From the Editor: ‘Favorite Finds’ inspire and educate
Although stories and values vary, passion and resolve are two aspects all contestants of the 7th Annual Antique Trader Favorite Finds Contest have in common.
If you’ve been part of our community for a while, you’ve seen years of Favorite Finds stories (this is the 7th year of the contest), each with their own inspiring and entertaining aspects that have a lasting impression. As we reviewed the entries in this year’s contest, Print Editor Karen Knapstein and I were discussing the last few editions of the Favorite Finds issue. One of the observations Karen made is that although the number of entries has declined, the overall quality of the entries has increased — making it no less difficult to chose a winner from 40 entries versus nearly 100.
However, with the help of another judge, we came to the decision that Amy Dunn’s story about the treasures she found in an unwanted box lot, picked up at an auction, is this year’s grand prize winner. Karen said it best when she described the original art Ms. Dunn found in the box as a ‘serendipitous find.’ Not only for the monetary value of the art, but for the various educational aspects associated with it.
A common thread in many of the entries is the way an item made someone feel or the memories it evoked. It’s been a joy to read these stories, and we are honored so many of you chose to share them for all of us to enjoy.
We congratulate Ms. Dunn on becoming the grand-prize winner of the 7th Annual Antique Trader Favorite Finds Contest, sponsored by Heritage Auctions. She will receive a $500 auction credit from Heritage Auctions.
As you’ll see, there are several finalists and honorable mentions, as well as the runner up: Lisa McCutchen, who shared the story of how the ‘Old Girl’ helped ease heartbreak. Ms. McCutchen will receive a 10-book library of antiques and collectibles references from Krause Publications. Plus, each finalist will receive a copy of Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles 2016, and the honorable mention entrants will receive their choice of a Picker’s Pocket Guide. In addition, everyone who submitted an entry will receive a complimentary copy of this special issue.
