Buy Cheap Antique American Clocks

If you are an avid collector of antique American clocks, you wouldn't have a hard time looking for models because these are abundant.

People know the demand and popularity of this hobby and there are those who constantly maintain antique American clocks in hopes that they become collectibles in the future.

Chances are, they end up getting profits from the clocks that they restore.

Take these for example. The Seth Thomas Empire Shelf Clock still runs even when it's 30 years old. It really depends on the manufacturer of the clock.

It seems that clocks that were made by credible manufacturers, the antique American clocks can definitely last for a long time. The rosewood veneer case can also last for as long as the clock's hands are still running.

The Seth Thomas Empire Shelf clock usually comes with a gong that strikes every hour. It may be an antique but for some reason, this feature can still run in Seth Thomas Empire Shelf Clock. The price range for these kinds of clocks is $750.

Then there are those that have a French gothic design. These clocks were made in the Hershede movement and were manufactured within the US and were distributed to other countries.

The casings are mahogany with solid brass caps. Other designs have reeded columns to accommodate the finials. These particular antique American clocks also come with a gong that strikes every hour.

Other antique American clock models that are popular are the Brewsters & Ingrahams 8-day Steeple Clock.

These antique clocks with 8-day movements, hands, and dials, and original glasses since the year it has been distributed are still being circulated.

Collectors of antique American clocks are on the lookout for this particular design because these are one of the collectibles that are considered to be the first to have of value in clock collecting.

The casing of these antique American clocks may be chipped but these do not affect the value of the collectible. As long as it works well, then the collectors are willing to pay as much as $525.00 for these.

Finally, another Seth Thomas clock that is a demanded collectible is the Seth Thomas Westminster Chime Mantel clock.

In fact, this is touted to be America's Favorite Mantel Clock. As it was manufactured and circulated in the 1930s to the 1940s, these particular designs of antique American clocks cost more than the average clocks because of its commemorative value.

The casings are usually of excellent original finishing and these add to the price of the clocks whenever they are for sale.

How to Discover What's Hot When Collecting Your Own Antique Toys

Are you a lover when it comes to collecting the greatest antique toys that are on the market today? There are many people all across the globe that love to have these all over their house either for themselves or too show when guests come. Whatever your case may be, there are a ton of different items that others are out there looking for now.

Believe it or not, one of the main toys that still holds supreme when it comes to collecting would still be Barbie dolls. I actually have a sister who has all the barbies as they come out in years, and can sure be valuable if kept in good condition.

Also, another popular antique toy would be the old jack in the box. Now when I was growing up these were not popular at all. But now they are getting mass appeal from the younger audience mainly because they do not produce them anymore.

Baseball toys will always reign popular. Anything from baseball cards, bats, even gloves. These bring back the great American past time which is why most will never lose value. Also, many people think that if the item they have has some scratches or mess ups with it, it has no value. That is the farthest thing from the truth!

By having something like this, the value of your item may even go up and have a high demand somewhere else.

With every year that goes by, so does the popularity of antique toys. Whether you like them or not, they should raise some eyebrows as many of them can be sold for a very lucrative price if you decide to do so. These types of toys are never going to go out of style, as they bring too much memories to others from their childhoods.

If it isn't special to you, it can be special to someone else.

The Beautiful World of Antique Miniature Engravings

Anyone who collects antiques will tell you that no matter what their favorite type of antique may be, there is one that stands out. This is the world of miniature antique engravings. These beautiful engravings have all the warmth and skill of normal antique engravings but at a fraction of the size.

There are many different forms in which you may find these miniature engravings. They may grace everything from antique handmade toys to being engraved on dishes or glassware. They may also be represented by many different forms. From miniature engravings of landscapes or other such pictures to famous quotes or favorite bible verses you can find any number of miniature antique engravings on the market.

Be forewarned however, just because these are available on the market doesn't mean that collectors won't find good stiff competition. Miniature collectors tend to be highly motivated to build their collection. Perhaps one of the best examples of such antique miniature engravings is the famous Lord's Prayer Pin. Created over the span of three years, between 1913 and 1915, this gold pin was engraved by Godfrey Lundberg.

Just one glance at this gold pin and you will quickly see the sort of interest that such miniature antique engravings can have. Another miniature antique engraving, also created by Mr. Lundberg, is the gold needle that has the letters "US" engraved directly on the needle's point. Imagine how much patience and attention to detail it would take to engrave the entire Lord's Prayer on the head of a pin.

It is just such skill that draws collectors to miniature engravings. Most all pieces you will find are one of a kind and rarely leave a person's collection. Again, the Lord's Prayer pin is a direct example of this. After spending 90 years in a vault it is just coming onto the market this miniature (the world's smallest in fact) is expected to draw an amazing $3 million+ when it sells at auction. This proves just how rare some of these miniature antique engravings can be.

A true aficionado of this genre of antiques will tell you that this is a small price to pay for the world's smallest antique engraving. While there are several examples of such high valued miniature antique engravings there are plenty of opportunities for the casual collector as well. There have been amazing results from stopping at a yard sale or flea market or even by searching online. Now the Lord's Prayer Pin is being sold at auction online. Keep your eyes open and who knows? You may just find yourself a treasure just as valuable as the world's smallest antique engraving. 

Buy Cheap Antique German Dolls

If a doll collector is looking for antique German dolls, chances are she is on a lookout for a Handwerck.

These antique German dolls have large almond shape eyes that are said to be the best and most prominent features. It may have a French appearance but it has good quality because it is made from the best materials.

Antique German dolls such as the Handwerck were manufactured in 1876. This continued til the early 1900s. The Handwerck manufacturing company was owned by Kammer & Reinhardt after the original owner Heinrich Handwerck passed away in 1902.

The Handwerck is found on a ball. This is the composition for the body which Handwerck made as he was constructing the doll. Doll companies purchase the bodies and the parts of the dolls that they are constructing from other manufacturers nowadays.

Therefore, a collector must have a keen eye and determine which are the original authentic parts and which aren't. As much as possible, they want to collect dolls that are unmarked. They want the dolls they invest in to come from original parts.

Collectors know that there are a lot of "doll hospitals" during the manufacturing of the antique German dolls. If there is a paper sticker on any part of the doll, then these might have been obtained on a hospital repair visit.

This does not make the doll less desirable for any collectors. Collecting it is still a trend but those true blue collectors want their dolls to be as authentic as possible.

In fact, businessmen made profits by buying then selling them and there is a difference in pricing when the dolls are authentic and when these dolls have stickers. The average doll collector prefers those attic finds.

They don't want any modern restoration facilities done because these would make it modernized and not antique.

The hype on collecting antique German dolls has even hit eBay. Most collectors check out the values and prices of the dolls that are sold online.

They compare and check whether these dolls are authentic antique German dolls or they have parts from other construction companies making these less authentic.

There are some collectors who remove the non-original bisque parts of their antique German dolls and continue to scour stores and online sites in search for the original parts so that they could replace these.

Since the doll is connected to a ball, there are chances wherein the stringing cord is already black with dust and can no longer be used but this is what those die hard collectors prefer.

Antique World Maps - Best Collectibles

During the Christian era, maps already exist that are regard as flat representations of the flat surface of the entire environment. Strabo and Ptolemy are the two persons who greatly influence the earliest world maps in our history.

Why do you think that old maps can be a wonderful item for collectors? Antique world maps can be perfect item not only because of its age but because of the beauty it gives. When you want something unique displayed in your house and this is one of the best suggestions I can offer you.

Choosing an antique world map can be critical for you need to consider certain factors that have the greatest value. Some of these factors should include the size, historical importance, regions depicted, rarity, age and the artistic qualities it possess. Having your own chosen collections has different meanings for each person. It has something about their personality and likes.

Antique world maps like mentioned earlier are used by early generations that are produced in limited copies which makes it more interesting to collect. Most of the original copies are already owned by different institutions and placed in the museums or sometimes owned by an explorer that also became an avid map collector. Having these items displayed in your house would mean that you are the type of person who gives credit to our history as well as to historical items that truly create a different impression that can inspire others too.

Maintenance is important if you have antique world maps as your collections. Once this item is totally stained or destroyed it becomes useless and worthless. This can be very expensive when it is in perfect shape and are still in good condition. Avoid buying maps that are said to be antique but shows no evidence at all. As a collector, you need to examine properly the item before getting it.

Antique Porcelain China - How to Spot the Genuine

If you are looking for porcelain always go for antique porcelain china, china wares are the best deal you could have on porcelains. When it comes to porcelain a wide variety is always available in the market thus the only problem is choosing what best for you.

China is well known genius in making pottery. There expertise made them famous for making porcelain chinaware. Most porcelain are even dated back from 11th century thus making it antique porcelain china which collectors and dealers are crazy about even households. Who can resist the beauty of antique porcelain china sets or antique porcelain china dinnerware? The answer is no one, not even the modern furniture fanatics.

