Richard Stevens began collecting banks in 1984, but his most active period of buying was in the early 1990s. “Mr. Stevens has always sought out the very finest examples, and his collection contains probably 30 banks that qualify as ‘world class,’” said Haradin. “These banks have exquisite pedigrees and rival or surpass the conditions seen in many major collections. The quality is simply spectacular – it tops anything we’ve ever had in our past sales.”

Rich with provenance, the Stevens collection carries on the tradition of many legendary collections of the past. An Atlas Bank formerly in the collections of Leon Cameto and Larry Feld is estimated at $25,000-$35,000 and is “as close to mint as you can get,” said Haradin. A Boy Scout Camp bank, made by J. & E. Stevens and in near-mint condition, was once part of the fabled Perelman Museum collection and is expected to earn $20,000-$30,000.

The collection also includes a mint/boxed ex-Stephen Steckbeck collection Calamity bank ($60,000-$90,000) and what may be the finest known example of a circa-1895 “Butting Ram Man Thumbs Nose” bank ($12,000-$18,000). Haradin described the rare Butting Ram as “an anomaly in the mechanical bank world. It was made in a machine shop in Wisconsin and was the only bank they produced.”

An exquisite example of a Chief Big Moon bank with red base rather than the usual brown was successively in the ownership of Bill Bertoia, Donal Markey and Stanley Kesselman. It is estimated at $20,000-$30,000. An African-American and baseball-themed Darktown Battery bank traces back through the collections of Kesselman, Larry Feld, and before that, Markey; while a Two Frogs bank in mint/boxed condition includes provenance from the collections of Feld, Kesselman and Bertoia.

In near-mint condition, a Lion Hunter is expected to make $25,000-$35,000; and a Magician bank in outstanding condition with particularly good flocking to the sides of the podium stairs could conjure a winning bid of $8,000-$12,000.

A red-dress version of the Mammy with Child mechanical bank carries an estimate of $18,000-$24,000; while a white Owl Turns Head bank is expected to make $12,000-$16,000). Another animal form that is as rare as hen’s teeth is the circa-1930 Kilgore Turtle bank, ex Stan Sax and Gertrude Hegarty collections, estimate $50,000-$70,000. Additional items of note include original bronze patterns for early mechanical banks, including Darktown Battery and North Pole; and one pattern for a still bank.

A second featured grouping within the mechanical bank section consists of 20 examples from the collection of New York investment broker Stanley Kesselman. “Not only has Mr. Kesselman always been known for seeking out the finest examples of mechanical banks, he would also pay whatever it took to get the best – and it shows,” said Haradin. “When you see the banks in this sale from the Kesselman collection, it’s very clear that he got what he paid for.”

The list of mechanicals with prestigious lineage continues with a superb example of a J. & E. Stevens Breadwinners bank that, prior to its purchase by the consignor, belonged to Al Caron, Bob Brady, and then Larry Feld. Exhibiting bright, beautiful paint, the Breadwinners bank could bring home both the bread and the bacon, if it achieves its presale estimate of $90,000-$120,000.

While the majority of the sale consists of mechanical banks, it also contains some gorgeous cast-iron and spelter still banks. Cast-iron still bank highlights include: King Midas, Hippo, a rare painted version of Barrel with Arms ($6,000-$9,000) and a neighborhood of approximately 30 building banks, including a City bank. A fast-rising specialty, painted spelter banks are expected to put in a praiseworthy performance, just as they did in RSL’s Oct. 17, 2009 sale. Top lots include a Paul Kruger Transvaal bank ($5,500-$7,500) and a Puss in Boots with Staff ($6,500-$8,500).

