Columns

These sought-after sections offer expert auction analysis, cultural commentary, and more, adding depth, variety, and a personal touch to every issue. Columns include Gavels ’n’ Paddles, Psychology of Collecting, The Beat, Pop Culture Collecting, Toys from the Attic, and Civil War Collector.
/ Gavels n Paddles
A Kyser & Rex (Philadelphia) Roller Skating cast-iron mechanical bank with bright original paint colors sold for $24,000 at an auction titled “Abby’s Attic Finds” held October 14th by Bertoia’s in Vineland, NJ

Kyser & Rex bank, $24,000, Bertoia’s

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A Kyser & ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
The only known Winter Dance Party concert poster from Feb. 3, 1959, promoting Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion, forever known as “The Day the Music Died” (since all of the above artists except Dion were killed in a plane crash that day), sold for a record $447,000 at a Music Memorabilia Signature Auction held Nov. 11-13 by Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

Winter Dance Party concert poster, $447,000, Heritage Auctions

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium The only known ...
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/ American Glass, history of chairs, history of denim jeans. pottery styles, Talk of the Trade
Know your style

Know your style

Ever drive by a house you love and not know its style? Or pick up a piece of glass or ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles, Grandma Moses
Grandma Moses’ 1943 oil with glitter on pressed wood painting titled We Have All Gone Sledding sold for $31,250 at a Fine and Decorative Art Auction held November 9th by Dallas Auction Gallery in Dallas, TX

Grandma Moses oil painting, $31,250, Dallas Auction Gallery

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium Grandma Moses’ 1943 ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles, John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck’s personal journal, $70,000, Bonhams

John Steinbeck’s personal journal, $70,000, Bonhams

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far All prices include the buyer’s premium by Ken Hall Author John Steinbeck’s ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
George Nakashima Conoid bench

George Nakashima bench, $48,255, Bonhams Skinner

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A circa 1960 ...
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/ A.C. Gilbert, Antiques Peek, Chemistry Set
A.C. Gilbert Chemistry Set: Building Future Scientists

A.C. Gilbert Chemistry Set: Building Future Scientists

by Jessica Kosinski The year 1923 was an incredible one. Many new inventions were created that year. Those inventions are ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
A John Steinbeck two-page handwritten letter to his 14-year-old son, Thomas, dated Nov. 10, 1958,

John Steinbeck letter, $32,426, RR Auction

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A John Steinbeck ...
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/ Talk of the Trade
In Celebration of 100 Years!

In Celebration of 100 Years!

As we move forward into 2023, it’s only natural to reflect on the products, inventions and discoveries that have their ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
A Chinese famille rose porcelain vase with the Qianlong mark of the period sold for $504,000 at an Asian Works of Art auction held September 21st by Doyle in New York City.

Chinese famille rose porcelain vase, $504,000, Doyle

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A Chinese famille ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
Ansel Adams Yosemite photo

Ansel Adams Yosemite photo print, $38,750, Holabird Western Americana

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium An Ansel Adams ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
American National pedal car, $66,000, Milestone Auctions

American National pedal car, $66,000, Milestone Auctions

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium An American National ...
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/ Antique Gifts, Talk of the Trade, Vintage DIY
10 Crafty DIY Antique Holiday Gifts

10 Crafty DIY Antique Holiday Gifts

Working on your holiday gift-giving list? This year, rather than purchasing a mass-produced plastic toy, a high-priced piece of electronic ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
Machine Man Robot, $84,000, Morphy Auctions

Machine Man Robot, $84,000, Morphy Auctions

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A circa 1960 ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
Kobe Bryant rookie card, $34,375, Hindman

Kobe Bryant rookie card, $34,375, Hindman Auctions

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium BGS 9 Mint, ...
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/ Antiques Peek, brand building, branding
M&M characters over time

M&M’s: Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hands

by Jessica Kosinski There are many fun things you can collect, but branded items are often among the most interesting ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
Gorgosaurus skeleton, $6.1 million, Sotheby’s

Gorgosaurus skeleton, $6.1 million, Sotheby’s

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A Gorgosaurus skeleton, ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
Nantucket curlew decoy, $228,000, Copley Fine Art

Nantucket curlew decoy, $228,000, Copley Fine Art

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A Harmon Hollow ...
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/ Columns, mourning
The National Museum of Funeral History unveiled its new, highly anticipated George H.W. Bush Memorial Exhibit, honoring the 41st President of the United States and his wife, Barbara Bush.

The National Museum of Funeral History: The Heritage of Death Care

While not a favorite topic for discussion, “death care is one of man’s oldest professions,” according to Robert L. Waltrip, ...
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/ Advertising, branding, David Ogilvy, Maxine Carter-Lome, Talk of the Trade
The History of Brand Advertising

The History of Brand Advertising

While branding is and always has been an essential part of building any successful business, standing out from the crowd ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles
An extremely rare 12-cent U.S. postage stamp with a portrait bust of George Washington

Rare 12-cent U.S. postage stamp, $19,520, Holabird Western Americana

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium An extremely rare ...
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/ Antiques Peek, mourning, Promotional Items
A wooden nickel given out by the Preston-Pruitt Funeral Home in Danville, KY, promoting their funeral and ambulance services – and a free cup of coffee! Selling on eBay for $3.95

Posthumous Promotions – Funeral Home Promotional Items

by Jessica Kosinski When it comes to collecting death-related items, a large category on which you may choose to focus ...
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/ Buzz Aldrin, Gavels n Paddles
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s flown Apollo 11 in-flight coverall jacket, worn during the historic 1969 mission to the moon and back,

Buzz Aldrin’s jacket, $2.8 million, Sotheby’s

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium Astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s ...
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/ Autograph, B.B. King, Gavels n Paddles, GIbson Guitar
A Gibson Lucille electric guitar signed by B.B. King,

Signed Gibson guitar, $16,800, Potter & Potter

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A Gibson Lucille ...
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/ Gavels n Paddles, Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe gown

Marilyn Monroe gown, $218,750, Julien’s Auctions

Results of Recent Auctions From Near and Far by Ken Hall All prices include the buyer’s premium A gown and ...
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