December 2002 News from Readers

We heard from two New York readers who own porcelain pitchers stamped with a Ceramic Art Co. mark not pictured in our September article on Trenton porcelain. The mark, pictured here, is another of four marks used by the Ceramic Art Co. during its years in business, 1889 to 1906.

Robert Lock, author of The Traditional Potters of Seagrove, North Carolina (mentioned in our October issue) wrote to tell us the publisher’s correct address: Antiques & Collectibles Press, PO Box 13739, Greensboro, NC 27415.

A reader in Glendale, Arizona, wrote: Your article on Consolidated Glass (June 2000) was timely, as I had just acquired a pair of vases in the Blackberry pattern for $10. I resold them for $195. I would never have identified these vases without your article and excellent pictures.

Gremlins got into our computer again. In the November “On the Road,” we mentioned salt and pepper shakers marked with the letters “PV” in a circle. They were actually marked “PY” in a circle.

From a reader who did not include a return address: Why don’t we see any issues devoted to firearms, knives, or books? Our newsletter covers the antiques and collectibles seen at most auctions, shows, and flea markets. It does not cover firearms, knives, other types of weapons, and any other items that cannot be sold legally or that require a special permit in most states. We do occasionally write about children’s books, Big Little Books, cartoon- and movie-related books, and other books often found in booths at flea markets. We do not cover antiquarian books, because they are sold by specialists in shops, online, or at special book shows. We also avoid expensive paintings, coins, and rare Asian ceramics.

In August we mentioned that Springbok jigsaw puzzles were being discontinued. Readers tell us that Allied Products of Kansas City, Missouri, purchased rights to the puzzles. They will continue to be sold in Hallmark stores.

What is a buyer’s premium? That’s a question readers ask regularly. A buyer’s premium is a fee charged to the successful buyer by the auction house. It is a percentage of the price bid for the piece, usually 10% or more. We include the buyer’s premium in the auction price we report in the newsletter because that is what the buyer actually paid. If you bid the highest price and buy a piece for $100, you pay $100 plus the buyer’s premium. If the premium is 10%, you pay a $10 premium. So the piece cost you $110. You may also be charged sales tax. Remember these “hidden” costs when bidding.