Vintage Pal-Bell Brass Metalware Made in Israel

Keep an eye out for these high quality brass items made in Israel  in the 1950s and 1960s or so. They will be identified by the name Pal-Bell . Their collectible value has been increasing in recent years. The ones I found were a set of 4 with only one being used. Identifying info is usually on the back within a square box and they are usually made of brass with green aging looking paint /patina. Here is a link to my current listing and some pictures .. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1950S-PAL-BEL-ASHTRAY-LOT-OF-4-MADE-IN-ISRAEL-BRASS-JUDAICA-TOBACCIANA-/371215014571?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item566e239aab

Carved Wood Sculpture Bamboo Twirlers of Sangley Point Naval Station Republic of the Philippines

Just listed this interesting item on Ebay.
Had to do quite a bit of research on it!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BAMBOO-TWIRLERS-SANGLEY-POINT-NAVAL-STATION-DANCE-SQUARE-DANCING-WOOD-SCULPTURE-/371214361675?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

12 inch tall 4 inch wide WOOD CARVED SCULPTURE
Subject : Beautiful Filipino Woman
Most likely dates from the 1960s (references in early 1960s Square Dance Publication called "Sets in Order")
Sculpture has three drilled holes in bottom possibly were used to stand it on something or connect to something unknown.
Metal tag on side appears to say:
Adelaide -Sangley Pt, R.P (Republic of the Philippines)
Cool item with a bit of history!
This is an interesting piece which took me some time to research. Apparently, the Bamboo Twirlers were some kind of dance group in the Philippines in or around the Naval Base there at Sangley Point. A US Navy pilot named Bill Locke stationed there (and from Texas) was the "caller" of this group. This the term used for the person that directs the dance. Apparently this was a big deal as people from the dance group visited after Bill died in a plane crash there. You can find various tidbits on the internet about the Bamboo Twirlers and Bill Locke.
Some tidbits from the internet possibly regarding this item or for background purposes :
"A hand carved plaque was delivered to the Monday Nighters Dance Club yesterday from its sister-city club, the Bamboo Twirler Dance Club of Luzon"
(The Monday Nighters Dance Club was in Texas)
ALSO:
"Luzon, P 1 Kalaayan Jr.-Sr. High School at Subic Bay Naval Station, Luzon, Republic
of the Philippines was the site of the first joint
meeting of all five square dance groups in the
Philippines. On December 3 about 80 people
assembled, including members of the Jeans 'n'
Janes of Clark AFB; the Bamboo Twirlers of
Sangley Point Naval Station; groups from the
San Miguel Naval Facility and the U.S. Embassy
in Manila and the host Bataan Twirlers
of Subic Bay and Cubi Point. A varied program
of squares and rounds was presented by
callers Mrs. Madge Gordon, Chuck Merritt and
Walt Jessup. "Guest callers" on tape and record
added a stateside touch. An impromptu meeting
was conducted by President Jerry Myers
of the host club to discuss future meetings.
—Bill Locke"

Selling Art Books - THE SOLITUDE OF RAVENS MASAHISA FUKASE

In recent years I have had more luck selling ART books on ebay. These are books about artists  compilations or exhibition guides to their work or books about collections of art. It is really hard to relay what to look for but I have moved more towards more modern artists, photographers etc. I also look for things which look interesting and have a following but aren't overloaded with supply of them on Ebay. Cost of books is generally from FREE to about 2 dollars. I rarely go over this level. One of the most interesting books I have found is the Solitude of Ravens by Masahisa Fukase. He was a Japanese photographer who slipped into a coma after creating this amazingly dark book of photos that somehow just grabs you from the minute you open it. This work is extremely rare. Copies on the popular booksite Abebooks for for 500-900 dollars. There is on on ebay for $1200 or so, but one recently sold at 399.00. I priced mine at $349 and it is accumulating watchers. I usually don't price things this high but I am the lowest copy out there and I can always reduce it later. It is a great book and I feel confident it will get exposure at that price! Here is the link to my listing but also some pictures below .. http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-SOLITUDE-OF-RAVENS-MASAHISA-FUKASE-FIRST-US-EDITION-BEDFORD-ARTS-/371202627429?ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

 

 

 

Tavern on the the Green - New York City - Central Park Ornaments

Well there is some good news! The amazing Tavern on the Green, a New York City landmark in Central Park has re-opened! The prior operators had gone under a number of years ago. A client of mine made their Christmas ornaments and when they closed was stuck with a small stock of them! Luckily he gave them to me to sell on Ebay :) They are pretty cool looking! I have to admit I love Central Park and the whole Tavern thing. I also love the chess boards made of concrete outside in the park and the music. Such a special place! Here are some pics and the listing for the ornaments I have for sale http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAVERN-ON-THE-GREEN-NEW-YORK-CITY-NYC-RARE-CHRISTMAS-ORNAMENT-LOT-HORSE-CARRIAGE-/251662404362

KUBASTA POP-UP BOOKS

It has been way too long since I posted to this blog! I just approved some comments that were waiting and appreciate the people that took the time to leave one! I had to post this one however as I acquired a great lot of Pop-Up books called THE FLEET OF COLUMBUS . The illustrations are done by the famous Czech artist  Vojtech  Kubasta. He passed away in 1992 and these books are just awesome. The one I have might be the last one published as it was published in the year he died. Ill post some picture and a link to the my ebay listing where I am selling them! This is such a nice item! 
Kubasta Fleet of Columbus