The Antique Auction Forum Podcast & Blog

What started as just another estate auction turned into one of the most shocking results I’ve ever seen. A worn, heavily used 18th-century Bible, something most people would overlook, ended up selling for nearly $200,000. And the most incredible part? It started at just $1. In this conversation with Dan Meader of John McInnis Auctioneers, we break down exactly how this extraordinary result came together; Dan and his colleague Jay Williamson sorted through a typical New England estate and they ultimately uncovered a rare 1777 Boston-printed Bible tied directly to the American Revolution. Along the way, we discuss why “old” doesn’t always mean valuable, how the auction method can exceed expectations, and what truly drives collectors to push prices to extraordinary levels. This is a perfect example of why the auction method works—and why you should never underestimate what might be hiding in plain sight. If you enjoy antiques, history, and real-world appraisal stories, this one is not to be missed. John McInnis Auctioneers: https://www.mcinnisauctions.com…

In this reflective episode, Martin explores how antiques connect us to the forgotten lives of the past. A chance discovery of a granite canal post near a historic 1790 house sparks a deeper meditation on craftsmanship, stewardship, and legacy. From 18th-century canal workers to New England cabinetmakers, the objects that survive today are more than decorative artifacts — they are physical evidence of human effort, ambition, and care. Through the lens of early American furniture and historic infrastructure, this episode considers what it means to be stewards rather than owners, and asks an important question: what will survive of us? Antiques are not about nostalgia — they are about continuity, perspective, and the quiet responsibility of preserving memory across generations.…

This is a short podcast on my observation. Each week I hear the same unsettling phrase: “My kids don’t want my antiques.” It’s a reflection of a larger shift — fewer young people feel emotionally connected to the objects of the past, and categories like formal dining furniture, china, and traditional collections have taken a hit. Is it the internet, changing lifestyles, disposable culture, or simply shifting priorities? In this episode, I explore what’s really happening in the antiques world, whether we’ve lost something along the way, and why a hopeful email from a 14-year-old listener might signal that the next generation of collectors is already quietly forming.…

A Boston mahogany linen press has just shattered expectations, soaring to a price level rarely seen in today’s market for American brown furniture. In this episode, Martin breaks down the remarkable sale at John McInnis Auctioneers in Amesbury, where competitive bidding pushed this exceptional piece into record territory. Joining the conversation is Martin’s good friend, Peter Sawyer—and the underbidder on the piece—who offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on what made this linen press so important, why serious collectors recognized its significance, and how quality, provenance, and condition can still ignite intense demand. Peter also noted that when an object comes to market combining condition, quality, form, rarity, and limited availability, buyers would be wise to pay close attention. Together, they explore what this sale signals for the future of Boston furniture and whether reports of “brown furniture’s death” have been greatly exaggerated. YOUTUBE VIDEO…

Martin sits down with author and historian Linda Zimmermann to explore her powerful new book, A Civil War Soldier and Me—the true story of Sgt. Albion Brooks of the 8th Connecticut Volunteers. Over the course of 30 years, Linda traced Albion’s life through original letters, diaries, and family papers spanning three generations. In this conversation, she and Martin discuss how a single Civil War soldier became a personal obsession, starting with a dusty trunk of documents and leading to thousands of miles of battlefield travel. You’ll hear about: Albion’s journey from Maine and Bridgeport, CT to the front lines His experiences at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition, Drury’s Bluff, Bermuda Hundred, and Cold Harbor What his letters reveal about courage, humor, faith, and the emotional weight of war Linda’s immersive battlefield visits that retrace where he marched, fought, and died Albion’s final hours at Cold Harbor, as recorded by the chaplain who stood at his bedside Martin also shares a brief anecdote about his own Civil War–era family history, adding another personal layer to the discussion If you’re drawn to personal soldier stories, Civil War history…

