Everybody loves antiques and they come in all shapes and sizes -- and
even age. Some people collect old furniture or old signs or old dolls or old stamps, comic books, telephones, maps,
giveaways from casinos or gas stations, or a zillion other things. Something doesn't have to be 100 years old to be
a collectible antique. Baseball cards from the 1960's are very collectible as are comic books, matchbooks, cigarette
and cereal cartons. Here is where we will tell you about places to search for an antique -- perhaps something that will
look great in your home or will bring back memories of when you were a kid.
MEET A REAL MUNSTER
Update January 1, 2013 There are a lot of collectors who enjoy TV memorabilia and many antique
stores today carry TV memorabilia. And if you favor classic TV memorabilia then you want to be at King Richard's Antique
Center on January 19th from 11:30-AM till 3-PM to meet Eddie Munster from the 1964-66 TV series "The Munsters."
Eddie (Butch Patrick, the actor) will be signing autographs at King Richard's. Ask him about "Marilyn."
4TH OF JULY SALE AT KING RICHARD'S IN WHITTIER
Update June 30, 2012 The 4th of July Sales
Event at King Richard's starts today and continues through Wednesday. The dealers at this antique mall will have sales prices up to 40% off on their items. The Antique
Center will be serving hot dogs, chips and drinks on the 4th from 12- 4pm. See more information about King Richard's below. And you probably can find some collectibles as old
as our nation.
TAKE DAD MANTIQUE SHOPPING IN JUNE
Update June 2, 2012 Father's Day is June 17th and King Richard's Antique Center
will be open all weekend -- and earlier -- so you can find a special "Mantique" for Dad. A mantique is an
antique that men like and it could be a vintage Coca-Cola machine or an old vending machine or old sport equipment or
an old set of trains or some old 33 and 1/3 RPMs that will bring back memories for Dad. You'll also find neon signs
and auto memorabilia and vintage watches. King Richard's Antique Center is
at 12301 Whittier Blvd. in Whittier, California and you can call them at (562) 698-5974 or go to their
website www.KingRichardsAntiques.com for information.
ANTIQUES FOR A VALENTINE
Update December 26, 2011 With Christmas behind us, the next big shopping event is Valentine's Day
2012. And I am going to suggest a visit to an antiques dealer to find something unique for your Valentine. For
her there is old jewelry and old costume jewelry as well as ornamental crystal and keepsakes which she might cherish.
For him there are the "mantiques" or antiques that appeal to men including sports memorabilia, vintage slot machines
and Coca Cola vending machines. Remember that when giving a gift it is the thought that counts and if you happen to
hit your target with a great and original thought Cupid might smile on you. So consider antiques as a way to get away
from the ordinary perfume, cologne or flowers. Besides, guys really don't need flowers -- but an autographed baseball
or football or jersey just might the Cupid's arrow that hit him in the heart.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING 2011 AT KING RICHARD'S ANTIQUE CENTER
Update November 30, 2011 I just got back from visiting King Richard's Antique Center
-- a true antique mall -- in Whittier and if you are having trouble shopping for a particular gift for a particular person,
you might find it here. King Richard's Antique Center is
at 12301 Whittier Blvd. in Whittier, California and you can call them at (562) 698-5974 or go to their
website www.KingRichardsAntiques.com for information.
It calls itself the largest antique center
in California covering more than one acre and this antique mall is packed with treasures in all of its 47,000 square feet.
It is also one of the oldest antique centers -- more than 30 years old. King Richard's Antique Center says that they
"cater to
all tastes and budgets." There are more than 100 dealers of antiques, collectibles and memorabilia here with competitive
prices.
On this visit, I found a lot of gift items that you could call "Mantiques" or antiques and collectibles that
would appeal to men including vintage slot machines, Vegas gaming tables, sports memorabilia, hunting trophies, barber shop
poles, and plenty of "Man Cave" items including Coca Cola vending machines, pinball machines, vintage auto parts,
and western memorabilia. Yes, every man cave needs to be loaded with quality mantiques. You
have to love the term Mantiques but you will also love some of the older things that are now collectible because of trends
in the media. For example, there is one dealer in the mall that has a display case filled with authentic, original Pan
Am flight bags. These Pan Am flight bags were given to passengers, often by travel agents, for carry-ons. And
the new Pan Am TV Show certainly will make these Pan Am flight bags popular for this shopping season.
