 |
|
Andover • Anoka • Blaine • Centerville • Circle Pines • Columbia Heights • Coon Rapids • East Bethel • Fridley • Ham Lake • Lexington • Lino Lakes
Nowthen • Oak Grove • Ramsey • St. Francis • Spring Lake Park
|
|
Welcome to Chesley's
Antiques & Collectibles Corner Archive!
If you missed any of Ms. Chesley's very
informative past articles,
you can access them here:
Missing Pieces
|
Are you missing one piece of china, or one
crystal glass, or 2 forks from your set?
I hear these requests most often in the antique shops:
1. "I broke one cup from my 1940s china set - help!"
2. "My mother gave me her silverware, but it's missing three
butter knives."
3. "I bought my dishes 5 years ago but now I want to get the large
serving pieces."
4. "I want to buy the matching gravy boat and larger
platters/serving bowls that I could not afford before."
Where do you begin to look for replacement pieces of these
older patterns?
You can try hunting from one antique store to another. That may
be fun for a while, but it is very difficult or near impossible to find one specific piece of one specific pattern in your specific color. This hunting game at antique stores soon becomes very time consuming and frustrating.
A much easier solution is a company called Replacements LTD. This company sells both old and new china by the piece. Plus, everything from dinnerware, stoneware, crystal glasses/stems, silver/stainless flatware, to collectibles-- again, in both old and new patterns! They have a large stock that changes daily, plus a knowledgeable customer service staff to assist you. Replacements LTD can help you complete your set much quicker than you can going from antique store to antique store. I have used this service myself with much success. They also BUY product by the piece or set. Personally, I haven't done this because I am also a reseller.
To see examples of older patterns that you can obtain through Replacements LTD:
Click Here.
You can contact Replacements LTD by either going online:
www.replacements.com or by calling: 1-800-737-5223.
Good luck hunting for your treasures! Remember, each and every antique has its own attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
How To Sell
Your Items
There are several methods of selling old items, antiques, and collectibles. Each method requires additional information and precautions that are not all included below, plus each has its pros, cons, and possible fees/risks that you should evaluate for yourself. This article is by no means all inclusive of information and risks. This is my personal opinion and is meant to be a starting point of information to assist you. Good luck! You can sell your items successfully!
Methods To Sell:
1. Sell to an antique dealer.
2. Sell items yourself at an
online auction such as EBay.
3. Hire a service to sell your
items at an online auction.
4. Have a garage sale.
5. Have an estate sale yourself -- or hire an estate sale company.
6. Donate items for a tax
write-off.
Let's look at one option in more detail -- Sell to an antique dealer.
First you should find a dealer you can trust and feel comfortable with. A dealer who will offer a fair price for items and/or information. I have 5 to 10 customers who sell items to me on a regular basis. We've built a buy/sell relationship where we can each profit. I trust them and they trust me. Seek to build this
type of ongoing relationship.
When talking to an antique dealer, you
should not just ask, "What is this worth?" That is too general of a question. Narrow down what you want to know. Be specific -- what type of price do you want to seek? A reputable dealer should also want to pre-clarify this point. If the dealer doesn't first ask YOU specifically what you seek, then walk away.
There are many types of prices a dealer can provide. You should pre-clarify what type of price you seek and what the information will cost, if anything. Let's take a look at the types of prices below:
Types of Prices:
1. The price the dealer will pay now to buy straight from you.
2. The estimated price you can sell it yourself at a garage sale.
3. The estimated price the item will retail for at an antique show.
4. For a fee, a dealer can research and evaluate your items and provide written documentation if requested.
5. For a fee, some dealers can provide a written insurance appraisal value.
Where can you find an antique dealer? You can begin by asking questions at antique stores that you respect and like to shop. Ask for a dealer who has knowledge about your items. Once you find a dealer, ask him/her questions. Be specific with exactly what information you want, what the charge will be for the dealer's service (if any,) and in what format you want the information (writing, verbal, now, researched.)
Each dealer's knowledge and experience varies, as with any other service industry. When speaking with a dealer, ask yourself this: Does this dealer seem to be straightforward and open with answers to your questions? Does he/she seem a little hesitant or "shifty"?
Is he/she seeming to guess, or perhaps lie to obtain a service fee, or even worse, to obtain your valuables for next to nothing?
Example #1: You have an antique Tonka brand toy truck to sell -- it might be worth $25 to $150 to $600 retail in an antique shop -- you need to speak with an experienced and reputable dealer who specializes in toys. Visit antique shops or shows and ask who specializes in toys. The person behind the counter at the average antique shop may say he/she wants to help you but they might also just want your treasure. That's why you want to talk to a dealer who specializes in toys. Be specific when talking to the people behind the counter. Trust your instincts, if it doesn't feel right
to you, simply walk away. You can also call antique shops and inquire about dealers who specialize in your item. Always speak with a dealer who specializes in your type of item!
