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Killer Stuff and Tons of Money-Favorite Finds

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Part IX, the last of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America The final part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton, Maureen shares photos of her favorite finds! I tend to collect and buy odd and kitschy objects. My first purchase at the [...]

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A Priceless Education in Antiques

Part VIII of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The eighth part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton:

“What shocked you the most about your experience with antiques while working with Curt and preparing to write this book?”

I was really surprised at the “behind-the-scenes” aspect of flea markets. I had no idea that all sorts of deal-making and treasure hunting happened before the gates even opened to the public. Pretty much everything in Killer Stuff was new to me, even though I’d been interested in flea markets, vintage stuff, junk and second-hand stores for decades.

I was also surprised that antiques dealers are really knowledgeable. I don’t mean to insult anyone, but the context of selling stuff on the side of the road on a make-shift table lead me to think otherwise. Most of the mid-level dealers I met are well-educated in some other field, like Curt Avery with his B.S. in biochemistry, but they found their way to antiques dealing through their passion for it, or in retirement, or in summers. Many teachers are summer-time antiques dealers. Or they transitioned from a hobby to a full-time vocation. A few grew fed-up with corporate life and took the plunge into the entrepreneurial world of treasure-hunting.

So you have all these lay-historians with valuable knowledge, deep veins of knowledge about stoneware or early lighting or hooked rugs and textiles, hanging out in these fair grounds or church lawns selling valuable treasures. “Selling antiques in a cow pasture,” as Curt Avery says.

To learn more about Maureen’s book, check it out here:

http://killerstuffandtonsofmoney.com/

First two people who leave a comment can receive a complimentary signed copy! Comment below and email the Author your shipping address and we’ll get your copy out right away!

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Find and Flip-Profiting from Flea Market Finds

Part VII of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The seventh part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton:

“What’s your most profitable “find and flip” to date?”

My best find remains the one I wrote about in Killer Stuff, a hooked rug I spotted for $65 that’s worth about $450. I’ve had a few small hits here and there but the funny thing is, I’ve never “flipped” anything. I keep everything! I’m not a dealer and I just buy what I love and can use or give to someone as a gift.

I recently unearthed a Frederick Stuart Church ink drawing of a tiger from a box of junk at an estate sale, and paid $4. I didn’t know anything about the drawing except that it was well executed. The signature was “FSChurch ’84.” From the rusted nails and fox-marked paper on the backing of the print, I knew that the date referred to 1884. When I researched the print at home, I found recent sales prices were about $125.

But it’s always fun to find free treasure. I found a late 19th-century J. & J.G Low decorative ceramic fireplace tile at my local dump, which is worth about $30. I don’t really have the knowledge to make a big score; it would be pure luck if I did, but so far I’m rockin’ the dollar tables for stuff worth $20 or $50.

To learn more about Maureen’s book, check it out here:

http://killerstuffandtonsofmoney.com/

First two people who leave a comment can receive a complimentary signed copy! Comment below and email the Author your shipping address and we’ll get your copy out right away!

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Reconnecting with Treasures of our American Past

Part VI of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The sixth part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton:

“Why do you think there is a growing (unfortunate) disconnect between the younger generations and the treasures of our past?”

This is pure speculation, but this generation (the college students I now teach) grew up with the whiz-bang of technology, electronics, and a hyper-visual culture. (They have a hard time maintaining the stillness, concentration and focus to read classic literature in book form, which seems “slow” to them.) Much of their time is occupied in the virtual world. (Professors everywhere struggle with getting students to turn off smart phones and tablets during class.) So it’s difficult for them to focus on something like an antique—an unmoving, old, crusty, useless, outdated object. They don’t know the story behind a blanket chest, which can make the object romantic and intriguing and important. On the surface, a blanket chest looks like a few pieces of wood nailed together, crooked and warped. How does an important cobalt decorated 19th century jug compete with Angry Birds or the latest Facebook or Tumblr post? It’s a challenge to grab the attention of these young adults.

Also, I’m not sure if history is taught in schools through “material culture,” as opposed to a recital of a litany of names, dates, wars, etc. And with the emphasis on testing in schools for math and science, some of the social sciences and arts—where aesthetics and “stories” are the focus—these subjects maybe be getting short shrift.

Then there are the oceans of cheap goods at IKEA and Wal-mart and Target or Homegoods. You can get a piece of furniture that looks sophisticated and contemporary for a fairly low price. (The true cost of cheap stuff is not reflected in the sales tag, i.e., the environmental cost of manufacturing in and shipping from China, or the cost in human exploitation for cheap labor. Those costs are hidden.)

To learn more about Maureen’s book, check it out here:

http://killerstuffandtonsofmoney.com/

First two people who leave a comment can receive a complimentary signed copy! Comment below and email the Author your shipping address and we’ll get your copy out right away!

