A GOOD PRESENT FOR THE ANTIQUE-LOVER
My hubby knows me pretty well, and one of his Christmas presents to me this year, was Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles 2011 Price Guide. It is quite the tome of random items, some of which have sold for quite impressive prices in the recent past. An ideal gift for a hoarder of all things old like me.
While I always enjoy reviewing the current pricing of fine antique furniture and a, what is so much more fun in this publication, is the random ‘collectibles’ which I must admit, sometimes I wonder just who collects these collectibles. And who pays such prices for them….
A few good examples are:
This Planter’s Peanut sign from the 1930s or 40s, which is actually worth a whopping $16,100! Frankly I find Mr. Peanut not nearly as dandy-ish and charming as he is these days…I find this version a bit creepy and slightly evil looking.
Of course I have great appreciation, as do many museums around the world, for great ceramics made by great producers such as Sevres, Rookwood or Grueby, but I must admit there are some pieces by lesser known producers in which I struggle to find the appeal. For example, this Hull Pottery pitcher, worth $375. Nice, sure. Sweet, sure. But really? Almost $400? I am glad everyone has differing tastes.
And then we come to the world of cookie jars, which is a world unto itself. The prices are certainly nowhere near Mr. Peanut, but still, over $100 for this fine specimen? I will be keeping a lookout during the spring estate sale season, that’s for sure.
Movie posters are another world unto themselves, but I have to admit many of these are really quite cool. But again, somewhat creepy. That seems to be a theme here…
Creepy but still pretty awesome, this poster (worth $89,000!!!) for a 1923 movie called Hollywood, featured all the leading silent film stars of the day. Not sure why Hollywood was associated with the inside of this guy’s mouth…..
Happy New Year!