The staff of the Oxfam store in Harborne, Birmingham, England, thought they had a “fairly ordinary” donation of old books. To their surprise, the donation included a first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

Manager Julian Grist told the BBC, “By the time I’d realized what we had, the donor had already left. I would have loved the chance to tell them just how extraordinary their donation was.”

Early editions of The Hobbit can sell for high prices. The Oxfam shop staff contacted a specialist about their copy, a 1938 edition in the second printing. The dust jacket, designed by Tolkien himself, was intact. Ultimately, the book sold at auction, raising £38,400 (about $51,000) for Oxfam.

The Hobbit, which grew out of stories that Tolkien told to his children, was initially published by George Allen & Unwin in September 1937 with a print run of 1,500 copies. They sold out so quickly that a second impression, which included color illustrations by the author, was released in December of the same year. Since then, dozens of editions have been published worldwide, and the book is still considered one of the greatest children’s books of all time.

“We can never get enough Tolkien,” Grist said. “His books fly off our shelves.”

The iconic author’s enduring appeal is further shown in a recent auction at Sotheby’s in London. Their Books, Manuscripts & Music, from Medieval to Modern auction, which ran from June 25 to July 9, included five lots of signed books and letters by Tolkien, which sold for a total of £103,680, or nearly $139,000.

The books and letters were dedicated to a friend of Tolkien’s named Eileen Elgar, who died in 1980. She had initially written to Tolkien in 1960 with questions about his Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the ensuing correspondence developed into a true friendship.

Read more about Tolkien’s treasures below.

First Edition Fantasy Novel Could Be Worth a Dragon’s Hoard

J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’ may command up to $27,500

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Captain America is a hero who personifies the most idealistic version of the American spirit. He was among the first patriotic-themed comic book superheroes who believe in doing the right thing no matter the cost; he is unflinchingly brave and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those in danger. Given a serum that turns him into a peak physical specimen, Captain America uses the newfound strength to do what he’d always wanted: help people. He is a dependable character that parents can trust to entertain their children, and a comfort to adult comic readers who want to believe in the quintessential good guy from a bygone age.

Captain America (often referred to as Cap) shares similarities with fellow do-gooder Superman, but unlike the Man of Steel, Cap is not nearly invincible. The character began as Steve Rogers, a young man who wanted to serve in the US Army but was rejected due to his scrawny frame. His determination to serve the US did not go unnoticed, and he was chosen to be the first test subject for a project to create the perfect soldier. The Super Soldier Serum transformed his small body into a large, muscular one and gave him exceptional combat skills. Since he is not bulletproof like his Kryptonian counterpart, the military gave him an almost indestructible shield.

Cap was introduced in Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941) during the Golden Age of comics. The period from 1938 to 1956 established the modern style of comic book storytelling and introduced the concept of superheroes. It also coincided with World War II, which heavily influenced the creation of Captain America.

Comic luminaries Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created Captain America for Marvel’s predecessor, Timely Comics. Simon was a writer and the first editor of Timely who created or co-created many important characters for that publisher and for National Comics Publications, the first incarnation of DC Comics. Kirby was an artist who partnered with Simon on many Golden Age projects and would later co-create Marvel icons like the X-Men, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, and others.

Timely publisher Martin Goodman tasked Simon with creating a patriotic superhero. The editor began by choosing a nemesis, rationalizing that most successful superheroes had an equally formidable main foe. Instead of creating a new character, Simon decided to pit the hero against a real-life villain, Adolf Hitler. This departure from the established method of creating a villain with superpowers, genius-level intelligence, or other advanced skills/weaponry grounded Captain America’s stories in a way that competitors did not. His next move was to bring in artist Jack Kirby to help flesh out his concept for Cap and give him an equally patriotic costume that would grab the attention of comic readers.

This took place before the US had entered the war; however, Goodman, Simon, and Kirby were all anti-Nazi and wanted their red, white, and blue hero to be as well. While other superheroes appeared in some war stories when they weren’t fighting power-hungry (and zany) villains in the US, many of Captain America’s early issues took place during the war or focused on fighting the Axis powers. He was a soldier on the front lines, shoulder to shoulder with the infantry or helping military leaders execute important missions. When he wasn’t fighting Hitler, Cap and his teen sidekick Bucky Barnes often went up against Red Skull, a Nazi agent and one of Hitler’s protégés who constantly attempts to sabotage US military plans or completely dismantle the government. Cap prevented attacks, thwarted battle plans, stopped experiments, and helped those affected by the war.