Most antiques we see today are from shipwrecks salvaged that dated back from Ming dynasty, Qing dynasty and Song dynasty. Some of these salvaged antique porcelain china sets are in still good condition and still have high value. Collectors always go for these antiques which normally found in shipwrecks.

Before, porcelains are made especially for the emperor called Imperial kiln or peoples ware for ordinary people during the Yuan dynasty and the Min Yao. Imperial kiln is expensive than peoples ware the fact that it is made and only used by the emperor made it much of a higher value compared to others. If you buy antiques look for marks-like the "nian hao" for the imperial kiln though it is hard sometimes to identify if the item is genuine or not. Mostly fake ones have the lesser price; do not fall for the cheap price.

Antique Teapots - The Blast From the Past!

People collect many things- stamps, coins to name a few. Some people make a hobby out of collecting antique teapots. As a matter of fact, antique teapots make for a good collector's item both for its beauty and investment value. The Yixing clay teapot made by Gongchun in 1513 is the earliest teapot that exists. It is kept at the Flagstaff House Museum of Teaware.

Antique teapots can be found at antique shops, auctions and even on the internet. Two of the most common makers of antique teapots are the Royal Copenhagen of Denmark and the RS Prussia.

To begin with, anyone who wants to make a hobby out of collecting antique teapots must do a study on its history and value. This is essential as it gives a person an idea of the value and worth of such teapots and saves them from investing excessively in inferior items.

One of the best places to look for antique teapots would be in your local antique shops. You must build up a good rapport with the owner of the shop and let them know of your interests. You could leave your contact numbers with them and ask them to contact you if anything of your interest comes in.

You may unexpectedly find something of interest at a garage sale. What may look like junk to one person may turn out to be priceless or at least of some interest for another. It is therefore, a good idea to regularly visit garage sales.

Thrift stores are another good place to look for antique teapots. Some people give away their old things to such stores without realizing its true value.

If you are looking for genuine antiques and are willing to pay a high price for it, then you must go to an estate sale. These sales often feature high quality antiques that have been in the family for generations.

Bidding in online auctions is another way to build up on your antique collection. In the hundreds of websites that you will find online, there will be antiques catering to both the beginner and the serious collector. To avoid paying too much, it is better to read up a bit on these items unless you are very keen on owning them and the cost does not matter much to you.

Investing a lot of time, money and energy into these antiques is the only way to ensure that you have the best collection for your home.

When Collecting Antique China Becomes a Fetish

Buying antique china to add to your collection of antiques is a great idea. Collecting antiques can be an expensive hobby but it is definitely worth the investment. This is why even if you would have to shell out a lot of cash for it, if collecting them can give you that sense of joy, then there's no reason why you wouldn't think about adding them to your collection.

You will realize you have an excellent hobby of collecting antiques when they are appraised higher than the amount that you have originally bought them for. However, a fetish is a fetish. When you are attached to things, you usually wouldn't want to get rid of them or sell them away even if you know they are already priced higher than the amount you have originally bought them. So, is that a bad thing or not?

When collecting antique china is part of your business, you are willing to learn everything there is to learn about antiques. Some information that you once thought to be dull and boring will suddenly become of interest to you. Below is a list of things that would be of paramount importance when you get yourself hooked into buying antiques:

1. Knowledge of history. When you are into buying or selling antiques, it is expected that you would have some idea about the history of the antiques in your possession. This is something that you would also like to do further research or inquiry about. With this, you are then willing to go out of your way in order to gain knowledge of the story behind such antiquities.

2. Age. We all know that for a thing to be considered antique, it should be at least a hundred years old. It takes skills and expertise to know the age of an antique. Somehow, it would be a little easier to do that if you have been collecting and reading more about antique china for quite some time.

3. You will know the techniques on how to handle antiques with care. One of the things that would interest you when you own antiques is on the best way to handle them safely. Antiques are good investments, which is why you also want to make sure they are well kept and secured; naturally because you didn't purchase them cheap.

4. You will find it important to determine a real antique from a fake one. When you want to invest your money on antiques, you would want to find out if they are real or not. Surely, you don't want your money invested on antiques only to find out that they were not actually antiques but vintage stuff. In this case, it is best to hire and appraiser for confirmation.

5. You will know the value of such antiquities. Whether you are selling or buying antiques, the knowledge of the current value of antiques will prove to be very important to you.

Every now and then, you would love to learn more information as you go about collecting antiques.

Antique Furniture History - Part One

Collecting antique furniture can be a very expensive hobby, however if you love the finer things in life and have money to spend, there is no reason why you should prevent yourself from buying antique furniture for your personal use.

If you are an investor, antique furniture, when carefully preserved and cared for, can also be a good investment, especially if the items you have are extremely rare.

Whatever your purpose for collecting and buying antique furniture, it is important that you have some knowledge, or at least access to knowledge through an expert, of the pieces that you are interested in. If you are a new collector, it is often advisable to visit a dealer or furniture maker so that you can seek some appropriate advice and guidance, which most experts would be more than willing to do.

It is widely believed that English antique furniture was largely influenced by European furniture design, although you will still see subtle differences between the two styles. This article will cover English furniture styles and designs starting from the Renaissance period, up until the Baroque period.

The Renaissance Period

Arguably the most popular style of furniture during this era was Tudor furniture, which was influenced by European style. Tudor pieces were generally made from oak and were greatly influenced by both Medieval and Gothic designs. Most pieces of antique furniture produced during this period tended to be beds, chests, dining tables, stools, benches and chairs. Carvings that are found on pieces of Tudor furniture are usually Gothic-inspired designs.

Another style of furniture that emerged during this particular era was the Elizabethan style. Many believe that furniture makers in England during the time of Queen Elizabeth were greatly influenced by their Italian counterparts. Apart from using the ever popular oak, another type of wood that was favoured and commonly used during this period was walnut.

The furniture during this period was almost unadorned and somewhat bare in appearance. Instead of having really ornate chairs and tables with pretty designs and great detail, people preferred to show their opulence and extravagance through their tapestries and carpets. This meant that fine linen, needlework, embroidered cushions and silk hangings were more of a focal point, as were brass and pewter cups too.

Fast forwarding through to the latter part of the Renaissance period, so this would have been around 1602-1649, another style would emerge. This style would be known as Jacobean.

This marked yet another subtle change in design as furniture became simpler and restrained in comparison to how it was during the Elizabethan period. In the United States, this type of furniture is often referred to as Pilgrim furniture.

After the Elizabethan period where tapestries and fine linen were the eye catching items, during the early part of the Jacobean era, wood would once again dominate the furniture scene. Oak antique furniture as well as walnut were once again popular. During the time of Charles I however, padded upholstery and more intricate embroidery did become more en vogue. Some experts also believe that the Moorish influence can also be seen in furniture styles during this period.

Pieces of antique furniture that were made during the renaissance period are nowadays very rare, valuable and often very sought after. In fact many pieces of furniture that were made during this period are preserved and can only be seen in museums.

The Baroque Period

The style of furniture during the early part of the Baroque period was called Restoration or Carolean and was the period when Charles II regained the throne. This also signalled a change in preference as instead of the ever popular oak, people tended to prefer mahogany and walnut for their furniture.

During this interesting period both French and Dutch art greatly influenced the style of pieces of furniture. This meant that canned seats, twisted legs, veneering and engraved scrolls were all evident in the furniture pieces during this time.

The latter part of the Baroque period was considered by some as the golden era of English antique furniture. During this period England was under the rule of William and Mary, and Queen Anne. This lead to ebony and walnut veneers, as well as fine cabinetmaking becoming very popular. Detail and designs such as trumpet-shaped legs also emerged for the first time.

This is widely considered to be quite an interesting time in the history of English antique furniture, as it was also the time when English craftsmen who had studied foreign styles intensely, began to experiment with their own individual styles and design.

The next style of antique furniture that would emerge was the Rococo style, and this will be covered in the second part of this article.

Lady Head Vases to Salt and Pepper Shakers - Find Collectibles Online

Back in the day, when you wanted to find a certain collectible, it could take an entire lifetime of searching flea markets, antique shops, and garages sales. With the advent of the Internet, though, it can be pretty easy to find exactly what you want, no matter where in the world it is.

Not only that, but you can often find your favorite collectibles at really reasonable prices. There are a lot of little online shops that specialize in certain types of collectible items. In addition, there are several auction sites, like eBay for example, where you can find hard to find items up for bid.

Over time you can build a pretty awesome collection. Have you dreamed of owning something special? Lady head vases are a popular item that a lot of people collect. There are always several beautiful ones being bid on. Some people are into salt and pepper shakers, others collect a variety of items from a specific period of time, like Western memorabilia.

The largest selection of collectibles is on eBay, and if you keep your eye on the auctions, you'll eventually find exactly what you're looking for. The best part is you often can get things for much less than you'd pay in an antique store. If the price of the item goes too high, you can always wait until another one comes up for bid. The convenience is great too - shopping from the comfort of your chair can't be beat sometimes. In the time it would take you to visit one store in person you can search on hundreds of online stores. The Internet is really the only way to go if you want to add to your collection.