Approximately 15 American clockwork toys, mainly from one collection, have been consigned to the sale. Top Ives lots include an Aunt Chloe (Washerwoman) estimated at $12,000-$18,000; circa-1885 Boxers (Sparring Pugilists) estimated at $9,000-$12,000; probably the finest known example of Old Nurse, which is mint and boxed; and two examples of Preachers at Pulpit. Other American clockwork toys include a circa-1876 Secor Banjo Player ($18,000-$25,000) and a fabulous oversize tin omnibus, probably made by Hall & Stafford. Emblazoned with the word “Hotels” on its front and “Depots” on its back and sides, the 22-inch vehicle is described by Haradin as “the largest clockwork omnibus I’ve ever seen.” It is entered in the auction with a $45,000-$65,000 estimate.

The sale also includes seven charming bell toys and a lineup of excellent European tin automobiles and novelty toys. A beautifully restored boat, the Jolanda, is expected to drop anchor at $14,000-$20,000.

“If there’s one thing that I can’t stress enough, it’s the condition of the banks in the Stevens collection,” Haradin said. “In our past sales, we would have maybe 3 or 4 banks that you could confidently describe as being at the pinnacle of the collecting ladder. This collection contains more than two dozen that would fit that description. This is a rare opportunity to acquire some very, very high-quality banks.”

All forms of bidding will be available, including Internet live bidding through www.LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information, call Ray Haradin at 412-343-8733, Leon Weiss at 917-991-7352, or Steven Weiss at 212-729-0011. E-mail raytoys@aol.com or geminitoys@earthlink.net. Visit RSL Auction Co. online at www.rslauctions.com.

Why oppose these import restrictions?  Because Roman coins are at the very core of the cultural experience that we all treasure.  They have circulated all over the known world in antiquity and since through trade and collector markets.  It is impossible to distinguish a Roman coin found in Britain, for example, from exactly the same type, mint, etc found in Italy.  Requiring an export permit from Italy on a coin found and legally exported from Britain would not only be impractical, it would not have any legal foundation.  Still, any court challenge by an individual is unlikely since the legal costs usually far exceed the value of seized objects.  Import restrictions are simply not a viable solution to protecting archaeological sites.  They are an idealist panacea that cause far more harm to society than any possible good.  Excluding the U.S. collector and trade from the legitimate world market for Roman coins, or unilaterally forcing draconian documentation requirements on Americans, would be grossly prejudicial and would certainly be against the interests of American citizens and their traditional freedoms.

We simply MUST oppose any expansion of the MOU with Italy to include coins.  We must do so with an absolutely resounding voice.  EVERY person reading this has an interest in ancient coins, even if you don’t collect Roman coins, and needs to make their view known.  The entire hobby is being challenged.  There is simply nothing more important to do RIGHT NOW than to take five minutes, go to the ACCG fax wizard and register your concern.  Don’t wait ’til the 22 April deadline.

The ACCG will defend the hobby to the best of its ability, but in the final analysis it is the will of the people that will prevail.  Those who speak most loudly and clearly will succeed.  DO IT!

With best wishes,
Wayne G. Sayles

“If you liked parts I and II, you’ll love part III,” he said. “It’s absolutely the same high level of quality plus there’s the added attraction of part I of Don’s wonderful comic character toys. The only difference collectors will note this time around is that, sadly, Don will not be with us.” Donald Kaufman passed away on Oct. 12, 2009, knowing his toys were in the best of hands at Bertoia’s, and delighted that so many had already gone to fellow collectors in dozens of countries.

The third installment of the ongoing series, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, 2010, at Bertoia Auctions’ gallery in Vineland, N.J., will feature a diverse mix of classic cast-iron, pressed-steel, comic character and European toys in superior condition. “There was only one way that Don liked his toys – factory fresh, or very close to it,” said Rich.

Friday’s session will open with approximately 100 European automobiles, trucks, busses and other unusual pieces. Again, the esteemed Marklin brand will take the spotlight. In addition to limousines and a 16-inch-long white-bodied luxury tourer outfitted with umbrella stand and other fine accoutrements, bidders will have the opportunity to acquire a smaller-scale Marklin fire pumper (estimate $30,000-$35,000). Marklin marketed this particular fire pumper in one of two ways – as an individual toy and as part of a 4-piece set also containing a garage, ladder truck and hose reel truck.