Captain America is an early example of how pop culture impacts society. When the US was engaged in the turmoil of World War II and worried families sent their sons off to fight, Captain America was a source of comfort and inspiration. Children who read comics starring Captain America and Bucky imagined that he was in real battles, fighting for the Allied powers. They were confident that the US would be safe because a hero that symbolized American grit was serving alongside our brave boys.

The US government sent copies of Captain America Comics to the young men fighting in the war to entertain them and boost morale. Reading stories about a hero defeating the foes they were facing bolstered the soldiers’ courage. Considering how many US soldiers were barely adults, the comics were also a balm to those who dreamed of an end to the conflict and a return to safety.

The popularity of Golden Age superhero comics began to dwindle in the postwar period of the late 1940s into the early ‘50s. In the aftermath of the war, science fiction, horror, Westerns, crime, and romance comics began outpacing their superhero counterparts. Timely’s successor, Atlas Comics, attempted to recreate the wartime comic success by featuring Captain America and Bucky in the Korean War. Unlike World War II, there were plenty of US citizens who opposed America’s involvement in Korea, and those issues of Captain America Comics did not breathe new life into the book. Many of the superhero titles were canceled during that period, including Captain America Comics, which ended with issue 78 in September 1954.

Captain America returned to comics in early 1964 as a member of the newly formed team, the Avengers. He was the same ol’ American hero, only now he led his team into battle against villains like Loki and Kang the Conqueror rather than against military leaders from other nations.

“When Cap was revived in the 1960s, Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, and a number of other writers really placed a heavy emphasis on Cap’s wartime experiences and on him being a man out of time,” Gemstone Publishing President J.C. Vaughn said. “He was a patriot, a soldier from a simpler time thrust into a more socially complex era. We’ve seen this same theme played out with the character in the Marvel movies. His grit, determination, and moral character lend him a clarity that sometimes flies in the face of modern situations. This makes him simultaneously refreshing and challenging.”

In the comic book collecting hobby, Captain America’s debut is among the most highly sought books by collectors with deep pockets. His first appearance is listed as the seventh most valuable Golden Age comic in The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #55. It is one of a select group of comic books that have sold for over $1 million. Captain America Comics #1 graded 9.4/Near Mint by third-party grader CGC, sold for $3.1 million by Heritage Auctions in April 2022.

“I think people are drawn to the ideals embodied by Captain America. He begins his journey as an everyman who, after receiving an experimental super-soldier serum, gains the strength to stand alongside gods and literal giants. Having been in near-continuous publication since 1941, the character has inspired generations of fans and collectors,” Heritage Auctions Vice President, Comics Aaron White said. “Many feel a sense of nostalgia for Captain America, whether from comics from the 1960s and 1970s or from his appearances across various forms of media, notably Chris Evans’s portrayal in the Marvel films. That fandom attracts collectors to the character’s early appearances and the relative scarcity of early issues of the titles means there’s a lot of competition.”

Comics of the Golden Age told straightforward stories about good versus evil, with clearly defined protagonists and unrepentant villains. This structure helped Cap’s stories, but his fighting spirit and his determination to stop the horror of World War II made him such an iconic character. As comics have changed with the times, superheroes have become more complicated and cynical. Meanwhile, Captain America has remained a selfless, incorruptible hero who hopes for a better future. It is an optimistic attitude and set of expectations he has maintained for 85 years.

All images by and courtesy of Heritage Auctions / HA.com.

Explore the links below for more Captain America.

Captain America: 10 Things You Didn’t Know

Captain America Comic Book Debut Sells for $810,000

Marvel-ous: Captain America’s Movie Shield Sells for $256K

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I’ve written about patriotic jewelry in the past, but one type seems particularly appropriate for a deeper dive as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary: the flag pin. From painted and enameled designs to examples blinged out with rhinestones and even diamonds, this symbol of loyalty to the good old U.S. of A. has drawn many dedicated collectors.

Of course, demand for these little beauties has surged several times during the past century, with some of the most collectible versions dating to the World War II era. The attacks on September 11, 2001, spurred Americans to join in solidarity once more, and flag pins—old and new—were suddenly in great demand again. And, of course, American VIPs and politicians have kept modern marketers of flag jewelry like Ann Hand in business for decades.

As I was further contemplating this topic, I did a little research on the flag’s history and also pondered some of the famous folks who’ve donned flag pins. And since writing about something interesting gives me the itch to acquire one of my own, I also looked at some current values to see if I’d need a second mortgage to add one of the best 1940s versions to my brooch stash. As we mark another independence milestone (maybe you’re old enough to remember the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations of 1976, too), I’ll share a little of what I recently learned with you.