In this episode, we’re joined by Johanna McBrien who has worked in the field for more than 40 years in the antiques, publishing, and museum fields. From Historic New England to teaching at RISD and Boston Architectural College, Johanna has spent her career digging into the rich stories behind furniture, interiors, and decorative arts. Johanna discusses her love for 18th century Salem, MA furniture (see our related video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVB-tb1GOfk ), also she talks about what’s hot (and what’s not) in the antiques market, why you should collect what you love instead of chasing value, and how the loss of historical education is putting our connection to antiques at risk. For Johanna, it’s simple: when antiques lose their stories, they lose their soul. Tune in for a thoughtful, engaging chat about why history matters—and why understanding the past is essential to preserving the beauty and relevance of antiques today. Johanna is the currently t executive director of the Dedham Museum and Archive.…

Martin grew up near historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire—a treasure trove of Colonial-era antiques and stories. In the 1980s, he uncovered a set of stunning fire buckets and portraits linked to local artist John S. Blunt. With help from his friend, historian Joe Copley, Martin pieced together their history, leading to a record-breaking $32,500 bid at auction. It’s a story about discovery, passion for history, and the thrill of bringing the past to life—dedicated to Joe, who helped preserve Portsmouth’s legacy. Post script: I forgot to mention, the red pigment on the back of the canvases, was a telltale of John S. Blunt’s work! John S. Blunt, Portsmouth (1798-1835) Related Blog With Images…

The 1919 Molasses Flood was a tragic and significant event in the history of Boston’s North End, reflecting the challenges of a rapidly changing city after World War I. In this episode, Jake Sconyers from the HUB History podcast delves into the disaster, examining the working-class Italian immigrant community it affected, the lasting impact on the neighborhood, and how the Great Molasses Flood has become a piece of Boston’s enduring mythology. BIO: Jake Sconyers is the founder and cohost of HUB History, a weekly podcast where we share our favorite stories from Boston’s history. Before starting the podcast, Jake founded and ran a walking tour company called Boston Strolls for a couple of seasons. More recently, he has been a lecturer at Cambridge Center for Adult Education, an organizer of History Camp Boston, and a volunteer docent at the Shirley-Eustis House.In addition to Jake’s obsession with Boston history, he takes the photographs that he shares here, and he enjoys running marathons, kayaking, gardening, making jam and jelly, brewing hard cider, and grilling and barbecuing tasty meats. At work, he helps physicians use their EHR. He is a volunteer with a dog rescue called Shultzs Guest House and he gives platelets …

First ever monologue discussing how I got into antiques, and the adventure along the way. From digging bottles, a 1964 garage sale, to my dad auctioning for the first time by replacing a drunken auctioneer. Let’s not forget a $300k rug fragment that came from the box lot of things that could not sell at a yard sale. This fragment was from the same home that we were all excited about the Paul Revere silver spoon & and lastly  a story that could have inspMrs Doubtfire! Email: [email protected]  …

Robert K. Wittman had a remarkable career as an FBI agent for 20 years, from 1988 to 2008. Specializing in art theft and cultural property crime, Robert became the FBI’s go-to expert for these types of cases. His impressive work undercover led to the recovery of over $300 billion worth of stolen art and property across 20 different countries. His extensive undercover operations are detailed in his book, Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. He has fascinating stories. https://www.robertwittmaninc.com/ In 2008, after 20 years with the FBI, Robert Wittman retired from the Bureau and brought his expertise to the private sector. He sought to create a Security and Recovery Consulting firm that would draw on his unique investigative experience to protect its clients from losses related to theft, fraud or forgery. Since its inception, Robert Wittman Inc. has grown far beyond its original vision, providing protection and recovery services to more than 100 public and private collections worldwide. Robert Wittman Inc. continues to proudly serve a diverse portfolio of institutions, auction houses, collectors, galleries, insurance companies and Nations committed to protecting their cultural assets. Martin’s mentioning of the Declaration of Independence almost forgotten when Washington …

2010 interview with HARDCORE HISTORY’S Dan Carlin, a fascinating guest who’s podcast still holds up after 11 years. Dan talks about prep for his shows, the predictable things that happen when you reflect on history and much more.…

Founder of Art Guard, Bill Anderson discusses the art theft market, as well as Art Guard’s system which is dedicated to protecting anything that’s valuable and portable. A system that is always on, operating discreetly in the background, managed from anywhere on a mobile device.…