Gold Antiques

Antiques are according to the dictionary some works of art, pieces of furniture, or decorative objects made at an earlier period and according to various customs laws at least 100 years ago. Under the term of antiques a lot of objects could be included. For instance, ancient pieces of furniture, jewelry, vintage items of clothing, any of these could become the object of a passionate collection. Moreover, if the collection is meant to be really valuable and to ensure a significant amount of money to its owner, the gold antiques are the safest.

Gold has been preferred thanks to its value even from the Ancient Egypt, 3000 years ago. It took the form of precious jewelries which are very popular on the market nowadays because of their value, as such items do not lose their value in time no matter how old fashioned they might become. In addition, the gold antiques market does not ask just for jewelry in the sense we know nowadays. Golden head ornaments, collars and arm bands were also some forms of gold jewelry back in the past. Of course that nowadays, it is more common to find earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches and everything which can be worn among the items of an ingrained collector. Some collectors are fascinated about the history of a ring or a pair of earrings, others are thrilled to wear something that no matter what queen had worn, without any visible trace of the passing of time. Because of these stories and thanks to the value of gold, the gold antiques are the most precious on the antiques market.

As the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors mentioned, the gold antiques have been one of the top sectors in the market lately, despite the crisis. Besides jewelry, any golden piece of furniture or gold statue represents a good investment for the future, thanks to the precious metal.

Another separate chapter in the world of gold antiques is the numismatic wonder. The gold coins are one of the safest ways of getting extra money. Buying antique gold coins is an investment where it is impossible to loose, as they are usually sold at the highest yield gold price.

All in all, the owners of any gold antiques are not only very passionate collectors but at the same time the happy owners of never devalued items. Buying gold means money, but buying gold antiques means a fortune!

Vintage Postcards - Basic Information For the New Collector Or Dealer

Anyone looking for a hobby or a way to supplement their income should consider vintage postcards as their product of choice. Why postcards, you ask? There is a huge supply of postcards available in the secondary marketplace and, if you are going to be a collector, they do not take up much room so they are easy to store and, if you are going to be a dealer, they are easy to ship.

The majority of vintage postcards have a low to mid-range value. If you can buy large lots of them at reasonable prices, you should be able to make some decent profit based on the volume. Unless each lot has been gone through by professional postcard dealers, you may come across one or two that are worth some pretty good money - possibly enough to pay for the entire lot.

Postcards are similar to stamps and coins - they are graded as to condition. The various grades are M for mint, NM for near mint, EX for excellent, VG for very good, G for good and FR for fair. The grades of mint and near mint can really be subjective. The definition of each of these two grades can be very hard to live up to in reality. Finding vintage postcards in close to perfect condition is very difficult.

When it comes to determining age, all vintage postcards fall into what are called eras. There are seven of them in all. The very first is referred to as the pioneer era and covers postcards produced between 1870 and 1898. The second only covers a four-year period, 1898 to 1901, and is called the private mailing card era.

The others are the undivided back era (1901-1907), divided back era (1907-1915), the white border era (1915-1930), the linen era (1930-1945) and the photochrome era (1939 - today).

Not technically considered an era, because they were produced almost from the very beginning, are the highly popular and collectible real photo postcards. Today they are referred to as RPPCs and many of them, depending on the scenes depicted, bring hundreds of dollars.

The well-known "golden age" of postcards ended around 1915. Prior to this time, most postcards were produced in Germany. With the start of World War I, production shifted to the United States. Not only was the quality of these new cards not as good as those produced by Germany, many of them were just reprints of previously issued postcards.

The value of postcards is not just determined by condition and age but also by subject matter. Some topics are not very collectible at all but some are so highly desirable that people will pay outrageous sums of money for them. Subject matter and themes can be complicated when determining value so it is recommended that anyone interested in either collecting or selling postcards invest in a good reference book about them, one that includes a price guide.

The list of different subject matters and themes are quite extensive. Holiday themes are hugely popular, especially postcards that depict scenes of Halloween or Santa Claus. Within each theme or subject matter, any card that is artist signed is automatically worth more than those that are unsigned. There were a number of very talented artists that created postcards back then and today their work is in much demand by serious collectors.

In the early days of postcard production, sets of postcards and postcard series were very popular. This was actually a very successful marketing tool that was used by several of the postcard manufacturers. Once someone had a postcard that was actually part of a set or a series, they most naturally wanted the other installments. Today, collectors will pay a substantial premium to secure the one card they might need to complete a set or series.

There are several other unique types of postcards that were quite popular back then that have added value today. The first is called a hold to light postcard. These cards have cutouts in the top layer with colored paper placed below. An example would be bright yellow paper showing through cutouts shaped like candle flames. Upon holding the postcard up to the light, the candles appear to be lit.

The other type is what is called a mechanical postcard. In this case, a card will have at least one moving part such as a wheel that is hidden beneath the top layer of the card. The wheel might contain the 12 months of the year allowing for a particular month to show through a small window. Mechanical postcards like this provided the opportunity for someone to actually personalize a postcard to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary.

When dealing with vintage postcards, there is one more important thing to remember. Many earlier postcards were filled out and mailed. Used versus never used does have an effect on value but when it comes to a used card, the value may not lie with the actual postcard, but with the postage stamp affixed to it. Many old postage stamps are quite valuable. No one should get rid of what appears to be a worthless postcard without checking the stamp first.

Collecting Antique Farm Memorabilia

A growing number of people are collecting antique manure spreaders brochures and other farm memorabilia. It doesn't matter whether or not these souvenirs and keepsakes are old printed advertisements, metal or paper signs, a mint condition brochure for antique manure spreaders can be a great collectible.

Collecting Antique Farm Memorabilia

While it takes to very deep pockets to buy and sell real antique new idea manure spreaders and antique wood John Deere machinery, not to mention researching all those antique tractor parts, just about anyone can collect farm memorabilia. Many farm families and former equipment dealers and employees often keep souvenirs of the machines they owned or worked with.

It is not uncommon to find a loose flyer or manual hiding away in a trunk or shoved out of sight in a box in the corner of a barn depicting antique manure spreaders, tractors, hay wagons and balers in robust black and white. Most memorabilia is worth little more than just simple nostalgia pieces.

But if occasionally, a collector with a sharp and discerning eye for detail will come across an advertisement or signage for a rare model of John Deere tractor. Or better still something displaying an early model antique New Idea manure spreader.

American farmers turned inventors, Joseph Oppenheim and Henry Synck developed the first commercially available manure spreader in the 1800s. The New Idea Company (under various owners and names) has made the spreaders and other mechanized farming machines ever since and recently celebrated its 100 year old anniversary in 1999 as a division of the AGCO Corporation.

As you can tell any type of keepsake or toy or advertising that depicts any antique farm tool, machinery or equipment is not only valuable for its own sake but could also be of interest to both collectors of full size tractors or well as farm toy enthusiasts.

Types of Farm Memorabilia

Collectors have various ways to organize their collections:

• By brand or manufacturer

Like John Deere, New Idea or International Harvester. This type of collecting is the most popular for both ease of organization plus displaying a whole set of green John Deere replicas has a certain visual appeal.

• By machinery type

Tractors vs. hay balers. This is the next most popular method; since people normally want to buy toys or items that match the type of equipment they remember the most fondly like tractors.

• By age

Vintage manure spreaders (20-30 years old) vs. antique manure spreaders (75-100+ years old). The age of collection is often set more by budget restrictions than any other factor since true antiques are often out of price range of a beginner collector.

• By individual preference (a collector just likes the way the advertisement or sign looks or it reminds them of personal memory.)

In any of the cases mentioned above, investing in farm memorabilia be it vintage dealer signs or posters of antique manure spreaders, you can see how this simple hobby can turn that old trash in the attic into a treasure or two.

Chinese Antique Architectural Fragments

China is a very large country with one of the most ancient civilizations on the face of the earth. It has had a history of building that is thousands of years old. Over the past 30 years, China has changed dramatically, and major cities have been completely renovated with new buildings being created where prior buildings had stood often for hundreds of years. In other words, China has become preoccupied with taking its rightful seat among the great powers of the world, and has done what it believed necessary to design and build an infrastructure to support that position.

The political system in China has facilitated the great make-over of the cities. Once the state makes up its mind, there really are no second thoughts or differing opinions. The practical application of this might be expressed as "down with the old and up with the new." Efforts to protect and maintain old architecture have not succeeded except in relatively few cases.

Therefore a building that might be 3-400 years old can be destroyed overnight. Usually there is some advance warning. Occupants have to be resettled, and plans made. So, certain opportunities present themselves. People get wind of an impending demolition and manage to strip many houses of "built-in" decorative items. Windows, doors, and carved ornamentation are removed and resold into the antiques market. Many of these items need repair as they may not have always been maintained in a scrupulous manner. Others are just fine.

