Monthly Archive: April 2015

Moschettieri (Musketeers of Duce): Fez and Parade Helmet

Here’s the latest installment of American Chimera’s e-archeology project of digging up old Manion’s International Auction House listings I wrote in the early 2000’s, in an effort to rescue this era from the electronic abyss. I have added extra historical…
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Uniform Standards of the Professional Appraisal Practice: Why They’re Important

Personal property often requires a formal appraisal in order to obtain insurance, settle a claim, help determine estate tax liability, document a charitable donation, aid in equitable distribution, or just in preparation for resale. Other times you may simply be…
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‘War,’ Panic and a One-Hour Broadcast: A Short Study

(Originally published in Trendline Magazine, November 2000, updated April 2015) ‘FAKE RADIO WAR STIRS TERROR THROUGH U.S.,” or so went the headline on Halloween day 1938. The previous evening, a 23 year old Orson Welles brought the famous H.G. Wells…
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Gathering the Eagles, Marching to Glory

(Originally published in Trendline Magazine, January 2001; updated April 2015) Philosopher Immanuel Kant once called music the “quickening art,” because nothing stirs the emotions more effectively than a rousing piece of music. Literally every military in the world employs some…
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Saddled With Insignia: Shabraque Badges

(Originally published in Trendline Magazine, May 2000; updated April 2015) The world of collectibles is full of rare and unique items, as every serious collector knows. Finding these items is the “spice” of collecting – those inspired little moments of…
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