Example #2: Let's say you have a rifle or military item that is 100 years old -- you need to speak with a dealer who specializes in antique guns and military items. I am a dealer, but I don't know anything about guns, and I would tell you that flat out! I don't
joke around to try to buy your treasure at a low price. I could not tell
you if it was worth $50 or $5000. My advice would be to seek a gun/military specialist and if I knew someone, I would refer you to them. A good dealer always knows another good dealer!
Example #3: If you have valuable vintage jewelry, you should seek a dealer who specializes in vintage jewelry. I wouldn't be able to
tell you if it was 18K or 24K or if the red stone was a ruby or garnet. You need to find a person who can. I do deal with some jewelry, but my knowledge is still limited. I will not buy a piece of jewelry
worth over $1000 from a stranger unless he has a written appraisal from a local jewelry store that I know and trust. This customer can then come back to me with his/her vintage gems and a written appraisal. Then, and only then, will I offer a price. This protects you and it protects me. Most antique dealers behind the counter often cannot provide information on expensive vintage jewelry. I can't emphasize this enough: Not all dealers can help you in all areas!
If you have coins, seek out a coin
dealer -- either through an antique shop or a coin shop. Remember, don't trust everyone!
Your best defense is to ask questions before agreeing on a selling price!
Selling your items can be complex. You don't want to be
conned into selling a treasure for just a dollar. You need to protect
yourself by doing some research and asking a lot of questions.
Many dealers give free advice for simple/quick requests. For example, a customer may bring in 2 boxes of items and wants to know if he should garage sale it or sell to an antique store. I will give the customer 10 to 15 minutes of my time for free. He has to bring the items in clean, sorted, and organized. I can then do a quick scan, and say "this is worth $5," "this is worth $1," "this is worth researching," "this could be valuable," or "I want to buy this." This is a fun scan of your items that dealers should enjoy offering -- for free.
For a pre-set fee, a dealer can drive to your home and provide a quick overview of your items. You both should first agree on the specific information requested, type of price, fee, and specific block of time beforehand. The dealer can then spend the allotted time evaluating your items, giving you verbal "off the top of my head" prices that you can either record on tape or write down. This information can also be written by the dealer but this usually costs more because it's more time consuming for the dealer. The bottom line is you as the customer want to know if the items are valuable or not, what they are worth, and if you should sell it at a garage sale.
If you want specific research done on items for sentimental reasons, insurance, or monetary value for determination of future inheritance, etc., you need to know that this is more time consuming and requires extra time for proper research, whether it would be by computer, reference books, or other sources. You need to work out the details and price with the dealer.
In closing, I would like to recommend a book for further reading that's brand new on the bookshelf titled "Buy, Keep or Sell? - The Insider's Guide to Identifying Trash, Treasure, or Tomorrow's Antiques" by Judith Miller, who is an authority on collectibles and price guides.
Coming soon: How To Research An Item Yourself
Happy hunting and selling! Remember, even a Red Wing bowl has its own attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
How To
Research An Item Yourself
|
There are several different ways to research an item by yourself. All methods, however, take time and effort on your part, but can be done if you are diligent. Here are 4 basic methods:
1. Shop Antique Stores
2. eBay or other online auction sites
3. Google search
4. Reference Books
Method 1 -- Shop Antique Stores
Visit a local antique store with the single purpose of looking for a similar item -- you are NOT shopping for yourself, but rather you are searching for similar items. Take a note pad, pencil, and tape measure. Sorry, no cameras are allowed in any antique store.
Jot down specific notes on items found that are similar, identical, or to compare. Include color, condition, size, draw a sketch, if needed. Also include information on the sales tag: the price, any key
words such as who made the item, years made, etc.
Example: You own a pottery vase, but don't know how old it is, the value, or even the pottery company that made it. What to do: Shop several antique stores, looking for all pottery vases. Search every shelf and every locked case. Read the price tag or label to see if a pottery company (manufacturer) is listed. Bring a tape measure to measure the height of similar vases.
Method 2 -- eBay or other online auction sites
Log into eBay and browse items for sale. You can also do an "advanced search" on recently closed auctions back to 15 days. Search by different key words. The key words you enter to
search are important as they draw in what items you will see. Look at the pictures of items that are similar to yours. Read descriptions looking for words that will help you identify and value your own item. (If you want to sell your item, you can list it.)
A second website you can use is
Artfact.com.
Craigslist.org is
a third website that can be used to compare items.
SAFETY WARNING: When using websites for searches, selling, or communicating with others, PLEASE BE CAREFUL about how much personal information you
offer! Scammers hide on the internet.
Method 3 -- Google Search
Use Google or another search engine. Try typing in various key words to what assistance you can find.
Example: Google search "price of a red wing vase". Several sites about Red Wing Pottery will appear for you to check out. Related reference books for sale will appear. Of course, you could also see Red Wing shoes, Red Wing city information including hotels in town, etc. Sort through your search results to get the information you need.
Method 4 -- Reference Books
As an antique dealer, I have learned
to heavily rely on and use reference books. I probably own 200 such books, plus all antique shops keep reference books for dealers and customers to use while in the store.
