Is vintage travel toaster worth a lot of dough?
R.S. from Lompoc has a vintage Empire Trav’l-Toast Multi-Purpose Toaster, which plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter and operates on 12 volts. Right on the yellow metal box (from which …
How to downsize and declutter Part Two
Dr. Elizabeth Stewart continues her discussion on downsizing and how to get rid of the stuff you no long need. In this episode she talks about how to donate items …
The ‘Brainstorm Beanie’: Bright idea or silly gimmick?
A.C. in Lompoc has a complete boxed “Brainstorm Beanie,” circa 1954, marketed by the Jim Prentice Electric Toy Co. What makes this so special? The condition! Children’s toys are not …
How to Downsize and Declutter Part 1
Dr. Elizabeth Stewart talks about downsizing and how to get rid of the stuff you no long need. She explains her five pile method.
Money down drain investing in vintage toilet?
S.C., who works at a Ventura thrift store, sent me a photo of a mahogany box with paneled front and sides that is raised on turned legs with ‘tipt’ feet …
Is this print a restrike — or the real deal?
D from Lompoc has a print of a royal regatta procession through the waters of Venice, Italy, his favorite city, by Alessandro dell Via. The title is “Veduta del Tempio/della …
How Valuable is a Mid Century Modern Painting by Igor Pantuhoff?
Mid Century Modern is a HOT style these days. For example this Mid century oil painting of a young girl by Igor Pantuhoff may be worth more than you think.
Jack Wolfe Painting Destined for Grace
One of my favorite thrift stores, Destined for Grace, on Hollister in Santa Barbara, received a painting by artist Jack Wolfe as a donation. This is a rich abstract oil …
Sculpture has relevance to us today
Sculptural art in the Western world is the most real of all art forms to create something lifelike out of mass. Large monuments capture the attention of the nation and …
Money as Treasure, Money as Prisoner: The Safe Bank
J.K. from the 805 area sends me this photograph of two toy iron banks. The concept of a place to save money which is a toy and also decorative is …