February 2006 Hotlines

We told you to buy vintage aprons nearly a decade ago (see Kovels, November 1997). If you did, you’re in luck. Vintage and copies of vintage aprons are in demand at shops, and so are new designs. Perhaps it’s because of Bree, the apron-wearing perfectionist in Desperate Housewives.

The remaining four Shakers who live at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine are trying to preserve the buildings, farms, and contents of the settlement. They have entered into a trust with the state of Maine and several conservation groups to keep the settlement from being sold while they are alive. A nonprofit group will decide what will happen after the Shakers die.

Watch out if you collect autographed baseballs. There is now a way to take a multiple-signature ball and remove signatures to create a more valuable single-signature ball.

Precious Moments may become a more popular collectible. The brand is being expanded beyond figurines, and you will soon see Precious Moments plaques, stationery, and other giftware. Collectors of the figurines will still find new ones, but lots of other items will show the teardrop-eyed children. (Gifts & Decorative Accessories, October)