manship, to have been told stories about black widow spiders and tarantulas found in the folds of linens and even a spectural lady that stood at the top of the stairs of her house while the auction of her personal possessions were being sold in the hallway below. Indeed the stories that surround the hunt and chase are sometimes more interesting than the object of someones desire…oh, did I tell you the one about the painted over portrait in the trunk of the Dusenburg?, next time. PS the cobra, after the police and fire company had arrived was no where to be found, we all stood by our story, and boy was that packing container unpacked with alacrity.

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:35:05 +0000

Ummm…I hate to be anal, but snakes can’t open their eyes. They don’t have eyelids.

By: Kait

Kait — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:05:06 +0000

I am so glad I stumbled upon this website!!! Not only do I enjoy the visuals ( ok, as the kids say eye candy) but I LOVE the rest! That story had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I had a hunch there would be a snake packed somewhere. But Bless Bob Merritt! First for having the good sense to let young people hone their skills. Too often I see ‘adults’ talking down to youngsters at auctions. When a kind word could kindle the spark of interest in antiques, uniques and the like. Mahalo!

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:03:17 +0000

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!

By: Tom

Tom — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:50:04 +0000

Christopher Kent, you are a scream and a half! Who knew collecting would be so much like an Indiana Jones prequel. Your stories always read like the old radio serials. I can’t wait for the next installment.

By: David Mycko

David Mycko — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:15:12 +0000

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

By: christopher kent

christopher kent — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:05:54 +0000

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 it’s internationally known clock shop as well as the doll segment of the business. It is indeed and end of an era and the passing will be mourned by many.