Oops. Registration at the American Pencil Collectors Society annual convention was delayed because no one had anything to write with.
Beware of an Internet scam that tries to hook you with a fake eBay email form. The form offers to sell unpaid items to the under-bidder. They say, “Just send the money.” Don’t. EBay is not sending the request, nor is the eBay seller, and you will not be sent anything for your money. Check on eBay for more information.
The hand-colored Christmas card printed in 1843 for Sir Henry Cole was probably the first commercial Christmas card. One was auctioned in England in December for $16,000.
Beware! The diamond-H trademark used by Heisey is being added to some old glass with a rubber stamp and acid. (Open Salt Collectors National Newsletter, Fall 2005)
Currier and Ives prints have come down in price since the 1980s. They are now selling at relatively low prices and are bargains.
The Williamsburg reproduction furniture made by Kittinger Furniture Company of Buffalo is selling well at shows and sales because of its quality and authentic look. The reproductions were made from 1937 to 1990, so only used pieces can be found today. A shelf clock sold for $690, a drop-leaf table for $2,587, and a butler’s tray table for $920 at recent sales. Reproductions by Kindel Furniture Company and Baker Furniture Company of furniture in other museums are also selling well.
Not everyone has a wedding dress and a spare in case a replacement dress is needed, but Princess Di apparently did. The “other” dress, not the one she wore on her wedding day, was auctioned in December for charity. It sold for $173,500.