| Clean Out Your Clutter--Sell it on eBay
(Rochester, N.Y.) -- People who love antiques and flea markets can browse and buy without leaving the house by visiting the auction Web site eBay, which some call "the world's biggest garage sale." Many others use the site to sell unique and valuable items to a worldwide audience. Barbara Wolf never used the silverware she received as a wedding gift 44 years ago, so she decided to sell it on eBay. "These things were dear to my heart and they were just sitting there," she said. She made over $1,000 on the silver and has also sold a number of signed lithographs she and her husband acquired in the 1960s. But, she said, this isn't about the money. "I'm enjoying myself, I'm having fun and I know they're finding homes," she said.
Variety is key to weekend antiques show
With a carefully chosen array of goods, the Plantation Woman's Club is gearing up for its 24th annual antiques show. BY CANDICE RUSSELL Special to The Miami Herald While South Florida hardly lacks for antiques shows during the winter season, the 24th annual Plantation Woman's Club Antiques Show prides itself on being different. With room for only about 50 dealers, the show set for this weekend at Volunteer Park is filled with vendors specially selected by the event's chairwoman, Martha Gregory. ''People call me right and left and get angry if I don't select them,'' Gregory said. ``I won't have too many of one item. I don't want it to be a jewelry and silver show. I want eclectic, with a little bit of everything. You have to be nice and neat and creative in your booth.
Show offers a gateway to past
Trying on jewelry from the 1850s or scrutinizing Haviland china might give some people the impression they spent a weekend in the 19th century.While firmly planted in the 21st century, Christ Church's 50th annual Antiques Show and Sale did give visitors a taste of antique elegance.The show and sale offered a bit of something for almost everyone, whether he or she desired sparkling silverware or one of the 50 quilts dangling against a wall.A ring from the 1800s brought gasps from perusing individuals when they discovered its worth -- $28,000 -- one of the most valuable items at the auction.Proceeds from the antiques show, conducted Friday through Sunday at the Currin Center, will benefit local organizations such as Manna Food Pantries, Favor House, United Ministries, Gulf Coast Kid's House, Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels program, Waterfront Rescue Mission and others.Local and out-of-town dealers made up 22 booths in which they auctioned valuables such as fine furniture and Asian cloisonn.The auction usually makes $18,000 each year, said Becky Yonge, event chairwoman.
Taxes due on sale of antiques
DEAR BRUCE: I had acquired some antiques about 30 years ago. I have since learned they are quite valuable. I sent them to a well-known auction house and was shocked to learn I have cleared more than $200,000. I have no record of the cost to me, but I know they came with a bunch of other antiques and they cost literally nothing. Do I have to report this to the IRS? What are my obligations here? - E.N., via e-mail DEAR E.N.: Bad news. You will have to pay capital gains on whatever portion of the $200,000 you net. Having no receipts to demonstrate your cost basis, you're going to have to do some homework and find out what these same articles likely were worth 30 years ago. Your auction house should be able to give you some estimation there. All things equal, and your personal income is a variable, tax on the gain will very likely be the max of 15 percent.
Valentine's Day: 50 dates in 50 states
Roses and chocolates are fine, but there's nothing like wanderlust to make a traveler's heart beat faster. With Valentine's Day as inspiration, USA Today's travel staff asked local experts for each state and the District of Columbia to pick a favorite romantic experience that can be enjoyed on Feb. 14 or beyond. From hobnobbing with butterflies in Sioux Falls, S.D., to hot-tubbing on Orcas Island, Wash., here's what put stars in their eyes. Alabama Play Romeo and Juliet at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery. The play's not the only thing for lovebirds at this 250-acre theater complex. After sitting knee-to-knee in the dark, bill and coo amid boxwood and gliding swans on the park-like grounds. Alaska Soak up the outstanding vistas of Kachemak Bay and the glaciated Kenai Mountains at Land's End Resort, located on the Kenai Peninsula, south of Anchorage.
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