A Love of All Things Longaberger

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

My love of all things Longaberger began when my baby daughter Catherine and I attended a Longaberger Basket Party in 1989. Valerie Trapp was a great consultant. I bought a basket and helped raise money for the Children’s Hospital. My daughter crawled across the room and introduced herself to Joy who is now one of my best friends. The first basket I purchased was the Medium Market Basket like our item 30.

The company was founded by Dave Longaberger in 1978 who said, “Baskets to us represent the American ideals of family tradition, integrity, hard work, and dedication to quality.” We have some very unique and rare baskets like the Umbrella Basket our item 35.

Because they are all hand woven, no two Longaberger baskets are identical. They are all initialed and dated by the individual artist weaver. These sturdy well made baskets are appropriate for gift giving, and collecting. They vary by color, weaving style, shape, and purpose.  Longaberger has branched out to include fabric liners and garters, hard plastic protectors, lamps, pottery, wrought iron holders and food products for consultants to sell. The baskets in our auction were made from 1999-2001 and they are all in great shape. Many have liners and the hard plastic protectors. Our October Field Basket comes with a liner and a garter.

If a basket is damaged, it can be repaired at the Homestead in Dresden, Ohio. They fixed a copper rivet on my sewing basket for free.  My husband and I have even made our own basket at the Homestead last summer.

If adding to your collection is half of the fun, actually using them is the other. My collection of forty four baskets are being used all over my home most of them in the pantry and kitchen.  I use many of mine when I entertain and enjoy them all very much. After looking at the current auction, I think I could find a use for use a few more.  Hope you understand why I love all things Longaberger, perhaps you will too.

Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

Friendships Designed Silpada Jewelry

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh met when their kids were in school and became instant best  friends.  Their shared love for Sterling Silver Jewelry and the desire to make some extra money led to some Cool Jewel Home Parties.  As more people took notice, these friends launched a business of helping others that has grown to become Silpada Designs.

Avon Products acquired Silpada Designs in July 2010 for $650 million. The division was recently sold to Rhinestone Holdings, a newly formed entity owned by the original founders of Silpada Designs for $85 million, plus an additional $15 million to be received in 2015 if Silpada Designs achieves certain revenue targets over the next two years. Wow!  

Our current auction has a wonderful collection of Vintage and Retired Silpada sterling silver jewelry we know you will enjoy.  Silpada Jewelry is handcrafted using the finest .925 Sterling Silver and is manufactured to withstand the test of time. Six to eight artisans, on average, create each piece making Silpada jewelry true works of art. Silpada Jewelry is timeless and classic. This jewelry will not go out of style or fade with the trends. 
   

Their story demonstrates, “ that with a little passion and a sincere desire to help others, anything is possible”.

Wishing You a Shining Day and a Sterling Future!®

And Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

May The Force Be With You!

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

What could be bigger than the news that Adam Driver is in final negotiations to star as the villain in Star Wars: Episode VII?  Could it be that Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will return?  Although no official announcements have been made, one thing is certain. We have many of the original action figures and playsets in the current auction and with the new movie, the already high values for these items are almost certain to increase.

The Kenner Toy Company produced a line of Star Wars Action Figures based on characters in the original Star Wars movie trilogy. Over 100 unique action figures were produced and sold from 1978 to 1985, during which time over 300 million Star Wars action figures were sold. Many were produced in Hong Kong and Cincinnati Ohio. These first issue toys are valued in the hundreds to thousands of dollars particularly when they grouped as a set.

If you need any proof check out the March 4th 2013 episode of Pawn Stars.

Our collection is quite extensive.  Besides a large 15” Darth Vader, and many small  Action Figures, there are  Playsets, Creatures, Comics, Trading Cards and even a Darth Vader Accessory Storage Chamber with labeled compartments

.

So gather your friends, especially the plastic ones, and have a Star Wars Movie Marathon. These Kenner Toys are ready for action in this galaxy or beyond.  

Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

Modern Dolls Are All So Groovy!

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

We have looked at vintage collector dolls in an earlier blog, in our current auction we have a selection of dolls that are relatively new to the market;  American Girl, Bratz and Groovy Girls.  These award winning dolls fit into their own nitsch markets for entirely different reasons. Let’s see why.

