How to Research an Item, from Rare Books to Fine Art
Apropos, a reader asked how I go about researching an item. “You must be good at googling,” she said. Although I am, this kind of analysis entails: knowledge of WHAT …
Hobnail Pitcher Made Lemonade Look Sweeter
PK has a cranberry opalescent hobnail water pitcher with a clear blown glass applied handle. “Hobnail” is a stud of glass that imitates the old “boot” soles of the era. …
Finding the Value of an Unique JFK Commemorative Medal
CM from Santa Barbara sends me a 61.7 gram 22kt gold commemorative medal of the Life of John F. Kennedy 1917-1963. The Medallic Art Company of NY struck this medal …
Batik Fabric Stamp Bears Markers of Use
J showed me a vintage iron batik fabric stamp in a tribal pattern for textile block printing. The rust, the wear, and the large handle for the human hand to …
A Hit and a Miss with Winnie the Pooh Knock-offs
Judy sends me two very confusing watercolors, one of a bear and one of a rabbit. Both have the look of Winnie-the-Pooh items. The first piece of a bear is …
History of Faience Tells History of the Conveyance of Culture
GC showed me this little figural sculpture, about three inches tall. Ugly? Misshapen? Amateur? No! This is an old piece, French, early 19th century, and worth about $300 in perfect …
Where and How to get rid of stuff in Santa Barbara
My son and daughter-in-law await the birth of my first grandchild. The baby will need my son’s old favorite baby blanket, called ‘the ducky blankie.’ That blankie is SOMEWHERE in …
Weller Pot Perfect for Any California Bungalow
RW has a beautiful Arts and Crafts little pot made by Weller, signed on the underside WELLER, which, in 1905, was the largest pottery concern in the U.S. In business …
What you Don’t Know About Your Grandfather and the Geisha
PB’s grandfather, a bigwig with Westinghouse in the 1930’s, went to Japan to explore a joint business with Mitsubishi. The Board of Mitsubishi Goshi presented him with a delicate porcelain …
Rare Japanese Ivory Netsuke For Sale! Not!!
CH has inherited, from her great Uncle, rare Japanese ivory Netsuke figures. These are delightful, whimsical small carved figures, worn for centuries by the gentleman of Japan, suspended on cords …