Yesterday I posted an article from the online publication The Onion, which I have now been informed is a mock newspaper based on satire. The article I posted on was how an appraiser was tired of looking at collectibles like Smurf figurines, and how he had to change the product mix of his shop in order to survive. Perhaps this was a satirical look at the current state of the antique market, but it is relevant and perhaps sadly true.
As dealers how many times have we seen antique malls in name only, started with good intentions and quality inventory only to devolve into glorified indoor yard sales, with many worthless items. As appraisers, because of the collectibles craze how many strange and unusual phone calls and visits at shops have we received to appraise or value worthless items, or for us to give our knowledge away for free on items with little to no substance. How many reproductions, fakes, copies and knockoff items have we also witnesses as appraisers, or how many times the clients claim how valuable the piece is only to be informed they were sadly mistaken.
The article was perhaps satire, but also, as in all good satire contained many elements of truth as well.
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