Even though we may only realize it in retrospect, children often display behavior very early in life that points to their destiny. In the early 1890’s seven year old Joshua Lionel Cowen whittled a miniature locomotive from a scrap of wood. It was a remarkable likeness considering his young age. He then tried to fit it with a tiny engine. …and it exploded. He was unharmed, but his mother’s kitchen sustained considerable damage. Many years later, in his early twenties, he would try the experiment again. This time he met with success. He gave his invention his middle name, and the model train was born.

Cowen sold his first model train to a Manhattan shop owner in 1901, by convincing him the small train running through his Christmas window display would draw attention to his other merchandise. The shop owner returned the next day to order half a dozen more tracks and trains. It appeared while the merchandise in his window was getting attention, the customers main question was… “where can we buy the train?” Lionel quickly provided the shop with a dozen train sets consisting of of one electric flat car and thirty feet of track and dubbed it the “Electric Express”. With in twelve months Cowen acquired enough capital to start his own company, The Lionel Corporation.

Though a prolific inventor, Cowen’s marketing skills would prove just as valuable to his success. Working from a German tradition, linking toy trains to Christmas, Cowen approached a number of large department stores in New York City convincing them to incorporate elaborate train set ups around their Christmas tree displays. He provided the trains, tracks, building and landscapes. The public reaction to the displays was overwhelming, sales boomed, and America had officially entered the “Golden Era of Toy Trains”.

The years brought many changes as Cowen constantly improved upon his original concept. In 1902 a train set with a “City Hall Park” trolley and a two foot suspension bridge met with great success. 1903 saw the introduction of the B&O locomotive and the motorized Derrick car. And in 1906 Lionel added a third rail which carried the current and the outer rails, which were the ground rails. Three trolleys, two steam engines, two passenger cars, seven freight cars and a small wall transformer completed this ground breaking set.

In 1907 the Cowen’s became the parents of a son, Lawrence. Not unlike other parents showing off pictures of their little ones, the proud papa placed his son’s likeness on the company emblem. From that year forward it would be seen on all Lionel train boxes and featured in the catalogs. To no ones surprise, Lawrence went on to become the company’s president.

In 1929, Cowen unveiled the “Transcontinental Limited”, which stretched nine feet from its massive headlight to its ornate observation platform, complete with brass rail. It cost an unheard off $110, more than price of a used Model T. Lionel was at the peak of their success when the Depression of the early 1930’s hit. People were struggling to feed their families and very few had money to spend on toys. Obtaining government contracts for his other manufacturing concerns, Cowen managed to keep the Lionel Corporation afloat.

The war years of the 40’s left toy manufacturers with a metal shortage. Lionel stepped up their production of plastic accessories, and once again kept their doors open. When production resumed in the mid-40’s, Lionel turned out trains and accessories that are considered by many to be the best in their long company history. By the mid-1950s, public interest had shifted from trains to airplanes and slot-cars. Christmas of 1953 saw the first considerable drop in sales and with no resurgence of interest to save it, the Lionel Train Corporation and it closed in 1965.

In 1995 a group of investors, headed by singer/song writer Neil Young formed what is known as Lionel Limited Liability Corporation or Lionel LLC. The trains produced by this company, while of fine quality. are of little interest to collectors.

In 1999 the Lionel electric train was recognized as one of the top ten toys of the twentieth-century. The little seven year old boy, who had once blown up his mothers kitchen died in 1965, the undisputed “king” of the toy train industry.

