Toby L. Stoffa's Blog – April 2010 Archive (6)

Antiquities Owner Toby Stoffa

Hi Steve,

I very much liked your letter. Thank you for being passionate about your vocation, as am I.

By the way, just as a note, I'm Ms. not Mr., that's why I said the grandma in this business...:) My mentors were Cordelia and Tom Platt who were one of the grandparents of this business, and George Sanders before he died, even spending time at his home going through his amazing collection. I wish you could…

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Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 19, 2010 at 3:00pm — 31 Comments

It sounds like we share a common interest in keeping the collectors' confidence

Steve,

It sounds like we share a common interest in keeping the collectors' confidence in the importance and authenticity of autographs. Antiquities has been in business for 25 years and has earned a stellar reputation for honest and fair dealings with its customers. You have twice mentioned companies that someone said I buy from and one I've never heard of, and the other I responded to and answered your question. It is not about the most money one can make in my mind, but the…

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Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 19, 2010 at 6:30am — 4 Comments

Antiquities

Hi Steve,

Here is the thing that is important to know. When I must purchase something rather than being given the opportunity to get it from a private collector and have it authenticated, I send it out for secondary. I do not like using names, since my husband is a lawyer and hopelessly helpful but quite independent from my business. So referring to who you mentioned I bought some items from, when they went out for certification and were rejected, I was not allowed to…

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Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 18, 2010 at 5:56am — 6 Comments

Antiquities

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your information. I have no choice on the percentage rent since I am contractually obligated to The Forum Shops and as such, must run all sales through the store, which I always do and have done for 19 years of my 25 years in the business. Perhaps in the future, but that would be years from now. I want to keep the business dignified and valuable and yet it is more important to me to get great pieces into hands of autograph collectors like myself at a…

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Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 16, 2010 at 12:07pm — 1 Comment

Antiquities

Dear Steve,

I was pleased to get your response. You are right, I meant Autographs America. You asked why I would sell these things for less than they might bring. The answer is pretty simple for someone in the retail business at a high end mall with a few desperate consignors. So I put my prices very competitively so I can move things more quickly. I don't have the luxury of waiting to achieve the highest dollar per item, and the terrific people I have worked with as clients, who are now in…

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Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 15, 2010 at 8:38pm — 4 Comments

Autographs at Antiquities

During the 25 years of my business, I have been very careful, honest, responsive and delighted by the wonder of the autograph world. You made an example of Led Zeppelin. Just feel free to call and ask me if you ever have any concerns or questions. The collection I had in - many have now sold - came from an individual who had collected Zeppelin items for over 15 years, purchasing not just from me, but from so many members of Autograph magazine. Due to this client's financial hardships in this… Continue

Added by Toby L. Stoffa on April 15, 2010 at 4:09pm — 2 Comments