Show Notes: Martin talks with historian/author, Mary Miley Theobald about debunking some fun American history myths of Colonial through Victorian times, some involving antiques. Check out: marymileytheobald.com
Collecting Magic
by Michael Lauck
Over the last few years it seems like there has been an increased interest in collecting the bizarre and odd, particularly the oddities of yesterday. As collecting the artifacts of the carnival midways, sideshows and traveling medicine shows gain popularity, so does the popularity of these entertainments’ (only slightly) more refined cousin, magic. Although magic and illusion have been popular entertainments for centuries, the hey day of stage magic was arguably around the turn of the last century. This period has left us a legacy of beautiful advertising material, souvenirs and actual stage props. The problem is that magic, by its very nature, is secretive which compounds the normal problems that come with antique verification. Many items sold as magic props, such as puzzle boxes and two headed coins, are actually novelties or gambling items. If you are not a magician (and sometimes even if you are), it can be very difficult to spot a legitimate prop and even harder to tell something relatively old. However, props are only one of the types of magic related antiques you may find.
120. Actress & Singer, Polly Bergen
Show Notes; Martin speaks with legendary award winning actress, singer and best selling author, Polly Bergen about her career as well as her adventures in collecting antiques. They also discuss the restoration of her 18th century home and much more.
Vintage Cartoons: Humor Through The Ages
by Eve Sparrow
A decidedly interesting part of antiques and collectables is art. In years past there have been stories of paintings or other ephemera relating to artists that have sold for record sums. Some people may argue that it’s silly money, but others take a real interest in it. One aspect of artwork that very often gets neglected, but is just as valid and worthy as expensive paintings, is that of vintage cartoons and an upcoming auction on 18th October is going to be showcasing and hopefully selling, some of the most interesting ones from recent years. Read more
Pinpoint the Unearthed Antique with a Metal Detector
By Michael Bernzweig
Growing up, my mother had a houseful of antiques—which I not-so-affectionately referred to as junk. I felt embarrassed when my friends referred to our house as a museum. Moreover, I had no idea that these items held value. My concern was that I had to help dust around all of these “trinkets” and field questions about their origin. My mom collected old medicine tins and bottles, tobacco tins, inkwells, kitchen spice tins and timepieces. She tried to explain what the colorful lithographs meant and why they were important: nostalgia, historical interest and face value. It was not until a friend asked me years later to join him relic hunting with a metal detector that my attitude toward antiques changed. Below is advice on selecting a relic metal detectors for locating antiques for readers of Antique Auction Forum from industry professional Michael Bernzweig of MetalDetector.com. Read more
119. Dale Blackwelder, Tips on Art
Show Notes: In Texas, Martin talks to Arkansas longtime artwork picker Dale Blackwelder who gives good tips for the novice collector. He further discusses some great finds and how he survives without the use of computers.