Many of these architectural fragments are simply beautiful as independent sculpture. Windows and doors are frequently beautifully carved - often in highly symbolic images- and clearly worth whatever restoration is required. Others are so far destroyed that only fragments can be salvaged. Now these elements take on a new life of their own. Removed from their original setting, they offer glimpses of the magnificent skill set that carpenters have used throughout the ages.

These fragments are used in multiple ways. People will often use a window as they would a fine painting. Carefully hung on a wall, it becomes high art in and of itself. Doors can function in the same way. Doors, however, are sometimes made into movable screens. Hinged together, the doors make a very substantial - yet portable- room divider. Rescued carvings often are of personages or other highly symbolic objects that convey a sense of "blessing" when hung on a wall. In a certain sense, therefore, China's old houses do not die completely, but are given rebirth in differing forms, enabling us to appreciate the skills of their creators, and providing another of those wonderful physical connections the living have with the dead.

Even though these architectural fragments are Chinese, they are appreciated the world over. Serious collectors and museums have them on display, quality antique shops have them for sale, and there is serious competition for the various remnants at auction houses in the Western world as well as the Eastern. As China's wealth increases, more and more serious collectors are Chinese. Indeed many of the finest examples of Chinese architectural fragments are being bought in the West, and shipped back to be with their new owners in China

Antique and Collectible Values - Are They Reliable?

Many people have antiques and collectibles that they have either purchased over the years or have inherited from friends or family members. At some point in time, almost everyone is interested in learning the current values of such items.

Different people go to different places to get estimates of what their particular treasures are worth. Does each antique or collectible have a set value? Will you be given the same price regardless of where you take it? The answer to both questions is no.

If someone is providing you with his or her professional opinion as to what an item is worth, you have to ask yourself who is this person? What is this person's association with the antiques business?

If you take an antique to an antique mall for evaluation you will have a completely different result than if you took that same item to an auction house or an antique show. Each person at each of these three locations has a completely different outlook as to value. Most people will speak to what they know. An auctioneer will provide you with a price that he or she thinks the item will bring at auction. The same can be said for the mall and show dealers. Each has a different perspective.

The hopes of getting a realistic quote as to the value of your item gets further complicated when you incorporate all the other important factors. Other factors include:

1. The condition of the item.
   
2. Where in the country is your item going to be sold?
   
3. Is your item presently on the "What's Hot" list?

The most important of these factors is condition. Condition has the biggest affect on the value of any antique or collectible because there are so many variables involved - chips, cracks, scratches, missing pieces, fading, etc. Also, there are different degrees of damage assigned to each of these that also effect price, such as a small chip that can't be seen as opposed to a large chip that is located in a really conspicuous place.

Where an item is going to be sold is extremely pertinent. There may be a call for Early American furniture in New England but you will not find anyone in Florida who is the least bit interested. It is all about location, location, location.

Last, but not least, is whether or not your item is popular at the present time. Different antiques and collectibles fall in and out of favor all the time. You only want to cash it in during the height of its popularity. In this respect it is similar to the stock market. Buy low and sell high.

You can attempt to determine the current worth of your item yourself by using reference books or price guides. Keep in mind that the prices in most of these books represent the highest amount realized for any given item at live auction, not how much it sold for on eBay or at an antique store. Sometimes auction prices are higher than retail but sometimes they are not. Just remember that these books are giving you information as it relates to auctions only.

If you do use reference books or price guides to evaluate one or more of your items, check the publication dates of the books that you are using. Most books get reprinted or updated with new values every few years. If you are using a book that was published five years ago then that book is giving you prices that are five years old. The item or items you are researching could be worth more or less today than what the books are telling you. This is very important to remember.

Notice that no mention has been made here concerning written appraisals. A written appraisal is something completely different from a verbal appraisal or an estimate or even an opinion from an antiques and collectibles expert. A written appraisal is an official document that is recognized by the courts. It is mainly used for insurance purposes and it provides a replacement cost of an item that is damaged, lost or stolen. Written appraisals are expensive and should only be obtained for legal reasons.

All About Antique Opera Glasses

The hand held eyeglasses were quite common and popular during the 18th century till the beginning of the 19th century. These glasses were the most common and fashionable type of spectacles that were traditionally used in the earlier days. In those days silver, gold and steel plated spectacles were quite fashionable and trendy. The opera glasses were made to serve various purposes like one of the most popular types were the Rose Enamel that was used for the purpose of viewing birds and flowers.

These glasses were manufactured in France. The pearl opera glasses were another common type which was also known as amber colored mother. These glasses featured a central lorgnette and restoration for purpose of handling it. Among the other types of antique glasses, the French opera glasses were also quite popular. These pieces had different types of beautiful embroidery caste on it. For example a man playing a flute and a women holding a fan which consists of beautiful scenery at the background, can be caste on these antique pieces.

These glasses were mostly manufactured during the 19th century and the usually consists of polished brass body which increased their class and elegance. Another variety manufactured in Paris was the Cobalt Blue with Silver Star and a scroll of gold. These antique pieces were basically a pair of field binoculars and they were specially used by rich landlords of earlier times.

The classification of these antique pieces was done on the basis of telescope that was created by Galileo. These binoculars consist of concave eyepiece attached with lens that was convex. Finally the combination of this lens made the image look larger and upright to person who is viewing it. These antique pieces consist of enclosing tube and lens rim which can be easily folded when the thing is not in use.

Longcase Grandfather Clocks and What You Should Know About Them

The longcase grandfather clocks are very popular and probably you have a piece hanging on the wall. It is also called a tall case clock, a floor clock, a longcase clock or simply a grandfather clock. This clock is usually tall, self-supporting and has a weighty pendulum secured inside the clock's case waist. Most of the grandfather clocks crafted in this style are big. They normally measure approximately six to eight feet tall. You will find that many clocks have lovely cases, which are embellished and intricately carved.

The hood that encircles the clock face is attractive on many long face clocks. This is truly one of the oldest clocks existing because it was made in the 1670.William Clement; a renowned English clock manufacturer is remembered for this invention. You may be wondering why the clocks are called grandfather. The term is based on a song that was written by Henry Clay Work in 1876. The song, which became a hit in those days, was called My Grandfather Clock and it was inspired by an irreparable clock story.

You can also find some grandmother longcase clocks in the market. There is no definite way of differentiating the two terms. However, the grandfather clocks are least six feet tall or over. Available as well are the granddaughter clocks, which are lower than five feet tall. The longcase pendulum clocks that were manufactured before 1670 lacked a better escapement system, as they used verge. It was William Clement who invented the anchor escapement system. This system solved the following problems of the older versions such as the:

• Wide Pendulum swings: Older pendulum clock versions needed swings of approximately eighty to a hundred degrees. This anchor escapement system required four to six degrees pendulum swings.
• Clocks without long pendulums inside the cases: Long pendulum fitted within a clock case could not work because of wide swings. The new anchor system could allow clock makers to still use a long pendulum with few swings.

The new versions had some extra advantages. First, they did not require extra power to sustain the rate of swings. They also caused minimal friction and damage than the earlier versions, not to mention how accurate the clocks were. Most of the grandfather clocks you are likely find use second pendulum. This means that every pendulum swing takes only one second. These clocks are thirty-nine inches long thus they are housed in a long narrow casing. You should of course consider buying the modern longcase clocks. They typically use an anchor escapement known as the deadbeat, which makes them very accurate.

They use eight-day movements meaning you will have to wait to reset the movements. Cables or chains usually suspend the weights for most contemporary clocks. Some have a pulley system and others have a gear system. There is no doubt that modern longcase grandfather clocks are technologically advanced, elegant and accurate. If you want to buy a clock like this to decorate your home, do it on the Internet. It is easy to choose a piece that complements your home's interior design.

Select an Antique Wardrobe Trunk Online

Antique wardrobe trunks simply reflect youth's growing interest in classic items. These trunks have witnessed the change of times but have strongly continued their successful march and are still ruling the class. The antique trunks are being used by the young people who love to use things easier and comfortable. While selecting the antique wardrobe trunks, you should make all consideration like space in your bedroom and other things like its storage capacity and finally the make of it. If you have large room then you can have the ample space in your room and can use these trunks and can enjoy its vibrant features.

One can take help of the manufacturer or an expert designer to make a great choice while buying antique wardrobe trunks. As these trunks require a special specification for their designs, the professional help in getting these trunks can be very useful. They can guide you about the size and designs of the trunks and what are the current trends prevailing over the market.

Going by the current trend you will be able to get the right kind of antique wardrobe trunk available in different colors and designs. While looking or these trunks you should also check the kind of wooden material have been used in it. Any inferior quality can spoil your favorite trunk design. So, by ensuring the quality you have won the half battle only. Now you can ask the manufacturer to make the treatment to save it from termite and humidity. All these steps are very useful as the trunk is going top save your precious cloths in it and will be responsible for it. Any leakage in it will cause havoc with your cloths.

