.
.
.
#WorthPoint #Auctions #Collectibles #RareFinds #Antiques #AnnieOakley #MaudLewis #2Pac #Memorabilia #ArtCollecting #HistoricItems #BuyAndSell #InvestmentTreasures #VintageFinds #CollectorInsights
Will Seippel, CEO of WorthPoint, has a keen eye for unique and valuable items sold at auctions by WorthPoint Industry Partners. By selecting some of his favorite recent sales, he offers valuable insights into buying and selling trends in the industry. Here’s a summary of his thoughts on a few standout items that caught his attention.
1. An Expensive Rocking Chair
A rocking Eastlake Victorian camp chair, once owned and used by Annie Oakley, sold for an impressive $37,500 on eBay. Ordinarily, such a chair would fetch between $50 and $150, but this piece’s historical significance significantly boosted its value. The chair featured a label on the bottom associated with the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show & Congress of Rough Riders, and it was signed by Annie Oakley herself. Two forensic handwriting experts authenticated the signature, though their names and certificates were not included in the sale, which raised some suspicions for Seippel.
If the signature is indeed authentic, this chair is a rare treasure, having traveled with Annie Oakley during her time with the Wild West Show—likely used for needlepoint between performances. Seippel emphasizes the importance of further documenting the chair’s provenance and authentication to solidify its historical value. This piece would be a standout addition to any circus or show memorabilia collection.
2. Three Cats Worth a Lot of Money
A charming 11.5″ x 14″ painting by Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis, titled “Three Black Cats,” sold for $31,264 at Miller & Miller. Painted in the second half of 1965, this piece is a quintessential example of Lewis’s joyful and colorful style. Despite her humble beginnings—living in a one-room house and selling fish and artwork door-to-door—Lewis became a celebrated artist. Her paintings, which never sold for more than $10 during her lifetime, have since skyrocketed in value, with a record sale of $317,566 in 2022.
This particular painting, featuring vibrant apple blossoms and tulips alongside the iconic black cats, is exceptionally well-executed. Seippel highlights the enduring appeal of Lewis’s work, which has been influenced by her arthritis but remains full of magic and charm. He also reminds collectors to check old hand-painted cards and artworks at WorthPoint, as they could be more valuable than expected.
3. When the Stars Line Up
A PSA Certified autograph by legendary rapper 2Pac Shakur sold for $7,080 at Memorabilia Expert. The autograph, written on a piece of paper cut down for display purposes, reads “Tupac Shakur Peace-Be Real” and includes the original concert ticket from the Luther Vandross show where it was signed in 1994. The autograph received a grade of 8 from PSA/DNA, further validating its authenticity.
2Pac, the best-selling rap artist of all time according to the Guinness Book of World Records, sold over 73 million albums worldwide and left behind a legacy of 17 top ten singles. His tragic death in 1996 has made memorabilia associated with him highly sought after. This autograph, encapsulated and accompanied by the original concert ticket, serves as a tangible piece of history for fans and collectors alike.
Insights from Will Seippel
Will Seippel’s passion for antiques and collectibles dates back to 1974, and his expertise in the field is unparalleled. As the founder, president, and CEO of WorthPoint, he has dedicated his career to helping collectors discover, value, and preserve historical items. His insights into these recent sales underscore the importance of provenance, authentication, and the stories behind the items that drive their value.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Provenance Matters: Items with documented histories, like Annie Oakley’s rocking chair, can command significantly higher prices.
- Artistic Legacy Endures: Maud Lewis’s paintings, once sold for just a few dollars, now fetch tens of thousands of dollars, highlighting the lasting appeal of folk art.
- Memorabilia Holds Emotional Value: Autographs and personal items from iconic figures like 2Pac Shakur are cherished by fans and collectors for their connection to cultural history.
Seippel’s observations empower collectors and sellers to make informed decisions, emphasizing the importance of research and authentication in the ever-evolving world of antiques and collectibles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice, these insights provide valuable guidance for navigating the market with confidence.
WorthPoint—Discover. Value. Preserve.
