First ever monologue discussing how I got into antiques, and the adventure along the way. From digging bottles, a 1964 garage sale, to my dad auctioning for the first time by replacing a drunken auctioneer. Let’s not forget a $300k rug fragment that came from the box lot of things that could not sell at a yard sale. This fragment was from the same home that we were all excited about the Paul Revere silver spoon & and lastly  a story that could have inspMrs Doubtfire! Email: auctionpodcast@me.com

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Robert K. Wittman had a remarkable career as an FBI agent for 20 years, from 1988 to 2008. Specializing in art theft and cultural property crime, Robert became the FBI’s go-to expert for these types of cases. His impressive work undercover led to the recovery of over $300 billion worth of stolen art and property across 20 different countries. His extensive undercover operations are detailed in his book, Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. He has fascinating stories. https://www.robertwittmaninc.com/

In 2008, after 20 years with the FBI, Robert Wittman retired from the Bureau and brought his expertise to the private sector. He sought to create a Security and Recovery Consulting firm that would draw on his unique investigative experience to protect its clients from losses related to theft, fraud or forgery. Since its inception, Robert Wittman Inc. has grown far beyond its original vision, providing protection and recovery services to more than 100 public and private collections worldwide. Robert Wittman Inc. continues to proudly serve a diverse portfolio of institutions, auction houses, collectors, galleries, insurance companies and Nations committed to protecting their cultural assets.

Martin’s mentioning of the Declaration of Independence almost forgotten when Washington …

Interview with Richard Wright and David Rago about their Rago/Wright merger, how it is expanding business and their perspectives on material they handle, such as buying, selling and collecting in the current market. Check out the websites:

https://www.ragoarts.com/

https://www.wright20.com/

Martin chats with knowledgeable dealer/collector Ron Burkey in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They discuss militaria trends, what is hot and what is not. They also talk about cautionary purchasing for the novice collector and explore many facets of collecting! You can visit Ron’s website at flyingtigerantiques.com

Complete show transcription here.…

Martin pays a visit to Maine Antique Digest and speaks with Sally, Kate & Clayton Pennington about MAD’s beginnings, controversial stories, present day happenings of the periodical.. the internet affects and the antiques world.

Click the image to visit the Maine Antique Digest’s website.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT HERE

Video clip here.…

Martin talks to Mike Overby of Coeur d’Alene Art Auction about their recent $16.8 million auction, and some of their strategies for success. They further discuss the state of the Western art market, what collectors may consider when buying (& selling) and much more.

Click the image to visit the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction website.

Click here for a CBS video

Click here for show transcription.…

Martin talks to author Gayle Soucek about her book: “Marshall Fields: The Store that Helped Build Chicago” and the overall interesting history of the city. Listen in to hear if Mrs O’Leary’s cow had anything to do with the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and much more.…

Martin visits Rob Elowitch of Barridoff Galleries in Portland, Maine. They talk about Barridoff’s presence in the art auction world, past and upcoming highlights including the annual summer auction on August 5th, 2011. They also discuss Rob’s amazing wrestling career, and his movie “Canvasman” click here for a  trailer of the independent film which encompasses both Rob Elowitch’s art life and Robbie Ellis’ wrestling world.

Click the image of the Maurice de Vlaminck still life to visit the Barridoff Galleries website.…

Martin visits Strawberry Banke for Part Two with Chief Curator, Kimberly Alexander, they talk about this year’s exhibition: “Fitz John Porter – Civil War Hero or Coward?” Major General Fitz John Porter was a Civil War soldier, born in Portsmouth, NH. He was court marshaled after the second battle of Bull Run by disobeying orders that in fact would have annihilated his troops. It took sixteen years for exoneration.  Listen in as Kimberly talks about the amazing story of finding the long lost sword of the officer and much more.

