Yesterday, I got to do something that I love to do. You see, two of our 31 Club Members, Mary and Ron, traveled from Ohio to Chicago to meet me at the Randolph Street Market Festival (formerly the Chicago Antique Market) and I got to personally help them get started in this fascinating business. For me, nothing’s better than helping people get started in a new adventure, helping them improve the quality of their lives, or helping others solve a problem.

What a thrill it was to finally meet Mary and Ron in person. We spent the afternoon browsing the market together, and it gave me the chance to introduce them to the many dealers with whom I’ve built up friendships in our local area. To my delight, they entered into long conversations with many of them. I’m sure a tremendous amount of great information will travel back to Ohio with them.

Mary and Ron got to see the business principles we use at the 31 Club in action when we spotted a Frankoma Trivet priced at $10. I estimated it would bring $20 at auction. I looked at Mary and Ron and said, “Let’s try to do better,” so after introducing ourselves and chit chatting with the dealer, I asked if he would take $5. He hesitated a long while, but finally said yes.

Here is where this becomes important. If you pay $5.00 for an item and you sell it for $10.00, you have doubled your money, which is equivalent to completing one step of the 31 Steps in our club’s “Million Dollar Race. If you paid $5 and sold it for $20, you would have completed two steps. Now Mary and Ron only have 28 Steps left before they can retire on their funds. Remember, if you complete the 31 Steps, you’ll have over 21.5 Million in your account. When we follow the principles I’ve laid out in my book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles and take advantage of your membership in the 31 Club, you’ll be far ahead of the pack, and you won’t be working this business alone without help.

It really doesn’t matter what the price of an item is, the principles are always the same. We are aiming to at least double our money from each purchase and keep our profits compounding to fund additional, higher end buys.

The Frankoma Trivet wasn’t the only thing we discovered. I spied a 9” Dedham Turkey plate priced at $250 and thought it might be a bargain. After talking to the dealer and finding out he had been in the business for well over 20 years, I decided it was time to make my offer. This was easy for me because the number $125.00 popped into my mind and rolled right off my tongue. The dealer considered this for a while before he accepted my offer. As we gathered up our purchase, we agreed to stay in touch, because I am sure we will be doing business together in the future. This was a very informed dealer, and he wanted me to have the opportunity to make a profit, because at $125, he’s apparently made his profit. From a collector, I may get as high as $450 for this plate. So make certain when you go to buy at antique markets, shows, and shops, the dealer knows you’re also a dealer. And don’t forget to bring your business cards.

There’s another reason I write about this dealer. You see, he gave me his card before we left, but now I can’t find it! I hope he reads this Blog and will contact me. 

Later in the day, Mary, Ron and I sat down at a table with three or four other ladies and began talking about antiques and making money, I know you aren’t surprised I’d be talking to whomever was sitting beside us, and that we might even have some new members very soon.

I hope Mary and Ron had as a great a time as I did. I really enjoy spending time with members.

I was also able to see Sally Schwartz, the owner of this fine market, and this gave me the opportunity to express to her how well the market look this year and congratulate her on the large number of dealers she’s attracted.

Put a Turbo Charge on your Antique & Collectible Treasure Hunting Skills.

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Learn the Fine Art and Antique Industry. Learn Insider Secrets that can help you make money trading in these treasures. Then Learn to Grow Your Money Exponentially Buying and Selling only Antiques, Fine Art, and Collectibles with Daryle’s Strategic Business Plan.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Dealers, making more money than they thought possible. Join Daryle Lambert’s 31 Club, today.

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With the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin as VP on the Republican ticket, now we have a real election with definite choices. But, what’s important to us is — can we make money with it? Yes, we can. Regardless of whom you’re rooting for. You see, before today, there was only one party that could make history, but now, which ever party wins, history will be made. I believe this election will rate within the top five great elections of all times. Right up there with Washington, Lincoln and Kennedy. In the world of Political Memorabilia, that means mega bucks.Yesterday’s events have heightened the possibility of for us.