There is no dearth of antique wardrobe trunk and these are available in the market. Over the years it has evolved itself from its past position and has come with other features also. You can opt for the extra large wooden space available on these trunks. You can use this space to keep your TV and other objects. It will not occupy large space in your bedroom and will also help you in keeping your needed thing within your reach.

Search online to get the details about antique wardrobe trunk so that you can get a right quality product. You can visit certain websites to get variety of the products and can select your trunk. The website will provide ample information about the products and will showcase the antique trunks which can be useful in getting it. Don't forget about its maintenance part. Ensure it and get the good results for longer period.

So, go ahead and make a search and selection online and get the right kind of antique wardrobe trunks.

Discover the Magic of the Antique Singer Sewing Machine

Now, don't get mistaken, just because you already have an antique Singer sewing machine that doesn't mean that it's already practically useless. With proper care and enough information, you will still be able to create wonderful clothing masterpieces out of it. Sure, time will always put a limit on everything, but believe it or not, the antique Singer sewing machine your grandmother endowed to you may actually be of more worth now as compared to when it was brand new.

So, before you think of junking that antique singer sewing machine you have lying in your house, do a little research first, you might actually be throwing a gem of an item away. Now, there are many sites that will be able to offer you information in terms of determining just how old or valuable the Singer machines that you have right now, but most of them usually talk about the same standards.

So, want to determine really just how valuable that machine you have is at home right now? Here are a few of the determinants highly regarded by collectors. For one, antique sewing machines are considered "antique "by collectors if they've been manufactured before the turn of the century. They have been created after the 1900's are considered vintage by most antique collectors thereby driving their value much further.

In essence, the older your machine is, the higher the price it will be fetching. If you really want accurate information as to the year your particular antique sewing machine was manufactured, give the company a call and provide them with the serial that your machine has. With the serial number alone, the Singer Company will be able to provide you with numerous amounts of information regarding the particular machine that you have, including the model number and year of manufacture.

If you really want to increase the value of your machine, you might want to take personal steps in terms of restoring it. Some of the details that you need to pay attention to when cleaning/restoring includes; serial number, proper needle function, brand name, color (according to manufacturer specification at time of manufacture), and intact housing (where applicable) and decoration.

Now, if you're not really interested in selling your antique Singer sewing machine because it holds huge sentimental value for your family, you'll still be able to get the most out of it. Restoration doesn't directly equate to selling of course. With the right information and care, you'll still be able to use your machine.

All in all, antique Singer sewing machines will be able to give you great value and timeless beauty. It's just up to you on whether you're aiming to sell or keep them for future generations. So, you think that the Singer sewing you have lying at home is useless? Take a deeper look as you just might've been passing opportunities by.

Displaying an Antique Collection Safely and Beautifully

Antiques can be displayed in a multitude of different ways, but it is important that the method you select should be appropriate to your lifestyle. You may long to display your collection of antiques throughout your home; however, if, for example, you have pets or children, fragile or potentially hazardous objects should probably be kept well out of their reach - perhaps up on a shelf or in a cabinet.

Bear in mind that not only can children or pets damage vulnerable and valuable objects, but that antiques can also pose a threat to their safety. Even something as seemingly innocent-looking as an old teddy bear may contain wires that could harm a small child. However, so long as you take simple precautions, there is no need to feel frightened of your collection. Many types of antiques, such as furniture, glass and silver, can still be used for their original purpose, or adapted for modern-day living.

Successful display should allow you to enjoy your collection as much as possible, whilst still conserving it in good condition. Before you decide where to position your antiques, you should bear in mind how the piece was originally intended to be seen and used. Some pieces of furniture, for instance, were made to be placed against a wall, others were meant to be centrally positioned; try and display the piece in an appropriate manner.

If you have a smaller object, say a sculpture, which is meant to be seen in the round, and you have nowhere suitable to put it, you could place it in front of a mirror, so that it can still be appreciated from every angle. You may find you need to have shelves or cupboards specially constructed to house your collection.

However, before you decide where to install special fittings, do not forget that nearly all types of antiques, with the exception of ceramics, silver and other types of metalware, should be displayed away from strong sunlight and direct sources of heat. So do not, for instance, display your samplers in front of a sunny window, and try to keep the backs of antique furniture away from radiators.

If your room is a particularly sunny one, objects such as textiles and prints can be displayed behind light-resistant glass, which will allow you to enjoy them whilst protecting them from fading. If you need to mount old photographs, or printed ephemera, in order to display them behind glass it is best to use mounting tape rather than glue, which can irreversibly damage the objects themselves.

How to Photograph and Document Your Antique Collection

There are two important ways in which you can protect your collection. Firstly, you should try to deter potential thieves from entering your home by making it as secure as possible. If you are unsure about how to go about this, you can contact the crime prevention officer through the local police station. He will be able to advise you on ways of safeguarding your belongings and should be able to recommend a reputable security firm in your area who can install additional locks or alarms or whatever other equipment may be necessary.

An inventory, or list of your collection, will be invaluable for this, but it is also vitally important to have a clear photograph of each object in your collection. By photographing all the items in your collection, you will help to redress this balance, and greatly increase the chances of recovering stolen items should you fall victim to crime.

PHOTOGRAPHING

You may want to enlist the help of a professional photographer to photograph your collection, although if you observe a few simple guidelines it is quite a simple task to do it yourself. It is best to photograph objects using colour film outdoors in natural daylight. Choose a day when there is a light cloud cover, so the sunlight is not too harsh and the shadows are not very noticeable.

For the clearest results the new digital cameras can be used. To get the best results stand with the sun behind you, level with the object, not above or to the side, and close enough to fill the view finder. If the objects are very small, it is best to photograph them against a plain background; white is usually the best colour for this, unless the object itself is predominantly white, in which case use a grey or black background.

It is also useful when photographing your collection to include a scale reference; a ruler placed beside each object is a good way of doing this. If the object is behind glass, stand slightly to one side to avoid unwanted reflections and glare. Take at least one shot of each object, as well as close-up shots of any identifying scratches, bumps or marks on each piece.

These detailed shots are especially important if the object is likely to be similar to many others. If you can show the crack on the ear of your Staffordshire dog, the hallmarks of your Victorian candlestick or the chip on the face of your carriage clock, they will provide an invaluable method of positive identification. As well as these individual photographs, it is also a good idea to take general shots of your room. These will help you to remember any smaller items which you may forget to list.

Remember to keep your photographs together in a safe place. Ideally, they should be filed in your inventory beside the entry for each object. It is also a wise precaution to store a copy of photographs somewhere else for safekeeping.

Vintage Popcorn Popper - Where to Find Them and For How Much

Finding these machines in good working condition aren't exactly easy, and it may take some searching on the internet to really locate the one that best suites your tastes. First, you have to decide if you want an original or a replica. Originals are of course going to cost more, however, they do run the risk of failing to due the age of the machine. Alternatively, many high quality replicas are available.

To locate these replicas you can search on such sites as Amazon.com. In addition, I would highly recommend an internet auction site, such as eBay.com, or you can check in your local area on sites such as Craigslist.com. You will find a wide range of quality and price, so try to imagine your perfect vintage popcorn popper before starting your search to save yourself time.

It is important to realize that the cost of these machines can run anywhere from $50 into the thousands of dollars. The thousands of dollars would be aimed more toward the commercial market, whereas the less expensive machines are aimed at the home or consumer market. There are lots of different options for vintage popcorn poppers, and I would highly recommend getting a modern electric replica. IF you really wanted to go classic you could get a steam powered machine. The "original" vintage popcorn popper, created by Charles Cretors, was actually a steam powered machine. And these may still be had (though their ability to pop popcorn is considered inferior to today's electric models). It is recommended that the steam models be used mainly as a antique and the electric models be used for actual popcorn popping.

Some great inexpensive brands to look for would include: Atom, West Bend, Star, and Amana.

Techniques Used by Antique Clock Makers

Crossbanding

Crossbanding was a technique involving adding a veneered border of cross-grained wood to give strength to the edges wooden surfaces like doors and panels. This serves to prevent accidental damage from the occasional bump. The cross-grained wood used gave decoration alongside the ability to resist chipping, especially if the cross-banded wood used is different from the main panels. Longcase clocks with cross banding are generally more valuable.

Marquetry Cases

Popular on longcase clocks from 1680 to 1710. When marquetry decoration was first applied to English clock cases (c.1675), it was confined to shaped panels of flowers. By 1690, however, it had spread across the entire front of the case and often incorporated borders of swirling seaweed marquetry. The area of the case taken up with seaweed marquetry increased until, by 1700, it had entirely displaced the floral style. Japanned decoration had replaced all marquetry by 1710-15. Later examples are more lavishly decorated with mahogany used to make longcase clocks from the mid-18th century.

Some plain walnut clock cases were "marquetried-up" in the late 19th century. On many of these pieces, unless very crude indeed, the marquetry is of an age and quality that make it indistinguishable to all but an expert and may not affect the clock's value.

