What do you do when Harry Rinker, noted aficionado in the antique world, calls and asks you to “go antiquing?” You jump at the chance and, of course, immediately say yes! For many years, Harry has been a featured contributor … READ MORE
Features
Living in Luxury—Small Things & Simple Pleasures
Like most girls of my generation, I had several wedding showers and felt very lucky to receive a really nice set of stainless steel flatware. Thirty-five years later, I still have that set and I’ve added to it over … READ MORE
Rinker on Collectibles: The Traditional vs. Digital Hunt
The hunt is an essential part of collecting. It consists of seven parts: 1) research, 2) select goal(s), 3) plan the hunt, 4) decide where the hunt will take place, 5) consult experts and dealers, 6) persist, and 7) achieve … READ MORE
What Was I Thinking When I Bought All This Stuff? – The Saga Continues
Collecting creates mountains—piles of objects and boxes filled with objects that fill display cases and shelves, spills over into closets and basements, storage sheds and buildings such as barns and warehouses. I filled a 14,000 square foot elementary school. … READ MORE
What Is the Best Thing You Have Owned?
I received an email from Joanna Reeves, subeditor/editor newspaper supplements for APL Media Limited in London, asking if she could email me a few questions regarding my opinions about current and past developments “for collectibles.” While loath to do another … READ MORE
Growing Up in a Victorian Home
My great Grandpa built the home that I grew up in. It was a two family Victorian in an old Italian neighborhood in Connecticut. One to three blocks away in any direction you would find an Italian Mom & Pop … READ MORE

Stocking Stuffers for Antiques and Collectibles Aficionados
“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore or Major Henry Livingston, Jr., depending on which group of experts you choose … READ MORE
The Value of Knowing the First Owner of an Object
Antiques and collectibles are inanimate objects that become animate when stories associated with them are known. Stories, memories and dreams add value. Stories include answers to questions such as who first bought the object; why was it bought; how … READ MORE
Why I Prefer Collecting Antiques and Collectibles with a Story
The move from a 14,000 square foot building, the former Vera Cruz (PA) Elementary School, to a 2,800 square foot home in Kentwood, Michigan, forced me to sell approximately two-thirds of the antiques and collectibles I acquired over 50 years … READ MORE
Appraising – The Business of Things
by Barbara Pickett, MCA At first glance, the occupation of an appraiser or estate sale facilitator appears cut and dried. The appraiser takes a scientific inventory, researches values, compiles a report and submits it to the client. In an estate … READ MORE