There are a few different types of reference books:
1. Price Guides -- Offer dollar value information
2. Information Only -- No pricing, just the history.
3. Combination of both.
There are books that only cover one item specifically, such as JUST Red Wing Pottery. There are "general" books that cover all types of one area such as "all kitchen items", "all types of depression glass patterns", "all toys", or "all pottery makers."
Lastly, there are general reference guides that cover every type of antique from Apple Peeler to Zaneville Pottery, in alphabetical order. Kovell's of Schroeder's are the most common of this type.
You can view reference books at an antique store, local county library, buying from a book store, or you can even buy reference books online.
When using a reference book, the first thing I do is identify what year the book was published so I know how old the pricing information is. For example: I am pricing a depression glass plate. If the reference book was published in 2000, that is important for me to know that the prices in the book are 7 years old. I would then
look for a reference book published closer to the current year.
Reference books are a wonderful resource for not only pricing data but also for detailed information about when your items were made and by whom.
As you can see, researching an item yourself will take some time, patience, and a little work on your part. But it can be done!
Remember, every antique has its own attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Online Auctions
|
Buying or selling antiques can be successful and fun with online auction websites. Bidding can become almost addictive! Winning a successful auction by being the highest bidder can bring you a new treasure that you have been searching for.
You can also USE these online auctions to RESEARCH items, especially the current selling price, but also other information including the manufacturer, age, etc.
When buying online, be sure to carefully read the item description, the costs, including shipping, and all other information BEFORE you place a bid. Look for what words are MISSING in the description such as a hidden flaw or words that might indicate it is a new reproduced item, or a repaired item.
Check the seller's satisfaction rating and the number of auctions they have previously held. You want an experienced and honest seller.
eBay
Perhaps the most well known online web auction is eBay: the world's online marketplace, enabling trade on a local, national, and international basis. They have a diverse and passionate community of individuals buying and selling thousands of items daily. They offer an online platform where millions of items sell each day.
This site offers many tools and resources that enable safe trade. Browsing through items doesn't cost anything...and it's fun too!
"Antiques" is one of the main categories of items for sale.
"Collectibles" is also a category. I also use the "advanced search" option frequently to obtain information on already closed auctions.
Not all items are auctioned off on eBay, you can also buy some items right now at a set price, plus shipping.
PayPal is a safe and convenient method of payment.
Don't limit yourself to just this one online auction site. There are many more. There are a few others that I enjoy browsing and learning from.
ShopGoodwill.com
This is the first internet auction site created, owned, and operated by a non-profit organization. Yes, it's THAT Goodwill.
Participating Goodwills from across the country offer a wide variety of art, antiques, and collectibles, plus new items for auction on the site. You'll find unique one-of-a-kind items to estate pieces. Revenues from these auctions fund Goodwill's education, training, and job placement programs for people with disabilities/barriers.
Start by doing a "search utility." Then, have fun browsing through
all the various items for sale. You can search closed auctions as a means of gaining information about an item. Fun, fun, fun and a non-profit organization to boot!
K-BID
This is a local company offering online auction services developed to provide sellers a new and effective system to profitably liquidate all types of personal property assets. They are located in Maple Plain, Minnesota. All bidding takes place on the internet, using a high tech real-time auction program. To get started, you can
click on either "current auctions" or "previous auctions." Then, have fun shopping and reviewing items for sale!
MidwestAuctions.com
Another local online auction company based from Glenwood, Minnesota. This is your online guide to the auctions and auctioneering services in the Midwest. You will find information about auctions near you. You will also find contact information for all the participating auctioneers as well as a link to their own customized "home page."
This site provides:
1. Customized search engine for quick results.
2. Complete full-color auction bill listings
3. Detailed auction calendar
4. E-mail notification mailing list
Enjoy your online shopping trip!
Remember... share some attitude for antiques!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Tips For A Successful Garage Sale - Part 1
I love garage sales!! I love
having one! I love to shop them! Garage sales are a great way to get rid of your items and make a few dollars. Since spring is literally around the corner, many of you are shifting gears for spring cleaning and garage sale season. All month long I will feature ideas that you can implement to help you put on a successful garage sale. Some things you may already know, while others you may have never thought of or never tried before.
Keep this point in mind during your preparation: The purpose of your sale is to make money and get rid of stuff -- a plain and simple goal.
WARNING: It takes work and time to hold a garage sale, there is no way around that. You need to commit your time, but I can make some suggestions that will make it more fun!
Keep it fun and short: Approaching a garage sale can
seem like a lot of work, and it is. Keep the process: 1.) Fun &
simple and, 2.) short.
1.) FUN & SIMPLE: I think about my sale as a fast and fun project. Get it done this week - 7 days total time. Make it a family affair
-- involve others. Ask your neighbor, kids, or grandkids to help in both the set up and during the sale. A reward for them is that they can bring items from their own home to sell at your sale, plus they can have first look at your items for sale. The first buyers get
the best stuff.
2.) SHORT: Set up your entire sale in 7 days. Keep the time frame short for preparation. You can get a lot of work done in 2 hours a day for 5 - 7 days. That's your preparation time. Do not take
3 weeks to set up -- that would disrupt your life and your garage. Remember your goal: sell your stuff and make some money.
Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
Tips For A Successful Garage Sale -- Part 2
|
Next, it's time to determine what days
to hold your sale. The most popular days are Thursday through Saturday. That's what I would
suggest as well.
You can expect that the first few shoppers who arrive at your sale
may seem to walk in and
then leave without buying anything. Why?
Thursday mornings from 8:00 to 10:00 are
times that collectors and
professional dealers go out and buy. These shoppers are often
looking for one very specific item. They walk in your garage
do a
fast scan and then leave. Don't be discouraged. Your sales
should
begin to pick up at 10:00 am or noon when the average garage
sale shoppers wake up and start to drive.
The average shoppers start to arrive at 10:00 am, but I always
open at 8:00 am for those people driving to work who might see
the signs and decide to stop for a couple of minutes.
Another thing you can do to boost your sales is to invite your
neighbors and friends to your garage the night before your sale
opens...even if you are still pricing and working in your garage.
Just tell them to come on over and shop!
Now that you determined the days of your sale, the next thing is
advertising your sale.
I am probably unique in this suggestion, but it works for me. I have
never once placed an ad. I use signs...a lot of very well placed and
daily monitored signs. If you don't have the luxury of living on a
main thoroughfare, you begin by placing signs directing them off
the main thoroughfare to your sale. Your signs don't have to be elaborate. Just a simple "Garage Sale" with an arrow pointing
them the way. Keep your signs the same color...if you start with a yellow sign, keep using yellow signs throughout the route to your sale.
In contrast, most people tend to place an ad in the local
newspaper. Use your local shopper. It's delivered to every
household in the area every week. I happen to live in Anoka, so my
local shopper is the Anoka County Shopper.
These are the two most popular advertising options for garage
sales. You can use one,
the other, or a combination of the two.
There is no right or wrong option, simply go with
the option that you
feel most comfortable with.
Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Tips For A Successful Garage Sale -- Part 3
A difficult question is how do you price your items?
This can be difficult to advise on.
The general rule is to think of the retail price at a department store and mark it at 1/4 of that. Of course, another factor to consider is the condition of the item. An item in good to excellent condition can be marked at this rate or slightly higher, but if it's in fair to poor condition, it would have to
be marked at a lesser price or free.
Example: You bought a set of 6
drinking glasses for $20 at Target. I would sell them at my garage sale for about $4 or $5. However, the same set with only 5 glasses would be priced at about $2.
When pricing, think about what people want and are willing to pay
at a garage sale. If you are a novice at garage sales, spend a few hours shopping at other garage sales to see the pricing structure.
Another price example: You bought
a set of 6 crystal/fancy cocktail glasses at Macy's for $60. They are in perfect condition and still
in the original box. I would price them at $10 to $18. Sorry, but
that is how the pricing game goes. You can't get more at a garage sale.
Overpricing is definitely not suggested. You will be wasting your time. Customers will know INSTANTLY if you are overpricing and will walk away to go to the next garage sale. PRICE LOW...YOU WANT TO SELL!
Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
Tips For A Successful Garage Sale -- Part 4
|
Sale Preparation
Ok, your sale starts tomorrow.
Your items are all priced. Now you need to prepare the supplies that you'll need during the sale.
Below is a quick checklist:
** Bags to put sold items in
** A card table and chair for you to sit at and keep your supplies and money handy
** Newspaper to wrap fragile items you've sold
** Money to make change (I suggest starting with either $70 or $100 in coin and bills)
** Items for your comfort: A radio, TV, fan, etc.
** A calculator
** Scratch paper and pen
** Phone! This is important. To answer your incoming calls and for your personal security
Which brings up a good point. Personal safety is very important to consider. After all, you are opening up a part of your space to complete strangers.
Keep your money secure at all times, all day long. If you go into the house for a cup of
coffee, take your money with you. Move large
bills ($20s and higher) into the house. Some people like to have a money box or money drawer that keeps all the denominations of coin and bills separate. Not me! I prefer to WEAR my money.
That way it stays with me always. I use a carpenter's apron with slots
(off white in color, very common) or I wear a fanny pack around my waist, or even a small purse (wallet size with a long strap) over my shoulder. I wear my money so it goes where I go as I walk around the garage.
Do not let customers into the house to use your bathroom or try on clothing. This would be an open invitation for things to "grow legs" and disappear.
Keep your cordless phone or cell phone at your fingertips at all times, just in case. If you begin to feel scared or feel uncertain by customers walking into your garage, either walk into your house and lock the doors, or walk out of the garage and into the middle of the street with your phone in hand. You can still see the garage and monitor the customers. Keep your personal safety in mind. Keep alert.
After your sale:
My advice again is to keep the time
frame short. Immediately after the sale ends, pack up all your unsold items into boxes and bags for donation. Do it fast and do it now! Clean your garage out, so
your vehicles can come back in.
