Terminology, in the world of political Americana, is very important, as it is in most specialty collecting worlds.

In conversation with many dealers, auctioneers, and buyers, one phrase always comes up; at some point they talk about “the Roadshow mentality,” or “the Roadshow effect.”

The question posed: What are safe and cost-effective places to sell antiques and collectibles? Here's what readers had to say ...

I own 5 rooms of wood doll furniture made by Strombecker-Becker Mfg. Co., from Moline, Ill. I bought the items as open stock at the “dime store” about 1929-1930, if I recall correctly.

This week has been all about eBay, which is odd to say because last week was also all about eBay. Last week it was because longtime CEO Meg Whitman was stepping down. This time it’s because CEO-elect John Donahoe is stepping up. Boy oh boy, is he stepping

Q. I have noticed that the glass in some of my older pieces of furniture and even in some old houses is very wavy and distorted. Is this because the glass is old? Does it deteriorate with time like finishes?

A highlight of the Fall 2007 auction season in New York was the Christie's sale of a painting on canvas by Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Untitled (Red, Blue, Orange). Selling at $30.5 million (with buyer's premium), it set a record high for the artist.

One of the incredible things about collecting postcards is that they can mirror a lifetime of varied interests. When I began collecting at age 10, I thought that getting one card from all 48 (yes, 48) states was the pinnacle of success.