TradeMe Prices!

I have made some changes to my blog layout which should make it easier to use. On the top right hand corner (above the heavy black line) is a search box. On the right below the black line there are some new little pop-ups - the one at the top has links to two extremely useful websites that I refer to all the time.

There's also a 'subscribe' tab which you can set up so you are automatically advised of new posts.

Anyway, moving on... the other day I saw this cute little Smurfs mug in an antique shop. It was priced at $45 which I decided not to pay.

This mug is 1980s Crown Lynn and sadly for me, the Smurfs and Crown Lynn are an expensive combination at present.

 

McAlpine jugs are also trendy. They were made by Crown Lynn, probably in the late 1950s/early 1960s. This jug has just sold on TradeMe for $3010. No that's not a typo... we're talking thousands, not hundreds! It is an unusual colour but even so.... this sale caused a bit of comment among traders. Other McAlpine jug colours are white (the most common), dark blue, green and yellow.  

These pics are lifted off TradeMe, hence of varying quality, but you will get the general idea I hope. A hint for TradeMe sellers - try placing your object in clear light against a neutral background and you will be amazed at the difference in your photos.

Since I wrote about the surprisingly high sale price for the colourglaze cup and saucer, I have realised that plum colourglaze is quite special - this jug went for $230!!!!!

But not everything goes for high prices. Here is an ashtray made, I believe, in the 1950s.  It is terracotta, which is very rare for Crown Lynn, and hand potted with the classic old Crown Lynn star and tiki mark on the base. And it went for $10.50, which is ridiculously cheap. I had to tie my hands behind my back to avoid bidding.

This next item, also an ashtray, sold for $357. It's part of the Wharetana Ware souvenir range, one of the most sought after Crown Lynn products. Wharetana Ware was made in the late 1940s and early 1950s, for a relatively short period. It was a real benchmark of quality at the time and understandably attracts a high price today. 

Then there's Fiesta Ware.. which is fiercely trendy at present. I gave up bidding on these desert bowls at about $30, they finally went for $37.

But there are some inflated expectations on TradeMe. This cup (without saucer) was listed at $250 starting price and didn't even get a nibble. Air New Zealand ware is quite valuable but this seller has possibly overstepped the mark. 

More next weekend
ValM