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Sterling pieces can be some of the most beautiful pieces of artwork for the antique collector, but there are several things that you should know about collecting silver, and particularly sterling silver before diving-in.

Here are some pointers that should help you get started.

1) Avoid pieces that have been cleaned with harsh chemicals or have a "white" appearance.

2) The best pieces will have no marks or dents, and will have the original decoration with the correct set of marks.

Many people are now finding antiques as a great way of making their rooms look that little bit more special. However, you should consider several things before you purchase a particular antique item that you have been looking for.

Vintage costume jewelry can be one of the most enjoyable and valuable things to collect. Aside from the amazing beauty of the pieces and the enjoyment of learning more about the history of the companies, you can also do quite well purchasing the right piece with the mindset of reselling in the future. Think of vintage costume jewelry as an investment for the future so long as you know which designers to choose from and that you’re able to determine if the piece is a reproduction or an original designer piece.

Fountain pens have been popular since the early 1900's. Charles Lindbergh used a Waterman pen when he made his solo flight across the Atlantic. From Waterman, Sheaffer, Parker, Conklin and other often sought after manufacturers fountain pens have touched the hearts of many.

During the 1950's fountain pens were often being replaced by the more popular ball-point pens for ease of use and convenience. However, many still preferred the elegance and beauty of a fountain pen and remained devoted to their use.

Here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting a response to your antique appraisal listing. Take advantage of them and you could find the InstAppraisal experience greatly improved.

1) Post clear, focused, and well-lit pictures.
Often a minute detail can make the difference of hundreds of dollars in valuations. Make sure that your item is well-photographed from all angles and provide good views of details.

Being longtime fountain pen collectors, we're always looking for the best pen shows to attend where you can bid on quality pens, see what collectors have for sale, get parts for pens, pick up some special ink, and mingle with fellow pen collectors. One such show is coming soon to Los Angeles - The 26th Annual Los Angeles International Pen Show at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel.

We've been attending this show from its first year and always have a good time. If you are interested in fountain pen collecting, restoration, or selling pens then it's a great show to visit.

The Betfair Hollywood Park Racetrack has closed for good, but you can purchase some of their memorabilia and equipment at their auction taking place Jan 24-Jan 25.

The items being auctioned range from everything including automobiles (Toyota Prius, etc.), trucks, machinery, video and audio equipment, kitchen equipment, a complete electrical shop, track maintenance equipment, signage, building maintenance tools and more from the 75-year history of the Inglewood race track. You can even bid on the scale used to weigh the jockeys. There is also no minimum bid!

Welcome to the new-and-improved InstAppraisal.com, the original online crowd-sourced antique & collectible appraisal service.

Evard Munch's most famous work, "The Scream" has sold at Sotheby's auction house for a record setting $120 million. Great mystery has surrounded who the buyer of the painting is. There are unconfirmed reports according to the Wall Street Journal that the purchaser was non-other than billionaire Leon Black who made his fortune as the lead partner in Apollo Global Management.

I'm curious what you all think about the new A&E Show - "Storage Wars".  I have to say that at first I was kind of turned off from the show, but watching a few more episodes I now have to say that I'm enjoying it.