Interesting Facts About Old Glory and the Corresponding Pins

Playing a game of trivia not too long ago, my knowledge of the flag was tested as a question about the number of red stripes was posed. I remembered that the stars denote each of the 50 states and the stripes represent the 13 original American colonies. My answer correctly surmised that there are seven red and six white stripes, so I got the point for that round of the game. But why are the stripes red and white, and what does the blue background behind the stars signify? As it turns out, the red stripes stand for valor, and the white ones represent purity and innocence; the blue behind the stars signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice, according to the National Flag Foundation.

When it comes to representations of the United States flag in pin form, many designers and fabricators of these varied styles take license with the depiction. For this reason, you can’t necessarily distinguish the date of a flag pin by the number of stars present. Some World War II-era pins feature 48 rhinestones representing the states of the union at that time, but many don’t. Flags of all ages, in fact, can be found with a swath of blue stones where stars would normally reside. Depending on the size and materials used in construction, these pins may or may not have 13 stripes, but red will always outweigh white in the color scheme. So, the designs have varied over time, but you’ll be able to recognize them as American flags regardless of age.

Famous Flag Pin Wearers

American flag pins are consistently worn by politicians, dignitaries, and their spouses to convey patriotism. It’s expected, and most aren’t overly remarkable unless you’re looking at a collection like the one amassed by Madeleine Albright. In the former secretary of state’s famed “Read My Pins” collection—publicized in a book by the same name and in an online museum—are numerous flag pins.

In addition to a flag marked Ann Hand, who has supplied Washington, D.C.’s elite with flags and other patriotic designs since the 1980s, Albright’s collection includes examples by recognizable names like Ciner, Swarovski, and Carolee. Some are traditional flags, while others take the form of hearts or bows, but still feature the familiar stars and stripes. She was known to wear brooches like these and many others to send messages of peace, hope, solidarity, caution, and even warning when necessary.

Albright isn’t the only notable figure known to wear symbolic flag pins, however. More recently, in April of 2026, while on a state visit with her husband, King Charles, Queen Camilla was spotted wearing a brooch that included both the British and American flags in tandem as a gesture of friendship. The Cartier brooch, set with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth by the mayor of New York in 1957 on her first state visit to the United States, so it has an apropos history.

Flag Pin Values

If you’d like to obtain your own flag pin laden with gemstones, you can certainly find one for far less than an example crafted by Cartier. Plain, smaller versions can be found in the $500 range, while fancier designs with more detailing sell for $2,000 or more. If you’re like me, however, a vintage option with a little more eye appeal is a better option, even though the price isn’t always more affordable.

One vintage brand sought by collectors for its consistent quality is Trifari, and this manufacturing giant offered many different versions of Old Glory to choose from. The most expensive ones, dating to the 1940s, sell from $500–$1,000 when purchased from a knowledgeable dealer, and they’re impressively set with sparkling stones. Other small pins featuring mostly enameling can be found reasonably for $35 or less. Luckily, there are several other Trifari designs that fall in between these two extremes.

Don’t stop at the top when exploring older options, though. There are many unmarked war-era brooches, made of silvery pot metal or with brassy finishes, that have lots of character in the $50–$100 range. Some of the gold-plated pins by Ciner and other brands still look like new and sell in the same scope, if not a bit more. If you really want to make a statement, however, keep an eye out for an oversized flag handcrafted in Lawrence Vrba’s workshop. They aren’t cheap, selling for $250–$400, but they are some of the most impressive flag brooches available.

Now you know a bit more about these wearable expressions of American spirit, and it’s time to celebrate. Some people hang bunting, others don an Uncle Sam hat, but for me, nothing says party like you’re 250 better than a grand old flag pin!

Pamela Wiggins Siegel has been buying, selling, and collecting costume jewelry for more than 30 years. She is the author of Warman’s Costume Jewelry (Krause Publications) and the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l, an organization dedicated to hosting events and providing educational resources for collectors. Visit her online at www.chicantiques.com and www.cjci.co.

See links to more patriotic jewelry below.

Celebrating with Patriotic Jewelry

Making a Statement: The Jewelry of Madeleine Albright

How to Identify Unmarked Costume Jewelry

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HUDSON, N.Y. —  Among the highlights of STAIR’s American Week sales on August 19-20, 2026, is The Nicoll Family Memorial “Calvary,” Window, an exceptional stained-glass composition by Tiffany Studios, offered to benefit the Episcopal Diocese of New York’s ministry in Orange County. Included in the American Fine Art session on August 19, 2026, is the ecclesiastical window, which exemplifies Louis Comfort Tiffany’s unparalleled achievement in the medium that would come to define his artistic legacy.