A host of Europe’s most highly revered toy manufacturers will be represented, including Gunthermann, Bing and Carette. “Many of the golden-era limos, cars and tourers are boxed. The selection will astound collectors – something like this won’t happen again in our lifetime,” Rich said. “There are some large-scale cars, like the superb green 14-inch Carette limo ($12,000-$14,000), and some very early French cars, including one that is steam powered. One of my favorites is the beautiful, boxed French racer in a light blue color that has its two original bisque-head figures.”

On the Friday, Bertoia’s will roll out the first offering of Don’s comic character toys, most of which are boxed. The array includes Marx walking figures, all of the figural musician and jigger toys, a scarce Goofy the Gardener made at the Marx plant in Dudley, England; and a Howdy Doody store display with tin background, piano and characters, which Bertoia’s experts have never seen before.

Other obscure comic character gems include a Hi-Way Henry, made by Fisher and distributed by Borgfeldt, that includes its original box. “No one we know of has seen this box before,” Rich noted. A similarly styled lithographed-tin car that is as rare as a dodo bird and possibly a prototype is the “Weekend Automobile.” Yet another rarity is the oversize Toonerville Trolley with Fontaine Fox 1922 copyright, but made in Japan.

Pressed-steel toys include rare Kingsbury designs – a “woody” station wagon, boxed outboard motor boat, and tri-motor airplane with hangar – and a few examples of Buddy ‘L’ factory archive pieces formerly in the collection of the company’s past president Richard Keats. “Don liked all of the pressed steel manufacturers and appreciated each one’s artistic interpretation,” said Rich Bertoia. “Again, the condition is fantastic, especially on some of the trucks.” Also on Friday, Bertoia’s will sell 20 of Don Kaufman’s pedal cars, including three with a comic-character theme.

Saturday’s session will feature 200 lots of European automotive toys, cast-iron and pressed-steel cars, and 30 pedal cars, including a closed-coupe Packard that would have been a luxury model in its day.

Additionally, more than 200 cast-iron toys will be offered, spanning from racers to oil tankers and wreckers. Brands include Arcade, Kenton, Hubley, Champion, Kilgore and more. Among the Arcade highlights are a U.S. Company moving van, a near-mint Hathaway’s Bakery delivery van and a very rare Brink’s express truck that is estimated at $12,000-$25,000.

The last of Don Kaufman’s biscuit tins will be auctioned during the Saturday session. A varied assortment, it includes a boxed Crawford’s racecar, a boxed Spieswagen with locomotive, several busses and delivery trucks, and a coveted Gray Dunn delivery motorcycle with sidecar.

At the first two sales featuring the Donald Kaufman Collection, Bertoia’s staff warmly welcomed members of the toy collecting community and watched with pleasure as their auctions became occasions to remember. “Socializing and sharing has always been a big part of the toy collecting hobby,” Jeanne Bertoia remarked. “As we have done in the past, we will make sure the April preview and sale are festive, light-hearted events that collectors will look forward to attending.”

Auction Details:

Bertoia’s no-reserve auction of the Donald Kaufman Collection will take place April 16-17, 2010, with a special tribute and reception celebrating the life and collecting odyssey of the late Donald Kaufman to follow the opening day’s session. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. Information: call 856-692-1881 or e-mail Toys@BertoiaAuctions.com. Visit Bertoia’s online at www.BertoiaAuctions.com.

His primary focus is on the expansion of the Core Course in Appraisal Studies. The Core Course is the “nuts and bolts” approach to personal property appraising in all disciplines and is the starting point for anyone interested in becoming a personal property appraiser. However, Castner emphasized that the Core Course “Is also a great opportunity for anyone in the personal property business such as auctioneers, estate sales management, estate lawyers and accountants to get a ground level look at how the appraisal process operates, whether or not they wish to actually become an appraiser.”

