Dark Avengers

The Comic Speculator is a blog written by WorthPoint Comic Book “Worthologist” Matt Baum that takes a look at each week’s hot new comics and back issues and the comic market place in general. Prices discussed here are taken from the Overstreet Guide to Comics (OVST), Comicspriceguide.com (CPG) and current online auction sales. Make sure and click on the active links to learn more about the titles and creators discussed here.

Before we get started: Good news about the comic market. Click here to read a great article from the The Boston Globe about the state of the comic book market on the East Coast. It’s actually good news.

It’s Wednesday again, and there’s more than 150 new titles hitting the shelves. Some are great reads, others a waste of your time and money. I try not to point fingers and laugh here; that’s for my other comic blog, but concentrate on which titles are going to go fast. So let’s get to it, but before we do . . .

Click here to see a complete list of new comics shipping this Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Speculator Picks of the Week:

This is the part where I use my comic swami powers to peer into the future and pick out three titles that could sell out very quickly. Buy them now at cover price or pay twice as much later.

Cowboy Ninja Viking #2 of 4: Image Comics

Cowboy Ninja Viking

Solicitation: Dr. Ghislain sends C.N.V and partner Sara Nix to Tokyo to track down rogue Triplet Yashitiko Ammo (P.G.O) and things go from bad to worse, starting with the fact that sticking C.N.V in economy class on a 18-hour flight to Japan is, in the history of bad ideas, right up there with Stalin, polyester, and Axe Body Spray. Plus, we finally learn who the Scarf Guy is!

Ali vs. Frazier! Tyson vs. Holyfield! Cowboy/Ninja/Viking vs. Pirate/Gladiator/Oceanographer!

24 PGS
$3.50 US
Written by Aj Lieberman; Pencils by Riley Rossmo.

Why it’ll go fast: When I picked CNV #1 to sell out I had no idea that there would be huge shipping errors and allocations on the title across the country. I had heard that Another Dimension Comics in Alberta, Calgary was shorted its entire order on CNV, which is funny because the artist on the the title, Riley Rossmo, works there part time. Whoops! Initial orders on #1 were light, as usual for an Image title, Internet buzz was huge and shipping errors whipped the nerds into a fervor resulting in copies selling for $10 and up. I’m not predicting shipping errors on issue #2—although Diamond screwing up is becoming a safer bet every week—but there will be lighter orders than on number #1. There always is.

Dr. Horrible: Dark Horse

Dr. Horrible

Solicitation: From the Joss Whedon-helmed webmovie “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” comes the origin story of the next greatest supervillain of all time . . . Dr. Horrible!

In this one-shot comic, Zack Whedon and artist Joelle Jones (Token) establish how a young, impressionable, but brilliant Dr. Horrible was drawn into a world of crime. Readers are reacquainted with the charming, brawny, crime-fighting superhero extraordinaire Captain Hammer when Dr. Horrible crosses paths with his greatest enemy in an all-out showdown of immeasurable proportions. Special guest appearances include Dr. Horrible’s love interest, Penny; his sidekick, Moist; and a meter man. Fans of Joss Whedon and the smash-hit musical “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” will not want to miss this!

Includes two alternate covers by artist Kristian Donaldson (DMZ, Supermarket) and a pin-up from superstar artist Gene Ha (The 49ers).
40 PGS
$3.50 US
SEP090009
Written by Zack Whedon; Pencils by Joelle Jones; Cover by Dan Jackson; Variant Cover by Kristian Donaldson.

Why it’ll go fast: Never underestimate Joss Whedon fans. These are the same people who managed to keep “Dollhouse” on the Fox network for two seasons, and that’s saying something. Now, most of us who aren’t huge Whedon-nerds may not have heard of “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.” Being a Whedon-nerd myself, I have, and recommend you check it out. I just don’t see any retailers ordering heavy on this issue making it an instant sell-out. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Doc Horrible selling for $20 by Friday. Now re-order and reprint sales might fill the market for this comics pretty quickly, as a lot of Whedon fans may not be concerned with owning a first printing. And keep in mind; Joss didn’t write this comic. If this one is hot, it’s only go to be for a few weeks.

Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5: Marvel Comics

Realm of Kings: Inhumans

Solicitation: A Realm Of Kings series! Now led by Queen Medusa, the battered and bruised Inhuman royal family struggles to maintain their grip on the reigns of power over the Kree Empire. Courtly intrigues and external threats are beginning to erode their rule–but the biggest threat may lurk within the family itself! War Of Kings’ Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning unite with Pablo Raimondi (X-Factor) for the next chapter in the lives of these classic Marvel characters!

32 PGS
$3.99 US
SEP090454
Written by Andy Lanning and Dan Abnett; Pencils by Pablo Raimondi; Inks by Andrew Hennessy; Cover by Frank Martin.

Why it’ll go fast: Realm of Kings #1 is the big news this week and it’s going to be the highest-ordered of the crossover event. The RoK Inhumans comic will probably be ordered close to the same level as the one-shot but will still sell out faster. Anyone who has been around for any of Abnett and Lanning’s cosmic crossover events knows they don’t tell worthless tie-in stories. This Inhumans tie-in will probably be the main crux of the story seeing as it deals with the disappearance of Black Bolt and how Medusa will lead her people. When readers who loved the last two Cosmic Crossovers go looking for this comic it might not be there.

Now go shopping nerds! You only have six days until next Wednesday!

Next week, in honor of the latest Marvel Cosmic Crossover, “Realm of Kings,” I’ll be taking a look at some key issues starring Marvel’s Cosmic Heroes.

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If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question below in the “comments” section below. Also, you can follow me on Twitter, where I’m always screaming about something nerd-related. Thanks to all my new followers and keep the comments coming! Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint to search its database or use its “Ask A Worthologist” feature. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price. And finally, a word to the Federal Trade Commission; all the comics discussed here are purchased solely by the writer, who receives no gifts or free merchandise from any publishers, even though he would graciously accept them.

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There are a number of different commercial products available for cleaning silver: cloth, liquid, cream, paste and foam are common products that are easily available.

Thanksgiving Day is a week away, and if you are tempted to get out your antique silver to make your holiday table sparkle, there are a few things you need to know before you get down to the chore of cleaning and polishing that silver.

