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 …
How to Date a “Made in ________” Antique
CW has sent me, via email, a few antiques for me to price in the past. By the way, if you need valuation advice, don’t be shy, email me a …
Finding the Key to this Vintage Lock
LA is wondering about her friend’s mind. The friend collects vintage locks and LA wants to know if this is an unhealthy obsession. No, LA, many folks collect vintage locks. …
An Early Steam Punk Drafting Table
CB sends me a photograph of an old drafting table which intrigued me. This form of furniture isn’t designed for the uses of the body (eating, sleeping, sitting) but for …
Family Heirloom Reflects Long History of Mirrors
EP owns a little pressed brass beveled glass mirror, inherited from her grandmother. The repoussé design of the courting couple depicted gives away its date. She’s in a hoop skirt, …
A Cameo Parure with a Family Connection
JA sends me a lovely parure of three-coral cameo jewelry pieces. Parure implies a set of three or more matching pieces of jewelry made to match. The history of a …