Jeff Hess confesses to an umbrella obsession (and a wife of 28 years who refuses to use one) before turning to the real collectible: antique umbrella and parasol handles. Once miniature works of art topped with animals, flowers, and Art Nouveau designs, most bring $20 to $100, though a rare example can be worth thousands.
A heavy cobalt-accented crystal goblet, engraved around the 1840s with the Netherlands royal seal and signed “Günther f.,” sent Hess Fine Art on a five-day research hunt pointing to celebrated Bohemian master engraver Karl Anton Günther. They’ll list it conservatively at $2,000 to $3,000, though a confirmed attribution could push it past $10,000.
A simple turned-wood bowl by celebrated artist Ron Kent surfaced in a Bayshore Boulevard consignment, sailed past its modest auction estimate, and in a remarkable twist was won by Kent’s own great-granddaughter – sending the driftwood piece back to the artist’s family after a journey from Hawaii to Florida. A reminder that price is only one aspect of value.
The most costly mistakes collectors and estates make – from over-polishing and tossing original boxes and paperwork to improper gold testing, recutting old diamonds, and poor storage – each of which can quietly erase value.
The female figure remains one of art’s most enduring subjects, inspiring works that continue to spark both admiration and debate.
A rare Russian icon by Imperial Court supplier Pavel Ovchinnikov demonstrates why exceptional religious works remain highly collectible.
A late 19th-century portrait demonstrates how terms like “in the style of” can dramatically influence value and buyer confidence in the art market.
A portrait attributed to Michael Dahl highlights how uncertainty in attribution can dramatically affect art valuation and collector demand.
A casual parking lot sale offers original artwork and collectibles at low prices, turning excess inventory into an opportunity for unique finds.
Japanese prints can range from $10 to $100,000 depending on artist, subject, age and condition, with works by masters like Hokusai or Hiroshige commanding the highest prices.
