Spring Antique Mall

Black is Beautiful

2012-01-31T19:52:00.000-06:00

To commemorate Black History Month this February, black jewelry is being showcased as it experiences a revival in popularity. They say what goes around, comes around. The new black is actually a take-off of the old black, as in antique black ‘jet’ jewelry, introduced by Queen Victoria when donning ‘mourning dress’ after the death of Prince Albert. The Queen didn’t have to import her jewelry as she had her own raw material supply in nearby Whitby, England.

The word "jet" is a noun derived from the French word for the same material, jaiet. It has an organic origin, deriving from decaying wood subjected to millions of years of high pressure decomposition. Commonly from the wood of trees of the Araucariaceae family, jet is considered a minor gemstone. The jet mined at Whitby, England, is of the early Jurassic age, dating back approximately 182 million years ago. Found in two forms, hard and soft, hard jet is the result of the carbon compression and salt water; soft jet is the result of the carbon compression and fresh water. It is also referred to as black amber, often inducing an electrical charge when rubbed, like that of amber.

Although traditionally used by monks for rosaries, England’s fascination with the mineral popularized by the Queen, caught on in the United States and became all the rage during the Roaring Twenties with the ‘flappers’ who wore jet beads in long strands. Although easy to carve, jet is subject to breaking. Eventually black glass crystals were substituted for ‘the look,’ making mass production possible and more affordable for the masses. When polished, it’s difficult to tell the difference, but black glass will be cool to the touch; due to its thermal conductivity, jet is not. Often imitated by hard coal and vulcanite (hardened rubber), both are more difficult to distinguish from real jet. When rubbed against unglazed porcelain, true jet will leave a chocolate brown streak. This juxtaposition of taking a crude, fossilized material and fashioning it into beautiful jewelry is one more example of man’s ability to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

But the jewelry that most beautifully depicts the ethnicity of the Black race is the Blackamoor jewelry. Blackamoor is the head or bust of a young male or female black African depicted in jewelry. The head is typically carved of black chalcedony hardstone or ebony, in three dimension. The busts and headdresses are usually completed in gold and may be gem set, depicting images of Carnivale and the exotic East. Blackamoors date from the mid 19th to the mid 20th centuries, but are still produced today in Venice by both the iconic Nardi firm, famous for gem-set Blackamoors (circa 1950), and Giorgio Berto’s Dogale Jewelry. Costume jewelry in the style of Blackamoors is usually made with a resin.

Black jewelry was popularized again in the mid-20th century, and just a little over a half-century later, is in vogue once again. Vintage costume jewelry collectors won’t have difficulty telling the difference from the antique, the vintage, and the new. The jewelry findings (hardware) and construction are tell-tale signs. There’s an obvious difference in the craftsmanship of the Victorian jewelry. The mid-20th century black glass jewelry is more robust than the new or it wouldn’t still around over a half-century later. It’s called ‘planned obsolescence.’ Fashion trends change frequently to encourage commerce, so there’s no need to make the jewelry last. Look for your great grandmother’s jet jewelry at antique malls, your grandmother’s black crystal jewelry (1950s) in her jewelry box, and the new jewelry in the landfill next year.

Located at Exit 70A on the southwest corner of I-45N and FM 2920 (in the U-Haul Center), the Spring Antique Mall has beautiful jet and mid-20th century black jet and crystal jewelry to compliment today’s fashions. Wear it dramatically with red, white, and yellow. For a dressier, more beautiful and sophisticated look…black on black. Store hours are Mon-Fri from 10-5; Sat.10-6, & Sun.1-6. For more information view the new website at www.springantiquemall.com and also become a ‘Friend’ of their Facebook page. The Spring Antique Mall…where ‘the past makes the perfect present.’

Sources: Wikipedia, and Jeanne Bell’s
Photo by Janet Werner
Photo insert from Internet source Schwarzer Trauerschmuck, photographed by Detlef Thomas

Black History Month…featuring the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

2012-01-31T19:48:00.000-06:00

Nowhere is there a more diverse set of collectibles than those pertaining to the history of the African- American race here in the United States. Authentic black antiques are difficult to come by because this race was so impoverished. The approximately 12 million Africans shipped to America during the Atlantic slave trade from 1492 to 1888, came with little more than the clothes on their backs. What few possessions they had from that point, were mostly crude, handmade necessities that haven’t weathered the test of time. What is referred to as ‘Black Collectibles’ are those objects that reflect the cultural history of African-American men, women and children during this period and henceforth. This diverse set of collectibles includes the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The ‘good’ are historical artifacts that depict African-Americans in the best possible way, extolling the positive contributions they have made, not only for their race, but for the good of all. A sterling example would be World War II artifacts from the heroic Tuskegee Airmen of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Patches, photographs, and other militaria from the historic 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group. Astonishingly the Chicago Defender reported in 1945,that based on information supplied by the 15th Air Force, no bomber escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen had ever been lost to enemy fire. This was later dispelled in a 2006 report, but the total number of bombers lost when the Tuskegee Airmen were flying escort, totaled only 25! In all, there were only 996 pilots and approximately 15,000 ground personnel. To read about the famed Tuskegee Airmen and their exploits visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuskegee_Airmen

Photographs and personal belongings from famous African-American inventors, athletes, musicians, and entertainers, are additional ‘good’ collectibles, but are extremely hard to find. Most are in Black history museums as they should be.

The ‘bad’ I categorize as any Black collectible in poor condition, whether it be a ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ collectible. Neglect of any serviceable or decorative item is inconsiderate, and Black collectibles were probably more neglected than others. For anyone not to see the historical value in these items is just one more atrocity to endure. To disregard the safe-keeping of these collectibles is to further devalue this race, which leads me to the ‘ugly.’

Negative Black collectibles is what I refer to as the ‘ugly.’ The cartoons, figurines, etc., that depict disrespectful stereotypes of the African American race. Surprisingly, many collectors of these negative collectibles are African-American. Almost all of them will tell you (and I ask them) that it’s their race’s history, and unless you preserve it, history is likely to repeat itself. A point well taken, but I myself, prefer to focus on positive Black collectibles.

To see a wide assortment of Black collectibles, visit the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of I-45N (Exit 70A) and FM 2920, in the U-Haul Center. Store hours are Mon-Fri from 10-5; Sat.10-6, & Sun.1-6. For more information view the new website at www.springantiquemall.com and also become a ‘Friend’ of their Facebook page. The Spring Antique Mall…where ‘the past makes the perfect present.’

Enter the Dragon

2012-01-25T15:00:00.001-06:00

At midnight tonight, January 23, 2012, people of Chinese ethnicity around the world will welcome the New Year, ushering in the Year of the Dragon with a celebration that will last for 15 days. The dragon is the most powerful and auspicious of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, one associated with high energy and prosperity. This year is considered especially auspicious because it is the year of the water dragon, something that happens once every 60 years, and is purported to be associated with luck.

According to Chinese astrology, people born in the year of the dragon are said to be strong, self-assured, eccentric, intellectual, and passionate. It also represents change and mobility. According to Feng Shui master, Paul Ng, in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, “Dragons seem to be a change year, and usually from bad to good. In general, in the dragon years, the world economy does a little better." From a Feng Shui standpoint, 2012, the year of the Yang Water Dragon, brings many possibilities for good fortune.

Given the state of the world economy, this is good news. Whether you choose to believe the philosophy of a centuries-old civilization that has been tracking trends for an extraordinarily long time, or disregard it, their mindset may be just as significant. A country of millions embracing a concept with a spirit of optimism, could very well have positive results. A country divided that espouses negativism…probably not. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with an optimistic attitude, and so be it.

View the beautiful dragon collectibles at:
http://on.fb.me/wc9Mbr

A Toast to the New Year

2011-12-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

What better way to toast the New Year than with a vessel that has become synonymous with toasting…the stein. Abbreviated from either the German word Steingut, which means ‘stoneware,’ or Steinzeugkrug, meaning stoneware jug or tankard, stoneware (a heavy pottery material) was the most commonly used material for beer mugs. Later the use of porcelain and glass were introduced, but regardless of the material, a stein refers to a container to drink beer with, that most likely has a hinged lid.

The stein originated around the 14th century. The spread of the bubonic plague throughout Europe forced Germany to pass a law stating that all beverage containers needed a lid to prevent diseased fleas from getting into the beer. The lids were usually made of pewter and equipped with a lever on the same side as the handle, so one could hold the mug and open and close the lid with a single hand.

