January 10, 2009 

I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited in my life! And that’s because besides all of the great sales and shows slated for 2009, the roving cast and crew of the hugely popular PBS program “Antiques Roadshow” visits San Jose in August.

As the dates draw near, I’ll be sure to provide readers with all the nitty-gritty. It’s going to be a humdinger of a year.

The annual White Elephant Preview Sale sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board - on behalf of the Oakland Museum of California - will be Jan. 25. Advance tickets cost $12.50. At the door, it’s $15. To order, check out www.whiteelephantsale.org. The regular sale is March 7-8.   

The 39^th annual St. Christopher Antiques Show and Sale – one of the most popular occasions of its type – happens Feb. 6-8. Besides the antiques on parade, lots of folks head to this show for the scrumptious Italian food. All monies raised benefit St. Christopher school, outreach and community programs. For more news, call (408) 836-7475, or see www.st.chrisantiques.com.

The 2009 Treasure Market will likely be one of the most talked-about events of the year. Legions of people will line up March 26-29 in order to have a chance at buying some stellar merchandise. Proceeds help the acquisition fund for the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. For further information, call (650) 326-4533, or visit www.museum.stanford.edu/tm.

The Alliance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga will sponsor another of its hit Antique Show-and-Tell programs April 18. It’s a chance to have your family heirlooms or flea market finds evaluated by a team of experts. Indulge in a gourmet lunch while you wait your turn. Proceeds fund a variety of philanthropic community projects. For more information, call (408) 278-5300.    

A sizable chunk of the collecting community was sorely disappointed there was no show held in Pleasanton last October. The street faire was managed for many years by Don Frate who suddenly passed away Sept. 28. Jerry and Betsy Goldman - the promoters who organize the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire the first Sunday of each month - will now sponsor these shows. The 2009 dates are May 24 and Oct. 11. Details: (510) 522-7500.    

And here’s the scoop about several other shows:

The California Country Antique Americana Show and Sale will be at the Hillview Community Center June 14 and Oct. 18. The twice-yearly event is a major fundraiser for the Los Altos History Museum. For details, ring up (831) 479-4404, or go to www.californiacountryshow.com.

An annual sale that’s a favorite with many collectors takes place at the picturesque Saint Mary's by the Sea Episcopal Church in Pacific Grove. This year’s fun will be July 10-12. For information, call (831) 373-4441. 

The Moss Landing Antique Street Fair is always held the last Sunday of July. This year the date is July 26. For more knowledge on the idyllic coastal community and the event, call (831) 633-4501.

The San Juan Bautista Antiques Show usually occurs the first Sunday in August. This time the charming mission town serves as the backdrop to the show Aug. 2. To get the news, call (831) 623-2454.

The “Antiques Roadshow” will be in San Jose on Aug. 15. Admission is free, but tickets are required and must be obtained in advance. For details, see pbs.org/antiques or call 1-(888) 762-3749.

The 45^th annual Niles Antique Faire and Flea Market will be Aug. 30. The event takes place in the historic Niles district of Fremont where silent movies were once made. Information: (510) 742-9868, or see www.niles.org.

The 37^th annual Pumpkin Patch Boutique will be held on Oct. 10. The sale - organized by the San Jose Auxiliary of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital - raises money to provide health care for underserved children in the Bay Area. For specifics, call (408) 294-4490.

The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show is slated for Oct. 29-Nov. 1. This show - the most elite of all those held in Northern California – attracts international sellers as well as many from across the United States. Proceeds benefit Enterprise for High School Students. For added details, phone (415) 989-9019.

Exquisite exhibits

Serious devotees of the Arts and Crafts movement still have a chance to take in “A New and Native Beauty: The Art and Craft of Greene and Greene.” The exhibit stays up until Jan. 26 at the fabled Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino (about 12 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles).

