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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Collectors’ Corner by Jim Olson Why is it important to know the difference between handmade and hand-assembled (or handcrafted)? Value! The differences can sometimes be slight but it’s worth knowing if you want to be an informed collector. As savvy … READ MORE
Recently I was asked into the home of collectors to assess their collection. These folks wanted to liquidate their items by sending them to auction. They had been collecting for years. They believed in the philosophy of putting their extra … READ MORE