Before cleaning or polishing silver, it is important to inspect each object for hallmarks or other identifying marks that will tell you if the piece is sterling or silver plate. Also look at how the item is constructed. If there are solder joins or hollow sections in handles or feet, the object should not be immersed in a cleaning agent or water. The object should also be checked for the presence of decorative gilding or other surface inlays. Special care is needed to spot-clean these delicate and sometimes fugitive (less stabile) surfaces.

There are a number of different commercial products available for cleaning silver: cloth, liquid, cream, paste and foam are common products that are easily available. Do not use non-specific, all-purpose metal polishes because these contain harsher abrasives and may cause damage to the silver finish.

Commercial Cleaning Products
Commercial products that are formulated for home use are the safest method for frequent cleaning of silver. As with any method, cleaning and polishing agents contain abrasives. Be sure to close the containers tightly after use because the cleaner can dry out, making the polish more abrasive. Over time, the cleaning process does remove some silver along with the tarnish and leave fine scratches on the surface. It is advisable to use the least invasive cleaning agent necessary, so that you remove only the layer of tarnish from the piece. Most commercial silver polishes contain a tarnish inhibitor. While this slows the tarnishing rate for a short time, when objects do start to tarnish they do so unevenly.

Whiting
Many museums and conservators make their own polishing paste using precipitated chalk (calcium carbonate) and distilled water. Sometimes referred to as “whiting,” calcium carbonate is a superfine ground white powder that mixes easily with distilled water, and is available at most chemical supply companies and hardware stores. When using this method, it is important to have a light hand when polishing. Calcium carbonate acts as an abrasive in the cleaning process. Care has to be taken to mix a thin paste with enough abrasion to remove the tarnish without leaving scratches in the surface.

After polishing, there can be a residue of abrasive particles left on the surface that should be removed by rubbing with a soft cloth or brushing with a soft brush and should not be used on gilded or inlaid surfaces.

Chemical Liquid Dips
Liquid dip is a chemical mixture that, in theory, attacks the tarnish and not the silver. A dip may not be the best answer for cleaning heavily engraved surfaces because it can remove the darker in-fill on the engraved texture, leaving the silver looking flat. It is recommended that rather than submerging the object in the liquid, the dip be applied briefly to the item with a cotton-tipped applicator. Rinse in distilled water to remove any excess dip and then dry. Prolonged use of dips is not advisable, as this can lead to surface pitting. Also, chemical dips should not be used on silver pieces that have hollow sections (candlesticks or teapots with hollow handles) because once liquid leaks into a cavity, it is virtually impossible to wash it out. Remember, too, that dips are composed of an acid that is corrosive and can damage bronze, stainless steel knife blades, and organic materials, such as wood and ivory. When using dips, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and to wear rubber gloves. If, after cleaning, there is a slight yellowish cast to the silver, rub the object gently with a silver polishing cloth.

Wadding Polish
Wadding polish is cotton wool or batting that contains an abrasive and is moistened with an organic solvent instead of water. It is useful for objects that should not be exposed to water. However, wadding leaves behind a residue of abrasive particles on the surface that should be removed by rubbing with a soft cloth or brushing with a soft brush and should not be used on gilded or inlaid surfaces.

Silver that is used will eventually end up with some scratches and dents. It is generally a good idea to simply accept this cosmetic damage as a sign of character and use. If a major dent occurs on a piece that is frequently polished, prolonged handling will thin the metal and make repairs more difficult. If this happens, consult a conservator.

—by Douglas Eisele
Old World Restoration

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Alien Legion

This Week in Geek is a weekly blog about new comics written by WorthPoint Comic book Worthologist Matt Baum. Every Wednesday Matt takes a look at trends—good and bad—in the world of comic books from a collector’s point-of-view. Make sure to click on the hot links for previews and more information on the comics, characters, story-lines and creators discussed here and he encourages fellow comic nerds to post your comments below.

Years ago, while scanning the quarter bin at a now-defunct comic shop, I found a cover that caught my eye and for once, at the tender age of 15 or 16, I left the comic shop with a book that didn’t star Batman, Captain America, Spidey or Wolverine. That comic was “Alien Legion” volume 2, #2. Upon reading it, I instantly fell in love. Written by Chuck Dixon, who has also written some of my favorite Batman comics, and drawn by the incomparable Larry Stroman, Alien Legion followed a motley-alien-army-force into battle on even more alien worlds. I spent the next few years completing my Alien Legion run and will never part it, ever. I love Alien Legion and was overjoyed to hear about the Dark Horse “Alien Legion Omnibus” #1, which collects 300 pages of the original Carl Potts and the Chuck Dixon series. But lost my mind when I heard that Dixon and Stroman were reuniting for a new Alien Legion mini-series. I can’t tell you how geeked I am for this. I even told my fiancée. Who stared at me blankly and said, “That’s great, sweetie.”

The Stack:

Below you’ll find my stack of comics for the week of Wednesday, Nov. 18. Make sure and post your own weekly stack of comics below so I can make fun of what you’re reading and vice-versa. For a full list of comics shipping this week click here. To find a comic shop near you click here.

Adventure Comics #4
Alien Legion Omnibus Volume 1
Amazing Spider-Man #612
Cowboy Ninja Viking #2 of 4
Dark Avengers #11
Dark Reign: The List: Amazing Spider-Man
The Flash: Rebirth #5 of 6
Incredible Hulk #604
Mighty Avengers #31
Punisher #11
Realm of Kings: Inhumans #1 of 5
Realm of Kings
Spider-Woman #3
Supergirl #47
Thunderbolts #138
Wolverine: Weapon X #7

Thoughts on the stack:

Adventure Comics

Cowboy Ninja Viking

Dark Avengers

“Adventure Comics” by Geoff Johns is one of the best monthly comics I’ve read in quite a while. Johns has succeeded, yet again, in making me care about Conner Kent, Superboy. Unfortunately, Johns is only on the title for two more issues before Paul Levitz takes over. Yes, I’m being pessimistic here, but honestly, the guy hasn’t written comics since 1989. Which isn’t completely true. He wrote some fill-in issues of JSA that were . . . meh . . . at best.

