If you have an item and you would like to know what it is worth, send digital pictures with a brief description to paulhconnor@gmail.com,
make an appointment to visit
201 North Commerce Street,
Galena, IL 61036, or call 563-543-5201.

Pottery Bowl is a surprise!

Occasionally a piece of history from the Southwest makes its way to the Midwest. We had a client bring in a beautiful black bowl with the names Maria and Santana written across the bottom. The bowl was small, only 6 inches wide and 4 inches tall. The contrasting black design was distinctive and attractive to collectors.

Our research revealed a “Maria & Santana Black Ware Pueblo Pottery Bowl.” It is a type of pottery made by Maria Martinez and her husband Julian Martinez, who were renowned Native American artists known for their black-on-black pottery. Maria Martinez was a Pueblo woman from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico, and she is often credited with reviving and popularizing the traditional Pueblo pottery techniques, particularly the black-on-black style. This style involves creating intricate designs by carving or painting black designs onto a black pottery surface, creating a striking contrast. Santana Martinez was Maria’s son and a talented potter who worked closely with his mother in creating pottery pieces. Together, they produced highly sought-after pieces that are considered art pieces as well as cultural treasures.

​We photographed this bowl and gave it a listing on eBay for a 7-day auction cycle starting at $375.00. At the end of the auction, we had attracted 4 bidders that entered 7 active bids with the winning bidder paying $787.00. Examples of Maria and Santana pottery can exceed $1,000 depending on the size and condition of the individual item.

• On Sept. 1, 2013, new internet restrictions imposed by the Vietnamese government prohibited the country’s users from discussing current affairs, with social media and other sites, including blogs, limited to sharing personal information but not news stories. The law was criticized by both internet companies and a number of human rights groups.

• On Sept. 2, 1969, the original “Star Trek” TV series aired its final episode after running for just three years. While it never rose higher than No. 52 in the ratings, it remains a beloved cult classic, eventually generating movies and other series.
​
• On Sept. 3, 1908, J.M. Barrie’s play “What Every Woman Knows” debuted at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre. Written prior to the women’s suffrage movement, the show’s theme suggested that “every woman knows” she’s really the invisible power behind the success of the men in her life.​

​© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. Monthly benefit payments will likely be an important part of your retirement income.

We base your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily. If you never worked and did not pay Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for spouse’s retirement benefits. You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits.

Our retirement page at www.ssa.gov/retirement is a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan. For example, have you considered: 

· Which factors may affect your retirement benefits?

· What is the right time for you to start receiving your retirement benefits?

· What you need to do after you apply for retirement benefits?

· What documents you need to provide us for your retirement application?

You can use your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits. You can also see the effects of starting your retirement benefits at different ages. 

You may also wonder about:

· Benefits for a spouse or children.

· How work affects your benefits.

· Medicare.

· Whether you will have to pay taxes on your benefits.

You can learn more at www.ssa.gov/retirement. Please share this information with family and friends to help them prepare for their retirement.

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