Auction closed on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 10:00pm ET; 9:00pm CT; 8:00pm MT; 7:00pm PT
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year and welcome to Railroad Memories 103rd Auction. This issue
features more amazing relics from the Shankweiler estate with over 500 lots
represented.
This past year my client list has grown to nearly 1800 members throughout
the United States and including Canada & Europe. I continue to receive new
registrations with each sale. I have been encouraged by the renewed interest in
the railroad china market as it seemed to be slowing down for a while. There is no
question that quality still commands great attention so if I can offer one word of
advice to new collectors it would be focus on quality as opposed to quantity.
I think lanterns still command the most attention which confirms that the majority
of collectors prefer that category. However, builders’ plates, locks, keys all continue
to also bring record prices for pieces from early roads.
The point I am trying to make is that this hobby is not dying. Rather it as with
all collectibles ebbs and flows with the years. We are seeing younger collectors
emerging and taking great interest in the hobby, so it is our duty to continue to
share our knowledge and welcome these new enthusiasts with open arms.
We all know we are only temporary caretakers of these historic relics so we must
enjoy while we can and be willing to pass the torch to our fellow collectors knowing
that they will cherish and enjoy as much as we did or still do.
Finally if there is one thing we can do to protect our families in the event of our
passing it is to have an inventory of your collections and make sure they have a list
of people to contact.
My son Bill and his wife Chrissie welcomed their first child William Austin Knous
born December 19th. Named after his grandfather, I am thrilled to proudly say I am
now a grandma to three little boys. However, not to be outdone my daughter Andie
and her husband Randy are expecting their first child a little girl in early March.
Our wonderful family has grown and I am so proud of all of them.
So, from my family to yours Happy New Year and good luck bidding.
Sue
It is so important to promote and contribute to these two organizations. So if you are not a member I highly encourage you to join today. Corresponding website information can be found below.
Key Lock & Lantern
Marie Brainard
35 Nordhoff Place
Englewood, NJ 07631-4810
Basic Membership $30 US
$40 International
RCAI
Raymond Brown
P.O. Box 451
Travelers Rest, SC. 29690
Basic Membership $35