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 …
Uncover the Story of this Baron Woolen Mills Blanket
LF sent me a simple blue woolen blanket with pink and white stripes made in those days when we all slept in single beds. An old, tattered label hanging by …
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 …
From Soup to Nut Dish
JH owns a delightful little silver-plate nut dish, a curling stylized leaf on which perches a silver-plate squirrel. A stamp on the bottom states the Hatford Silver Co., Silver-plate. She …
Top Ten Reasons Creativity Saved 2020
What made you feel grateful for in 2020? I loved 2020 in only one way, it brought me to a closer realization of the strength of creativity. Artists here in …