Check that the marquetry on the hood, trunk and plinth all match, since many plinths rotted from standing on damp stone floors and were replaced. Original marquetry should have an uneven feel, due to the shrinkage of the wood beneath the veneer. A very smooth, even surface may indicate recent repairs or restoration

The development of case and dial styles can be clearly followed and has been well recorded. A knowledge of cases, dials and hands is essential in dating any longcase clock and assessing authenticity.

In many instances, longcase clocks by provincial makers are the equal of their London counterparts, and provincial makers often produced interesting variations on the basic London styles. A number of country clocks with oak cases are of 30-hour, rather than eight-day duration.

These 30-hour clocks, with either a brass or a painted dial, are sought after today, as they represent the most inexpensive, yet still desirable, longcase timekeeper available on the market.

There is a large amount of information available on longcase clocks and their makers, which may help collectors check the provenance of a clock they are thinking of buying, and may also help with recognition and dating.

The records of some important makers have also survived. Although almost all clocks are signed by the clockmaker, nothing is so far known about the craftsmen who made the cases. The most collected longcase clocks today are mahogany veneered examples by London makers. These were the standard good quality domestic clock during the second half of the 18thC, and significant numbers are still available.

The History of the Hasbro Toy Company

Hasbro's beginnings started in 1923 in Providence, Rhode Island. Two brothers, Henry and Helal Hassenfeld came to the United States from Poland. They started a textile remnant company that sold cloth leftovers. By the mid 1920s, they were using the cloth leftovers to make hat liners, covers for pencil boxes and several other school supplies. The pencil box covers became very popular so the brothers decided that they would make the boxes also. The company grew and by 1926 was incorporated under the business name of Hassenfeld Brothers Incorporated.

Helal pursued other opportunities in the textile industry giving the majority leadership to Henry. Henry's tough business leadership made Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. a very successful business even through the "Great Depression". Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. averaged $500,000 from sales of the pencil boxes and school supplies. They employed 150 employees in 1929 and 200 employees in 1930, something that was remarkable during this time.

The supplier who provided Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. with pencils increased the price they had been selling the pencils for. This same supplier also started selling pencil boxes for a lower price than Hassenfeld Brothers did. Henry got upset and decided that his company would start making their own pencils. So, in 1935 Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. started manufacturing pencils which provided the company with a steady stream of income for the next 45 years.

Because of the success and popularity of the children's items that they made and sold, they decided to start making toys in the early 1940s. The first toys made by Hassenfeld Brothers Inc., were doctor and nurse kits. In 1942, school supply sales had decreased and the company became primarily a toy manufacturer. The company did however, continue making pencils.

Helal Hassenfeld died in 1943. Henry became the CEO and his son Merrill Hassenfeld became the president of Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. During this time the country was involved with World War II. It was during the World War II era that the company started using some plastic to make their toys. Also, labor shortages during this time forced the company to reduce their employees down to 75.

In 1952, George Lerner started looking for someone to back a toy that he had created called Mr. Potato Head. He presented his idea to Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. and Henry liked the idea so much that he purchased the rights for the toy from George. Mr. Potato Head would the first toy success story for Hassenfeld Brothers Inc. and the first toy to be advertised on television.

In 1964, the company realized that boys did not want to play with the same dolls that girls played with. They pursued an idea that was started from gaining a partnership with a television program called "The Lieutenant" and started producing action figures called G. I. Joe. "The Lieutenant" was a show about the U.S. Marine Corps. G. I. Joe military action toys brought in almost two-thirds of the company's total sales during the first two years. Hassenfield Brothers Inc. would become the second largest toy manufacturer in the world.

Henry Hassenfield died in 1960. His son Merrill gained full control of the company and continued to lead its success. In 1968, the company name was shortened to Hasbro.

Hasbro has become one of the largest successful toy companies in the United States. Popular toys like Mr. Potato Head, G. I. Joe, Transformers, licensed Sesame Street items, Playskool toys, Nerf toys, Tonka trunks, Easy Bake Oven, Cabbage Patch Kids and several board games have helped make the Hasbro name one of the most recognized toy manufacturers in America.

Pointers on Cleaning and Caring For Your Crystal

When lead oxide is added to glass it creates crystal. The principle behind adding lead oxide to the glass is that it intensifies the glass's density which then results in a greater radiance of light and reflective qualities. The colors that are reflected back to the observer is directly proportional to the amount of lead a piece of glass contains. It should be noted that there different weights to crystal. For example, the less lead a piece contains, then the more lightweight the piece will feel.

Seed bubbles can often be found in glass that has been hand crafted. As a crystal piece is being created, Seed bubbles, which are small pockets of trapped air, can occur. Only when the crystal piece is held up to a strong light can these tiny air pockets, or bubbles, be seen. Finding seed bubbles in your crystal is an indicator that your piece was created by hand.

Flow lines and chill marks (impressions on the surface of the glass) are also evidences of hand crafted crystal. Never fear, these characteristics suggest hand craftsmanship, and are not indications of a blemished piece.

Small dissimilarities among pieces such as flow lines, chill marks, fluctuations in clarity and the occasional seed bubble show up in even the most elegant of crystal collections. One can be certain that these differences will occur in molded and hand blown crystal

The amount of lead found in of a piece of crystal contributes to it's softness. The following is a list of tips in learning to care for your crystal; for example the presence of dust can create abrasions and scratches upon the glass.

Tips in Caring For Your Crystal:

- Always carry your pieces one at a time; do not carry them in groups when using stemware

- Organize your crystal glasses in such a way as to not touch the other pieces in your collection.

- Always place glasses right side up for storage to avoid stress on the rim of the piece.

If a broken piece of crystal can be salvaged, then try gluing it back in place with a clear-drying epoxy created especially for glassware. To aid in the bonding process, set the repaired piece in sunlight.

Tips for Cleaning Your Crystal:

- Because of it's abrasive properties, dust can appear to mar the surface of the piece. To avoid scratching, clean with a gentle cleanser and dry with a cloth that does not leave lint behind.

Never use soaking solutions that contain ammonia as it may wear away edge designs or gold rims of the glasses. It's best to limit cleaning to a gentle solvent.

Paul Revere Silver Bowl - Must Have For a Hobby

Paul Revere was a famous American patriot who was responsible for the creation of these fine bowls. He was also an expert smith and skilled engraver. Some of his more known works are the lovely tea and coffee pots with attractive engravings of festoons and swags plus the finials which were delicately wrought, sometimes in the form of a pineapple.

The original and genuine item which was engraved with the names of the Sons of Liberty is available at Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Revere was commissioned then by the 15 members of the Sons of Liberty to design a gift to the House of Representatives as a token. That was the starting point for Paul Revere bowl. He made bowls in different sizes where a few have historical inscriptions making it very valuable these days. A Paul Revere silver bowl was made up of non-tarnishing pewter with a brilliant polished finish.

Revere proved that he was a real craftsman by the simple fact that he made perfect bowls. He was identified as a master of subtlety. His pieces described himself: simple yet reserved. Perhaps that was the secret of the bowls' popularity even up to this time.

The Paul Revere silver bowl or otherwise called as Revere bowl will always remain to be a cherished gift. All of these silver bowls were exquisitely crafted for engraving of names, dates or even company logos. These are can also be great giveaways for weddings and other special occasions and even as a gift to newlyweds.

You may also want to consider the Gorham Silver Bowls collection and check out the distinct features of each bowl. Truly, these exquisite bowls are timeless pieces of history that would be fantastic for your workplace, your homes and for you.

Make Every Occasion Grand With Using Gorham Silver Patterns

Let the truth be set on the table. You don't need to be a King or Queen to dine like royalty. All you need is the right silverware. Among the many choices available today in the market is the Gorham Silver.

One of the Gorham Silver Patterns that is available in the online market is the Chantilly. This set is without a doubt the most popular sterling silver flatware patterns of all times, and one of the patterns that make the Gorham Silver exceptional.

Another classic from the Gorham Patterns is the Buttercup. Engraved simple flowers make the silverware more fitted for women and tea parties.

The Camellia is next on the list. The timid flower patterns at the edge of the silverware gives off an image of elegant independence.

Who wouldn't feel kingly with the King Edward silver flatware pattern resting on the table? The graceful curves that show off beauty and lavishness would indeed be a proud addition to any fine dinning.

Things couldn't feel grander with the pattern from Gorham Silver Patterns entitled Medici. Though this design is closely similar to the Grand Baroque by Wallace, it still does not fail to show off its luscious waves and folds.

A timeless classic still from the Gorham patterns is the Old English Tipt. A sterling silver flatware that expresses pure simplicity is still beauty. It is more suitable to be used for Breakfast.

Introduced in 1897, the Strasbourg is one of Gorham's many best-sellers. This design is an image of class and enduring quality that shows the best foot of sterling silver. Whether hosting a tea party or a big event, Gorham Silver definitely makes it grand and gives you something to celebrate about.