Items that are donated can be a tax write-off if you take the time to log each item. As you place them into a box, write it down on a pad of paper. Use "tick" marks for common items. You need a
receipt from the company you donate to such as Goodwill.
Example: T-shirts: III means 3 t-shirts
Ladies jeans: IIII means 4 pairs of
jeans
To determine your tax write off value, please refer to instructions on the State forms and instruction book. The write off value is low,
but they add up. For example, 3 t-shirts valued at 20 cents each is realistic and 4 ladies jeans at $1 each is also realistic in my opinion.
Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Quick Step Summary For A Successful Garage Sale
1.) Clean your garage. Tidy it up! Sweep and organize
items that you store in your garage. Next move
items you want to keep in your garage up against the walls then cover
with tarps or old sheets, so shoppers won't think they are
for sale. Use masking tape, nails, and/or clothespins to attach
the tarps/sheets.
2.) Bring all your items/boxes of items to sell into the garage.
3.) Set up tables. Buy, borrow, make tables yourself. A
6 foot table can be bought for about $15 - $40. It can
be used for years for many other purposes. Buying tables is an investment and multi-purpose item. You can make your own tables
using whatever you have such as 2 boxes or sawhorses and place a board on top. Be creative to make tables. Personally, I suggest buying tables. These inexpensive tables can be re-used at family
birthdays, holidays, graduations, or other special occasion.
I use my tables often during the year and my friends borrow them.
I use about 8 to 10 tables that are 6 feet each for my garage
sales. I also use card table size too.
4.) Unpack the items you want to sell. Quickly place each
item to sell onto a table but think and organize, sorting
fast by category such as kitchen items, toys, jewelry, books, cd's,
etc. Try to do this fast. Remember, keep it fast and
simple! Don't hate this chore. Just lay all items onto tabletops.
Unpack everything then go back into your house and search drawers or
closets for more items you do not need. Add them to you
garage tabletops. Clean all unused items out of your house.
5.) Use the space under the tables to sell items. Use the
space against the walls to display items -- lean
against or hand items on the wall.
6.) Hide items in garage NOT for sale. If something in your garage is visible (not covered with an old sheet
or tarp) such as your golf bag, bike, or lawn mower, mark it with a
tag saying "Not For Sale." Also, the items you bring into
the the garage for your comfort during the sale, such as a fan or
radio, mark them "Not For Sale."
7.) Price your items. I use masking tape
for stickers. No fancy colored tags or stickers. Just plain tan
masking tape. I mark with a pen, not a thick marker. If there are
multiple family members selling at your garage
sale, you need to add initials on the tags for splitting the money correctly after the sale. Work fast as you mark your items.
8.) Broken, chipped, overused or damaged items. Don't bother! Trash it before your sale. Some sales
have Free boxes. Anything I can't sell for 10 cents each is
not worth my time. You're better off tossing it.
Garage sales are both fun and a lot of work! I believe the best thing to do is to do the work fast and keep it fun. Ask a girlfriend, neighbor, or your kids to help. You can chat and work together as you prepare for your sale, then cook them dinner as a thank you. As a bonus, your helpers get first dibs on buying your items!
9.) Price your items low -- you want to sell!
10.) Put up good signs and monitor your signs to see if they are still in place.
Good Luck! Good Hunting! Good Shopping! I love garage
sales!
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
Garage Sales
101: The Basics
|
We have waited ALL winter and FINALLY...the garage
sale season is here in Anoka County again! In March and April, I have featured a 5 part series containing tips for how to hold a garage sale. These articles are geared towards the beginner, a person who is afraid to hold a garage sale, or even the person that doesn't know how to start.
I won't kid you, holding a garage sale is a lot of work. It can be overwhelming. But, it's also a great way to make MONEY and to CLEAN YOUR HOUSE OF CLUTTER! Of course, we all know that removing clutter is always good!
Click
Here To Read The Entire Garage Sale Series
-- look for Articles #7 through #11.
Happy garage sale shopping and I wish you lots of success with your own garage sale!
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Cambridge Antique Fair: Two Days, Saturday &
Sunday -- August 2 & 3, 2008!
Over 800 Dealers!
This antique show is celebrating its 17th successful year and has grown to
over 800 dealers! You can shop and shop all day as you wander from booth to booth looking for treasures, collectibles, vintage items, antiques, and items that you personally collect.
The show is open Saturday and Sunday, August 2 & 3, 2008. Regular admission is $6.00. Discount tickets are available at shops/shows, plus kids 16 and under are free with an adult. On Friday, August 1st there is an "early-bird buyer" ticket available. This early shopping ticket is $20.00 and is good for the whole weekend, but you get to view items for sale one day early, even as the dealers are unloading and setting up their booths.
Dealer booths are located in 8 buildings, 2 outside pavilions, and vast outdoor areas. I have a booth outside the "new pavilion" space,
located right next to the lake. Stop in and see me! At the pavilion, we are protected from rain and the hot sun.
This show is strong in postcards, paper goods, glassware, advertising items, toys, pottery, primitives, photographs, and more. Plus there is also furniture.