Although stoneware allowed for the use of molds for mass production, the weight was significant when a stein was filled to the brim. The latter half of the 19th century saw the introduction of glass which enabled artistic touches like overlays, etchings, and personalizing with monograms. But the porcelain mugs are among the most magnificent. Porcelain molds could produce unique shapes and characters, and could be hand painted in greater detail. Renown for its marvelous porcelain, the German stein pictured, is a magnificent example of high-quality porcelain, beautiful hand-painting detailing a historical event, and painstaking calligraphy providing the significant details. The lithophane bottom is a very translucent, molded porcelain depicting a couple in period clothing, and is most unique for a stein.

Unfortunately I was unable to do the research on the event portrayed, as the stein was sold to a collector during the holidays. This stein will truly be the bellwether in a collection with its beautiful artist rendering, detailed horse and rider atop the pewter lid, and elaborate lever. The number of horses hooves in the air originally indicated how the rider died…two front raised hooves signified that the rider died in battle; one raised hoof meant that the rider was wounded in battle, possibly dying of the wounds later; all four hooves on the ground…the rider survived all battles. American monuments, however, have deviated from this tradition. Without thoroughly researching this particular stein, we can only deduce that it was a commemorative piece produced in 1906 (date painted on stein), about an historic military figure who might possibly have died in battle.

Steins usually come in half liter or a full liter sizes, but steins made for decorative or collectible purposes may deviate from these sizes. Although a niche market, many were purchased for gifts during the holiday season. The Spring Antique Mall has many beautiful steins for the collector, most of which are stoneware or pottery; this was the only porcelain stein of this caliber. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45N (Exit 70A) and FM 2920, in the U-Haul Center. Store hours are Mon-Fri from 10-5; Sat.10-6, & Sun.1-6. For more information view the new website at www.springantiquemall.com and also become a ‘Friend’ of their Facebook page. The Spring Antique Mall…where ‘the past makes the perfect present.’

Photos and photo collage by Collage at the Spring Antique Mall

All That Glitters

2011-12-05T14:41:00.000-06:00

All that glitters may not be gold, but it can be every bit as beautiful. Brilliant over-the-top rhinestone jewelry is back in vogue as the result of the term ‘bling.’ The ultimate in ‘bling’ things is vintage costume jewelry from the early half of the last century. The term ‘rhinestones’ was used because the stones were originally rock crystals collected from the Rhine River. Georg Friederich Strass, an Alsatian jeweler, conceived the idea to imitate diamonds by coating the back side of the glass with metal powder in 1775. These manmade stones were blown glass, often colored, with foil backing that increased the reflective quality to enhance their brilliance.

Rhinestones differ from what is referred to as ‘paste,’ which was ground glass that was molded and melted, then polished and faceted. Paste stones resulted in a brilliant stone that did not require the foil backing due to the high lead content, but it was labor-intensive. In 1891, Daniel Swarovski invented a glass-cutting machine in Austria, which enabled rhinestones to be mass-produced with consistently high quality, and then produced a foil-application process thus eliminating the hand labor entirely. Swarovski rhinestones now dominate the market.

Rhinestone jewelry peaked during the Great Depression (1929-1939) as fine jewelry with precious stones, was no longer affordable. The early years of the Golden Age of Hollywood showcased paste and rhinestone jewelry magnificently as the jewelry had to be ‘over-the-top’ to be seen on the big screen. The movies were largely instrumental in popularizing flamboyant costume jewelry; one excellent example was “Auntie Mame” starring Rosalind Russell. It remained a popular accessory into the 1950s, when in 1953, a metallic coating produced an iridescent effect termed ‘aurora borealis,’ also invented by Swarovski. If a little is good, a lot was better. Women wanted matching pieces and would wear complete parures which consisted of four or more matching pieces that included earrings, necklace, bracelet, and brooch. Quite often just one piece of the parure might bear the mark, so if the pieces were separated over the years, the provenance was lost. Sometimes these matching sets, were often packaged in gift boxes bearing the name of the costume jewelry manufacturer, so the individual jewelry pieces were not stamped, much to the dismay of today’s costume jewelry collector.

Unfortunately the counter-culture movement of the 1960s saw a decline in opulence and materialism, resulting in a decline of showy costume jewelry. It wasn’t until the Disco Era with it’s mirrored-ball and flashy attire, that it experienced a resurgence in popularity. No well-dressed Las Vegas or Country & Western entertainer would be on seen on stage without bearing some bling. Rhinestones have become a mainstay on C&W attire, and fashionistas no longer reserve it for evening wear. One blinding piece of bling is enough to make a fashion statement on a woman’s business suit. Don’t just save it for the holidays. Bring out your bling!

For a wide selection of ‘bling,’ visit the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul Center. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6. For more information call 281-355-1110, or view the Spring Antique Mall’s website at www.springantiquemall.com Also visit the Facebook page of the Spring Antique Mall...where 'the past makes the perfect present.'

The Past Makes the Perfect Present...Antiques, 'Regifting' with Class

2011-11-23T22:24:00.003-06:00

Regifting, the act of giving away unwanted gifts as a way of disposing of them and originally considered in poor taste, still is in most cases. The exception is when you bestow the recipient with an antique or fine collectible that will increase in value and become a family heirloom.
As opposed to waiting until the will is read and the fight is on, why not dispense the family jewels to whom you’d like to receive them, and be able to witness their joy when the gift is unwrapped? This will afford you many opportunities to see the cherished heirloom being appreciated time and again.

Even if it’s not a family heirloom, a beautiful antique can become one. Purchasing an exquisite hand-painted china plate or a colorful Depression glass dish with homemade cookies on it, or presenting a turkey or ham on an English transferware platter, can start a tradition when these lovely gifts are brought out every holiday season.

Monogrammed items that are regifted are among some of the most appreciated. A Victorian bangle bracelet, vintage Damask cup towels, or a silver serving utensil with the family initial, will always be treasured. No need to buy a new item and pay to have it monogrammed when the antique stores are full of them.

Also refer to Patricia Rossi's book titled "Everyday Etiquette: How to Navigate 101 Common and Uncommon Social Situations" (available from Amazon.com). She adds these important suggestions: Never regift in the same social circle; always rewrap the gift; and don't regift the item if it looks even remotely used.

Re-gifting has become so mainstream that that a national day has been established for this tradition. This year “National Re-gifting Day” is Sunday, December 18. Instead of wrapping up that sweater you received last year and never wore, re-gift with class by selecting something from the Spring Antique Mall that was once loved, and that the recipient would love as much.

The Spring Antique Mall has many beautiful items that would make wonderful gifts. Knowledgeable dealers will serve as personal shoppers to assist in making the perfect gift selection. Most major credit cards are accepted (American Express the exception), and a lay-a-way is available to hide your holiday purchases until Christmas. Located on the southwest corner of I-45N (Exit 70A) and FM 2920, in the U-Haul Center, store hours are Mon-Fri from 10-5; Sat.10-6, & Sun.1-6.For more information view the new website at www.springantiquemall.com and become a ‘Friend’ of their Facebook page. The Spring Antique Mall where ‘the past makes the perfect present.’

Link To The Past

2011-11-03T13:06:00.005-05:00

In order to link people with their past, sometimes you have to connect them with the present, and even be forward-thinking by linking them to the future. The Spring Antique Mall pushed the ‘fast-forward’ button by updating their website, the first major overhaul in years. Their new website will enable their customers to link to the mall through various social media applications.

In addition to contacting the Spring Antique Mall through their website, links to their Facebook page, blogsite, and to the dealers’ online stores are now available. The three points of visibility (website, Facebook, and blog site) are connected to each other with hotlinks, triangulating the exposure. Customers will be able to move from one social media site to another with just a click. Managing the three sites requires some effort, but not much. Some of the same information is leveraged on each of the sites, and the main effort is just ‘connecting the dots’…creating the hotlinks. For instance, the monthly article published in the Antiques & Collector’s Guide is posted to the blog site on Blogspot. It can be viewed too, by clicking on the link when posted to the Facebook page, but also accessed in a number of ways on the website. Either click the Blogspot logo, or simply click on the copy of the Antique & Collector’s Guide on the home page of the new website.