Antique Carnival Glass

This is a type of pressed glass that has an iridized coating and was manufactured by a number of different companies, both domestic and international. Probably the largest manufacturer of carnival glass was Fenton right here in America. It was mainly produced between the 1900s and the 1920s. Although not high-end at the time, much of the original carnival glass is stunningly beautiful in its numerous colors, intricate patterns and varied shapes.

Back at the height of production, it was relatively cheap to make. This glass got its name "carnival" because it was actually given away as prizes at local carnivals. Today, depending on the rarity of the pattern and color, many pieces sell for hundreds and, in some cases, even thousands of dollars. There are a number of different reference books available and it is worth owning one of these books just for the four-color pictures. Some of this glass is truly remarkable.

If you are in a position to see a lot of carnival glass and handle it over a period of time, the good vintage carnival glass is easily identifiable. The quality of the early pieces is far superior to that which was made in the 1970s during its mini rebirth. Although carnival glass is still being made today, you will find it is distinctly inferior to both of the previous versions.

This outstanding glass was produced in many different colors. The real color of each piece is not determined by the iridized coating but by the base color under the coating. In some instances, it is hard to determine the actual base color. In most early pieces, the bottoms were not iridized, which would certainly help with color identification. Some of the colors you will find in early carnival glass are amethyst, blue, green, red, peach opalescent, pastel and marigold - the most common.

In addition to being manufactured in a number of colors, it was also manufactured by a number of different companies over the years. Quite a bit of the older carnival glass is not marked. The company of origin can usually be identified by the look of the pattern. Some companies had similar patterns but the differences are noticeable enough to identify the maker. A carnival glass reference book will help you do this.

Other companies in the United States beside Fenton that made this fabulous glass were Dugan, Imperial, Millersburg, Northwood, Cambridge, McKee, Westmoreland and Jeanette. Since carnival glass was popular all over the globe, it was also produced in countries such as France, Germany and England.

Carnival glass is only one of a number of items from our past that was given away as a premium in laundry detergent, at carnivals and at gas stations. Although no longer used as prizes today, this glass is greatly prized by thousands of collectors all over the world.

How to Know If Your Old Furniture is an Antique

Look, lots of people think about buying antiques. Lots of others want to know how to tell if they have an antique and want to know its worth. Still others want to sell an antique. If any one of these is you then you need to know a few things before you start. Whenever considering if you should buy wardrobe antiques you need to first avoid being scammed. You want to protect your purchase and ensure it is authenticated. The first thing therefore is to determine the authenticity.

To do effective research on the item you are buying you can use an effective combination of a good reference librarian and a broad internet search. If you do this right you will be able to find out the exact name and location of the manufacturer and with this you can further broaden the search on the internet and/or the library. You will want to learn all you can about the company and the piece.

Starting with learning the manufacturers name is a great first step. This can open up a lot of leads which will provide further information that can be found on the internet as well as the actual manufacturer itself.

After you have determined the history of the item you can then look into its uses, places it may have been, expected marks, anything that will add to the authenticity test. When you have all this you can then approach the seller and ask relevant questions aimed at its verification. But don't forget to also look into the sellers reputation and history. Try to seek previous buyers for their input. Previous buyers experience will be invaluable in learning if you can trust the seller.

By now you have a lot of information and you should therefore be well versed in what to look for. Use this information and continue to try broadening your understanding. Try to anticipate what you might need to look for, where to find it etc. Above all you will need further tips and help form good quality sites if you are to buy any legitimate wardrobe antiques.

Popular Patterns of Gorham Stainless Steel Flatware

Most women are naturally choosy. Even with our things, we prefer those that have unique and attractive designs.

That goes the same with the flat wares that we are using in our households. We go for utensils that have a striking design in its holder or plates that have attractive colors. We chose for things that speak a lot about us.

In a wide variety of pieces one can find in Gorham stainless steel flatware, you can select various knives in different designs and styles. Mentioned below are some of the distinct patterns of knives.

One, is the pattern Blossom. It was created as a stainless steel version of the esteemed Buttercup sterling silver pattern by Gorham. It is heavy in weight and hard to bend.

The Golden Ribbon Edge is one of the most known gold-accent Gorham stainless steel flatware patterns. Its border features 24K gold plating that continues on the reverse side and is dishwasher safe.

Another is the Silver Beads flatware. It is unique among the over 500 Gorham Stainless Steel Flatware. The large bead design is very trendy.

Gorham stainless offers a great value with their line up of boxed sets featuring heavy weight, hollow handled knives and extra place pieces.

The Melon Bud pattern in Gorham stainless steel flatware is one of the quiet successes of stainless flatware.
Pacifico is an incomparable pattern by Gorham, with a very vase-like body, and a heavy weight, the knife is made in the offset style, but does not balance on the blade itself.

There a lot of patterns you can choose from. What is more important is that you get the comfort and the luxury any of these patterns give. So set your table now and be thrilled in using these kitchen collectibles.

All About Antique Rug Dyes

Besides the age and style in the antique rug, a consumer can truly learn to appreciate the shades present. Modern consumers generally forget that artificial dyes have only been available since the 20th Century. Nowadays one particular worries about obtaining an exact shade of paint, for the walls, to match the flower in a favorite throw pillow. When antique rugs started becoming designed and developed, the hues obtainable were those one could make oneself with vegetation or bugs. Any child who has rubbed a dandelion flower on something or eaten a blueberry has learned that coloring can be transferred. The magic of dyeing nevertheless is learning how to produce that coloring permanent.

Fabric doesn't usually keep the same colour when heat is applied and oxygen may also affect the procedure. This is chemistry in action.

Yellow spices like turmeric and saffron, that were responsible for dying food, also identified their place in fiber baths. It absolutely was not recognized to become as durable a coloring even though and would fade. Just one wonders nevertheless if it absolutely was as much a matter or fading as the colour acquiring lost inside slow tracking of dirt.

The madder root from a climbing vine would develop appropriate red until a red bug was observed on cacti that created a far more vivid coloring. The root's dying history even though is properly document and was utilized close to the world. It had been very first employed in India, but it had been also employed to produce the red coats famously worn by the British Army.

Indigo would be employed in successive dips to generate a extremely durable and deep blue. This dye was special for becoming a fermented dye that would alter when as it contacted with oxygen. It absolutely was made from the leaves of the plant grown from the tropics. Production and transportation of this dye was part of what drove the exploration from the oceans for new routes to India. Land space that accounts for a lot more than 2 times that of Luxembourg was dedicated to growing this crop prior to synthetic versions may be produced.

Antique rugs that wanted to display grapes or wine had to generate a appropriate shade of violet. Purple was also the coloring of royalty. It had been made from the excretions of the shellfish. Not becoming simple to locate or extract in big quantities, added to its valuable. Some indigos could have a purple high quality and it may be mixed with a red dye. These colours would fade differently and alter more than time. Lightly dyed versions on the purples would create most from the pink hues too.

Dark browns and blacks may be made from bark along with other dark hued vegetation. One particular imagines that when the colour was not correct it may merely have been dyed more than to generate a brown or black that may very well be applied within the border or background of the design.

Henna, a flowering plant which is properly acknowledged for creating non-permanent tattoos, may also be utilized to create orange dyes.

All these incredible fibers would have to become dyed in vast quantities to create a operate of art. Today's shoppers can take advantage of such a wide variety of hues. A single needs to remember and appreciate the wide lengths makers of antique rugs along with other goods had to go via to generate the vivid colours seen in their function.

Buy Antique Furniture - A Few Observations on Popularity & Value

Collecting antique furniture in general, or a certain style or period in particular, is purely a matter of one's own personal preference and affordability. When you buy antique furniture, it is something you will not only look at and admire for many years, but will also use in your home.

It is not unusual for collectors of small antique objects to build up a very large collection, but amassing a large collection of French 18th century armoires or English bookcases, for example, would be quite unique...plus there would not be room for for such large pieces in the average home.

Like other types of collections, antique furniture can be viewed and admired. However, in addition to that, it can also be used to sit on or around, is frequently slept on and is also used for storage. When you buy antique furniture it is not just looked at and admired, it becomes part of your daily life.

Some of the best pieces were made in the 18th and 19th Centuries. Some good examples would be the living room or parlor, where fine furniture was designed to be used. Antique Chippendale furniture is some of the best and most popular. Lively antique wood furniture designs and lavishly upholstered settees and chairs, designed and made during Queen Victoria's reign are commonly known as Antique Victorian Furniture. These pieces were very popular and still provide stylish and sought after furniture pieces today. Victorian wing chairs can still be found easily and are very comfortable to sit in.

Other highly desired pieces are antique writing desks and secretaries, bureau bookcases( both period and revival) used, for writing on and displaying books. There are also a great many small, medium and large antique tables that adapt to contemporary occasional and dining use. Also, sets of antique dining chairs, that represent all of the well known 18th and 19th century furniture makers, are well constructed and have weathered the test of time.

Antique furniture has a certain value either because it has a lot of age, was made by a particular furniture maker or there are no other exact or similar examples available. However, antique furniture is most highly valued for it's rarity; antique pieces that are unique and rare can be worth a great deal more to a collector. It is purely a matter of rarity and demand...as long as there is a buyer willing to pay whatever price is asked by the seller for such an item, the item will be sold...simple as that!