There will be a special exhibit of local collectibles and several drawings on Saturday and Sunday for special prizes.
Location: Isanti County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, MN
Directions: Take Hwy 65 into Cambridge, exit on Hwy
95. Go East on Hwy 95, approximately 1 mile. Fairgrounds parking lot will be to your left.
Show Hours: Saturday, August
2, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 3, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
More Info: Visit the website at
www.cambridgeantiquefair.com.
Call Cheryl or Shawn Hewitt at North-Trek Promotions, 651-735-0113 or
Click Here
for North-Trek Promotions Newsletter
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
38th Annual Nowthen Threshing
Show and Flea Market:
August 15, 16, and 17, 2008
|
If you've never been to this
exciting and unique FAMILY event, then try to make it this year! It's located in the town of Nowthen, MN,
10 miles east of Elk River.
The show offers all kinds of unique and fun attractions including:
1. Flea Market both indoor and outdoor, including antiques (and me!)
2. Consignment auction
3. Two Night Tractor Pull, varying weight classes
4. Display of tractors galore! Hundreds on display, including vintage models.
5. Display of antique/collectible cars and trucks
6. Beer, food, live music, and daily entertainment
7. Daily "Parade of Power" at 2:00 pm
8. Children's activities
9. Lathe mill, sawmill, shingle mill, blacksmith shop
10. General store, log house & barn, children's barnyard
11. Milwaukee Road Depot & memorabilia
12. Threshing displays and chainsaw artist
13. 1920s Red Crown gas station
14. Anoka County Master Gardeners
15. Anoka County Genealogical Society
16. Quilting, weaving, pottery, and spinning
ADMISSION: Daily Adult is $8, Children 12 &
under are Free, or a family rate of $16. Three day passes are also available. Free parking.
LOCATION: 7415 Viking Blvd, Nowthen, MN (10 miles east of Elk River and 15 miles northwest of Anoka.)
FOR MORE INFO: Call Sharon, 763-295-2600 or visit their website:
www.nowthenthreshing.com
Come visit me at the Flea Market!
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector |
Shop For A
Cause on eBay!
The Arc of Minnesota is a private, non-profit, statewide voluntary organization. The
mission of Arc is to be a support and advocate for people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities and their families.
If you shop eBay from time to time, you
can now buy items listed by Arc! A small
selection of unique items are available with the proceeds going to this wonderful
non-profit organization. Shop For A Cause!
Click
here to start shopping Arc's Value Village eBay
Store!
Again, proceeds provide critical
funding and services that benefit people/families with
developmental disabilities.
For more information about Arc of
Minnesota, call 952-920-0855 or Click
Here.
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
Experience Late 1800s Farming and See Antiques in
Action!
|
There are several farms in the Twin Cities area that offer a hands-on
tour and learning experience of farming from over 100 to 150 years ago. They
basically tell the story of agriculture in Minnesota. These are working farms that
show what farm life was really like in the past. Plus you get to see numerous
antiques in their natural setting and actually working!
Here are four such farms:
1) The Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River on the Mississippi River:
This is an 1800s tranquil living-history farm. It is a
museum, owned and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. Dressed in period
clothing, staff members perform daily farm activities of rural life between 1850 and 1876.
Visit their website for hours and admission prices, or more information:
Oliver H. Kelley Farm
or call 763-441-6896.
TRIVIA QUESTION: When did Minnesota achieve Statehood? The
answer is at the end of this article.
2) The Eidem Farm in Brooklyn Park: This is a restored 1894
Homestead with a Norwegian heritage. Visitors can ride the
hay wagon, drink fresh cider, collect hen eggs, tour the old kitchen, and roast
marshmallows at the bonfire. Volunteers in period dress work the farm, the kitchen, and
answer all your questions. The farm is open May 1 through mid-December.
Visit their website for hours, admission cost, or more information:
Eidem Farm
or call
763-493-8367.
3) Murphy's Landing in Shakopee: This is a museum and living history
village set in the 1850s to 1890s with an emphasis on the
settlement period and Civil War era. See a blacksmith, print shop, millinery, and
more...all operating as they would in the mid to late 1800s. Visit their website
for more info:
Murphy's Landing
or call 763-694-7784.
4) The Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life, also known as The Heman Gibbs Farmstead in Falcon Heights: This is a
museum that educates visitors on the lives of 1800s Minnesota pioneers and the Dakotah people (also called Dakota) who lived in southern Minnesota.
This is a living museum with a farm house, barn, school house, sod house, bark lodge
and tipi -- all from about the 1850s. There is also a Dakotah medicine
teaching garden and Dakotah vegetable garden. Visit their website for
more information:
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life
or call 651-646-8629 or 651-222-0701.
TRIVIA ANSWER: In 1858, Minnesota achieved Statehood.
These farms are like traveling back in time. There are antiques
everywhere! Plus you get to see many of the antiques actually being used. I encourage
you and your family to visit an 1800s era working farm. Ahh...you can FEEL,
SMELL, and TASTE our past!
