Cooking Up Copper Pot Origin

SJ sent me a huge copper pot, 18” diameter, with slanted sides and a curved bottom, with two copper bail handles falling in graceful loops to the sides. These handles …

Mystery Marks on Christening Mug

JH sent me a silver christening mug from London, and she told me her husband’s family’s grand patriarch was ALSO a JH. Because the engraving on this christening mug reads …

Odd Antique Odd Fellows Memorabilia

Captain Bob sent me a photograph of some antique Odd Fellows memorabilia. The metal vessel, he says is for perfume. The flask is accompanied by a pocket knife with two …

Chinese Ceramic Horse, Han or Not?

Charlie inquired about a gorgeous Chinese ceramic horse with the look of the ancient Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) warhorse. See it standing tall and four square with the dramatic …

Bastidor Sculptures for a Home Altar

KC wrote me that she feels constricted during the Pandemic because she cannot frequent the thrift store where she purchased these two Bastidor sculptures. Now that she has the time, …

Aunt Kigis’s Mandolin Brooch

Joanne sent me a lovely photo of a small, two and a half inch 18-karat gold and enameled mandolin brooch. She said her Aunt Kigi gave her the pin. Aunt …

Chinese Vase with Cabbage Symbolism

JS sent me a beautiful 18 inch canister shaped Chinese vase. She wonders why it bears a design with a repeating ‘grasses’ theme, and how old is it? She brings …

Janice’s athlete’s foot Barrel

Janice wrote me about a 21-inch-tall barrel with iron hoops, or bands, inscribed “Onox Prevents Athletes Foot.” (sic) It belonged to Janice’s mother. I’ve seen many treasured antiques in my …