The Appraiser’s Diary: New Year Greetings!

   It has been a great year, and I want to thank my readers for their interest and support. I’ve appreciated your backing me up in 2017 as I did what I do and as I undertook new projects. I traveled the country to familiar places and new ones. People everywhere greeted me with generosity and kindness. I have much to be grateful about, and I’m looking forward to 2018, with you, with eager anticipation.

   On the road I met many collectors and renewed dear old ties. I love the many opportunities this country affords us. We shared several exquisite dinners and hustled some local grub. There were many kinds of exciting entertainment. We spoke about the beauty of antiques and the importance of preserving history. Collectors and dealers have a wonderful code to live by.

   Collectors and dealers are incredible people. With artistry and skill, they bring antiques to life. They demonstrate diplomacy and initiative, always busy with new projects to brighten someone’s life. They are the delight of everyone.

   This year saw more collectors using the Internet as a resource and enlarging the market to include every area of the globe. We continue to work hard every day to make new contacts and serve regular customers. We learned a lot, confirmed some basic truths, and recognized the tremendous potential of our businesses. A positive attitude and strong work ethic are as important as ever.

   Antiques once belonging to grandparents and to individuals of generations ago have a solemnity on New Year’s Day. Speaking to us from a distant past, antiques and vintage items tell amazing stories. The ticking of the clock brings antique collectors subliminal joy. Denver antique dealer Sally Star had some great words on antiques, “One of the best things about antiques is they preserve our past but also reveal our history, who we are and what we want as a people…what is important to us.”

   I enjoyed having my articles published in Mountain States Collector and distributed every month at your shops, auctions, flea markets and antique shows. Thank you so much, subscribers! Happy New Year! May health, happiness, and prosperity accompany you.