We often hear the word “dandy” applied to wealthy, fastidiously dressed, 19th-century gentlemen unduly devoted to themselves, their image, and style, yet it seems an antique, ill-fitting designator to apply to today’s fashion trendsetters in a world where runway looks…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A pair of paintings by the acclaimed British equestrian artist Sir Alfred James Munnings (1878-1959) sold for a combined $662,500 in the online-only auction…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium The Mosrite Ventures II guitar played onstage by Johnny Ramone (real name: John Cummings), guitarist for the punk rock band the Ramones, sold for…
Back in 1888, George Safford Parker (1863-1937) was working part-time as a seller and repairman of fountain pens. As he worked, he found that he could not find a pen that wrote easily and did not leak. His search for…
By Melody Amsel-Arieli Writing systems have existed since ancient times. Sumerians, for example, used a stylus to create meaningful wedge-like impressions in soft-clay. Highly trained Egyptian scribes penned spells and bills by dipping thick, pointed river-reeds in ink prepared…
Our October issue explores the historical roots of the American harvest. You may question what that has to do with antique collectibles but in their own way, the indigenous seeds we found here and those brought over from other countries,…
If you are one of those people who feel ‘any surface will do,’ then it might be hard to understand the writing desk culture, and the personal connection many people have about the space and surface on which they work,…
by Jessica Kosinski When talking about collectibles related to writing, it is impossible to ignore the topic of paperweights. Before computers existed, writing everything out by hand was the norm. As a result, writing desks were often littered with…
by Maxine Carter-Lome, publisher It is said that Kurt Vonnegut used his hardwood floor as his desk. He worked from his lap with everything—papers, notes, drafts—spread out around him. Virginia Woolf often wrote in a low armchair with a…
Recent Auction Results from Near & Far By Ken Hall An Evinrude porcelain flange sign with excellent gloss and color, rated 8.9, 21 inches by 18 1/2 inches, sold for $30,750 at the Iowa Gas Auction held Aug. 5-6…
