Japanese Kimono
K.F. owns a black crepe kimono inherited from a friend whose dad collected it in Japan for his wife in 1930. The only identifying mark is a white embroidered circular …
Gauging the value of an American Flyer train set
G.C. of the Santa Barbara shop Random has a toy train set by A. C. Gilbert Co. In the world of objects, each “thing” is a unique idea; an object …
Victorian Oil Lamps
L.T. from Santa Barbara sent me these two – a matching pair – of paraffin oil lamps, dating to – what I suggest – may be 1880. I can date …
Dear ‘805,’ that stamp may very well be worth something
“805” has an antique leather postcard, featuring a 1 cent stamp, postmarked by offices in Palo Alto and Dixon, Ill. The address simply reads “Ms. Sisquella Crosby, Dixon, Ill.” If …
Two Elegant Northwest Native American Baskets
M. L. from Santa Barbara mailed me two pictures of two baskets: a lidded one, which she believes was crafted by the Native Americans of the Northwest, according to family …
Bespoke china, bespoken no more
E.W. has a beautiful small set of Minton china. Each plate is hand-painted with a different leaf design. She has six cups and saucers, one cake plate, and two small …
Living the high life
T.O. of Ojai has a Chinese opium bed featuring giltwood and polychrome panels, with carved dragons, phoenixes and flowers, as well as a carved support, all surmounted by a canopy …
Have a seat: This dining set has legs in the collectors’ world
P.M. has a dining table with 14 chairs that her brother in Santa Barbara suggests is from a historic Montecito estate. The date under the chairs is “1930” along with …
Charting the course of Boston Yacht Club tankard
D.P. has a handsome pewter tankard enameled with the ensign or burgee of the Boston Yacht Club. The engraving reads “1904 Cruise 2 days Run, Won by __ .” No …
The quirks behind Quarkmal
T.B. has a large glass tumbler/vase in cranberry with a small white painted figure of a young boy with a hoop and rod. He is dressed in 19th century knickers …