Rod’s Corner – What’s Hot and What’s Not – 3/1/2023

Hi Everyone!  Welcome to this month’s edition of What’s Hot and What’s Not.  A monthly article focused on the auction process along with sharing some of the items that are HOT and NOT HOT in the auction industry as well as some highlights of the auction business.

This month I want to share some of the reasons that, in my opinion, sets the Steffen Group Auction Team apart from the competition.  You may be thinking, oh boy, here comes the we have over 100 combined years in the auction industry on our team line, and while that is certainly important…(and we do exceed that number), I do not believe that years alone make a great auction company.  The first thing that comes to mind for me is integrity.  In a world where a person’s word and a handshake do not mean what they used to, I have only observed a team from the top down that owns their successes as well as mistakes and honors their word.  We also continually self-evaluate our auction process always striving to raise the bar for our clients.  Yet another important piece to our success is that as a team, we are moving forward with new and innovative ways to market each auction that we have the privilege to be a part of.  We recently had two representatives from our team attend a multi-day training for auction marketing in Nashville.  At our year end antique auction at the Ossian Auction Gallery, we had 514 registered bidders from 42 different states and 5 bidders from Canada!  Successful marketing leads to successful auctions!

So let’s get to the part you are all looking forward to as we take a look at what is HOT and what is NOT in the auction business at this time.

Hot

Vintage Jewelry: It is exciting to see younger women and men taking interest in the vintage costume jewelry world.  Many of Mom and Grandma’s old pieces can achieve new life and the pleasure of a younger person as they wear these many times exceptionally decorated pieces with pride.

MCM (Mid-Century Modern): These are items made roughly from the late 1930’s through the mid 1960’s.  They are typically characterized by clean lines, simple shapes and lack of decorative embellishments.  MCM is designs are meant to be functional and long-lasting while still being sculptural and eye appealing.  We recently sold two pieces that the family had considered donating to the “burn pile” on the farm.  One sold for $725.00 and the other for $675.00!!

Pressed Metal Toys: The toy market, while having been strong for a while, is continuing to grow in popularity. This includes, Hubley, Marx, Wyandotte, Ertl, Buddy L, Doepke, Structo and many other makers.  These tend to be trucks, excavators, semi’s, fire truck type toys.  These are quite collectable and even in rough condition are sought after.  Sometimes just for parts to help restore another piece that someone is working on.

Pyrex: Who would have ever dreamed that Pyrex would be so popular!! While some are still actually using them to mix their cookies in, many other are collecting it!  On a side note, I like chocolate chip … and most others if you want to bring by some samples! ? The Primary Color nesting bowls are selling strong as long as they have good color as are the Butterprint and Gooseberry.  If you have the super rare (MCM) Atomic Starburst Turquoise you have hit a home run!! The most recent sale of a 2 quart one of these without the lid was over $500.00!!  On a side note, if you have the clear Pyrex baking dishes, I am sorry.  They are not collectable but still make a great casserole or pie!!

Not

Depression Glass: Unfortunately, Grandma’s depression glass is exactly what it says…depressing!  Pink and Amber are especially soft unless it is an exceptionally rare piece. While the blue is still in a soft market, it is doing better than the Pink or Amber.  You may be asking yourself, “what about the Green?”.  It has become very collectable and we will talk about it more in an upcoming discussion about what is HOT.

Avon: Because these items, while unique and meant to be decorative, were massed produced, they are not collectable in today’s world.  I have seen them not get a bid in auctions past.  While everyone enjoys seeing them and the memory that they bring, they do not bring the money that some have hoped for.  Because they were in most households, the market was simply too saturated with product.

Silverplate: The old, metal, made to look like silver, serving trays, plates, coasters and dishes are another super softie!  Unfortunately, they seem to be more marketable as scrap than to a collector at this time.

Beds: So many of the old antique beds have beautiful inlays, scroll work or just amazing wood.  However, most are Three Quarter or Full-Size beds and in today’s world of Queen and King beds, these are not selling well.  Typically, they will go to a person who has a spare bedroom that want to have available for company to spend the night in but want to make sure they do aren’t so comfortable that they want to stay too long!!

As we wrap up another edition of What’s Hot and What’s Not, be sure to remember that while these items are both HOT and NOT right now, the market is ever changing and there are always exceptions.  That is why it is so important to speak to one of the Steffen Group Auctioneers.  They will help guide you to the best possible way to market the items that you have for sale.