Some shipping nightmares and how to avoid them

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


turkey

Some dumb turkeys came to my home to visit a few years ago just before Thanksgiving. What were they thinking? That's my wife, Lia, and a neighbor in my driveway

Some dumb turkeys came to my home to visit a few years ago just before Thanksgiving. What were they thinking? That’s my wife, Lia, and a neighbor in my driveway

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! It’s certainly my favorite holiday of the year.

I’m taking the day off, but I thought you might like to read an important article about some shipping nightmares and how to avoid them. Click here for a good article from artnet News.


I’ve been quite busy buying and selling recently, partly because I listed many new items on my website. I will continue to list more daily. Please click here to take a look.

We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

What’s new at Philip Chasen Antiques?

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


The buying has been really good for me recently with most of my effort directed at acquiring exciting examples of French cameo and Tiffany Favrile glass. I’m listing a few of them here (in no particular order) and will be listing them as fast as I can on my website.

Rare Gallé Undersea 11" vase

Rare Gallé Undersea 11″ vase

First up is a really special Gallé vase with undersea flora. Aquatic subject matter of this sort is rare for Gallé and this particular example is the best I’ve ever owned or seen. The size is large, but not overwhelming, at 11″ tall and bulbous. What’s exciting are the detail and especially the colors, with exquisite, realistic greens and blues.

galle-trumpet-flowers-monumental-2Another special example of the finest of Gallé glass is a monumental, 19″, Trumpet Flower vase with red flowers on a yellow background. The colors, the size and the shape make it a superb, desirable vase.

Important Tiffany 9¾

Important Tiffany 9¾” red decorated vase

If you know about Tiffany Favrile glass, you know that red is the most desirable color. I’ve been fortunate to acquire two great examples, both of which are decorated red, not solid red. The first example is larger, 9¾” tall, with busy blue and black decoration. The second is smaller, with simpler decoration and a lower price, of course.

I’m trying to list many new items on my website, as fast as I can. If you check my site often, you’ll see regular updates.


Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Julia’s held one of their best ever Important Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry auctions this past Wednesday, November 18, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


James D. Julia, Inc. held their semi-annual Important Rare Lamps, Glass & Fine Jewelry auction this past Wednesday, November 18, 2015, with approximately $2.4 million in sales — one of their best ever for the division. The sale included five private collections of high quality goods, some with no reserves. As I’ve noted many times in the past, nothing makes for a better auction than three key ingredients — 1. fresh-to-the-market items; 2. high quality; 3. no or low reserves. It’s like fresh meat to the lions and these lions were hungry.

Important Gallé marquetry vase, Julia lot #1130

Important Gallé marquetry vase, Julia lot #1130

French glass did extremely well, with some ultra-high quality items in the mix. Lot 1130, a gorgeous Gallé marquetry vase in the original box, was the best item of the French glass. Estimated to sell for $15,000 – $20,000, it realized $53,325, including buyer’s premium.

Rare Le Verre Francais cat vase,  Julia lot #1611

Rare Le Verre Francais cat vase, Julia lot #1611

Surprisingly, a nice collection of Le Verre Francais vases and lamps also did well at the end of the sale. The Le Verre market has been soft for a while, so it was nice to see new interest. Lot #1611, a rare, large (23¼”) cat vase, was the best of the group. It sold for $10,665, against a pre-sale estimate of $4,000 – $6,000.

Loetz Phaenomen vase, Julia lot #1143

Loetz Phaenomen vase, Julia lot #1143

The selection of Loetz glass was strong and so were the prices. A large, 12″ Loetz Phaenomen vase, estimated to sell for $3,000 – $5,000, sold for five times it’s high estimate, realizing $29,625, including buyer’s premium.

Tiffany Favrile Cypriote vase, Julia lot #1108

Tiffany Favrile Cypriote vase, Julia lot #1108

The selection of Tiffany Favrile glass was also strong, with some vases selling at considerable premiums over their pre-sale estimates. Lot #1108 was a gorgeous Cypriote miniature example. It sold for many times it’s estimate of $800-1,200, realizing $11,257.50.

Tiffany Studios Koi Fish lamp, Julia lot #1202

Tiffany Studios Koi Fish lamp, Julia lot #1202

The best Tiffany Studios lamp in the sale did well. Lot #1202 was a rare Koi fish example, consigned by a Japanese national. Previously this exact lamp had sold at Christie’s in March, 1990, for $104,500. After the seven phone bidders were done, it went out the door for $106,650, against a pre-sale estimate of $50,000-100,000.

For the complete results of the sale, click here. You will have to sign in (free) for the prices.