Windows represented among the crowning accomplishments of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s career. Through revolutionary innovations in opalescent Favrile glass, layered color, and painterly composition, Tiffany Studios transformed stained glass from an architectural ornament into a sophisticated work of art. As noted by Tiffany scholar Alastair Duncan in Tiffany Windows: The Indispensable Book on Louis Tiffany’s Masterworks, no other aspect of Tiffany’s production surpassed his windows in either artistic ambition or technical accomplishment. While many of these masterworks remain in their original ecclesiastical settings and are seldom available for acquisition, the appearance of an important Tiffany memorial window at auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors and institutions alike.

Created for St. Thomas Church in New Windsor, New York, the Nicoll Family Memorial Window is both a Calvary scene and a Landscape—a dual designation that speaks to the remarkable subtlety of its design. Rather than placing the Crucifixion at the forefront, Tiffany situates the sacred narrative in the distance, allowing the surrounding landscape to serve as an equally powerful vehicle for contemplation. Towering trees and luminous white lilies frame the composition, their richly textured glass creating a sense of depth, tranquility, and quiet reverence. Exemplifying the technical sophistication of Tiffany Studios, the window combines Favrile, confetti, mottled, and drapery glass with delicately acid-etched passages in the sky to achieve a range of luminosity and painterly effect. Brilliant passages of purple, sapphire blue, verdant green, and golden yellow animate the landscape, while the softly etched sky diffuses light with an ethereal quality that enhances the composition’s atmosphere. The interplay of these innovative glassmaking techniques creates a composition that imbues the window with a sense of movement and atmospheric depth that is characteristic of Tiffany’s finest ecclesiastical commissions of the early twentieth century. The natural world becomes an expression of divine presence rendered through one of the most celebrated achievements of American decorative art.

The memorial window was commissioned in memory of Dr. Leonard Francis Nicoll (1876–1906), whose dedication is preserved in the inscription below the composition. The accompanying verse, drawn from the beloved nineteenth-century hymn There Is a Green Hill Far Away, reinforces the window’s meditative character. Both a masterpiece of American decorative arts and an object of spiritual significance, the Nicoll Family Memorial Window embodies Tiffany Studios’ extraordinary ability to unite technical innovation with emotional depth, making this offering a powerful centerpiece of STAIR’s American Week sales.

American Fine Art | American Week at STAIR

Wednesday, August 19 at 2 PM

Preview

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1550 Colorado Ave, Lorain, OH 44052

kingslandantiques.com

Email: contact_us@kingslandantiques.com

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Route 11 Antique Mall
Open 7 Days a week
9:00AM – 5:00PM

13625 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD, United States, Maryland

Email: route11antiquemall@gmail.com

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Massachusetts has played an outsized role in shaping the American story. From the traditions of its First Peoples and the arrival of European settlers to the birth of the American Revolution and the rise of American industry, the Bay State has influenced the nation’s history for more than four centuries. Today, that remarkable legacy lives on in museums and historic sites throughout the Commonwealth.

A Brief History of the Bay State

Long before European settlement, Massachusetts was home to Native people whose cultures flourished for thousands of years. The Wampanoag, Massachusett, Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and other nations built thriving communities throughout the region, relying on the Atlantic coast, rivers, and forests for food, trade, and transportation. Wampum, crafted from quahog and whelk shells, held deep cultural and ceremonial significance, while basketry, quillwork, pottery, carved wooden objects, and stone tools reflected generations of skilled craftsmanship that remain highly valued by collectors and museums today.

European settlement transformed the region beginning with the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620 and the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony a decade later. Colonial homes filled with handcrafted furniture, pewter, redware pottery, samplers, and silver reflected both necessity and artistry, leaving behind many of the antiques that define early American collecting today.

The colonial period also witnessed one of America’s most sobering episodes. In 1692, the Salem witch trials exposed the dangers of fear, suspicion, and injustice. Today, original court records, legal documents, early books, maps, and artifacts help preserve the story of the trials while reminding visitors of the importance of due process and historical understanding.

Just decades later, Massachusetts became the center of events that changed the course of history. The Boston Tea Party, the battles of Lexington and Concord, and Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride helped ignite the American Revolution. Documents, colonial currency, military artifacts, maps, and silver crafted by Paul Revere remain among the state’s most sought-after historical collectibles.