And for Christmas you will
find some older holiday decorations including classic motorized Santas that are sure to become a new family heirloom.
Our new Best Buys TV Show report featuring these best TV deals for antiques is below.
LEARN TO BE AN ANTIQUES APPRAISER
Update November 27, 2011 The College for Appraisers has classes and seminars at King
Richard's Antique Center in Whittier, and on our visit to the antique mall we visited The College for Appraisers and were
surprised to discover that this is a vital career offering good income in a relatively short period of time. There is
a strong need for appraisers in the legal industry, as well as from individuals with collectibles that they want to insure
or make arrangements to donate or gift. Lawyers will often consult with appraisers when preparing estates or wills.
The College for Appraisers offers classes in antiques including art glass, pottery, jewelry, metals, primitive arts and Orientals.
There are also classes in gemology and fine arts and automobile appraising. Classes are taught at the King Richard's
Antique Center and there is a distance learning program. Some appraisers can earn $60,000 or more in their first year
following about 7 months of study. As appraisers build on their reputation and client-base, income can exceed $100,000
in a year. It is a career that also offers part-time work. There is an AAS Degree Program as well as various certificate
programs.
King Richard's Antique Center and Mall is at 12301 Whittier Boulevard,
Whittier. Call (877) 232-1980 or go to www.CollegeForAppraisers.com for information about the course work in Whittier or their home study program. Our Best Buys TV Show report about
how you can have a career as an appraiser of antiques and collectibles and jewelry is below.
ANTIQUES MAKE UNIQUE GIFTS
Update October 31, 2011 One of the things I like about giving antiques as
gifts is that they are unusual. You can't go to Macy's or Nordstrom and find China from the 1880's or a gramophone.
An interesting gift can be colored glass from the 1930's or 1950's, or perhaps some old record albums with their covers suitable
for framing. Yes, there are still people who collect old tools, old telephones, and juke boxes and slot machines and
these are always appreciated. So if you are stumped this holiday season, consider giving an antique or collectible.
SHOULD YOU SELL THAT OLD SET OF STERLING SILVERWARE?
Update September 27, 2011 With the recent run up in silver and gold prices -- and
now the recent selloff in the price of silver and gold -- you probably are more confused than ever about selling
that old set of sterling silverware that you inherited, or that pair of silver candlesticks, or maybe that old gold watch
or maybe that old gold coin with the funny looking lady on the front?
There are lots
of questions going through your mind, and the big question probably is this: will the prices for gold and silver be higher
tomorrow or lower? Well, that shouldn't be the big question.
The big question
really should be this: what is this thing and does it have a greater value as a collectible than as something made out of
gold or silver?
Too often consumers take valuable collectibles to a gold buyer or
dealer and sell the collectible for its bullion value which could actually be a fraction of its collectible value or value
on the resale market. Let's take each of those four items I mentioned:
Sterling
silverware not only has a value based on its silver content, but some patterns of sterling silver are in demand because of
their artistic design and because consumers may want to add to their sets with extra place settings. Some couples start
with a small "starter set" of sterling when they're first married and over the years they want to add a place setting
or two, or perhaps some serving pieces or shrimp forks. Look at ebay.com for examples of what your set is selling for
on the resale market and if it is in demand. Check with local stores that sells sets of sterling to see if they are
in the resale market but selling your sterling for its silver content is perhaps the last thing you should do. Also,
check sites such as Replacements.com which buy and sell used sterling sets.
The advice
I gave you for the sterling silverware also applies to oher silver items such as silver candlesticks, trays, bowls, mirrors,
and decorative pieces.
Gold watches can be worth many times their gold content.
Check ebay, and check various watch stores as many independent watch stores will buy older watches and watches are both collectible
and can increase in value because of their rarity and design. Everyone knows that there is a brisk buy and sell market
for Rolex watches, but also for other brands. Selling a watch only for its gold case or bracelet could be a very big
mistake.
And then we come to gold and silver coins. There is a very good chance
that any U. S. gold coin you have today is worth much more than its gold content. You must find out exactly what gold
coin you have by date, mint mark and most importantly condition. And then check websites such as PCGS.com and check
several coin dealers for the best offer before selling.
What you might find out is
the gold or silver item you have is worth much than the gold or silver and then you have to ask yourself if the collectible
value of your item is likely to go higher or lower in the weeks and months ahead. And with rare collectibles, the collectible
value might have nothng to do with the value of the metals.
