www.RIpicker.com has a new phone number: 401-405-1480

www.RIpicker.com now has a new phone number to help better serve our customers. You can now reach us at 401-405-1480. We can also be contacted by email: Sales@RIpicker.com.

Fun Merchandise And Superhero Toys & Collectibles

Over the past decade, the American public has been entertained at the box office with movies featuring many of the Marvel Universe's big name superheroes. Epic sagas such as the Spiderman and Iron Man series as well as recent films featuring Thor, Captain America, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men and many others have captivated millions. Such tales have also spilled over into the realm of merchandising with video games, action figures, toys, apparel and many great collectables. Because of Marvel's rise within the merchandising industry, online shopping has become a prime market for those looking to bring these toys and great collectables home. From myreviewsnow, below is a brief history of this companies rise to an industry leader as well as some of the main aspects of their merchandising campaign.

 Built on the ideas of creators Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko in 1939, Marvel started as a comic book company, introducing America to such superheroes as the Fantastic Four, Captain America, the Amazing Spiderman and many others. Spinning tales of epic battle between good versus evil, Marvel continued to grow and flourish throughout the twentieth century eventually spinning into the world of toys, games and movies based on its vast universe of characters. Marvel.com lists all of the information about their universe of characters for individuals to find.

Switching gears to the merchandising aspect of Marvel's approach, many of the toys sold by Marvel today are sold via online shopping. Whether it is the latest video games, board games, action figures or apparel, one can buy or sell any of these items online. In addition, the best part of online shopping is the ease in which one is able to shop from the comfort of one's home, while having the products delivered right to the buyer's front door. Furthermore, should this online shopping for Marvel products be a gift for someone outside the home, delivery to the recipient's home address is a piece of cake.

 The first of the three main areas where Marvel merchandises its products are video games. With over half of the United States owning at least one, if not more video game systems in their home, the market for video games featuring a plethora of Marvel superheroes is as expansive as the Marvel Universe itself. These games allow for single-player action that in many cases follows the latest movie Marvel released featuring the same superheroes. In addition to the single-player variety, many of these video games also feature multi-player options allowing the gamer to play not only others in their home, but with online capabilities, they can play alongside someone on the other side of the globe. This has proven a multi-million dollar industry for Marvel.

 Coming up a close second to the video game side of the business, the action figure and toy line Marvel boasts is equally impressive. One of the best things about this market is the ability to have multiple versions of the same character that support the same movie for which they are released. For example, with the movie Spiderman III, one could buy a standard Spiderman action figure featuring the classic well-known red and blue outfit, the black Spiderman suit featured in the movie, or a Peter Parker action figure that featured Peter Parker in plain clothes.

 Finally, there is the line of apparel that features any number of Marvel superheroes. From baby clothes up through adult sizes, there is no shortage of variety when it comes to featuring the Marvel Universe on individual apparel. Whereas this third brand is not pulling in as much money as the first two mentioned, it is still a multi-million dollar industry year after year.

 Ultimately, much like many of the superheroes they feature, Marvel is an industry-leading juggernaut in its own right. Offering a variety of options through online shopping, whether it be video games, toys or apparel, if there is something out there consumers want when it comes to superheroes, Marvel most likely offers it in many varieties to please them.

Source: www.ArticleTrader.com

The Calico Shack - Cumberland, RI

I recently visited the Calico Shack located in an old barn in Cumberland, RI. It is run by Eileen Stanton. The shop is filled with antiques, old furniture, knick knacks, chairs hanging from the ceiling, and more. My personal favorite is all the old tools, irons, milk cans, and furniture that is left outside the barn. This is a great place to pick for some interesting pieces. The address online states that is located at: 3777 Diamond Hill Rd. However, it is right in back of the old farmhouse at that address.

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Determining If A Piece of Furniture is a Valuable Antique

Antique furniture values generally always appreciate. Why is this? Mainly, it is because of the combination that antique furniture is made of solid wood and it has such beautiful craftsmanship. The furniture we see today is not built like it was over 100 years ago; therefore, it is not as valuable.

