December 2008 Hotlines

We’re seeing more tiles in new homes and in remodeled kitchens, bathrooms and other rooms. New tiles can be very expensive. Look for old tiles that can be used as trim or decorative features. We thought our fireplace mantel needed some trim, so we added a large rectangular American Encaustic tile on each side. We used Velcro so the tiles could be easily removed when the house is sold someday.

Ivory products of all kinds will no longer be listed in sales on eBay all over the world, according to the company. We think eBay’s intention is good, but we wonder about old “carved ivory.” Who decides if a piece is elephant ivory, petrified ancient mammoth tooth or whale bone? And what will eBay do about the feathers of exotic birds, the shells of rare turtles and other parts of endangered species used as decorations on antiques? Objects made years ago decorated with any of these animal parts are often sold in the antiques market, even though it’s illegal to sell many of them.

Collector Dave Krashes has rounded up a group of dealers, auctioneers and show managers to sponsor a unique promotion to encourage new collectors. They’re asking dealers at shows to talk about the fun of collecting and to talk their customers into bringing novices along to the shows to introduce them to the world of collecting. The promotion, “Every collector add a collector,” is a “grass roots approach to growing the antiques community in America,” according to the group’s flyer. Look for literature at your next show or email everycollector@snet.net. Share the fun, spread the word, and maybe you will someday have a grandchild who will want to keep your collection in the family.

Perfume bottle collectors should look for the new Bond No. 9 NYC perfume in the Andy Warhol bottle. The bottle is covered with Warhol pictures of shoes and has his facsimile signature on one side. Bond No. 9 is a perfume boutique at 9 Bond St. in New York City and also a line of 34 different New York scents, each named for an area of the city. This new bottle is filled with the Lexington Avenue Warhol product. The black bottle holds 3.3 ounces and costs $195. There is also a limited edition bottle with a silver necklace with shoe charms for $595. The bottles can also be found at BondNo9.com, Saks.com or some Saks Fifth Avenue stores. It’s sure to be a collector’s item.

A large antique doll, 38 inches tall or taller, has extra value.

Since the stock market has been so volatile, investors are looking for other places to put their money. Art, antiques and collectibles are being mentioned by many who know nothing about these markets. Some of the suggested areas include stamps, coins, maps, autographs, books, toys, banks and antique firearms (a rare Walker Colt revolver sold for $920,000 at a Julia auction this fall). More traditional areas include fine art, sculpture, furniture, porcelains, bronzes, silver, jewelry and wine. Remember, it takes expertise to invest-so if you are not an expert, find one. Another thing to remember is that none of these are like stocks; they require care to stay in mint condition, they should be insured and they can’t be sold quickly. But if you are already a collector, you know it is more enjoyable to own a fabulous antique than a share of stock.

Painted furniture is a trend today, according to a popular decorating magazine. New Colonial-style wooden pieces painted in pastel colors are replacing the shabby chic peeled-paint look of a few years ago. Some dealers are refinishing and painting the “shabby” pieces left in stock so they’ll appeal to new young buyers.