It’s somewhat paradoxical to use all this high-fangled technology to promote an old-fashioned antique store, but the technology doesn’t take away from the charm and ambiance of the Spring Antique Mall. For instance, the customer appreciation event is next month. Their annual Holiday Open House is scheduled for November 12 & 13. In addition to live entertainment, Lee Fowler Brady playing Christmas carols on keyboard, refreshments will be served, and door prizes awarded throughout the weekend. Customers are being notified through the new website, the Facebook page, and through this article in The Antique & Collector’s Guide. For those who have previously visited the mall and signed the guessbook, an email notification will be dispatched for those who have provided email addresses.

The marketing strategy for promoting the sale of antiques has changed. It had to. It’s no longer effective to display antiques and collectibles on shelves and wait for customers to find your shop. You now have to use every means at your disposal to promote your business, and why wouldn't you if it's free? And don’t overlook online community news portals to exploit news about your shop and special events. The news articles can then be linked to your website and Facebook page. The say a picture is worth a thousand words. I could have saved time and some space in this publication by just sharing this link to the new website: www.springantiquemall.com

Elvis is in the house

2011-10-05T16:24:00.001-05:00

Not yet, but soon, on Saturday, October 29th, when the Spring Antique mall holds their annual Halloween costume event. The ‘King of Rock n’ Roll’ will be honored this year with everything Elvis, which will include an all-day Elvis music tribute. Customers may remember last year’s theme was the macabre wedding in which all the dealers were members of the wedding party…all dressed in black. This year the dealers will be doing their best to portray Elvis, and will have Elvis collectibles prominently displayed.

Not among them will be some of the most valuable Elvis collectibles like his first guitar. Although old and tattered, the wood faded and held together by pieces of yellowed masking tape, the guitar will be part of a rock ‘n’ roll auction presented by Guernsey’s Auction House on Sept. 24 and 25, which will include more than 1,000 lots of memorabilia. Guernsey’s owner and president, Arlan Ettinger, estimates that Elvis’ guitar, for which the his parents paid just $10, could fetch from $300,000 to $400,000.

Native Houstonians who saw Elvis perform at the Houston Astrodome on March 3, 1974, his largest concert ever with 44,000 fans in attendance, will remember the nail mirror jumpsuit he wore, which sold for $175,000 at a Regency-Superior auction in January 2006.

And on the Top Ten Most Valuable Records list are two of his albums…
8: Elvis Presley's "Stay Away, Joe" promotional album (1967), a one-sided LP which was one-of-a-kind, to be played Nov. 5, 1967, at a Cottonwood, Arizona, radio station. Because of its rarity, the 12-inch LP is valued at $25,000 or more. It contains a 30-minute radio program that includes nine Elvis gospel songs and promotes the Elvis Presley movie "Stay Away, Joe"

10: Elvis Presley's "Good Luck Charm" single (1962), valued at $24,000. This compact 33-rpm single has "Anything That's Part of You" on the flip side and a picture sleeve. "Good Luck Charm" hit the top of the Billboard singles chart and stayed there for two weeks.

Among the affordable Elvis collectibles which the Spring Antique Mall dealers will have for sale…

• Vinyl albums with covers in good condition, which typically sell for between $20 - $25; but the price goes up for the rare labels. A good source for updated prices on Elvis records is the “Official Price Guide to Elvis Presley Records and Memorabilia: 2nd Edition” by Jerry Osborne.

• The iconic painting of Elvis on black velvet in his signature white jumpsuit with stand-up collar, averages $50.

• Vintage collectibles like calendars, chewing gum cards, and teen magazines, certainly fetch more than new merchandise with the image of Elvis on them. Depending on which vintage collectible, the over fifty-year old merchandise typically starts at $20 and goes up from there, whereas new items with Elvis’ image sell for between $5 and $20.

If interested in collecting Elvis memorabilia it might be wise to invest in a book to ensure that the item is indeed vintage. One source is “Elvis Presley Memorabilia: An Unauthorized Collectors Guide” by Sam O’Neal, and available on Amazon.com

Drop by the Spring Antique Mall on October 29, and share your stories of Elvis sightings. Located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, The Spring Antique Mall is in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Table It

2011-08-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

No outdoor picnic would be complete without a colorful tablecloth to throw over the picnic table. Cloth table coverings not only covered outdoor tables for sanitary reasons, but added a homey touch with their brightly colored fruit or flower motifs.

In the early part of the last century printed tablecloths reflected the Victorian and Art Noveau eras with their flower patterns and colors, but radically changed to vivid coloring and geometric designs during the Art Deco period which followed. Unfortunately the Depression Era and World War II took its toll on kitchen linens. Printed cloth was purchased off-the-bolt and finished off on the edges, but the materials were not of the best quality and haven’t weathered the test of time very well.

In the 1950s, kitchen textiles reflected renewed prosperity and were manufactured of better quality cloth and dyes. Designers like Charles and Ray Eames, and Dervan, produced printed tablecloths depicting the contemporary patterns and furnishings of the modern home, many of which they designed and possibly as a form of self-promotion. Like their furniture, their designs depicted abstract free-form shapes and bold geometric patterns. These artists' signatures will be in the corner of their tablecloths bearing their designs. Vera became the dominant textile designer in the 1960s, leaving her mark on kitchen textiles which included tablecloths, placemats, towels, and napkins, in addition to fashion accessories like scarves.

These cotton tablecloths were made in high volume and are plentiful in antique shops and the other secondary markets, but not always in the best condition. Those with wear sell for around $10, but in good condition, the value can be two to three times the amount depending on the print. Tablecloths with a wide variety of colors are more popular than muted or 1 and 2-color cloths. Holiday cloths are always popular as that’s when the table is usually set for company. Christmas patterns are more common than Thanksgiving, followed by Easter, and Halloween, in that order. Cloths with unique prints like patriotic or western scenes, interesting border treatments, or ethnic themes, are among the most desirable and the hardest to locate. The more rare or unique the pattern, the higher the price. A search of virtual Internet antique stores and eBay found that the Internet shops were higher than eBay’s “Buy It Now” prices, and bargains can be had if you wish to sweat out the auction. For tablecloths in good condition the eBay prices were averaging $25-35, whereas in Internet shops prices were $45-65. Always check your local antique shops as pricing is typically lower, somewhere in between, $25-45, and you save shipping costs! Just some observations…the prices on state souvenir tablecloths were all over the place, starting as low as $9.99 and going as high as $235! Texas tablecloths were among some of the highest priced. Alaska was the most prevalent, probably because people don’t usually go on picnics in cold weather.

For tablecloths showing evidence of ‘foxing’ (age-related, small brown spots) the Spring Antique Mall sells a vintage linen soak to remove the spots and most stains. To clean your vintage tablecloths, due so on a gentle cycle, after all they’re over a half-century old. But machine agitation and drying in a hot dryer can be damaging, just as hanging them outdoors to dry can cause them to fade too. It’s best to hang them in the shade to dry.

Read more about the history of the printed tablecloth by Joan Kiplinger at www.fabrics.net/joan703.asp For more information about these beautiful, retro 1950’s tablecloths, reference “Colorful Tablecloths 1930s-1960s: Threads of the Past” by Yvone Barineau & Erin Henderson, “Terrific Tablecloths from the '40s & '50s,” Revised 2nd Edition, by Loretta Smith Fehling, and “Collectors Guide to Vintage Tablecloths” by Pamela Glasell. (Pam Glasell is the president of the Vintage Tablecloth Lover's Club with more than 100 members in the United States and Canada. She has a personal collection of more than 550 vintage tablecloths.)

The beautiful tablecloths in the photo collage are representative of those at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

A Toast to Glass!

2011-07-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

Decorative drinking glasses are one of the consistent movers in the rolling inventory at antique shops. Prized for not only their functionality, but also for their aesthetic value. Among some of the most popular drinking glasses are the "Swankyswigs," introduced by Kraft® Foods in 1933. These festive and colorfully decorated glass tumblers held Kraft's cheese products and were the forerunners in recycling as they were collected and recycled for juice glasses. Their diminutive size was perfect for small hands and they remain popular to this day…over three-quarters of a century later! In fact, a whole book has been devoted to these charming glasses. “Swankyswigs” by Mark and Sheila Moore (Schiffer Books) is a wonderful pictorial of all the designs and even includes look-alikes.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful drinking classes were by the Culver Glass Company, an American glass manufacturer founded in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1930s. Known for lavish designs and use of 22 karat gold over those designs, the company gained notoriety and its products became highly collectible. The glassware was very popular in the 1950s and remains so to this day for home and office bars, and interior decorating. Not all pieces are “signed” with the Culver name. Culver glass collectors say that the original glasses from the 1950s thru ‘70s appear to be signed, whereas later glasses had paper labels. This might have been due to a change in the manufacturing process as Culver Glassware was moved in 1980, to downtown Rahway, New Jersey. This glassware is getting harder and harder to find in very good or excellent condition. Too many people ruined it by putting it in dishwashers. When found in antique stores the price can often be on a par with crystal. An added note…the founder's son, Mark Rothenberg, ran the company until 1996, when it was sold. At that point, he headed another glassware company briefly until his death on 9/11. He was one of the passengers on the hijacked Newark-to-San-Francisco flight that crashed in Pennsylvania.

