In pre-communist Russia there was no greater honor than to be awarded the Imperial Order of St. Andrew. Established in 1698 by Tsar Peter the Great (below), it was handed out for only the greatest achievements of civilian or military merit. Abolished under Lenin, it was reintroduced in 1998. On Wednesday, August 26, Kodner Galleries offers bidders the chance to snare an Order of St. Andrew for themselves when Lot 67 (above) goes under the hammer during their Estate Auction. And while competition is sure to be fierce, bidders should console themselves with the sobering thought that buying one of these medals is a heck of a lot easier than trying to win one. Those looking to bolster their jewelry collection should look beyond the medals at the Estate Auction. Sprinkled among the 324 lots on offer are some outstanding pieces of jewelry, many f...Read More

Bitters came into being as alcohol disguised as medicine. In an effort to circumvent liquor taxes, 19th Century distillers took to adding small amounts of herbal bitters to gin and sold it without taxation under the guise of medicinal liquor. Drinking bitters, the civilized man of the 1870’s could get his fill of strong drink without being condemned by the temperance union and other do-gooders. On Sunday, August 23, Rachel Davis Fine Arts will offer an outstanding collection of bitters bottles among the 592 lots of their Antique Bottles sale. Whether you’re an established collector or a new kid on the block, the tremendous depth of the sale should see all parties come away satisfied. This little piggys going to market! Lot 98, one of the real standouts in the sale, is a Berkshire Bitters bottle produced by Cincinnati’s Amann & Co. At the ti...Read More

After taking a look at Day 1 of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Marketplace sale, we’re not about to leave Day 2 sitting on the shelves neglected. 570 lots are set to go under the hammer, and bidders rest assured, the quality more than stands up to the offerings of the sales opening day. Once again weve picked out a few of our favorite pieces from the days offerings. To see the full catalog, head over to Bidsquares Auctions page and dive right in! Put yourself together with style by acquiring Lot 629, a seven piece silver dresser set, comprising a hand mirror, clothes brush, hair comb, nail buff, nail file and button hook. Why not take home a little flare from the Orient? Lot 933, one of many great offerings from the Far East in the sale, consists of two jadeite archers rings, each carved to depict bats and coins. Next stop Africa! Lot 162, a p...Read More

Day 1 of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Marketplace sale looks set to attract bidders with interests in a broad range of categories. Over 580 lots go under the hammer, with a stunning array that covers everything from glassware to porcelain to furniture and more. Below, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorites collectibles from Day 1 of the Marketplace sale. Don’t just take our word for it though – head over to Bidsquare’s Auctions page and view the full catalog. It’s sure to catch your eye! Take your entertaining to a new level and bid on Lot 80, a cobalt blue cut to clear glass drink set, comprising a decanter and seven cordials. Bring a little attitude and style to your desktop with Lot 97, two finely carved alabaster lions - lying in repose but ready to pounce! Journey back in time whenever you get seated on Lot 468, a Victorian iron bench ...Read More

By 1960 only one craftsman, Burlon Craig, was still producing pottery in North Carolinas Catawba Valley. Heir to a heritage of alkaline glazed stoneware made in the region from the early 19th Century, he had watched its decline as the food industry relied increasingly on glass and canned food storage. Its future, to say the least, looked bleak. Lot 111, by Burlon Craig But with Craig leading the way, Catawba Valley pottery survived. New artisans were attracted to the medium, relying on tourism and a building interest in handmade crafts. Innovations included decorative techniques such as swirl ware - pottery made by combining two or more different colors of clay, and unique forms such as "face jugs." Lot 145, early Jugtown pottery On Friday, August 14, Brunk Auctions offer bidders the chance to access the revitalization of Catawba Vallery po...Read More

People have been collecting weapons since men first starting throwing spears in anger. Whether captivated by their historical significance or their streamlined beauty, it is a market that continues to attract a healthy bidding public. Which brings us to Cowan’s Auctions’ two-day Firearms and Accoutrements sale, set down for Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14. Featuring over 1400 lots covering many of history’s most landmark confrontations, the sale includes an excellent selection of fresh-to-the-market rifles, pistols, accoutrements, collectibles and more. What better place to start than rifles? The Firearms and Accoutrements sale offers a stellar range, from Civil War Burnsides (top) to Springfields (middle) and Winchesters (bottom). When it comes to collectors it’s hard to find a more passionate bunch than those who pursue Civil W...Read More

There’s nothing really more iconic in American culture than the pool table. From landmark films like “The Hustler” to songs like “Don’t Mess Around with Jim,” the pool table has carved a special niche in the nation’s psyche – often at the edges, walking that line between friendly neighborhood bar and seedy underbelly dive. On Saturday, August 8, Ahlers & Ogletree gives bidders the chance the strut their stuff like “Fast Eddie” Felson when they offer Lot 260, a 1946 Brunswick-Balke-Collender Centennial pool table, as part of their Mid-Century Modern sale. Made of Brazilian rosewood furniture with a cast aluminum skirt and base, the table is fully restored, including green felt top, refinishing of all exposed wood, and high polishing of all aluminum. If you were ever thinking of adding a pool room, what a place to start! This is just one of t...Read More

Barbie dolls have undoubtedly been one of the most popular collectibles in the world for over 55 years. It is estimated that over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold worldwide in over 150 countries and the doll’s popularity continues to grow. The company who manufactures Barbie, Mattel, estimates that there are over 100,000 avid Barbie collectors all over the world, many of who will be paying close attention to the online timed auction of over 2,000 Modern Barbie’s to be sold at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, August 3-14. Janice Pye, a modern Barbie collector, had a passion for collecting and was a distinguished member of the International Barbie Community. She spent countless hours attending events such as the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention, both as a guest and as a consultant. The knowledge and continued commitment she had for ...Read More

A great walking stick is a beautiful thing. Typically handmade, they possess an ageless grace and refinement that lends an elevated dignity to their bearers. Somehow, you can’t help but take a man or woman a little more seriously when they have a cane in hand. On Saturday, August 1, Wickliff Auctioneers will send an estate collection of unique, antique canes and walking sticks under the hammer during their Fine Canes, Walking Sticks, Estate sale. Whether you’re a committed collector or a spirited enthusiast or you hurt your knee shooting hoops, Wickliff are sure to have the walking stick to suit, whatever your needs. Lot 458 is sure to draw plenty of attention. Presented by Andrew Jackson to the Governor of Kentucky, John Breathitt as thanks for his support in 1832, this stunning piece features a polished handle, is engraved and comes accom...Read More

With its embassy in Washington reopening so historically this week, Cuba seems to be very much in the news right now. So, what better time to highlight the offerings on Bidquare connected to the sleeping giant of the Caribbean as she re-emerges from behind the cloud of exile? Stanford Auctioneers’ Pop, Modern, Contemporary Art & Photography sale contains three works by Cuban master Wifredo Lam. Lam was strongly influenced by Afro-Cuban culture, and inspired by his contact with some of the most renowned artists of the 20th Century, including Picasso, created his own unique and highly influencial style. Clars Auction Gallery offers a taste of Cuba in its Fine Art & Antique Auction via the work of Mariano Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who like contemporary Lam was strongly influenced by the European masters, is considered one of the most important art...Read More