On June 13 a dozen participants and I arrived in Philadelphia for the first ever Art Crime Investigation Seminar, conducted by former FBI Special Agent, and real Indiana Jones, Robert Wittman. The week, consisting of five days of instruction and … Read More +
Tag Archives: Antique Mystery Item
Hemingway memorabilia hidden for 50 years hints at affair with socialite; auction set for June
A large collection and a daughter’s claims her mother once shared an intimate relationship with author and journalist Ernest Hemingway may set a record for a small Tennessee auction company. During Ernest Hemingway’s 1959 trip to Pamplona, Spain, to produce … Read More +
Your instant (affordable) antiques collection awaits in the famed Thornsjo trove at James D. Julia
Everything on my desk stops when a new auction catalog arrives via snail mail. Tucked inside the latest 240 pager from James D. Julia’s May 5 Advertising, Toy & Doll sale is the Barbara Thornsjo collection. Thornsjo (1928-2010) spent 70 … Read More +
Debbie Reynolds vintage Hollywood movie memorabilia auction set for June 18, 2011
Profiles in History announces the sale of the largest collection of Hollywood costumes and props in the world. For the first time in 50 years, the private collection owned by screen legend Debbie Reynolds will be made available to the … Read More +
The odd and religious history of Bingo featured at vintage game and puzzle collectors convo, April 29-May 1
MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — The Association of Game & Puzzle Collectors, (AGPC), the world’s foremost organization dedicated to the collection and preservation of games, mechanical puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles, will hold its 27th annual convention in Lancaster, Pa., April 29-May 1, … Read More +
Vintage Hawaii “state” survey maps purchased for $800
A grouping of Hawaii “state” survey maps found a new home for a final bid of $800 against a presale estimate of $275 to $375 at Old World Auctions Feb. 16, 2011. The territory surveys, touted as “an exceptional set … Read More +
World’s largest surviving gold nugget sells last night for $400,000
The largest California gold rush nugget left in existence, the 100 troy ounce gold nugget discovered last year in Nevada County, Calif., sold last night for $400,000. Gold and Silver Value ChartDigital Download Available at shop.collect.com Holabird-Kagin Americana sold the … Read More +
Sole authenticated Billy the Kid tintype to be sold at auction
DENVER – Legendary outlaw Billy the Kid had his “picture made” 130 years ago in Fort Sumner, N.M., posing for what is now considered the most recognizable photo of the American West. A single, original tintype is the only authenticated … Read More +
Fake Watkins tooth powder bottles discovered during collecting club’s annual convention
WINONA, Minn. — Though members of the Watkins Collectors Club met for an expected full day of customary convention activities Aug. 21, 2010, a pall was cast over the event when it was discovered that three club members had purchased … Read More +
Batmobile model from 1989′s Batman brings $12,000
The news of an odd or wacky antiques and collectibles museum going out of business always plucks a heart strings. Feelings or regret quickly turn to joy when auction results reward the former owner/collector/curator with a tidy nest egg. Such … Read More +