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Collectibles in the 21st Century
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Sharon Edberg introduces Debbie Mallory.
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Debbie Mallory is an antique dealer and estate appraiser who has been in business for over 20 years. She owns the Sophisticated Swine, Gilman Antique Mall in Issaquah and Kirkland Antique Mall in Kirkland.
A very different program was presented by Debbie, as she brought examples of the types of collectibles drawing attention during the first part of this century. She showed a small, silver plate, “a 1750 Silver Salva, an 1860 Silver trowel in sterling silver.
Debbie learned the silver business in St. Louis before moving to Seattle, and she said anything from the Art Noveau period is a collectible. In fact, “silver is very collectible.”
Also, anything to do with golf is gathering interest, says Mallory – early 1920s clubs and golf balls, which are made with feathers. “If you get your hands on any Tiger Woods stuff, save it. In 20 years it’ll be worth something.”
World War II was a timeperiod that has created many collectible items. Debbie was wearing a 14 karat gold pin that dated back to the start of the War. She showed a stuffing spoon, given to 12th Air Force, which was called “a Texas teaspoon.”
Glassware: “Depression era glass is going crazy right now.”
“Where do you find collectibles? Garage sales,” for starters, says Mallory. “The annual Mill Creek community garage sale just last week produced a couple who brought in a huge mahogany box to her shop. Inside, the box held sterling silver pieces inside. The couple said they paid $80 from a man who had it stored in his garage.” Debbie thinks it’s worth $10,000!
Books are collectibles. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s book of poetry holds great interest. Halloween toys, dated from 1920 to 1950 bring a good price. A cigarette case in silver and ivory was crafted in occupied Japan. Items made during this time bring a solid price.
She showed a Sterling Trophy dating back to the 1920’s. There are probably lots of trophies in attics, basements, and garages that may have good value. “Martini shakers are big. I can’t keep them in stock!”
The balance of the program was devoted to items that BBRC members had brought in for appraisal by Debbie. She pointed out that all of these items are covered in a price guide available to serious collectors. Some of the items included: Edison phonograph from 1889 – worth $750-$950; Model Trains – $200-$300 for the engine. Various documents were presented, one dating back to 1811, which Debbie thought might bring $1,500.
“A cake plate from the Depression era is highly collectible.” Margie Burnett brought a pin which immediately caught the attention of our guest. She used an eyepiece provided by Steve Goldfarb to determine that the pin might be worth $350-$450. Margie’s great great grandmother purchased the pin in Paris at the Paris Exposition.
Mallory was asked about contemporary art work. “Give it 40 years. Then, you’ll have something.”
It’s been so quiet around here since Don Deasy has been traveling. But he had to ask, “There are a lot of old antiques in this room – how much are they worth?”
Bill Spencer wanted to know the value of signed books. They have special value, depending on circumstances. Some wag thought Bill might be asking about Microsoft manuals.
Wendi Fischer wanted to know about old records. They are hard to sell right now.
European glassware – from the early 20th century – is very collectible.
Thanks to Sharon Edberg for her introduction. Debbie Mallory was recognized for her presentation by a donation of 600 pounds of food for Rotary First Harvest.
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