Identifying and Valuing Antique Furniture

Antique furniture can be separated into four geographic categories. These include:

* English - Divided into Victorian or Pre-Victorian

* European - Generally French or German

* American - Described as Shaker, New York, or Western

* Far Eastern: Usually Chinese - determined by the period or manufacture date

English antique furniture is sub-categorized by the rulers during that time period. For example; Georgian (1714-1812), Regency (1812-1830), Victorian (1837-1901), and Edwardian (1901-1910).

French furniture is classified based on the rule of King Louis. These include: Louis XIV (1643-1715), Louis XV (1723-1774), and Louis Phillpe (1830-1848).

American furniture that was popular back in the 17th and 18th century include: William and Mary (1690-1725), Queen Anne (1725-1750), Chippendale (1750-1780), Federal (1790-1815), Classical (1815-1845), Empire (1815-1845), and Country and Shaker (1690-1900).

Antique furniture values determined by:

--Type of Wood--

The most valuable types of antique wood are mahogany, walnut, oak, and pine.

--Wood Panels and Original Hardware--

A piece with the original hardware and wood panels is more valuable. A repaired piece will have a lowered value.

--Condition--

The condition of an antique is important when trying to determine antique furniture values. While an antique that is in "mint" condition is much more valuable than one with some scratches, if you try to repair the scratches, then you will devalue the piece. An antique item with scratches on the finish is much more valuable than one you try to repair to make in better condition.

Leave an imperfect piece of furniture as it is. Never strip and refinish an antique or re-attach a wobbly leg, this may affect it's authenticity. A change in the piece's finish or method of fastening may seem an improvement to you but may question the age of the piece to another.

-- Rarity--

This is one of the biggest factors for determining antique furniture values. The fewer items there are of a particular antique, the more valuable the antique is likely to be. This is not always going to be true; however, it is something to use as a basis when trying to determine a value.

--Demand --

Demand is a large factor for antique worth. A rare antique is not worth as much if no one wants it.

Authenticating Antique Furniture

Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there trying to take advantage of those new to antiquing. Protect yourself from becoming a victim. Learn some basic things to look for before you make that purchase. If you are not completely comfortable making the decision, contact an antique expert to help you.

Once you determine what type of furniture you are interested in, you will want to ensure the piece you have is authentic. Here are some two sure signs to look for:

1. Aging signs. Original wood changes over time. Look for signs of shrinking, cracking, warping and fading.

2. Check for imperfections. There should be some ragged edges, slanted lines in the screws, and uneven boards. This is because an antique is made by hand. If you see things are perfect, then this indicates the furniture was made with power tools, which indicates the furniture is not antique. Power tools were not around 100 years ago.

Antiquing can be a rewarding hobby if you take the time to familiarize yourself with each type of antique.

Source: www.Articlesbase.com
By: Jeff B. Morgan

How to Find Rare Music Box Collectibles

Are you a collector? Do you happen to collect rare music boxes? Seeking to find the perfect ballerina music box for your ballerina room décor? Looking for beautiful inlaid music boxes and musical jewelry boxes? Maybe you need a wooden keepsake box or a unique music trinket box. If so, you will be surprised at how many people collect music boxes of all kinds. There are many different ones and different styles out there to choose from. You might not have thought about it but rare music box collectibles can also be worth a lot of money. So if you collect them, you might have not only a hobby but a source of income if you choose to buy and sell.

However, when you start thinking about music boxes such as carousel music boxes, children's music boxes, and music box collectibles, you probably want to know where to search. You can't just go to your local Wal-Mart and buy one. That is why we have the best information for you here. There are several different places you can search to find collectible music boxes and while you will still need to do some digging to find what you are looking for, it helps to be looking in the right places to begin with.

Searching on eBay

If you are looking for rare music box collectibles, one great place to look is on eBay. eBay is the best marketplace for collectibles including music boxes. At any given time you can find hundreds maybe even thousands- of music boxes on eBay for bidding or for Buy It Now prices. Many serious collectors have eBay stores that let you see all items in a virtual store and purchase them at a fixed price if you want them.