The Core Course started as a rotating three part course that sometimes required up to three years to complete in different locations around the country. The Course has now been condensed into an action packed seven day marathon held in Naperville, IL in conjunction with Northern Illinois University that includes hands on experience outside the classroom. The seven day course includes everything a prospective appraiser needs to begin a new career including practice appraisals and written appraisals. Class activities include inventorying property, using the computer for research on internet sites, finding comparable sales and will include examples of good and bad appraisals.

Becky Nix, ISA, AM, president of the Central Florida chapter of ISA and a veteran of the Core Course, said, “There is a lot of complex information to learn in a very short period. Leon Castner has that rare gift of being able to speak to you in such a way that it seems to absorb into the brain in an orderly fashion. He is a teacher’s teacher.”

The Core Course will be offered twice in 2010, May 24-30 and October 25-31 with Castner as the primary instructor. The Course is also available through the Distance Education program of the ISA administered by Lynn Livingston. Rates for ISA members for both 2010 Core Course presentations are $1,150 with early registration and discounts are available at the host hotel, the Country Inn & Suites of Naperville. Included in the registration fee is a 600 page manual of class material and reference sources.

Another class of interest is Advanced Report Writing, also taught by Castner. This class is for accredited appraisers who seek to take their report writing skills to a higher level and includes the use of technology in the writing effort. Photography, software utilization, charts, graphs and visual aids are emphasized in the presentation of reports. This class will be presented in Naperville on June 3-4 and September 30-October 1. Member rate is $650.

Castner’s newest expansion of the education program is the presentation of monthly one hour webinars. The subject rotates monthly between specialty topics and methodology subjects. Two recent editions included Clocks and Oriental Rugs presented by specialists in the areas. Registration is open to anyone and ISA membership is not required. Registration details are available on the ISA website.

For information about all of the professional education opportunities offered by the ISA visit the website at http://www.isa-appraisers.org, call (312) 981-6778, email isa@isa-appraisers.org  or write to ISA, 737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60611.

(CHARLOTTE, NC) – “From Antique to Shabby Chic and Everything in Between” describes the variety of treasures, pleasures and surprises that await show goers this month at the ICA Shows “Spring Classic.” The International Collectibles & Antiques Shows, always held the first full weekend of every month, will present its semi-annual seasonal “Classic” event on March 31-April 4 at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo in Charlotte, where the tradition continues.

Decorators, designers, collectors and anyone seeking a bargain, including just lookers, will want to make plans to attend the Spring Classic and sample the eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, curiosities and “others” found in the indoor and outdoor dealer booths. Visitors can also stroll through Piccadilly Lane, Antique Village, and the Open-Air Market (or Marketplace) which are “shops” in the buildings owned by local, permanent dealers who set their items on display in a decorative manner so that shoppers can picture the treasures in their homes. While cruising the exhibitor spaces visitors will enjoy experiencing the smells and tastes of offerings from the food vendors ranging from pizza and funnel cakes to good old fashioned Southern BBQ and perhaps take a short break at the outdoor bar with a TV.

All of the buildings have been upgraded and now support free Wi-Fi connections with state of the art security. Pets are welcome as are strollers and carts and the atmosphere and wide selection of dealer inventory, ranging from rare antiques to $5.00 pleasers, is ideal for shopping in a tough economy with bargains at every turn. The Spring Classic is a great opportunity for an inexpensive family outing, perhaps even starting a child’s first collection with an inexpensive little find.

Antiques are the point of origin of the “green” movement, recycling our history and passing it on and the Classic offers the perfect opportunity to recycle an antique into your modern household at a very affordable price in pleasant surroundings. Pick out your recycling candidate from the vast array of furniture and accessories, jewelry, china, silver, pottery, art, arts and crafts, military/historical artifacts, coins, vintage toys, rugs, lighting, architectural salvage treasures, bolts of vintage hard to find fabrics and even plants offered by the dealers.