{Linda Hamer Kennett is an associate member of the International Society of Appraisers specializing in the valuation and liquidation of antiques and may be reached at 317-356-8967 or lkennett@indy.rr.com}

Some current live auctions on eBay for Lionel Train items:

Lionel: Lionel

• Postwar Lionel Very Unusual Locomotive / Tender EX COND

US $74.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 8:49:36 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lionel 14170 Swing Ride

US $50.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 8:58:41 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• “Oliver!” 3 Tickets – 12/17/09 – Philadelphia

US $70.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:01:07 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• LIONEL NEW YORK CENTRAL DIESEL SWITCHER ENGINE PAIR

US $104.50 (9 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:04:51 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Lionel New York Central Flyer Set 027 Gauge # 6-11735

US $74.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:17:35 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• VTG LIONEL 736 BERKSHIRE ENGINE 2671WX TENDER POST WAR

US $234.50 (18 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:20:47 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• PAUL BLEY LP Record Album Percy Heath, Alan Levitt…

US $41.00 (6 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:20:54 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• LIONEL ZW TRANSFORMER, 275 Watts,can run 4 trains!

US $147.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:25:39 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• LIONEL # 31960 POLAR EXPRESS SET – NEW – FREE SHIPPING

US $254.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:30:03 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• VTG LIONEL TRAINMASTER TRANSFORMER TYPE ZW 275 WATT

US $128.49 (13 Bids) End Date: Friday Nov-06-2009 9:30:46 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

The world’s Fair of 1893 offered visitors a strange concoction of popcorn, nuts and maple syrup. This confection, unnamed at the time, was an instant hit with the public. For the next three years the inventors of the popcorn treat, William and Louis Ruedkheim, worked to find a way to keep the sticky confection from clumping together. They discovered that by adding a small amount of oil during mixing that the cornels of corn would remain separated. They packaged their tasty treat in a small box bearing a picture of “Sailor Jack” and his dog Bingo. They named it “Cracker Jack”.

While the snack has been regaled in song {”…buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks”} and consumed by millions, it is the “prize” in every box that has sustained it’s popularity for over one hundred years. Is there anyone among us who has not gone “digging” for that elusive “prize in every box”?

In it’s first six years of production Cracker Jack issued 144 different baseball cards featuring such greats as “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson. Other early “prizes” included wooden toys, tin and metal machines and lithographic paper items. The odds of finding any of these pre-1920 pieces are very slim, but well worth the search. If you doubt me, just ask the Rochester, New York man who sent his collection of the 144 original baseball cards to auction where they brought $800,000!

An overview of the prizes through the years offers us a fascinating look at the trends and fads of America in the 20th century. The earliest prizes consisted of paper-dolls, yo-yo’s, baseball cards and song books. The first toys made of wood, tin and metal appeared in the late 1920’s. “Made in Japan” lithograph tin whistles were the best find in the 1930’s. During the 1940’s, propaganda and war toys were a favorite. With the end of the war, the 1950’s Cracker Jack boxes contained toys of a happier nature with dolls and colorful plastic animals being a common find. The race for space in the late 1960’s was reflected with space ships and polyethylene space men. Coin holders, magnifying glasses, and slot machines appeared in the 70’s and 80’s and the favorite toy of the 1990’s saw the return of paper goods in the form of metallic stickers. Cracker Jack toys have delighted children for decades. In fact, Cracker Jack is recognized as fact the world’s largest purveyor of toys, with a distribution of over 17 billions pieces since 1912.

Determining the age of a Cracker Jack toy can be difficult as most of the fifteen million variation were unmarked. An exception to this rule are some of the very early paper dolls, song books and post cards. These may be marked either Ruedkheim Brothers or Reliable Confections. If you are new to this are of collecting beware of pieces with a “CJ” marking on the bottom .This is most commonly found on a piece called the “Toonerville Trolley”. According to company records this was never an official Cracker Jack toy. The letters CJ are rather an indication of the size of the trolley not a company mark.

Other factors used to determine age are the two major changes that came during the 1940’s. In 1945 toys changed from metal to plastic toys, and in starting in 1948 all toys were required by law to be wrapped in paper. Collector have also learned to watch for changes on the box. Reliable Confections sold out to Borden Inc, in 1964, who in turn passed the company legacy to the Frito-Lay Corporation in 1997.

In addition to Cracker Jack toys, collectors also look for mint condition die-cut lithograph display adds, old boxes and advertising material. There is also a considerable interest in memorabilia from Checkers Confections and Angelus Marshmallows, the two sister companies of Reliable Confections.