You can find many music boxes on eBay that you were having trouble locating elsewhere. Because it is such a large marketplace with sellers from all over the world, you have better chances of finding what you are looking for. Another great thing about eBay is that often people do not realize the worth of their music box and maybe will sell an item for much cheaper than its actual worth. So if you keep your eyes peeled, you can get a great deal.

Referrals from Friends and Family

There are so many different opportunities for you to find more information regarding wooden music boxes, children's music boxes, and also where you can get some great rare music box collectibles. You can gain a lot of information from simply telling friends and family. Let more people know that you are looking and what you are in the market for. If you do this, you will likely get a ton of referrals from people around you. Many people may have and/or collect them themselves or they might know where you can find good deals.

Almost everyone you meet will know someone who has a music box collectible. There are some people who even like to collect music figurines. Perhaps they can give you a contact that would make makes it easier to track down those rare and special ones that you are looking for.

MBSI and Other Organizations

Collecting music box collectibles is so popular that there are even organizations dedicated to it. While most people do it because they enjoy and love music boxes, they are also those who are very serious about what they do. The Music Box Society International is a large organization dedicated to the enjoyment, study and preservation of automatic and mechanical musical instruments. They are a non profit organization and you can find out much more about them and about music boxes and collectible musical instruments on their website at http://www.mbsi.org.

There are other organizations such as the Miles Musical Museum, The Merry Music Box, and the Automatic Musical Instrument Collector's Association (http://www.amica.org/). These sites can give you information on collecting, restored and preserving these rare music boxes and collectibles.

Using these guidelines, you are sure to find beautiful inlaid music boxes, unique musical jewelry boxes, delicate music figurines, and more.

Source: Monique Hawkins

Monique Hawkins is the owner of the online music box store, "Monique's Music Box" located at http://www.my-music-box.com . She also posts a "What You Never Knew About Music" blog at http://whatyouneverknewaboutmusic.blogspot.com

Antiques recovered by Eustis Historical Museum from abandoned home

EUSTIS — Years of abandonment had left the old Allen Drive house a deteriorating mess, a home for insects and rats.

So it was all the more surprising that historian Louise Carter found items worth saving for the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society.

The most extraordinary find was a large wooden chest from 1898, lined with meta. It had been a storage chest for a workman's vital tools, Carter said

"The owner would have been a builder or carpenter or plumber and his tools were stored inside here," she theorized. "Their livelihood was in this box."

Visitors to the society's Citrus Museum can view the tool chest and other antiques retrieved from the abandoned home.

The city won ownership of the house following years of neglect and countless code-enforcement violations. Its original owner had died long ago and the owner's son lived there for a while, only to walk away and never return.

Outdoors, the yards became overgrown, requiring city officials to mow it, city code-enforcement supervisor Eric Martin said. Fines accumulated as the building continued to deteriorate, until the city had enough liens for a foreclosure case, he said.

Inside, the house was in terrible shape, he said.

"There was a rat's colony that had moved in and the place smelled really bad," he said.

Still, some of the personal belongings seemed worth saving as possible antiques.

Carter and Martin ventured into the home to assess the belongings and she found several items worth salvaging. There was an antique clock, a quilt, massive ceramic crocks, a flat iron, a massive Mason jar and a hack saw circa 1910. Still being identified are finds such as a trio of cypress knees, carved like small Indian totems.

Some items dated to the World War II era, when a family member had fought. The museum now has that property — patches, artillery medals, coins and paper money from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and England, as well as a collection of handwritten letters, bound together with a ribbon.

Carter also took several antique pieces of glass, dating to before the 1900s or 1920s, which still need a thorough cleaning.

"It has a coating of oil and grease from being in a house without air conditioning for years," she said.

Most of the items aren't ready for display yet because of necessary restoration or cleaning, she said.

However, museum visitors can already see the massive chest, which will be displayed along with the various citrus tools from the era.

