More January 2004 Hotlines

Rolled and pressed celluloid bracelets that look as if they’re decorated with hand-carved flowers are hot sellers. They were made in Japan between the 1920s and the 1960s.

Moonstones old and new are popular with buyers. Look for Victorian pins set with moonstones carved to look like the man in the moon.

Good news for dealers: More Americans are spending money on expensive Prada purses, organic pet food, and fancy cars. They are also looking for fine paintings, rare art pottery and glass, and authentic antique furniture. A segment of the population is willing to pay higher prices to impress others-to show, as the L’Oreal ads say, “I’m worth it.” The bad news? Affluent buyers who want luxury items look for bargains. They like sales and discounts.

Have you noticed the Gothic Revival style popular in England and America in the late 19th century is back again? Today Gothic Revival pieces can be found in catalogs and stores. Carved oak chests, tassels on cushions, embroidered fabrics, and dark colors are back in style.

Beware. Unauthorized copies of Royal Doulton flambé vases and animals are being sold on the Internet.

Heywood-Wakefield furniture from the 1930s to 1960s is selling well. The old company (1826-1978) was among the first to make Art Deco designs in America. Most pieces were made of solid birch.

Pay your sales tax at shows. States are chasing buyers of million-dollar paintings and the galleries who helped them avoid paying sales tax. New York State has collected more than $16 million. But states are also checking sales records and looking at dealers and customers at small auctions, shows, and flea markets.