While finding early pieces in mint condition is rare and costly, there are an abundance of mid-20th century pieces to be had for $10 or under. If you come across miniature toys at flea markets or garage sales they can often be had for pennies! Do you home work and learn what to watch for and you will be surprised just how often these unassuming pieces turn out to be authentic Cracker Jack toys.

Cracker Jack is truly an American tradition, and American’s don’t like their traditions tampered with. Case in point: In 2004 the New York Yankees organization decided to remove Cracker Jack from their concession stand and replace it with a similar product called Crunch ‘N Munch. The public outcry of disapproval was so great that after two weeks…. you guessed it…. the Crunch “N Munch was removed and the Cracker Jack returned.

{Linda Hamer Kennett is the owner of “What’s in the Attic?” Estate Liquidation Service, specializing in down-sizing for seniors, valuation of antiquity and estate tag sales and may be reached at 317-356-8967 or lkennett@indy.rr.com}

Some current live auctions for Cracker Jack items:

Cracker Jack (Category: Cracker Jack ): Cracker Jack (Category: Cracker Jack )

• Vintage Mini Czech Green Glass Frog RS Perfume Charm

US $33.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Saturday Nov-07-2009 13:09:56 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• 250 plus Old Bubble Gum Cracker Jacks Charms

US $29.95 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Nov-08-2009 19:26:27 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

• Cracker Jack baseball ball UNOPENED

US $90.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday Nov-09-2009 20:05:05 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

IndyStar.com
Lynn Hopper
Posted: August 15, 2009

“They’re art. They’re history. They’re style. They are frustrating. They often have pieces missing.

I’m just thinking up all the things to say about vintage dress patterns, which many women may have tucked away in sewing drawers. They may be, in fact, hidden treasures.

Vintage dress patterns are a surprisingly vibrant form of collecting. You can check out the activity on several Web sites, such as www.sew-retro.com, www.vintage fashionlibrary.com or www.miss helenes.com”

Read the full story >>

NYTimes.com
By LARRY EDSALL
Published: August 13, 2009

“KEVIN MUELLER’S car collection started with his grandmother’s 1957 Chevrolet sedan, which he received as a high school graduation present in 1980. In the years since, he has added a few classic Chrysler Corporation cars and a red-and-white ‘57 Chevy Bel Air convertible. But his collectible that draws the biggest crowd at car shows isn’t even an automobile: it’s a 1958 Glastron Seaflite, a fiberglass boat with tailfins much like those on the ‘57 Chevy that tows it.

…While finned boats are now worth many times their original list prices of roughly $1,200 to $2,000, they remain fairly affordable — if you can find one.”

Read the Full Story >>

Caution Urged on Michael Jackson Autographs, Memorabilia

(Santa Ana, California) — Collectors and fans are cautioned about the anticipated explosion of fake Michael Jackson autographs and counterfeit memorabilia that will be offered following the entertainer’s death.

“This happens every time a famous Hollywood, sports or political celebrity passes away. Online auctions and flea markets are suddenly filled with spurious signatures, and frankly many collectors don’t know exactly what they’re buying,” said Joe Orlando, President PSA/DNA Authentication Services, the world’s largest autograph and memorabilia authentication company and a division of Collectors Universe, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLCT) of Santa Ana, California.

“While Michael Jackson certainly was popular, he usually didn’t offer fans frequent autograph access like some other celebrities. So, there simply are not as many Jackson autographs as there are of other contemporary mega-stars.”

Orlando also cautioned that autograph buyers may not have adequate consumer protection even if the signature is accompanied by what appears to be a certificate of authenticity.

“Collectors who purchase autographs or memorabilia need to know the reputation of the seller and the reputation and expertise of the authenticators. The bottom line is that a certificate or letter of authenticity is only as strong as the name behind it,” Orlando said.

Online: www.PSADNA.com.

