Feature Details
- Frequency: 1/wk
- Release date: Fridays
- Moves with art: Yes
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
The Smart Collector
A lively column for today's traditional and online collectors. Arnet covers the broad collectible beat with style and expertise.
The Smart Collector Samples
Few collectors likely to spring for folding bed
Q: My mother bought this folding bed in the 1970s. A: The bed seen in images sent is, for several reasons, not a Murphy bed. True Murphy beds are named for inventor William Murphy, who filed his first patent around 1900.
Fire memorabilia is a hot collecting category
Q: I got this fireman's trumpet, badge, and bell at an estate sale and would like to know what they're worth. A: Donning our clairvoyant's turban, we deduce that the reader seeks current market value because he's hoping he got a deal.
Dog-shaped handles give drinking pot extra appeal
Q: I was given this 3-handled cider jug by friends in England long ago. A: Seen in a photo sent, this is indeed an item with three handles. Technically, this is not a jug.
Lamp collectors covet fine pieces from the golden age of cut glass
Q: Any info on this antique lamp I bought at an estate sale? A: The reader adds that the lamp has been electrified by a lamp shop. I'm glad to learn that she bought the lamp because she liked it.
It pays to arm yourself with the best, most current price info available
Q: I found three vintage sports pennants from the 1940s, but I can't find value for them. A: The reader adds that his local library does not have the book. Good for him: That's how a smart collector thinks.
Potato chip cans are popular collectibles
Q: Many years ago, we bought a Japp's potato chip can at a flea market. A: Indeed it does. Readers may not know that Japp's was the precursor of Jay's potato chips.
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