2007 Seminars
Keynote Seminars
Collecting With Knowledge
Presented by C. Jeanenne Bell
How to Write your own Book
Presented by James P. Bixler
Working with Knowledge
Presented by Niles Grace
Other Seminars
American Painted Furniture: 1700-1860 Moments in America's Historical Kaleidoscope
American Pressed Flint Glass
Antique Phonographs and Early Recordings
Antique Tools and Other Things
Appraising Bookends
Bakelite and Early Plastic Jewelry: 1890's to 1940's
Betty Boop and the Hayes Commission/Censorship
Book Dancer's Choice: A Seminar on Rare Books
British Grandfather Clocks
Carnival Glass (1907-1930) - Manufacturers and Their Wares
Collecting American Vaseline Glass
Collecting Crime Literature: Not Really A Mystery
English Lusterware Pottery
Estate Sale Marketing - Maximizing Profits
European Off Hand Glass Blowing: How to run a small glass studio
Everlasting Tile: Rufus Keeler Founder of Malibu Tiles
Expert Witness Testimony
Finding & Dating Valuable Cigar Boxes
From Goofed-Up to Gorgeous: Unconventional furniture repairs
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Heroes & Legends
Harpsichords to Pianos
The Life and Times of Sascha
Brastoff
Mid-century Retro Pottery
Mining Collectibles
Modern Glass - Art Deco to Mid-Century
Movie Posters: Images of Aspirations and Dreams
Old Carnival Glass
Print ID 101: Engraving or Etching?
Relics: An Introduction
Restore or Not
Sand Castles and Watery Moats the Story of the Sand Pail
Stretch Glass (1916-1930) - An Introduction
Why Collect Cigarette Lighters?
The Wonderful Wizard of Baum
Words under the Black Moon: A History of Writing Ink
American Painted Furniture: 1700-1860 Moments in America's Historical Kaleidoscope
Presented by Alice Karle and Peter Katoff
Instead of jewels, pressed flowers, and glass beads, the kaleidoscope of
American painted furniture displays folk art motifs from the many cultures
that comprise America, as well as styles popular in the capitals of the world,
spun with the historical events that shape our country.
In the 19th Century we see incredibly "modern" techniques, in turn inspired by the invention of the kaleidoscope. These decorative motifs evoke a lifestyle where the creativity of the artist prompted a dialog of creativity with the user.
Painted furniture can encapsulate a moment in history. The Steamboat Ballot Box will demonstrate some things never change in life or politics. After this lecture you might even begin to understand why a painted slide lid candle box, estimated between $8000-$12,000 recently sold for $744,825.
American Pressed Flint Glass
Presented by Tom Ahern
Antique Phonographs and Early Recordings
Presented by James Constantian
James will start about 1900 and end in the 1920's. He will explain about each of the phonographs and the cost when new. He will also play records as samples and talk about what to look out for when buying or selling.
Antique Tools and Other Things
Presented by Mischa Dobrotin
A discussion and demonstration of tools dating from the 1800s and into the 20th century. Audience participation is invited and seminar attendees are invited to bring items to discuss.
Appraising Bookends
Presented by Donna Seecof and Dr. Robert Seecof
This seminar will cover factors that influence value: Foundry of origin – Tiffany, Gorham, Frankart, Bradley and Hubbard, etc.; Subject material – Indian and western, female nudes, gothic, machine age, etc.; Art style – Art deco, Victorian, Art nouveau, etc.; Height and weight; Material; Overall decorative appearance – low or high relief, color, etc.; Casting procedure (for collectors) electroform, sand casting, etc.; Age – (for collectors); Preservation of the finish (for collectors); Artist (for collectors); Current interest – Comic book and animation figures.
Some important book titles: Buying and selling bookends on eBay.
Bakelite and Early Plastic Jewelry: 1890's to 1940's
Presented by Sally Shishmanian
Talk
will focus on the three plastic materials most used in jewelry in the first
half of the 20th century, namely celluloid, casein, and Bakelite. Will
demonstrate the differences in these plastics, and why their different
properties are important in pricing, care and testing. Will perform simple tests
and show how style, manufacture date, and inclusion of other materials can
determine which plastic a piece is made of.
Sally will bring part of her over 1,000 piece collection of early plastic jewelry to share, including European "Machine Age" casein, teens celluloid, deep carved Bakelite, various accessories, and magazine advertisements and articles featuring early plastics. She will also bring new pieces on the market that could fool a novice or even a seasoned collector.
Betty Boop and the Hayes Commission/Censorship
Presented by Denise Hagopian
History of Fleischer Family and how Betty changed America. How to tell the
difference between Betty & kewpies. Betty's Face, Eyes & Figure. Explain markings
over the years and lack of markings. What is rare and how not to be fooled.
Vintage items to look for.