Massachusetts also developed into one of America’s great maritime powers. Ports such as Boston, Nantucket, and New Bedford connected New England to the world through shipping, fishing, and the whaling industry. Those traditions survive through scrimshaws, navigational instruments, sea chests, ship models, and lighthouse artifacts.

By the 19th century, Massachusetts had become a leader in manufacturing, education, literature, and innovation. Lowell’s textile mills helped launch the Industrial Revolution in America, while Boston became a center of publishing and scientific advancement. The state also nurtured writers including Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Herman Melville, and Emily Dickinson.

Honoring the 250th: Massachusetts’s Role in America’s Celebration

As America prepares to commemorate its semiquincentennial, Massachusetts will once again take center stage. Communities across the state are planning exhibitions, reenactments, festivals, educational programs, and commemorative events that highlight the state’s pivotal role in the nation’s founding.

Historic sites associated with the American Revolution, including Lexington, Concord, Boston, and Plymouth, will host special programming throughout the anniversary period. Visitors can walk portions of the Freedom Trail, tour colonial homes, explore living history museums, and experience many of the locations where the story of American independence unfolded.

Museums and cultural organizations are also developing exhibitions that examine Massachusetts’ Indigenous heritage alongside its maritime traditions, literary accomplishments, industrial innovation, and the many immigrant communities that helped shape the Commonwealth.

Collecting the History of Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers collectors an extraordinary range of objects spanning more than four centuries of American history. Whether your interests lean toward colonial furnishings, maritime artifacts, decorative arts, or literary treasures, the Bay State provides countless opportunities to discover pieces that tell the story of America’s evolution.

Those who appreciate Colonial Americana are drawn to Massachusetts for its early furniture, pewter, redware pottery, samplers, and colonial silver. Household objects from the 17th and 18th centuries reveal how early New England families lived, worked, and worshipped, while surviving tavern signs offer a glimpse into colonial commerce and handwritten documents preserve the voices of Massachusetts’ earliest settlers.

The state’s role in the American Revolution has also created an enduring market for historical artifacts. Objects tied to the Revolution continue to capture collectors’ imaginations. Colonial currency, like this example from Harvard University’s Houghton Library, military equipment, patriotic engravings, and period maps preserve the story of a colony that became the birthplace of a nation.

Massachusetts’ maritime heritage remains equally compelling. Scrimshaw carved aboard whaling ships, navigational instruments, sea chests, ship models, and lighthouse memorabilia reflect centuries of life along the Atlantic coast. Among the state’s most distinctive folk traditions are handcrafted Nantucket baskets, whose elegant forms have evolved from practical utility to celebrated works of American craftsmanship.

Collector’s Note: Because many antique scrimshaw pieces were carved on sperm whale teeth or other protected marine materials, collectors should familiarize themselves with current federal and state regulations before buying or selling. Reputable auction houses and established dealers who specialize in antique scrimshaws can help collectors navigate those requirements while ensuring authenticity and legal compliance. Firms such as Paul Madden Antiques, which has specialized in antique scrimshaw and marine antiques for more than 60 years, routinely advise collectors on provenance and applicable regulations.

The Commonwealth has also produced some of America’s finest decorative arts. Sandwich glass, first manufactured by the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company in 1825, remains one of the country’s most recognizable glassmaking traditions. Collectors also prize Dedham Pottery for its distinctive crackle glaze and repeating rabbit motif. The state’s Shaker communities produced furniture as well as the distinctive oval boxes that remain among the best-known examples of Shaker craftsmanship.

Massachusetts’ rich collecting traditions continue to inspire museums, historical societies, preservation organizations, and communities across the Commonwealth. As America 250 approaches, many of these institutions will mark the occasion by welcoming visitors with new exhibits and expanded programming.

Looking Ahead: Massachusetts’s America 250 Calendar Highlights

Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Sunday, August 2, 2026 — The Revolutionary Journey of William Rotch Sr.

A special exhibition of selections from the historical graphic novel Quaker Whaler Traitor Spy! by Dr. Sarah Crabtree, illustrated by Melissa Philley. William Rotch was one of the unluckiest men of the eighteenth century. Accused of treason four times by three governments in two decades (1775 – 1795), he became a cautionary tale for any who dared dissent.

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – 9:30 am – Sunday, January 3, 2027 – 4:30 pm — Picturing the Revolution

Drawing from Historic Deerfield’s rich collection of Revolutionary-era materials, this exhibition explores the diverse ways that 18th-century individuals “pictured” or understood the Revolution as it unfolded.