“Cowboy Ninja Viking” is fun in the vein of Matt Fraction’s “Cassanova.” Issue one was violent, spastic, sexy, well-drawn, well-written and all-around-awesome. This is the kind of story you will only see in comic format. Don’t expect to see an AMC original series about a killer with a multiple personality disorder each of which are trained to kill as different historical warriors anytime soon. I highly recommend checking this one out.

“Dark Avengers” #11 wins the best-cover-of-the-week award with a homage to Todd McFarlane’s Spiderman #1. The closer we get to January’s “Siege” event, which looks to be the end of the “Dark Reign” crossover, the more nervous I get about this title ending. “Dark Avengers” is high-quality super-hero, or I guess in this case super-villain, storytelling and I love it. Every month.

Dark Reign: The List: Spiderman

Mighty Avengers

“Dark Reign: The List: Spiderman” is the only title with two—count ’em, two—semicolons, so it has to be good. That, and the fact that we finally get to see Norman Osborne go after Spiderman. Oh, and Dann Slott is writing with Adam Kubert on pencils. So I guess if you’re an uninformed jerk that hates Spiderman and America and your Grandparents and Thanksgiving, you’ll be skipping this one.

“Mighty Avengers” #31. Just when I thought I was done with this title writer Dan Slott pulls me back in by having Eternity name Hank Pym as Earth’s Scientist Supreme. It’s the little things that get me. I’m in Slott and cowriter Christos Gage have got me for at least six more issues. Although it would be nice if the art team could remain static for at least one story-arc.

Realm of Kings

Thunderbolts

“Realm of Kings” and “Realm of Kings: Inhumans” are must-buys. The writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have transformed Marvel’s confusing and often boring cosmic cast into a cohesive, compelling and very well-written group of characters. Marvel Sci-Fi has never been this good. The fact that I even care about a Green Lantern knock-off character like Quasar blows my mind.

“Thunderbolts” is on its last chance with me. In fact, the only reason I’m picking this issue up is because of writer, Jeff Parker (“Agents of Atlas”). But honestly, this is Thunderbolts last chance. I don’t hate the book I’m just reading enough titles starring Marvel villains. If I’m going to read one starring Paladin, Nuke and the Headsman (whose real name is Cleavon Twain; terrible right?) it’s going to have to be pretty damn well written.

And now it’s time to mash all these comics together, mix with water, place on a giant spoon and cook them down to see which is the one comic I can’t live without this week in a little section I’m calling:

THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!

Punisher #11; Marvel Comics

Punisher #11

Solicitation: “Franken-Castle” Part 1. In the belly of New York, skulking and forgotten creatures of the night uncover the remains of a man in a familiar outfit. Frank Castle is dead. What exactly is Frankencastle? Long time collaborators Rick Remender and Tony Moore (Ghost Rider, Fear Agent, The Walking Dead) are reunited for what will be the greatest struggle in the afterlife of the Punisher. Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster . . .

32 PGS
$2.99 US
SEP090449
Written by Rick Remender; Pencils and inks by Tony Moore; Cover by Dave Wilkins.

Why this one? Rick Remender’s Punisher has been fantastic so far but is running the risk of wandering into the doldrums of the typical Punisher story where in Frank goes after bad guys, has a little trouble with them and then kills the hell out of ’em. It’s a formula that’s worked for 35 years now, sure. Rick Remender is not your average writer and proved it when he chopped the hero of his story into pieces in the pages of “Dark Reign: The List: Punisher.” That’s right, Frank Castle is dead. Way dead. Pile-of-dismembered-body-parts dead. But now he’s back in a story aptly titled “Frankencastle.” This one’s got everything, Mole Men, the Man Thing and an undead Punisher. If you’re not excited about this one you could be a jerk. And you hate comics.

Nerdy Question of the Week:

Earlier in this blog I was gushing about “Alien Legion.” Everyone has a title like this that almost no body else cared about. What’s yours?

See ya next time, true believers.

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This Week in Geek is a weekly blog about new comics written by WorthPoint comic book Worthologist Matt Baum. Every Wednesday, Matt takes a look at the week’s new comics from a collector’s point-of-view and discusses which books may be hard to find in the near future and why. Make sure to click on the hot links for previews and more information on the comics, characters, story-lines and creators discussed here. Also, feel free to post your comments in the new “comments” section below, or you can follow him on Twitter, where he is always screaming about something nerd-related. Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint for free and post your comics in the “Ask A Worthologist” section. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price. And finally a word to the Federal Trade Commission; all the comics discussed here are purchased solely by the writer, who receives no gifts or free merchandise from any publishers even though he would graciously accept them.

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Moon Knight

The Comic Speculator is a blog written by WorthPoint Comic Book “Worthologist” Matt Baum that takes a look at each week’s hot new comics and back issues and the comic market place in general. Prices discussed here are taken from the Overstreet Guide to Comics (OVST), Comicspriceguide.com (CPG) and current online auction sales. Make sure and click on the active links to learn more about the titles and creators discussed here.

Much like Hip-Hop music, comic books creators make a living ripping each other off. Also like Hip-Hop, the practice of lifting ideas, names, and sometimes even costumes is widely accepted. Take the subtle differences in appearance between Lil Jon and T Pain as compared to Deathstroke and Deadpool and the analogy becomes very clear. There was a great panel in Joe Kelly’s 1997 “Deadpool” run that sums up the Stroke/Pool likeness. Another of Marvel’s great rip-off characters (and that’s not to say that DC hasn’t borrowed plenty from Marvel) is their very own Batman, Marc Spector, Moon Knight.

Just like Bruce Wayne, Marc Spector was a rich guy who decided to train himself to the point of physical perfection, use his wealth to create gadgets (including a moon-mobile, moon-plane, and moon-arangs; although not by that name), and ultimately fight crime by night as a costumed vigilante. The differences, at a glance, are subtle but become apparent in their respective origins. Everyone knows Bat’s origin so we won’t go into it here, unlike whom, Moon Knight was not an orphaned rich kid. Spector was the son of a Rabbi, Marine, heavy weight boxer, and archeologist before becoming the Mercenary-turned-vigilante known as Moon Knight. Also unlike Bats, Moon Knight has some supernatural abilities granted to him by an Egyptian god, Khonshu. Moon Knight was created by celebrate Batman writer Doug Moench (who has one of the most unpronounceable names I’ve encountered in the comics industry; Munch? Moinek?), who, in all fairness, created Moon Knight in 1975 before working on “Detective Comics” in 1983. For the complete long-and-confusing Moon Knight history, click here.

