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Bottles On Parade
New finds and sales are upping the availability
In my last column, I asked where all the bottles were. It seemed like Ebay was dry and not a lot had come out of the ground. Well, as things have progressed over the last few weeks, I still don't see a lot of Ebay items, but there are some pretty hot auctions coming up.....
Glass Works is having a huge Spring sale with 625 items coming up. It will end on June 20th. So, if you're interested, go to http://www.glswrk-auction.com . May 25th will be the ending date of the next Norman Heckler auction. They're at http://www.hecklerauctions.com and seem to have a nice selection of around 100 items. The photography on Norman's webpage has never been better. Bottles and More is planning an auction soon. They had one recently and did quite well. Better yet, if you consign with them, they don't charge a seller's fee.
American Bottle Auctions is planning a summer auction with some nice western items. Unrelated to our auction is some pretty fine western glass coming out of the ground... including a Goeppert Steam Beer, the Lyon's recently featured in our Recent Finds column, and a yellow green Renz's found in Sacramento. We will also feature all of these bottles in Recent Finds. Things seem like they're picking up.
I just received the latest issue of the Federations magazine and I'll tell you, they have done an amazing job of putting together a terrific issue. Along with some great color photographs, they have a load of interesting, well-written stories and other informative articles. BAM's latest issue is a tribute to William Pollard, a longtime collector, who most notably sold his collection of Baltimore flasks in a Norman Heckler sale in 1996. It contained 192 of the finest Baltimore Glass House items and a few other nice pieces. I never knew Mr. Pollard, but heard he was a great guy.
We've had a lot of letters responding to my last column, which I will still stand behind. However, as long as there are some auction houses around which continue to offer quality pieces, we'll all have a shot at something. I also believe there will be some major collections hitting the market soon and it wouldn't surprise me to see a new resurgence in at least the availability of good items. A lot of people mention greed as part of the problem in the hobby. Of course, that's a problem in any hobby. I believe the collectors that have been around have some animosity towards some of the "yuppies" that have turned their newfound wealth into a collection of bottles... nothing wrong with that. New blood is needed though, and the more the merrier. We appreciate the feedback and hope to get more.
I also wanted to point out that in an earlier article I asked what your Federation can do for you but meant what can you do for your Federation. None of the people involved get paid and it's a lot of work. I've belonged to a number of clubs over the years and you'd better enjoy it because, most likely you won't get thanked, and people will be demanding. It's the old... what have you done for me lately? Whatever the Federation has done, or not done, they deserve a lot of credit.
By Jeff Wichmann
5/10/05
Following, are responses to the Bottles On Parade article.
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Hi Jeff; You'd better believe it when I say that you've done more for the hobby than anyone, it's very true. I remember about 8 years ago walking into an antique shop and picking up one of those free give away magazines they have out. There was an extensive article you had written on bottles and investing in them, not to mention the numerous other articles you have written. Your effort to inform the general public is what sets you aside from the others and no, I have not been drinking.
I'll swear that years ago at the Reno bottle show in the mid 1970s I saw a small size Lyons with a larger one that was dug in V.C. It was forest green in color and was a mass of seed bubbles. The larger one was more like the color of the one you have (see Recent Finds). However I may be wrong here on the smaller size but I don't think so.
Someone or some organization needs to work on bringing people back into the hobby and that's where I feel the Federation should step in. I thought they were the voice for the hobby but I may be wrong. Like one of you columnist said "When was the last time you saw the Antiques Road Show do a segment on bottles ? How about never. Or when was the last time you picked up a non bottle magazine that relates to collectibles and saw a story on bottles ? Maybe three times in 30 years. There's lots of good media plays out there that could be used to promote the hobby. And your right about daddy war bucks looking for somewhere to drop his money. If more people knew about the potential of gain on rare bottles there would definitely be more people out there getting into it. Not only can they be a good investment but their killer to look at. I can't even begin tell you how much money I've made on buying and selling bottles over the years. Had I of had more capital to work with, it would of been a ton more.
As for those out there that think your the scourge of the hobby their jealous they can't handle all that good glass. Those are the guys who complain about everything just to have something to do and need to get a life. -Lou
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Hi Jeff. Just want to say "Hi" and to thank you for your mention of the Federation and the volunteers who work so hard to keep it running. The Federation is a non-profit organization composed of volunteers dedicated to the preservation, education and collecting of antique bottles and related glass. We are always happy to hear positive feedback and certainly encourage all members to get involved.
In addition, I wanted to extend a personal invitation to you to come out to Michigan and be a part of the special National Bottle Show that we have planned for this August. It is going to be a terrific show and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and new DeVos Place Convention Center provide an absolutely fabulous venue for the special event. Grand Rapids with it's fine restaurants, museums, and nearby cultural and vacation attractions provide the perfect backdrop for the weekend.
Please let me know if I can answer any questions or assist with any of your travel plans that you may be considering in terms of the National. -Very best regards, John Pastor / FOHBC President
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Hey! I just read through your last article and the comments it elicited. Interesting stuff all around! As a (generally), poor, mid-level buyer and sometimes digger and scrounger in the old Colorado mining districts to which I have access, I appreciate many of your thoughts and the input of commentors. Besides, anyone who would like to attend cross-country shows to check out the bars, ain't all bad.... :-) Life is very short....
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All photographs and editorial copy appearing on this website are the exclusive property of American Bottle Auctions and may not be reprinted, quoted or re-published without the permission of Jeff Wichmann, the owner of American Bottle Auctions.