Objects Amusing me These Days
My favorite objects? What in my tiny condo keeps me amused during the Pandemic? And why? Is it beauty, functionality, or symbolism? The first object is a 18th century tea …
Train Tracks Led to Mystery
One crisp January day during the Pandemic JF hiked up by Lake Arrowhead, near some defunct train tracks, and found this steel plate. He lugged it in his backpack the …
This Toy bank’s No Jack Ass
Sally of Santa Barbara wrote on behalf of her mom, who owns a cast-iron donkey toy bank used in Franklin D. Roosevelt‘s “Dimes for Dems” campaign. Sally, this bank is …
Belly Up To This Vintage Bar Cabinet
Out shopping the thrifts in Ventura, FT fell in love with what she calls a “throwback” style of furniture. She asked what I know about this vintage Bar Cabinet. I …
Furniture Perfect for Santa Barbara
I hear this question a lot: “Do you think we’ll sell this piece of furniture here in Santa Barbara?” Generally I answer, if it’s not Renaissance Revival, and moreover, if …
Hyper Realistic Susan Krey Baby Doll
PM sent me a photo of a hyper realistic baby doll. I don’t complain about appearing on the list doll appraisers, but as my readers know, I don’t like DOLLS. …
Does this Chinese Ceramics Example Pass the Test?
Robin sent me a photo of a yellow, pink and blue Chinese Ceramics bowl that she bought at a yard sale for $10 a few years ago. Her question: Is …
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 …
Ten Ridiculous Things That Sell in a Heartbeat
A dear client of mine of a certain age emailed me photos of what she thought might sell: a grandfather clock, old miner’s lamps, and old fancy china service, and …
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 …