by Jim Olson One of the most common questions we hear as turquoise dealers is, “What kind of turquoise is this?” It’s a fair question — many people want to know the origin of the stone in their piece. We … READ MORE
Features
Collectors Corner- Do Reserves Help or Hurt the Auction Process?
by Jim Olson In the auction industry, one of the most common questions we get is whether or not to set a reserve price on consignments. Reserves, or minimum price thresholds, are sometimes put in place to prevent an item … READ MORE
Collector’s Corner: Chaps
by Jim Olson “Chaps” is an Americanized version of the Spanish word “Chaparreras” that loosely translates into “for the brush.” This makes sense as chaps are intended to protect the legs of horsemen from thorny vegetation, cactus, mesquite and various … READ MORE
What Age Is It?
by Jim Olson “I have this really old, antique, collectible __________ that I want to know how much is worth,” she said. “Oh yeah, how old?” was the reply. “It’s at least from the 1970s!” she beamed proudly. Folks bring … READ MORE
Collector’s Corner: Premiums and Who Pays Them?
by Jim Olson The Romans were said to have charged the first buyer’s premium at auctions, thus dating the charge back to around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the modern day buyer’s premium was re-introduced during … READ MORE
Remembrances of an Old Codger: Black and White Television
by Harry L Rinker Chip Sansom’s October 17, 2020, Born Loser cartoon strip struck a memory cord. Art Samson created The Born Loser in 1965. The daily strip began on May 10 and the Sunday strip on June 17. His … READ MORE
Textiles of the West
by Jim Olson When collecting textiles associated with the West, a few different styles come to mind. Hudson Bay and other “Trade” blankets, including Pendleton, were traded on the frontier and are still collected today. Chimayo weavings were woven in … READ MORE
Ignite Sign Art Museum, Tucson Is a Treasure Trove of Neon Signs
Editor’s note: One of the most unique museums that you’ll ever have the opportunity to enjoy is Ignite Sign Art Museum, 331 S. Olsen in Tucson, which is filled with fabulous and historic neon signs—big, small and everything in between. … READ MORE
Collectible Old Purses
The Antique Detective by Anne Gilbert For some collectors, purses are displayed like works of art. Others use their collections in a useable, practical way. How old does a purse have to be to be considered collectible? Surprisingly, purses from … READ MORE
Closing the Sale – Rinker on Collectibles
There are multiple factors that determine the value of an object. Condition, desirability and scarcity are the Big Three value determinants. Age, pizzazz, provenance, regional appeal and size are some of the other value considerations. In this instance, value means … READ MORE