Since the Primaries began, I’ve been writing about getting out there and stocking up on the free memorabilia generated from this election, from both parties. Today, I almost want to command you to go out there and find posters, pins, photographs, ribbons and anything else that represents this election. Go to rallies, town hall meeting, debates, party headquarters and anywhere else you think of where material from this election might be hiding. Those who started early during the Primaries and were able to get their items signed now have a real treasure in their hands.

November is right around the corner, and time is running out for you to acquire these items. What are you waiting for? Items are already escalating in price on eBay and other auctions. You can check this out by going to eBay and doing a word search for McCain, then Obama, and then Palin. Then check the completed sales prices.

Pick up some items while they’re still free. Or, purchase a real treasure at an auction for a good price now, because I don’t think we’ve seen anything yet. Pins, posters and other items from this historic election, featuring Obama and Biden plus McCain and Palin will likely bring in thousands upon thousands just a few years from now.

My Dad, God bless him, told me once, “If you see your lucky star be sure to grab hold and never let it go.” Well this election can be a lucky star for anyone who takes advantage of this opportunity. I am 67 years old, and in my lifetime, there has never been an opportunity like this one. I challenge you to look through price guides and see the prices people are paying for political memorabilia that has very little historic value. Memorabilia from this election will rate up there with the best of the best.

Do you remember the auction of Kennedy’s personal affects? His desk, I think, brought several hundred thousand dollars and then other offerings tripled and quadrupled their estimated values. Kennedy’s belongings will nowhere match the value of the belongings of winners of today’s candidates in this election.

When you discover where you can either buy or get these free collectibles, try to get more than one. You’ll find the value will have greatly increased shortly after the election, and you can cash in on some short term, but and save some items to cash in long term, and some to pass down to your children.

Put a Turbo Charge on your Antique & Collectible Treasure Hunting Skills.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Dealers, making more money than they thought possible. Join Daryle Lambert’s 31 Club, today.

Daryle’s 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Check out the new Paintings and new items in our Gallery and Marketplace here.

Steuben Cintra Bowl is offered at 31 Gallery & Marketplace

by Daryle Lambert

Steuben is one of my favorite glass companies and because the mark is often difficult to find, these fantastic pieces are often overlooked by dealers. If you are prepared and have a comprehensive knowledge of the different patterns in Steuben, this won’t happen to you and the next story of a great discovery of Steuben may well be yours.

Steuben Can Be in Marked Several Ways:

An acid etched clover-like mark with a ribbon running through it with “Steuben” written in the ribbon. This mark was used from 1903 – 1932.

The same clover-like mark in relief with “calcite” written on the ribbon. This was used from 1915-1932. These marks are rather small and can be easily overlooked.
Steuben also used “Aurene” or “Steuben Aurene” on its pieces from 1904 – 1932. Often you will find lamp shades with these marks.

All Steuben should have ground pontils (The bottom circle where the glass rod is snapped off from the pieces and polished smooth.)

Steuben should ring when you flick it with your finger nail. All good crystal will ring like this, and this simple test is a good test of quality.

The great thing about Steuben is there was a lot of it made so your chances of stumbling upon it are pretty good. Steuben also made many different types of glass, and in the early days, much of it was colored. Today, the modern pieces are usually clear.

Steuben was founded by one of the true pioneers of Art Glass, Frederick Carder. If you find pieces with “Carder” marked on them, you have found a real treasure. Not too long ago, I found a Steuben piece in a basement and purchased it for $20. I still have it, because my wife wouldn’t let me sell it until now, and today it is listed in our market place.

To give you an idea on some of the values of Steuben, these listings from Kovel’s Price Guide will help. Candlesticks - alabaster stem and green foot $1610; Figurine - Excalibur, sword in stone $2100, Lamp - Acanthus Leaf $2415. I have no idea why Kovel’s didn’t list more expensive items in their book, but rare Steuben pieces can bring tens of thousands of dollars.

If you’ll spend some time getting acquainted with Steuben Glass, you’ll be able to spot this fine glass. I especially recommend studying the more rare pieces.

