Interesting Finds Archives - Mark Lawson Antiques

Vox Pop w/Ray Graf – May 21st, 2019

Written on April 19, 2021.

On a recent episode of Vox Pop with Ray Graf, Mark Lawson of Mark Lawson Antiques and Ray entertain digging up Abraham Lincoln, debate the merits of car salesmen, and learn how to use Google for everything. You can listen to the full recording HERE to follow along with the time stamps below. RARE BEATLES ALBUM We had another great radio call-in session with Ray Graf over at WAMC on the VoxPop...

Appraisal Event Finds: A Saturday Evening Post Original Painting

Written on January 23, 2018.

This Eugene Iverd painting was the hidden treasure of the appraisal booth at the Niskayuna Reformed Church’s Antique Show on Friday, January 19th. The show had a wonderful selection of vendors and attendees brought a great variety of antiques for Mark to appraise. Eugene Iverd (1893-1936), born George Melvin Erickson, was a Minnesota artist well-known in the 1920s for his paintings and illustrations....

Serving Up Local History: Saratoga Chips

Written on November 23, 2016.

Saratoga chip serving spoon - Whiting sterling silver, Empire pattern

The holiday season is upon us! As our thoughts turn towards warm gatherings of friends and families around the table, let’s take a look at Saratoga Springs’ most famous family recipe: the Saratoga chip. The history of Saratoga chips is controversial, passed down word-of-mouth through local legend and lore, embellished by some sources, disputed hotly by others. Although many of the specifics...

Looking at Coins: Pre-1964 US Silver Coins

Written on September 30, 2016.

When helping clients settle an estate or prepare for an estate sale, the most common type of collectible coins we see are American silver dollars, half dollars, quarters. and dimes. The United States has been minting and issuing its own official coinage in gold, silver, copper, and nickel (along with various mixtures of nickel and copper) since 1793. From the 18th century until 1964, US silver coins...

The Chinese Ding Bowl: Could It Happen To You?

Written on March 29, 2016.

Three years ago in March, the world was fascinated to learn that an incredibly rare Chinese Ding bowl sold at auction for $2.2 million after being discovered at a local yard sale for $3. The now famous Chinese bowl was crafted 1,000 years ago during the Northern Song dynasty. “Ding” wares are celebrated among collectors for their delicately thin carved walls, feather light weight, and fluid naturalistic...

Art Glass Paperweights by Paul Stankard

Written on March 16, 2016.

We recently came across an art glass paperweight by the renowned American artist Paul Stankard. These paperweights are masterpieces of glassblowing and command very attractive prices in today’s market; we’re always pleased to see one of these beautiful works of art. Paul Stankard is considered by many to be a living master in the art of the paperweight. Born in 1943, Paul Stankard began his...

An Estate Jewelry Find from Johnstown, NY

Written on November 6, 2015.

We recently sold a beautiful piece of estate jewelry for a client from Johnstown, New York. While visiting our client on a house call in Johnstown, we were presented with this stunning 20.05 carat natural emerald. After coming to an agreement with our client, we sent the emerald to the Gemological Institute of America where it was professionally graded, which is a typical step in selling a large...

Victorian Halloween Postcards

Written on October 14, 2015.

We’re taking a look at Victorian Halloween postcards today! In the late 19th century, Halloween was an increasingly popular holiday for young adults and children. Halloween’s origins date back thousands of years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (“Sow-in”). The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the veil between this world and the next would thin, allowing...

I was very impressed with you. You were very nice and understanding. I would certainly call on you again.

Ethel B., Ballston Lake, N.Y
I was glad that I brought my coins to Mark. He treated me fairly and I will do business with him again.

Phil B., Petersburgh, N.Y.
Both Steve and myself found you very professional and an experienced dealer. We will definitely be using your services in the future. We appreciate your honesty.

Pat & Steve W., Schenectady, N.Y.
My wife and I were very pleased with the professional manner in which we were greeted and made to feel at ease. We were very pleased also with the fair value of our goods.

Barb & Clayton S., Northville, N.Y.