In this shrinking economy, some of the things that we already own stashed away in garages and attics may have undreamed of value. This is also true for items found at tag sales and flea markets. This is a guide to finding treasures in everyday throwaway stuff. Some may be very old and small and easy to overlook like old ivory buttons, grandma's old watering can, or father's old fishing lures. Some may be larger like old suitcases, Twenties bedroom furniture or aluminum serving pieces. And some might be well-crafted old things just lying around like Damascus knives or snakeskin wallets.Michael Hogben and Linda Abrams are two expert guides to help you find your hidden treasures.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Some books immediately attract potential readers and buyers. Collecting under the Radar is such a book. The bonus, in addition to the appealing photos and an outstanding design tied to an uncluttered, understandable layout, comes from the choice and organization of the material and information presented. Given the authors' background, particularly Hogben's experience as a noted antiques appraiser and auctioneer, this book could have been weighty and all over the place. Instead, it's sort of whimsical, very colorful and fun, particularly in how the content is organized under Table of Contents' categories such as How We Wined and Dined, with photos and info arranged under neat headings as Items to look for and Top Tips. Or, with The Best of Whatever, entries of not widely written collectibles about such as American-made Damascus Knives, Phone Cards & Early Cell Phones and Space Age Memorabilia. Such topics alone easily get one to open the book. Still, better-known collectibles such as Lladro Figurines, Carnival Glass, Fishing Lures and Bakelite are found. And there are surprises. Beanie Babies and McDonald's Toys are featured in Old Playthings along with the less derided Matchbox Cars, and information on the growing market of early digital watches under Still Looking Good. With its selection of collectibles and sharp design aesthetics, Collecting under the Radar can be enjoyed by non-collectors while offering a strong enticement for people to take up the hobby. The Foreword presents collecting information, under such topics as Damage and restoration and Spotting a fake, that's essential for the beginner and solid reminders for the pro. Here is a book that makes many other books on collectibles look ... well, kind of antique. --Discover Mid-America, May 2009
Review
In this downbeat economy, most of us look for hidden value or want ways to accumulate savings. Here, two experts on collectibles clue us in to the stuff we have stashed away in our attics, basements, or garages that may be worth more than we think, if not today, then tomorrow. Michael Hogben and Linda Abrams are also indispensable guides to finding the hidden treasure at flea markets, tag sales and community auctions. Unlike other books that deal with antiques and memorabilia, this one tells us exactly how to find treasures in the trash and where. Among the authors' hundreds of recommendations: Grandma's old jet or bone buttons, Dad's fishing lures, Aunt Susan's old watering can. Lucky finds might also include a 1920's bureau, a 1960's aluminum bowl, a snakeskin wallet or matchbox car.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great photos and nice terminology but not a good "investment guide" to collectibles,
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This review is from: Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow's Antiques (Paperback)
I've been a collector of many things over the years and found the pre-Ebay days a way to have fun at yard sales and flea markets. But Ebay changed all that. Now you see folks at garage sales checking out Ebay prices on their cell phones! The one thing that Ebay has done as provided collectors of nearly ANYTHING with a real value. That value is close to what someone ACTUALLY paid for an item on Ebay. Not the price it was offered at but what the buyer was willing to pay. The title of this book (co-authored by an auctioneer located in Britain and a US-based TV producer) is a bit misleading. While some of the collectibles they mention (vintage sunglasses and sugar crushers) are not in the top collectable categories, others like Lladro figurines and Gambling paraphernalia have been hot for a long time. The Lladro's are like Hummels and the company produces products directly for the collectibles market. (Think Franklin Mint). Very few people by Llardro because it serves a purpose. It's because it is "collectible". I couldn't believe there was a page on Beanie Babies! Have you been to yard sales lately? They are next to the "Pogs" (remember them?). Do a "completed search" on Ebay for "Beanie Babies" and see what is selling. And that's what they are going for now. The authors do provide background on these collectibles but they also tell you what to expect to pay for them. Most categories are in the hundreds of dollars with others in the thousands. If you are looking for a book that will see in the future what is going to go up in value, I'm not sure this is the place. Nearly all the categories listed have long reached their peak. (Do you really think buying a used phone card now for $25,00 will be a good investment 10 years from now when the next generation wonders what a phone card was? Personally, I don't. So look at the photos and learn a little about different categories of collectibles - that's where the book is useful - but I wouldn't put my savings into these categories - everyone else already has them. By the way, remember that any advice which is signed M.H. comes from Mr. Hogben, who is an expert on collectibles in the UK, not the US. As with art, collect what you like and don't plan to sell. If it goes up in value, fine, but don't plan on it. Steve Ramm "Anything Phonographic"
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
And, it's fun to read, too!,
By clw from nyc "clw" (NYC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow's Antiques (Hardcover)
I could not put this book down. Not only is the text full of information, but the photos are beautiful. This is a book for those of us who need no permission for our shopping sprees or collecting compulsions.
It covers one of my current interests (silver jewelry from Taxco), but it has also inspired me to look more closely at pottery from America. The kind of things you see at garage sales or in your grandmothers' attics. I learned that I let go of Vanity Fair illustrations too early and overpaid for my carnival glass. And I learned about vernacular photography. I am on the hunt, and you will be too when you see it. Happy reading!!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"ANTIQUE" COLLECTING CAN BE GREAT FUN,
By
This review is from: Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow's Antiques (Hardcover)
"COLLECTING UNDER THE RADAR"BY Linda Abrams and Michael Hogben is an antiquer's dream come true. Filled with invaluable information on literally dozens of categories of treasures, the book is witty, clear, concise and easy to follow. The Art Direction is particularly beautiful and the photograpy is stunning... the overall design makes the book extremely attractive. Finally, it is a fun read and even my husband, who does not enjoy shopping or collecting, really enjoyed himself.... a wonderful gift
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