In the 1970’s glassware took a bold move to heavier stemware and tumblers with weighted bottoms. Preferred because it was more durable than fine crystal, it was popularized by Fostoria and came in a variety of patterns and colors to blend with the home décor. Brides registered their patterns and colors, often choosing something that would work well with both their china and their ‘everyday’ dishes. Men preferred the heavier style over delicate crystal too. This glassware is still plentiful in antique shops at prices not much more than the original price forty years ago.

Last month we provided a 350-year old lemonade recipe to quench your thirst during this summer’s drought. In the photo collage we’ve included some additional thirst quenchers to enjoy in your beautiful glassware. Especially popular today are glasses with clever themes or logos. They jazz up the home or office bar, and reflect the owner’s personality.

A wide variety of glasses, both stems and tumblers, can be located at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Internet sources
Photo collage by Collage

In the Good Old Summertime

2011-06-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

This long, hot summer might conjure up images of outdoor lunches packed in picnic hampers and served on brightly-printed cotton tablecloths at roadside parks, when America took to the new highway system in post WWII.

If you’re questioning why you would collect vintage picnic items when living in a disposable society…just for that reason. Given that these items are still around a half-century later, they can not only used for social purposes, but because it’s the socially responsible thing to do. Instead of contributing to the landfill with Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils, pack a lunch in a vintage picnic hamper, then serve it on Melmac, and throw in some aluminum tumblers.

Melmac dinnerware was a brand name of molded dishes made from melamine resin that was manufactured by American Cyanamid in the 1950’s. They were durable, kid-proof, and came in festive colors. As Styrofoam had not come into manufacturing, Melmac plates were sturdier than flimsy paper plates. You just rinsed them off under the park spigot and threw them back in the picnic hamper.

Aluminum ware was all the rage in the 50’s. Aluminum tumblers kept beverages icy cold and for some reason, made tap water taste better. You could get a lemonade pitcher, the tumblers, and a large serving tray at the ‘five-and-dime’ stores in either the basic aluminum color, vivid colors, and even ‘hammered’ aluminum. Many forges also embossed decorations on the aluminum and these pieces have become highly collectible because they’re not only resilient but decorative.
The tin picnic boxes and wooden hampers are difficult to find in good condition as many weren’t stored properly and deteriorated; vintage vinyl picnic containers haven’t fared very well either. When located in good condition, they’re usually scarfed up by antique auto club members, as authenticity is everything when it comes to their costumes and auto accessories.

Picnic accessories are reasonably priced in antique shops, but regardless, you’ll get your money’s worth using them over and over again if properly cleaned and stored. Look for vintage picnic items at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

2011-06-16T13:48:00.000-05:00

No summer picnic would be complete without a colorful tablecloth to throw over the picnic table. Cloth table coverings not only covered outdoor picnic tables for sanitary reasons, but added a homey touch with their brightly colored fruit or flower motiffs.

In the early part of the last century printed tablecloths reflected the Victorian and Art Noveau eras with their flower patterns and colors, but radically changed to vivid coloring and geometric designs during the Art Deco period which followed. Unfortunately the Depression Era and World War II took its toll on kitchen linens. Printed cloth was purchased off-the-bolt and finished off on the edges, but the materials were not of the best quality and haven’t weathered the test of time very well. In the 1950s, kitchen textiles reflected renewed prosperity and were manufactured of better quality cloth and dyes. Designers like Charles and Ray Eames, and Dervan, produced printed tablecloths depicting the contemporary patterns and furnishings of the modern home, designing them with abstract free-form shapes and bold geometric patterns. These artists' signatures will be in the corner of their tablecloths bearing their designs. In the 1960s, Vera became the dominant textile designer, leaving her mark on kitchen textiles which included tablecloths, placemats, towels, and napkins, in addition to fashion scarves. Read more about the history of the printed tablecloth by Joan Kiplinger at www.fabrics.net/joan703.asp

These cotton tablecloths were made in high volume and are plentiful in antique shops and the other secondary markets, but not always in the best condition. Those with wear sell for around $10, but in good condition, the value can be two to three times the amount depending on the print. Tablecloths with a wide variety of colors are more popular than muted or 1 and 2-color cloths. Holiday cloths are always popular as that’s when the table is usually set for company. Christmas patterns are more common than Thanksgiving, followed by Easter, and Halloween, in that order. Cloths with unique prints like patriotic or western scenes, interesting border treatments, or ethnic themes, are among the most desirable and the hardest to locate, and the more rare or unique the pattern, the higher the price. A search of virtual Internet antique stores and eBay found that the Internet shops were higher than eBay’s “Buy It Now” prices, and bargains can be had if you wish to sweat out the auction. The eBay prices were averaging $25-35, whereas in Internet shops prices were $45-65. Check your local antique shops as pricing is typically somewhere in between, $25-45, and you save shipping costs!

Just some observations…the prices on state souvenir tablecloths were all over the place, starting as low as $9.99 and going as high as $235! Texas tablecloths were among some of the highest priced. Alaska was the most prevalent, probably because people don’t usually go on picnics in freezing weather.

One of the most For more information about these beautiful, retro 1950’s tablecloths, reference “Colorful Tablecloths 1930s-1960s: Threads of the Past” by Yvone Barineau & Erin Henderson, “Terrific Tablecloths from the '40s & '50s,” Revised 2nd Edition, by Loretta Smith Fehling, and “Collectors Guide to Vintage Tablecloths” by Pamela Glasell. (Pam Glasell is the president of the Vintage Tablecloth Lover's Club with more than 100 members in the United States and Canada. She has a personal collection of more than 550 vintage tablecloths.)

For tablecloths showing evidence of 'foxing’ (age-related, small brown spots) the Spring Antique Mall sells a vintage linen soak to remove the spots and most stains. To clean your vintage tablecloths, due so on a gentle cycle, after all they’re over a half-century old. But machine agitation and drying in a hot dryer can be damaging, just as hanging them outdoors to dry can cause them to fade too. It’s best to hang them in the shade to dry.

The beautiful tablecloths in the photo collage are representative of those at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Also see the article on vintage picnic accessories titled “In the Good Old Summertime.”

Internet photos & sources

In the Good Old Summertime

2011-06-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

This long, hot summer might conjure up images of outdoor lunches packed in picnic hampers and served on brightly-printed cotton tablecloths at roadside parks, when America took to the new highway system in post WWII.
If you’re questioning why you would collect vintage picnic items when living in a disposable society…just for that reason. Given that these items are still around a half-century later, they can not only used for social purposes, but because it’s the socially responsible thing to do. Instead of contributing to the landfill with Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils, pack a lunch in a vintage picnic hamper, then serve it on Melmac, and throw in some aluminum tumblers.

Melmac dinnerware was a brand name of molded dishes made from melamine resin that was manufactured by American Cyanamid in the 1950’s. They were durable, kid-proof, and came in festive colors. As Styrofoam had not come into manufacturing, Melmac plates were sturdier than flimsy paper plates. You just rinsed them off under the park spigot and threw them back in the picnic hamper

Aluminum ware was all the rage in the 50’s. Aluminum tumblers kept beverages icy cold and for some reason, made tap water taste better. You could get a lemonade pitcher, the tumblers, and a large serving tray at the ‘five-and-dime’ stores in either the basic aluminum color, vivid colors, and even ‘hammered’ aluminum. Many forges also embossed decorations on the aluminum and these pieces have become highly collectible because they’re not only resilient but decorative.

The tin picnic boxes and wooden hampers are difficult to find in good condition as many weren’t stored properly and deteriorated; vintage vinyl picnic containers haven’t fared very well either. When located in good condition, they’re usually scarfed up by antique auto club members, as authenticity is everything when it comes to their costumes and auto accessories.

For your summer enjoyment…a lemonade recipe in Le Confiturier Francaisa, a French cookbook, published anonymously in 1660!