In recent days, and after yet another canceled series, Moon Knight has returned to his own monthly comic and fans are receiving it well. The latest series, “Vengeance of Moon Knight,” written by Gregg Hurwitz and penciled by Jerome Opena, is selling very well, for a Moon Knight title, that is. “Vengeance of Moon Knight” #1 premiered in September and shipped 32,397 issues, making it the 73rd most ordered comic of that month. Issue #2 dropped to the 78th most ordered comic in October and shipped 26,493 issues. Not a terrible drop for a second issue of comic starring a b-list Batman rip-off. Both issues sold out at the printers very quickly and are starting to see higher prices on eBay. Specifically the Alex Ross variant of issue #1 and zombie variant of issue #2.

As usual, the most collectible Moon Knight issue is his first appearance in the pages of “Werewolf By Night” #32. WBN #32 in Near Mint condition currently guides at $170 (OVST), $100 (CPG) and is currently selling for well over $300 on eBay. Last I checked there were copies listed in 8.0 or Very Fine condition selling for much more than $200.

It wasn’t until 1980 that Moon Knight got his own series, written by Doug Moench and penciled by Bill Sienkiewicz, which as of today is vastly under-appreciated. Issue #1 in Near Mint guides for $5 (OVST), $8 (CPG) and isn’t selling for much more than $10.

In 1989 “Marc Specter: Moon Knight” (“Moon Knight” volume 3) premiered to very little fanfare, #1 guides for around $3. This was the first Moon Knight series I remember collecting and falling in love with. There really isn’t much to talk about with volume 3 until the last four issues of the series when artist Stephen Platt took over penciling duties. Platt would go on to make a name for himself drawing the Hulk, and later, “Pitt” for Image comics. Issue #57, Platt’s first issue is fairly sought after and guides for $3.50 (OVST), $10 (CPG) and recently sold for $49 on eBay. Issues #58-#60 guide for $3.50 (OVST) $8 (CPG) and it’s been a while since I’ve seen any online. These issues used to sell for a lot more when the artist was hotter but it’s been a while since we’ve seen any work from Platt.

Keep an eye on Moon Knight back issues. As the latest Moon Knight series continues to sell out expect to see prices on key back issues increasing.

Next week, in honor of the latest Marvel Cosmic Crossover, “Realm of Kings”, I’ll be taking a look at some key issues starring Marvel’s Cosmic Heroes.

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If you have any questions about these books or anything else in the comic book world feel free to contact me or post your question below in the “comments” section below. Also, you can follow Matt Baum on Twitter, where he’s always screaming about something nerd-related. Thanks to all you new followers and keep the comments coming! Want to know what your comics are worth? Join WorthPoint to search its database or use its “Ask A Worthologist” feature. Remember to post the title, issue number and cover price. And finally, a word to the Federal Trade Commission; all the comics discussed here are purchased solely by the writer, who receives no gifts or free merchandise from any publishers, even though he would graciously accept them.

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From The New York Times:
Christie’s to Value Vintage Gucci

Gucci, the up-upscale leather and fashion company, has long suffered from counterfeiters. In time for its 90th anniversary in a couple of years, it has come up with a creative way to fight fakes. It has teamed with Christie’s, which will do online appraisals of vintage Gucci.

From Bloomberg:
Saint Laurent Auction Fetches $13.4 Million, Double Estimate

The auction of designer Yves Saint Laurent’s personal items was a wow, going two times above estimates. The millions raised with go to the Saint Laurent’s and partner Pierre Berge’s charity that for HIV and AIDS research.

From The New York Times:
Art Prices (and Mood) Inch Back Up

Collectors are returning to high-end art auctions, and hoorah, they are buying. That’s on the plus side. On the minus, selling prices are still considerably lower than last year.

From The Associated Press:
Red Cross sells pieces of history to cut deficit

The Red Cross is running an enormous operating deficit, more than $200 million. To refill its coffers, the disaster-relief charity is cleaning out its warehouses and sending items, some that predate Clara Barton’s starting the Red Cross, to the auction block. “White Cross Nurse,” a painting by illustrator Haddon Hubbard Sundblom will go. Rose Percy, a 23-inch doll complete with Tiffany jewels (first sold in 1864 for $1,200) is being offered along with a rare Cartier clock lamp, World War I nurses uniforms and a document issued by Swede Raoul Wallenberg that gave a Jewish chemist safe passage out of Hungary.

From Auction Central News:
Black Cat movie poster leaps to $334,600 at auction

You might want to kick yourself for not keeping that “Star Wars” or “Animal House” posters you chucked when moving. Movie posters become vintage movie posters and can bring big bucks, as evidenced by recent auction results.

From The Associated Press:
Bernard Madoff’s jacket, watch auctioned in NYC

Update on the auction of Bernie Madoff’s personal stuff. We do not want to keep you in suspense. The satin Mets baseball jacket with Bernie’s name in large letters on the back: $14,500. His Hofstra College ring: $6,000. All in all, $1 million came in, which will go to victims of his Ponzi scheme. A tiny drop in the bucket, still a moral victory.

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The official signed marriage certificate issued to Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic in 1994 will be the top item up for bid in a Jan. 22-24 auction hosted by Philip Weiss Auctions.

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. – The original marriage certificate issued to Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley—signed by both Jackson and Presley—on May 26, 1994 in the Dominican Republic, where the couple embarked on their brief but highly publicized life together, will be sold in an important multi-estate sale slated for the weekend of Jan. 22-24, 2010.

“Anything relating to Michael Jackson is of extreme interest right now because of his untimely death and the release of the movie,” said Philip Weiss of Philip Weiss Auctions, who will facilitate the auction, “but when you have an item that combines his name and legend with the Presley name and legend, their marriage certificate no less, with both of their signatures on it, you’ve got something that’s almost impossible to predict what it will bring at auction.”

