Catch up on some of our most read posts of the year
Here at Skinner, we thought today would be a great opportunity to share some of our top blog posts from the past year. In no particular order, these are 10 of our most viewed blog posts. We look forward to creating and sharing more great content with you in 2022. Happy New Year!
Old Ingledew Whiskey: Currently Believed to be the Oldest Known Whiskey in Existence
Skinner Rare Spirits expert, Joseph Hyman remarks, “Skinner auctions is pleased to offer this historic bourbon whiskey at auction. The Old Ingledew Whiskey, bottled by Evans & Ragland, Lagrange GA, c. 1860s, is thought to be the only surviving bottle of a trio from the cellar of J.P. Morgan gifted in the 1940s to Washington power elite.”
Skinner Breaks Record for Sand Bottles Sold in Single Sale
Three Andrew Clemens sand bottles brought in nearly 1.8 million dollars at auction, an example of the rapidly growing market for his work.
Do I have a Kashmir sapphire?
You may have seen some incredible auction prices for sapphires from the fabled Kashmir mines in recent years. Could that sapphire ring in your jewelry box possibly be one?
The Allure of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain
Blue and White Chinese porcelain has an appealing charm that has long been recognized among art collectors and ceramics aficionados. Many elements contribute to the allure of Chinese blue and white porcelain, but the most prominent would be the cobalt blue color.
The Muse of George Platt Lynes
George Platt Lynes was a highly influential fashion photographer who laid the groundwork for a later generation of artists that explored male sexuality such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts. Buy or sell George Platt Lynes photographs at Skinner.
Staff Picks—Our Favorite Things: The Tornek-Rayville TR-900 Dive Watch
Watches were reintroduced to my life at Skinner when I joined the Clocks, Watches & Scientific Instruments department. I recall a gentleman calling, looking to make an appointment to bring in a watch that he called “very collectible” with a “cult following”—this was back in February or March of 2012. I was aware of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mil Spec watches and their iconic history, but seeing this watch, I realized it was a bit different.
Fire Buckets in 18th Century Boston
Fire buckets have been popular with collectors and owners of period homes for a long time. They represent a time long before most towns had established and well-equipped fire departments ready to respond at a moment’s notice to a house or shop fire, when people relied on their neighbors to come to their aid.
The Romance between Wedgwood and Ancient Pottery
The Wedgwood factory’s beginnings coincided with discovering the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the blossoming of the neoclassical style based on the architecture, art, and artifacts revealed through archaeological excavations.
5 Tips for Bidding with Success in Online Auctions
Even if you’re already comfortable with the online auction format, it always helps to be prepared when the bidding starts. These five tips will help you bid with success on the Skinner online-only auction platform.
Antique Weathervanes, Part I: Horses, Roosters, and Cars… Oh My!
Collectors of American antiques love weathervanes. They are most attracted to antique weathervanes that still have their original surface, and these are the most valuable weathervanes.