Deb was born and raised in Anoka County.  At age 45, she currently resides in the town of Anoka.  She has been an antique dealer since 1995.  Deb learned to love garage sales and antiques at a very young age.  Her personal collections include Vintage Jewelry, Tobacco Tins, Red Wing Pottery, Vintage Furs, Mixing Bowls/Nesting Bowls, "Sharon" Pattern Depression Glass, Granite Ware, and much more.  Deb loves music from 1930 to 1965 which includes artists such as Shirley Horn, Dinah Washington, The Righteous Brothers, and Patsy Cline.   Her other passions include home-style cooking, crossword puzzles, and online word games. This photo was taken at "Antiques Downtown" in Elk River.  763-441-1818

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Below you will also find the Collectors Billboard with listings for antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, church bazaars, and so much more!   Enjoy!  If you have any questions about antiques you would like to ask our professional, there is a link below you can use to contact her directly. 
 

 
Antiques Downtown - 309 Jackson Ave, Downtown Elk River
Three Floors Full of Treasures for Everyone!  763-441-1818
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VALUE  OF  AN  ITEM  ??

Notice the 2 question marks above.  The value of an item is always questionable and comes down to who will pay how much for what  -- or --  is it worth more to you to keep?   Some ideas to keep in mind include condition, age and scarcity.   Value is relative.  Price is subjective.  Memories are priceless.

Here are some of my thoughts on how to place a dollar value. 

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Family value:  Ask yourself--  How much does it mean to keep/treasure/preserve the item?  Perhaps pass the item to a family member rather than sell?  Is there more value to keep or more value to sell for cash?

Demand:  Who wants the product today and how much will they pay today to obtain the item?   Will the item increase in value in the future?

Scarcity:  How many were made and how many were kept or collected?  Think of Beanie Babies or Santa Bears with the value of near nothing today.   Mass production and mass collecting will decrease value dramatically compared to a signature by Frank Sinatra which is much less scarce.

Selling Cost:  How much will it cost you to sell the item via what venue?   Costs attached to selling an item will impact your profit. 

Condition:  Take an honest look at the wear and tear.  Are there scratches, chips, dents, discoloring?  Collectors/Buyers want mint condition or mint in the box.  These are sought after and will increase the value of an item drastically.

Age:  What time period is the item from?  Is it from 1700 or 1950 or 2000?  A desk built in the 1800’s is worth more than a desk built to look like the old one but built in 1999.  The same “looking” item from a different time period impacts value greatly.  Look out for reproductions.

Need/Use:  Can the item be used today?  Does it serve a purpose in the home?  An old toaster that works can still toast toast!

Name Value:  Who Just Died or Retired:  I hate to say, but when someone famous passes away, the value of an item associated with them will increase.  We all know this but don’t want to say it.  Painters and artists are the best example.  Do you have an item/game/toy/doll/record/photo… anything associated with Dick Clark, Annette Funicello, George Jones.  Also, when a sports star retires, their signed or collectable items increase in value.

Bottom line is:  DEMAND.  Basic economical supply and demand.  Money is money.  If you have a rare item that is sought after, it will sell for more money.  If you have an item that is over produced and not sought after… it will be worth little money – perhaps less than you paid for it such as Beanie Babies. 
 

Antiques With Attitude,
Deb Chesley
Antique Dealer/Collector

Do you have a question pertaining to antiques or collectibles that you would like to ask Ms. Chesley?  You can email Deb your questions directly.  She would be happy to answer your questions!  Be sure to bookmark this page for future articles and information.
 

                             View the archive of Ms. Chesley's past articles here.
 

Collector's Billboard:

May 30 & 31, 2013 - Estate Sale in Brooklyn Park - 8 am - 4 pm, Includes:  antiques, tools, household, glass, carnival glass, Campbell's Soup and more.  9116 Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn Park.  Call 763-315-3798 for more information or go to www.estatesales.net for photos.

June 1 & 2, 2013 – 15th Annual Anoka Antique Show Craft and Flea Market - Anoka hosts over 100 antique dealers locally as well as out of state. The size of the show is just right for a day to browse, shop, and look for that special item.  Antiques, Vintage, and Decorating Items, items in all price ranges and collecting categories can be found.  Good Food, Prize Drawings, Register for a visa gift card.  Located at the Anoka Fairgrounds (1/2 mile North of Highway 10 on Ferry Street (Hwy 47), Anoka. The regular admission price for Saturday and Sunday is $4.00. Children 12 and under are free with parents.  Get a Special $1 Off Coupon  Visit http://www.metropromos.com/anoka-antique-show for more information.

August 3 & 4, 2013 – 22nd Annual Cambridge Antique Fair - Where: Isanti County Fairgrounds - Cambridge, Minnesota When: Saturday, August 3rd - 8am-5pm & Sunday, August 4th - 9am-4pm.  Cambridge hosts over 100 of antique dealers from all over the Mid-West, so you’re bound to see lots of antiques that you haven’t seen elsewhere. Items in all price ranges and collecting categories can be found. The size of the show is just about right for a day-trek from many of the region's population centers and countryside.  Many varied concessions for your enjoyment, Prize Drawings, Register for a visa gift card.  The regular admission price for Saturday and Sunday is $6.00. Remember, children 12 and under are free with parents.  Click Here for more information.  Get a Special $1 Off Coupon

Every Monday Night: Auctions presented by Luther Auction House, 2556 7th Avenue East in Maplewood.  For more information, call 651-770-6175 or Click Here For Details

Every Wednesday through Sunday Pac Ratz Flea Market Indoor/Outdoor flea market featuring over 40 vendors, there's something for everyone!  Located at Hwy 65 & Constance Blvd, in Ham Lake.  For more information, call 763-413-1400 or Click Here For Details

Last Saturday of the Month:  Antique and Collector Auction presented by Brown Auction 13229 St. Croix Avenue in Lindstrom.  Estates and consignments welcome!  For more information, call 612-598-9031 or Click Here For Details

We Want To Know About It!
 
To have your garage sale, estate sale, craft sale, church bazaar,
 flea market, etc. posted on Collector's Billboard, please email us
the details.  Please include date, location, time, type of sale,
and short description!