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Just say “no” to roses on Valentine’s Day

You may think that if you come home without a dozen red roses on Valentine’s Day, you will wind up in the dog house. While traditional can often be the best route, I like to take a more original and creative approach to my holiday gift giving.

Before I get into specifics, let’s take a second to talk about the bottom line. We’re all still suffering from our holiday hangover, and shelling out for a dozen roses and chocolates isn’t helping in that department. A dozen long stem roses without thorns (for all you inexperienced shoppers, you can buy de-thorned roses, and it does make a difference) and a box of above average chocolate will run you over $100 this time of year (we all know the prices miraculously go up around Valentine’s Day). Even if you’ve got that kind of cash available right now, consider how long your gifts will actually last: the roses might last a week, the chocolates might last a day, and then you’re left with nothing.

If, however, you go to a garage sale this weekend or next (planning ahead!) you could find something for the same or less that your Valentine will love and cherish for a lifetime. They will be able to look at that item anytime in the future and be reminded of this holiday and the thought you put behind your gift.

For all of you romantics out there who think I’m missing the point of Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to really think about my theory. Be different. Be inventive. Be exciting. Isn’t romance supposed to be spontaneous and fun? If your Valentine gets roses every year, you’ve taken all the surprise out of it. Don’t do what millions of people are suckered into just because Hallmark has told you that celebrating with a card and some flowers is the right way to celebrate. So long as you give a gift from your heart, you’ll be giving them a fantastic gift. And if you still can’t get away from your traditional roots, try buying just one rose to go with your creative gift – then you’ll have the best of both worlds!

Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

Vintage jewelry

Artwork – think something romantic with a love/heart theme

A poem or a photo of you and your Valentine, framed in an antique frame

Antique jewelry box

One last piece of advice: if you’re going for a useful gift, do not give your spouse a crock pot, a vacuum or a cookbook. It doesn’t matter if they would use it or love, it, those gifts do not fall under the veil of romance, and most likely will send you to bed with Fido.

 

Good luck, and happy gifting.

Aaron

To learn more about Aaron LaPedis, visit www.thegaragesalemillionaire.com or contact him at thegaragesalemillionaire@gmail.com.

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Antiques-A Starter’s Guide

Part V of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The fifth part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton:

“After your experiences and “inside information” education you received while working with Curt at Brimfield, traveling to antique shows and shopping at flea markets, what tips would you have for folks who have an interest in antiques but don’t know where or how to start?”

First you have to follow your heart and buy what you love and want to have in your home. Sometimes this attraction is inexplicable—like my penchant for buying tiny ceramic 19th century and earlier dolls. I never really played with dolls as a girl, but I just love these early primitive sculptural toys, and they are cool to display. I collect vintage jewelry because I wear it, and old books because I love books and reading. I started collecting other objects after I learned about them and developed an appreciation for the history, craftsmanship, and beauty—liked hooked rugs.

But whatever category of objects you are attracted to, the first step is simply to spend time looking – call it field research– in shops, shows, and antiques fairs. You first have to train your eye for what is rare and more prized within that category you love. I see a lot of hooked rugs, but I know how to spot the better ones, which finer stitches, original designs, older, and in better condition.

When I first began tagging along with Curt Avery for Killer Stuff, I was neophyte. I thought any “antique” was valuable since it was old, but some antiques are more common than others. The more I looked, the more I was able to sort the common objects that you see in many booths and shops from the more unusual ones.

After that, you can begin to educate yourself further. Take advantage of the knowledge of dealers. Most dealers understand that taking the time to educate a buyer means a potential customer down the line. I often saw Curt Avery often spending time at shows teaching someone about old coffee grinders, or valuable marbles. Even though they didn’t purchase something then, he was helping to cultivate a future customer. During the slower times at shows, ask a dealer about an object that interests you. Also, read some antiques trade publications. Many are distributed free at antiques shows and flea markets like Brimfield, and there are several good ones online for free.

To learn more about Maureen’s book, check it out here:

http://killerstuffandtonsofmoney.com/

First two people who leave a comment can receive a complimentary signed copy! Comment below and email the Author your shipping address and we’ll get your copy out right away!

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There’s nothing wrong with making a deal fun

About a week ago I stopped in at a local gun show – before I go any further, I want to throw out a quick disclaimer due to the current sensitivity surrounding guns and gun regulation. I went to the show looking for antique guns – the kinds that are meant to be displayed, not used. I mainly collect pieces from the 1800s or earlier, almost all of which black powder muzzle loaders. While gun shows aren’t exactly known for carrying these types of guns, I almost always find one or two booths that sell strictly antique weaponry, ie swords, guns and rifles dating back 100 to 200 years. In my opinion, these weapons played a huge role in our history, and I find them to be a fascinating historic collectible.

Continuing on to the real reason I wanted to share this story: how I was able to score a fantastic deal.

