November 6, 1999
Greetings Accumulators!
I was all set to write to you from Virginia last week but my little laptop
computer just wouldn't cooperate. Artie is in the next room, reading it
the riot act, as we type. It's a nice crisp fall day here in The Big Apple
- perfect for garage saling or visiting a flea market.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF WHAT TO SEND THE CHILDREN OF WAL-MART EXECUTIVES FOR
CHRISTMAS
Wal-Mart has just announced that it will discontinue sales of an action
figure called "Summer Slam '99: Road Rage Al Snow." The figure, based on
World Wrestling Federation "competitor" Al Snow, comes accessorized with a
woman's head, on which is written the words "Help me." Apparently Snow
sometimes carries the head of a female mannequin into the ring with him.
Wal-Mart decided to stop selling the figures after two Georgia women
complained about it, saying that they "just couldn't believe that something
like this was being sold to children", and that "we are normalizing
violent treatment of women" by "teaching little boys this is acceptable
behavior." Wal-Mart spokesdolts had no comment. Probably out watching the
latest slasher movie. Al Snow should take great care at the end of each
show. The rest of that mannequin is waiting for him back in the dressing room. And she's not smiling.
.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEPARTMENT
Samual Codman of Beverly, Mass, reports that a two-foot bronze statue has
been stolen from his garden. The statue, depicting a young boy standing on
one foot and gazing down at a turtle which spouts water from its mouth, was
sculpted by Henri Cremier circa 1912. Codman, who is 91 years old,
inherited the statue, along with the estate on which it stands, from his
mother. It has been the focal point of his garden for many years. The 20
lb. statue was stolen on September 19 - for the second time. It was last
taken, also on September 19, nine years ago. It was later recovered from a
dealer in Gloucester, Mass., who had gotten it on consignment from another
dealer, who had paid $2,800. No arrests were ever made in the first
robbery. Mr. Codman has offered a reward for the return of his statue.
Anyone with information concerning the case, should contact the Beverly
Police Department's criminal investigation department at (978) 921-6046.
Special note to Mr. Codman: Invest in some bolts, willya? And try watching
your calendar.
WHAT WE LOVE
An Internet survey of 13,000 voters conducted by Back To Basics Toys
indicates that Barbie is a winner. She tops the list of Favorite Toys Of
The 20th Century. I think it isn't surprising that the vast majority of
the toys on the list are from the second half of the century - not too many
of the kids from 1901 are around to vote. And Mr. Codman is too busy
looking for his statue. Here are the top 20 rankings:
1. Barbie
2. Easy-Bake Oven
3. Log Cabin Building Set
4. Tinkertoy
5. Etch-A-Sketch
6. Spirograph
7. Slinky
8. Play-Doh
9. Hoola Hoop
10. Colorforms
11. Silly Putty
12. Raggedy Ann
13. Doll House
14. Mr. Potato Head
15. Train Set
16. Erector Set
17. Flexible Flyer Sled
18. Pogo Stick
19. Chatty Cathy
20. Magic 8 Bal
About half of the respondents report that they still have their favorite toys.
NEW STUFF JUST OUT ON THE MARKET
Light My Fire
BIC has just issued the Limited Edition Lighter Series 007. There are 12
lighters in the series, and each features an authentic James Bond movie
poster. SRP: $1.49
Valuable Hockey Puck:
Las Vegas' Desert Inn, which just extended Don Rickles' contract by two
years, plans to celebrate the milennium by issuing a $25 casino chip
featuring Mr. Warmth's likeness. The chip can be saved as a souvenir, or
used as a valid gambling token. Cost? Duh. $25.
REPRO ALERT
Rooster Cocktail Shaker - A 1920's Wallace Brothers silverplated cocktail
shaker with a figural rooster head on top, is being reproduced. The
original has a hand-hammered silverplated body, and is marked "Copyright
USA WB." The copy, which sells in the $50 range (the original sells for up
to $1,500), is marked "Restoration Hardware." The new ones can be
recognized by their smaller size (12.75 inches high, compared with 14.5
inches on the original), their smooth bodies, and the handle, which ends in
an open curve at the top (the original has a handle that forms a complete
circle).
Railroad China - These are actually fantasy pieces, not reproductions.
They carry the trademark of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad (D&RGRR),
which appears in blue on white china. This trademark was never used by the
railroad in blue. It was only used in brown. Railroad china knockoffs are
cheaply made, with blurry trademarks. Authentic railroad china was well
made, to withstand heavy usage and constant shaking, and the logos are
usually high quality and clear.
A GREAT SITE TO VISIT
"Antiques and The Arts Weekly", a great newspaper, affectionately called
"The Bee" by its subscribers, has a great website. It includes auction and
show calendars, and is constantly being updated. Find it Here
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES & MORE GRANDMA
Yes, the newsletter archives are up on the Twin Brooks website. I have a
few more to put up there, and then I'll be issuing a distress call for the
one or two that are still missing. To everyone who was kind enough to send
me back issues, I am eternally grateful. Thanks, Friends!
Also, Part I of another Grandma story is on the site, along with some other
newly added articles. So, please go to JUDITH'S ARTICLES and enjoy!
Okay, Accumulators. Get out there and enjoy the day, and the week.
Tonight, Artie and I will be attending the sale of one of our favorite
auctioneers, Vince Bambina, at The Old Red barn in Cuddebackville, NY.
Have a great week, Accumulators. Happy hunting!
Best,
Judith
© 1999 Judith Katz-Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Antiques and Collectibles Newsletter #104
U.S. Library of Congress
ISSN 1520-4464
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