Entries for August 2012

What is Broadway Ephemera?

John Bruno | 08/31/12 at 01:16 p.m.

In honor of Broadway or Bust , premiering on PBS Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 8/7C, John Bruno shares his thoughts on collecting from the Great White Way:

I’ve been a collector for more than fifty years, and through that time my interests have run the gamut of antiques and collectibles, from pottery to glassware to lighting to furniture to vintage clothing to housewares and more. But one aspect of my collecting has remained constant – ephemera. "Ephemera" is the term used for paper items made for one-time or short-term use. Ephemera can be added to, included in, or used as an adjunct for virtually any collection. A vintage car collector's ephemera might include auto manuals and ads, while aviation collector would seek out travel posters. Because I’m an inveterate New Yorker, finding Broadway ephemera is one of my passions, both as a cross-collectible with my other interests, and as a stand-alone collection.

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Tips from Miller Gaffney, Part 1

Miller Gaffney | 08/29/12 at 11:42 a.m.

Miller Gaffney is always on the lookout for that perfect piece. Here are 6 tips from Miller on finding the right antiques to decorate your life. 

1. Always open your eyes and search for the beautiful and unusual objects.

2. If something speaks to you, buy it!

3. If you discover a pair of something, buy both. Two is always better than one — there is power in numbers.

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Tips from John Bruno

John Bruno | 08/23/12 at 05:16 p.m.

With his decades of experience, John Bruno is truly an antiques guru. If you follow his advice on how to shop for vintage valuables, you won't be disappointed!

1. Buy with your heart! 

2. Never buy solely for profit, or to impress, buy it because you love it, want to learn from it, and because you want to preserve it.

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Tips from Bob Richter, Part 1

Bob Richter | 08/07/12 at 09:32 a.m.

Bob Richter buys with his heart and with his head. Here's 6 tips from Bob on shopping at flea markets: 

1. Buy what you love. At the end of the day, if it makes you happy and it enriches your home, then it’s all good. 

2. Treat vendors with respect and kindness. They get up awfully early and weed through a lot of stuff to find beautiful things. If you take time to have a real conversation, you might just get a better price and make a friend.

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Why the Term "Art Glass" Isn't Crystal Clear

Market Warriors | 08/06/12 at 05:41 p.m.

During MARKET WARRIORS' antiquing adventure in Brimfield, Massachusetts , our pickers are tasked with finding a piece of unique art glass that will sparkle at auction. 

 From bottles to light bulbs, to windows and windshields — though we might not always notice, we're surrounded by glass. So, how does something we're so used to overlooking, or at least looking through, ever become recognized as art in its own right?

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