This is one of the reasons antiques have always been desired by experienced collectors. They know that, over time, the antiques they have in their possession are going to be worth a great deal more than the price they originally paid for them. They buy antique furniture for investment as well as to satisfy their passion for the aesthetic value of their pieces.

Tips to Select Wooden Artifacts

Wooden furniture has no comparison. It is a choice of all generations of all the times. If you are an ardent fan of wood, you would admire the artifacts made out of wood. You could decorate your home with a variety of wooden articles in addition to the basic furniture you may have. A wooden artifact can be placed anywhere in your home, right from the entrance of your home. But, whenever, you are buying any kind of decorative wooden item you're your home, you should always keep few things in mind:

1. For your entrance, always use objects, which highlight the décor of your home. Usually, people keep any idol of GOD's and deities, at their entrance.If your door is also made of wood, you can highlight it with a wooden idol either on the sides of the door or on the top.

2. For anywhere else, inside the house, you should consider the shape and the style of the room where you would want to place the object.

3. Use the wooden item either to extend the color scheme of the room or add an accent color in spaces.

4. With contemporary interiors use more of geometric shapes. With a traditional styles of home décor, use more of traditional designs. It will enhance the look.

5. Highlight the color of your walls, with either wooden items with contrast color finishes or same colour finishes. These days you get wooden articles in various hand painted colours also. If your room had more of earthy colors, add tones of yellow, turquoise or any light color, it will brighten up the surroundings. If your room is already bright, tone it with neutral or warm colours.

6. If you are using a wooden flower vase, use large flowers and foliage to put into the case. Use a vase that is more tapering toward the base.

7. You could use wooden bowls too, which can be used as a table centerpiece for keeping any items, like keys or floating flowers into it. It gives quite a rustic and natural look to the room.

8. If your room is spacious, you can put objects of different shapes together. It will give a stunning look to the entire room.

These tips are only suggestive and not exhaustive. The selection of the wood or the design may vary based on the personal preference.

Tips For Antique Decorating

Do you like to collect antiques? If so, it's likely that you probably also like to display them in your home. You could probably use some tips on placement and positioning of your collectibles for the most impact. Here we will give you some helpful hints on how to decorate with antique collectibles, in any room of your house.

First, decide which of your items you actually want to display, and which you could do without seeing everyday. If you're doing a Chinese antique themed room, for example, stick with Chinese or at least Asian themed items throughout the room. Never put Chinese antiques in a French Country style room. It just doesn't work. Choose a color theme that will enhance your antiques. Deep reds, golds, and turquoise often look very good in an antique-themed room.

Choose a few of your larger pieces, like an antique table, as the focal point of your room. Smaller tables and chairs should complement the largest focal point. Don't overcrowd the room. Try to group similar items together; they have more of an impact that way. For example, if you have a collection of semi-precious stone animal carvings, it is much more appealing to display them together rather than strewn randomly about.

It's a good idea to invest in a solid antique cabinet where you can safely display your most valuable pieces safely. An antique curio cabinet would work well for your most precious collectibles. Antique sculptures can be placed on stands that are out of the heaviest traffic flow areas. Use sticky putty or tape to hold these items in place.

Your antique collectibles will look best if proper lighting is used. Use picture lighting to showcase your antique artwork from above or below. Track lighting works well to highlight items in a curio cabinet. Enhance the look of your room further by painting an accent wall to match or highlight the colors in your antiques.

Make sure that your valuable antiques are placed out of reach of small children or pets, and that they are out of the main traffic areas in your house. You might want to consider encasing extremely valuable pieces in Lucite glass, like in museums. If you want your antique room to be livable, take precautions against damage so that you can enjoy your room for years to come. You will be glad you did in the end, and you will be able to pass your antiques on to the next generation.

Antique to Modern Day

Have you ever wondered how the experts on Antiques Road Show and other television antique programs can tell instantly what the age is, and who made a piece of antique furniture.

How can they tell so quickly if it is authentic or if it has been altered in any way?

The truth is they do have time to thoroughly examine each piece before hand as each portion of the program takes a few hours in the making.

They still have to be experts in their job though as they need to identify many different parts of each piece of furniture.

If for instance they are looking at an antique table! the legs can often identify the age and the maker, as each great cabinet maker had their own styles, although many other cabinet makers copied those styles over the years.

In 1745 Thomas Chippendale published his designs of fashionable English furniture it was called Gentleman and cabinet - makers director.

These designs were widely copied and used by other cabinet makers in both England and North America, because of this many of his fine pieces are unverified meaning you could be in possession of a true Chippendale or an excellent copy.

Each era has brought its own styles and shapes of furniture to a period, much like the change of house design. Each era has its own distinctive style and design until we come to the modern day.

Houses are now designed not for their style or grandeur but simply for modern day living. Everything is manufactured and gone is sense of pride in achieving something that will make its mark and last through the ages.

Modern furniture has followed in their path with much of it being discarded after a few years being to flimsy to pass the test of time.

What will the Elizabethan age leave for future generations?

Buy Antique Furniture - It's Attractive, Economical and Stylish

In today's tough economy, buying antique furniture can be an attractive, economical and stylish option. In antique furniture pieces were made with an attention to detail and workmanship not found in contemporary furniture. The wood used was selected specifically for its warmth and grain, adding to the piece's inherent beauty. During certain periods, it was hand made, hand carved, and painstakingly joined with dovetail joints. Any furniture made with as much care these days could be prohibitively expensive.

Antique furniture offers a buyer quality and value. More and more people are shopping for antique furniture at antique stores, shows, auctions and estate sales because they know they're getting value, along with the charm and ambiance that an antique piece can add to their home.

Besides actively looking for antique furniture to buy, what should you do if you've inherited or been given a long treasured family antique heirloom piece and your home is furnished in a contemporary style? Think about how you can keep it before you give it away or sell it. Look around your home and find a place where it can stand out. Even better, when you're shopping for something special to fill an empty space, consider buying antique furniture first before buying something new.

If you change your thinking about buying antique furniture and look around at the many styles, you'll see they're not all stiff, straight-backed, stuffy or delicate pieces overdone with ornate carvings. But, instead take note of some of them; Edwardian seating pieces, for example...although they may retain some of the same characteristics of their Victorian predecessors, like being overstuffed and oversized, they are certainly as comfortable as any contemporary easy chair. Many antique furniture pieces are surprisingly comfortable and also remarkably sturdy.

If you use a little bit of creativity, you can easily integrate antique furniture into a contemporary home. Actually, all of the major furniture manufacturers are creating more traditional furniture that will blend well in just about every setting. They modernize a piece with some hardware, for instance, but the shape and size of it still has a formal feel. If you buy a modern dining room set, you can then find an occasional antique piece like a sideboard or buffet to incorporate into your décor.

Many interior designers contact me for something unique to use in their designs. Many of them believe in blending old with new by using a lot of neutral-colored fabric, which looks great with the dark wood of antique furniture and it provides great contrast and a more contemporary feel. They use neutral colors on walls and floors and love to mix high quality wood furniture with flea market finds, but always keep the importance of balance foremost in their minds.

Although many people shy away from the everyday use of antiques, a great many interior designers prefer to use furniture with "good old bones" because it was made to last. Take old cupboards or cabinets, having the original wavy glass, which gives it more character. They are great to use for storing towels and soaps and toiletries in a bathroom or dressing room. You can also find a great antique picture frame and put a mirror in it to add interest to a wall. Re-inventing an antique can give it, or your room, a new life and can turn it into a one-of-a-kind show-stopper.

The possibilities are endless...an old harvest table used as a computer desk...it would look great with a laptop and retro desk lamp; several old wonderful leather suitcases as storage...they don't have to be hidden away...they're great for display on their own under an end table in the bedroom or living room; a Chippendale breakfront with modern dining room furniture...the room can take on a whole new look.

Create your own collection, one that represents your personality. It's important to keep it interesting...just don't overdo it...remember to always keep a balance.

Antique, vintage or retro furniture pieces do not have to be expensive...take a look around. You may find a great retro end table in a relative's basement or a great chair that once belonged to your parents, Get it reupholstered in a neutral fabric with a bit of color in it and it's very ''60s."!

Also, by browsing through antique malls and flea markets you can find many great old frames and put some contemporary art in them...it's a great way to mix art with several different frames. Put black and white photography in simple, old frames or collect some old lithography and put them in contemporary frames...they look great! There is virtually something for everyone, awaiting them in attics, basements, flea markets and antique shops.

"We all like different stuff...there's a huge group of collectors for vintage (1960s and '70s), retro ('30s, '40s and '50s) and Victorian and Edwardian antique furniture.

A great many people still aspire to own and buy antique furniture...it represents simpler times...it's nostalgic and soothing, it creates a place where you can go and relax in your refuge from a cold, harsh world.