RECETTE DE CITRONNADE

1 pint water
1/2 pound sugar
6 lemons
2 oranges

Get a pint of water and into it put half a pound of sugar; the juice of six lemons and two oranges; the peel of half a lemon and orange that you have pressed. Blend the water well in two very clean vessels, pouring it back and forth several times from one into the other; and strain it through a white serviette.

Our thanks to our customer, Judy Beatty, for providing this centuries old recipe compliments of Heather Bullard, the editor of Souvenir.
Receive the quarterly "Souvenir" by going to http://bit.ly/j6rQSu

Picnic accessories are reasonably priced in antique shops, but regardless, you’ll get your money’s worth using them over and over again if properly cleaned and stored. Look for vintage picnic items at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Also see the article on vintage print tablecloths for your summer picnics titled “Table It.”

Hats off to the men who wore them well

2011-06-08T10:53:00.000-05:00

When the brown Stetson fedora appeared on the big screen worn by Harrison Ford portraying Indiana Jones, the hat was back! Not since Humphrey Bogart appeared regularly wearing them in his films, had a hat been in such demand. Bogey would be proud. It seems everyone wanted to wear a Fedora…Johnny Depp, Justin Timberlake, and even some female superstars like Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. For good reason. Men are just as aware of the sun’s harmful UV rays and are taking more precautions.

Last month women’s hats were all the rage with a late Easter, the Kentucky Derby, and Mother’s Day. In honor of Father’s Day this month, we salute the men who wore them well. Some credit Frank Sinatra with originally popularizing the fedora, a soft felt hat with a large brim and a lengthwise crease. In truth, Sinatra wore a Trilby, a Fedora-style hat with a smaller brim, because of the size of his head and shape of his face.

Some hat wearers were trendsetters. Maurice Chevalier wearing a straw ‘boater’ with a dinner jacket, and Cab Calloway’s enormous over-the-top ‘Tando’ complete with matching zoot suit. But the ultimate in style was the sophisticated Fred Astaire in silk top hat and tails. Of course, Uncle Sam and Abe Lincoln are synonymous with the top hat.

Many hats worn in Western movies and television shows became iconic. Clayton Moore’s bleached beaver hide with the pencil-rolled brim he wore as The Lone Ranger; the quintessential ‘Good Guy’ white hat.’ Clint Eastwood wore a flat-brimmed leather hat in the spaghetti westerns, and a felt beaver in later movies. Both typical of what cowboys actually wore as the hats were used for more than just shielding the sun; the hats had to be impervious to wet weather too.

The blockbuster Western series Bonanza had its share of memorable western hats. Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright, wore his trademark 10-Gallon hat, and Michael Landon as ‘Little Joe,’ wore a western hat named “The Gambler.” Other western actors made their presence known in a hat…Gene Barry as Bat Masterson in a derby; and Hugh O’Brien as Wyatt Earp, and Guy Williams as Zorro, both wore black Spanish Gaucho hats. Cowboys were more apt to wear a hat with a flat crown like Wyatt and Zorro, as did Clint Eastwood in his westerns, as it made them less of a target, especially if they were lawmen. Probably the most notable western figure was the legendary John Wayne wearing what is reported to be a Stetson “Boss of the Plains” high-crown, western hat.

Today’s country and western singers have their own signature style. Tim McGraw wears a hat by the same name, “The McGraw,” manufactured by Bullhide Hats. It’s said to be a shapeable shantung, Panama straw. Shantung is actually made out of a high-performance paper which is rolled into a yarn to imitate straw. And a Panama straw hat is whole different kind of hat.

An authentic Panama hat has a brim and is of Ecuadorian origin, made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla straw plant. It is unique and preferred for travel because its design allows it to return to its original shape after being folded in a suitcase. The quality of the Panama is determined by the number of weaves per square inch. Fewer than 100 would be considered low quality; 1600-2500 weaves per square inch would be of the highest quality. The finest is the “Montecristi,” named after the Ecuadorian city that produces the best Panamas. It is not unheard of for these straw hats to sell for thousands of dollars each.

One of my favorite hat-wearing celebrities was Telly Savalas in his portrayal as the television detective Kojak. My father bore a striking resemblance to Savalas and even more so when he donned a hat like Kojak, which was more like a Trilby due to the narrow brim. Children actually chased my father’s car hollering “Kojak, Kojak!” And many times my father was presented with Tootsie Roll pops from admiring fans. As this issue of the Antique & Collectors Guide comes out just prior to Father’s Day, I’ll tip my hat to all the men who wear one well, one of which was my father.

Vintage men’s hats can be found at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul pylon sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

A Tip of the Hat

2011-05-04T11:31:00.000-05:00

When you don a hat you are accepting of the rules of etiquette that go with it, if not, then it would be better not to wear one. The following rules are not my rules, the are 'The Rules' of wearing a hat. The Rules according to Amy Vanderbilt, Emily Post, Miss Manners, and other Internet sources...

Women need not remove their hat in the following instances:

• In someone's home
• At luncheons, weddings, and garden parties
• At religious services
• At a movie or any indoor performance
• When the national anthem is played
• When the flag of the United States passes by when on parade

A woman is required to remove her hat if it blocks someone’s view in a theatre or at a formal ceremony like a wedding. She should also remove it when she arrives at her place of employment.

Unlike men, a woman is not required to remove her hat during the playing of The National Anthem. This rule was implemented when it was cumbersome for women to do so, when hats were fastened with ribbons or hatpins. However, if a woman is wearing a hat or cap considered unisex like a baseball cap, she ‘cannot claim the ladies exemption’ per Miss Manners. She should follow the same guidelines as the men. She should not hold it across her heart like the men (as ball players do) but instead, hold it in her left hand down by her side, freeing up her right hand to be placed over her heart.

The exception to The Rules are chemotherapy patients covering their heads. They may keep their hats or caps on at all times if they prefer. The etiquette rules for men are entirely different and will be detailed in a subsequent article. In the meantime, one may reference the Emily Post website article “Hats Off! The Who-What-When-Where of the Hat” at http://bit.ly/hUASe5

Pictured is Spring Antique Mall dealer, Gwen Speed, modeling a black-waxed straw, picture hat embellished with silk flowers and ostrich plumes. To further protect her delicate skin she is carrying a Victorian black silk parasol.

Many beautiful vintage hats can be found at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, adjacent to the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Photo by Collage

Faberge' Eggs...A Royal Tradition

2011-04-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

The tradition of giving a present of an egg at Easter could very well have started when the Russian Czar, Alexander III, decided to give his wife, the Empress Maria Fedorovna, an Easter egg in 1885. It’s thought that it was possibly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal. Empress Maria was so delighted by the gift that Alexander appointed the goldsmith, Peter Carl Fabergé, by special appointment to the Imperial Crown. He commissioned another egg the following year, but after that, Fabergé was given artistic freedom for the design of future Imperial Easter Eggs. According to Fabergé family history, not even the Czar knew what they would look like; the only stipulation was that each egg should contain a surprise. The most famous eggs produced by the House were the larger ones made for Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. Unfortunately of the 50 that were made, only 42 survived.
The "Fabergé egg" has become synonymous with luxury and beauty, and regarded as masterpieces of this jeweler's art. The eggs were made of precious metals and decorated with enamel and precious gems. Fabergé and his team of team of expert craftsmen were especially noted for their exquisite enameling technique which is still considered the finest in the world and of the highest caliber. The technique of enameling is an extremely delicate one involving firing the enamel (a compound of glass and metal oxides) at very high temperatures. Often their enameled objects combined different colors of enamel making it necessary to individually fire the different colors at different temperatures. Their extensive range of enamel colors numbered up to 150 different shades.

In the enameling process, enamel is applied by fusion to a metallic surface. For enamel to become soft so that it can be applied to a metal surface it must be heated to a high temperature; the finest translucent enamel is heated to approximately 600 degrees centigrade. The House of Fabergé often fired enamel at temperatures that ranged up to 800 degrees centigrade. Extremely high temperatures could cause defects and imperfections in the enamel, therefore, Fabergé personally inspected every article and any imperfect objects were discarded.

