When we think of early American homes, we often imagine simple wooden furniture, handmade textiles, and flickering candlelight. But another material quietly shaped daily life: pewter. Silvery, practical, and often beautifully designed, pewter was used for everything from plates and teapots to lamps. This fall, Dovetail Auctions on Bidsquare is offering the personal collection of Richard Graver, a master craftsman who dedicated his life to the art of pewter. His eye for design and history brought together a group of objects that tell the story of how everyday life could also be elegant. A Painted Pewter Plate (Lot 1) While most pewter is admired for its soft, silvery glow, this painted plate adds a surprise element of color and decoration. It’s a reminder that even the most practical household objects could be made special. A Teapot by Samue...Read More

For over a century, Moorcroft Pottery has captivated collectors with its distinctive designs, painterly glazes, and commitment to artistry. Founded in 1897, Moorcroft remains one of the most iconic names in British ceramics, with pieces proudly displayed in museums and private collections worldwide. Origins: William Moorcroft and the Birth of a Style The story begins with William Moorcroft (1872–1945), who was hired as a designer at James Macintyre & Co. in Burslem, Staffordshire. His artistic sensibilities and bold approach to decoration quickly set him apart. In 1897, he introduced his signature "Florian Ware", a line inspired by Art Nouveau aesthetics, with flowing floral motifs outlined in slip-trailing. This innovation established Moorcroft as a leading name in ceramic art. By 1913, William had set up his own factory, and soon afterwar...Read More

Beer cans aren’t just containers — they’re time capsules. From bold graphics to quirky instructions, vintage cans capture the history of brewing, marketing, and even everyday life in America. On September 28, 2025, Morean Auctions will host a dedicated sale in Brimfield, Massachusetts, featuring more than 250 lots of rare beer cans and breweriana. For collectors and design enthusiasts alike, it’s a chance to see, and possibly own, some of the rarest examples in the hobby. A Brief History of Beer Cans The first beer can was introduced in 1935, forever changing how people consumed their favorite brew. Early cans came in different styles, from cone tops that mimicked bottles to flat tops that required a special opener known as a “church key.” Breweries used cans not only for practicality but also as miniature billboards; bright, colorful, and ...Read More

In the late 16th century, as Europe’s Age of Discovery unfolded, one man helped the world see itself more clearly: Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598). A Flemish geographer, Ortelius forever changed cartography with the publication of his groundbreaking atlas, the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World), first issued in 1570. Before Ortelius, maps circulated as individual sheets, beautiful but fragmented. His genius was to bring them together in a single, uniform volume. Drawing from the best geographic sources of his day, Ortelius created a cohesive, standardized world view, making knowledge accessible to merchants, scholars, and explorers alike. For this achievement, he is remembered as the “Father of the Modern Atlas.” Ortelius was also a man ahead of his time. In his notes, he observed how the coastlines of Europe, Africa, and the Ameri...Read More

On September 27, 2025, Dana Auctions will present A Legacy in Stitches: The Ellen Rosenbach Collection. With more than 170 quilts spanning four decades, this landmark auction celebrates a lifetime of artistry. Ellen Schargel Rosenbach, inventor of Applipops® and a nationally recognized quilt artist, is celebrated for her technical mastery and her reimagining of historic quilt traditions. From 19th-century medallion reproductions to her signature circle motifs, Rosenbach’s work embodies both reverence for quilt history and bold artistic voice. For collectors, the breadth of this single-artist sale is extraordinary; offering an unprecedented chance to acquire pieces that bridge contemporary artistry with centuries-old traditions. While every lot tells a story, four quilts stand out as especially evocative examples of her vision: Tree of Life ...Read More

From Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, engagement season is in full swing. In fact, nearly 40% of proposals happen during the holidays, when family gatherings and festive celebrations create the perfect backdrop for popping the question. If you’re planning a proposal this year, the most important decision, after choosing your partner, of course, is choosing the ring. More and more couples are turning to vintage and estate jewelry to find a ring that feels truly special. Unlike mass-produced designs from big-box retailers, these pieces carry a sense of history, craftsmanship, and romance that can’t be replicated. Buying at auction makes the experience even more exciting, offering access to iconic makers like Cartier and Tiffany & Co., along with unique diamond settings you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s why estate jewelry is the perfect cho...Read More

On September 18, 2025 at 10am, STAIR presents Recollections: The Chinese Porcelain Company, a single-owner auction celebrating the enduring taste and influence of The Chinese Porcelain Company and its founders, Khalil Rizk and Pierre Durand. Founded in 1984, The Chinese Porcelain Company quickly rose to the pinnacle of New York’s art and antiques world. With a focus on quality above all else, the gallery offered a refined mix of Old Master paintings, European furniture, Venetian glass, contemporary artisan-designed objects, and Asian works of art. Rizk and Durand’s discerning eye and flair for presentation made the gallery not just a mercantile enterprise but a world of elegance and refinement; a vision that continues to resonate with collectors today. Interior designer Robert Couturier recalls his early encounters with Khalil Rizk: “Khalil...Read More

Few weaving traditions are as celebrated as those from Tabriz, one of Iran’s oldest carpet-producing cities. Located in northwestern Iran, Tabriz has been a center of rug making for centuries, dating back to the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century. The city’s workshops, often supported by royal patronage, became famous for producing rugs with exceptional artistry, intricate designs, and technical mastery. A Legacy of Craftsmanship Tabriz rugs are known for their high knot density, often exceeding 400 knots per square inch, allowing weavers to create incredibly detailed patterns. Their designs range from medallion and floral motifs to hunting scenes and even architectural or cartographic imagery. Materials vary from wool to pure silk, sometimes blended to achieve both durability and sheen. Collectors value Tabriz rugs for their combination o...Read More

Turner Auctions + Appraisals presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts this September with the sale of the Edwin W. Sims Collection of Political Ephemera. Offering a fascinating glimpse into American politics and culture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the collection includes rare correspondence, photographs, campaign memorabilia, and more—many directly tied to Sims’ storied legal and political career. Who Was Edwin W. Sims? Born in 1870, Edwin W. Sims rose from small-town roots to become one of the most influential attorneys in Chicago. Appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt as U.S. District Attorney for Northern Illinois, Sims became a nationally known “trust buster,” famously taking on John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil. He also played a pivotal role in shaping early 20th-century law, infl...Read More

For centuries, Limoges porcelain has been prized for its refinement, artistry, and French charm. What began in the late 18th century as a royal manufactory has grown into one of the most enduring names in decorative arts. The four works featured here in upcoming sales at Bidsquare, spanning 19th-century enamels and perfume bottles to modern Fabergé collaborations, illustrate how Limoges continues to inspire collectors worldwide. From Royal Roots to Collectors’ Favorites The story of Limoges porcelain begins in the 1770s, when deposits of kaolin clay were discovered near the city of Limoges. This fine white clay gave artisans the ability to produce porcelain that rivaled Chinese and German examples in strength and beauty. With royal support, Limoges quickly became a center of porcelain production, known for both tableware and decorative piec...Read More