Culturally Priceless Caravaggio Painting Rescued from Auction Now on Exhibit

Experts recognized an auction lot as a lost painting by Baroque master Caravaggio. Now the recovered painting depicting a scene from the Passion of Christ is going on exhibit at Madrid’s Prado Museum. “Ecce Homo” (after restoration). Image courtesy of private collection/via Prado Museum Sometimes, treasures hide in plain sight at auctions. In 2021, Ansorena, […]

Father’s Classic Catalin

Q: My father was an engineer, but his real passion was old radios. He loved to tinker with them in his basement workshop. Hundreds of radios came and went, but this one he held onto. It was his favorite. When he passed away, most of what could be salvaged went to his radio buddies, but […]

Exploring the Eclectic Collections of the Sir John Soane’s Museum

From antiquities to oddities, take a journey through Sir John Soane’s timeless legacy. Sir John Soane’s Museum, nestled next to Lincoln’s Inn Fields in Holborn, London, is a historic house turned museum that once belonged to the eminent neo-classical architect John Soane. This extraordinary space offers a glimpse into the life and work of the visionary English […]

Like Father, Like Son: Remembering Gene and Ron Verri of Gem-Craft Costume Jewelry Fame

Over the past 30 years, I’ve spent many days in the Providence, R.I., area, getting to know some very interesting people in the costume jewelry industry. From designers to business owners and component suppliers, they’re often seen as rock stars in the eyes of avid jewelry collectors. Nevertheless, they’re usually quite humble and honored to […]

#Whatsitwednesday

Be the first to guess the pictured item by leaving a comment below. If you have your own whatsit, our editors may include it in a future post. Please send an email to editor@kovels.com and attach a clear picture, the size, and any markings. Hopefully, we will be able to identify it for our readers! The dimensions […]

Vintage Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Make Everything Old New Again

Mother’s Day 2024 Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and the National Retail Federation already has its most popular types of Mother’s Day gifts for 2024. If you’re still looking for ideas or want to think ahead to next year, we have some suggestions for putting a vintage spin on this year’s gift ideas! Greeting cards—It’s […]

Gold pocket watch recovered from wealthy deceased Titanic passenger sells for record $1.5 million.

The sinking of the Titanic after striking an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912 remains one of the most famous tragedies of the 20th century. More than 100 years later, it still captivates Titanic historical societies in the United States and Britain, as well as auctions dedicated entirely to Titanic memorabilia. A pocket watch […]

Uncovering the Charms of Grays Antique Market

Step into the quaint lanes of Grays Antique Market, where history whispers from every corner. Discover a world where vintage treasures and timeless collectibles await to tell their tales. Experience the charm of London’s hidden antique haven. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Oxford Street, lies Grays Antique […]

A Whale of a Time

Cast iron mermaid-form ship’s wheel bracket helm, late 19th/early 20th century, 36 1/2 in. h, 46 in. w, $69,300. Collectors had a whale of a time buying treasures from the sea offered at Eldred’s biannual marquee maritime art auction, “The Property of a Gentleman: Maritime and Decorative Art from the Estate of Peter Goldstein,” on […]

Rising from the Ashes

By Kris Manty Growing up, a staple accessory on my family’s coffee table was a large piece of cut glass with a pattern of flowers and stars that seemed far too pretty for its purpose: holding my parents’ cigarette ashes and cigarette butts. At the time, my parents were heavy smokers, and at least one […]