The perfect smoothness of the surface is a distinct Fabergé enameling characteristic. The pieces were devoid of imperfections or dimples. Fabergé perfected the challenging technique known as en ronde bosse…enameling on curved surfaces. It is most difficult to achieve and allows for no margin of error. But most noteworthy, and a signature trademark, was the Fabergé enamel technique referred to as guilloché. Enamel guilloché is the pleasing effect that is achieved when translucent enamel is applied over an engraved design on a metal surface using a machine known as a tour à guilloché. Using this turning device, a variety of patterns called guilloché patterns could be engraved in the surface of the metal. Among the most beautiful are the moiré, sunburst, and basket weave designs. Over these patterns as many as 5 to 6 layers of enamel would be applied and fired individually.

As if the enameled eggs weren’t beautiful enough, they were often decorated with gold and precious gems. The individual eggs also had distinctive embellishments that might include cameos, jasperware, small figurines mounted on them, or hand-painted porcelain, family portraits. Each egg was a one-of-a-kind and a miniature work of art. To see what remains of the Romanov’s Fabergé egg collection and other breathtaking Fabergé creations, you would have to view the catalog from the exquisite Fabergé exhibition that toured globally titled Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler, compiled by Géza Von Hapsburg and Marina Lopato.

Athough there are no Fabergé eggs on display or for sale at the Spring Antique Mall, miniature enameled egg charms are for sale to hide inside egg trinket boxes. (See the article titled “Eggsactly What I Wanted” in this same news edition.) The Spring Antique Mall will be opened Good Friday and Saturday, but will be closed on Easter Sunday. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com
Internet sources and photos

2011-04-06T14:39:00.001-05:00

The tradition of giving a present of an egg at Easter could very well have started when the Russian Czar, Alexander III, decided to give his wife, the Empress Maria Fedorovna, an Easter egg in 1885. It’s thought that it was possibly to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal. Empress Maria was so delighted by the gift that Alexander appointed the goldsmith, Peter Carl Fabergé, by special appointment to the Imperial Crown. He commissioned another egg the following year, but after that, Fabergé was given artistic freedom for the design of future Imperial Easter Eggs. According to Fabergé family history, not even the Czar knew what they would look like; the only stipulation was that each egg should contain a surprise. The most famous eggs produced by the House were the larger ones made for Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. Unfortunately of the 50 that were made, only 42 survived.

The "Fabergé egg" has become synonymous with luxury and beauty, and regarded as masterpieces of this jeweler's art. The eggs were made of precious metals and decorated with enamel and precious gems. Fabergé and his team of team of expert craftsmen were especially noted for their exquisite enameling technique which is still considered the finest in the world and of the highest caliber. The technique of enameling is an extremely delicate one involving firing the enamel (a compound of glass and metal oxides) at very high temperatures. Often their enameled objects combined different colors of enamel making it necessary to individually fire the different colors at different temperatures. Their extensive range of enamel colors numbered up to 150 different shades.

In the enameling process, enamel is applied by fusion to a metallic surface. For enamel to become soft so that it can be applied to a metal surface it must be heated to a high temperature; the finest translucent enamel is heated to approximately 600 degrees centigrade. The House of Fabergé often fired enamel at temperatures that ranged up to 800 degrees centigrade. Extremely high temperatures could cause defects and imperfections in the enamel, therefore, Fabergé personally inspected every article and any imperfect objects were discarded.

The perfect smoothness of the surface is a distinct Fabergé enameling characteristic. The pieces were devoid of imperfections or dimples. Fabergé perfected the challenging technique known as en ronde bosse…enameling on curved surfaces. It is most difficult to achieve and allows for no margin of error. But most noteworthy, and a signature trademark, was the Fabergé enamel technique referred to as guilloché. Enamel guilloché is the pleasing effect that is achieved when translucent enamel is applied over an engraved design on a metal surface using a machine known as a tour à guilloché. Using this turning device, a variety of patterns called guilloché patterns could be engraved in the surface of the metal. Among the most beautiful are the moiré, sunburst, and basket weave designs. Over these patterns as many as 5 to 6 layers of enamel would be applied and fired individually.

As if the enameled eggs weren’t beautiful enough, they were often decorated with gold and precious gems. The individual eggs also had distinctive embellishments that might include cameos, jasperware, small figurines mounted on them, or hand-painted porcelain, family portraits. Each egg was a one-of-a-kind and a miniature work of art. To see what remains of the Romanov’s Fabergé egg collection and other breathtaking Fabergé creations, you would have to view the catalog from the exquisite Fabergé exhibition that toured globally titled Fabergé: Imperial Jeweler, compiled by Géza Von Hapsburg and Marina Lopato.

Although there are no Fabergé eggs on display or for sale at the Spring Antique Mall, miniature enameled egg charms are for sale to hide inside egg trinket boxes. (See the article titled “Eggsactly What I Wanted” in this same news edition.) The Spring Antique Mall will be opened Good Friday and Saturday, but will be closed on Easter Sunday. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com
Internet sources and photos

Eggsactly What I Wanted

2011-04-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

What came first? The gift or the egg? People have long since been fascinated with eggs, but I’m not eggsactly sure why. Being in the antique business and collecting a variety of things, it still cracks me up when someone purchases a decorative egg. Typically they’re not for utilitarian purposes; the majority just have aesthetic value, but most often they’re purchased for a gift. There’s always a nest of eggs that show up prior to Easter in the antique malls so I went on an egg hunt to see how large of variety of eggs I could find to fill a basket.

Among the oldest was a large papier-mâché egg (French for ‘chewed paper’) covered with a vibrant-colored lithograph of a rabbit. (Far left in photo collage.) These old candy containers date back to the early 1900s thru the early 1950s, before plastic eggs came into production. They’re hard to find because they were considered disposable, or weren’t properly stored and deteriorated.

Hand-painted porcelain eggs experienced periods of popularity in the United States. China painting was one of the many beautiful arts that Victorian women indulged in to decorate their homes, along with making fine lace, needlepoint, and quilt-making. When the men went off to fight the world wars, many women took up china painting as they listened to the news of the war on the radio.

Crystal manufacturers likewise, made crystal eggs for decorative purposes. Probably the most expensive egg-shaped piece of crystal is the Waterford BCS National Championship football trophy valued at $8,000, according to one Internet source.

One of the most beautiful eggs I located on the egg hunt was a filigree music box that opened up to reveal a praying cherub. (Top right of photo collage.) When wound the music box plays the “Ave Maria”…charming! Although not believed to be very old, it would still be a lovely gift to an egg or music box collector.

Among the eggs suitable for gifts were trinket boxes in the Limoges style, bud vases, and paperweights. Art glass eggs are among some of the most beautiful eggs as no two are ever alike, making each one truly unique. They’re often made with a flat bottom for use as a paperweight, catering to the niche market of paperweight collectors.

Egg collectibles are among some of the most reasonably priced collectibles. All pictured in the photo collage were valued at approximately $30, most of them less. Presenting a gift to the hostess that prepares the holiday meal is a time-honored tradition. What better gift to surprise her with than an egg as a memento of a wonderful Easter family reunion? The dealers at the Spring Antique Mall will scramble to help you find the right ‘golden’ egg on your Easter egg hunt.

The Spring Antique Mall will be opened Good Friday and Saturday, but will be closed on Easter Sunday. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6pm. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up to be a friend on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook and also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Monogrammed Collectibles...the Personal Touch

2011-02-17T15:13:00.000-06:00

What’s in a name? Everything, when it’s your name or initials. Quite often antique dealers pass up monogrammed items on their shopping excursions for fear that they’ll never find a home for them, when in fact, monogrammed items sell well. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a monogrammed handkerchief, it will almost always be purchased when the person with the right name or initials comes along.

According to Wikipedia and other Internet sources, monograms were historically used by royalty, often in the form of seals or signet rings as a signature; appearing as early as 350 B.C. on coins. Monogramming items to personalize gifts became a custom in the Victorian era which spanned over sixty years (1837 – 1901). Traditionally women’s monograms had the initial of the first name on the left, the middle initial on the right, and the initial of the last name was larger and placed in the middle. Wedding gifts were usually monogrammed with the bride’s first initial on the left, the groom’s first initial on the right, and the joint last name’s initial was larger in the center.