"I can imagine it with heavy chisels and tools stored inside, and secured with extra locks," Carter said. "It would have taken four men to carry it."

City officials are still in the process of cleaning out the house, which may be turned over to another organization for further restoration, Martin said.

Source: llelis@tribune.com or 352-742-5927

M.S. Rau Antiques To Celebrate 100 Years

The U.S. is still a young country so any business that has lasted 100 years is quite a milestone. When the business happens to be a dealer in antiques it’s a cause for a celebration. M.S. Rau Antiques in New Orleans will be hosting such an event Thursday at its store on 630 Royal St. in the French Quarter.

The two-story gallery, located on the main street for the city’s antique dealers, specializes in 18th and 19th century antiques, fine art and estate jewelry. Among its items are furniture from Versailles, sterling silver from King George VI, pedigreed decorative art objects, and memorabilia from American and European history.

“Collecting has been the DNA of the Rau family,” said Bill Rau the third generation owner of the family business. If you walk in the store today, you’ll see art works by van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet; Bulgari, Cartier and Tiffany jewelry; and items like music boxes, decorative glass and porcelain.

Rau is especially proud of his collection of paintings by Churchill, the great World War II leader. “History buffs like me already know that Sir Winston Churchill’s artistic skills continued to develop in and out of office,” he said.

While the business deals with historical works, it has an eye on the future. Its website is e-commerce enabled so anyone can purchase many of the store’s items online.

In addition, the store created the Rau for Art Foundation, a non-for-profit program and art contest targeting high school art students in the 10th to 12th grades. Besides promoting art appreciation, there’s prize and scholarship money totaling $17,000 are awarded to winners and their high school art departments. Winning artwork will be exhibited at M.S. Rau Antiques and Fine Arts this month.

Source: www.Forbes.com

Treasure Hunters Roadshow visits Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH —

Modern day treasure hunters are coming to Marlborough.

  Specialists are on a worldwide treasure hunt and will be digging in Marlborough for five days, March 6-10, during the Treasure Hunters Roadshow. During this free event, 1,200 residents are expected to bring in their rare and unusual collectibles. Guests will have a chance to talk to world-renowned antique and collectible representatives.

 Keep an open mind when going through your attic and closets because something invaluable to you could turn out to be a sure novelty piece. A recent find includes a 1960s vintage guitar purchased at an event for $100,000.

 Marlborough is the next stop on THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow worldwide tour. During this event at the Courtyard by Marriott, 75 Felton St., specialists are hoping to see items such as coins and paper currency issued prior to 1970, toys, dolls, trains, vintage jewelry, old and modern musical instruments, war memorabilia, gold and silver jewelry, costume jewelry, advertising memorabilia, swords, knives, daggers and the unusual.

 Treasure hunters make offers based on rarity, collectability, condition and market value. If the price is right for you, THR will pay you on the spot with no hidden fees, according to the organization.

 THR’s Treasure Hunters Roadshow purchases gold items too. If you have mismatched earrings, broken necklaces or costume jewelry, THR representatives want to see them.

 The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 217-726-7590.

Read more: Treasure Hunters Roadshow visits Marlborough - Marlborough, MA - Marlborough Enterprise http://www.wickedlocal.com/marlborough/news/x1142167945/Treasure-Hunters-Roadshow-visits-Marlborough#ixzz1oMD2j4qA

Source: www.WickedLocal.com

Greek Police Bust Antiques Traffickers' Ring

Greek police claimed that they had busted a gang engaged in trafficking of antiques dating back to 4th century B.C. by arresting 44 people after months of investigation. Police said on Sunday they confiscated 9,200 silver and bronze coins dating from the 4th century B.C. to the Byzantine times. They also seized 300 small artefacts from the arrested.

