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Author: Walter O'Neill

Thumbnail comparing website profits to eBay fees, showing a colourful square graphic reading “Website & 99% Profits” next to a circular badge reading “eBay up to 50% loss,” with the heading “Stop Losing Profit to eBay Fees!”

Profit Over Volume: Website V eBay Sales

Selling antiques doesn’t require fast turnover to be profitable. This article explains why a 0.18% daily sell-through rate can outperform high-volume eBay selling once you remove marketplace fees, control your pricing, and keep 99% of each sale through your own website.

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Article thumbnail titled “Complete Guide to Saint Louis Crystal,” featuring images of crystal vases, a chandelier, and an etched Saint-Louis France signature mark.

Saint-Louis Crystal: The Jewel of French Glassmaking Heritage

Discover the timeless elegance of Saint-Louis Crystal of France, the oldest crystal manufacturer in Europe and a symbol of French luxury since 1586. From royal commissions to contemporary designer collaborations, Saint-Louis combines centuries of craftsmanship with modern artistry. Learn how to identify authentic pieces, explore their history and designs, and understand why these exquisite creations remain among the most collectible and celebrated crystal works in the world.

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Article thumbnail featuring a man in formal attire beside a red “WIN” button, with the title text “The Real Work Behind Building an Empire” and logo reading “Antiques Arena.”

How I Built a High-Traffic Antique Website (Zero Ads, Solo Founder

This article isn’t about shortcuts or overnight success — it’s about the real grind behind building a lasting business. From selling antiques out of a car to running one of the largest privately-owned antique websites in the world, this is a raw, honest look at what it truly takes to build your own empire — with no handouts, no paid ads, and no excuses.

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Thumbnail for article “The 5 Reichsmark Hindenburg Silver Coins,” showing 1936 German 5 Reichsmark silver coin and close-up of “D” mint mark for Munich

The 5 Reichsmark Hindenburg Silver Coins (1935–1939): History, Silver Content & Mint Marks Explained

Discover the story behind Germany’s iconic 5 Reichsmark Hindenburg silver coins (1935–1939) — the final true silver issues of the pre-war era. Minted in 0.900 fine silver across six German cities, these coins combine striking artistry, historical symbolism, and lasting bullion value. Learn their full history, mint marks, silver content, and how Germany’s coinage transitioned from precious metal to wartime alloy production.

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Article thumbnail featuring Daum crystal art glass display and circular Daum title graphic for “The History of Daum Crystal”

Daum Crystal: History, Value, Identification & Collector’s Guide

Renowned for its luminous pâte-de-verre creations, Daum stands at the pinnacle of French art glass, blending sculpture, light, and color into extraordinary works of crystal. From ethereal floral vases to expressive animal forms and decorative masterpieces, each piece is handcrafted using techniques preserved for more than a century. This article explores the legacy, artistry, and collectible appeal of Daum’s glass creations — and why these exquisite sculptures continue to captivate collectors, museums, and design connoisseurs worldwide.

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A professional man smiling beside an image of a gavel labeled “SOLD,” with the title “My Experience With Nigel Ward Auction.”

My Experiance Selling Through Nigal Ward Auction

My experience selling through Nigel Ward & Co. auction revealed a series of unexpected issues — from missing listing images and incorrect item descriptions to administrative errors and unclear communication. This article documents what happened before, during, and after the sale, highlighting the importance of accuracy and transparency in auction listings.

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Featured image for article “Does YouTube Shadow Ban Accounts?” showing the YouTube logo with the words “Shadow Ban” and a portrait of creator Walter O’Neill from Antiques Arena.

⚖️ The Broken Reality of YouTube Creator Support

After eight years of building my YouTube channel Antiques Arena, I’ve uncovered serious data faults that have crippled its visibility — including proven analytics errors, misclassified recommendations, and suppressed reach despite strong engagement.
YouTube Partner Support has repeatedly dismissed the evidence, refusing to escalate or investigate.
This article documents the proof, the human impact, and what YouTube could do to fix it — not just for my channel, but for every creator affected by hidden system errors.

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Website thumbnail for article “Chinese vs Japanese Porcelain – How to Tell the Difference” with author photo and Antiques Arena branding

How to Tell the Difference Between Chinese and Japanese Porcelain (1700s to 1900s)

Distinguishing Chinese from Japanese porcelain can be challenging, but there are reliable clues in decoration, glaze, shape, bases, and marks. Chinese porcelain often shows symmetrical designs, pastel famille rose enamels, and unglazed foot rims with kiln grit, while Japanese porcelain favors asymmetry, bold Imari colors, and stilt marks on the base. This guide explores 300 years of styles, export patterns, and regional traditions to help you confidently identify the origin of your porcelain.

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Thumbnail showing cloisonné vase and wirework process for article titled “What Is Cloisonné”

What is Cloisonné?

Cloisonné is an ancient enameling technique that fuses powdered glass into intricate wire-framed designs on metal. This definitive guide explores its history, craftsmanship, cultural origins, market value, restoration, and how to identify authentic cloisonné — from imperial Chinese masterpieces to modern collectibles.

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