This beautiful and personal touch wasn’t as prevalent during the Great Depression as many lavish niceties were discontinued, but it resurfaced afterwards as school girls exchanged monogrammed hearts for charm bracelets, and monogrammed sterling silver flatware was the wedding gift of choice. Unfortunately it’s not a common practice today to give a personalized, monogrammed gift, primarily because elaborate engraving is somewhat of a lost art. There is one jeweler in close proximity to the Spring Antique Mall who does beautiful engraving in the Victorian style. Wilkins Jewelry Company located at 1712 N. Frazier St., Suite 103, in Conroe (77301). Unfortunately I couldn’t find a website address but found numerous listings on the Internet, a Facebook page which appears to still be under construction, and the phone number 936-539-2944. The Spring Antique Mall is familiar with this jewelry store as some of our dealers were previously just down the street in The Stock Exchange in Conroe, prior to its closing. Ornate serving trays and antique jewelry can be affordably found at the Spring Antique Mall and embellished with a monogram.

Because monogrammed items will appeal only to individuals with the same initials, they are always priced reasonably. Monogrammed handkerchiefs range from $10-$20 depending on the ornateness of the monogramming; sterling silver flatware usually goes for the penny-weight of the current price of silver, and silver plate trays average $50, unless footed and heavily ornate. Monogrammed jewelry is priced based on the age, condition, and intricacy of the jewelry. Just an observation…the letter C sells better than all others, S & T are good sellers, and the popularity of names will make some monogrammed items more popular than others. Names beginning with A & K have been popular for girls and J for boys. Naturally Q & Z aren't big sellers, and most vowels, but interestingly, neither are the letters F & N.

The one jewelry item where the monogram is insignificant is the Victorian bangle bracelet. These highly- coveted, gold-filled bracelets command good prices and are hard to find. Collectors feel the monogram adds to the bracelet’s charm and that it’s a way of perpetuating the original owner’s legacy. Pricing is based on condition, the width of the bangle, and of course, the intricacy of the monogram. The more ornate and decorative, the more desirable. Prices typically range from $150-$350; but the elaborate bangles can exceed $500. For more information about the Victorian bangle bracelets, reference C. Jeanenne Bell’s book Old Jewelry.

The Spring Antique Mall, located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North (Exit 70A) has a wide assortment of monogrammed items for wedding, anniversary, and birthday gifts. Like the Zodiac jewelry mentioned in this same edition, the gift will be unique and personal for that special person. Visit the Spring Antique Mall’s website at www.springantiquemall.com and their Facebook page. Hours are Mon-Fri, 10-5; Sat. 10-6, & Sun. 1-6. For more information call 281-355-1110.

What's Your Sign?

2011-02-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

People have lived their lives according to their horoscopes are perplexed at the possibility of the addition of another Zodiac sign, “Ophiuchus,” the Serpent-bearer, which would be sandwiched in between Scorpio and Sagittarius, from November 30 to December 17th. This will result in a shift that may cause many to fall under a new sign. Individuals who have even gone so far as to select a significant other based on the compatibility of their signs, are now taking a long, hard look at that individual sitting across from then at the breakfast table.

Especially disturbed are the costume jewelry collectors hording a cache of vintage jewelry that may no longer ‘align’ with them. Once such collector, Molly Garza, a member of the Jewel Collect organization, said she’s not relinquishing her Taurus attributes nor her Taurus the Bull talismans. “I’m definitely a Taurus and I’m sticking with it, and my Taurus jewelry pins are sticking with me,” states a bull-headed Molly. Spoken like a true Taurus the Bull. Likewise, I’m an Aries the Ram, and I’ll butt heads with anyone who says differently. I’m going to stay an Aries and I’ll adhere to by Aries amulets.

Zodiac jewelry was all the rage with the release of the pop culture hit “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (Also referred to as “The Age of Aquarius”) by the 5th Dimension in 1969. Costume jewelry manufacturers rushed Zodiac jewelry to market to capitalize on the fixation with the Zodiac calendar. Hippies paired off based on their response to the question “What’s your sign?” Referred to as ‘junk’ jewelry at the time, these unique pieces depicting Zodiac signs are now selling at fine jewelry prices. Most notable were those manufactured by “Tortolani“ and “Razza.” The bold and the beautiful are now typically valued at over $100, despite the economic downturn. Some pieces like the Tortolani Zodiac bracelet depicting all the signs, has sold for as much as $1000 on eBay! Look for pieces that display all the signs, like the Tortolani sundial pictured, to go up in price if Ophiuchus is squeezed into the calendar. The Razza pieces manufactured of metal and molded resin (Aries the Ram & Taurus the Bull in picture), are not for the demure. Selling originally for around $10, have gone up more than ten times in value. Some costume jewelry books have valued the Razza pieces at $150! If you happen to locate one of these pieces in the bottom of the jewelry box, I unfortunately may not be your sign much longer, but it will be your good fortune to have retained it over the years.

Some argue that Ophiuchus is a constellation and not an astrological sign, but whatever your sign, you can probably find it at the Spring Antique Mall, most likely in the months that correspond with it. If interested in collecting this unique jewelry, let the helpful dealers know when you arrive. More than likely they first question they will ask you is “What is your sign?

For additional information about the Spring Antique Mall call 281-355-1110, and view the website at www.springantiquemall.com Also visit the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and sign up to be a friend. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A. Look for their sign…the one posted at the top of U-Haul Center signpost.

Photo by Collage

Something Old, Something New

2011-01-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

A new twist to an old bridal tradition…the bridal bouquet has become a lasting memento of a bride’s wonderful day. The flower brooch bouquet emerged last year but has yet to make the scene at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza this January. I personally assisted a bride with the selection of several brooches for her bouquet at the Spring Antique Mall last fall. While she methodically selected the vintage brooches and mulled over her choices, I was thinking “This is going to be the biggest ball of junk.” That is, until I Googled ‘brooch bouquets’ and was stunned at the finished effect which was, well, stunning.

Nosegays have been the current trend instead of the cascade bouquet, so the brooch bouquet is very much in keeping with today’s modern bride’s taste…but with a vintage touch. The bride I was working with said she intended to give brooches from her wedding bouquet to future daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters, so that they would have a lasting memento of her. I immediately changed my attitude about this idea. What a wonderful idea to share her memorable day by sharing her bouquet. One bride even had brooch bouquets made for her attendants as is the tradition to bestow attendants with a gift (picture at top). It the theme of the wedding is vintage, the mothers and grandmothers could even be given vintage flower brooches instead of corsages. And did you know that there are even rosebud pins, which could be opted for instead of boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen? Even the cake topper can be a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet (picture bottom right.)

The bouquet can consist of multi-colored brooches to resemble a spring bouquet (pic. middle left ), or color-coordinated with the bride and attendants’ dresses (pic. center). It can be embellished with real or silk flowers, greenery, satin ribbon, or even feathers (pic. middle right). For an added touch of whimsy, a butterfly, dragonfly, or bumble bee figural can be added (pic. bottom left ). It doesn’t necessarily have to consist of just flower brooches. It can include pins and figurals that reflect the bride and groom’s personalities, hobbies, or interests (pic. bottom center of a Victorian portrait brooch). Assembling the bouquet so that it looks beautiful and aesthetic requires some talent, and although the florist may not make a lot off the bouquet except for the labor; a florist certainly has the talent to put it altogether.

The number of brooches will determine the price of the bouquet, but expect to pay a minimum of $15 per flower brooch. A fully adorned brooch bouquet will probably be equal to, maybe a little greater than, a floral bouquet, but certainly a better value for its ability to weather the test of time. Since the bouquet is a gift to the bride from the groom, a wise bride will check to see what the groom’s budget will allow.

If it is the bride’s intention to share the brooches with future generations, it would also be wise to select brooches in the best condition possible as they will increase in value. Proper storage would also be essential. Store in a dust-free container, preferably a paper-wrapped hat box, not a cardboard box as cardboard has acidity. Wrap the bouquet in cloth (terrycloth towel) not plastic! Moisture trapped in plastic would hasten the brooches’ demise. And above all, do not store with desiccant packs! Those are the little packets in shoe boxes that remove the moisture from shoes. Some older vintage materials like celluloid, will actually deteriorate when exposed to the desiccant.

The only problem I can foresee with this alternative to a traditional flower bouquet, is when it comes time to fling it at the reception. It could put somebody’s eye out! The florist will be more than happy to accommodate with a ‘ceremonial’ bouquet for the bouquet toss. To see a wide selection of flower and figural pins please visit the Spring Antique Mall, located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Also visit the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and sign up to be a friend and www.springantiquemall.com The next time conversation turns to weddings, you’ll have a new idea to ‘brooch’ the subject.

