Central Kentucky Antiques and Collectibles

Copyright 2010 – Kimberly Clay

This past Sunday there was a story on the Washington Post website by a collector, Richard W. Fulton. His story focuses on the fact that while he is an enthusiastic, and by all appearances, incurable collector, his wife isn’t; and the incongruity that particular circumstance creates in their relationship.

I immediately identified with his situation (I too am married to a non-collector), and then thought how many of “us” there must be who are in the same or similar situations.

I have been a collector almost since the womb, I think. I had parents who were very indulgent in that respect. My early recollections are of collections of stuffed animals (a good number of which I hung onto for 30 years or more until my husband tossed them out. I was SO upset – “Those old things? I put them in the trash. Why in the world would you hang onto those? You’re not a kid anymore…”), a huge collection of rocks and fossils (of every kind you could imagine, including now-protected Native American artifacts), beer cans (Yup, beer cans. My Dad started that one:), original copies of National Geographic Magazine (my Dad again) and more.

It was my mother though, who really got me hooked on antiques (although Dad used to be very adamant about impressing upon us the importance of collecting and keeping family heirlooms and artifacts). As kids, she used to (drag) take us to yard sales and garage sales. (She never found one she didn’t like:) Then (again) as a kid, I stumbled upon my first neighborhood auction. After that I was hooked, no turning back, and I’ve been an avid antiques, collectibles and vintage collector ever since.

And although I’ve sometimes fantasized about how incredibly wonderful it would be if my husband and I shared my absolute love for collecting, in all reality, it would probably be a nightmare. Our home would be so crammed with “stuff” as to be uninhabitable. We would constantly have differences of opinion about which collection was more important or what item was more valuable, and I would be bonkers with him always underfoot; following me to every single auction and estate sale or gallery, with absolutely no “me time”.

So even though there are plenty times I miss having a companion with whom to share my passion for antiques, hate it when my husband continues to stare into the television as I’m telling him about my most amazing find (or the other really great experiences that collecting affords me), I guess it’s really for the best the way things are. Ce la vie!

Copyright 2009 – Kimberly Clay

If you’re not a big sports fan and find yourself kinda bored after the big buildup to midnight on New Years Eve, or if you’re looking for something fun to do New Years Day, you should consider a visit to Mattox Auction Center in Carlisle, KY. It’s a great way to spend the day by yourself, or better yet, in the company of like-minded friends.

“This will be our 6th New Year’s Day Auction, and I am very excited about the quality of the inventory that will be offered in this special annual event,” says Mark Mattox, owner. “Our New Year’s Day event has become a tradition in the area, and is known as an event featuring quality merchandise with something for a variety of collecting interests.”

Although I haven’t visited Mattox Auctions in a while, I have attended the New Years auction in the past. In fact, one of the first items you’d see upon entering my livingroom is one of several antique pieces I’ve purchased from them over the years. I have always enjoyed any of their auctions I’ve attended, and when I think of Mattox Auctions, quality and affordability always come to mind.

When asked about this New Year’s selection, Mark had a lot to say.

“I’m especially excited about a grouping of four Hunleigh water colors from a Lexington home, an original Paul Sawyer water color, a Harvey Joiner painting that I believe is of Cherokee Park in Louisville, exceptional porcelains including Dresden, Royal Vienna, Sevres, Nippon, and R.S. Prussia, fine furniture from many periods, including a fine early walnut sugar chest, a superb crazy quilt from a Paris estate, a cylinder music box, two working Mills 5 cent slot machines, quality stoneware and primitives, a great selection of KY History books, and so much more.”

Many of Mark’s regular customers wait all year for this special New Years event.

This year the auction will begin at 10:00 am on January 1. The auction facility, located on U.S. 68, has ample parking and is equipped to comfortably handle a big crowd.

Mark says, “We welcome all to the auction and encourage you to visit during the scheduled Auction Preview on December 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. or on December 31 from 1 to 6 p.m.”

So do something a little different this New Years Day – something you’ll enjoy to start the year off right. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll find a treasure or two to take home and spread a little “after Christmas” cheer! Happy hunting! Maybe I’ll see you there…

If you go:

Mattox Auction Center
3740 Maysville Road – U.S. 68
Carlisle, KY
(859) 289-5720
http://www.mattoxrealestate.com

Copyright 2009 – Kimberly Clay

For centuries, a small island off of the coast of Italy has produced some of the highest quality glass in the world. The island is called Murano and has a long history of glass production that reaches all the way back to the 9th century. Because of the unique materials used and intricate craftsmanship, items such as Murano glass jewelry are now highly collectible and sought after by collectors around the world.

The history of Murano glass really begins in the 9th century when local citizens learned the art of glassmaking from the Romans. Around the end of the 13th century, the government of Venice ordered almost all of their glassmakers to move their shops to Murano. Glassmaking subsequently became a fine art on the island and the artists were considered high society.

This tradition of excellence has carried over into modern times. Murano glass is crafted into a variety of items including drinking glasses, paper weights and figurines. There are also many artists known for their sculptures. These works are created with great care, utilizing elagent lines and very fine detail. Because of the fine quality of craftsmanship, glass works from the island of Murano are often expensive and unique.

The internet offers a multitude of sources to buy these collectibles. But, you need to know how to identify Murano glass. Counterfeits are often made in China and passed off as original. These pieces are usually made quickly, using lower quality material and are not uniformly shaped. The only authentic pieces are those created on the island of Murano. Other collectibles that imitate the style, but are created in other places are merely reproductions. So shop with care.

Since each piece is crafted by a master, these items offer beauty and elegance to the collector. If you are a collector or considering getting into collecting, you may want to consider investing in Murano glass.