I’ve listed many new items on my website and will continue to list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the NYC Pier Antiques Show, November 14-15, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


There was quite a crowd at the opening on Saturday morning

There was quite a crowd at the opening on Saturday morning

The NYC Pier Antique Show ended yesterday, November 15, 2015, after a brief two-day run. Interesting things to report. 1. This may be the last Pier show. 2. Business was good. 3. We were robbed.

1. Management was unhappy that not enough dealers signed up in advance to exhibit at this November Pier show, so they are considering canceling it permanently. According to Katrina Canady, the show director, many dealers tried to get booths at the last minute for half price. They hoped the promoters would be desperate and agree to reduced rent. Katrina told me US Antique Shows does not discount booths and turned away many dealers. It’s my understanding that US Antique Shows will not hold a Pier show in November, 2016 unless they get tremendous interest from dealers well in advance. Contact them and let them know you want to exhibit next year or the NYC Pier Show will become a memory.

I also heard a rumor that the property that the piers occupy has been sold to a developer who will put up waterfront high-rise residential buildings. Unfortunately if that’s true, the show is toast, no matter what. It’s very difficult to get the truth, so if you know something for sure, let me know. Time will tell.

Saturday morning outside my booth

Saturday morning outside my booth

2. Attendance was strong at the opening on Saturday and business was really good. Sunday started off slowly and then got busier as the day progressed. We had a really good show except for #3 below. We sold items across the board, including French glass and Tiffany lamps and glass.

We sold this beautiful painting by American illustrator Frederick Stuart Church.

We sold this beautiful painting by American illustrator Frederick Stuart Church.

I solicited comments from several dealers and got the following responses. They are not representative of the entire show, but merely from colleagues who I know personally. Alan & Adele Grodsky, lamp and glass dealers, Davie, FL, told me “We did pretty well. The gate was good both days and we did business on both days. We hope they run the show again.” Steve Morrow, Steve Morrow Antiques, glass dealer, Hedrick, IA, wasn’t very pleased. “My show was just average, but the buying was good.” George Sorensen, George Sorensen Antiques, Minneapolis, MN, couldn’t have been happier. “My show was very good and busy.” Jeff Myers, Myers-Huffman Antiques, 20th Century decorative arts dealer, Chickaloon, AK, was singing the praises of the show. “Our show was great on Saturday. The crowd was good and we sold to new clients, including decorators and designers.” David Kozloff, Kozloff & Meaders, decorative arts & jewelry dealers, Pittsburgh, PA, told me “Our show was the same, consistent with other shows.” Bill Holland, Hollandarts.com, Louis Icart and Tiffany desk set dealer, West Chester, PA, was a happy camper. “Tiffany desk pieces sold well. We had lots of interest in everything. There were a lot of be-backs who actually came back. Business was better on Sunday.” Two dealers who didn’t fare well were Peter Boehm, Dualities, decorative arts dealer, Larchmont, NY. “My show wasn’t good.” and William Isen, The Great Dane Collection, art dealer, Philadelphia, PA. “Terrible. We sold two pieces to one person we already knew. There were no new buyers.”

This is very similar to the Gallé clematis blownout vase that was stolen at the show. I had just bought the vase the day before, so I don't have a photo of the actual vase.

This is very similar to the Gallé clematis blownout vase that was stolen at the show. I had just bought the vase the day before, so I don’t have a photo of the actual vase.

3. An organized group of thieves targeted the show and three dealers, including me, were hit. I lost three French cameo vases, Bill Holland lost a 10″ Tiffany Favrile glass shade, and another dealer lost a large Tiffany Favrile vase. The thieves were brazen and took items right out of the cabinets. The usual modus operandi is for someone to distract the dealer, one person to spot trouble nearby and one person to do the stealing. My guess is that at least three people were involved. We all reported the incidents to the police. Please be on the lookout for these items. There will be a reward for the return of the items and for the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.

Unfortunately poor security at the show was a contributing factor. None of the dealers knew thefts were happening until it was all over. At other shows in the past, there were security announcements. “Mr. Roberts, come to the show office”, or similar, was a code message to the dealers that thieves were operating on the floor of the show. US Antique Shows did not have such a system and needs to incorporate it into all of their future shows. It’s really easy and effective. Secondly, at 7 PM, when the show closed, the security staff was reduced drastically. Anyone could enter and exit the show openly with contraband and nobody would stop them. That’s exactly when the security should have been beefed up instead of reduced. US Antique Shows — you need to step up your security game!

Lastly I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to Parisians and to all the citizens of France. These are terrible times when ordinary citizens have to worry about their security. We have to do whatever is necessary to combat Muslim extremism before it spreads to still more cities, including here in the US.