The Spring Classic offers a variety of special services for attendees including appraisals by Col Charles Senn, furniture repair by Walter Smith of Augusta, GA custom engraving by T. S. Buchanan of Charlotte and jewelry repair, restoration and repairs of crystal, porcelain, art deco, pottery, cloisonné, alabaster, lacquer boxes, stoneware and silver by Lauro Torres of Wilmington, NC. Purchased items can be packaged and shipped from the show, good for gifting or if you are on the way to other locations so you don’t have to carry your purchases everywhere with you. The Shows make it easy to get your item home without it being a burden.

And even if you are not in a buying mood at the moment, the Classic is a great opportunity to take advantage of the breadth of knowledge of the dealers who come from all walks of life and from all parts of the country. Most are anxious to talk about their particular field and they may be able to help you find that one elusive item you have been chasing for years. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to talk with other shoppers you find in the area of booths of interest to you.

The International Collectibles & Antiques Show Spring Classic will be held March 31-April 4 at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville, Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269 located at Exit 16a on I-77 just six minutes north of downtown Charlotte . Show times are 9:00 – 5:00 Wednesday-Saturday and 10:00 – 4:00 Sunday. A five day pass for this event is $10 with a $1 Senior discount and kids under 12 get in free. Parking is always free.

Regular four day monthly ICA Shows will be held April 29-May2, June 3-6, July 1-4, August 5-8, September 2-5, September 30-October 3 and December 2-6. A four day admission pass to regular Shows is $5.00 with the same discounts. The Fall Classic will be held November 3-7.  The ICA Show is owned and managed by Pete Pistone.

For more information visit the website at www.ICASHOWS.com, email info@icashows.com or call (704) 714-7909.

Work started on 4th February to expand the retail area with better, clearer displays, dedicated seating for stamp viewing and interactive information points for an exciting new shopping experience.

The famous curved stamp counter will remain and the shop will continue to offer an unrivalled range of philatelic items, coupled with the expertise expected from the dedicated team of philatelic specialists.

Business as usual… almost

On 4th February Fraser’s Autographs vacated the first floor gallery. During this time Frasers will continue to operate via mail order and the website www.frasersautographs.com with a free postage promotion for orders placed during the refurbishment. Frasers auction lot viewings and appraisals will be by appointment only during this time. Stamp auction lot viewings and valuations will also be by appointment only.

On 15th February the stamp shop will temporarily relocate to the first floor Fraser’s Gallery for six weeks, with customers accessing the store by the side office entrance which will be clearly signposted.

On the 29th March the stamp shop will relocate to part of its new permanent home in the basement.

The shop is due for completion mid-April when the stamp shop will comprise two new-look floors and a revamped flexible first floor space for seminars, events, meetings and auctions.

London 2010

The new look 399 Strand will host several special events for collectors during the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition in May, with a free shuttle bus operating between the Business Design Centre and the new look store to give everyone a chance to check out the changes.

With more stamps and accessories on display than ever before, the new look 399 Strand is sure to form an integral part of the London 2010 experience.

Refurbishment news

The refurbishment work will be documented photographically and uploaded to the Stanley Gibbons website www.stanleygibbons.com/newshop. Visit the website regularly to find out what’s going on and when and catch a glimpse of the new look 399 before it opens to the public mid April.

Have your say

Whether you would like to change the opening hours, have a comment on the refund policy or Strand Savers Card or have something more general you would like to say, upload your comments at www.stanleygibbons.com/newshop

“The Heyde lots really got the momentum going,” said Old Toy Soldier Auction USA’s owner, Ray Haradin. “There was a tremendous amount of interest in them, and in all the German-made figures, for that matter.”

Haradin explained that collectors are attracted to Heyde figures because they are highly realistic and do not look mass produced. “Their sets are very fanciful. They tend to have 20 pieces in them, with all 20 being different, so they display very nicely. Also, Heyde made their figures in a larger scale than Britains did, so they tend to cross over more with toy and train collectors.”

