From the East Bloc and Beyond

Siegler also frequently visits European and Asian craftspeople, such as porcelain and crystal manufacturers, to learn more about their factories, production methods and offerings. Product planning for the catalog can be difficult, Siegler relates, given that much of the merchandise is available in only limited quantities. The solution? Careful planning—which he admits has been challenging at times. “Last year we offered a tin soldier figurine on horseback that apparently we sold for a price that was too low,” Siegler recounts. “We were inundated with orders, mostly from collectors who realized it was an incredible offer.”