May 2, 2026–July 25, 2027 — The Peabody Museum, Salem – Pressing Importance: Salem and The Declaration of Independence

Salem’s connections to the Declaration of Independence center on Ezekiel Russell, a local printer who played a key role in its publication and dissemination in 1776. This exhibition coincides with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and the 400th anniversary of the European settlement of Salem. Works on view in the intimate James Duncan Phillips Trust Gallery include two of the earliest broadside editions of the Declaration of Independence alongside Revolutionary-era manuscripts, newspapers, pamphlets, and broadsides that showcase the nation’s founding values of democracy: freedom, liberty, and equality.

Friday, May 15, 2026 – 11:00 am – Monday, November 16, 2026 – 5:00 pm — Myth and Memory: Stories of the American Revolution

Myth and Memory spotlights the deeply personal experiences of individuals, families, and communities caught up in extraordinary circumstances, organized around the themes of Resistance, Loyalty, Liberty, and Memory.

September 12-13, 2026 — The Continental Arsenal at Springfield Exhibit

Established by General George Washington and General Henry Knox in 1777, the Continental Arsenal at Springfield was a critical part of the supply network for the fledgling Continental Army. The enlisted men and officers assigned there fabricated and supplied all manner of military supplies throughout the Revolutionary War. Explore rarely seen collections and historic documents to learn why Henry Knox called this place “one of the most proper spots in America on every account.”

Saturday, June 6, 2026 – 10:00 am – Monday, October 26, 2026 – 5:00 pm — Norman Rockwell Museum

In commemoration of America’s 250th founding, Norman Rockwell Museum will present Visions of a Nation: 250 Years from Revolution to Rockwell, from June 6 to October 26, 2026. This sweeping exhibition will portray how artists—from the Revolutionary era to today–emblazoned the ideals and evolving story of America.

September 11 – 13, 2026 — Defenders’ Day at Fort McHenry

Baltimore’s oldest holiday, celebrated since 1815, honors the defense of the city from British attack in 1814 that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Living history demonstrations, music, and educational programs celebrate the soldiers, sailors, and civilians who defended their home from the American Revolution onward.

Explore more America at 250 stories

America at 250: Maryland’s Chesapeake Heritage

America at 250: Maine’s Enduring Traditions

America at 250: The Legacy of Louisiana

America at 250: Kentucky’s Bourbon, Bluegrass, and the Kentucky Derby

America at 250: Kansas, the Sunflower State

America at 250: Iowa, the History and Heritage of the Hawkeye State

America at 250: Indiana, the Crossroads of America

America at 250: Illinois, the Prairie State

America at 250: Idaho’s Hidden (and Not-So-Hidden) Gems

America at 250: Hawaii’s Aloha Spirit

America at 250: Guam’s Cultural Legacy in the Pacific

America at 250: Georgia’s Craft, Commerce, and Cultural Influence

America at 250: Florida’s Diverse Heritage

America at 250: Delaware’s First State Heritage

America at 250: Connecticut’s Colonial Craft and Industry

America at 250: Colorado’s Land and Living Traditions

America at 250: California’s Golden State Traditions

America at 250: Arkansas’s Ozark Traditions

America at 250: Arizona’s Traditions Shaped by the Southwest

America at 250: American Samoa’s Enduring Island Traditions

America at 250: Alaska’s Living Indigenous Heritage

America at 250: Alabama’s Hand-Shaped Heritage

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 It’s one thing to inadvertently buy a valuable painting at a thrift store. Picking one up in the street is another degree of luck entirely. As surprising as it sounds, the second happened to Andrés Hurtado of Murcia, Spain, while he was visiting Seville with his family on the weekend. He saw a painting lying in the street: a peaceful beach scene with boats in the distance and sunlight reflecting off the water.

Hurtado said that the gilded frame was what caught his attention. Assuming the painting had been thrown away, he decided to take it.

Back in Murcia, he began researching his new find. With help from AI tools, he realized that it could be the work of Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla (1863-1923), known as “the master of light” and celebrated for his Impressionistic beach scenes. Hurtado contacted an auction house in Madrid and sent them pictures. They confirmed that it was a Sorolla, and it could be worth up to €150,000 (about $171,000).