I’ve listed many new items on my website and will continue to list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The NYC Pier Antique Show opens this Saturday, November 14, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


pier-show-11-2015The NYC Pier Antique Show will open to the public this Saturday, November 14, 2015, at the new time of 11 AM and close the next day, Sunday, at 6 PM. I like the fact that the show is short. Either you make it or you don’t. No waiting for the results.

We'll have this wonderful Daum Nancy Winter lamp at the show

We’ll have this wonderful Daum Nancy Winter lamp at the show

The show is now only once a year, so if you miss this one, you’ll have to wait a full year for the next one. There is always a large, diversified group of dealers with everything from junk to great. The attendance is usually strong but sales seem to vary considerably from show to show. November was always better than March, so here’s hoping.

Tune in on Monday for the results!


I’ve listed many new items on my website and will continue to list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The results of the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, November 6-8, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


Our booth set up beautifully in our expanded space

Our booth set up beautifully in our expanded space

We thought we would have a terrible show when we found out our three best clients couldn’t attend. Considering how few people attended the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, we did reasonably well. It’s never how many people show up, but who. With factors working against us, I would have to call our results a modest success.

We displayed most of our Daum Nancy glass in this showcase

We displayed most of our Daum Nancy glass in this showcase

As usual the preview party on Thursday night was a bust. The food and drink were good, but I was truly crawling out of my skin. I couldn’t wait to leave. Of course we didn’t make a sale. I’m starting to resent having to attend preview parties. We really didn’t have to be there. If we had left the lights on and closed the booth, the attendees would have been just as happy. They were there to see and be seen and we were there to be the wallpaper.

We sold this beautiful Lalique Moineaux clock at the show

We sold this beautiful Lalique Moineaux clock at the show

The show hours are too long with 8-hour days on Friday and Saturday. Saturday was beyond dead for the first few hours, but then picked up a little in the afternoon. We sold items from the showcases, but nothing from the tables or the walls.

We’ll be back next year when hopefully all of our clients will be able to attend. This is our only fall Chicago area show. Our only other Chicago area show is the Garden, Antique & Design Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL, April 15 – April 17, 2016. We hope to see you there.


I promised to list many new items on my website and have already done that. I will continue to list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

pier-show-11-2015This week we’ll be in New York for the now once-yearly NYC Pier Antique Show. This show has been around for decades and boasts a large, diversified group of dealers with everything from junk to great. You won’t want to miss it, especially now that it’s once a year.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Setting up at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show, November 4, 2015

An overhead view of our expanded booth during setup

An overhead view of our expanded booth during setup

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


The Daum Nancy glass isn't all on the shelf yet, nor arranged, but here's a preview

The Daum Nancy glass isn’t all on the shelf yet, nor arranged, but here’s a preview

We are in Winnetka, IL this week to exhibit at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show at the Winnetka Community Center. Yesterday was the first day of setup. Today we’ll finish in time for the preview party this evening. I’m not a fan of preview parties (as those who read my blog already know), but at least this one comes with good food and drink. I hope to sell something this evening, but the odds of that are very low. I’ll let you know in Monday’s blog.

Haig Mathew Klujian (right) of Mathew Klujian & Sons

Haig Mathew Klujian (right) of Mathew Klujian & Sons

The show is high quality and very diverse, so if you like antique shows, you’ll like this one. This is the only show left in the greater Chicago area in the fall. The only other one left is in April at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois. Please make it your business to visit the show and show your support. Shows that don’t get support fail, so let’s try and prevent that. Please visit my booth, C20, and say hello.

One of the other rooms at the show

One of the other rooms at the show

winnetka-10-2015


I’ve been negligent adding new items to the website, but that’s already started to change. I’ve already listed a few items and over the next two weeks, I will list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

pier-show-11-2015Next week we’ll travel back to New York for the now once-yearly NYC Pier Antique Show. This show has been around for decades and boasts a large, diversified group of dealers with everything from junk to great. You won’t want to miss it, especially now that it’s once a year.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

The Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show opens this Friday, November 6, 2015

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


The Winnetka Community House

The Winnetka Community House

We’ll be traveling to Chicago this week to exhibit at the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show at the Winnetka Community Center. It’s one of the few shows we have left in the greater Chicago area. The only other one is the Garden, Antique & Design Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois in April.