Click the image for the exhibition page on the Strawberry Banke website.
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Martin visits historic Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and chats with the Chief Curator, Kimberly Alexander. This riverside museum has 35 structures dating all the way back to 1695 (only two buildings were moved to the site). Kimberly is a wonderful guest with a passion for preserving history.

Click the image to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum website. “Come explore four centuries of American history in one of New Hampshire’s oldest waterfront neighborhoods.”

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Martin stops in and talks with Nancy Jones at Foreside Consignment Gallery in Falmouth, Maine about her eight month old shop that is bustling with business on the beautiful Maine coast. Listen in as they discuss what it was like growing up in a big household of antique dealers and auctioneers and much more.

Click the moosehead image to visit the shop’s website.…

Martin visits master craftsman Allan Breed at his shop & School of Fine Woodworking in Rollinsford, NH. They talk about the construction of period American furniture, carving and early American apprenticeships. Of all cabinetmakers in the US, Allan was chosen to make an exact copy of the most important piece of American furniture, the 1760s Nicholas Brown Six Shell Desk/Bookcase by John Goddard (click here). Allan runs a school sharing his knowledge & skills of using hand tools almost exclusively for fine furniture in the manner of the 18th century. You can stop in at Allan’s website by clicking the image to the above right. Click here for a short video clip of the workshop/school.…

Martin visits veteran dealer Paul DeCoste in Massachusetts who specializes in antique marine & scientific instruments. They talk about Paul’s background, the people who shared knowledge with him and what the current market is like. Listen in to hear about a “best find” an Aaron Willard Orrery (an orrery pictured to the left). They later discuss rare ivory scrimshaw, famous scrimshanders (Susan’s Teeth), fakes and the strict government enforcement on ivory “smuggling”.

For a related blog, click here.

If you have items of interest in these categories, you can contact Paul at: 978-363-1420…

Author, Jim Craig joins us for a fascinating interview on the finest American eagle carver of all time, John Haley Bellamy.  Check out the  Facebook Page.…

Martin talks to antique appraiser and radio show host of Keep Antiquing, Frank Farmer Loomis. Frank and Martin discuss museums, Nazi stolen artworks, and an unusual book signing. Frank’s sense of humor is always appreciated!

Click Frank’s image to visit his website.…

Martin & Thelema speak with phone guest Gene Shannon of Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers about the company’s recent 5 million dollar auction, what is hot & what is not so hot in the art collecting world.

Click Gene’s image to visit Shannon Fine Art Auctioneers website.…

In conjunction with the American Decorative Arts Forum, Martin along with co-host Susan Doherty interviews Janine Skerry of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation on the subject of Matthew Boulton, Sheffield plate maker and entrepreneur. Listen in to hear the multifaceted in-depth knowledge of our guest as we discuss the amazing life of Boulton, the process of silver plate making and much more.

For more information on Matthew Boulton, click here.…

Martin & Reyne speak with Amos Balaish, the owner of The Showplace in NY the largest antique mall in New York City. Listen in as they talk about the activity at the 45,000 square foot, four story mall, and who has shopped there over the years.

Click here to visit The Showplace website.…

Martin visits Los Angeles and stops in to talk to Joe Maddalena of Profiles in History. They discuss the June 18th Debbie Reynolds~The Auction,  which consists of the most important & rare Hollywood memorabilia to ever be offered. The collection includes Marylin Monroe’s  iconic Subway Dress and Dorothy’s Ruby Red Shoes. They also discuss the Hollywood Treasure TV Show, the upcoming Disney Auction, last year’s Lost Auction, and Joe gives advice to new collectors.

Click here to visit the Profiles in History website.

Click here to view our video of the Profiles in History office.

UPDATE: Marylin Monroe’s  iconic Subway Dress sells for nearly 5 million dollars! Click here for the story.…

Martin & Thelema interview Patrick T. Kraft of  William A. Karges Fine Art about important California paintings. Listen in as they discuss the founding of the galleries located in Carmel By The Sea and in Los Angeles, they also discuss trends and the current state of the important California paintings market.