Hurtado soon learned that the painting had immense sentimental value, too. He found out that it had been recently reported missing by a family in Seville. They had put out requests for help finding the painting, referring to it only as “a painting of great sentimental value” and not mentioning a title, the artist, or a monetary value. A photograph provided by the owners showed Hurtado it was the same item he had found. He contacted the police and reported the discovery. The painting has been returned to the family, who thanked Hurtado and offered him a reward.

Sorolla has been catching attention this side of the Atlantic, too. As Kovels Antique Trader reported in May, the Hispanic Society Museum & Library presented an exhibit of his work from May 18 to June 1 at Sotheby’s New York headquarters. The society is celebrating the centenary of Sorolla’s mural cycle Vision of Spain this year, and will feature his painting Señora de Sorolla in a Spanish Mantilla in an upcoming exhibit on mantillas.

Hurtado’s incredible discovery invites more international interest in Sorolla’s artwork and serves as a reminder that his significance extends beyond museum walls.

For more Kovels Antique Trader content on the work of Joaquín Sorolla, check out the article below.

In Residence: The Hispanic Society Sorollas

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Semiquincentennial. Try saying it three times fast—I can’t, so I’ll stick with “250th anniversary.” As we celebrate our semi… (well, you know the word), we recall that one of the most enduring symbols of our nation is our flag, that beautiful, bold, red, white, and blue banner that flies from countless flagpoles across the country.

My earliest memory of our nation’s flag dates back to the mid-1960s, when I was about ten. By then, I had already been dealing in antiques for nearly four years. I regularly trawled our New York City neighborhood with my red wagon, hunting for discarded treasures on the curbs of Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. On weekends, I sold my finds at the 26th Street Flea Market.

One Friday afternoon, I hurried home from school, eager to trade my uniform for what we called “play clothes” and meet my friends for a bicycle ride. As I approached my friend’s house on 112th Avenue, I noticed something that made my heart race: a pile of “trash” about as tall as I was. My friends told me the “old people” were moving. I quickly abandoned thoughts of a bike ride and recruited my gang to help me salvage this trove. Once we had the pile safely stashed at my friend’s house, I ran home for my red wagon and began ferrying the cache to my house.

During one of these trips, the “old lady” came out and motioned for me to come to her. She asked why I was taking the items from her curb. I told her I took them because they were beautiful and I liked them. She asked my name, told me she was Marie, and said she was glad I was taking the things because she thought they were beautiful, too. She explained that she and her husband were “almost ninety years old,” moving to a smaller place, and had no children; she simply couldn’t take everything with her.

She asked me to sit on her stoop and went back inside. When she returned, she carried a small bundle. “This was my father’s,” she said. “He was a soldier in the Civil War.” I slowly unrolled the towel to reveal a flag and a section of flagstaff with a brass terminal. The flag—a silk 37-star Centennial-era flag—caught the breeze as it unfurled, and I was instantly captivated by its diaphanous beauty.

Attached to the staff and brass end cap was a label that read: “1905, Cut off end of 5th Minn. Inft. Battle flag staff, to [sic] long for case at new capitol. See newspaper account of transfer of flags from old to new capitol 1905.”
The 5th Minnesota Infantry was a Union volunteer regiment that served in the Western Theater, seeing significant action at Corinth, Vicksburg, and Nashville, and in the Red River and Mobile campaigns, while elements were also engaged in the U.S-Dakota War on the Minnesota frontier.

Marie explained that this fragment was removed from one of the original staffs of Minnesota’s Civil War battle flags when the state ceremonially transferred those flags from the old Capitol to the new Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Flag Day, June 14, 1905. The staff lengths proved too long for the new display cases in the Capitol Rotunda and were cut down. Portions of some of the brass endcaps were melted to create small presentation souvenirs for officials and other honored guests. This particular end segment, retaining its brass terminal and handwritten label, was preserved as a personal memento.

By this time, Marie was crying. She told me that because I appreciated “the old things,” she wanted me to have these pieces. Watching the tears spill down her cheeks, I refused; I couldn’t imagine taking such precious items from her. Then she explained that if I didn’t accept them, they would probably end up in the trash after she died. She asked me to keep them and treasure them—and I have.

The stars of the 37-star flag are arranged in a distinctive 6-6-6-7-6-6 configuration, displayed in a tumbling orientation. This star count reflects Nebraska’s admission to the Union on March 1, 1867; the flag officially took effect on July 4 of that year. The 37-star flag was in use during portions of both the Reconstruction era and the Indian Wars, and Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, and Rutherford B. Hayes all served under this configuration.