The exhibition is a chronological survey of the lives and careers of Charles Sumner and Henry Mather Greene. The brothers – perhaps best known for the Gamble House in Pasadena – are considered two of our country’s most revered architects and designers.

At the show you’ll see approximately 140 objects culled from a variety of collections. These include furniture, metalwork, art glass windows and light fixtures, photos and architectural drawings.   

The Huntington is at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. Make a point of having a relaxing and delicious lunch at the Rose Garden Tea Room. It runs $25 and worth every cent. Information: (626) 405-2100, or see www.huntington.org.

Another show “Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008” at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is worth seeing. The display is on until March 1.

This is the first time there’s been a major showing of vintage photos from the beloved magazine’s early period combined with more recent works. You’ll see photographs by Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, Man Ray and others.

The most captivating image in the group is “A Screened Lady - Gloria Swanson.” The 1924 photo, taken by Edward Steichen, captures the screen goddess as seen through a piece of intricate black lace. The beauty’s sumptuously wide eyes beckon you to follow her command.

The museum is at 5905 Wilshire Blvd., in Los Angeles. Details: (323) 857-6000, or visit www.lacma.org.    

Collectors wanted

A couple of months ago, I heard from David Schwartz who has created a new website: Collector's Neighborhood. He is interested in finding some charter members who would like to provide expertise in any of the numerous fields of collecting mentioned and to offer feedback.

Visiting the site you’ll spot a section for news about collecting, a discussion forum about a huge variety of collector issues, information about collector clubs and a calendar of events.

Take a peek at www.collectorsneighborhood.com. And tell me what you think.

December, 2008

Every collector enjoys a good book. It’s a tradition of mine to present an annual roundup of works that any antiques aficionado would be happy to receive. Here are my picks for 2008.

“Breathtaking” best describes “Tiffany Style” by John Loring (Harry N. Abrams, $50). The 304-page masterwork - penned by the legendary design director and artist - is a sumptuously-illustrated and fascinating history of the New York firm that has provided pashas, presidents and potentates with a touch of elegance for 170 years.       

The 27^th edition of “Schroeder’s Antiques Pride Guide” with Sharon Huxford as Senior Editor (Collector Books, $19.95) is the best book of its type on the market. It boasts identification and values for over 50,000 items, as well as details about clubs, newsletters and a list of auction houses. I carry this one wherever I go.

Be glad “The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain” written by Goro Shimura (Ten Speed Press, $40.00) was published. This scholarly treatise about the wares characterized by a cobalt blue underglaze, and top layers of colorful enamels and gold decoration, fills an overdue void on my bookshelf.

Call them kitsch, but we all own at least a single pair of funky salt and pepper shakers. No matter if they are shaped like dogs or pigs, they’re here in the “Salt and Pepper Shaker Price Guide” (Krause, $19.99) by Mark F. Moran. The handy paperback also has details concerning makers, tips regarding reproductions and storage ideas.      

Author and antiques guru Judith Miller has done it once more. She’s come up with a tome that should be found in every collector’s library. Her latest, “A-Z of Antiques and Collectibles” (DK Publishing, $30) has more than 3,000 entries and 1,500 color photographs. It’s easy to read, cleanly-designed and jam-packed with knowledge.   

The 12^th edition of “O’Brien’s Collecting Toys” edited by Karen O’Brien (Krause Books, $29.99) is a thick-as-a-telephone-book compilation of information and values for over 18,000 toys. And that includes dolls, erector sets, game boards, even cast iron banks. This big tome is considered a standard reference on the topic.

Every day is Christmas for some collectors. And that’s why folks who relish holiday memorabilia will rejoice with the release of “Antique Santa Claus Collectibles” by David Longest (Collector Books, $29.95). It’s a 190-page tribute to “good St. Nick” crafted from materials as diverse as glass, chalk, porcelain, plastic, pewter, wax, celluloid, paper, tin and cloth.     

