As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve taken on a part time job where I assist with the removal of estates. This job has really gotten me interested in antiques, because antiques are history, and what’s more interesting than our history? This is even better than just simply studying history, it allows you to interact with history. Sometimes these estates are practically worthless, maybe only a few notable antique pieces, and other times we sell some the most interesting bygones for hours. I know this, because it’s my job to hold whatever piece we are selling and then deliver that item to the lucky bidder, and then manage to make my way back to the front table to handle the next item. Sometimes we have the auction at the house, and other times this is not possible for various reasons. This is when I get my other workout. All of the furniture must be loaded on a truck, unsellable items must be thrown away, and when we’re done, the house must be completely empty. As my boss says, “If it’s not bolted down to the house, we’re selling it.” Once everything is packed and loaded, it’s taken to our building where everything is unloaded, unpacked, and organized. This job is the main reason I’ve never had to invest in a gym membership. Like I said in my first post, it’s as if I live the life of Lamont Sanford, that makes me happy, and it always gives me a good laugh.
Fred Sanford is sitting in a wealthy man’s apartment while Lamont is vigorously trying to move a piano. Fred reclines to a comfortable position on the couch, takes out a cigarette, and in a sarcastic tone ask Lamont (to mock the social elite): “Excuse me, how long have you been doing manual labor?” Season 1 - Episode 14
One Saturday fall morning we were having an auction in a quiet neighborhood in West Virginia. The first item that we sold was a piece of Van Briggle pottery. Many years ago I toured the Van Briggle factory in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My Mom happens to own a few pieces, and I’ve always liked their work and was interested in starting my own collection (yes, I’m weird). So anyway, the bidding started, and it dropped down to $5 or $10, so I immediately started bidding on it, I think I ended up buying it for around $30. Sadly, I don’t think what I bought is that attractive, and it happens to be one of their more common pieces. But I thought my collection had to start somewhere, and it looks quite nice on my bookcase. What I find funny is most people have no idea how famous Van Briggle pottery is. Founded in 1889 by Artus Van Briggle, the company has become one of the most highly acclaimed pottery’s in the art world. The shell that I bought was probably made in the mid 1960’s. Anything that was made before 1960 is highly collectible. Pre-1960 Van Briggle has a different mark on the bottom than post 1960 pieces, so it’s pretty easy to distinguish. Since my first Van Briggle purchase I’ve attempted to buy other pieces, but have been outbid by antique dealers every time. But, at least I made them pay a decent price for it. That always brings me amusement, for a antique dealer is the common collectors worst enemy. Then again, I must be careful, I wouldn’t want to anger these dealers, I usually help load their trucks, and this college student would not want to hurt his chances of receiving a tip!The second item I would like to share is truly one of my favorites. This picture was purchased from a house across the river in Ohio. I remember the house very well, for it was on a hill, and the only way to get the furniture out was by carrying it down the 60 some steps that lead to the street. The first time I saw the picture, it leaning up against a wall in a cluttered dining room, I immediately thought that I had to have it (I have that feeling a lot)! 
So a few months later when we had the sale at our building, my boss must have thought it was undesirable and put it with about 8-10 tacky paintings. I ended up paying $5 for the whole bundle, a steal! After a little Windex for the glass, and Murphy’s Oil soap for the frame, it was as good as new. I hung it on my wall the next day (it sits above the bookcase and Van Briggle). It measures 34×18 and other from some slight water damage to the right and some weird dust at the top, it’s in pretty good shape.
Now, if you look closely at the picture you see a few people sitting around the Colosseum, and there’s a cart being pulled by a donkey, but I have no idea when the picture was taken. I haven’t investigated, but I’m pretty sure it’s just a print. After watching a recent Antiques Roadshow, though, for all I know it could be the work of some famous photographer. I have my fingers crossed. I happen to love the Roman Colosseum and it’s history, I hope to one day visit Rome. So I just want to give a big thank you to Artus and Vespasian (Titus), for they played a part in bringing to life a few things that give me the utmost joy.
