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The Collectors Newsletter #328 May 2005

The Collectors Newsletter #328 May 2005 from TIAS.com

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In this issue, you will read about....
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1. "The Knife" & "More Knives"
2. Reader comments on $2 rug.
3. Your Classifieds
4. Increase the value of your collection. (Sponsors message)
5. Lost and Found
6. News from the Kovels
7. Newly listed items
8. Funny Old Stuff
9. Wanted ads. Can you help?
10. A Vintage Recipe
11. A Vintage Recipe Request from a Reader
12. New Online Merchants
13. Helpful Resources For Collectors
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Get the Latest News about Antiques & Collectibles

Updated daily with new information about auctions, antique shows, estate
sales, shops, new books and other newsworthy information related to the
antiques and collectibles trade. Take a look at:

http://www.news-antique.com

This is a new service and costs you nothing to list a press release about
your business or service. It's very easy to use, So stop by and give it a
try today at: http://www.news-antique.com
-------------

1) After you read this story, tell us your interesting story. Send your
story to newsletter@tias.com and we may publish it here . We want to
hear any interesting or unusual stories you would like to share with us
that are related to collecting or anything vintage.
--
The Knife
Hi, I love lost items finding their way home. I used to participate in
several benefit horse events wearing a rather beautiful (if I do say so
myself) beaded Northern Plains elk hide dress. I had the belt with all
the tools any self respecting woman would need included a deer bone
awl, flint case, etc. all beaded. My son gave me an old bone handled
knife which would have been a perfect trade item, so I beaded it a
sheath an attached it to my belt too.

We were to participate at an event in the hills of San Diego County
and running late, (it does take time to get oneself and one's horse
properly prepared!! I loped up through the hills to join the others. Later,
I discovered, I had lost my knife. A couple of years past, and I was
down in the desert near Borrego Springs riding with a friend who
actually made knives and he told me about a knife he "wanted me to
have" because it was perfect for my outfit. I protested and said I would
pay him as I had lost mine and really needed another. He then
proceeded to tell me he had found this up in the hills behind the old
Santa Ysabel mission. I almost fell off my horse because those hills
are covered in oaks and oak leaf mulch is DEEP. Of course, it was
my knife but what are the chances that anyone would find it much less
a friend? Bunny C.

How about you? Do you have any stories about lost items that made
their way back to you or someone you know? Send your story to
newsletter@tias.com

-- Another Story --

More Knives
When my 18 year old daughter was around 1 1/2 years old, the people
across the street from us were have a yard sale. Whenever we went to
the sales, my daughter always went with me. On this particular day,
we walked across the street and saw a box of silverware. There were
4 small table knives that were very badly tarnished. I thought they were
cute and would make a nice addition to a tea set I wanted to make for
my daughter. I asked the lady how much for the 4 knives and she said
10 cents each. I said OK and bought them. When we got home, I
decided to clean them up. You can imagine my surprise when I
cleaned the tarnish away and read Sterling Silver. Several years later
when the job shortage happened, I unfortunately had to sell those knives
to put food on the table. I got $38.75 for each knife. I hated to sell
them, but I had to feed my family. Oh well, easy come, easy go but I
am always on the look out for another find like that one. Keith G.
Prineville, Oregon
--
Comments, thoughts? Post them online at:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?forum=16&31
We collect interesting stories about collecting. Things like your best find,
unusual collections, bizarre collectibles. Anything and everything that is
interesting that has to do with collecting. We may publish it here. Send
your story to newsletter@tias.com
-------------

2) In newsletter #327 a reader told a story about a bargain rug they had
purchased.
http://www.tias.com/newsletter/stores-tiasstuff-collectors-newsletter/4809
We had a large number of comments sent in regarding the story. Here
are a few of them.
--
i think the story of Denise's $2 rug is just plain taking advantage of
someone. at the least she could have paid the $5.at the best she could
have said,this may be worth something,are you sure you want to sell it?
and then after that,could pay the $5 in good conscience.especially that
her aunt knew the person and was chatting awhile.maybe i am stupid,
but probably i would have done that.often the seller just doesnt care, and
otherwise if they decide to keep it,oh well,so be it. nice guys finish last
i suppose. i love your newsletter,thank-you, Jane b.
--
To the lady who bought a $2 runner at a multi-family yard sale in Austin:
As a fellow Texan I am both saddened and surprised to hear that you
didn't pay the asking price of $5 to that lady with the Turkish runner.
"As Texans are wont to do," they are friendly and giving! You refused
to pay her the other $2.50! My, my, whatever did you do with all that
money!??? A Transplanted New Yorker
--
I normally love your newsletter, I find it thrilling to hear of the connections
people have with the artifacts of the past. Today's opening story,however,
about the person who knowingly purchased an $800 rug and bragged
about taking advantage of the seller's naievete (talking her down from $5
to $2.50) was shameful. If the act itself is forgivable in a "free market"
she should at least have the decency not to brag about cheating
someone in a public forum such as the TIAS newsletter.

