Caroline Ashleigh Appraisers & Auctioneers

Find Art Experts recently made a guest appearance on the nationally-syndicated radio program "Whatcha Got." The segment focused on how the new FindArtExperts.com gives collectors insider information to more than 200+ collecting and service categories from 15,000 fine art and collectibles experts in their hometown or around the world. "Whatcha Got" features the latest news from the world of antiques and collectibles.

In the following clip, Caroline Ashleigh appraises a vintage Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Doll Collection: Evaluating the complete set of dolls based on characters in the seminal 1938 film, Caroline Ashleigh noted that the manufacturing of products associated with films represented the foundation upon which Disney built its empire. A store owner in an antiques mall once offered the owner only $35 for one doll. Seeking information on the doll's value, the owner checked everything from the Internet to the library before appearing on Antiques Roadshow. The set, which was in very good condition, and in their original boxes, would sell for at least $2,000-$2,500, Ashleigh said. "That might give you a bit of an idea of the value of holding onto things, and keeping them in as fine condition as you did," she said.

In this video clip, the owner of the purse approaches Caroline Ashleigh for advice on the value of the item. He describes that he bought it some 10 or 15 years ago for his wife, who liked the purse and is a Chaplin fan. Since that time, the purse had lain around their home and had not been used. Caroline Ashleigh asks the man how much he paid for it, to which he answers approximately $25. Following his disclosure, Caroline Ashleigh describes the history of the item, which was part of a limited edition set of purses, each depicting a famous celebrity. Furthermore, the purses were only available for a short time. Subsequently, Caroline Ashleigh asks the man to guess what the purse is worth today. He provides an estimate of $125. Caroline Ashleigh appraises the item conservatively at over $600.

Very early on Debbie Reynolds had the foresight to collect items of movie memorabilia. As a result she has amassed an incredible collection. In fact, it's the world's largest collection of Hollywood costumes and props. This will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime event when these items go to auction beginning on June 18th, 2011. I'll be watching this one carefully and reporting back on the action. For more information, read the full story at the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog . Related Stories Marilyn Monroe's Iconic White Dress Marilyn Monroe Seven Year Itch Poster, 1955 Marilyn Monroe's White Dress from the Seven Year Itch, 1955

...that Howdy Doody marionettes might be put up for sale for $99,000? Recently I found an original set of the entire Howdy Doody cast for sale on eBay for just that amount. For the most part, puppets don't command this high of a price tag, so I wonder what they will actually sell for. I shall certainly keep my eye on them and let you know. For more on puppets and collecting, visit the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog .

I've had the honor of working with Debbie Reynolds, star of stage and screen, on appraising items in her extensive collection of movie memorabilia. In June of 2011, Ms. Reynolds will be selling an iconic white dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in The Seven Year Itch . Previously, I appraised this beautiful piece of movie history at $2 million. Read the entire story at the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog . Related Stories Marilyn Monroe Seven Year Itch Poster, 1955 Marilyn Monroe's White Dress from The Seven Year Itch, 1955 The Final Curtain Goes UP as the Auction Hammer Goes Down on Debbie Reynolds' Collection

The producers of a major cable network show are seeking “pickers” with the most honed hunting skills, the sharpest eye to determine trash from treasure, and the most effective negotiating chops to seal the deal. The Untitled Antiques-Collectibles Competition is a new show that transforms the cutthroat world of antiques and collectibles picking into a competitive game. In every episode, antiques lovers compete in teams of two in a race to track down and acquire valuable items hidden along the back roads, barns, and forgotten corners of America – they even provide the shopping money. The team with the most valuable loot at the end of the day wins the competition. They get to keep their lot of items and the lots of the other teams – it's winner take al l! If you think you and your partner have what it takes to pick the most valuable treasures and get the best price, contact: info@appraiseyourart.co This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need...

After 50 years of collecting toy trains, Jerry Greene has amassed a collection of over 40,000 pieces, worth tens of millions of dollars, and has a ticket to ride…. One look at this collection would convince anyone that there is such a thing as a collecting gene, and that Jerry Green inherited it. When Green decided to sell the collection, at Sotheby’s in New York, it took his entire family three weeks to unpack and arrange what was on display at the auctioneers. David Redden, vice chairman of Sotheby's, believes it's the biggest train collection in the world. Green admits he’s an “obsessive collector.” He says he has more than 1,700 locomotives and cars, 700 stations, and thousands of accessories. "In cataloguing the collection, I came up with 27,000 different items," he said. Green decided to sell the collection because he ran out of good pieces to buy. So how much is it worth? Here's a hint . . . Green described one stati...