American Girls

American Girl is an American line of 18-inch dolls first released in 1986 by Pleasant Company. Our doll Kirsten Larson was one of the original Historical Characters offered. These dolls teach aspects of American history through books. The dolls were also made in a variety of ethnicities. Although the books are written for an eight to twelve year-old target audience, they cover some significant topics like slavery, war and poverty in ways that are appropriate for the understanding and sensibilities of their young audience.  In 1998, Pleasant Company became a subsidiary of Mattel. The company has been awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award eight times.

Bratz

Bratz is an American line of dolls and merchandise manufactured by MGA Entertainment. Four original 10" dolls, Yasmin, Cloe,  Sasha and Jade, were released in 2001.  There have been many other dolls added to the line and Bratz have been making a serious dent in Barbie sales.  There have been Bratz TV cartoons, videos, movies and projects with stars doing the doll voices.  These dolls promote fun, fashion and friendship. In October of 2008, Nickelodeon aired a Bratz-themed reality show, Bratz Design Academy in which 9 to 14 year olds compete in Project Runway-type fashion challenges, with the winner designing clothing for a British line of Bratz dolls. The show was nominated for a British Academy Children’s Awards.

Groovy GirlsGroovy Girls are a line of fashion dolls manufactured by the American toy company Manhattan Toy and launched in 1998. The brand consists of plush, 13-inch dolls, fashion and furniture accessories, as well as pets. Groovy Girls target the 6-to-12 age range, with licensed products including room décor, apparel, interactive and electronics, stationary, health and beauty aids. They promote a wholesome alternative to other dolls.  They promote diversity, personal style and friendship. Also an award winner, in February of 2008 Girl Scout’ Troop Groovy Girls won the Best Girl Toy of the Year during the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

Now that you know a little bit more,  we hope you will agree that our current auction’s modern dolls are all so groovy!

Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

PS. Another bonus - these dolls now have a web presence so now you can get online for some more ideas and interactive fun.

http://www.americangirl.com/index.php

http://www.bratz.com

http://groovygirls.com

May I Have Your Autograph Please?

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

Collecting autographs by sports legends, whether they are on baseballs, photographs, or trading cards, is a deeply satisfying pastime.  These items provide lasting memories and lessons from the past we can actually see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands. Our current auction has some fine examples of autographs we hope you will enjoy.

Baseballs - There are several factors that contribute to the value of autographed baseballs. Baseballs are valued higher if they are signed on the sweet spot as opposed to the side panel. However, many players, especially those from the vintage era, signed on the side panel. Official league baseballs are generally valued higher than non-league baseballs. Baseballs that are harder to locate such as World Series baseballs or scarce versions of regular season baseballs command a premium.  Personalized baseballs such as "To Joe" are valued less than non-personalized baseballs. Finally, the condition of the baseball itself and the condition of the autograph, are also a major factor in determining the value. Coloring, whiteness, scuffing, shellacking - a glossy coat to preserve the autograph, staining and overall wear are all key factors in determining the value of autographed baseballs.  See item 93.

Photographs - When determining the value of an autographed photo, there are a few factors to consider. The photo may have corner wear or slight edge wear without detracting significantly from the value but any wear or damage that detracts from the image itself will lower the value considerably. Also, as with baseballs, personalized autographs will lower the overall value. Other major factors include rarity of the photo, historical importance, picture quality and overall eye appeal. Photos are usually used as display items so the eye appeal is very important. The prices in the Sports Market Report guide link below are for 8x10 (modern) or smaller (vintage) photos. See Items 94-112.

Trading Cards and Autographs - Since autographed items and trading cards are unique, they can be very valuable, but easily forged or reproduced. Autographs are commonly sold with certificates of authenticity (COAs) and letters of authenticity (LOAs), while trading cards use a grading system. These are meant to assure the buyer that the signature or item is genuine. However, COAs, LOAs, and grades are only as valuable as the reputation of the issuing party, Our auction items come from a collector who has purchased these items in good faith.  Internet information information can be useful in determining the values of these prized autographed items. See Items 79, 85, and 86.

There is a wonderful “back story” to many of these items,  proof positive that one need not be discouraged by size or other limitations.  Hard work and determination have been the path to success for these players.  These examples can serve as reminders of motivation and inspiration for us and our children. Something for us to see and touch.

Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

PS. Our thanks to Sports Market Report for their insights and tips for autograph collecting and for their many guides. The link for Football Player’s Autographs is

http://www.psacard.com/smrpriceguide/SetDetail.aspx?SMRSetID=939

Calvert Sterling Silver Beauty Survives

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

Calvert is the beautiful Sterling Silver Flatware Pattern featured in our current auction.  In doing research for this blog, I came across the Calvert Cliffs State Park in Maryland.  One can only wonder if these beautiful cliffs were the inspiration behind this pattern with it’s delightful banding.  It was crafted from 1927 through 1991. Calvert is modern, elegant and would set a stunning table with all of the serving pieces we have to offer.  Smooth rounded edges are very popular now.  The classic banding allows it to play well with other silver patterns.  If your collection is missing a few items, please consider Calvert as a wonderful addition.

  

Do you really need a Berry Serving Spoon or a Pickle Fork?  Yes, these excellent serving pieces only enhance the pleasure of fine dining.  This pattern has 43 Serving Pieces! It’s sister pattern Repousse has 64.  Let me assure you each piece is crafted for it’s use and has stood the test of form and function.  Please notice the versatility of these pieces. The Pie Server can also serve as a Cheese Server.  The Dessert Server would work well serving a sliced tomato even if the blade is not pierced. One of the reasons this set is so valuable and desirable are the serving pieces that come with this collection.

The House of Kirk, one of the Oldest Silversmiths in the United States, was established in 1815 by Samuel Kirk who was only 22 at the time. The Kirk Family came from England though Pennsylvania and settled in Baltimore Maryland.  Samuel Kirk had a partner Smith until 1820. In 1896,  his oldest son joined the firm. We are able follow the marks to trace the history of the firm.

THE S. KIRK & SON CO. mark would be used from 1896 TO 1924.

IN 1924 the mark was changed to S. KIRK & SON INC. Our pattern Calvert came into being in 1927. 1932 brought the return of the earlier mark S. KIRK & SON which was used until 1979. (Any silver marked STERLING and S. Kirk & Son will be from 1932 or later including the Calvert in our auction).

The good news for us is that Calvert’s pattern shape is still very desirable today.  The fact that is is no longer being made only increases it’s value. The United States has seen a tremendous loss of Sterling Silver flatware to the smelters in the last three years.  If you love this pattern as much as we do, now is the time to invest in Calvert to insure it’s beauty will continue to shine in your family for future generations.

Happy Bidding!

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

Click here To Register

Screencast on How to Register

Louis Vuitton L'Invitation Au Voyage!

www.ayptoday.com

412-204-7493

One of the world’s famous brands has made an appearance at AYPToday. Put on your berets, this is L'Invitation Au Voyage (an invitation to a journey).  

The first stop on our trip is France.

Louis Vuitton, the French Fashion House began in 1854. According to legend Napoleon 3 was looking for luggage for his wife Empress Eugenie. They discovered LV! In 1892 LV began making their handbags.  They are exceptional! Our date stamp is AR a match for France according to the eBay buying guide.

   

Louis Vuitton  Items 75-78.

Next stop... Spain, Germany and Italy.  

Did you know not all LV Bags are Made in France? France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the USA are making the real thing and I just don’t mean Coke.  It ordinarily requires about a week to create one handbag. A genuine handbag will last a lifetime without tearing or ripping. They are created with the most durable materials.   The monograms and designs are symmetrical. The stitching is hand done and uniform.  You can’t find this quality in other handbags.

Last but not least we return home to the USA and AYPToday.

The date stamp for USA is SD. The monogram Louis Vuitton purses are timeless. If you win one of these pieces, you will be able to wear them and always be fashionable. Louis Vuitton items simply do not go out of style.  Thank you LV for the new ad campaign L’Invitation Au Voyage! and giving us many reasons to enjoy these creations.

Offre Heureuse!

(Happy Bidding!)

Liz

www.ayptoday.com

PS. Here are links to some LV buying guides to help determine authenticity.

How to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton

How to Identify a Genuine Louis Vuitton Handbag

How to authenticate and spot a fake Louis Vuitton