I understand that some people make their living this way, however today's
story was over the top as a display of greediness. For me, it took all the
fun out of the newsletter, when I normally look forward to it.

Please don't start a trend of letters such as these. They do not uplift the
spirit of the profession, they bring down our decency as humans.
Thank you, Tami B. Riverside, CA
--
For years I've enjoyed reading the short stories in your newsletter. But
this story runs smack against any sense of honesty and rightness. It is
also an example of why dealers in the profession get unfair labels due
to actions like this. One can respect the buyer for her keen eye and
ability to push through the unknown. But all sense of respect just runs
away when she felt it necessary to barter when offered a "known bargain".
Denise already knew it was worth more than anything else in the yard
sale. She had two options that would have given her respectability, the
second would have raised her self esteem. She could have paid the
$5.00 (already knowing it was a bargain) or even better offer a bit more.
It would not have hurt her or diminished her story to have offered 10, 20
or 30 dollars. It would have still been a bargain and she might have
actually gained more for her and her story to see the surprised look on
her aunt's friend's face. I wonder how the aunt handled later
conversations with her friend knowing her relative had been disingenuous.
Yard sale, yes! find bargains, yes! but be honorable, it has it's own
rewards. Richard
P.S. Yes, I do have stories about bargains at yard sales, but I don't try to
take advantage of the situation. And yes, I will barter, but never on a
known bargain and never with someone that has a relationship with the
family. Sometimes it's better to walk away.
--
Due to the volume of responses that came in, we've posted some of
them online on the newsletter forum at:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=16
Stop by and post your comments.
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3) Your Classifieds...
Do you have antiques or collectibles you are just itching to sell? A simple
classified ad in this newsletter might just be your answer. Over 235,000
readers subscribe to this newsletter. One of them just might be able
to help you out. Place your ad today at: http://www.tias.com/classifieds

HUGE Estate Sale in Lake Elsinore, CA - June 5th & 6th
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1363695/PictPage/1922647525.html

Fine Vintage Retro Gold Jewelry On Sale 30% Off Gems
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1453359/PictPage/1922650379.html

Generous Grab Bag Of Collectibles
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1411436/PictPage/1922650657.html

White House Vinegar Apple shaped metal Bank paperweight
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1411436/PictPage/1922647427.html

1880 VICTORIAN PRESSED TIN FRAME W/BEVELED MIRRORS
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1354830/PictPage/1922647418.html
--
Want to know what our advertisers think? Check out the testimonials at:
http://www.tias.com/stores/tiasexchange/ads/boywithvase.html
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4) Increase the value of your collection. (Sponsors message)
In many cases you can actually increase the value of your collection, by
keeping accurate records on the history of each piece. Accurate records
can help contribute to the overall value of your collection. There are many
ways to do this. The easiest is to get yourself some collection management
software from Collectify. Collectify is the only collection management software
recommended by Sotheby's to their clients. It works with EVERY type of
antique or collectible.

Order a free 30 day trial version of Collectify or you can even download
it from the Web. If you decide to keep it, as a newsletter reader you can
get a huge discount off the regular retail price. For more info, take a look at:
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/7283/PictPage/1920704600.html
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5) Lost and Found
We have a new email address for lost and found comments and requests!
Send them to -- LostAndFound@tias.com

We accept two types of Lost and found submissions for publication in this
newsletter.

1. You have a vintage item in hand and you are trying to find relatives of
the original owner(s). This could be an old photo album, baby book, diploma,
Family Bible, or other vintage items that can be linked to a specific person
or family.

