Antique Auction Forum – Details, episodes & analysis

What started as just another estate auction turned into one of the most shocking results I’ve ever seen. A worn, heavily used 18th-century Bible, something most people would overlook, ended up selling for nearly $200,000. And the most incredible part? It started at just $1. In this conversation with Dan Meader of John McInnis Auctioneers, we break down exactly how this extraordinary result came together; Dan and his colleague Jay Williamson sorted through a typical New England estate and they ultimately uncovered a rare 1777 Boston-printed Bible tied directly to the American Revolution. Along the way, we discuss why “old” doesn’t always mean valuable, how the auction method can exceed expectations, and what truly drives collectors to push prices to extraordinary levels. This is a perfect example of why the auction method works—and why you should never underestimate what might be hiding in plain sight. If you enjoy antiques, history, and real-world appraisal stories, this one is not to be missed

John McInnis Auctioneers: https://www.mcinnisauctions.com

In this reflective episode, Martin explores how antiques connect us to the forgotten lives of the past. A chance discovery of a granite canal post near a historic 1790 house sparks a deeper meditation on craftsmanship, stewardship, and legacy. From 18th-century canal workers to New England cabinetmakers, the objects that survive today are more than decorative artifacts — they are physical evidence of human effort, ambition, and care. Through the lens of early American furniture and historic infrastructure, this episode considers what it means to be stewards rather than owners, and asks an important question: what will survive of us? Antiques are not about nostalgia — they are about continuity, perspective, and the quiet responsibility of preserving memory across generations.

2010 interview with HARDCORE HISTORY'S Dan Carlin, a fascinating guest who's podcast still holds up after 11 years. Dan talks about prep for his shows, the predictable things that happen when you reflect on history and much more.

One of our most fascinating guests of all times, former FBI Special Agent Robert Wittman, author of  NY Times Best Seller "Priceless" speaks with Martin about  traveling the world while posing undercover retrieving a quarter of a billion dollars worth of stolen artworks, Rembrandts, Picassos, ancient artifacts and much more. Robert also discusses aspects of his current business, how to protect your art and what he can do to help you.  SHOW NOTES Check out http://www.robertwittmaninc.com

Steiff's Official Consultant Archivist Rebekah Kaufman, AKA Steiffgal joins Martin and greets all our listeners with teddy bear hugs. A very enthusiastic guest who is passionate about collecting Steiff and preserving the Steiff legacy. Listen in for lots of helpful information and interesting facts (it all started with undergarments) about collecting, rare finds, identifying, restoration and more.   Click here for Show Notes.  http://mysteifflife.blogspot.com Send an email to Steiffgal

Listen in to a roundtable informative chat with worthpoint.com CEO Will Seippel, Maggie Turnipseed, Audra Blevins, Mike Wilcox, Jason Robins joined by host Martin Willis. They chat about the success of sponsoring The Original Miami Beach Antique Show, the launch of marksandlibrary.com a data source for over 40k marks of all kinds of marks of your antiques and collectibles. Jason Robins speaks about the remaking of goantiques.com which will launch in March, 2012. SHOW NOTES

http://antiqueauctionforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/images1.jpgEpisode 2 of 2, we interview Miami Show dealers: Philip Chasen on Galle Glass; Vivienne Hall on Picasso Ceramics and Arty Unger on Georg Jensen Silver.     Check out informational websites. Philip Chasen Antiques (Galle Glass): chasenantiques.com Squire Antiques (Picasso Ceramics): trocadero.com/squireantiques Imagination Unlimited (Georg Jensen): imaginationunlimited.com

Part one of two, Martin interviews dealers at The Original Miami Beach Antique Show (largest indoor antique show in the world). This episode's dealers are:  Marco Astrologo of Branded Luxury Unlimited (Louis Vuitton); Phil Larke on O.S.A.R. Antiques on Amphora art pottery, and Peter Rudolph of McClees Gallery on fine art. Tune in to part II on: Galle glass, Picasso pottery and Georg Jensen silver. http://antiqueauctionforum.com/videos/video-original-miami-beach-antique-show/to watch our video. Branded Luxury Unlimited: brandedluxuryunlimited.com Send an email to Phil Larke on Amphora McClees Gallery: mccleesgalleries.com

http://antiqueauctionforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/DSC_0099.jpegMartin chats with a young & fun American folk art dealer who began collecting at age five! Listen in as Kate talks about getting her generation active in the antiques world, the struggles they face and her part in keeping collecting alive. Make sure you visit: mankoamericanfolkart.com

http://antiqueauctionforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Tom-Johnson-and-Arlene-Palmer-Schwind.jpgTom Johnson and Arlene Palmer Schwind Martin steps into the beautiful Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine and speaks with curator, Arlene Palmer Schwind and director, Tom Johnson. Listen in as they discuss the beginnings of this fabulous summer home with a Gustave Herter interior, it's near miss with demolition and what is involved in preserving this historical landmark. Check out the mansion's website at victoriamansion.org Check out the video of 2011 Christmas decor here.