That same weekend, another slice of music and pop culture memorabilia will be sold by Philip Weiss Auctions: a large photo of the Beatles, signed by all four members of the group, personalized to the late pianist Liberace. In their lighthearted way, the Beatles signed it “to Liber-Archie” as a play on words. Also in the auction will be many other pieces of authentic signed Beatles-related memorabilia.

While the Jan. 22-24 auction event is bound to generate tremendous industry buzz, it will be preceded by another important multi-estate auction scheduled for Friday, Nov. 27. Featured lots will include a monumental Francois Linke four-door dore bronze mounted cabinet with ram’s head and lyres, and a large-size original oil painting attributed to Girlando Marsiglia (N.Y., 1792-1850).

Another item to garned a lot of interest is this large photo of the Beatles, signed by all four members and personalized to Liberace.

“Girlando Marsiglia was one of the 15 founders of the National Academy and a renowned Hudson River School painter,” Weiss said. “The work we are selling comes with an actual daguerreotype of Marsiglia—an astounding fact by itself—plus a sterling silver box that was brought to America by him in 1828 and later engraved in 1885. I can’t overemphasize the importance of this lot.”

The Nov. 27 sale will also feature a galaxy of fine decorative accessories, to include a mirror plateau with French ormolu mounts by G. Bointaburet (Paris, circa 1880); a pair of F. Barbedienne bronze plaques; a 19th-century gilt bronze plaque with dancing putti; porcelains; an Argy-Russeau powder box; a collection of Mettlach and Satsuma; Sevres pieces; and 19th century Oriental porcelains.

Other decorative accessories will include hand-painted plates; a gilt and signed bronze and enamel box; pottery and art glass; hand-painted and enameled vases; a monumental gilt bronze center piece; tons of French porcelains; Oriental rugs; and a monumental gilt French Trimue mirror with top center painting. Also sold will be clocks and a collection of vintage phonographs and cylinder players.

Fans of fine art will not be disappointed Nov. 27. Many noted, listed artists will be represented that day, to include the following:

Gustav Prucha (1875-1952), the Austrian painter; Karl Felix (U.S./Austrian, 1837-1906), known for his landscapes, figural paintings and sculptures; Leonardo Nierman (N.Y./Mexican, b. 1932), an abstract expressionist also known for sculptures and murals; Samuel Chaffee (Am., 1850-1930), a painter of landscapes and coastal views; and Frederick Matzow (Conn., 1861-1938), a landscape artist.

This large-size original oil painting attributed to Hudson River School artist Girlando Marsiglia will be sold in another Weiss auction, this one to be held on Nov. 27, 2009.

Other artists of note include John C. Hare (Mass./Fla., 1908-1978), known for his watercolor seascape paintings and rural scenes; Philip R. Morris (U.K., 1838-1902), a landscape painter also known for genre and allegorical works; Mary G. Ascher (N.Y./U.K., 1900-1988), an abstract painter and printmaker); and Yolande Ardissone (Fr., b. 1927), known for landsacapes, still lifes and marine works.

Other artists include Willering Epko, a French painter born in 1928; David Peretz, a French painter (1906-1982); Jacob Van Diegham, the 19th century Dutch painter; Paul Emile Pissarro (Fr., 1884-1972), a landscape painter; French painter Lucien Boulier (1882-1963); Francois Gall (Fr./Hungarian, 1912-1987), known for still life paintings; and Edgar Farasyn (Belgian, 1858-1938).

Rounding out the fine art category, a work attributed to the renowned French and American painter Mary Cassatt (1844-1926), best known for her mother and child portraits, will be sold, as will a large lithograph by Alexander Calder (Conn./N.Y., 1878-1976). Also offered will be a group of rare South American 16th and 17th century religious works and a collection of Art Nouveau and other posters.

Returning to the Jan. 22-24 sale, other lots sure to pique bidder interest include the contents of a train and hobby store that closed in the 1970s that featured trains, soldiers, play sets and more; stamps galore, featuring a complete sheet of 80 Peoples Republic of China Scott #1586 (Monkey New Year); a single-owner lifetime stamp collection; and horse racing trophies won by the jockey Willie Shoemaker.

Wedged between the Nov. 27 and Jan. 22-24 auctions will be a “Let’s Go Hog Wild Sale” planned for Dec. 18-20, featuring a single-owner collection of pig-related memorabilia. The auction will also include a rare boxed G.I. Joe Australian doll; items from the German and French Resistance; dolls; more from the Weaver Circus Collection; and Coca-Cola items, to include early signs and a rare clock.

The three-day weekend event will break out as follows: Friday, Dec. 18, will be dedicated to dolls and toy soldiers; Saturday, Dec. 19, will feature a Christmas collection, an advertising collection and premiums, to include a rare Little Orphan Annie secret decoder ring. Sunday, Dec. 20, will have the pig memorabilia and circus items. The auction house may be serving pulled pork in honor of the theme.

Previews for most sales begin the Wednesday before the sale date, from noon to 5; Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 each day; and 8:30 a.m. on sale day. A 13 percent buyer’s premium will be added to each lot purchased through the gallery. All auctions will be held at #1 Neil Court in Oceanside, N.Y. Online bidding will be facilitated through Proxibid.com. Absentee and phone bids will also be accepted.

For more information about these auctions, call (516) 594-0731, e-mail to phil@prwauctions or visit the Philip Weiss Auctions Web site.

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Auctioneer Tim Chapulis with a guitar signed by the members of the rock group Jay & the Americans, just one of several pieces of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia items to go up for auction to benefit the Litchfield Firehouse.

LITCHFIELD, Conn. – Items gathered from private homes, family estates, important collections and even the contents of a safety deposit box will be auctioned off later this month to help pay for the finishing of the interior of the new addition to the Litchfield Firehouse.

The auction, to be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the firehouse, will be conducted by Tim’s, Inc., of nearby Bristol. The sale will feature sports cards, coins and stamps, rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, artwork, autographed items, collectibles and more.

“This will be no average fundraising auction,” said Tim Chapulis of Tim’s, Inc., himself a resident of Litchfield. “In many ways it will be a somewhat smaller version of our Cabin Fever Auction, held every spring at the Litchfield Firehouse.”