Book Dancer's Choice: A Seminar on Rare Books
Presented by Edward S. Postal
Last year attendees were treated to a sampling of Mr. Postal's extensive knowledge and experience in the sometimes esoteric world of rare and antiquarian books. This year he will be discussing the theme of Collectors Conference XIV: the written word. There is no one more capable than Mr. Postal to give attendees a pleasure ride into the center of the book. If you love books, here is where you will want to be at this hour of the day.
British Grandfather Clocks
Presented by Tony Baker
Carnival Glass (1907-1930) - Manufacturers and Their Wares
Presented by Allan Valencia
It's the 100 year anniversary of the introduction of carnival glass to the world! Allan will discuss which manufacturers made carnival glass and the sorts of products each made. There will be many examples to show typical design work and colors, as well as to show colors that particular manufacturers were noted for.
Collecting American Vaseline Glass
Presented by Phil Stein
This seminar will review the history of American made vaseline glass beginning with Boston and Sandwich in the mid-1800's, up to the present. The history will be told both through pictures and a display of actual examples of vaseline glass from companies such as Northwood, US Glass, Fostoria, Fenton and others. There will be a discussion on how to begin collecting vaseline glass, some words on reproductions, buying on eBay, and a list of suggested references will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring examples of vaseline glass from their collections, both for display and for identification.
Collecting Crime Literature: Not Really A Mystery
Presented by Charles M. Kelly
Learn the clues that indicate a worthless book ... or a collectible edition. Learn the history of crime in literature from Cain (slayer of Abel) to the present day. This seminar covers both the history of mystery as a literary form and as an object of collecting mania. Learn the importance of getting "worthless" books for the leads they provide to your search for that special book. The seminar examines collecting crime literature from the perspectives of collectors, appraisers and dealers.
English Lusterware Pottery
Presented by Tom Ahern
Estate Sale Marketing - Maximizing Profits
Presented by Judith Harper
Organizing and setting up an Estate Sale to maximize your profits. Topics covered include - getting past the "Chaos of Clutter" to the final "Glitz and Glamour" of the sale.
Everlasting Tile: Rufus Keeler Founder of Malibu Tiles
Presented by Brian Kaiser
A slide presentation portraying the life of Rufus Keeler, a prime mover in the use of ceramic tile in residential and commercial architecture of the 1920's and 30's. Rufus was the founder, plant manager, and sole ceramist of the Malibu Potteries (1926-1932) and CALCO (1923-1932).
Comprising about 90 slides, and lasting about 60 minutes, the presentation traces Mr. Keeler's work through numerous California Potteries, finally ending in Malibu.
Primary emphasis is on Keeler's own home, built in 1924, and made entirely of CALCO tile. This house was a showcase for the use of clay products in home construction and decoration. The main focal point is the great fireplace. Nine feet tall, and eight feet wide, it was inspired by the main panel of the Temple of the Cross at Palenque, and is a magnificent example of the Ancient Mayan style popular at that time.
There is a brief overview of the Malibu Potteries, and Mr. Keeler's final years. Originally prepared for the National Symposium of the Tile Heritage Foundation of the United States.
Expert Witness Testimony
Presented by Bill Novotny
Expert testimony for litigation support can be a formal written appraisal report or an oral report given by an appraiser at deposition or trial. There are special consideration that apply to appraisers when giving oral testimony. This class is an overview of important information for those who want to be "Expert Witnesses". It will include demonstrations with role playing of cross examination, class discussion and questions.
Finding & Dating Valuable Cigar Boxes
Presented by Tony Hyman
Cigar Boxes can be worth from 10 cents to $10,000, with more and more falling into that $75 to $250 range. This illustrated seminar will touch on all three, with the greatest emphasis on dating and evaluating boxes from the US, Cuba and Canada. Attendees are encouraged to bring boxes they are puzzled about and would like to date and identify.
From Goofed-Up to Gorgeous: Unconventional furniture repairs
Presented by Donna S. Morris
This seminar provides unconventional furniture repair tips and techniques using non-commercial items and products. You will learn how to remove stains, repair finishes, clean, and polish furniture using items from your kitchen or bathroom for a fraction of the price of a professional repair. Learn how to repair a common furniture finish problems with nothing but your bare hands.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Presented by Tony Hyman
We'll look at bad decisions in advertising as seen on 19th and early 20th century cigar boxes. A funny, fast-paced seminar featuring (1) cigar bands stolen from other companies like FORD, KODAK AND WEDGWOOD; (2) plain old bad ideas like ROTTEN, PEEPING TOM and SPIDER WEB, and brand names you cannot use today such as censored, censored, and censored. Tony will be available to identify, date, and appraise boxes after each talk. "What the world needs is another 5¢ cigar!"
Harpsichords to Pianos
Presented by Paul Silverman
Heroes & Legends
Presented by Myron Ross
This presentation stresses the autograph market and its phenomenal growth over the last 40 years. In addition, Myron will discuss the basics of how to authenticate autographs, an important skill to acquire for all. He will provide both antique dealers and collectors with information on how to discern the use of an auto pen signature from that of a genuine one. If you have the slightest interest in autographs, we recommend you slip into Myron's course. Bring your pen.
