A Handy Resource for finding and identifying antiques in the raw
Where would the antiqes and collectibles business be without "pickers"? We are the folks who scour the flea markets, auctions and yard sales, attics, barns and basements to find the antique, collectible, or just genuine gems that find their way into the malls and shops of America and into the homes of collectors.
Here is a cornucopia of resources to help with the hunt for your antiqes stock and to help make the job easier for everybody. Let's face it: competition is fierce. Knowledge is King in this business and we have collected (and continue to collect) the resources in one spot so you won't have to spend your time scouring the internet for information but can get out there and find the next hidden treasure!
American Picker reveals the secrets, tips, pearls of wisdom, handy tools to make your antique and treasures picking easier and more efficient as well as fun. We'll update you on trends in the market, give you our thoughts on the taxman, help you to organize your time to be the most effective you can be.
Helpful Articles
Register for our free newsletter now!
How to Be an Antique Picker
So many people are looking for work these days that the job market is flooded. Sometimes you have to move off in another direction...
are made available if you are setting up your own business or in need of inquiry regarding your current financial status. It is a web-based tool which is for internal use only. It is acquired on a personal basis to keep track on your accounts and in making your budget.
The Red Wing Union Stoneware Company of Red Wing, Minnesota began its production on February 1st, 1877, the year it also began building its new factory. When the plant burned in 1884, it was rebuilt with expansion and also merged with the Red Wing Stoneware and Sewer pipe Company. IN March of 1906, several other smaller potteries, including Minnesota Stoneware Company, North Star Stoneware Company merged to form the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company.
Art pottery and dinnerware were added and in 1936 the name was changed to Red Wing Potteries. The plant was finally closed in 1967. The plant was reopened in 1984 and continues production of kitchenware and decorative pieces to this day.
Crocks with the red wing were made between 1909 and 1947. In 1915, bailed handles t through a lug of clay at the rim were added. The patent date of "December 21, 1915" was stamped in blue near the lug for the rest of the years of production. The wire handles were available on crocks from 4-30 gallons.
Dating of a particular piece can best be done by examining the size of the wing and the trademark oval. The earliest ovals were 2-7/8 inches wide. By 1915, the oval was reduced to 2-1/4 inches wide and around 1930, reduced again to 1-11/16. In 1936, the company name changed from Red Wing Union Stoneware Co. to Red Wing Potteries, Inc., in a 1-11/16 inch oval.
The wings on early crocks of 5-gallons and above are 6 inches to the tip. Around 1920, the size dropped to 4-1/8, the same size as it had been on 2 through 4-gallon sizes. In the early 1930’s, the wing on the small jars shrunk to 2-1/4 inches. The 4-1/8 inch wing was still preferred on 20-gallon and larger jars, but they too often received the 2-1/4 inch wing.
The first tin lithographed toys were made in the mid-nineteenth century, originally from thin sheets of tin. Hence the name! (read more)
Coming Soon!
The Antiques Picker's Video Course
This course is jam packed with everything you need to start and grow your antiques business from the ground up. There is a wealth of information for beginners as well as pearls of wisdom fof the seasoned picker.
Roger Morse takes you through the entire picking process from where to buy, how to buy, how to buy in homes and auctions, how to research your finds, and how to market your antiques.
Get the Early Bird Special: The first 50 subscribers will get the course for half price! How about that!
