In more than thirty-five years of collecting antiques I’ve learned a great many things and made a great many mistakes. I’ve been a collector most of my life and a dealer in antiques nearly as long. I’ve learned one thing that most collectors don’t realize or simply don’t believe — collectors have the upper hand when it comes to making a profit on antiques. Read More +
Author Archives: Mark A. Roeder
Collecting without cash
For many collectors, collecting funds aren’t merely short – they’re non-existent. Discussing collectibles for under $10 isn’t much use when one doesn’t have $10 to spare. Read More +
Useful antiques are still a good buy
Many of us have been forced to cut back on our collecting activities. It’s just too expensive to drive to distant antique shows and malls. Read More +
Very old does not always mean very expensive
There’s a special, nostalgic feeling that comes from holding a piece of glass from the 1930s, a vase from the reign of Queen Victoria, or a coin that was in circulation when Lincoln was president. Read More +
Collecting vintage cameras: See what develops
I first spotted vintage cameras while attending auctions as a kid. Old Brownies and other common cameras were often available for a song. Read More +
Transferware china: Blue Willow is just the beginning
Transferware china is among the most beautiful china ever produced. It’s highly collectible and often highly valuable, but affordable pieces can still be found. Read More +
Successful Antiques Collecting: Is now a good time to sell?
Spare cash is the a thing of the past for many, if not most, these days. With fewer jobs and higher prices most of us need to reserve the funds we have for things like food and heating bills. Read More +
What has happened to eBay?
I haven’t sold anything on eBay in months. I haven’t purchased anything for weeks. I haven’t even bothered to browse the listings in quite some time. I still receive daily emails listing items from my saved searches, but I read them with low expectations. Read More +
Collecting character advertising dolls
Dolls may well be the most collected item in the country. Character advertising dolls are not as popular as many other types of dolls, but this is good news for those who love them. They’re far more affordable than many other dolls. Read More +
Knowledge creates golden opportunities
Knowledge can make the difference between a great buy and a high priced mistake. It’s important to know as much as possible about collecting areas of special interest. This knowledge can lead to golden opportunities and, perhaps more importantly, prevent costly errors. Read More +