The two-story, 2,150-square-foot brick addition to the existing firehouse was started in April and completed at the end of August. It comprises a meeting room, two offices, a storage room, two rest rooms and a communications room that is 90 percent complete. But much is still needed to complete the job, and that’s where the auction comes in.

The money would go toward interior walls, heating and air conditioning, electricity and phone service, insulation, carpeting, furniture, artwork and other decorations and appointments that will make the current shell habitable.

“The work will take six months to complete,” said Litchfield’s Fire Chief James Koser, “We’d like to stud the walls and install the plumbing within three weeks of the auction.”

The first hour of the sale (from 5-6 p.m.) will be dedicated to sports cards, coins and stamp collections. The antiques and other items will follow, starting at 6 p.m. The contents of the safety deposit box includes dazzling estate jewelry, including a stunning 1-carat single stone lady’s diamond ring, appraised at more than $5,000, an antique gold men’s gold pocket watch in a hunter’s case, and estate gold and silver jewelry.

Also sure to get paddles wagging is an outstanding group of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia items.
Included in the group is a guitar signed by members of the rock group Jay and the Americans; a Martin Sigma folk guitar signed by Merle Haggard, Toby Keith, Lyle Lovett, Kris Kristofferson, members of the group Trick Pony and others; sheet music signed by the late guitar legend Les Paul, with matching framed record; and a Les Paul-signed poster for his CD “Chasing the Sound” with an accompanying DVD.

Vintage cylinder music box (circa 1880s), with bells and butterflies and bees inlay, in rosewood case.

Other rock ‘n’ roll items include a photo signed by five of the six members of The Marshall Tucker Band; a red Mercedes-Benz edition bottle of Jim Beam whiskey, never opened and signed by Jay and the Americans; a Telecaster model guitar signed by Willie Nelson and Les Paul; and a 78 rpm record and photo of ’50s icons Bill Halley and the Comets, signed by Halley and members of the group. Also offered will be a pair of Charles A. Lindbergh autographs, both signed and dated 1972, when the famed aviator was nearing the end of his life.

A private collection of some 20 pieces of Hitchcock furniture (made in Connecticut; the company is no longer in business) will include a tall chest of drawers with cherry finish and stenciled design; a Harvest pattern bed; a Queen Anne lowboy; an entertainment cabinet for TV and stereo; and a table with four matching chairs in a nice stenciled decoration. “It can’t be overstated how beautiful Hitchcock furniture is,” Chapulis said.

Also sold will be a great collection of sports memorabilia, to include a photo and framed baseball card, signed by Mickey Mantle; multiple lots of baseball and sports cards; collectible baseball plates; and wall plaques, figurines and statues. The auction will also feature a Regina oak music box with 30 discs, in original finish, and another cylinder music box (circa 1880s) with bells and butterflies and bees inlay and other decorations, in a rosewood inlaid case.

Beautiful vintage clocks will cross the block, with offerings to include a Howard Miller signed on the dial 3-weight grandfather clock that plays music, an Atmos clock, an unusual wall-hanging gingerbread-style clock in a carved oak case, other antique wall clocks and more. Also auctioned will be Oriental carpets (some of them Persian, all high quality) and some gorgeous, clear Arts and Crafts period leaded glass windows with nice designs.

Turn-of-the-century silver spoons, along with a letter written by the sender (John P. Kennedy), will be among the items up for bid.

Bidders will also be treated to an unusual collection of early coin 800 silver flatware and spoons dating to the 18th century (around 250 pieces, much of it made in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts). One of the more unusual lots is a pair of turn-of-the-century silver spoons, sent via air mail from the noted writer John P. Kennedy to Mrs. Hugh L. Thompson of Waterbury, Conn., in 1959, along with an accompanying letter he penned to her. Coins will feature a collection of proof uncirculated U.S. American Eagle silver coins (1986 to near-present), Indian Head gold coins (1909 $5, a pair of 1913 $2-1/2; 1928 $2-1/2, 1910 $2-1/2, 1914 $2-1/2, 1929 $2-1/2), silver Mercury dimes, silver dollars, Walking Liberty half-dollars and Franklin half-dollars. Also sold will be two big stamp albums and a boxful of stamps from another collection.

From a prominent Litchfield home, the following items will be sold: a two-piece Queen Anne highboy, a two-piece secretary desk, early lighting (to include very nice Victorian-era banquet lamps, two of them signed Bradley & Hubbard, in original oil, with ball shades with flower decorations and champleve enameling), and a monumental oil portrait by the noted, listed artist (and one-time Litchfield resident) Roland Lee Anderson (1929-2002), imposing at more than 7 feet tall. Anderson maintained studios in New York City and Palm Beach, Fla. He studied at the Baltimore School of the Arts, where he trained under painters versed in the techniques of the Old Masters. He became famous as a painter of judge’s portraits. The portrait to be sold, executed in 1966 of an unknown subject, was reportedly used as a prop in a movie, but which one? Perhaps someone reading this can solve the riddle. Another artwork that should wow the crowd is a variant print of an 1854 folk art piece titled “Tree of Life,” measuring 31 inches by 24 inches in a nice oak frame. The work was originally executed by the renowned Shakers of Pennsylvania.

Collection of proof uncirculated U.S. American Eagle silver coins (1986 to near-present).

Rounding out the list of top lots: a collection of early black and white photos, some depicting Thomaston and Plymouth, Conn., and some featuring GAR (Grand Army Republic) soldiers; a Stanton Hall pattern Meeks lady’s chair, laminated in rosewood (circa 1860s); a 1950s-era red Coca-Cola vintage cooler; and a leather-bound copy of Herman Melville’s classic book, “Moby Dick” (Random House, 1930), desirable to collectors because it was illustrated by Rockwell Kent. A preview will be held two hours before auction, from 3-5 p.m., when all lots may be viewed. At press time, Tim’s, Inc., was still seeking goods, services and donations from local merchants to make the auction a success.

All sales will be subject to an 18 percent buyer’s premium. Terms are cash, known checks, Visa, Master Card and Discover cards. Admittance to the auction and preview will be a donation of $5 per person, which will go to benefit the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department building is located at 258 West Street (Route 202) in Litchfield, located not far from the Litchfield town green and next to CVS Pharmacy.

