Innehållsförteckning för February 2024 från Kovels Antique Trader

CINCINNATI—The 29th edition of 20th Century Cincinnati, one of the country's longest-running Modernist shows, hits the Sharonville Convention Center Feb. 24-25. This year's theme for the iconic Mid-Century Modern retrospective is “Welcome to Modern.” “Beyond the remarkable items on display, 20th Century Cincinnati is a celebration of relationships,” says Jess Button, who owns and runs the show with her sister, Jenni Button. “It's a place where sellers and buyers converge, not just annually, but across the decades.” “It's really a testament to the show's ability to resonate with individuals from all walks of life,” Jenni Button says. “People don't just come here to buy or sell; they come to connect. It's more than a show; it's a community.” Featuring vintage modern art, furnishings and fashion, the event welcomes attendees to…

When Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly became pregnant in 1956, she used her Hermes handbag to shield her burgeoning belly from the paparazzi, who were always photographing her. At the time, her handbag was known as the Sac à Dépêches, but because it was thrust into the spotlight with the former actress, customers kept asking the company for the “Kelly bag,” which it was officially renamed. Not only is the iconic Kelly still a top “it” bag for its craftsmanship and design, but it's also eagerly sought by collectors for its investment payoff. Accessories and Assets Since the pandemic, luxury handbags by Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton and other brands have been one of the fastestgrowing assets among collectors. Though not many bat an eye anymore when collectors spend millions for…

Day after day, enslaved potter David Drake (ca. 1801-1874), known simply as “Dave the Potter,” could be seen bent over his potter's wheel fashioning and forming an astounding number of stoneware jars, jugs and containers. He crafted hundreds if not thousands of vessels running the gamut of sizes from as small as one court to as large as 40 gallons. Born in the antebellum South, he was owned early on by multiple slaveholders, taking the surname of his first owner, Drake, upon becoming a free man. Drake learned the pottery trade at an early age. As a strong young man, it was not a struggle for him to wrangle more than 50 or 60 pounds of wet clay on and off the wheel. He was one of roughly 75 enslaved…

What It lakes To Be An Growing up the youngest of three children raised by a single mother in the Mississippi River town of Bettendorf, Iowa, Robbie Wolfe dreamed of being Huck Finn. And today, at age 57, he has much in common with Mark Twain's famous fictional character. But instead of escapades on the Mississippi, Wolfe seeks adventure traveling the country's back roads rummaging through garages and old barns, scouring for “unknown treasures.” Wolfe stars with his brother, Mike, and Danielle Colby in the History Channel's long running hit reality show, “American Pickers.” We caught up with Robbie recently to discuss the show, his influences and the secret to being a successful picker. The freedom to explore “I was one of those kids that didn't really pay attention in…

CALIFORNIA Every first Sunday of the month, Alameda. Alameda Point Antiques Faire, 3900 Maine St., Alameda, CA. The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is the largest antiques show in Northern California, boasting BOO dealer booths. All items 20 years old or older. For more info, visit alamedapointantiquesfaire.com. Every first Sunday of the month through May, Palm Springs. Palm Springs Vintage Market, PS Cultural Center at the Camelot Theater, 2300 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs. For more info, visit palmspringsvintagemarket.com. Every second Sunday of the month, Pasadena. World's largest flea market at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena. More than over 2 million items offered for sale by more than 2,500 vendors. Shop for rare and unusual, vintage collectibles, antigues, new items, arts and crafts and second-hand items. SH: early birds, 5-9am; regular admission:…

Costume Jewelry While I already knew the name Heidi Daus back in the early 2000s, I really didn't take notice of her jewelry until one of my friends began carrying her Deco-inspired designs in the upscale boutique she owned. These pieces had an abundance of light gray rhinestones set in brassy antiqued settings. They were pretty enough and sold well, but they weren't really knock-your-socks off styles, in my humble opinion. About a decade later, another friend who was a frequent estate sale shopper in our area tipped me off to an opportunity I couldn't resist. The contents of a particular sale belonged to an avid Home Shopping Channel (HSN) shopper, and there were oodles of jewelry pieces available. I didn't even know if I would be interested, honestly, but…

Antiquing Adventure Nestled in the rolling hills of Green County, Wisconsin, lies the charming town of Princeton, a cultural heritage gem of only about 1,200 people worth exploring. You can easily spend a day – or three – browsing its historic downtown, popping into delightful mom-and-pop shops stocked with intriguing items, and enjoying smalltown hospitality. Less than two hours from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Madison, Princeton is one of the top shopping destinations in the state, boasting eclectic boutiques, antique stores, Amish shops and the largest outdoor flea market in Central Wisconsin. Make a Weekend of It With so many antique stores to explore, you'll want to spend at least a full day antiquing in Princeton. Consider booking a room at a charming historic inn like the Gray Gables…

I watched as my 33-year-old son Ryan bent way down under the dusty shelves in the back of the storage room. We had finally found a day to be together to start unpacking the basement chaos. It had been three trying months since my husband's funeral and my two boys and I were continuing the unsettling process of sorting through their dad's things. At only 59, Bill, my husband of 40 years, had died suddenly of a heart attack. The emotions on some days were taking their toll, and tackling one room at a time kept us guessing at what we would uncover. Bill had accumulated a ton … of …stuff. Or should I say, memories. Ryan called for me to hand him a flashlight. I searched and found one…