Apparently the glove which is completely covered in clear Swarovski crystals, comes from the collection of Dick Clark, and was a gift to Clark from Jackson.

Created by designer Bill Wheaton who created many of Jackson’s trademark outfits during the 1980’s, the glove was worn during the 1984-85 Victory tour, on the Grammys when Jackson won his record eight Grammys for Thriller, his Pepsi commercial’s debut and when he was badly burned on set filming the concert scene. He is also filmed with this glove on during the We Are The World Video and when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

We’ll keep you updated on the final price.

FINAL UPDATE (June 26, 2009): We thought we should update this, given the events of yesterday, and the unexpected passing of Michael Jackson. That story is still unfolding, and of course is fully occupying the media outlets. …and, upstaging the death of another pop icon – Farrah Fawcett, who fought the good fight.

We’re sure there will be many more twists to the Jackson story.

But… back to the glove (it’s probably worth many more times what the winning bidder paid) – Final Price: $99,100 after 295 bids.

However the story plays out, we have to give props to yet another legend…

Recently on March 26, 2009, Hakes auctioned 4 panels of Carl Barks, Uncle Scrooge original art for $5,750.00 (included a 15% Buyer’s Premium).

The description:
“19.25×24.25″ frame contains 4-panel original pen and ink art for “Uncle Scrooge” #63 comic book. Art is done by beloved Duck artist Carl Barks and features Uncle Scrooge in all 4 panels, Donald Duck in first 2 as well as Beagle Boys in last panel, which also shows Huey. Directly below this panel, Barks has signed his name in black ink. “U.S. #63P.24″ text at left of art indicates issue and page number art appeared on and also bears “copyright Walt Disney Productions. Reproduction Prohibited Without Written Permission” text. Art appeared in Apr., 1966 Gold Key “Uncle Scrooge” comic in the “House Of Haunts” storyline. Brass nameplate with “Uncle Scrooge Original Comic Book Page – Uncle Scrooge #63 Page 24 – House Of Haunts” text.”

View the completed auction here: Uncle Scrooge” #63 comic book art

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FOXNews.com
Saturday, March 14, 2009

“NEW YORK – A rare copy of the first comic book featuring Superman has sold for $317,200 in an Internet auction. The previous owner of Action Comics No. 1 bought it for less than a buck (35 cents from a second hand store in the 1950’s).”

Read the full story >>

4/10/2009
By Sandy Erdman
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

“As more people discover the diversity and charm of egg cups, more are becoming collectors of them.

According to most resource books, pocillovy is the official name for the popular activity of collecting egg cups, derived from the Latin term pocillum ovi, meaning “a small cup for an egg.” They date back to ancient times, when a group of silver egg cups were first unearthed in the ruins of Pompeii.”

Read the full story >>

By MARK DeCAMBRE
New York Post
April 6, 2009

“Fallen auto giant General Motors has resorted to unloading its prized collection of classic cars as its newly installed CEO said yesterday the company will go into bankruptcy if that’s what Uncle Sam wants.

GM is auctioning a fleet of collectible cars from its so-called Heritage Collection, including a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 used in the movie “Runaway Bride” as well as a 1920 Chevy Model T truck.”

Read the full story >>

Diggin deeper, we find that GM is also offering up a 1978 Corvette Indy 500 pace car, one of four made – and one of two that GM owns.

The auction, which runs from April 9-11, 2009, also features some other notable cars:
- A rare 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 convertible
- a Lime Gold 1967 Shelby GT500 fastback
- a pair of 1968 Shelby GT350 fastbacks
- a trio of 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 fastbacks
- a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 LS5 convertible
- a 1970 Chevelle SS 396 convertible
- a 1969 Camaro Z/28 with an authentic “X77″ production code
- a 1954 Corvette convertible
- a 1962 Corvette FI convertible
- a 1969 Corvette convertible with a 427c L71 engine
- a 1957 Thunderbird “E” convertible
- a 1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible
- a 1955 Bel Air convertible