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Sell Your Gold For
Cash
This is a trend seen all over the
internet and on TV commercials. The
companies ask that you send them your unwanted, broken, or mismatched gold, silver, and
jewelry. Does it work? Can you make money? The answer is YES, you can
receive cash for your unwanted gold items. Gold, silver, platinum - any amount - any
color - any karat weight. Even dental gold, charms, coins, and silverware.
The company asks you to drive to their store location, to call their 1-800
phone number, or log onto their website to order a free packet that they mail
out to you. You then place your old gold into the free mail packet and send it back to
them. The company then sorts through the items. They conduct normal testing
and an assaying process. The term "karat" indicates the purity of the gold, such as
10 Kt or 14 Kt. They then weigh your items and mail you a check.
Some websites offer you a grid of the price per ounce offered and update
that price daily based on market value. Some companies suggest you hold a party
at your house and party guests brings their old jewelry. A rep is sent to
your home to analyze the items guests bring. Checks are given that day to your
party guests.
If you prefer selling your gold in person, there are local places that you
can drive to such as pawn shops or jewelers who may buy your old items. Below are
just a few of the many places you can contact to sell your gold.
NOTE: I do not recommend or endorse any of these companies. I
have not personally used any of them. I have talked to people who have sold
their gold (both in person and through the mail) and they were very pleased with the cash
received.
Places to mail your gold to:
1. Cash4Gold.com - Phone: 1-877-GOLD-590 (Mail only, located in
Florida)
2. USGoldBuyers.com - Phone: 1-877-977-GOLD (Mail only, located in
New York)
3. EmpireGoldBuyers.com - Phone: 1-888-949-3674 (Mail only, located
in New York)
4. TopDollarGold.com - Phone: 1-877-GOLD-097 (Mail or FedEx, located
in Colorado)
Places you sell your gold in person:
1. 952-GOLD-GUYS: Bring your
items to their store at the Mall of America.
They also offer a "gold selling party" right in your
home. They send the rep to you. (Contact them for more information.)
2. HotelGoldBuyers.com - Phone: 1-877-721-8033. They buy gold at
certain hotels every weekend in Eden Prairie, Maple Grove,
Bloomington, and Edina. They also offer the in-home gold selling party.
3. Pawn America Stores, call 952-646-1760 to get the location closest to
you.
4. Wedding Day Diamonds, 5 store locations. Call 952-513-0030.
Here is an example of what you can expect based on the weight. If
you have $20 worth in WEIGHT of GOLD, they will offer you between $4 - $7, not the full
$20. As with any business dealing, please do your own research on any company you
do business with.
Remember, even a wooden spoon can have attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
Christmas Gift Ideas For An Antique Lover
|
Your spouse, friend, mother, or boss collects antiques. What should you give them for a gift? Below are a few points to consider:
a.) Gift Certificate from an antique store.
b.) A shopping spree/day with you.
c.) Buy the item they collect -- pros and cons to this option.
d.) A reference book
e.) Start a child/teen collecting
Gift Certificate From An Antique Store
Most antique shops offer gift certificates for sale in common dollar amounts such as: $25, $50, $100. Just ask a sales clerk. Of course, the gift certificate is good at this one location only. This makes a wonderful gift!
A Shopping Spree/Day With You
I like this idea: Give a gift of a
day or an afternoon of antique shopping with you. You don't need to buy them everything they like or want, just set some limits and what you want to pay for.
I give this gift often -- something like:
Example 1: My gift to you is A DAY
OF ANTIQUE SHOPPING: I will drive, we leave at 9:00am, hit the stores in
Stillwater. Lunch is on me, and you have all my attention all day
as we browse from store to store. I won't complain that you are looking at fishing lures too long. I promise, no
complaints from me. That is my gift to you. I will buy you one item of
your choice up to $40 dollars. So let's go antiquing together!
Example 2: My gift to you:
Let's go antiquing! I will buy you one Red Wing Crock of your choice. Put on
your walking shoes and let's hit the antique stores!
Trust me, this is a wonderful gift for a person who like antiques, collectibles, or just browsing for them at the shops!
Buy The Item They Collect -- Pros And Cons
Unless you are knowledgeable about the
item or the category of item that the other person collects, I would probably not buy it
for someone else for a gift. Why? The policy at nearly all
antique stores is "no returns and no exchanges -- no exceptions."
Example 1: Your husband collects antique fishing lures. You
know nothing about them, then visit the closest antique store and buy 2 lures for him. When he opens the gift, he tells you that he already has one of them and the second one is a reproduction and worth a fraction of what you paid. The receipt is stamped: No returns.
Example 2: Your mother collects Hall Pottery. You buy a
vase at the local antique shop thinking it's Hall Pottery. Your mother opens the gift and immediately knows it's not made by Hall Pottery, but rather by Hull Pottery. The receipt is stamped: No returns/No exchanges.
Therefore, I warn against giving a specific antique item as a gift unless you have some knowledge about the item they collect. If you've shopped with this person for years and know the ins and outs of the item, then by all means, shop for and buy the item with confidence that it's just what they do collect and it's the item they need for that collection.