The top-selling Heyde set in Old Toy Soldier’s November sale was an 1890 ensemble of 15 pieces featuring Frederick the Great on his white mount, flag bearer, guards and two African drummers. Estimated at $700-$1,000, the grouping was bid to a hefty $4,425 (all prices quoted inclusive of 18 percent buyer’s premium).

Heyde 15-piece set made in 1890 depicting Frederick the Great on white horse, with flag
bearer, guards and two African drummers. Sold for $4,425 against an estimate of $700-$1,000. (Photo: Old Toy Soldier Auctions.)

Other Heyde lots that finished well above estimate included an extremely rare, boxed circa-1910 Old Volunteer Corps comprised of officer drummer and 10 men and 10 men, $3,835; and a set called the Napoleonic Old Guard, $1,416.

Britains is the brand that has the largest collector base of all the toy soldier companies, and Haradin said that more than 100 “regular, very active collectors” of Britains participate in his sales. “Because Britains produced so many sets, it takes persistence if you want to be a ‘completist,’ but that’s what makes it so enjoyable,” he said. “In this sale we saw a lot of bidders going after the pre-World War I sets from the renowned collection of Deutschebank managing director Vincent C. Banker.” Mr. Banker’s premier collection of figures was previously featured in Town & Country magazine.

Among the Britains auctioned on Nov. 21, a Life Guard Band in red achieved $2,714 against a $700 high estimate, while a civilian figural pair known as the Lambeth Walk Dancers achieved $1,770. An exceptionally rare H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in the uniform of the Welsh Guards, made around 1939, retained its original box indicating it was made exclusively for the souvenir shop at Madame Tussauds in London. It garnered an above-estimate price of $2,360.

Few Britains productions rival the charm of their 1937-1941 Noah’s Ark with figures of Noah, his wife and 22 animals. With a box ingeniously designed to double as an ark, the set drew a throng of bidders who sent the lot sailing to a closing price of $5,900.

A much-anticipated highlight of the sale was the late Dr. James “Doc” Wengert’s collection of figures, vehicles and other scale-model toys related to military medicine. A third-generation physician, Dr. Wengert served as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon during the Vietnam War. Because of his profession, he chose to specialize in medical figures – doctors, nurses, orderlies, stretcher bearers, wounded soldiers – and all the accoutrements that a collector might desire in setting up a miniature M.A.S.H unit, like operating tents, field kitchens, rescue dogs and emergency vehicles.

“Many new people with a connection to medicine – notably physicians and dentists – heard about this unique collection and decided to bid in the sale. They couldn’t have picked a better way to get started in this specialty collecting field,” said Haradin, noting that there “strength all across this part of the sale. The prices weren’t huge numbers, but they were consistently above estimate.” A very rare circa-1890 British medical ensemble made by T. Krause (Germany) and featuring 20 pieces was the highest-priced lot from the Wengert collection. Featuring a medical tent, tinplate horse-drawn medical wagon, medical officers, nurse, and other figures and accessories, it sold for $2,124 against a high estimate of $1,200.

Single figures that were made by special order at the Britains factory in 1938 included two khaki-attired medics – one with a forage cap, the other with a peaked cap. They sold well above estimate at $767 and $798, respectively. A circa-1934 Johillco brand 5-piece Abyssinian Red Cross Unit with original red-and-white-labeled box made $650.

Together with the antique and vintage pieces that form the core of his sales, Haradin always offers a selection of later soldiers and figures to encourage new collectors. “If you don’t want to dive right into the earlier market, buying quality pieces from the 1980s is a great way to get your feet wet and become involved in the hobby,” Haradin said. He noted that even the more recently made military miniatures are seeing a “nice spike in value” at auction. In the November sale, a 1980s King & Country TK011 Austin K2 Ambulance, gloss green version and one of only 20 made, sped past its $400-$600 estimate to apply the brakes at $1,416.