2. You are looking for a fairly common vintage item that has deep personal
meaning for you or someone you know. I'm sorry, but we do not post
requests for "one of a kind items" that have been lost or stolen.

Remember to include as many details about the item(s) as you can. For
your story to run in this section, you must include your email address and
allow us to publish it. If this service helps you eventually track down the
relatives or find an item, please tell us about it in a follow-up story.
--
Hello my name is Robert Moore and I live in S.Fl..Last year while driving
the worlds longest yard sale,I purchased several scrapbooks from an old
couple up in the hills of Tn.Most of them(4 total)are just old newspaper
clippings and such.However,one of them is a scrapbook with all kinds of
info.about the person and her days in college at Pratt institute.These
scrapbooks belonged to Jeannie Stella Ziemian.The book is dated and
signed Oct.17,1936.I realize that finding her is a difficult task.She would
be in her 90's by now.Maybe someone related to her will see this and be
interested.Thanks for reading this-e-mail me about anything concerning
this message at jet991@stis.net Thank You,Robert M.
--
How about you? Do you have some special vintage item that is in need of
its owner or are you looking for a special item or person? Maybe we can
help. Send us info at LostAndFound@tias.com
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6) NEWS FROM THE KOVELS
A KOVELS ON ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES newsletter reader
asked if re-plating a silver-plated napkin ring would lower its value. Ralph
and Terry Kovel replied that re-plating a piece of Victorian silver plate is
acceptable. Dealers report that re-plated pieces sell for high prices, but
dingy, worn pieces are not popular. BUT do not re-plate old Sheffield
plate, which was made by rolling silver on copper. Re-plating old Sheffield
silver destroys its value for a serious collector.

For more information on the Kovels' newsletter, click:
http://www.tias.com/stores/kovel/specialnews.html
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7) Newly listed items for your online shopping pleasure for Friday
May 27, 2005 Stop by and check out today's fresh inventory at:
TIAS - http://www.tias.com/showcase
CollectorOnline - http://cgi.tias.com/showcase/?groupKey=7
AntiqueArts - http://cgi.tias.com/showcase/?groupKey=3
Earthling - http://cgi.tias.com/showcase/?groupKey=6
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8) Funny Old Stuff
This is our humor section. These are humorous stories and comments that
are sent in by readers. If you have a submission you would like to share,
please send it to newsletter@tias.com and we may run it in the next issue.
---
My in-laws, husband, myself and our then 7- year -old daughter, took a
weekend trip to British Columbia. We were enjoying some places we had
been before when first married, and were showing our daughter Caity
some of our favorite sights. We were coming from a nice walk along the
pier, and were heading toward the main avenue where the double-decker
buses were waiting to go on a bus tour.

As we got to the crosswalk, our daughter stood firm and shouted, "Stop!
We can't cross here!". Curious of what had made her stop so abruptly,
we asked what was the wrong. She pointed to the sign above the crosswalk
that said PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. Stumped, we asked her again what
was the matter. She gave us the look that all parents know when their
child feels like they have to state the obvious, and said, "It's says
Presbyterian crossing. We can't use this one....we have to go find where
our crosswalk is at." Thanks! Lory M.
---
Do you have a funny story or joke you would like to share? Make someone
feel good by sharing it with us. Send it to newsletter@tias.com and we may
publish it here.
-------------

9) Wanted ads. Can you help?
Here are the latest wanted ads from the TIAS Exchange. Can
you help someone out? To place an ad of your own take a look at:
http://www.tiasExchange.com

WANTED: Nadal Gres Gold Egyptian Girl Figurines
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1355837/PictPage/1922649318.html

WANTED: We buy antique/vintage fishing lures/reels/rods
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1355837/PictPage/1922635487.html

Wanted To Buy: Old Guitars and Amplifiers
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1355837/PictPage/1922632378.html

WANTED: Tiffany & Co. China
http://pages.tiasexchange.com/1355837/PictPage/1922623881.html
--
Looking for something? Place a "Wanted" ad in this newsletter. Over
240,000 subscribers. It's easy, go to: http://www.tiasExchange.com
-------------

10) A Vintage Recipe
In the last issue Marjorie C. requested a recipe for "Lemon Sponge
Pie" we had several responses, here are two of them.
If you have a variation of this recipe that you would like to share
with our readers, please post it to:
http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=16
Be sure to also check out this weeks recipe request, below.
--
Here's my old Pennsylvania Dutch family recipe:
(Good Luck! -Darla H.)