In our Blog a few days ago, our 31 Club Member, Julie, shared a photo of her great Steuben find. Today, it is offered in our Gallery & Marketplace. You can see it here.

Julie did one of the things I think is most important to do to be successful in the Antique, Fine Arts and Collectible business. She bought multiple items. One ended up being the real shining star, while the rest are far above average. The Steuben will sell quickly and more than recoup all of her investment from the entire lot she purchased. She can take some extra time getting a fair price for the others without having her money tied up.

Put a Turbo Charge on your Art, Antique & Collectible Treasure Hunting Skills with FREE MENTORING from Daryle Lambert.

Pablo Picasso Print Reproduction, Pencil Signed by the Artist, is offered at 31 Club Gallery.

by Daryle Lambert

Today it is easy to be suspicious of everything we see. When I attend auctions, often I will over hear a group of dealers discussing items, telling each other which ones are reproductions. The truth is, most of the time they don’t have the knowledge to truly know the difference between art prints and print reproductions.

By knowing the differences between originals prints and reproduction prints, you’ll have the upper hand, and this will pay off big time. Spend some time reading about prints, and learning their characteristics. Dealing in Prints is a big business, and if you learn about printmaking itself, you’ll be able to recognize true art prints. This way, you’ll know the real from the reproductions when you see them, and won’t be fooled.

Did you know there are many printmaking methods? Like wood block, mezzotint lithograph, silk screening, & etching woodcut just to name a few. If you learn to recognize the differences in these printmaking methods, you’ll be way ahead of most others. Below I’ve linked up a terrific informative piece about knowing original art prints from print reproductions. This would be a good starting point.

Studying from the Internet and through books is great, but getting up close to original prints is a valuable learning experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. Visit some galleries that deal in original prints and see these for yourself. Or make an arrangement to visit a printmaking studio class in the art department of a university or college.

In the area of Art Prints, I’ve picked up a few secrets of my own along the way. For example, there are just two original sizes of the John J. Audubon Bird Prints. If you know this, half of the battle is over. The two size are: Book Size, 11” by 7” and the Elephant Size, 26 ½” by 39”. These were produced from 1826 to 1854. There was an additional size, the Quadrupeds that measured 28”by 22” produced later.

It’s important to know these measurements, because if you see one in a different size, they’ve either been trimmed, or they were reproduced from the original prints at a later date.

A good way to check if a print is original is to hold it up to the light and see if there is a watermark, which is a mark within the paper itself. The watermark will be the name company who produced the paper and has nothing to do with the artist. This information can help you date the print. Checking for this can be quite trying when the print is in a frame.

I must admit, I’ve been fooled just thinking something was a reproduction when it was actually an original. This happened when I attended Direct Auction in Chicago. I had looked at many of the Audubon prints at this particular auction over the years, and they had all been reproductions. This time, there was a large Audubon print hanging very high on the wall, and I figured this was another reproduction. I got busy talking with people and neglected to inspect it. It sold for $150. My curiosity got the best of me, so when the auctioneer started working another area, I did a good study of the print. The buyer must be very happy because it was genuine all right. It’s wholesale value would be about $5000.

This was the very same auction house where a man I know bought a watercolor by Jessie Willcox Smith for $40 and sold it at an auction house across town a few months later for $22,000. I, like everyone else at the sale, thought it was a print. Don’t assume anything. It can be costly.

Another time, I was browsing an antique mart when a woman brought in a Picasso print that had been pencil signed, and I had the chance to look at it. I knew it was real. The proprietor asked me quietly what I thought it was worth. I told him, in my opinion, it should bring over $10,000. Believe it or not he offered the woman $150 and when this offer was declined, he raised his bid to $500. She declined this one as well. I watch as $6000 to $8000 profit walked out of the mart. Yes, I would have gladly paid $2500, but he kept his eye on me to see if I’d followed her, but I didn’t. Since that time, I have had dreams about that piece. You see, it was his mart, and I didn’t want to get into a lawsuit.