For more information about this auction, visit the Tim’s, Inc. Web site, call (800) 255-8467 or e-mail to tims.inc@snet.net.

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This rare Edgefield District “Dave the Slave” 5-gallon jar in ovoid form, dated 1857, is expected to bring in an estimated $20,000-$30,000 at a Fine & Decorative Arts Cataloged Auction scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, hosted by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. – Nearly 750 lots—including Classical American period art and furniture, Continental furniture; American portraits and traditional American art, Southern pottery and vintage lamps and art glass—will be sold at a Fine & Decorative Arts Cataloged Auction scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, by Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd.

Most of the inventory in the auction is fresh to the market items from prominent local estates. Other categories to be found in this auction include Americana, vintage musical instruments, first-edition books, more than 70 lots of Asian art, and gold and silver coins.

A special lecture will be presented by June Lucas, the director of research at Old Salem Museums and Gardens in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Dec. 4, the day before the auction. Lucas’ talk will be titled “Wood as Canvas: the Paint-Decorated Furniture of Piedmont, N.C.,” and will center on the late 18th- and 19th-century furniture makers in the piedmont region of North Carolina and their use of paint decoration.

The auction will be preceded by previews, on Saturday, Nov. 28 (from 10-3); Thursday, Dec. 3 (from 10-6); and Friday, Dec. 4 (from 10-6). An evening reception will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. Bidding may be done in-house, over the phone, through absentee bidding or via the Internet at LiveAuctioneers.com.

Southern pottery pieces will include an extremely rare Edgefield District “Dave the Slave” 5-gallon ovoid form jug, with applied ear handles and an even medium brown alkaline glaze, with wide mouth and rolled rim, inscribed and dated (1857); and a Jugtown (North Carolina) Chinese blue “Tang” vase, Oriental translation form, with applied extruded handles and strong deep wine all over the glaze.

This Chippendale step-back cupboard (circa 1800-1820), from western North Carolina, is estimated to realize between $10,000 and $15,000.

Furniture will abound at the sale. Examples of period American furniture include a Southern Chippendale walnut stepback cupboard (circa 1800-1820), made in western North Carolina; a walnut early 19th century Southern chest on frame (Rowan County, N.C.); an early 19th century mahogany New York Federal tilt-top candlestand; and a circa 1800 fine Southern mahogany Hepplewhite inlaid cellaret.

Classical American furniture will feature a nice diminutive pier table (circa 1830), mahogany and mahogany veneers, with a marble top, Corinthian columns and mirrored base on carved paw feet; a carved sofa (Philadelphia or New York), dated on the back in chalk (1827), mahogany over white pine; and a recamier in the Baltimore manner (circa early 19th century), mahogany and mahogany veneers.

Not to be outdone by their American counterparts, the Continental furniture pieces will include a Renaissance Revival dressing table (circa 1860), fruitwood and wood veneers with light and dark inlay; a Belle Epoque French escritoire, Louis XV style, mahogany with ormolu mounts; and a lovely Irish late 19th century Chippendale-style triple-back settee, mahogany, with a shaped crest in a carved eagle motif.

This still life oil on canvas by Paul Lacroix (NJ/NY, 1827-1869), signed lower left may bring as much as $25,000 in auction on Dec. 5, 2009.

Traditional American art will include a still life oil on canvas of fruit by Paul Lacroix (NJ/NY, 1827-1869), signed lower left and housed in the original gilt wood frame; and an oil on canvas rendering titled “Moonlit Snow,” by Aldro T. Hibbard (MA/VT, 1886-1972), framed and signed. A nice selection of” European art will feature an oil-on-canvas work by Patrick Hennessey (Irish, 1915-1980), titled Summer.”

Antique American portraits will also cross the block. Some stars of the category include a framed oil on canvas of William Bicker Walter (1796-1822) by Sarah Peale (MI/PA, 1800-1885); a miniature, possibly ivory, of Robert Brooke (1770-1821) attributed to Thomas Cummings (NY/CT, 1804-1885); and a pair of watercolor on paper portraits by the renowned New England artist James S. Ellsworth (1802-1873).

A Tiffany Studios bronze and favrile glass lamp, four-arm electrified candelabra form, should gavel down for between $5,000 and $8,000.

Paddles will be wagging when vintage lamps and art glass come up for bid. Star lots will include a Tiffany Studios bronze and Favrile glass lamp in a four-arm electrified candelabra form on a bronze base, with five shades; a similar lamp, but featuring a lobed base with harp support and pivoting socket; and a Daum Nancy art glass tall vase in an organic shape, with red and yellow mottled glass and matte finish.

Examples of Americana are sure to wow the crowd. A few include a large carved American eagle (New England, late 19th century), white pine with a dark red-brown tone; a 19th century Virginia leather key basket, oblong form, hand-stitched brown tinted leather; a rare Joseph Farr Bass surveyor’s compass (N.Y.); and a Northampton County, Pa., needlework sampler (Oct. 7, 1832) by Susanna Lerch.

Bronzes and statuary will include pugilists in pose by Eberhard Encke (German, 1881-1936); four putti in drunken revelry by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (Fr.); a bronze titled Bear by Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973); a 19th-century marble statue of a girl and dog by J. Roulleau; a pair of gilt bronze dancers by Agathon Leonard (Fr., 1841-1923); and a bronze greyhound dog by Eli Harvey (American, 1860-1957).

Gilt bronze dancer by Agathon Leonard (Fr., 1841-1923). inscribed by the artist, is estimated to bring in $15,000 to $25,000.

Sterling silver will feature an important Southern coin footed silver cup by Leinbach with an applied handle, a beaded border to the foot and mouth and a body with an elaborately hand-engraved landscape scene; a 125-piece “King” pattern Dominick & Haff sterling flatware and “Kings III” Reed & Barton, retailed by J.E. Caldwell & Co.; and an important American coin silver beaker owned by William Walker, rector of Trinity Church and Christ Church in Boston prior to and after the Revolutionary War.