Although the 37-star flag remained official through July 3, 1877, and was the designated national flag during the Centennial year of 1876, surviving examples are comparatively scarce. Anticipating Colorado’s admission on August 1, 1876, flag makers judged the 37-star design obsolete and instead produced 38-star flags in great quantity for Centennial celebrations. As a result, true 37-star “Centennial flags” are surprisingly uncommon.

That evening, when my father, a Marine veteran, came home from work, I showed him the flag. After thoughtfully examining it, he taught me how to fold it—a lesson I have never forgotten. The next morning, I raced to Marie’s house to show her how I had folded her father’s cherished flag. With tears in his eyes, her husband told me that Marie had passed during the night. He said the move from her home had broken her heart. By the time I walked back home, I, too, was crying. To this day, I still get a lump in my throat when I remember that moment.

So, this piece of colored silk means far more to me than a symbol of our nation. It was a gift from the heart, albeit a broken one. It remains a tangible link to a woman who loved her flag, and to my father, who taught me how to honor and care for it. Happy Semiquincentennial, America!

Find more America 250 content here:

America at 250: Maryland’s Chesapeake Heritage (Follow our entire series — go to links at the end of the article)

Tracing 250 Years of American Life

Framing a Nation in Art

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For collectors and resellers alike, every trip to the thrift store offers the possibility of uncovering an overlooked treasure. Most successful outings produce at least one worthwhile find, but every so often, persistence, knowledge, and a sharp eye lead to a discovery far beyond the ordinary.

Several days a week, 19-year-old Quinn Brown heads to Goodwill Outlet stores around Portland, Ore., searching through the ever-changing blue bins for vintage clothing to resell on the secondhand marketplace Depop. Since launching his resale business while still a junior at Lincoln High School in 2023, Brown has built a steady business, with most items selling for around $13 and his previous best find bringing $250. Then he found what appeared to be an old Los Angeles Lakers warm-up jacket for $3 while shopping at a Goodwill Outlet in the Portland metropolitan area earlier this year.

Brown recognized that the jacket looked different from modern reproductions. Rather than immediately listing it for sale, he began researching its construction, paying particular attention to details such as the Champion label and vintage Scovill snaps, hardware that fell out of production after the mid-1980s.

His instincts proved correct.

After consulting with specialists, the jacket was authenticated through SIA Photo Match, which matched it to photographs of Wilt Chamberlain wearing the garment during the 1972 NBA Finals and additional games from the 1972-73 season, Chamberlain’s final year in the NBA.

The authentication led Brown to consign the jacket to Sotheby’s, where it is being offered with a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 to $250,000.

According to Sotheby’s, the Champion-manufactured warm-up jacket represents an exceptionally rare piece of basketball history from one of the sport’s greatest legends. Bidding opened July 1 and continues through July 20.

Brown’s fantastic find also illustrates the growing sophistication of today’s collecting hobby. While the story has captured headlines because of its dramatic price increase, the real lesson lies in Brown’s willingness to investigate the piece before selling it. Recognizing quality construction was only the beginning. Brown researched the jacket’s period manufacturing details before obtaining professional authentication, transforming what could have remained an ordinary thrift-store purchase into every sports collector’s dream.

The sale follows several notable Chamberlain memorabilia results in recent years. Sotheby’s sold Chamberlain’s game-worn 1972 NBA Finals jersey for $4.9 million in 2023, while another Lakers warm-up jacket realized $56,400 at auction in 2022.

Goodwill Outlet stores (known to seasoned thrifters simply as “the bins”) have developed an almost legendary reputation among treasure hunters. Merchandise is sold by weight rather than individual pricing, rewarding shoppers who are willing to search through constantly rotating bins of donated goods (bring your gloves and hand sanitizer). While six-figure discoveries remain exceedingly rare, stories like Brown’s continue to remind collectors why the next remarkable find could be waiting just beneath the surface of an overflowing bin.

Perhaps the greatest mystery isn’t how Quinn Brown recognized the jacket’s significance, but how a game-worn Wilt Chamberlain warm-up jacket found its way into a Goodwill Outlet bin buried beneath discarded clothing, outdated electronics, mismatched kitchenware, and the countless other castoffs that pass through the bins each day. It’s a question that may never be answered, but it’s also what keeps dedicated thrifters coming back.

Continue the hunt with more stories from the world of sports collectibles.

$100K Baseball Cards are Late Brother’s Legacy

Mike Ditka’s Super Bowl XX Sweater Vest Is Up for Auction at Goldin

Sotheby’s “The Great One” Auction Celebrates Wayne Gretzky’s Legacy

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