Month: June 2021

What are some tips for shipping vintage items?

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

You have taken the plunge into the world of buying vintage items, and you are now beginning to sell some items online.  What are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to shipping vintage items?

Breakable items like glassware get both packing peanuts and bubble wrap when I pack them.

When I ship clothing, I put a layer of tissue paper in as I fold the item.  I do this to help with keeping it lying flat in the box.

If I am shipping a book in a packing envelope, I will often wrap the book in a plastic bag to help keep the book from getting wet (especially if there is a chance of rain or snow).

When I pack sports cards, I always try to use both a hard plastic holder to put the card in and a piece of cardboard behind it.  This way helps the card from being bent when it is shipped.

This is just a few tips for you to use when it comes to shipping a vintage item.  What tips have you run across?

I have started a collection on an area that I love. Now what?

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Beginning to collectLeave a comment

Not too long ago, you have made the leap and started a collection on what you love.  Not only that, you also found a few pieces to add to that collection.

Now that you have accomplished all of this, what are some things to keep in mind?

After a little time to get your collection really going, you can narrow down the focus of your collection to several smaller areas.  This can be collecting Morgan dollars and Capped Bust half dollars if you are a coin collector or to collect Fenton and Northwood Glass if you collect glassware or even Carnival Glass.  This help keep you interested in your collection.

There are going to be times that you will have to sell off a part of your collection.  I know that this sounds counterproductive, but this prevents hoarding.  Not only that, it also helps keep your collection funded.

Keep your mind open to trading.  This way you can take similar items that are in your collection and trade them for an item that you really want to add to your collection.

Learn as much of the history on your collection that you can.  Not only does this help you with identifying the real from the reproductions, you can also tell people about what you collect.

This is just a few tips on collecting.  What tips have you heard?

Harold Bell Wright

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Books, The OzarksLeave a comment

One name that has remained popular here in the Ozarks is Harold Bell Wright, an author that wrote several books about my area.

One such book that he wrote is called “The Shepherd of the Hills”.  The story is based mainly in the Branson area, and at one time was second in sales only to the Bible.

Even to this day, you can still catch a play at the park that has the same name as the book.

All of his books are still well received here in the Ozarks, and you can still find them in just about any flea market or antique mall you go to here.

What are some of the books by Harold Bell Wright have you run across?

Beginners tip: what are some auction no-no’s?

On By wisdomlaneantiquesIn Auctions, Beginning to collectLeave a comment

You are new to the auction world, and you have found one that is close by that you want to attend.  What are some of the things that you need to keep in mind that you should not do?

Do not bid if you are not sure if you want to buy the item.

Do not bid just to drive up the price.

Do not be rude, especially to the auctioneer.  This is an easy way to get people mad at you, and it could also get you kicked out of the auction.

Do not go in unprepared.  When I go, I always have packing material and a box or two to pack everything that I buy.  Another good thing to bring is a two-wheeler to help move the heavy items.

Do not start bidding on an item at the highest amount you are willing to pay.  If you listen to the auctioneer for a second or two, you will hear them lower the price down until they get a bid on it.  If you are patient enough, you will get a good deal on the item you are bidding on.

These are a few no-no’s to keep in mind when you attend an auction.  What are others that you have heard of?