I sell consignment items. I have a client that asked what my “game plan” was going to be for selling each of his items. That is not as easy a question to answer as one would think. Due to the nature of the internet and retail in general my “Game Plan” is constantly changing and evolving. What worked for selling a particular item 3 months ago may not work today, and the price it sold at then may not be what it will sell for now.

On November 14, 2009, I participated as a speaker at the fall convention of the New York State Auctioneers Association held at the Colgate Inn at Hamilton, New York. My two presentations were “Antiques and Collectibles in the 21st Century: The First Decade” and “Where have all the antiques gone?” The first is the title of my Masters of Fine Arts in Professional Writing thesis at Western Connecticut State University.

Today we are continuing to explore the life and times of Helen Bond Carruthers with her grand niece, Jenifer Klier. So onto the second of our interviews!

Marge: Did your aunt make the entire sweater herself (i.e. knit or crochet them) or did she purchase sweaters and then apply all the embroidery, appliqué work and beading?

Sun Purpled Glass is normally clear glass that sat in the windows or on pieces of furniture that had exposure to the sun though windows. Over the years due to the elements used in the formula of the glass it turned colors usually to a light violet tint. While the pieces actually look lovely they are considered damaged by the purists and they will not buy them. However, there is a market for sun purpled glass because people collect it as they admire the color.

The answer is no. I wish I did. I pray that one will come along, but the odds of it happening are slim.

This is the crystal ball question everyone wants answered. At 68 and counting, I am not certain I am best person to do it. However, always up to a challenge, I offer the following Top Five list.

1. Designer items. As much as they like to think of themselves a rebellious, today’s young buyers are elitists. They spend money on brand named items knowing full well they can save money on generic brands. This remains true even in the midst of the 2008-2009 Great Recession. Several auction companies now hold brand name auctions. The success rate is high.

QUESTION: I have several “Things of Science” kits which I received through the mail when I was a youngster. I tried to find information about them but have not been successful. What can you tell me about their history and value? – MP, Kempton, PA

I have many old pieces of rhinestone jewelry that are commonly called "Unsigned Beauties". The majority are so well made, it's hard to believe that their manufacturer did not take the time to sign each piece out of a sense of pride for a job well done. Sadly, if any were designer made, the tags and proof are now long gone.

Of all my unsigned beauties, this one special bracelet found its way into my collection in the most unusual way.

In the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allied nations and Germany. The United States and many other nations had been embroiled for years in a bitter battle against tyranny. This cessation of hostilities or the Treaty of Versailles would become known as the end of WWI or of the "war to end all wars." In 1938, November 11th, would be set aside as the legal federal holiday "Armistice Day". After the heavy toll taken on U.S.

This is the first in a 3 part series on the sweater maven extraordinaire, Helen Bond Carruthers. This name for vintage sellers and aficionados brings to mind breathtakingly beautiful sweaters in all manners of colors, needlework and applique work.