When you learn about prints, you’ll see why we’ve priced the Picasso Prints in our 31Gallery as we have. These are reproduction prints, pencil signed by the artist. You can take a look at these here.

There are many great books on collectible prints, and it’s a good idea to have some of these. Prints is one area that is most overlooked because there are so many reproductions, and few people spend the time to study it. When you do, you’ll be able to spot an original and cash in on this ability.

Buyers – buy high quality items for fair prices at 31 Gallery and Marketplace.

Sellers – sell your high quality items for low fees at 31 Marketplace and Gallery.

Treasure Hunters – partner up with 31 Club on high quality treasures you find. You find, we buy, we sell, you net 35%.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Dealers, making more money than they thought possible. Join Daryle Lambert’s 31 Club, today.

My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Today’s Link:

Original vs. Reproduction

The Antique and Fine Art Industry has always been run by one standard: Me First. That’s why it has always been so secretive. When I wrote my book, “31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles”, I did so with one desire in mind – to break the unnecessary secrecy by sharing what I know to help others prosper as I have prospered.

I truly believe that when we invest our time in the welfare of others and help them to prosper, God sees to it that the wind of prosperity comes back to us, whether it shows itself monetarily or by prosperity in spirit, or both. My staff and I have dedicated ourselves, from our hearts, to help others prosper in the best way we are able. Our collective talents gave birth to the 31 Club. In a way, 31 Club is a like ministry. Call it the Ministry of Antiques & Fine Arts if you want. but here at 31 Club, we do things differently than most others.

How are we different? Let me count the ways.

For starters, we encourage personal relationships and we cultivate relationships with our members and business associates. That’s just how we live our lives. We aim to be like a second family. Members can call us about anything; business or personal. And if there’s a struggle in their lives, we particularly encourage them to call us during the struggle.

On the business side, we’re different as well. I’ve come to realize that this difference begins from my farming roots in Kentucky. Back then, the family farms formed a combine so together we could all have the best chance to prosper. That’s how we intend to run the 31 Club. By revealing industry information that can help members work smarter and by sharing who and what we know for everyone’s mutual benefit. We hope you’ll share who and what you know as well.

We also believe the fees at various sales venues in this industry have gotten completely out of hand. Something’s not right when businesses profit from your final selling price as if they were equal owners of your items. I’ve written about this topic in previous blogs, so if you missed it, I’ve linked it below.

When members want to sell items in the 31 Gallery & Marketplace, they’ll find the lowest fees in the industry. We believe you should keep more of the money you make on your own items. Non-members will find our consignment fees to be lower than anywhere else, and collectors and dealers and will find very fair prices in our Gallery & Marketplace.

Now it’s your turn to add to our 31 Club. I know it’s been a long time in coming, but Jeremy has hooked up our 31 Panel of Experts and the Specialty Auction List on the Members Only side of our site. Our panel of experts are being connected, and you will be able to personally contact them for additional information and for their expert opinion in the area you need. I ask you to drop me an e-mail and let me know what area of the industry you’d like to see an expert available to you, whether it be Asian Ceramics or 19th Century English Paintings. Antiquities or Antique Musical Instruments. Also, let us also know what items you already own. Here’s the e-mail form. Just write “Panel of Experts” in the subject. info@31corp.com

When you have an item that might be best to sell at auction, take a look at our Specialty Auction List to help you make that decision. This list is also on the Members Only side of the site. Contact these auction houses and let them know we referred you. No, we won’t be expecting a referral fee for this from either you or the auction house once your item sells. Rather, we hope to secure better pricing for you when you use anyone from our list. See if anyone else in the industry is willing to do that.

I hope you are beginning to see how people will take notice of us as we grow.

If any of you have any other suggestions for our club, please send them to us at info@31corp.com with “Club Suggestions” written in the Subject line.

Buyers – buy high quality items for fair prices at 31 Gallery and Marketplace.

Sellers – sell your high quality items for low fees at 31 Marketplace and Gallery.

Treasure Hunters – partner up with 31 Club on high quality treasures you find. You find, we buy, we sell, you net 35%.