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, Old Toy Soldier Auctions USA will conduct an absentee, phone and Internet auction (through LiveAuctioneers.com) from its home base in Pittsburgh. The event will feature the premier Britains collection of brothers Don Thompson and the late Bill Thompson, as well as part III of the John Graham collection. Additional select properties, including a San Francisco collection of coveted 1950s Courtenay knights, will round out the auction offering.

For additional information, call 412-343-8733 or 800-349-8009; or visit Old Toy Soldier Auctions USA online at www.oldtoysoldierauctions.com. Watch for the fully illustrated electronic catalog at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

Bugatti Veyron: $ 1.700.000 

The most visited entries presented on NewLuxuryItems.com include the world’s most expensive actresses, the world’s most expensive dog breeds, the world’s most expensive leather accessories which includes items such as wallets, purses, business card holders, padfolios, and many, many more. By far, the entry that brings the largest number of visitors each day is the ‘World’s Most Expensive Car’ entry. This subject has been an interest for all car enthusiasts, regardless of sex or age, since the first supercars were unveiled to the international audience.Although the prices for cars which make it into the ‘world’s most expensive car’ top ten, presented by New Luxury Items on its website NewLuxuryItems.com are simply prohibitive for the most of those interested in this subject, users are still always trying to find out what is the world’s most expensive car. For this reason, the United States based New Luxury Items is constantly reviewing the international car scene, in order to be able to provide its daily visitors with the newest resources and information on this subject.For more information about the company and its services, please visit the website, or use the contact details below: http://www.newluxuryitems.com

Just prior to the December 2009 sales increase, TIAS had launched a number of initiatives that were designed to make buyers more comfortable purchasing from TIAS merchants. The company had found one of the biggest obstacles customers had when buying antiques and collectibles online was the lack of “trust” when buying items from independent online merchants . To address this issue, in November of 2009 TIAS launched the “TIAS Trusted Merchant” program. When a customer buys from a “TIAS Trusted Merchant” their purchase is guaranteed by TIAS.com for up to $500 of the purchase price and they may return the item for any reason within a minimum of 7 days of their purchase (program details are available online).

“I spoke to a merchant last week who has been selling on TIAS since 1997. She mentioned that her sales this past December were probably the highest she has seen since she first opened her online shop.” said Phillip Davies President of TIAS.com “The dramatic increase in sales that many TIAS dealers saw during the Holiday shopping rush, just reaffirms our belief that customers are ready to buy, they just want to trust the vendor they are buying from.”

During the first quarter of 2010 TIAS.com will be launching a number of new features and services that are designed to make buying easier for shoppers and selling easier for their merchants. For more information about becoming a TIAS merchant visit http://www.MakeAShop.com.

The bottle — trademarked Sutters Old Mill, Spruance Stanley & Co., Proprietors — had an applied top and boasted loads of whittle, in a brilliant bluish aqua color. “This one had a solid strike and we can’t imagine a better example,” said Jeff Wichmann of American Bottle Auctions. “This very same bottle sold in one of our earlier auctions, and it set a record price. It’s the real deal, the very best.”

It was the 49th Internet and catalog auction for American Bottle Auctions, which specializes in rare and vintage bottles mostly made between 1850 and 1900, the period most desired by collectors, when superior embossing techniques were employed. Nearly 5,000 people registered to bid, but only a fraction of that total (around 300 people) actually submitted bids. Of those, 175 were winning bidders.

“The market right now is as strong as I’ve ever seen it,” remarked Mr. Wichmann. “Every sale we have seems to be better than the one before it. This auction was certainly one of our best ever. I attribute that to the tremendous variety of merchandise, and the response to that merchandise by our bidders. Historical flasks and bitters did especially well. They’re sitting atop the bottle market now.”

Following are additional highlights of the sale. All prices quoted include a 12 percent buyer’s premium.

A “For Our Country/Eagle” pint flask, over 150 years old, with sheared lip and pontil, in a color best described as tobacco green with striations of olive, soared to $14,560. The bottle was graded 9.8 and depicted a 20-star flag surrounded by six ribs. Also, a Baltimore Sunburst half-pint (circa 1840-50), graded 9.8, in a light to medium pinkish copper color and a superior high-quality example, hit $11,200.