Few collectors are as passionate about their field of interest as those who pursue autographs. And there's a good reason why. Each autograph is unique in the truest sense of the word. There may be multiple examples of signatures by, say, Albert Einstein, George Washington, Elizabeth the First, Henry the VIII, Charlemagne, Elvis Presley and many others, but each one was generated by the hand and pen of the individual whose name appeared at that moment on paper or vellum. After all, how much closer can we get to the world's most important men and women of all time?
The Life and Times of Sascha Brastoff
Presented by Steve Conti
A
comprehensive review of previously published material covered in Steve's hard to
find 1995 book "Collector's Encyclopedia of Sascha Brastoff." Steve will also
cover never before seen, published or discussed information on the early years
of Sascha's life and then burgeoning career, which is the basis of his sequel
(or prequel) to his first book. "Sascha Brastoff The Early Years N.Y.C. & WWII"
will be available by the end of 2007 / early 2008. Steve will bring highly rare
and unusual examples of Sascha's 45 year output of work, items not immediately
recognized as being created by Sascha. He will also include a brief (15-20 min.)
question and answer period and invite attendees to bring along some of their
collections as a sort of appraisal clinic.
Mid-century Retro Pottery
Presented by Robert Maxwell
This lecture will be an up close and personal one with a man who is a legend in
his own time. This is one of his rare public appearances. In addition to
the lecture, Mr. Maxwell is a master potter and will be conducting a hands on
pottery demonstration.
Modern Glass - Art Deco to Mid-Century
Presented by Linda Makar
A brief history of the birth and development of modern glass. Examples of the major glass company participants and the styles characteristic in their manufacture. A good place to help identify that mystery piece.
Movie Posters: Images of Aspirations and Dreams
Presented by Peggy Caffey
Romance, breath-taking drama, terror, laughter and tears, tragedy and comedy. The hook! Tantalizer! Come-on! All of these catch phrases describe the posters and lobby cards of the movie industry. Together these striking paper collectibles form the industry's advertising focus and one of the most popular areas of collectibles today.
While most of the films in the first half century of movie-making were shot in black and white, their posters certainly weren't. So come join us at this mega session for a lively introduction to movie poster collecting and evaluating. Colorful posters covering the last ninety years of movie posters will be on hand for both the passionate collector and the merely curious to experience.
Please note: Movie posters and Hollywood collectibles are part of the College for Appraisers' master collectibles course entitled Downtown America.
Old Carnival Glass
Presented by Judy Maxwell
This seminar will describe the process by which old Carnival Glass was made from 1909-1930. There will be examples of the different colors, shapes, and patterns found in old C.G. Approximately 20-25 pieces will be on display for discussion & comment.
Print ID 101: Engraving or Etching
Presented by Bill Belisle
At the end of this jam-packed session, participants should (1) have a basic understanding of the intaglio print process, (2) be able to identify engravings, (3) be able to identify etchings, and (4) know the differences between engravings and etchings.
Relics: An Introduction
Presented by David Brownlee
Restore or Not
Presented by Eric Finzi
Sand Castles and Watery Moats: the story of the sand pail
Presented by Peggy Caffey
Travel back to a simpler time, when everything was magical and fun. At the beach children had colorful little buckets to carry water, sand, and creatures to their created castles. These used, and often forgotten, little gems will be discussed. This will including some history along with clues to characteristic, grading and value.
Stretch Glass (1916-1930) - An Introduction
Presented by Allan Valencia
Allan will discuss what stretch glass is and how it differs from other iridescent glass. He will present a number of examples to show the finishes, shapes, and colors of this pre-depression glassware.
Why Collect Cigarette Lighters?
Presented by Guy Nishida
Guy will cover how he got started, the history of lighters, types and designs, special categories, eBay, books, values, clubs and shows, market trends, 9/11 and airport security. In addition, he will discuss what makes a good collectible lighter, while giving special word about Zippo lighters. Finally, he will share his strategies and ideas for making money in this unusual field of collectibles that goes back to flint locks or basic flint and steel. "Say, you got a light, Buddy?"
The Wonderful Wizard of Baum
Presented by Mark Shapiro
L. Frank Baum is without question one of the greatest children's book writers of all time. And here are his books to prove it, still alive and well after all these years. For those who wish to have a fantasy come true, with a pinch of history thrown in for good measure, this is the place. All of Mark's books are in very good or better condition and complete. He has over 300 first edition-first state Baum books, and invites you to come and enjoy. "Follow the yellow brick road" to this fun and highly informative lecture-discussion.
Words under the Black Moon: A History of Writing Ink
Presented by Suki Hilger
This presentation on ink is fascinating not just for those who collect fountain or dip pens, but for its history throughout the world's cultures. From the Magna Charta to the Declaration of Independence, this humble product of civilization has quietly served kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, popes and cardinals, tyrants and saints. Bring your ink pen and take notes during this mega session presentation.