A 66-year-old retired Customs official, described as the ringleader, would often travel abroad to arrange for the sale of the coins. He, along with his two brothers and other relatives, formed the core of the group which carried out illegal excavation at several places in northern and central Greece.
Regional police chief Vassilis Kanalis said in Polygyros, a town north-east of capital Athens, the arrests and seizures were the culmination of a "great investigation" which began six months ago.
The most valuable coin, according to experts, is a silver coin from the era of Alexander the Great (4th century B.C.) in which Alexander is depicted as an eagle on one side, while the other shows his father and predecessor as King of Macedonia, Philip II.

Source: www.RTTnews.com
By RTT Staff Writer

Davy Jones, Monkees collectibles will rise in value after singer’s death: ‘Antiques Roadshow’ appraiser

That dusty Monkees lunchbox in your attic still won't put both your kids through college, but yes, says a pop culture collectibles expert, the death of Davy Jones might make this a good time to cash in on it. Gary Sohmer, long-time appraiser on PBS' "Antiques Roadshow," says a Monkees lunchbox in good shape could bring $400-$500 or more.

 That could be 10%-40% more than it brought a week ago, says Sohmer, largely because the publicity around Jones' death has stirred up a flurry of interest in both him and the Monkees.

 There has been a renewed interest in the Monkees’ music since Jones’ sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 66 on Wednesday. The band’s “The Best of the Monkees” was the No. 3 most downloaded on iTunes, while the song “Daydream Believer” was the No. 12 on the music site’s charts.

 Sohmer offers a few specific points and suggestions:

 * The most valuable item is autographs, "because obviously now there won't be any more." Photographs Jones would sign at autograph shows for $30-$40 now could go for $100-$150, he says.

 He cautions buyers, however, to look for authentification, since forgeries are epidemic on sites like eBay.

 * Davy Jones solo items will become more interesting. Jones cut several 45 rpm singles before the Monkees, notes Sohmer, and those 45s with picture sleeves, while not the best rock 'n' roll ever, could go for $40-$50 each.

 A Playbill from "Oliver!", with Jones in the cast, could go for $30-$40.

 * The most desirable items are the ones made from 1966 to about 1970, and the most valuable often are fragile items in their original boxes — like Monkees hand puppets.

 "You had four heads and when you wiggled them, each one talked in the real Monkee's voice," says Sohmer. "Almost no one left them in the original packaging, but if you did, it could be worth $500 or more."

Monkees lunchboxes fit this category, too, by the way.

 "Kids wrecked them, or someone left a tuna fish sandwich in them for 15 years," says Sohmer. "That's why they're valuable now — that and the fact they appeal to both Monkees collectors and lunchbox collectors."

 * Signatures from all four Monkees spells gold. A copy of "More of the Monkees" is just one of five million pieces of used vinyl unless Jones, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith all signed the cover, in which case it could bring $500-$1,000.

 "Mike didn't want much to do with the Monkees after a while," Sohmer notes. "So his signature adds a lot of value."

* Think concert posters. In the early days, the Monkees didn't have to do much promotion, so they didn't print a lot of posters or handbills for their shows.

 A good-condition poster could net $1,000 or more — unless you happen to have the holy grail of Monkees concert posters, from one of the three shows where Jimi Hendrix was their opening act.

 Sohmer says one of those sold for $10,000 three years ago, and he estimates it would be closer to $15,000 now.

 The Monkees in general have remained pretty collectible over the years, says Sohmer, who will be at the Pier Antiques Show in New York March 17-18, appraising items for charity.

 "The Monkees have longevity," he says. "People who don't personally remember them heard them later, recognize their influence and are interested in them."

 He does expect Monkees and Jones memorabilia will follow the usual pattern after a celebrity dies. Prices will spike for a few months, and then gradually return to their previous level.

 He also says he does know one party you might expect to have a lot of Monkees memorabilia who doesn't.

"I'm good friends with Micky Dolenz," says Sohmer. "I asked him once what kind of stuff he has and he said he didn't save any of it. So I try to pick up things to give to him."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/davy-jones-monkees-collectibles-rise-singer-death-antiques-roadshow-appraiser-article-1.1031513#ixzz1ntrNeII1

Article by: David Hinckley