A spectacular Bridgeton New Jersey-Washington bottle with sheared lip and jagged tubular pontil, graded 9.8 and with an outstanding medium to deep amber coloration near the base, climbed to $10,080. Also, a flawless Miller’s Extra E. Martin Old Bourbon trademark, probably the most desired of the Cutter fifths, with strong embossing and an overall beautiful patina to the glass, rose to $8,960.

A Washington/Baltimore Glassworks portrait pint flask showing the Baltimore Monument and a bust of George Washington (circa 1830-50), with rolled lip and pontil, graded 9.3, medium green and somewhat crude, with surface irregularities, breezed to $8,400; and a Corn For the World quart flask with embossed corn and the Baltimore Monument on the reverse, graded at 9.8, commanded $7,840.

A trademark Lightning quart jar, with Putnam 328 on the base and a replaced top and painted lid, boasting overall nice whittle and emerald green in color one of only six such jars in this shade), graded 9.8, coasted to $7,280; and a J.H. Cutter Old Bourbon (E. Martin & Co., Sole Agents) banded pint flask, with a popular crown on the shoulder and a single roll top, graded 9.3, gaveled for $5,376.

A National Bitters (with Patent 1867 on the base) bottle, with an applied top and, remarkably, still with the original label, rare for its beautiful and brilliant ruby red coloration, graded 9.9, climbed to $5,152; and a Jesse Moore (Hunt & Co., Sole Agents) western whiskey fifth bottle with gorgeous pint banded flask, wonderfully embossed but with some condition issues, graded 9.7, topped out at $3,808.

A Pineapple bitters bottle, unembossed, with applied top and smooth base, green with some yellow and graded 9.8, hammered for $4,928; a Henley’s Wild Grape Root Bitters bottle with tooled top, in a highly whittled aqua-teal variant and filled with bubbles, demanded $4,256; and a Bryant’s Stomach Bitters bottle with applied top and sticky ball pontil, brilliant emerald in color, fetched $4,032.

A National Bitters (Patent 1867 on the base) bottle, with applied top and colored a brilliant yellow with a touch of green (almost transparent yellow toward the top, becoming a more vibrant hue near the base), graded 9.8, sold for $4,032; and a Harkness Fire Destroyer extinguisher (circa 1865-85), with ground lip, 6 ¼ inches, unusually colored in sapphire blue and pure oxblood puce, brought $4,032.

A trademark Lightning half-gallon jar, showing Putnam 368 on the base and with the original closure, in a stunning olive color and graded a respectable 9.8, went to a determined bidder for $3,808; and a Dr. A.W. Coleman’s Anti-Dyspeptic and Tonic Bitters bottle, 9 ¼ inches, made in Mobile, Ala., and in a beautiful green hue, graded 9.3, an example of one of the earliest bitters made, brought $3,808.

American Bottle Auctions was founded in 1990 by Jeff Wichmann, a native Californian who has been collecting antique bottles for nearly 40 years. Over time, the firm grew and underwent a name change, but the focus has remained the same: American Bottle Auctions specializes in appraising, brokering, consigning and auctioning antique bottles and glass. Bottle collecting is a burgeoning genre.

Mr. Wichmann has personally researched, appraised and estimated the values of thousands of antique bottles and related items. He is often called on to appraise antique bottles and glass for private individuals and businesses. In 1999, he wrote and published The Best of the West – Antique Western Bitters Bottles, a top research guide. He has also written many articles on the subject of antique bottles.

American Bottle Auctions is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single bottle or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at 1-800-806-7722; or, you can e-mail them, at info@americanbottle. The next auction is tentatively slated for late April or early May. Already, fresh groupings of bitters and historical flasks have been consigned, and marbles may be sold.

About American Bottle Auctions, please log on to www.AmericanBottle.com .