Obit: Ralph Kovel - Antiques Icon Aug. 28 2008

Subject: Obit: Ralph Kovel - Antiques Icon Sept. 9 2008
From: katlaughing
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 02:39 PM

Longtime Antiques/Collectibles Columnist Ralph Kovel Dies at 88

By E&P Staff

Published: September 09, 2008 12:53 PM ET

NEW YORK Longtime King Features Syndicate columnist Ralph Kovel -- one of the world's foremost antiques and collectibles experts -- has died after complications from a broken hip. He was 88.

His Aug. 28 death was announced today by King.

The Shaker Heights, Ohio, resident co-wrote the "Kovels: Antiques & Collecting" column with his wife Terry, to whom he was married for 58 years. The feature -- which entered syndication way back in 1955 and now runs in more than 150 newspapers -- will continue under her byline.

Together, the Kovels also published 96 guides to antiques and collectibles that have sold millions of copies. Their 97th book, "Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2009" (Black Dog & Leventhal), is scheduled to be published this month.

The couple's first book, "Kovels' Dictionary of Marks -- Pottery & Porcelain: 1650-1850," was published in 1953. It led to the creation of their Q&A newspaper column.

Also, there is a monthly Kovels newsletter as well as the Kovels.com Web site. And the Kovels appeared frequently on TV and radio shows, produced several programs for public television and cable channels, wrote for magazines, and contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Ralph Kovel was born in Milwaukee, attended Ohio State University, and served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He later worked as a food broker, and served as a senior vice president at Sara Lee Corp. until 2000.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ralph Kovel - Antiques Icon Aug. 28 2008
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Sep 08 - 05:13 PM

I have used those guides--interesting and useful.