Featured Finds Thread

I have never used an auction house, the brick and motor kind. If I feel that I have something that may rake in some serious dough, I would go for the house that's reputable and very well known. The thing about auctions, which I'm sure most, if not all, know that, you want a house that specializes in the subject that your piece is in. Don't take the first estimate, get three estimates. Get information on how they advertise their auction pieces. The more people who buy the subject piece you have and hear of your item, the better chances that the house and consigner walk away happy.

 

Not sure Moon. If so, it may be a follow-up from the original story I read a couple years ago.

Yes, many pitfalls and hazards in this business, but more good than bad.....at least in my opinion. I'm sure there are many things I slipped-up where buyers have made good money on. But then there's MANY items we've purchased over the years for two and low three figures and made a killing.

Case and point. The first items I posted (page 9) within this Finds Thread this past summer. One of the best mixed lots we've ever purchased. Everything from 18th C. English silver to 18th C. Chinese. Hell, I'm still making money off that lot. Just sold that Russian vase at upper right a week or so ago for $400, and just yesterday sold that miniature flask at lower left for $300. Those four silver pieces at left sold fast in August for almost $10K. Paid $390 for the entire lot...

 

now that's a nice lot !!!!

 

Wish I could find a box lot like that! Was that blue enamel clock/inkwell piece hallmarked?

 

@komokwa, thank you!

@evelyb30, yes it was, but with an unidentified Swiss mark. That piece was a 'damaged' Swiss signing bird box with timepiece and it still sold for almost $6.4K Probably worth around $15K restored.

 

Amazing lot that keeps on giving the enamel clock alone was a deal!!!

 

What did you get for the Inro w/ Netsuke ??
If u don't mind me askin....

 

Thank you and yes it does!

That box was one I should have kept for the private collection, but I really don't have any regrets.

This is what's all left from that lot...

18th C. Chinese plate, Japanese silver coin, early-Japanese Bankoware teapot and a Eddie Bauer sleeping bag ($10) which was part of that original lot, but never photographed.

 

No netsuke, only the ojime..............but if I recall correctly, that was damaged also and sold for $100 or $200.

 

Right !!!.....I see the broken thread at the end now....

 

Lol! No, it had damage to the lacquered carving near the base and a few missing lacquered pieces.

Sorry, that should have been early-20th C. (circa, 1920s/30s) Bankoware teapot.

This isn't a new find, but one I can't seem to find much info on. If I'm not mistake, it's an early (19th C.) piece of unglazed Japanese Bankoware. The only other somewhat similar figural example I could find is here:

http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/47358?rpp=30&pg=1&ft=BANKO&pos=19

 

Nuff: Have you looked at Chinese/Japanese blanc de chine? for similar fired white examples?

 

My latest little finds. Cloisonne smoking set on copper with five bats. Unusual color combo, but exactly the colors I am using in my office sitting area-dang may keep, Scheiner brooch, carved wood pin nationality anyone?, Victorian bar pin and famille rose cricket box.

 

It would be easier to figure out the pin from the back; sometimes the fastener gives it away. That said, it's probably American or Japanese.

 

thanks evelyn, I mean what is that thingie on he/she head, Aztec Brazil? I will take a closeup of back fairly new fastner.

 

famille rose cricket box.

I think davey will join me in wincing at that one.

 

just looking in for the first time in a while....OMG I COVET this box!!!!!! Love the "tackle box" fold out detail LOL wow sweet find among many,.. good on you

 

The thing on her head is a hat; the pinback looks like a hobbyist one from the 70s or later, but the woman's hair and hat are more late 40s. Think Veronica Lake. She's a version of a Victim of Fashion pin, or that's what I've seen them called anyway. Go to Google images and you'll see what I mean.

 

Hey Trip,

No, not really. I think it's definitely Japanese Bankoware from the 19th C., but I can't seem to find much info on their unglazed figural vessels such as this.

Very nice set of cloisonné you have there. I have a set of 4 Japanese cloisonné vases that will be posted a bit later. In the meantime, this small lot below cost us $77...

An entire album full of 1980s & 90s baseball cards with every card being autographed.

1898 Yellowstone National Park color photograph by: 'William Henry Jackson (American, 1843 - 1942)'.

1970s Evel Knievel-like rhinestone bodysuit.

19th/early-20th C. Chinese famille rose figure of Guanyin (a very similar piece just sold on eBay for $300+).

1920s, 40s and 60s artist sketchbooks filled with drawings.

Antique Istanbul silk scarf of some kind (not sure what that thing is).