Click the image to visit the William A. Karges website.…

Bonus 25 minute podcast, Martin talks to repeat guest Auction King’s Paul Brown about signing up for Season II on the Discovery Channel and what has transpired since the last interview.

Click here for our first interview in November, 2010.…

In conjunction with the American Decorative Arts Forum, Martin along with co-host Susan Doherty interviews Cybele Gontar, co-author  of a new book on Louisiana Acadian & Creole Furniture, 1735–1835 (book available on our side bar). Listen to this fascinating interview with our knowledgeable co-host and guest.

Click here for images and information.…

Martin interviews Antique media personality and author, Harry Rinker who shares some great insight on today’s world on antiques and collectibles.

Visit Harry’s website here. …

Martin interviews the authors and creators of a great new blog site, Sally Schwartz and Danny Alias. In a nutshell the blog was spawned by the two having some kind of mid-life crises. If you like antiques and vintage as well as laughing, this podcast is for you. Check out the blog by clicking the image. Check out the Sally Schwartz Randolph Street Market website here and Danny’s Broadway Antique Market here. Check out Martin’s blog on “vintage” here.

A delightful conversation with Jim “Griff'” Griffith on eBay today, trends, added enhancements and the changes that social media bring to the platform. Starting with one person in a condo in 1995, growing to a global market of buyers and sellers worldwide with over 1 billion items offered at any given time.

eBay’s Dean of Education, Griff is an eBay seller coach, instructor, mentor and advocate with the eBay North America Marketplaces Team. In addition, he’s the author of The Official eBay Bible, the authoritative eBay guide for the beginning bidder, seller, and professional entrepreneur as well as host of eBay Radio. For more information, join our eBay Radio Group: http://www.ebayradio.com…

Martin talks to CEO Teri Franks of Fine Art Registry. Listen in to find out the advantages of registering your artwork and how the service can benefit you as an artist or collector. They talk about art fakes, frauds and much more. Click here for Fine Art Registry’s website with comprehensive information and 100s of art related articles and services..…

Martin meets with TBS Dinner & a Movie host Paul Gilmartin who talks about his love for the Danish Modern design.  They discuss Paul’s passion – his craft of hand shaped pieces in the Danish style. Click here to see Paul’s work.

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Reyne & Martin record an informational podcast together on one of Reyne’s specialties, Louis Comfort Tiffany’s art glass.  They talk about the beginnings to when it had fallen out of favor in the 1930s to the 1960s. They discuss Lillian Nassau’s role in bringing the collectibility back and what the market is like today. They also touch on art glass such as Loetz, Durand, Quezal, Steuben, Ludberg and more.

Check out Martin’s blog on Tiffany Glass: Click Here…

Martin talks with guest Don Carpentier from Eastfield Village, New York about his skilled craftsmanship of recreating mocha wares (click here for info.), and the historical rescue of the early ceramics molds (60,000 of them) from the closed Spode Factory in England. Click here for here for images & history of Spode .

Click here to visit Don’s website.…

Martin welcomes a new co-host, Thelema Dietler.  She and Martin speak with Robin S. R. Starr, Director of American & European Paintings & Prints at Skinner Auction House. Listen as they discuss Skinner’s growth and successes, including the sale of a $5.5 million Fitz Hugh (Henry) Lane painting. They talk further about other incredible finds and the current state of the antique auction world.

Skinner is one of the world’s most exclusive auction houses with gallery locations in Marlborough and Boston, Massachusetts. Visit Skinner Auction House for Antiques and Fine Art online.…

Martin visits artisan Ruth Rhoten, silversmith, goldsmith & artist at her studio. They talk about her wonderful silver making as well as her antique silver conservation work for dealers and collectors nationwide. (we apologize for the background noise of heavy rain)

Ruth’s website: Here.