Estate jewelry and watches will abound. Just a few examples include a 14kt white gold diamond brooch (circa 1955), in floral spray design with a 1.65ct. prong-set Old European cut diamond with 4 smaller brilliant cut diamonds; a stunning 14kt opal and diamond cocktail ring centering on an oval cabochon white opal with strong color; and a 14kt gold gentleman’s diamond ring with 3 diamonds.

Rounding out the top lots will be vintage musical instruments (to include a 1915 Gibson F-4 mandolin, serial #24534), with red sunburst spruce top and oval sound hole; vintage books (to include a true first-edition copy of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” published by J.B. Lippincott Co. in 1960); and around 45 lots of antique gold and silver coins, most of them late 19th and early 20th century.

For more information about this auction, call (919) 644-1243; or, e-mail to info@LLAuctions.com of visit the Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales Web site.

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This is the restored Robert Scott Duncanson landscape with the original colors intact. It is valued at $300,000.

CINCINNATI – The dingy dirty canvas showed up at Doug Eisele’s Old World Restorations in Cincinnati in March 2009. The owner of the painting, a dentist from London, KY, had rescued the work from an obscure corner in ClaireBourne Antiques in Lexington by paying $900. It looked like it might need to be cleaned up a bit so he took it to Old World based on its excellent reputation.

When Eisele saw the painting he remarked, “That’s a nice painting” which turned out to be an understatement of some magnitude. He thought the work looked vaguely familiar but he couldn’t see a signature. As the cleaning progressed the letters “…son” emerged from the right corner and Eisele knew he was looking at a previously unknown work by former Cincinnati artist and resident Robert Scott Duncanson (African-American/Canadian 1821-1872). He immediately called the owner suggesting he insure the painting for at least $100,000 but now he believes it would actually sell in the $300,000 range.

This is how the Duncanson landscape looked before the work by Old World Restorations was completed.

Eisele was familiar with Duncanson’s work having seen his eight mural works on exhibit at the Taft Museum in Cincinnati, formerly known as the Belmont, the home of Nicholas Longworth who commissioned the works in 1851. He also had previously restored several Duncanson works.

Duncanson was born in Fayette, NY, the son a Scottish Canadian father and an African American mother, making him a “free born person of color.” He was raised in Canada by his father to avoid racial conflicts, returning to the United States in 1841. He became a self-taught artist by copying prints and painting portraits. Seeking more commissions he set up a studio in Detroit in 1845 but returned to Cincinnati in 1846 and focused on landscapes of the Ohio River Valley, inspired by works of the Hudson River School. By the early 1850s he was a recognized landscape artist.

He became associated with the abolitionist movement in 1848 through a commission by Charles Avery, an abolitionist Methodist minister, which established him within a network of abolitionist patrons for the rest of his life. He is considered to be the first African-American to make a living selling art.

Duncanson was noted for painting partly from real life and partly from imagination. Eisele thinks this is the case with the current work, as he believes the painting is a combination of the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the Hudson River School style and an unidentified European landscape.

But before he could make that judgment, though, Eisele had to see enough of the painting to identify it, and that took the restorative skills at Old World. The first task was to remove the layers of smoke, soot, dust and dirt that had accumulated on the surface over the last 140 years. Then the original over layer of yellowed damar varnish needed to be removed. As that process evolved, the green sky began to turn back to blue, but it also revealed that significant over painting had been done at some point during a previous restoration. When the over painting was removed, using all reversible procedures, the sky returned to its original hue. Old World’s inch-by-inch restoration took nearly eight weeks to complete, but the result was worth the wait.

The owner of the restored Duncanson has placed the work on long-term loan to the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY where the chief curator, Ruth Cloudman said, “It’s a fantastical landscape. When the opportunity came up to have one of his paintings on extended loan we knew that would be very exciting.”

For more information about this painting or restoration in general, call Old World Restorations at 513-271-5479, e-mail deisele@oldworldrestoration.com, or visit the Old World Restorations Web site.

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This mark was used on French Quimperware pottery made by the De la Hubaudière factory from 1883 to 1895.

You might wonder when watching the appraisers at “Antiques Roadshow” just how they can determine so much information about a teacup or platter simply by turning them upside down. The fact is the markings that are stamped, painted or impressed on the underside of most ceramic items can tell a great deal about a piece other than just its maker.

What the appraiser is looking for is historical reference points that they have learned through years of research and study of pottery and porcelain items. What few people are aware of is that it’s not just the name of the company name—such as Rookwood, Weller or Royal Doulton —stamped on the piece that tells the tale, but a number of things used within the mark itself. The actual dating of a piece is much like detective work, and the company name itself only gives the appraiser a rough timeline of when the company was known to operate.

Other factors, such as the color of the mark, how it’s applied or the numbered codes within the design can often date a piece to the exact year it was produced. Famous companies such as Wedgwood, Minton’s, Derby and Worcester have all used a variety of numerical or symbol codes that, with a quick look in a reference book, will provide the exact date of production.

Even without a reference of pottery/porcelain marks there are a few “Pro Points” that you can copy or memorize to help you date pottery and porcelain:

• Small, hand-written marks tend to be pre-1800s.
• Kite-shaped marks with ” Rd.” in the center are English and were used from 1842-83.
• Printed/stamped marks in colors other than blue tend to be post-1850.
• The use of the word “Royal” before a company name tend to be used after 1850.
• The use of the term “LTD” or ” Limited” appear after 1860.
• The use of the word ” Trademark” tends to be used after 1862.
• The use of registration numbers such as “Rd No.10057” begin in 1884.
• Items marked Nippon generally date from 1891-1921.
• The name of a country with the stamp indicates where the piece was made dates from 1891.
• Company marks in gold, or the mention of “24K Gold” on gilded pottery or porcelain is generally mid 20th century.

These are not hard and fast rules, as there are some exceptions, depending on the individual company. In the case of the stamp shown at the top of the column, it’s one of these exceptions. This mark was used on French Quimperware pottery made by the De la Hubaudière factory from 1883 to 1895. It is hand-painted, whereas the “rules” would indicate it should be a pre-1800 piece.

Mike Wilcox, of Wilcox & Hall Appraisers, is a Worthologist who specializes in Art Nouveau and the Arts and Craft movement.

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