Show and Auction Calendar

Came across a great piece in the Journal of Antiques & Collectibles that takes a fresh look at Wallace Nutting and his lasting impact on the Colonial Revival movement. For those who aren’t familiar, Nutting was known for his hand-colored photographs of early American landscapes and interiors, along with reproduction furniture that’s now antique in its own right. His work shows up pretty regularly at shows and antique shops, but the market has softened a bit in recent years. The article makes an interesting point: many of these prints are still very accessible, often in the $50–$100 range, and that condition is everything, since each one was hand-finished. Attached is a sampler-style piece associated with Princess Diana and Kensington Palace, with a similar nostalgic, decorative appeal you often see in Nutting’s work and in the broader Colonial Revival aesthetic. Curious what others think: Are Wallace Nutting prints still worth collecting today? Do you see them as decorative pieces or investment-worthy antiques? Have you noticed prices trending up or down in your area? Always interesting to hear how different collectors view these kinds of pieces. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

Collectors always seem to have that one unexpected discovery. Maybe it was something strange, mysterious, or something you had no idea what it was at the time. • What’s the most unusual object you’ve ever come across while hunting for antiques or collectibles? • Did you end up buying it? • Did you ever figure out what it was? If you have photos of the find, feel free to share them too. Those stories are always the best part of collecting. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

One of our appraisers recently examined a fascinating piece connected to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization founded in the United States in 1819. The object is a ceremonial model of the Ark of the Covenant used in lodge rituals and initiation ceremonies. The Odd Fellows often used biblical imagery in their symbolism, and the Ark represented the virtue of truth within their teachings. This example appears to date to roughly 1870–1900 and is constructed as a wooden chest with turned feet, carrying poles, and two carved cherubim figures on the lid. The triple-link chain motif on the railing is a well-known Odd Fellows symbol representing friendship, love, and truth. Pieces like this were ceremonial props rather than decorative objects, and they were often used during lodge degree rituals. Comparable examples tend to sell in the $1,500–$2,500 range, with this example appraised slightly higher due to condition and completeness. Curious what collectors here think: • Have you come across many Odd Fellows lodge artifacts? • Are ceremonial fraternal objects like this actively collected today? • Do pieces like this typically remain in lodges or enter the antiques market? Fraternal artifacts always seem to carry a bit of mystery with them. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

We recently came across an interesting appraisal story about a small box that initially looked like a simple brass trinket container. While examining it more closely, the appraiser discovered a hidden hallmark stamped on the inside lip of the lid: “CARTIER 14K.” The piece turned out to be a 14-karat gold Art Deco cigarette box, likely dating from the 1920s to 1940s period. The cedar-lined interior suggests it was designed to store cigarettes or tobacco while regulating moisture. The box also carries a personal inscription inside the lid: "To Mother with love — on our wedding day, Mimi and Bob." The object weighs about 153.8 grams, and even after accounting for the cedar liner, the gold content alone represents significant intrinsic value. Beyond the gold itself, the Cartier hallmark and the piece's historical context add substantial collector interest. For collectors here: • Have you seen many Cartier desk accessories or cigarette boxes from this era? • Do collectors generally prefer to keep the original patina on pieces like this or have them professionally polished? • How common are Cartier objects like this compared with their jewelry pieces? Always fascinating when an everyday-looking object turns out to have a much deeper story behind it. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

Two major pieces of news recently caught the attention of comic collectors. A copy of Action Comics #1 (CGC 9.0), the 1938 comic that introduced Superman to the world, reportedly sold for $15 million, setting a new record for the most valuable comic book ever sold. This particular copy also has an unusual history — it once belonged to actor Nicolas Cage, was stolen from his home in 2000, and resurfaced years later in a storage unit before eventually returning to the market. At the same time, the comic world is remembering legendary Marvel artist Sal Buscema, who recently passed away at age 89. Buscema worked on many major Marvel titles and had a long run illustrating The Incredible Hulk and The Spectacular Spider-Man, among many others. Moments like this remind collectors just how much history lives inside comics. For the collectors here: • What comic book started your collecting journey? • Do you collect superhero comics, comic art, or something else entirely? • What’s the most interesting comic you’ve ever owned or found? Feel free to share photos if you have them. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]

Almost every collector seems to have that one item that started it all. Maybe it was something you found at a flea market, inherited from a family member, discovered at an antique shop, or even something you bought as a kid that sparked a lifelong interest. What was the first collectible that got you hooked? • Was it a specific object? • A category like toys, glass, tools, baseball cards, or advertising? • Something with a personal story behind it? If you still have that first item, feel free to share a photo too. It would be great to see how many different collecting paths people have taken. Looking forward to hearing everyone’s stories. submitted by /u/JOACCollectors [link] [comments]