Our Members are Newbies to Seasoned Dealers, making more money than they thought possible. Join Daryle Lambert’s 31 Club, today.

My 220 page book, 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques & Collectibles is FREE with your membership. Join Today!

Today’s Link: Fees, Fees & More Fees….

Steuben Glass set found by 31 Club Member

by Daryle Lambert

As you become more knowledgeable than others in of antiques and fine art, you’ll be able to pick out the bargains, rather than guessing whether or not you’ve found a special piece. Of course, studying from books is important, but there are several other dimensions to becoming knowledgeable.

Studying Auction Results from companies who post these results with accompanying photos is very helpful, like from Rago Arts or Treadway Galleries.

Getting Up Close to some of the higher end items will help you begin to spot high quality when you attend estate sales and auctions. When you the attend antique shows in your area, you’ll find some of the highest quality items there to get up close to. Once you see plenty of these, your eyes for quality will begin to sharpen.

Another way to sharpen your skills and find some special pieces is to make a list of all upcoming auctions within 100 miles of where you live and ask to be put on their mailing list, whether they use the regular mail, e-mail, or both. Be sure to enter the upcoming dates on your scheduler. From their offerings, you can start studying, researching, and picking out the bargains ahead of time. Never hesitate to call the auction house to answer questions you might have. This process is a very important task, and one that will prevent you from spending your money on things that have little value. Members of the 31 Club can forward these auction house offerings to me and we can examine them together.

Always Remember the 25% Rule. That’s the rule where you buy an item at 25% of its retail value.

Conserve Your Money until there is value in your purchase. I know some of you might be saying, “Well Daryle, just the other day you encouraged us to buy something when we went out, even if it was a low end item we thought we could make some money on. What’s changed? Nothing’s changed.

What I encouraged you to do and said was okay to buy lower end items if there was nothing else, because in that way, you’d be honing your skills and staying in practice until a special item came your way. Money is money, and while you won’t get rich buying in the lower end, this can provide the means with which you’ll be able to buy the expensive pieces when they are found down the road. But, don’t forget, the 25% rule still applies with these types of purchases.

Practice and Persevere, and you’ll see results, like our member Julia D. did. Julia sends me e-mails with lists every week, and yesterday she sent me an e-mail with a photo of what I believe is a true treasure – a set of candlesticks and a bowl by Steuben. This is a fabulous set that is seldom seen, and it would make any auction house proud to sell.

This isn’t the first time you’ve heard of Julia. Earlier this summer, Julia spotted a Coromandel Lamp by Rookwood Lamp. It was purchased through our Associates Program. It was such a nice example, a representative from Cincinnati Art Galleries stopped in yesterday to pick it up. They will offer it in their November auction. I have no doubt Julia will be well-rewarded for this find. She also spotted a Muncie Lamp that will be added to our marketplace soon.

Julia is out there hunting, studying and researching. Her effort and perseverence will bring results. She will be well rewarded. When you do as Julia does, you’ll be well rewarded, too.

Put a Turbo Charge on your Art, Antique & Collectible Treasure Hunting Skills with FREE MENTORING from Daryle Lambert.

Molds Can Mean Something Other Than Dough

I have found that some of the best treasures you can come across in your search are those that had very little value when they were produced. This brings to mind items used in early kitchens such as butter, cake and candy molds. These have become very popular collectibles and can often bring a nice piece of change.

Most butter molds are made of wood or porcelain - with the largest percentage of them being from the very early days, being wooden with a circular base. These can be very decorative on the outside of the base, having been carved from a single piece of wood. The base is drilled out so that the inner dimensions will be the size of the butter mold you are forming. The top has a hole drilled through it so that the press can be put in place (this is a circular piece of wood that equals the inner dimension of the base and is where a common mold is separated from an expensive one.) The bottom of the press has a design carved in it and the more intricate the design, the more collectible and expensive the value of the mold. The mold has a rod passed through the base and attached to the press. This allows the inside of the base to be packed with butter and when the rod is forced through the base a formed cake of butter comes out the other end. The design on the bottom of the press is now formed on top of the butter cake. I have seen these molds bring over $500 and it is entirely possible that there have been ones that have sold for much more.

