Author's articles

Let’s Talk "Limited Edition Collector Plates" or How To Lose A Boatload Of Money Without Really Trying!
By Mike T. Hammer · 12 years ago
On a cold day in December of 1895 Harald Bing told his workers to destroy the mould that was being used to produce a run of small blue and white plates. By breaking this mould ...
Dating Japanese Ceramics by Backstamps - A short Reference Guide!
By Mike Hammer · 12 years ago
This Is A Short History of Import Markings/Backstamps and Dating of Japanese Ceramics Dates range from pre 1891 to today. This is just a general guide and, as always, individual pieces may vary! Pre 1891 ...
The Truth About That Stradivarius Violin You Just Found At A Yard Sale
By Mike Hammer · 12 years ago
Antonio Stradivari (1644(?) - 18 December 1737) was an Italian maker of stringed instruments such as violins, cellos, guitars, violas, and harps. He is generally considered the most important artisan in this field. Stradivari is ...