A Reference Book
A reference guide OR price book makes a wonderful gift! You can buy them at some antique stores, at all book stores, and online...or give a gift card from a local book store.
Remember, every antique has its own attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
Start A
Child/Teen/Adult Collecting
A hobby, a collection, an early passion. You can start a child, teen, or adult onto a lifelong path of collecting. Start by sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm at home. Share and show what you collect and have a passion about.
Then:
a.) Take the child/teen/adult
shopping at an antique store
b.) Buy a reference book
c.) Buy an item to start their
collection
As the new collector's knowledge in the area grows, so will their passion for finding and learning more about that item.
I am always pleased to see a new and blossoming collector develop. Many new collectors enjoy collecting items such as coins, foreign bills, comic books, paper dolls, cameo jewelry, stamps, collector Barbie dolls, Tonka brand trucks, Hot Wheels cars, board games, fishing lures, wood golf clubs, sewing bobbins, hankies, aprons, military helmets, and so much more.
Another common type of collection is to collect anything related to one topic:
1.) Example: collect anything related to John
Deere tractors -- a
framed picture of a tractor, a mug picturing a
John Deere store, a t-shirt with a John Deere tractor/logo.
2.) Example: collect anything related to
strawberries -- a collector plate picturing a porcelain strawberry, a strawberry cookie cutter, a Strawberry Shortcake doll.
3.) If your child is interested in hair design or
fashion, start her collecting anything related to a salon shop or hair dressing, such as antique scissors
or hair clippers, old hair clips, men's shavers, shaving cream
brushes, books or magazines about fashion or hair styles,
an old barber shop sign.
4.) If your child likes firefighters, start him
collecting anything related to that, such as an old copper fire extinguisher, an old "rule book on
firefighting," fireman's helmet, photographs of a fire truck, toy fire
trucks, a novel with a picture of a firefighter on the cover.
Searching for items and learning about them is quite an experience! Once a new collector catches the "collector's bug" and begins to feel the passion for an item, their fun will begin. Good luck and enjoy shopping those antique stores!
Remember, every antique has its own attitude!
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector
|
We receive may
emails from our readers but I would like to share this
particular email with you all.
Memories of
childhood toys that are now "Hot Collectibles".
Enjoy her memories of a Christmas Past:
Hi
Deb,
I love antiques, but I noticed your hot and not hot list
and thought I would share a story with you. I am
50 yrs old, so you may remember those toy sewing
machines (on your hot list!). Only my dad worked
and didn't have a high paying job, we didn't get much
for Christmas, but one year I was in the first grade and
I got a pink sewing machine that really sews and a real
Barbie, not a plastic knock off. Oh joy...no paper
and coloring crayons this year.
Off to school I went after Christmas vacation and on the
first day home back from school, my pink sewing machine
was broken and my Barbie doll leg was broken from my
younger brother and sister. Being I was outraged,
I tried to shorten their life spans like my toys (but we
are all very close now...). Well, the Barbie
eventually got replaced but the sewing machine didn't.
For years I would talk about the cute pink sewing
machine that got broken after one week. My sister
finally said, "we'll buy you a new one if you shut up".
That was 35 years after the fact.
Well being she offered (but probably didn't mean it),
the subject was no longer important. But now I see
the HOT kids sewing machine and memories come flooding
back!! I can hardly wait to tell my sister!!! (who
fessed up breaking it by sewing my broken Barbie doll
leg on it that my brother broke).
Thanks for the memories, and yes, I do shop in Elk River
Antiques.
|
RED WING
STONEWARE -- BRIEF HISTORY
We, here in Minnesota, are very fortunate to be near
this popular pottery company founded in Red Wing, MN.
Red Wing Pottery is one of the most famous
makers of crocks, dinnerware and unique pottery in the
entire US. I am a collector and boast many butter
churns, salt crocks, serving platters and jugs. Other
items offered are cookie jars, dinnerware including
plates, pitchers, vases, flowerpots and more.
Red Wing Stoneware is still producing
pottery products today. A nice day trip would be to
visit the town of Red Wing. There are numerous antique
stores to visit, plus the Red Wing Stoneware
factory/showroom where you can view crocks and pottery
being made by hand. You can also purchase new pottery
there. The antique shops will sell the older pieces.
Here is a brief history of this
famous company:
The Red Wing Stoneware Company was
formed in 1877 starting with kilns fired by wood and
coal. Power came from horse-powered steam engines. The
company quickly became known for making “useful” pieces
that each home needed.
Several different sub-divisions of
the company emerged, but all were under the Red Wing
Stoneware Company. All companies united in 1906 to form
one pottery company. They prospered selling crocks and
other pottery that every family used daily in the
kitchen. In 1936 the name changed to Red Wing
Potteries.
The name of this wonderful company
has changed often, but the products remained the same:
Basic pottery items used daily made from clay and sand.
Enjoy Red Wing Pottery… I sure do!
Deb Chesley
|
Home | Contact Us
| Sponsors | Terms of
Service |
Site Map • |
Home Page
Featured Business Directory