WHITTIER ANTIQUE FAIRE
The Whittier Antique Faire is held twice a year. Usually there will be 90 antique and vintage vendors
showcasing furniture, collectibles, vintage clothing, art and more. And the Faire features such events as swing
dancing, a pie baking contest, a vintage dog costume contest, raffles and more. It's usually held in the
area at 13000 Philadelphia Street in Whittier. It's hosted by the Whittier Uptown Association and produced by King
Richard's Antique Center -- the largest antique center in California. Go to www.whittieruptown.com or call (562)
698-5974 for information. Watch the video below for a report on a recent Whittier Antique Faire.
KING RICHARD'S ANTIQUE CENTER, WHITTIER
King Richard's Antique Center is at 12301 Whittier Blvd. in Whittier, California
and you can call them at (562) 698-5974. King Richard's Antique Center calls itself the largest antique
center in California covering more than one acre and this antique mall is packed with treasures in all of its 47,000 square
feet. It is also one of the oldest antique centers -- more than 30 years old. King Richard's Antique Center says
that they "cater
to all tastes and budgets." There are more than 100 dealers of antiques, collectibles and memorabilia here with
competitive prices.
On their website www.kingrichardsantiques.com you will find a photo gallery illustrating what various treasures dealers are offering, and the website has a "wish
list" if you are looking for something in particular. You'll find dealers with Persian rugs, vintage dolls,
retail signs, and of course furniture, fine jewelry, costume jewelry, vintage clothing, automotive memorabilia including original
equipment for Ford and Chevy autos and other "boy toys," and Tiffany lamps, retro furniture, mid-century furniture
and some reproduction furniture. There is
nostalgic candy -- the old brands that you can still enjoy today. And you can relive your childhood with
all of the toys and dolls. You can also have your gold and silver jewelry and collectibles repaired here.
You will also find new furniture, reproductions of antiques,
and high-end designer handbags at low prices. The Center and various dealers also buy. And there is a school so
you can learn to be an appraiser. Call for information or go to the website to find out more about the classes to become
an appraiser and how you can earn money. Watch our video reports below.
SHOP FOR UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTS AT KING RICHARD'S ANTIQUE
CENTER
Update November 13, 2010
You can bring back the memories of Christmas past, and share those memories of Christmas past with a unique gift. Many
of the dealers at the King Richard's Antique Center have assembled a wonderful holiday collection of things that brought smiles
to our faces decades ago including Christmas-themed Dr. Seuss, and original ornaments that our parents hung with pride on
our family trees. You'll find these decades-old ornaments still looking like new along with dinnerware with holiday
patterns, table top, and china items. You will enjoy having these vintage decorations to warm the spirit in your home
this year and in the future.
And when you shop
for Christmas 2010 if you mention our Best Buys TV Show you will receive a free holiday gift from the King Richard's
Antique Center.
There are also classic gifts
from Christmas past that many collectors will enjoy today including vintage Barbie dollars, Star Trek collectibles and Star
Wars collectibles. There are all sorts of collectibles that will make special birthday and party gifts. How
about picking up a vintage sled or a life-sized Santa to decorate your home for your holiday party? If you just
can't decide about which unique gift to give, you can also select a King Richard's Antique Center gift certificate to
let someone else add a family heirloom to their collection of memories. Our video report is below.
Here on our new media website "Moneyman" Alan Mendelson who is the original Best Deals TV Show reporter
on KCAL9 and consumer advocate, shows you the best deals on TV, and the best buys, bargains and where savvy shoppers
go to save, and how to get the most for "your money" with the best of Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County,
Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Our Best Buys TV Show has the best TV deals and is the only regularly scheduled
weekly best deals TV show in Southern California. We show you the best buys and best deals on TV and more
deals and bargains on www.alanbestbuys.com and for our Las Vegas TV show www.vegasbestbuys.com. Some of the content can come from paid advertising and from our advertiser paid TV infomercial programs. The
Best Buys TV Show is a paid infomercial program which may also include news and information which is not sponsored or paid
for by advertisers. AlanBestBuys.com has the highest ranking among competitive sites in Southern California according
to the independent website ranking companies Alexa.com and Quantcast.com and our Best Buys TV Show is the most watched
shopping and consumer information show in Southern California.
