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#WorthPoint #AuctionInsights #Collectibles #AntiqueTrends #RubySlippers #HeritageAuctions #StatementPieces #KingAuctionGalleries #ChineseVase #GothicRevival #eBayFinds #OddballCollectibles #VintageFurniture #AuctionRecords #WorthPointCEO
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has a keen eye for unique and valuable items sold at auctions by WorthPoint Industry Partners. By sharing his insights on standout sales, he offers valuable lessons on buying and selling trends, empowering collectors and dealers to make informed decisions. On April 14, WorthPoint added 598,941 items to its Price Guide, with a total value of $1,167,467,933.65, averaging $1,949 per item. This significant addition reflects WorthPoint’s ongoing efforts to expand its database, incorporating older data and diversifying sources beyond eBay, such as LiveAuctioneers. Here are some of Will’s favorite recent sales and why they caught his attention.
Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers: A Piece of Cinematic History
Heritage Auctions added a screen-matched pair of Dorothy Gale’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz to WorthPoint’s database. These iconic shoes, which sold for $32,500,000, are more than just memorabilia—they symbolize American innocence and cinematic magic. Only four pairs from the 1939 production are known to exist, and this pair, once owned by Michael Shaw, is the sister to the pair housed at the Smithsonian. Discovered by costumer Kent Warner during the 1970 MGM auction, their journey from backlot to spotlight is a Hollywood legend. Will emphasizes that these slippers are not just shoes but a significant piece of history.
A Statement Piece: 19th-Century French Oak Bookcase
King Auction Galleries, located near Will’s home in Atlanta, added 4,464 items to WorthPoint’s database, totaling $3,361,890. The standout lot was a massive 19th-century French oak bookcase, originally from a hat shop in Montpellier. Painted in distressed white with a soft blue interior, the nine-foot-tall, twelve-foot-wide bookcase sold for $45,000. For those seeking a more budget-friendly yet equally striking option, a late 19th-century French apothecary hutch in unpainted walnut sold for $9,600. Will personally favors the walnut piece for its rich presence and affordability.
A Showstopper: Chinese Vase with Elephant Handles
A stunning Chinese vase with elephant-shaped handles sold for $11,562 at Lion and Unicorn. The twenty-inch piece features a deep cobalt blue glaze with intricate patterns and a vibrant turquoise interior. Will describes it as a showstopper, noting its design and craftsmanship make it a statement piece. While a Chinese ceramic expert might offer deeper insights, the vase’s beauty and uniqueness are undeniable.
Gothic Revival Oak Curio Cabinet: Authenticity Matters
A Gothic Revival oak curio cabinet sold for $4,130 at Bodnar’s Auction. With carved monk and nun figures and a mirrored back, the cabinet stood out for its authenticity and quality. In a market where many Gothic pieces are mislabeled, this one was correctly identified, making it well worth the price. Will highlights the importance of accurate descriptions in ensuring value.
Bizarre eBay Listings: The Knothole Door
eBay continues to deliver quirky and bizarre items, such as a walnut luan paneled door with a knothole allegedly resembling the United States. The door sold for $25,000, with the seller offering personal delivery. Will humorously questions the validity of such claims, comparing it to the McDonald’s McNugget shaped like the U.S., which reportedly sold for $50,000. While these oddball items provide entertainment, Will remains skeptical about their long-term value in the collectibles market.
Trends in Collectibles: The Charizard Cheeto Effect
The recent sale of a Charizard-shaped Cheeto, which set the internet abuzz, highlights the growing trend of novelty items in the collectibles world. Will notes that while these quirky sales are entertaining, their long-term impact on the market remains uncertain. He plans to keep an eye on these trends to see how they evolve.
WorthPoint’s Mission: Discover, Value, Preserve
Will Seippel, founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been an avid collector and dealer since 1974, with a focus on ephemera. He is also the creator of HIP, a website dedicated to preserving the world’s history captured on film. WorthPoint’s mission is to help collectors and dealers discover, value, and preserve their items, providing the tools and data needed to make informed decisions.
By analyzing standout sales and sharing his insights, Will Seippel offers a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of collectibles and antiques. Whether it’s a piece of cinematic history, a statement furniture piece, or a quirky novelty item, WorthPoint’s database and expertise empower users to navigate the market with confidence.