Adam discusses the antiques business today in the New York City surroundings, an area of exodus, the merchandise available and how to handle things as a buyer and seller in a COVID restricted environment. Check out his website: Syl-Lee Antiques…

Martin Willis interviews longtime friend Stephen Schofield on coins and stamps, and how rare are rare coins? What about collecting stamps? What to do for more information about what dad or grandad may have stashed away. Who to trust and what the importance is of condition and care for these historic pieces passing through our lives. For images and info check out his auction website: http://www.centennialauctions.com/…

One of Maine’s noted artists, David Vickery discusses his path on becoming an artist by first looking through a camera lens, what challenges him and what inspires him. Check out his Varieties of Maine Realism at: http://www.dvickery.com/ https://www.dowlingwalsh.com/artists/david-vickery…

Martin Willis speaks with Mike Lord & Justin Nash who decided that they were not going to let one of the country’s largest antiques shows not happen during the virus, so they created an online event to rival the experience of being there. Gates open May 12, 10:00 AM EDT. #Feelthebrim https://feelthebrim.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrimfieldOnline/…

Curator, Rob Verbsky on the collection of planes, antique cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and more. What is considered transportation, interesting stories, the rarest of the collection, how it all began, the future and more. Check out these related links: http://owlshead.org  http://owlshead.org/collections/category/aircraft http://owlshead.org/collections/category/automobiles http://owlshead.org/collections/category/motorcycles http://owlshead.org/collections/category/carriages http://owlshead.org/collections/category/bicycles…

Interviews with auction houses around the country on the new reality of “Online Only Auctions”, with Stephen Fletcher of Skinner Auctioneers in Boston; Wes Cowan of Cowan’s Auctions, Ohio; Rick Unruh of Clars Auction Gallery, Oakland, CA and Greg Willett, a global picker, Wisconsin. www.skinnerinc.com https://www.cowanauctions.com https://clars.com  https://www.gregwillettantiques.com…

Interview with Richard Wright and David Rago about their Rago/Wright merger, how it is expanding business and their perspectives on material they handle, such as buying, selling and collecting in the current market. Check out the websites: https://www.ragoarts.com/ https://www.wright20.com/ Show Notes and Transcript…

Author, Jim Craig joins us for a fascinating interview on the finest American eagle carver of all time, John Haley Bellamy.  Check out the  Facebook Page.…

A delightful conversation with Jim “Griff'” Griffith on eBay today, trends, added enhancements and the changes that social media bring to the platform. Starting with one person in a condo in 1995, growing to a global market of buyers and sellers worldwide with over 1 billion items offered at any given time. eBay’s Dean of Education, Griff is an eBay seller coach, instructor, mentor and advocate with the eBay North America Marketplaces Team. In addition, he’s the author of The Official eBay Bible, the authoritative eBay guide for the beginning bidder, seller, and professional entrepreneur as well as host of eBay Radio. For more information, join our eBay Radio Group: http://www.ebayradio.com…

Anne Laure Bandle joins us from Geneva and discusses the fascinating topic of her 2016 book: The Sale of Misattributed Artworks and Antiques at Auction  Some amazing cases of sleepers, jackpots and the legality of it all. Dr. Anne Laure Bandle is an attorney-at-law at the lawfim Borel & Barbey in Geneva where she advises clients in matters related to works of art, copyright, contracts, estate planning, foundations and trusts.  Anne Laure Bandle website: https://www.artsandlaw.ch/…

Live Streamed on YouTube, One of the world’s leading Leonardo experts, Martin Kemp, who helped authenticate the $450 million Salvator Mundi talks about what it was like behind the scenes exploring the authenticity, the depth of the work, emotional quality and more. He later discusses the ongoing speculation of the buyer, (the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia?) where it may end up (possibly the Louvre Abu Dhabi) as well as other aspects of Leonardo’s work. He will be writing a book on this particular work soon, which you will find on his website: www.martinjkemp.com He said that he knew immediately upon first viewing the restored painting that it was the work of Leonardo: “It’s got that kind of uncanny vortex, as if the hair is a living, moving substance, or like water, which is what Leonardo said hair was like. However skilled Leonardo’s followers and imitators might have been, none of them reached out into such realms of “philosophical and subtle speculation”. We cannot reasonably doubt that here, we are in the presence of the painter from Vinci. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvator_Mundi_(Leonardo) Bio: Martin Kemp is Emeritus Research Professor in the History of Art at Oxford University. …