Another great mold collected today is the cake mold. They can be produced from several different materials however, the ones that I have come in contact with the most often are the Griswold Santa, Rabbit and Lamb molds made from cast iron. I have owned several of these and each time I find one it means that I get to ring the cash register again. The best one that I every found was the Santa mold, unused and still in the original box. I bought it for $200 at a farm auction and sold for a little more than $1,000. As a standard rule, if I can buy the Santa for under $300 I do, and likewise the rabbit for $125 or less and the lamb at $25 or less. There is a steady market for these molds.

Last, but not least, are the candy molds. These are the ones that I know the least about. However, if you can find the old tin ones I see in auctions, they sell quite well. I think you will find that these also sell at prices that are determined by the design. Like the cake molds, candy Santa’s should be at the top of the desirability list. These are also produced in solid metals and have been reproduced in recent years. I have seen molds used in the candy factories where there were multiple molds within in one mold and they seem to be one of the collector’s favorites.

All of these items should be included in your list of collectibles that can be profitable and meet the buying criteria we encourage for members of the 31 Club. If you have a sweet tooth, you may even want to try one out before selling it.

Membership in the 31Club is but a click away so we want you to become one of members on the journey to success.

Molds Can Mean Something Other Than Dough

I have found that some of the best treasures you can come across in your search are those that had very little value when they were produced. This brings to mind items used in early kitchens such as butter, cake and candy molds. These have become very popular collectibles and can often bring a nice piece of change.

Most butter molds are made of wood or porcelain - with the largest percentage of them being from the very early days, being wooden with a circular base. These can be very decorative on the outside of the base, having been carved from a single piece of wood. The base is drilled out so that the inner dimensions will be the size of the butter mold you are forming. The top has a hole drilled through it so that the press can be put in place (this is a circular piece of wood that equals the inner dimension of the base and is where a common mold is separated from an expensive one.) The bottom of the press has a design carved in it and the more intricate the design, the more collectible and expensive the value of the mold. The mold has a rod passed through the base and attached to the press. This allows the inside of the base to be packed with butter and when the rod is forced through the base a formed cake of butter comes out the other end. The design on the bottom of the press is now formed on top of the butter cake. I have seen these molds bring over $500 and it is entirely possible that there have been ones that have sold for much more.

Another great mold collected today is the cake mold. They can be produced from several different materials however, the ones that I have come in contact with the most often are the Griswold Santa, Rabbit and Lamb molds made from cast iron. I have owned several of these and each time I find one it means that I get to ring the cash register again. The best one that I every found was the Santa mold, unused and still in the original box. I bought it for $200 at a farm auction and sold for a little more than $1,000. As a standard rule, if I can buy the Santa for under $300 I do, and likewise the rabbit for $125 or less and the lamb at $25 or less. There is a steady market for these molds.

Last, but not least, are the candy molds. These are the ones that I know the least about. However, if you can find the old tin ones I see in auctions, they sell quite well. I think you will find that these also sell at prices that are determined by the design. Like the cake molds, candy Santa’s should be at the top of the desirability list. These are also produced in solid metals and have been reproduced in recent years. I have seen molds used in the candy factories where there were multiple molds within in one mold and they seem to be one of the collector’s favorites.

All of these items should be included in your list of collectibles that can be profitable and meet the buying criteria we encourage for members of the 31 Club. If you have a sweet tooth, you may even want to try one out before selling it.

Membership in the 31Club is but a click away so we want you to become one of members on the journey to success.

Molds Can Mean Something Other Than Dough

I have found that some of the best treasures you can come across in your search are those that had very little value when they were produced. This brings to mind items used in early kitchens such as butter, cake and candy molds. These have become very popular collectibles and can often bring a nice piece of change.

