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 …
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 …