It has been awhile, glad to be back! Martin talks live streaming with Dan Meader at John McInnis Auctioneers in Amesbury, MA. about a hidden and unknown Andy Warhol work find in a New England family attic. “I’m trudging along, it’s 150 degrees in the attic, I’m on my hands and knees going through this box that was just stuff, I can see this bubble wrap in this box that’s falling apart. … I flipped it over and I see the inscription on the back and I started shaking.” Source Auction results will be posted. PRICES REALIZED of a few highlights, including the 23% buyer’s premium: Lot 40. Andy Warhol broken canvas, “Abstraction – Gift to Jon Gould” sculpture: $369,000; Lot 44. Andy Warhol, ‘NY Post’ crumpled sculpture: $43,050; Lot 48. Andy Warhol charcoal drawing, “Body Builder”: $43,050 and Lot 52. Andy Warhol stitched photo collage “Jon Gould”: $61,500 plus so much more.…

An interesting interview with Lisa Kroese, who was looking to keep herself busy in a new location. A great story of how an estate sale business was born and growing. Lisa helps out with her ideas through books and more. Check out her website expertestates.com and her helpful blog/website: estatefusion.com…

Curator Karen E. Haas  discusses how Peter J. Cohen has amassed a collection of some 50,000 vernacular photographs. He recently gave more than 1,000 of them to the Museum of Fine Arts. On display are roughly 300 for “Unfinished Stories: Snapshots From the Peter J. Cohen Collection.” The photographs, most of which are in black and white, span the first three-quarters of the last century. The show runs through Feb. 21, 2016.  …

Interview with Editor-in-Chief  of Antiques & Fine Art Magazine: www.afamag.com, Johanna McBrien talks about her amazing academic and professional background as well as InCollect.com, Johanna is a boots on the ground researcher and lover of fine Period American furniture, she further discusses the importance of the arts and connection through history.…

Aloha, it is a fun interview with the ‘psychic appraiser’ and king of Pop Culture, Gary Sohmers. He knows the value of 100,000 useless objects and is nationally recognized expert in the world of collectibles. Listen in as he talks about his beginnings, and how the business has changed and much more. Check out his radio show Tuesdays 10-11:00 AM EST and North East Comic Con.…

Oh to be 18 years old, and an antiques dealer! Gabe tells what it’s like to be one of the few out there, he has been buying and selling for four years, and has a nice space in an active antique shop. You can email Gabe at: [email protected]…

Guest James Tumblin talks about his Gone with the Wind collection coming up at Heritage Auction on April 18 & 19, how he got started collecting his now 300,000 Gone with the Wind  objects of memorabilia as well his experience and friendship with Marilyn Monroe. Follow up with auction results here. Dress sells for $137,000!…

A show on vacuum cleaner history recorded at the Home & Garden Show in Costa Mesa, California with an old school salesman, Ken Beach. An unusual topic, with an entertaining guest.…

Guest Levi Bettweiser talks about The Rescued Film Project, found film from locations all over the world, in the form of undeveloped rolls of film, which are developed and scanned to a digital archive, check out this video of 31 discovered WWII rolls seen for the first time.…

Our most exciting historic podcast, on location at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts for the Reveal Ceremony of the famed Paul Revere, Samuel Adams Time Capsule! Plus, a phone interview with the woman who opened the box, Pam Hatchfield who is Head of Objects Conservation at the MFA. Pam is also president of the American Institute for Conservation.  …

Gary Sullivan talks about transitioning from oak furniture in the 1970s to fine American period furniture and clocks. His path has led him to the Antiques Roadshow and more recently to the White House to document an American musical tall case clock made by Effingham Embree. For information on clocks and more, check out: garysullivanantiques.com…