Most butter molds are made of wood or porcelain - with the largest percentage of them being from the very early days, being wooden with a circular base. These can be very decorative on the outside of the base, having been carved from a single piece of wood. The base is drilled out so that the inner dimensions will be the size of the butter mold you are forming. The top has a hole drilled through it so that the press can be put in place (this is a circular piece of wood that equals the inner dimension of the base and is where a common mold is separated from an expensive one.) The bottom of the press has a design carved in it and the more intricate the design, the more collectible and expensive the value of the mold. The mold has a rod passed through the base and attached to the press. This allows the inside of the base to be packed with butter and when the rod is forced through the base a formed cake of butter comes out the other end. The design on the bottom of the press is now formed on top of the butter cake. I have seen these molds bring over $500 and it is entirely possible that there have been ones that have sold for much more.

Another great mold collected today is the cake mold. They can be produced from several different materials however, the ones that I have come in contact with the most often are the Griswold Santa, Rabbit and Lamb molds made from cast iron. I have owned several of these and each time I find one it means that I get to ring the cash register again. The best one that I every found was the Santa mold, unused and still in the original box. I bought it for $200 at a farm auction and sold for a little more than $1,000. As a standard rule, if I can buy the Santa for under $300 I do, and likewise the rabbit for $125 or less and the lamb at $25 or less. There is a steady market for these molds.

Last, but not least, are the candy molds. These are the ones that I know the least about. However, if you can find the old tin ones I see in auctions, they sell quite well. I think you will find that these also sell at prices that are determined by the design. Like the cake molds, candy Santa’s should be at the top of the desirability list. These are also produced in solid metals and have been reproduced in recent years. I have seen molds used in the candy factories where there were multiple molds within in one mold and they seem to be one of the collector’s favorites.

All of these items should be included in your list of collectibles that can be profitable and meet the buying criteria we encourage for members of the 31 Club. If you have a sweet tooth, you may even want to try one out before selling it.

Membership in the 31Club is but a click away so we want you to become one of members on the journey to success.

Molds Can Mean Something Other Than Dough

I have found that some of the best treasures you can come across in your search are those that had very little value when they were produced. This brings to mind items used in early kitchens such as butter, cake and candy molds. These have become very popular collectibles and can often bring a nice piece of change.

Most butter molds are made of wood or porcelain - with the largest percentage of them being from the very early days, being wooden with a circular base. These can be very decorative on the outside of the base, having been carved from a single piece of wood. The base is drilled out so that the inner dimensions will be the size of the butter mold you are forming. The top has a hole drilled through it so that the press can be put in place (this is a circular piece of wood that equals the inner dimension of the base and is where a common mold is separated from an expensive one.) The bottom of the press has a design carved in it and the more intricate the design, the more collectible and expensive the value of the mold. The mold has a rod passed through the base and attached to the press. This allows the inside of the base to be packed with butter and when the rod is forced through the base a formed cake of butter comes out the other end. The design on the bottom of the press is now formed on top of the butter cake. I have seen these molds bring over $500 and it is entirely possible that there have been ones that have sold for much more.

Another great mold collected today is the cake mold. They can be produced from several different materials however, the ones that I have come in contact with the most often are the Griswold Santa, Rabbit and Lamb molds made from cast iron. I have owned several of these and each time I find one it means that I get to ring the cash register again. The best one that I every found was the Santa mold, unused and still in the original box. I bought it for $200 at a farm auction and sold for a little more than $1,000. As a standard rule, if I can buy the Santa for under $300 I do, and likewise the rabbit for $125 or less and the lamb at $25 or less. There is a steady market for these molds.

Last, but not least, are the candy molds. These are the ones that I know the least about. However, if you can find the old tin ones I see in auctions, they sell quite well. I think you will find that these also sell at prices that are determined by the design. Like the cake molds, candy Santa’s should be at the top of the desirability list. These are also produced in solid metals and have been reproduced in recent years. I have seen molds used in the candy factories where there were multiple molds within in one mold and they seem to be one of the collector’s favorites.

All of these items should be included in your list of collectibles that can be profitable and meet the buying criteria we encourage for members of the 31 Club. If you have a sweet tooth, you may even want to try one out before selling it.

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