Author, appraiser and auctioneer Ted Hake has oft been referred to as “The King of Collectibles.” His newest opus, “Official Price Guide to Pop Culture Memorabilia” (House of Collectibles, $34.95) is a weighty, 1,166-page encyclopedia about the icons we’ve loved: Mickey Mouse, Shirley Temple, Felix the Cat, Popeye, Marilyn Monroe, The Flintstones, even Charlie the Tuna.

Upcoming appearances

Since several readers have asked, here’s a list of my remaining appearances for 2008.

Today, you’ll find me at History Park Noon-3 p.m. I’ll offer evaluations of your family treasures. There is a limit of one item per person. Firearms, swords, stamps, coins or precious gems will not be appraised.

History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. Admission: $3. Parking: free. Details: Call (408) 287-2290, or see historysanjose.org.

Next Saturday, I’ll be at the Princeton Plaza Antiques Show to appraise your flea market and estate sale finds between 11 a.m. and Noon. Cost: $10 for the first item, $5 for each additional. 

Princeton Plaza is at 1375 Blossom Hill Road, near the junction of Kooser Road and Meridian Ave. in San Jose. Admission and parking are free. Information: (408) 761-6913. 

Later on, you’ll catch me at Bloomingdale’s taking part in a Beatles Shop Event 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

It’s a chance to view the new limited edition line of Beatles fashions and assorted collector goodies. I’ll take a look at your “Fab Four” keepsakes, and discuss their care while we listen to the sounds of a live DJ.   

The fun happens at Bloomingdale’s, Stanford Shopping Center, El Camino Real and Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto. Details: (650) 463-2167.  

Holiday shopping hints

Filoli - the grand mansion in Woodside that is part of National Trust for Historic Preservation – is having a sale of all remaining merchandise from its spectacular Holiday Traditions event.

On Monday, you’ll get 30% off. On Tuesday, you save 50% and by Wednesday it’s an astounding 75%. Hours: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. No admission fee. Parking is free.  

Filoli is at 86 Canada Road in Woodside. Information: (650) 364-8300, extension 222.

Nutcrackers are hot with collectors. And no one makes them with such devotion - and in as many designs - as the German maker Christian Ulbricht, in business since 1928.

Gunther Ulbricht, son of the founder, will be available to sign any purchase on Wednesday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. at David M. Brian Gifts, 1126 Broadway Plaza (near Crate & Barrel) in Walnut Creek. Details: (925) 947-1991.

By the way, this shop is one of the last of its kind in No. California. It reminds me of Randall’s, Avery’s and other stores long gone in San Jose. I know Walnut Creek is a bit of a hike, but for that special gift it’s well worth the effort.

December, 2008 

 Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa are nearly upon us. Here are several last minute gift ideas, and a handy list of places to shop for the inveterate collector.

You can’t go wrong giving a subscription to a monthly antiques publication. At least 12 times a year - maybe more often - recipients will recall your kindness.

The Maine Antiques Digest is a bulky, multi-sectioned newspaper jammed with news about auctions, the buzz on the marketplace, book reviews and tons more. I declare this one the “Bible” of the trade. Cost: $43. Details: (800) 752-8521.

A long-time favorite of mine is Antiques and Collecting Magazine. Every month you get 4 or 5 feature stories on a variety of topics plus sage advice from Harry Rinker, one of the country’s leading voices on antiques. Cost: $38. Details: (800) 762-7576.

On Dec. 6, I mentioned several new books that would be perfect presents. One that just came off the press and I’m ecstatic to add to that group is Therese Poletti’s weighty work “Art Deco San Francisco: The Architecture of Timothy Pflueger” (Princeton Architectural Press, $55).

This generously-illustrated, 256-page tome is the story of an immigrant’s son who over a career that spanned 40 years would change the appearance of our beloved “City by the Bay.” The architect’s legacy includes buildings like the Castro Theater, San Francisco Stock Exchange, and the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Headquarters.