Former Auction King, Paul Brown comes back on the show to talk about his new upcoming pilot, Endless Yard Sale on Scripps Network, HGTV. Check out Paul’s auctions at Gallery 63…

Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien’s Auctions talks to us from London to share the details of Marilyn Monroe’s lost archive.  Found are 200 lots of Marilyn’s personal effects that were found at her home upon her death and have only resurfaced recently. The auction takes place on December 6, 2014. Auction information and highlights. Read the blog by Martin Willis, written in 2012. Sales Results: Marilyn Monroe Overcoat sold for $176,400 MM Love Letter from Joe DiMaggio sold for $78,125 MM Star Hair combs sold for $22,500 MM Beaded necklace sold for $37,500 MM signed model release sold for $12,500 MM Nude painting by Earl Moran sold for $37,500 MM letter to Arthur Miller sold for $43,750 MM Compact $46875…

James D. Julia’s Toys, Dolls & Advertising department head, Andrew Truman talks about collecting, past auctions and a record breaking auction that took place on November 7th, 2014. Check out auction results here.…

An interview with Portland Museum of Art Director, Mark Bessire at Winslow Homer’s Studio, Prout’s Neck, Maine. Mark discusses the life that shaped Homer into the artist he became, his work and his time as America’s top studio painter on the Maine Coast. winslow homer images…

Rebekah Kaufman comes on the show again to talk about recent finds, and collecting Steiff other than the popular Teddy Bear and much more. Check out the accompanying VIDEO, a moving tale on what started three generations of collecting. Rebekah’s Steiff Blog.…

Martin visits York, Maine and speaks with longtime painting conservator, Anthony Moore on the importance of professional conservation. Anthony further discusses some techniques,  as well as tells some interesting stories.  anthonymooreconservation.com…

A chat with app developer, Ryan Servant, who offers the Brimfield Flea Finder free to the antique show attendees, listen in to all the brilliant benefits of use, including finding pieces, the facilities/food and more.…

Emily Susanin of Susanin’s Auctioneers & Appraisers joins us for insight on the Chicago auction world, her involvement in the company. She further discusses the fun one can have while dealing with interesting people and pieces as well as educating one’s self in the trade.…

Martin and Walt Kolenda discuss how antiques are green, and give advice for the collector just starting out, plus throw out a few stories and tips. Check out Walt’s website.…

An annual round-robin, at the festive Randolph Street Market, with promoter Sally Schwartz, Nena Ivon, Harry Rinker, Susan Klein Bagdade, Al Bagdade, and Danielle Arnet, Addressing several topics in the world of collecting in 2014.…

We are honored to host one of the three surviving Shakers, Brother Arnold which was recorded live at the Sabbathday Lake Village. Brother Arnold discusses the history of the Shakers, the way of life and the objects they crafted which are treasured by collectors from coast to coast. Check the Calendar of Events.…

Michael Jefferson of Wright Auctions dives into a new auction paradigm, 20th century carpets. Listen in as he explains how important what you are walking on can be, and how it can tie a collection together. Check out the auction and images here. …

An exciting interview with Kagins Inc., Donald Kagin, PhD & David McCarthy who are handling a once in a century find, The Saddle Ridge Hoard, $10 million worth of rare gold coins, buried sometime in the late 1800s and recently discovered when a couple was out walking their dog on their own property in Marin County! Listen in for behind the scenes of this unprecedented event and how it will unfold. Click here for an interview transcription with the anonymous couple, plus images.…

Speaking with Richard Wright of Wright20 about his new NYC location hosting the Harry Bertoia Exhibition, he further discuses the life and works of Bertoia from his famous diamond chairs to installations and highly regarded sounding sculptures.…

An interview with historian and author Mary Miley Theobald, on a ‘what to do’ book on when you are faced with in inherited household, ‘ How to identify, value and dispose of inherited stuff.’ Check out her book. Her website is: marymileytheobald.com…

Jeffrey Herman passionately discusses how to care for silver, plus freely gives many other tips for the collector or buyer. His comprehensive website has all the advice you may ever need: www.hermansilver.com/silver care…