Book on Missouri lures

Dean Murphy, who is mentioned in the cover feature, "Love of old lures" in the February 2009 issue of Discover Mid-America, sent us a copy of his book Fishing Tackle MADE IN MISSOURI History and Identification.

At first glace, Murphy's book in interesting, well organized and a sure attraction to collectors of fishing lures and those interested in the history of fishing.

In a note Murphy included with the book, he mentioned he was looking for a place to house his collection for public viewing, hopefully something along the lines of The Karl and Beverly White collection at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, OK – part of the Feb. '08 cover feature.

"I would like to fnd somewhere in Missouri to get it displayed after I pass on. I am 86," said Murphy.

If you're interested in his book or have any ideas for him to display his collection, email Dean at dam@socket.net.

More stats

TIAS.com has released a report from data collected showing which countries are responsible for the most online sales in 2008 of antiques and collectibles. The report is based on data from www.TAIS.com, www.AntiquesArt.com and www.Collectoronline.com. No surprise, the United States accounted for 91.3% of online sales revenue. The United Kingdom amounted to 2% of sales, "but the average order amount was almost double that of every other country including the U.S.

By states, California led with 12% of total U.S. sales, followed by New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, New Jersey, Illinois, Washington and Virginia.

Year-end list #2

Kovels has also released their 2008 Collectors Searches – top 20; Occupied Japan is #1, up from #7 in 2007; Jewelry fell to #2. New to the list include Cookie Jars, #11, Shawnee, #15, Hutschenreuther, #16, Bavaria, #17, Royal Bayreuth, #18 and Josef Originals, #20.

For more information, go to www.Kovels.com.

Year-end list

TIAS.COM has released their top 30 searches for 2008. Cookie Jar remains number one, unchanged from 2007. New to list for 2008 include transferware, bird-related collectibles, Hutschenreuther, brass collectibles, lamps, figurines, Westmoreland, Bakelite, plates and paperweights.
Searches for Fire King, Nippon, pitchers, Depression Glass and Blenko have fallen significantly from 2007.

Go to www.tias.com for more information.

Show sold

Gerry Nagel, one of the owners of Willowrush Promotion, based in Indiana, has confirmed that the Overland Park (KS) Antique Show (most recently held last weekend) has been sold. No word on the owner or price, but speculation is that it is a resident of the metropolitan Kansas City area.

Bad check alert

Antique shops in Liberty, Belton and Harrisonville, MO — and maybe more in the greater KC area — have been hit recently with a bad-check writer. The woman passing the bad checks is described as in her 40s, reddish-blond hair and approximately 5' 3". She travels with a male companion. The name on the check and Nebraska driver's license is Heidi R Aerts, 14906 Martha Circle, Omaha, NE 68144. The phone number (402-498-9888), usually written on the check, is for a Day Care Center. The check is drawn on Enterprise Bank, Omaha, NE, and the account is closed.

DO NOT ACCEPT THIS PERSON'S CHECK OR ONE FROM HER COMPANION, AND CALL POLICE IF SHE SHOWS UP IN YOUR SHOP.

New antique show

Willowrush Promotions, based in Auburn, IN, has announced it will be organizing the new Maumee Valley Historical Society Antique Show, scheduled for Jan. 24-25 at the Lucas County Recreation Center in Maumee, OH. Proceeds from the show will support the special events of the Historical Society at the Wolcott House Complex in Maumee. The oldest original structure still in use in Lucas County, the Wolcott house was home to several families who played important roles in the development of the Greater Toledo area.

Willowrush also promotes and organizes antique shows in Overland Park, KS, St. Louis, MO, Louisville, KT and other places in Ohio and Indiana. Contact the company at www.willowrush.com.