Customer Reviews

Collecting Under the Radar: Tomorrow's Antiques

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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"

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!!

"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

All you need to know about collecting in general and finding things in your own home you forgot you had that may be valubable!! Great photos too!!