I don’t enjoy being right when people have to suffer, but the following article about a fallen mogul auctioning off much of his art collection is a sign of the times and a testament to the value of fine art work.

I’ve written before that I expected valuable items not seen in many years to hit the marketplace. If the economy continues to remain turbulent, this article may be one example of what we might be seeing more of within our own communities in the days ahead. I’ve always said many antiques and many works of art keep growing in value. It’s in times like our present time that these assets can come in handy for many families.

While I’m not straying from the stated purpose of the 31 Club — buying and selling quickly — I did state that it wasn’t a bad idea to set a few items back for your own collection. You, too, might need it on a rainy day.

Here’s the article from the Wall Street Journal:

“Fallen Tycoon to Auction Prized Works Lehman’s Fuld and Wife Consign Millions in Postwar Art to Christie’s for November Sale

‘Study for Agony I” is a jewel-toned drawing made by modern master Arshile Gorky in 1946.

It could also evoke the plight of its owners, Richard Fuld Jr. — chairman and chief executive of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., the bankrupt holding company — and his wife, Kathy, a well-known collector of modern art.

The Gorky drawing is part of a group of 16 postwar drawings owned by the Fulds that were quietly put up for sale by Christie’s last month, according to people familiar with the situation. The sketches were consigned in early August following a competitive bidding process between Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Christie’s wouldn’t confirm the identity of the seller but says the total presale estimate of the works is between $15 million and $20 million.”

continue article here….

In the Antique and Collectible Market, you will find items of many sizes. Surprisingly, the most value will usually come from the large or very small pieces. The medium size items are the most common of all, and therefore, bring less money as a rule.

First, a large vase by Rookwood is usually sold by so much per inch, everything else being the same. An eighteen inch vase by a top artist from Rookwood is going to bring a lot more money than an eight inch one by the same artist. This difference compounds as the item increases in size. The eight inch vase may bring $1,000 while the eighteen inch one might bring $30,000 or more. You should always keep this in mind as you are shopping.

The reason that larger pieces have more value happens to be true, because fewer of them will have been made. If a artist wants to make a very large piece, he knows that it is extremely hard to keep the consistency of the image that he is decorating the same throughout the piece. Also, just handling a larger piece is more labor intensive.

As for the smaller pieces, they acquire their value because it is very difficult to handle items under two inches, so few are made. We call these pieces mini, and often they are models for those pieces that will incorporate their design into larger ones later. A one inch Daum Nancy “Fall Scene” vase might bring as much as $3,500.00 or more. Can you imagine that? I just bought three mini Lotton vases, and the last one I saw sell brought over $500. Don’t overlook something because it’s small. If others can’t see its value, you will find a Treasure.

I remember as a small child, I always wanted to be larger so that basketball and football would be easier for me. Later, when I developed a love of horses, I wanted to be smaller, so I could be a jockey. I didn’t know it at this early age, but the principle of large and small had already been placed in my mind.

I would love to share with the club any articles that you would like to write and pass on to us.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Ps: If you wish to leave comments use the ANONYMOUS button and then you don’t have to sign in to leave your message.

When buying good leaded crystal glass, you should have handled a lot of pieces before you invest in this field. You want to be able to recognize the weight and designs on the better pieces you encounter, because it is easy to get fooled today. Also, being acquainted with their marks will come from familiarity. I don’t know of a book that shows the marks, so if anyone does, write and let us know. Often, all clear glass looks alike, but it isn’t. In your search, these differences will become apparent. There has also been an influx of what I call copycat pieces that are coming into the market today.

It would seem easy to say, all that is necessary to recognize this glass is to look at the bottom of each piece, right? Wrong. I often have taken a piece from one room to another trying to get just the right light on it so that I could pick up that faintest piece of a mark, such as Lalique, Steuben, Baccarat, and even cut glass. Did you know that some of the best cut glass that was ever produced is marked? Most people don’t. These companies usually marked their pieces by acid etching the mark or by signing them with an electric marking process. Often these marks are almost invisible to the naked eye with out proper lighting or magnification.

Once, as I was attending an estate sale, and running very late I must add, there, on one of the card tables, was a huge frosted glass frog. I picked it up like probably 100’s of other people during the day, but put it back down when I couldn’t find a mark on its bottom. After spending several minutes searching the rest of the sale and finding nothing, my mind wouldn’t let me forget that frog. I re-entered the room where it was located, picked the piece up again and examined it from top to bottom, but came to the same conclusion: Nothing special.

Going to the car and being ready to get out of there, I stopped in my tracks, re-entered the house, picked that darn frog up and said, I am going to find that mark or it’s going to kill me. Believe it or not, there it was, as clear as day, and marked Lalique. I pick it up and went to the counter and asked the price. The answer almost made me start laughing right there. They told me $25.00. Paying very quickly and running out the door, I discovered in researching the piece that it was quite valuable. Putting that darn frog on eBay and waiting for the seven days was difficult but worth it, $650.00. Yahoo!

You will find most of this glass will be over-priced, and this is where the discipline comes in. Don’t ever over pay, even if you can make a small profit. We are waiting to make our money work for us, and that means at least doubling the price we pay for each item, if not more. However, there are a lot of people that don’t know the rare pieces made by these companies from the common ones. when you do, it will give you a tremendous advantage over them.

Stay with the best names in the clear glass, because the copycats, as I have called them, have very little value in the secondary markets.

If it sparkles, look at it carefully, because you just might find that special frog yourself.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert

Would you think that a vintage string of Christmas light could sell for several thousand dollars? What about a single light from the string selling for hundreds of dollars? Unthinkable, right? But it happens to be true. Remember the old bubble lights that we would watch for hours? If you can find the older ones today they will fetch a pretty penny. SHOCKING!

Those old glass ornaments, that were stored so carefully in years past, might have done much better than other investments you have made over the years. A bicycle- built-for-two ornament, made in Germany, might fetch $10,000 today, and considering that its cost was probably less than a quarter, I would say that the return was quite adequate. Animal ornaments seem to bring huge money, and I think that it is because so few were made. Reindeer, camels, birds seem to have been appropriate at the time. Even the more common one can bring $40 or more and if they are purchased for one or two dollars each. If you buy serveral, then the reward could be quite handsome.

The next thing that you may watch for is paper mache candy containers. Some of the Santa ones have been know to bring over $5,000. Not bad for pressed paper. Other pieces from the Christmas story are also in demand. These pieces were originally priced at only pennies and given as gifts for the children’s pleasure. Can you imagine if you told someone back then that these candy containers would sell for thousands of dollars later? You would’ve been sent off to the institution, never to have been heard from again. We aren’t even to the best part, yet.

Toys for Christmas have always been a hit, and never has it been more true than now. The true toy collector would go crazy over any toy about Saint Nick from the 1800’s. I would say that the sky is the limit for some of the first Christmas toys. These wonderful treasures can come in cast iron, wood, paper mache or even early plastic. There are some real treasures out there just waiting for our members to find them. What are you waiting for? Hook up the sleigh and away we go, Ho Ho.

I can’t wait for the first Christmass story and I know it will be coming soon.

Be sure to visit our web site for more information about how you can join the 31 Club and start your own race to your millions! Read more about it here!”The Guy in the Red Tie” — Daryle Lambert