September 2021
August 2021
A History of National Service: Over the past half-century, U.S. public policy has sought to increase the number of Americans engaged in service activities and volunteering.
In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961, the President called on all Americans to commit themselves to service and sacrifice: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what…
Lionel Standard Gauge: 1906 – 1940
by Bruce C. Greenberg, Ph.D. Additional copy on Joshua Lionel Cowen provided by Judy Gonyeau, managing editor Joshua Lionel Cowen was an extraordinary inventor and entrepreneur. From a young age, Cowen’s mechanical talent was evident to the point that his…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Copy of the Declaration, $4.42 million, Freeman’s
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall Signer Charles Carroll’s copy of the Declaration of Independence sold for $4.42 million at a single-lot auction held July 1st by Freeman’s in Philadelphia. It was the second-highest price ever…
Antiques Peek: Workin’ On The Railroad
by Jessica Kosinski When you think of the history of railroads and railroad collectibles, you might picture toy trains first. Alternatively, your mind might go straight to other collectibles, such as railroad lanterns. Station or track signs and dining car…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Prince handwritten lyrics, $150,986, RR Auction
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall The handwritten lyrics to the late entertainer Prince’s song Nothing Compares 2 U, from the collection of Prince’s former assistant Therese Stoulil, sold for $150,986 in a Marvels of Modern…
Peter Cooper: An American-Made Model of the 19th Century
by Maxine Carter-Lome, publisher The venerable Peter Cooper, whose philanthropic life endeared him to every citizen of New York, died at 3 o’clock yesterday morning,” reported the New York Times on April 5, 1883. Although the family planned for a…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Copy of Avengers #1, $23,125, Bruneau & Co.
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall A copy of Marvel Comics’ Avengers #1 (Sept. 1963), graded CGC 8.0, featuring appearances by the Fantastic Four, Loki, and Teen Brigade, sold for $23,125 at a Comic, TCG &…
Railroads On Parade
by Donald-Brian Johnson “Do you think that progress will be swayed By the tea-kettle that this man has made? This Iron Horse?” – Edward Hungerford, Railroads On Parade, 1939 The theme of the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair…
Gavels ‘n’ Paddles: Kurt Cobain drawing, $281,250, Julien’s Auctions
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall A self-portrait caricature drawing by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, created during the group’s 1992 Nevermind promotional tour, sold for $281,250 at a Music Icons auction held June 11-13 by…
The Return of Shows: It has not been easy but show organizers are working hard to return to live events
This week is the return in full of the Brimfield Antique Shows after over a year’s hiatus due to COVID. Like all small shows and large-scale events, there remains some trepidation about what this year’s Brimfield shows will look like…
Riding the Rails: Like the Internet in the second-half of the 20th century, trains were the major disrupter of the 19th century. They changed the way we brought our goods to market, where we lived, and how we traveled.
Like the Internet in the second half of the 20th century, trains were the major disrupter of the 19th century. They changed the way we brought our goods to market, where we lived, and how we traveled. They raised towns…