More October 2006 Hotlines

Mercury is a hazardous substance and has caused serious pollution problems. But collectors and dealers who own antique barometers have been surprised to learn that the sale of these devices is being banned in many states. There is a possibility that the law will be adjusted to make selling antique barometers possible.

New tax rules on charitable donations of household goods, collectibles, cars, and other items are going to be stricter. The IRS will deny deductions of donations that aren’t in good condition.

Even museums are lax about insurance. More than 220 pieces of jewelry and other objects were stolen from Russia’s Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Those accused so far are related to a deceased curator. The thefts took place over six years. The items were stolen from a storage area, so they were not insured. Only exhibited art is insured at the Hermitage.

Ohio art pottery like Rookwood and Weller is becoming more popular with West Coast collectors. It’s probably because Internet and phone bidding at auctions is so prevalent.

The public’s increasing interest in the PGA and other golf tournaments has probably been the reason for increased interest in golf collectibles. Old wooden-handle clubs, golf club bags, covers, balls, and even ball retrievers and wild-colored golf shoes are wanted by collectors.

The pottery mark PAW was used by P.A. Wranitzky, a potter who worked in what is now the Czech Republic from 1875 to about 1941. He also used an oval mark with the letters PAW surrounded by the words Gesetzlich Geschtzt (“registered trademark” in German). It is a collectible pottery just being noticed by collectors.

Enamel ware bread bins imported from Europe are popular today.