We'll have this wonderful Daum Nancy Winter lamp at the show

We’ll have this wonderful Daum Nancy Winter lamp at the show

It’s an interesting show with high quality, diverse exhibitors from around the US, selling everything from paintings to furniture to art to jewelry to glass and lamps (me). We’re coming loaded for bear with a fantastic collection of French and American glass and lamps. You will not be disappointed with the show. It’s worth a trip from anywhere in the greater Chicago area. If you like antique shows, this is the only game in town until the spring. Please visit my booth, C20, and say hello.

winnetka-10-2015


I’ve been negligent adding new items to the website, but that’s already started to change. I’ve already listed a few items and over the next two weeks, I will list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We have a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

pier-show-11-2015Next week we’ll travel back to New York for the now once-yearly NYC Pier Antique Show. This show has been around for decades and boasts a large, diversified group of dealers with everything from junk to great. You won’t want to miss it, especially now that it’s once a year.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

Lost Fabergé elephant discovered in British Royal Collection

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


The first of the new items --  a great Martin Brothers double-face mug

The first of the new items — a great Martin Brothers double-face mug

Just back from Europe and trying to get my house in order. I’ve been negligent in adding new items to the website, but that’s about to change. Over the next two weeks, I hope to list many new (and great) items that I’ve recently purchased, both on our buying trip and elsewhere. We’ve acquired a treasure trove of goodies, so please check my site often for updates.

Thought you might like to read this interesting article about the discovery of a lost Fabergé elephant. Click Secret Object Hidden in Fabergé Egg Discovered in British Royal Collection – artnet News


winnetka-10-2015Next week we’ll travel to Chicago for the Antiques + Modernism Winnetka show at the Winnetka Community House, November 6-8, 2015. We used to exhibit at shows in the greater Chicago area 4-6 times yearly. Most of them have disappeared, so we now only exhibit in Chicago twice a year, once in the fall in Winnetka and once in the spring at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Too bad, because we like Chicago and have lots of friends and clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the show, so please visit us. You won’t have another opportunity until the spring, when we’ll be back for the Garden, Antique & Design Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL, April 15 – April 17, 2016.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.

A visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain

My goal is to publish new posts twice a week — Mondays and Thursdays. However, if you don’t see a new post on Thursday, it’s because I was too busy, so please look for a new one the following Monday.


The entrance to the museum announces the Basquiat exhibition

The entrance to the museum announces the Basquiat exhibition

One of the perks of traveling to Paris on business is the opportunity to add a few days to our trip for pleasure. This time we decided to visit Biarritz, France and Bilbao, Spain, home of the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. Ever since I saw photos of the building, opened in 1997, it’s been on my bucket list. I wasn’t disappointed, just surprised.

guggenheim-bilbao-5First I was surprised that the museum is right in the center of town. I had visions of it being on the outskirts, on its own campus. I also thought it was larger. Mind you, it wasn’t small, just smaller than I had imagined. Regardless, it is spectacular architecture.

A panorama of the interior

A panorama of the interior

Then I was surprised about the city of Bilbao. I imagined it was a little hole-in-the-wall community, but it’s not! It’s a fairly large city, clean, with impressive buildings, squares, restaurants, etc.

A Basquiat in the Guggenheim's exhibition

A Basquiat in the Guggenheim’s exhibition

The museum specializes in modern art and currently has an extensive Basquiat exhibition. Call me ignorant, but I don’t get it. Basquiat paintings are highly sought after and bring millions at auction, but I think if Monet were alive today, he wouldn’t get it either. When I look at art that I could have done myself, it’s not art. It seems Basquiat was blessed by the powers that be and then could do no wrong. If he had thrown dirt at a canvas and put a stripe on it, someone would have interpreted it as brilliant and revolutionary. Looks to me like an example of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Christie’s recently sold a Basquiat, Dustheads for $48,843,750. OK, I admit I couldn’t have painted that one.

Basquiat painting Dustheads, sold at Christie's May 15, 2013

Basquiat painting Dustheads , sold at Christie’s May 15, 2013

A Senegalese artist at work in the museum

A Senegalese artist at work in the museum

It was very interesting watching a Senegalese spray can artist decorating one of the main columns of the interior. He had hundreds of cans of spray paint available. I wonder if this will be a permanent exhibition.

A Jeff Koons sculpture in the outdoor exhibition area

A Jeff Koons sculpture in the outdoor exhibition area

We spent the day at the museum, but it would have been fun to stay longer in Bilbao and experience the city. Maybe another day.


winnetka-10-2015Our next show is coming up soon at the Winnetka Community House in Winnetka, IL, November 6-8, 2015. We used to exhibit at shows in the greater Chicago area 4-6 times yearly. Most of them have disappeared, so we now only exhibit in Chicago twice a year, once in the fall in Winnetka and once in the spring in Glencoe at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Too bad, because we like Chicago and have lots of friends and clients. We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the show, so please put the dates in your calendar.

Click here to check my website for the latest items and to look around. I will update it as often as time permits. We’re still very much in business between shows, so please don’t hesitate to email or call. I always strive to offer the finest objects for sale on my website and at every show. There are many items for sale, sold items with prices and free lessons about glass and lamps. And remember to keep reading my blog.