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.

Rare Loetz vase, Susanin’s lot #153

I was on the telephone bidding because I knew it was a rare and desirable vase. I just didn’t know how rare and desirable. I had seen it in the books, but not in person. In my mind, it was a $10,000 – $15,000 vase at retail, so I was prepared to bid $6,000 – $8,000, against an estimate of $300/500. Ordinarily that would have made me a strong bidder, but not this time.

There is no better auction ammunition than a fresh, important item with a ridiculously low estimate. It means the item is there to be sold, so everyone thinks they’re in the game. Fresh meat to the lions. Before I could get in my first bid, the price was up to $40,000. It finally sold for $50,000 + buyer’s premium = $62,500. Wow! I found out most of the bidding was from Austria. Makes sense, because the top collectors often prefer antiques from their home countries. The vase is going home, as is often the case. The Chinese and the Russians have been buying back their best antiques for years.

So now I’ve expanded my Loetz knowledge base and yours too. If you see a signed Loetz vase with sunset on the ocean decoration, please call me.

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.