I'm excited that reality TV has come to Detroit in a big way. Two new shows to watch are metro Detroit-based-- truTV's Hard Core Pawn which debuted on Tuesday, December 28, and HG-TV's Cash & Cari which debuted on Monday, January 3. Both shows deal with the hunt for undiscovered treasure. In Hard Core Pawn the Gold family sees some incredibly interesting items, but there's risk. In Cash & Cari my friend Cari has the opportunity to hunt out unique and rare items. Have you watched either show yet? If you do, leave a comment and let us know your thoughts. Related Stories Welcome to Reality TV in Detroit City This Isn't Your Grandmother's Antiquing... "Cash & Cari" Premiering in January on HGTV

Several months ago the news media was abuzz with predictions that a flag--found at Little Bighorn after the massacre of General Custer and his men--may net up to $5,000,000 at auction. On December 10, 2010, Sotheby's auctioned the historic flag, which had been in the possession of the Detroit Museum of Art, now known as the Detroit Art Institute (DIA). While the flag didn't meet with the media's typically sensationalist projections, it did fetch $2,210,500 US (hammer price with buyer's premium), an amount not to be taken lightly for a flag that was purchased 115 years ago for $45. Related Stories Custer's Last Flag at Little Bighorn Sells for $2,210,500 m Custer's Last Flag at Little Bighorn - Will it fetch $5M?

On November 6th I took part in the Rotary Vintage Antiques & Collectibles Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was doing appraisals at the event and saw a number of fascinating examples of vintage items. Perhaps the most exciting was this official program from the very first All-Star game. The program itself was in excellent condition, and the history behind the All-Star game (and, ultimately, this program) is fascinating. Read the entire story at the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog . Related Story Rare Baseball Card Collectible Found

If you're a fan of Antiques Roadshow , American Pickers or Pawn Stars , keep your eye out for new shows appearing this season. Although they have a similar topic, the format of each show is quite different. They focus on everything from Hollywood memorabilia to restoration to the hunt for lost antiquities. Any way you slice it, though, if you're a collector or love the thrill of finding something that could be rare, there's a show out there for you. For more information, check out the Caroline Ashleigh auction blog . Related Stories Rare Honus Wagner Card Found in Safe Deposit Box To Have and To Hold Major Hollywood Memorabilia Sale Advice on Acquiring Vintage Shoes

The first ever auction of vintage marbles is happening this Saturday, November 6th at Morphy's Gallery in Pennsylvania. Interest in vintage marbles has been growing steadily. Perhaps it's the nostalgia, or perhaps it's because marbles really are beautiful little works of art. Whatever the reason, marble afficianados are expected to be present in person, and online bids will be accepted at www.LiveAuctioneers.com . The sale includes a set of rare Akro Agate “corkscrew” marbles, and several Lutz marbles, which are expected to fetch between $3000 and $5000 each. Akro Agate no. 1 boxed set of assorted corkscrew marbles. Marbles in condition 9.4 out of 10. Estimate $4,000 - $6,000. Image courtesy of Morphy Auctions. If you are a collector of marbles, or if you attend the auction, please leave a comment and let us know of your experience. Original Post http://acn.liveauctioneers.com/index.php/auctions/upcoming-auctions

What is fake? What is real? Copies and forgeries abound in the world of art and antiques. What might be deemed a fake may later be found to be genuine, as additional information about the artisan, the period and the piece is discovered. That is just what happened in the case of a French Renaissance-style cabinet purchased in 1971 by J. Paul Getty. Read the entire story and share your thoughts at the Caroline Ashleigh auction blog .

A rare Honus Wagner baseball card was recently acquired by the Sisters of Notre Dame school when the brother of one of the nuns left his estate to the order earlier this year. Even though the baseball card is not in pristine condition, it is expected to fetch $150,000 to $200,000 at auction. The card is part of the T206 series produced between 1909 and 1911, and only about 60 of the Honus Wagner cards are know to exist. The cards are highly desired by collectors attempting to assemble a complete set of the T206 series. For more information, read the full story at the Caroline Ashleigh Collector's Blog . Related Stories: Antique Trader "Every Object Tells a Story" Challenge Custer's Last Flag at Little Bighorn Antique Trader Appraisal Fair

One of the first submissions to the Caroline Ashleigh Antique Trader "Every Object Tells A Story" challenge is a gorgeous wedding gown found in an old steamer trunk. The trunk was effectively lost in the corner of a basement until purchased at an estate sale. When opened, it was found to contain the exquisite vintage Vuitton gown, in remarkably good condition. In addition to the gown, the trunk held another secret. To learn more, read the full story at the Caroline Ashleigh Auctions blog. Related Stories Caroline Ashleigh at the Rotary Vintage Antiques & Collectibles Show Antique Trader "Every Object Tells a Story" Challenge Collecting Vintage Fashion Collecting Vintage Shoes

I'm thrilled to be doing a couple of live television interviews soon. I'll be doing on-air appraisals and talking about my new book, so if you get a chance, tune in. Friday, November 5, 2010 on WZZM 13 ABC "Take Five" at 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 29, 2010 on Wood TV - Channel 8 - "8 West" at 11:00 a.m. Hope you can listen in!

Do you collect antiques or other unique items? Would you like to know if they're worth something? On Saturday, November 6th, 2010, Caroline Ashleigh will be appraising at the Rotary Vintage Antiques & Collectibles show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come visit between noon and four and and bring your treasures. For more information, visit the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog .

Thanks for visiting! In this blog, I will be discussing art and antiques, and appraisal-related issues, including trending topics in the art and auction industry and relating some of my personal stories and experience. If you are a collector of fine art, antiques, and collectibles, I hope that you will find this blog informative.