Unusual 19th C Pocketknife/Pistol Combo

This is an interesting pocketknife/single shot pistol combo that came into the shop yesterday. It from the late 19th century, signed Stetter and likely made in Germany. It has two corkscrew levers (one you can see above) that unfold and act as pistol grip and trigger. A bit ingenious I would say. It has rather abused fit and finish seeing better days, but it is very cool none the less. You don't see these everyday. Not sure of the value of the antique but would guess it to start at about $250. 

Antiques Uncovered: Some Useful Tips

By Matt H Young

With the popularity of shows like Antiques Roadshow and Pawn Stars, the demand for antiques and value within the antiques market has been on the rise. Many of the pickers and hunters out there are searching for antiques in hopes of hitting it big financially while other collectors are simply doing it to enjoy the aesthetic beauty and the history of the items. For the individual new to the market, there are a few tips to consider when it comes to locating quality antique desks and furniture.

eBay is in fact a good resource, however there a few drawbacks to keep in mind when browsing the items available on the net. You cannot see the item in person. What this means is that you are putting your trust in the seller. There are very few ways of validating the claims of the seller when the object is not in front of you. Because of this you run the risk of buying reproductions or damaged items either because the seller is not knowledgeable about the item or is simply being dishonest. A sure-fire way to get your collecting days off to a good start is to go to garage sales and charity stores such as the Salvation Army.

When you go to places such as these you can inspect the antiques thoroughly. Before you venture out, it is also good to build up some background knowledge on the particular type of antique desk that you are looking for. The facts that you want to have in hand include working knowledge of designs from certain time periods that indicate it is an authentic antique and some idea of the current market value so that you do not end up paying an inflated price. In terms of out-of-pocket money, locating antique furniture at a garage sale is your best bet. In this setting owners many times are not aware of the value of their piece or if they are, they are much more willing to haggle on the price of the items as opposed to the store setting where the prices are generally fixed.

There are a few visual cues to let you know you are looking at antique desks, should you come across what you believe to be the perfect piece. There should be slight irregularity in proportions. The wood shrinks and warps over the years causing this effect. Wear on the wood and some discoloration of the stain should be present. You do not want to see much too much wear however because this will decrease the value of the item. You may also want to be able to identify the types of wood that were particular to a specific era or craftsman to assist in authenticating the piece.

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Top 10 Most Valuable Baseball Cards

Every collection has its Holy Grail and within the Top 10 Most Valuable Baseball Cards, there are several candidates. Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner...the Hall of Fame roll call boasts several potential cardboard denizens who could claim the title of Most Valuable Baseball Card, yet only one can rise to the top of the cardboard heap. Below are ten cards that have achieved distinction as being listed among the world's most valuable baseball cards.
Read more at http://www.infobarrel.com/Top_10_Most_Valuable_Baseball_Cards#qqf1X7ImPhqt1fml.99 

Getting Started Collecting Coins

from the US Mint website:

It's easy to start a coin collection.  You can begin with coins that you already have on hand.  Check your pockets, wallet, desk drawers and under the sofa cushions.  Most people are surprised to discover the variety of coins hiding in their home's forgotten nooks.  Then, ask friends and relatives if they have any old or unusual coins to contribute.

To organize and display your collection, you may want to purchase one or more coin albums.  Some are custom-made for specific coins, such as Kennedy Half Dollars; other albums hold all denominations.  Additional storage and display options include paper envelopes, plastic tubes, slabs, flips and Mylar^® staple holders.  See "Storing and Displaying Coins" for more information.

Learning how to become a coin collector also means learning a new language.  Coin collectors use a common vocabulary to discuss coins.  Special terms are used to describe a coin's condition, value and what it looks like.  See "The Anatomy of a Coin" and the "Coin Term Glossary."

Tools of the Trade

Here are the basic tools you'll need to get started building and organizing your coin collection:

• A high-quality magnifying glass so you can look at a coin's tiny details.
• A padded jeweler's tray, plush towel, or some other soft cloth to set coins on when viewing them.
• A plastic ruler that measures in inches and millimeters.  Avoid hard, metal rulers that may scratch your coins.
• A good general coin reference book.  It should include information on dates, mint marks, major varieties, grading guidelines and prices.
• Good lighting, such as a halogen lamp.
• Soft, cotton gloves.
• Coin envelopes, holders or albums for storing your coins.