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#WorthPointAuctions #RareFinds #Collectibles #StarWarsPoster #ArtGlass #Lalique #PicassoCeramic #RetroAmericana #FordThunderbird #VintageCollectibles #AuctionTrends #InvestmentArt #AntiqueAuctions #BuyAndSellWithConfidence #WorthPointCEO
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has a keen eye for standout items sold at auctions hosted by WorthPoint Industry Partners. By sharing his insights on recent sales, he offers valuable lessons on buying and selling trends in the collectibles and antiques industry. Here’s a summary of some of his favorite sales and why they caught his attention.
A Galactic Sale
On May 3, 2025, WorthPoint added 233,588 items to its price guide, totaling $14,516,914.18—an average of $62.15 per item. Among these, a rare 1977 British Quad film poster of Star Wars stood out. This pre-awards version, featuring Hildebrandt artwork, sold for $11,249.17 at Ewbank’s auction. It’s a prized piece for collectors, representing the franchise’s visual legacy before its Oscar wins. A later variant of the same poster, with Chantrell artwork and Oscar mentions, fetched $1,471.05, highlighting the premium placed on originality. The record for a Star Wars poster remains $91,200, set by a cast-signed 1977 Hildebrandt version sold at Goldin’s in 2022. Ewbank’s sale also featured cult-classic posters like Taxi Driver (1971) and Batman (1966), appealing to fans of iconic cinema.
Elusive and Coveted
Jeffrey S. Evans auctioned a frosted glass Lalique fox hood ornament, known as Renard, which far exceeded expectations by selling for $32,900 against an estimate of $5,000–$8,000. This circa-1930 piece, signed “R. LALIQUE/FRANCE,” is one of only nineteen known examples, making it a highly sought-after item in automotive art glass. Despite a crack and some polishing, its rarity and craftsmanship captivated collectors. Another notable sale was a Russian Imperial porcelain service plate from the reign of Alexander II, created by the Francis Gardner Porcelain Factory. Featuring the star and sash of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, this 9 3/8-inch plate sold for $3,250, adding to the allure of high-end Russian porcelain collections. For context, the actual medal of the Order sold for $43,200 at Heritage Auctions earlier in the year.
A Sweet Backstory
Mroczek Brothers Auctioneers & Associates showcased a strong selection of 20th-century classics, including a Pablo Picasso ceramic vase titled Visage et Hibou. This piece, part of a 200-edition run from Madoura, sold for $40,625. Its charming backstory—brought home by the consignor’s parents during their 1950s Paris honeymoon—added sentimental value. Another Picasso, a 1959 linocut titled Pique, fetched $20,000, thanks to its vivid colors and low edition number. The auction also featured Charles Wysocki’s oil painting Vermont Winter, a nostalgic snow-covered scene that sold for $21,250. The sale totaled $398,812.50 across 200 lots, demonstrating enduring demand for both modernism and Americana.
Retro Americana
CTBids offered a bubblegum-pink 1960 Ford Thunderbird, a fully customized “Square Bird” that sold for $19,665. This show-ready car featured a vibrant pink and white two-tone finish, a quilted silver-and-pink leather interior, and chrome wire wheels, embodying retro Americana. Despite a minor transmission fluid leak, the car’s restored engine and stunning appearance made it a head-turner. It’s the kind of vehicle that evokes nostalgia and captures the essence of mid-century automotive design.
About Will Seippel
Will Seippel, the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, has been an avid collector since 1974 and a dealer of antiques since 1984, with a focus on ephemera. He is also the creator of HIP, a website dedicated to preserving the world’s history through film. His expertise and passion for collectibles make him a trusted voice in the industry.
WorthPoint’s Mission
WorthPoint’s mission is to help collectors and dealers discover, value, and preserve their treasures. By providing insights into market trends and notable sales, WorthPoint empowers its users to make informed decisions in the world of antiques and collectibles.
These highlights from recent auctions illustrate the diverse and dynamic nature of the collectibles market, from rare film posters and automotive art glass to iconic ceramics and retro automobiles. Will Seippel’s observations offer a glimpse into what makes certain items stand out and how collectors can navigate this fascinating world.
