Is It or Isn’t It? Possible Rembrandt Sells for $1.4 Million to Optimistic Bidder

Kaja Veilleux at the podium, having just sold Lot 2363, ‘After Rembrandt,’ for $1.4 million. Image courtesy of Thomaston Place. Rembrandt Van Rijn is one of the greatest artists in history. He earned his fame during the Dutch Golden Age with paintings like The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp (1632) and The Night Watch (1642). […]

#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 email 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 are […]

A Boy, His Wagon, and Dodging the Scales of Justice

By Anthony Cavo My lifelong love of antiques began on a trip to Milford, Pa., at the age of 6 in a barn that doubled as an antique shop. It was dark and, even on that hot summer day, cool. The only available light fought its way through the dust-speckled panes of glass in the […]

Ruby Slippers Head to Auction

Stolen in 2005 and returned to the owner, the slippers are on the move. DALLAS — Last spring, during a private ceremony at the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn., collector Michael Shaw was reunited with his pair of ruby slippers stolen from the museum in the summer of 2005. Dorothy’s ruby slippers were […]

Collector’s Gallery: Aldo Londi Ashtray

This Aldo Londi ashtray is a desirable Mid-century collectible found in parents’ belongings. Q: Hi, Dr. Cavo. Can you tell me if this is an antique? I found it in my parents’ belongings. Thank you. Lori A: Hi Lori, Your Mid-century ashtray was made by Aldo Londi, a ceramist for the firm of Bitossi in […]

Unconventional Photography at a Political Convention

A photographer used a 110-year-old camera to capture panoramic history at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, proving that in politics, as in life, everything old is new again. Abbas Shirmohammadi, founder of Panoramic Visions Photography in Washington, D.C., at work at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Image courtesy Associated Press “During the photo, there should […]

Like Summer, the Labor Day Postcard Has Faded Away

Here in the U.S., we have plenty to look forward to this coming weekend: An extra day off, barbecues, and the warm, sunny weather of the end of summer. Yes, it’s almost Labor Day, the last great holiday of the season. Two embossed Labor Day Postcards celebrating the American worker sold for $110 at Matthew Bullock […]

#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 email 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 are […]

#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 email 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 are […]

Polly Pocket’s 35th Anniversary: From Childhood Icon to Airbnb Adventure

Polly Pocket, the 1990s doll sensation, is turning 35 this year, as noted by its maker, Mattel. And Mattel isn’t the only company celebrating: Rental company Airbnb offers one-night stays and daytime experiences at a 42-foot-tall replica of the 1994 Polly Pocket Slumber Party Fun playset in Littleton, Mass. The replica promises all the pastel […]