Hi everyone, and welcome to this edition of What’s Hot and What’s Not, a monthly publication of the Steffen Group that helps keep everyone up to date on what items are selling strong in the auction business along with those items that are not selling strong currently.
This month I wanted to start out talking a little bit about the Steffen Group Ossian Auction Gallery. It is in Ossian on Craig Street in the back of the same building as Rod’s Rustics antique store. As a bit of history, this building is the old Chevrolet garage in Ossian. This auction gallery has been open just over a year now and we continue to make improvements to make this a top-notch facility for our sellers and buyers.
While this facility can serve as a location to sell estate items when they need to be moved off site in order to sell them, the primary focus of the gallery will be to become an outlet for selling only the very best antiques and high-quality collectables. This can include items like antique toys, high end glass, coins, classic cars, railroad items, antique furniture, automotive signs, firearms, and fishing collections just to name a few.
We have already experienced some of the benefits of this focused approach and have regular bidders now following the Steffen Group Auctions. We are typically running between 350 and 500 plus bidders for each auction from all through the United States, Canada and even Australia. We look forward to discussing with you what items you may have that we would be able to market through the auction method. Please reach out to myself or any of the Steffen Group Auctioneers to have this conversation.
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
Firearms and Ammunition: This is a market that continues to bring some very strong numbers at every auction. Firearms ranging from newer hand guns and rifles to antique and civil war guns along with their ammunition and accessories are continually sought after by a large market of buyers. There was a particular firearm that I was watching close at an on-line auction that seemed high to me. I did some research after watching it sell and sure enough, it sold for more that it could be bought new for.
Antique Furniture: The antique furniture market, while not returning to its peak time of the 1970’s and 80’s, is gaining some momentum. Kitchen Cupboards, Barrister Bookcases, Mid-Century, Sideboards as well as repurposed items are strong and seem to be growing in popularity again. Furniture has always been a bit of a variable because people do not need to buy furniture every day and it takes a specific spot in a home for it. Condition is also very important to selling furniture. It needs to be in very good usable condition. Large kitchen tables and desks are more hit and miss as our lifestyles today with open concepts and computers make these a challenge to use and decorate with.
Vintage Fishing Lures and Tackle: The collectability of vintage fishing bait and tackle is in a great place. There are many vintage lures that were made in this region, including South Bend, Creek Chub and others. Those old lures that are wooden, hand painted and have glass eyes are extremely collectable. We are fortunate to have some great people on our team that have a strong knowledge of the vintage fishing market that can help market the smallest to largest collection of vintage fishing items.
Hand Blown Glass & Art Glass: It is exciting to see some great glass getting attention again! While it is not at a peak, this market has been proving to be strong. Hand blown glass makers include Blenko, Bishoff, Rainbow and Kanawha to name a few. These pieces vary from the simple to very large and unique. The art glass pieces have a great shine and vivid colors. Murano is probably the most recognized manufacturer of art glass. Be sure to keep your eyes open for both of these types of stunning glass.
Not
DVDs: The DVD market, like the VHS Tape market has really dropped off. With so many on line streaming as well as video on demand options, the need to buy these and have them take up space is just not needed and the market is making that clearly known. These are best donated.
Transferware: If you are not familiar with transferware, it is a colored pattern applied by transferring the print from a copper plate to a specially sized paper and finally to a piece of pottery. These are most seen on plates, bowls, pitchers, and other serving pieces. While these were once the centerpiece of a beautiful table setting, as people have gotten away from formal place settings, the transferware market has softened. There are a few, what I would call exceptional pieces that still have some nice value.
Everyday Lamps: Used everyday household lamps do not have a great value. Many times, they are sold as groups of 2 to 4 or more to try to help get some active bidding. Now, I do want to explain that there are absolutely exceptions to this. High quality-stained glass, slag glass and unique lamps are almost always strong with condition and color having a lot to do with their overall total price. Another great selling lamp is the Saint Clair Paperweight Lamps that were made in Indiana.
Milk Glass: Entry level everyday milk glass is quite soft and because it was so prevalent there is not much value. Some of the unique pieces such as epergnes, do maintain a value but certainly not the value that the same piece would be if it were in a different color. These are another item that need to be placed in a group or box lot in order to receive some bids.
As we wrap up another edition of What’s Hot and What’s Not, please 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 auction.
