My friend Ella knows how she wants to be buried. She’s put to writing the songs to be sung, the funeral home to prepare her body and the place to bury it. She’s even written…
Auction Finds Posts
Cotton Club show & black female tap dancers
Posted in Black history, Broadway plays, dance, and Performers
The woman was moving as masterfully as the men, leaning forward and tapping backwards in steps that had long defined a tradition of dance for African American men. As I sat there watching her in the “Cotton Club…
The woman walked directly to the dolls I had displayed on a table near the back of my booth. She was looking for a black Patti Playpal doll like one she had as a child…
Each Friday, I answer readers’ questions about items they own, helping them with the research on the history and directing them to resources to determine value. This week I’m focusing on one question – about…
A few years ago, I was walking past the greeting cards section of a department store when I saw Ebony magazine covers on several cards. I had never seen any before and was delightfully surprised.…
Nostalgic tin & paper advertising signs
Posted in Advertising, and collectibles
The vintage 1965 New York World’s Fair advertising sign sparked a memory for my auction buddy Janet. “I got sick and I couldn’t go,” she said, missing her chance to give up a buck to see…
Browbeating at a luxury estate auction
Posted in Art
The woman in the serigraph print was obviously an African queen. I could tell by her clothing, her head wrap, and her regal posture and direct stare. The auction house had hung the print farther away…