By Izzy Chait - Recently, some collectors of American and European furniture have made comments and asked questions about Chinese furniture, with a viewpoint based upon a false presumption that furniture in and from China is not as sturdy or as durable as Western furniture. I have to say this is not an accurate statement, and this... [Read more]
By Daniele Gair - In this day and age of 24-hour electronic connectivity and reading everything from the newspaper to “War and Peace” on a smart phone, one might get the idea that books are going the way of the telegraph. But there are still some of us who appreciate the value of having a good book in the hand, whether it’s... [Read more]
Daniele Gair - Of all the mechanical devices invented over the centuries, from cameras to cars, nothing beats the watch for its captivating combination of luxury and scientific significance. Originally made only for the very rich or very royal, the personal, portable timepiece has had its influence on commerce, exploration and transportation... [Read more]
By Daniele Gair - Many a Sunday afternoon has found me deeply engrossed in 1930s-Era detective stories, and two of my favorite sleuths are the swanky and stylish stars of the Thin Man series, Nick and Nora Charles. To my eyes, this couple had it all, from witty repartee to stylish cloths, and they exhibited a smooth sophistication,... [Read more]
By Daniele Gair - Conjuring images of merchants haggling in dark, smoky rooms and of sultans flying through the night sky on enchanted carpets, antique rugs are among the most evocative of all collectibles. Their charm lies both in their exotic origins and in their timeless beauty. Though collecting these mysterious yet familiar... [Read more]
By I. M. Chait – A few short weeks ago, some members of my family and I returned from China. We had not been on a buying trip to the Mainland for about a year, and this trip, of a few weeks, was truly an eye-opener. The good news is, the Chinese economy is booming. Their middle class is growing leaps and bounds, and every... [Read more]
Editor: Tell me about yourself and about your background in music and entertainment memorabilia. Doug Norwine: When I was 10 years old, I wrote to Charles Lindberg, Jimmy Stewart, and Boris Karloff requesting their autographs, and they all answered me back. That began my passion for collecting autographs and memorabilia. And here... [Read more]
What does the collecting of Natural History items encompass? David Herskowitz: Just about anything that is seen in a Natural History museum—gems, minerals, fossils, dinosauria, and paleo-artifacts. Which Natural History specimens are the most popular right now? DH: Two categories are big now, mineral specimens and dinosauria, their... [Read more]
By I. M. Chait - In December of 2008, I sent out a letter (see below) going over my viewpoints as to economic uncertainties, both in America and internationally. This letter was received favorably by many of you and with positive comments. Four months later and on the occasion of my 63rd birthday (of which 40 + years have been spent... [Read more]
By Daniele Gair - When one thinks of Art Deco, delicate porcelain vases may not be the first thing to come to mind. But amid streamlined cars and sleek buildings, ceramics crafted during this glamorous period made a bold statement of their own, transforming centuries-old floral delicacy with striking architectural design and vibrant... [Read more]
