Ruby Lane's Past Times Newsletter for April 2003

Past Times
The monthly newsletter from Ruby Lane Antiques, Collectibles,
Fine Art, and Artisans
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Welcome to Past Times!

IN THIS ISSUE:
o Don't Miss April Finds From Ruby Lane!
o The Joy of Collecting Art Deco by Toni Delisio of Deconut

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DON'T MISS APRIL FINDS FROM RUBY LANE!

It's time for March Finds from Ruby Lane. Hundreds of Ruby Lane
shops have listed an item here that they want you to know about
- some at reduced prices! So be sure to check it out at April
Finds.

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THE JOY OF COLLECTING ART DECO BY TONI DELISIO OF
DECONUT

Art Deco has been described as a classical, symmetrical,
rectilinear style. It was developed between the years 1910-1935.
It thrived mainly between 1925-1935. Art Moderne was how it was
originally referred but after the Exposition International des
Artes Decoratifs et Industriels Moderns in Paris in 1925 it was
shortened to Art Deco. It has been said that Art Deco was
created to revolt against the exaggerated curves and
asymmetrical forms of Art Nouveau, which preceded Art Deco.

Art Deco has become more and more collectible in the past 10-20
years and prices reflect just that. Renewed interest began in
the 1960's and has not stopped since then. Pieces that could be
picked up for a couple of dollars in a Flea Market now command
hundreds if not thousands of dollars. One good example is the
rise in the interest and cost of pieces made by Frankart. They
have become so popular and sought after that collectors are
spending thousands upon thousands for pieces that only a few
years ago went for under $100. The most popular, of course, are
the Nude Woman figures. Whether they be bookends statues or
lamps, collectors are shelling out big bucks for the more
uncommon pieces. Some Frankart pieces are signed and dated while
others are not. In the 1960's a company named Sarsasparilla of
West New York New Jersey bought the original Frankart Molds and
began reproducing many of the pieces. Some are signed by them
and some are not. Collectors should be aware of these
reproductions. Know your dealers and do not be afraid to ask
questions!!! The Sarsasparilla pieces are also rising in price
and have become collectibles unto themselves. Just know what you
are buying!

Recently there have been several companies originating in
England that are also making reproductions by such artists as
Chiparus, Lorenzl, Preiss and the like. Some repros are so good
that it is hard to tell which are the originals. Again, novice
collectors should be aware of this and ask many questions. Only
deal with reputable dealers that you know and trust.

There are still some great bargains out there to be had so do
not be discouraged. Collecting can be fun and prosperous. It
just important to know what you are buying and from whom!

We invite you to visit Toni at The Art of Deco and Deconut
Antiques.