Poletti’s tribute to Pflueger’s remarkable achievements is a landmark unto itself. Indeed, it’s simply grand.

If you’ve got a chance, get up to Antiques Unlimited in San Carlos. The emporium brims with interesting goodies all year long, but right now it’s stocked with scads of old Christmas ornaments, decorations and the like.

By the way, this is where Beverly and Fred Rosenquist display their stunning early American antiques. These folks, you may recall from my Nov. 22 column, reunited a Los Altos woman with a long-lost family heirloom – a sampler made by an 8-year old girl in 1822.

The multi-dealer collective is also where Gloria Taylor exhibits her merchandise. Taylor recently told me about selling tons of things to the people in charge of props for the highly-praised movie “Milk,” starring Sean Penn and co-produced by Los Gatos High graduate Dan Jinks.

Open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Antiques Unlimited is located at 1128 El Camino Real (corner of Brittan Ave.) in San Carlos. Phone: (650) 631-1600. 

Not long ago, my friend Sally and I stopped at Addison Antique, 100 Addison Ave., Palo Alto. It’s just across from Anthropologie at the corner of Alma Ave.

Several dealers were restocking cases with all sorts of porcelain, glass and silver, but the item that captured my heart was a wonderful vintage fireman’s hat. I still want it! Phone: (650) 328-1540.

In San Jose, you’ll find a dozen or so stores located within blocks of one another on W. San Carlos St. and part of So. Bascom Ave. This part of town is known as Antiques Row and a super place to scout for gifts.

The largest store is the Antiques Colony, 1881 W. San Carlos St. Phone: (408) 293-9844. I’d begin here, and ask the helpful staff to guide you to nearby boutiques.

Other places to prowl for antiques in San Jose include Silverleaf Antiques at 1343 The Alameda. The shop also conducts a popular jewelry-making class. Details: (408) 264-5900.

And don’t forget there are shops along Lincoln Ave. in the Willow Glen part of San Jose. One, the Willow Glen Collective at 1349 Lincoln Ave. is a spot many readers tell me they like. Phone: (408)947-7222.

More tips

Once again, the elves at Holy City Glass will be making colorful orbs and other wondrous hand-blown decorations 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily until Christmas Eve. The studio is 6 miles beyond Los Gatos off Highway 17 heading towards Santa Cruz. Watch for signs. Phone: (408) 353-4426.

Always remember: The best gifts come straight from the heart. And they don’t have to be expensive. Here are a few suggestions:

Take a collector who no longer drives to an antiques show. If you wish, cap the outing with lunch.

Help a collector catalog their collection. If you’re a whiz at photography, make a disc or prints so there’s a record for insurance purposes, etc.

Polishing a set of silver, or cleaning the prisms of a chandelier, are just two examples of a household chore most collectors wouldn’t mind help with now and then.

Assist a relative or friend by cleaning out an attic, shed, or basement. Tell them you’ll perform the heavy-lifting, deliver unwanted things to a thrift store, or help coordinate a garage sale.

Most of us dread ironing. If you don’t, tell a friend you’ll press a treasured linen tablecloth and napkins. And if you’re handy with a needle and thread, complete alterations on an old garment or, perhaps, mend a tear.      

For any of the above, simply write down your intention on a holiday card. I’ve got a feeling your gift will be received with glee.

A word of thanks

Here’s a picture of yours truly with 5-and-a-half month old Athena Rose, daughter of Tom and Laurie Rose of Los Gatos. The Roses were among those people who turned out for the annual Heritage Holiday hoopla at History Park in San Jose two weeks ago.

It was a pleasure to meet so many faithful readers. And as Athena taught me, you can never to be young to start collecting.

December, 2007
Bargains, gifts abound at Happy Dragon.

As Christmas draws near and 2007 ends, I am here with a couple of suggestions of where to shop for last minute gifts and a few bits of assorted news.   Read full article ...