Kovels Antiques, Inc., was founded by Ralph and Terry Kovel. Hailed as “the duke and duchess of the antiques world,” they have written more than 100 books and special reports about collecting. Their bylined column is the longest-running syndicated weekly column in the country, distributed to more than 150 newspapers. Their guides include the annual Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which has sold over 4 million copies since its first edition.
“Neither of us was trained in art, antiques or writing,” Terry remembers. “We came from Nowheresville as far as the experts were concerned. Maybe that’s why we can write what we write, because we think like beginners and write in plain language.”
The Kovels have been repeatedly consulted for their expertise and experience in court cases and in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Boardroom Reports and other newspapers. They wrote the “Collectibles” entry for the Encyclopedia Britannica and have even been featured as an answer on the TV game show, “Jeopardy.” The couple has also written articles for Forbes, Town and Country, Good Housekeeping, and a host of other magazines and other publications.
Ralph and Terry appeared on several television talk shows and starred in three television series: “Know Your Antiques” for public television stations, “Collector’s Journal with Ralph and Terry Kovel” for the Discovery Channel, and “Flea Market Finds with the Kovels” for HGTV. The Kovels have won two Emmy Awards.
The Kovels passed their collecting interest to their children, Lee and Kim Kovel. Along with Terry and her staff, they continue the family’s longtime interest in the collecting world.
The Kovels are avid collectors of all types of antiques. Ralph Kovel passed away in 2008.
“If you want to know all about the price of antiques in America, you cannot do better than to grab a copy of Ralph and Terry Kovel’s book, Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price List. – Antiques News, U.K.
“As millions already know, any book carrying the Kovel byline will be as reliable, informative, and fact-filled as any collector could wish.” – American Country Collectibles
“The Kovels are arguably the authorities on antiques and collectibles in this country.” – Los Angeles Times “What the Kovels don’t know about antiques isn’t worth knowing.” – House Beautiful