This guy I knew
About 20 years ago, I noticed that the antique mall booth next to mine was selling everything at half off. The booth was in a prime spot: a corner of the main aisle. And they were moving out. Seeing the opportunity to expand my 100-square-foot empire by colonizing...
Not a good sign
Many years ago, I spotted an eBay listing for a signed copy of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It was an old book, to be sure -- a late 1890s printing. Anyway, I wrote to the seller and said that, prior to bidding, I really needed to know 1) the condition of the...
So what makes something valuable?
"That's actually not old." "Oh, yes it is," my client snorts. "It belonged to my grandma, so I know it's old." "Maybe she had one similar to it," I reply, trying to give this person an out. Because sadly, I know I'm right. But she doubles down. "Nope, that one. THAT....
Got any sports cards?
Over the years, I've had to deliver not-so-good news to clients on housecalls. The usual scenario goes something like this: They show me some old treasure, and I tell them (very gently) that it's not worth what they thought it was, sometimes by a considerable margin....
This year was a jerk
Between sick friends, mask wearing, closed businesses and holding your breath a little every time you hear someone cough, most everyone has had it with 2020. Oddly enough, despite the economic challenges that face much of the population, many auction businesses have...