Amy in Vermont sent pictures of her collection and how she got started on her collection - will cover this is the next newsletter as I need to learn how to scan the pictures into the newsletter - still have a lot to learn on the computer.
I know there were some big flea markets in the East as well as Minnesota - would love to have some reports of finds or prices seen. I need help if this is to be a monthly newsletter - I am somewhat out of the loop and can't provide all the information!!!!!!!!
We had a dealer contact us regarding a Smiley pig bank that has been possibly identified as Shawnee - we aren't sure but another friend bought one in Zanesville years ago and was also told by pottery experts there it was made by Shawnee for a Diabetic Camp. Have any of you heard of it or seen one? The dealer sent pictures which I will insert - she also sells at the Round Top antique market listed below.
Marie wrote - "I recently purchased an item that I believe is authentic Shawnee. It is a Smiley Pig Bank, marked on the bottom Camp Sweeney. I have tried to find anyone with information about this, but have been unable to do so. The pig is painted identical to Smiley Pig and is definitely not new. Of course, there is not one like it in the Shawnee book, but that does not keep me from feeling that it is genuine. Do you know anything about this?"
"I was checking out when I told him I was looking for some really interesting pottery. He had the bank sitting back behind him and the ticket read "RARE--Camp Sweeney Smiley Pig Bank". The bank looks absolutely authentic, and I plan to take it to Marburger Farms Antique Show in Round Top, Texas. If you have not heard of Marburger, go to www.Roundtop-Marburger.com
Camp Sweeney, by the way, is in Gainesville, Texas and is a camp for diabetic children. If you wish to use the picture in your newsletter, you certainly may. My remaining problem is determining just how much value to place on it. I hate to use the word rare, but it is uncommon!"
The show in Round Top is usually the first weekend of April and October - I believe it actually starts the Monday before the first weekend as does the Canton markets in Texas - am attaching a link with a lot of photos and information for those of you that might be within distance to attend. I was there about eight or nine years ago and found it to be a wonderful antique market and enjoyed browsing the shops in San Antonio and Houston as well.:
