May 28, 1999
Greetings Accumulators!
The weather couldn't be more perfect for this holiday weekend. There's
going to be some serious buying and selling going on in the next three days!
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF A LITTLE COLLECTING HUMOR
In front of a delicatessen, an antiques connoisseur noticed a mangy
little kitten lapping up milk from a saucer. The saucer, he
realized with a start, was a rare and precious piece of pottery.
He strolled into the store and offered two dollars for the cat. "It's not for sale," said the proprietor.
"Look," said the collector, "that cat is dirty and undesirable, but I'm eccentric. I like cats that way. I'll raise my offer to ten dollars."
"It's a deal," said the proprietor, and pocketed the ten on the spot.
"For that sum I'm sure you won't mind throwing in the saucer," said the connoisseur. "The kitten seems so happy drinking from it."
"Nothing doing," said the proprietor firmly. "That's my lucky
saucer. From that saucer, so far this week I've sold 34 cats."
"YEAH, BABY" DEPARTMENT
In the world of merchandising, no movie character is too much of a stretch
to get the children's marketeers' creative juices flowing (it's the vision
of dollar signs dancing in their heads that does it). Mike Meyers'
upcoming sequel to his Austin Powers movie, "Austin Powers, The Spy Who
Shagged Me", is apparently no exception. A company called Trendmasters has
issued a line of dolls that are so funny, they may even catch the attention
of the adult market. The Austin Powers doll wears a suede suit and has
removable eyeglasses, boots, medallion with male symbol, chest hair, pistol
- and Union Jack-adorned underpants. Dr. Evil, archenemy of Powers, comes
accompanied by Mr. Bigglesworth, and is wearing a gray suit. His pinky is,
of course, extendable. The best part? Each doll speaks some of the
signature lines from each of the Austin Powers movies.
REPRODUCTION ALERT
Brass Match Holder - Just arrived on the market, this match holder is solid
brass, 11 inches tall and has a dark antique finish. There is a bearded
man's head at the top and a female head at the bottom. A box of matches
fits into the middle. You can recognize this new item by the pierced areas
- the poor quality of the casting shows in the openings as pieces of metal
stuck in places that should be clean and smooth. If the open areas look as
if they should have been filed to remove these extra pieces of metal, it's
one of these repros.
Jadite Glass - Although they don't tell you this, the Jadite being sold by
Martha Stewart in her mail order catalog is all new. Please be aware that
Martha's catalog is selling unmarked reproductions, something those of us
in the collecting world have been trying to fight for years. Shame on you,
Martha! Connie Swaim, editor of AntiqueWeek, has included the Martha
Stewart mail order catalog in her traveling exhibit of reproductions and
fakes.
At the start of this holiday weekend I ask all you USA Accumulators to
please be careful on the roads of America. If you're going to brake for
yard sales, look in the rear view mirror first, and watch for children in
the street. If you've been having a really, really good time, don't get
into the car until you're back to normal again, and watch out for the other
guy. Maybe no one loved him enough to take his keys away. Enjoy the
beautiful weather and each other. Have a great week, Accumulators. Happy
hunting!
Best,
Judith
© 1999 Judith Katz-Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Antiques and Collectibles Newsletter #85
U.S. Library of Congress
ISSN 1520-4464
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