Our video at the studio: Here.…

Martin drops in at Pixar Animation Studio and talks with artist Dice (Daisuke) Tsutsumi about his journey as an artist and what brought him to Pixar. Dice talks about what it was like as the art director behind the scenes of creating Toy Story 3 and his love of painting.

Martin interviews Russ Goldberger about his road to success and how he has utilized the power of the internet to promote antiques. Listen in as they talk about decoys, folk art, objects with original painted surfaces and how to market them in today’s business climate.…

Martin interviews Peter Loughrey, Founder & Director of Los Angeles Modern Auctions. Listen in as they talk about the spectacular Max Palevsky Interior to be offered in March with several custom pieces by Ettore Sottsass. They also talk about several facets of the collecting hobby of Mid-century Modern, and Contemporary Design.

Click here for LA Modern Auctions.  Click here for our podcast with Mid-Century Modern dealer Dave Shaw.…

Martin interviews the leading authority on Abraham Lincoln, historian Harold Holzer. Listen in as they talk about Lincoln’s life and struggles through the Civil War.

Click here for Martin’s blog on Abraham Lincoln’s writings.…

Anne Laure Bandle joins us from Geneva and discusses the fascinating topic of her 2016 book: The Sale of Misattributed Artworks and Antiques at Auction  Some amazing cases of sleepers, jackpots and the legality of it all. Dr. Anne Laure Bandle is an attorney-at-law at the lawfim Borel & Barbey in Geneva where she advises clients in matters related to works of art, copyright, contracts, estate planning, foundations and trusts.  Anne Laure Bandle website: https://www.artsandlaw.ch/…

Martin & Reyne talk to Mark Moran, antique appraiser, author of over 25 books on antiques & collectibles and editor of FW Publications. Mark is an interesting guest with a love for the business and has an outstanding diversified knowledge of antiques & art.…

Martin & Reyne interview Will Seippel, the CEO of Worthpoint, the most active antique website in the world with 200,000 hits a day!

They talk about Worthpoint’s trilogy of websites including GoAntiques and PriceMiner.  Listen in to hear the amazing future plans of Worthpoint rolling out soon.

Click on logos to visit websites.

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In this segment Martin talks again to eBay’s Senior Manager of Seller Advocacy and Spokesperson Griff. Feedback is further discussed, and new changes that help on the seller’s side. Martin asks why eBay left the Live Auction world and they end talking about unusual and memorable items that have sold on eBay.

Griff hosts eBay Radio, click the logo to check it out.

Part I with eBay’s Griff Click Here…

Martin talks with master swordsmith Scott Slobodian on his fine artisan craft. They talk about the history of Japanese swordmaking and more.

His buyers range from someone who saves up for a few years to buy one sword all the way up to the Sultan of Brunei.

Scott has won many major awards including Knives Illustrated, “Best Knife of The Year” for four consecutive years. In 1996 he also won Blade Magazine’s “Best Art Knife of The Year.”  Scott has been featured in every major knife magazine in the US, Europe & Japan.

He is also a member of the Knifemaker’s Guild, USA, Germany & Italy. His knives are represented in major collections in 18 countries.

Part I of II. Martin visits the eBay campus in San Jose, CA and interviews spokesperson Jim (GRIFF) Griffith, Senior Manager, Seller Strategy/Advocacy. Listen in to hear the beginnings of the company, the reason for the changes in the seller feedback system, and eBay feelings about the “little guy” vs big vendors. Martin talks about how eBay affected the auction business and what adjustments were made. Martin asks about certain rumors, Griff discusses some great evolving changes and much more.

Griff can be heard live twice a week on eBay Radio, click here

Part II Click Here.

*Correction: Martin states he was an eBay member since July, 1997 and it was July, 1998.…

Eric Bradley joins Reyne Haines & Martin Willis to discuss what the Antique Trader is doing to grow awareness in the hobby of collecting. Read our blog on Eric here.

Antique Trader Website, click here.