LEMON SPONGE PIE

2 TBLS BUTTER
1 & 1/2 CUPS SUGAR
3 EGGS, SEPARATED
3 TBLS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
1/2 TSP SALT
JUICE OF 1 LEMON
1 TSP LEMON ZEST
1 & 1/2 CUPS WARM MILK
1 UNBAKED PIE CRUST

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES F.
CREAM TOGETHER THE BUTTER AND SUGAR IN MIXING BOWL.
ADD THE EGG YOLKS AND BEAT WELL. ADD THE FLOUR, SALT,
LEMON JUICE, LEMON ZEST AND WARM MILK. IN A SEPERATE
MIXING BOWL BEAT THE EGG WHITES UNTIL STIFF. FOLD THEM
INTO THE BATTER. POUR THE BATTER INTO THE UNBAKED
PIECRUST. BAKE FOR 45 MINUTES. SERVE WARM OR CHILLED.

-- Another Recipe --

This was a favorite in the 1940's!

Lemon Sponge Pie

1 9 inch unbaked pie crust
2 eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon salt

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Combine flour, lemon
zest, milk and egg yolks in a bowl. Mix well. Gently fold the egg whites
into this mixture. Pour into a 9 inch pie crust. Bake 350 degrees for
35-40 minutes. Test in center of pie with a knife. When knife comes
out clean, pie is done. Alley in Texas.....
--
Did you know TIAS merchants have over 1000 vintage
cookbooks for sale online? They make great gifts. Take a
look at: http://www.tias.com/cookbooks
-------------

11) A vintage recipe request from a reader
As with collectibles, people also have very strong feelings about foods
from their past. Sometimes these special recipes get lost. This section
is to help people who are looking for lost recipes from their past. If you
submit a request, please include the geographical region where
you had this recipe.
--
Greetings From New Zealand.
This year we have grown a good crop of Pie Melons and have made
some Melon & ginger Jam,but as it was bred in America I would some
other recipes for them . Jan M.
--
If you can help this reader with this recipe, please forward it to
recipes@tias.com . If you have a vintage recipe request send it to
recipes@tias.com and we might just publish it here.
--
Be sure to check out our vintage kitchen collectibles section online at:
http://www.tias.com/kitchen
-------------

12) New Online Merchants
These merchants just opened shop online. Stop by and check out their
fresh inventory.

Once In A Lifetime Antiques
Here you will find a very diverse collection of items from glass and
porcelain to pottery, sterling silver, etc. I have: McCoy, Frankoma,
Fenton, Imperial, Federal, Wedgwood, Hall, Hull, Occupied Japan,
Ball, Fire-King, Pyrex, Herend, Zsolnay etc.
--
This year, open your own online Antique & Collectible Shop.
If you have one or a few items to sell, try our classifieds at
http://www.tiasexchange.com. If you have more than a few items to sell,
open your own store at TIAS. It's easy and fun. Over 200,000 customers
visit us on an average day. It costs you nothing to get started. Take a
look at: http://www.makeashop.com
-------------

13) Helpful Resources:
1. What's it worth? Try Kovels' free online price guide to over 300,000
antiques and collectibles. It can be found online at http://www.kovels.com

2. Looking for an expert to help you with repairs, or an appraisal?
Or just some help finding an auction house or a collectors club? Try this
free service at http://www.tias.com/stores/kovelsyellow/

3. Looking for prices for antiques and collectibles?
PriceMiner.com has millions of them. Most items listed include color photos
as well. Sign up today at: http://tinyurl.com/c6oqc
(Not affiliated with Kovels.com)

4. Get an online appraisal
For just $9.95 from "What's It Worth To You?"
http://www.whatsitworthtoyou.com/tias.htm (Not affiliated with Kovels.com)

5. The Latest News regarding Antiques & Collectibles
Take a look at http://www.news-antique.com
--------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for reading. Feel free to forward this to a friend. To subscribe to this
newsletter go to: http://www.tias.com/subscribe Please note that stories and
recipes from readers are not checked for accuracy. They may be edited
prior to publication. For questions or comments, you can reach us at
newsletter@TIAS.com ©1995-2005 TIAS.com Inc.

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