My Editorials
Collector essays exploring Holt Howard, Pixieware, market trends, research discoveries, and the stories behind the ceramics.
The Man Behind the Pixie
A profile of Robert J. Howard Sr., the artist and product designer whose imagination helped define Holt Howard’s most beloved lines.
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An Obsession Born on Mother’s Day
The story of Kevin McDonald’s collecting journey, from a Mother’s Day discovery in 2002 to a major Holt Howard archive and reference collection.
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Honey, Chili Sauce, and the Collector’s Journey
A collecting story centered on two memorable Pixieware pieces and the larger lessons they reveal about patience, timing, and the hunt.
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A Note About eBay, WorthPoint, and Actual Realized Prices
A practical explanation of why visible sale prices do not always tell the full story, especially when interpreting online auction records.
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Understanding Rarity, Value, and the Pixieware Market
An overview of how rarity, demand, condition, collector awareness, and transaction context shape real-world market value.
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Christmas Tree Girl: A Study in Demand
A study of how this charming Holt Howard Christmas piece gained collector attention through broad visual appeal and rising demand.
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Sailor Gob Salt & Pepper Shakers: The Power of Charm
A look at why the Sailor Gob salt and pepper shakers remain so desirable: not because they are the rarest pieces, but because people love them.
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What 20 Years of Watching Holt-Howard Auctions Taught Me
A collector’s reflection on nearly two decades of watching Holt-Howard auctions, tracking realized prices, and learning how rarity, demand, discoverability, timing, and collector behavior shape the market.
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Starry-Eyed Santa Mugs: Looking Beyond the Price Tag
A data-driven look at more than eighty verified sales over three years reveals what the market is really doing, while also exploring the overlooked Daisy Eye and Atomic Eye variations found on Holt Howard's iconic Starry-Eyed Santa mugs.
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More Than Ceramics:
Understanding the Holt Howard Formula
A concluding reflection on the design instincts, cultural timing, and emotional appeal that made Holt Howard more than just another mid-century ceramics company.
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