Humorous Moustiers Candlesticks Make a Political Statement
A local doctor, who reads my column, received this humorous pair of candlesticks from a patient almost 40 years ago. This thoughtful patient purchased them in Paris 20 years prior …
The Rotten Kids Dolls Appall Appraiser
Well, the universe did it again. I’m terrified of dolls and this past week Jessica sent me photos of twenty-five to thirty dolls which are possibly the most horrifying dolls …
Glazed Ceramic Toilette Set Now Obsolete Due to Indoor Plumbing
JH from Solvang has a Toilette set of glazed ceramic, and of course, she doesn’t use it to wash her face. “I use the Water jug as a container for …
Another Elizabeth Stuart’s Tray
BR sends me a tray which has been in her family for 80-years. That makes it at least early 20th century. The fascinating thing about this silverplated tray is the …
The Golden Age of German Beer Steins
More than any spirit container, I love German Beer Steins the best. So when KL sent me his, I translated it. On one side, Die alten Deutschen, the old-time German, …
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 …