Antique Trader Blog, click here. …

Curator Susan Stein joins us for Thomas Jefferson Part III. We talk about Jefferson’s Monticello transitioning over the years, his five year Parisian influence which created the cosmopolitan feel of the Monticello interior and more. Listen in to hear what items have been recovered from the January 15th, 1827 Five Day Dispersal Auction, and what things never left the house. Susan also talks about recent changes and what is in store. Visit the Monticello Website HERE.

Thomas Jefferson I, Andrew Burstein  HERE.

Thomas Jefferson II, Andrew Burstein  HERE.…

Martin & Phyllis interview the only artist that can claim that he walked on the moon! Listen in is as Alan Bean talks about his unique paintings and what he does in a lunar way to prepare them. He talks about his surreal Apollo 12 experience while standing on the moon and how it inspired his art. Alan is a fine gentleman with a sense of humor.

Click here to reach Alan Bean’s Art Gallery website.

Click here to watch a video on Alan Bean.

Intro music: “Walking In The Air” by George Winston
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Auction Kings Paul Brown joins Martin to talk about the inside scoop on the new Discovery Channel’s hit show. Listen in as Paul talks about what has changed in his life & at Gallery 63 since the show aired. Paul also talks about his background and what it was like growing up in the auction business and a lot more.…

LSU Professor & Jefferson Scholar Andrew Burstein joins us for Thomas Jefferson, Part II. Listen in to hear about Jefferson’s struggles with slavery, his concubinage relationship with Sally Hemings, what Jefferson might think about today’s immigration issues & more. Toward the end of the episode we speak briefly about Monticello.

Thomas Jefferson Part I  HERE.

Part III Jefferson’s Monticello HERE…

Live Streamed on YouTube, One of the world’s leading Leonardo experts, Martin Kemp, who helped authenticate the $450 million Salvator Mundi talks about what it was like behind the scenes exploring the authenticity, the depth of the work, emotional quality and more. He later discusses the ongoing speculation of the buyer, (the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia?) where it may end up (possibly the Louvre Abu Dhabi) as well as other aspects of Leonardo’s work.

He will be writing a book on this particular work soon, which you will find on his website: www.martinjkemp.com He said that he knew immediately upon first viewing the restored painting that it was the work of Leonardo: “It’s got that kind of uncanny vortex, as if the hair is a living, moving substance, or like water, which is what Leonardo said hair was like. However skilled Leonardo’s followers and imitators might have been, none of them reached out into such realms of “philosophical and subtle speculation”. We cannot reasonably doubt that here, we are in the presence of the painter from Vinci. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvator_Mundi_(Leonardo)

Bio: Martin Kemp is Emeritus Research Professor in the History of Art at Oxford University. …

Return guest Darren Julien is back with more stories. He talks about his auction in Macau China where he sold a basketball signed by Michael Jordan & Michael Jackson for big bucks. He talks about upcoming auctions “Icons & Idols” with John Lennon’s 1966 Beatle’s military jacket used in a Life Magazine photo shoot and Albert Einstein’s brain x-rays (this is not a typo). Then we discuss “The Johnny Cash Auction”, property from his life and career.

Listen in to hear the strangest thing he ever sold that was once part of a celebrity!

Click image for Julien’s Auctions website.…

Martin and Phyllis speak with phone guest, Historian & Jefferson Scholar, LSU Professor Andrew Burstein about Thomas Jefferson’s letters, his beliefs & sentiments, and what 18th century life was like. We have a Skype caller, John Logan from Rhode Island who asks a few questions.

Thomas Jefferson II, Andrew Burstein  HERE.

Thomas Jefferson III Monticello HERE…

We are throwing in this 20 minute podcast as a bonus this week. Martin talks to fellow antique & auction podcaster, Walt Kolenda of Gloucester, MA. Listen in to hear the free services and info that Walt provides for anyone’s use and about The AuctionWally Show.  The two touch on all the character auctioneers they have known and more.

Click image to go to Walt’s website.…