I found a booth with two beautiful vintage hand guns. I would have liked to own both, but really had my eyes set on the British VR Tower Pistol. The piece was from the early 1800s and I knew I had to have it; however, I knew I wasn’t willing to pay the asking price. So, as always, I started to negotiate with the seller. I asked for the best deal he could do and immediately said it was too high. He came back, asking what I was looking to pay and quickly stated that my price was too low. I could tell he wanted to sell the gun, but wasn’t going to let it go easily; and I certainly wanted the gun, but wasn’t willing to rise to his price.

So the guy gives me a look and says, “Son, are you a betting man?” I have been known to lay a wager from time to time, so I asked what he had in mind.

“You want this pistol for $375, but I don’t want to sell it for less than $475. How about we flip for it? I’ve got a silver dollar in my pocket, and I’d even let you call it. If you call right, you get it for your price. You call it wrong, you pay mine. Or we skip the coin toss all together, and I’ll give you the pistol right now for $425. If you decide to flip for it, there’s no backing out once it’s in the air.”

I thought about it for a minute or two and decide that I really wanted the pistol and thought it was worth the risk. So the man flipped the coin, and I called “heads.” We gathered around as the coin fell to the ground.

At this point we had attracted a bit of a crowd, and a little kid scrambled to the coin and yelled “It’s heads!” The crowd got excited and congratulated me on my win. I had won the gun for the price I had wanted.

I certainly don’t recommend this approach for every purchase – or even for any purchase – but I will tell you that this sale will definitely stay in my mind and I can bet it will stay with the seller as well. What’s even better, after our friendly interaction, the man and I developed a mutual respect for each other, and I can guarantee he will let me know when he gets a piece of interest in the future. We both enjoyed the transaction, and developing a relationship with both buyers and sellers is one of the most important components of being successful in this business. You never know when a seller might get in a hot ticket item you’ve been dying to get your hands on, and you definitely want to be the first person they call. On the flip side, you want have a list of buyers you can call when their favorite items wind up in your collection. No matter what side you’re working on, it’s always good to know that the last deal you completed was finished with a smile and handshake.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

-Aaron

To learn more about Aaron LaPedis, visit www.thegaragesalemillionaire.com or contact him at thegaragesalemillionaire@gmail.com.

 

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The Art of Buying and Selling at Flea Markets

Part IV of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The fourth part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton:

“Have you had the opportunity to speak with other authors who’ve published work on similar topics with similar antiquing experiences in different parts of the country? How do they relate or differ?”

At Brimfield I met Barry Berg, who wrote “The Art of Buying and Selling at Flea Markets.” He paid me a nice compliment about my book, which he enjoyed. I’ve met people who write for antiques publications, but not too many who’ve written books. But I have heard from many antiques dealers across the country and abroad, especially the U.K. and France, who assure me that the New England scene that is the landscape in Killer Stuff is the same as it is everywhere else, with the exception of a different categories of objects that people are collecting. I received a lovely email from an antiques dealer whose booth is in the original marche aux puces at St. Ouen, which began in the late 19th century. After he read Killer Stuff, he said it was “amazing” how much was the same.

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Experiencing the Brimfield Antique Show

Part III of our series on “Killer Stuff and Tons of Money” – Seeking History and Hidden Gems in Flea-Market America

The third part of our interview series with Maureen Stanton poses the question:

“How would you summarize the Brimfield Antique Show for someone who’s never gone or heard of the show but is looking for something fun to do that is also educational?”

Brimfield–or the Rosebowl in Pasadena, or First Monday Trade Days in Texas, the three largest outdoor antiques shows and flea markets—is like an ad hoc, hands-on, outdoor Smithsonian display of American culture and history.

There’s just so much to absorb and appreciate at an event like Brimfield. There’s the history of all sorts of fascinating objects, like opium bottles; there’s nostalgia when you encounter some long lost thing from your childhood that you’d all but forgotten; there’s an aesthetic smorgasbord of stuff—interesting things to look at, beautiful or odd or unique things [assorted Brimfield pictures]. There’s treasure to be sought and found if you have a good eye and some knowledge. There are great bargains on quality merchandise like furniture and home décor. And it’s a lot of fun to participate because flea markets and antique shows are interactive; you engage with dealers, who are typically not your mainstream folks but are a bit more eccentric or maverick, but also quite knowledgeable.

Flea markets like Brimfield are the antithesis of shopping at Wal-Mart or Target. They hearken back to the Greek agora, the famous outdoor pavilions for trading and shopping. At Brimfield, you might talk to Ken Woodbury who has been selling antique phonographs for over 30 years, and he’ll play you a little song on his wind-up record player and tell you some of the history. Or in New York City at the Green Flea Market you might talk to Michael Sheafe, who knows everything about the history of toasters. Or at Brimfield, someone like Curt Avery, who’ll bend your ear talking about whale oil lamps or marbles or yellow ware or six board blanket-chests or any of the cool objects he has for sale.