Bright idea: Ship in a lightbulb
S.F. in Camarillo has a ship in a bottle; rather, a ship in a lightbulb. He first witnessed this little miracle in his grandparent’s home in the 1930s. He thinks …
What’s the Difference Between a Mine Cut Diamond and a Brilliant Cut Diamond?
Dr. Elizabeth Stewart explains the difference between a brilliant cut diamond and a mine cut diamond. She also answers the question “What is an assay mark?”
Arts and Crafts lamp likely designed by Handel
This Arts and Crafts lamp is likely designed by Handel. COURTESY PHOTO D.G. has a leaded glass table lamp in the Arts and Crafts style from the first quarter of …
Determining Value
PJ from Carpinteria says, during the tragedies of the last few months, she “lost control” of her household. “I’m now feeling like I need a check list on how to …
Illegible Signature on a Possible Valuable Painting
J.S. writes that she found an original oil on hardboard at a vintage shop: she asks if I might help identify its near-illegible signature. What follows is how I narrow …
Phyllis Diller and the coat
R.E. has a glamorous kangaroo fur coat once owned by famous comedian Phyllis Diller. R.E. has wonderful provenance on this coat: Her sister was once a personal assistant to Miss …
Late 19th Century Toy Dog
ML from the Midwest sends me photos of this little flocked papier-mâché mechanical “noddy” dog, late 19th century. This is a life-sized model of a spotted black on white dog …
Regency-era fan hot seller in niche market
J.P. has a framed embroidered silk-on-paper lady’s fan depicting an elegant couple seated in a horse-drawn Regency-era cabriolet, circa 1820. I couldn’t find any similar fans so I resorted to …
Rembrandt makes mark in Santa Barbara
J.S. has a Rembrandt etching of a windmill, 8 inches by 6 inches. The print is signed in the plate (the artist etched his name into the copper before it …
1950’s “Ginny” Doll
K.K. sends me a tiny enameled tin suitcase in red with white trim, lined inside with beige and silver stars; a case for a toddler-shaped doll dressed in a plaid …