Lessons learned from the "Five and Dime"

2011-01-11T11:55:00.000-06:00

Last month’s article on marbles brought up a discussion among the Spring Antique Mall dealers about the elementary toys of the mid-part of the last century versus the sophisticated, high-technology toys of today. Were those toys as beneficial as the ones that children preoccupy themselves with now, like the high-technology gaming toys, the Wii, Nintendos, etc.? Albeit, children have to be computer savvy to be competitive in today’s job market, but are there some essential skills that are not being addressed when a child just basks in the glow of a computer monitor?

Although inexpensive and low in technology, there were many lessons learned from those purchases from the ‘five-and-dime’ stores. I don’t know what my siblings and I would have done without those portable ‘playground’ toys, as my mother herded us outdoors, latching the screen door as she remarked “Get outside and get the stink blown off you.”

On the subject of marbles…one not only learned strategic planning, setting up the following shot while executing one, but good sportsmanship as you had to reluctantly handed over your prized marble collection to the neighborhood ‘sharpshooter’ one marble at a time. Jacks and a ball took plenty of hand and eye coordination as you progressed from the ‘onesies’ and ‘twosies,’ to scooping up ten jacks at a time. And the skill became more adept as a proficient jacks player progressed from “Eggs in the Basket” to “Pigs in the Pen,” “Double Bounce,” and “Around the World.”

Other toys lent their own skill set demands…Yo-yos encouraged competition as there was always a new trick to learn in the spirit of one-upsmanship. Tops required discipline as it took plenty of practice to get just the right wrist action in order to get the top to spin. Pickup sticks required patience as you meticulously tried to lift one stick after another off the pile, without disturbing the others. And a china tea set taught manners and the art of polite conversation as participants poured and sipped. The skill required with each toy was as diverse as the toys, but they all had one thing in common. You interacted with your peers, and had to get along and play well with others.

All of the above mentioned toys can be found at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Sign up on the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Teamwork can’t be taught by a monitor and neither can verbal communication skills. Year after year, Human Resource Managers say that the number one skill set that they look for in applicants is their ability to communicate verbally. Children need toys that develop this specific skill in addition to patience, good sportsmanship, and learning to get along with others. At some point you have to wrestle the ‘Game Boy’ from their sweaty palms, drag them out into the fresh air, and then latch the screen door.

Janet Werner has a degree in psychology in addition to both an M.S. in Occupational Education and an M.B.A.

Going for all the Marbles

2010-12-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

I must have lost my marbles to write an article on this subject. But don’t lose yours, because they’re becoming quite collectible. A recent increased interest in marbles peaked my interest, so I struck up conversations with marble collectors and basically it’s nostalgia that drives them to collect these miniature glass orbs. I rarely played with marbles, having lost my stash early on to my older sister who was the best marble shooter in the neighborhood. Typically a boy’s game while the girls were playing with their Barbie dolls, but not my sister. She beat the guys at their own game; a game that goes back to early civilizations. Marbles have been found in the pyramids of Egypt and in the remnants of Indian camps in North America, mostly made from clay, pottery, or stone.

Any marble champion worth his/her salt would have retained their trophies of war. So I asked my sister if she still had her marbles. My brother-in-law put in his two cents but keep in mind he’s one of the neighborhood kids who lost his marbles to my sister’s sharp-shooting skills, so consider the source. It only took a couple of minutes for her to retrieve her booty from the dark recesses of her sock drawer. Talk about a mixed bag of tricks…she had a little bit of everything. Her ‘shooter’ was among the biggest of the spheres; a huge stainless steel ball bearing and more than likely the secret to her success. Although prized in her day, stainless steel ball bearings are not a consideration for marble collectors. Also of little interest are the ‘crystals’ or ‘clearies,’ clear marbles in pale colors but with no internal swirls or bold coloring. But any marble to a marble shooter was collectible because it was all about volume. The objective was to capture all the marbles that were easy pickin’s, thus the term ‘go for all the marbles.’ Much like shooting pool, the objective was to set up your ‘shooter’ for the next shot, so marble shooters weren’t as discriminating as today’s collector.

Eye appeal is the primary consideration, but type and size also weigh heavily in whether they choose to add it to their collection. And as with almost every other antique or collectible, with the exception of primitives, condition is a major factor. The most highly-prized by marble collectors are the handmade glass marbles which are actually individual, one-of-a kind, miniature works of art glass. Although made in high volume by streamlining the process, no two hand-made marbles came out exactly alike, and among the finest were the German- produced marbles which dominated the market until imports from Germany were halted in World War 1. Among the hand-made glass designs, either rod or cane cut (the glass processes) were ‘swirls,’ which were clear glass with internal ribbons of color, and ‘opaques’ with surface ribbons of color. If handmade, it will have a pontil mark, the rough spot where the marble was separated from the rod or cane that it was produced on.

Multi-colored marbles without definitive bands of color were referred to as ‘end of day’ and were made with left-over glass, either with a clear core or a colored core. The more colors, the more collectible. Especially rare are marbles that are left-hand twisted. Inclusions like mica (metallic flakes) add to the value, especially if the marbles are swirls. And even more collectible are marbles with beautiful lutz bands, finely ground copper flakes or goldstone which were used to make metallic-like ribbons in copper or gold. According to the sharp shooter in the family, the shooters rarely played with them because their aesthetic qualities were highly prized even by marble shooters. They never risked losing their better looking marbles.

Lower on the value scale are the slags. Slag glass was a mixture of two different colors of glass, sometimes with a swirled pattern, but often irregularly patterned. On the low end of the collecting scale are the ‘clearies’ and solid-colored ‘opaques’ with no markings. They were made in such high volume and can’t command the price of one-of-a-kind art glass marbles.

Non-glass marbles in order of value include: china, which were often hand-painted; crockery, stoneware, and clay. And then there’s Agate; quartz which was hand-ground into marbles. Because agates are heavier and denser than other marbles, they were preferred as ‘shooters.’

The industrial age ushered in the machine-made marbles in the early 1900s. The first produced were actually ‘transitional’ marbles, partially made by hand and finished by machine, and were always slag-type marbles. There wasn’t much of a collector market for the machine-made marbles until the mid-1980s. Baby boomers began their nostalgic search for their childhood collectibles, and the market for hand-made marbles was becoming scarcer. Machine-made marbles were also produced in transparent (‘clearies’) and opaque, but the slags with their colorful patterns (corkscrew, swirls, and spirals) and unique names (Superman, Bumblebee, Christmas Tree, Tiger, etc.), have dominated the machine-made collector market. For in-depth information about machine-made marbles and the manufacturing companies, refer to Collectable Machine Made Marbles by Larry Castel and Marlowe Peterson. The machine-made marbles are most typical of the marbles you’ll find in the old gym sock of today’s aging baby boomer.

There are many informative books on marble values and collecting. Marble collectors would be wise to take a current issue of a book like Marbles, Identification & Price Guide by Robert Block, or Marble Mania by Stanley A. Block (possibly related to Robert Block), with them when shopping for their collection. These book s and the Internet provided much of the information contained here within.

Some of the best ways to display colorful marbles are in old Ball canning jars, in large art glass bowls, or prominently displayed on glass flower frogs. But many champion marble shooters like my sister, prefer to keep them tucked away in the back of the sock drawer, out of site from other sharp shooters. For a large and colorful selection of marbles to add to your collection, visit the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A, in the U-Haul rental and storage center (look for the large U-Haul sign.) For additional information call 281-355-1110. Also visit the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and sign up to be a friend and www.springantiquemall.com

The 12 Days of Christmas of Antiques

2010-12-01T12:34:00.000-06:00

I often wondered if it would be possible to shop an antique store for presents that would enable you to give someone gifts for the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” So I went through the Spring Antique Mall and put together the following lists correlating the items with the number of the day of Christmas. The prices are based on an average price, and tended to be on the low end of the book values. The gifts that were selected were chosen for their uniqueness and usefulness.

For Him:

1. 1st Edition book on a subject of interest $10

2. Pair of bookends 30

3. Cufflinks w/tie bar 20

4. 4-pipe stand w/humidor 20

5. 5-Volume set of history books 25
(Civil War, WWII, Old West)

6. Set of 6 bar glass tumblers 30

7. 7 monogrammed handkerchiefs 50
(One for each day of the week.)

8. Vintage poker chip carousel for 8 50

9. 9” dresser tray for keys & change 25
(Substitue 1950’s ash tray)

10. Money Clip w/$10 bill 25

11. 11” Crystal Decanter 75

12. Dozen crystal wine stems 95

TOTAL $455

For Her:

1. Book on her favorite collectibles $20

2. Pair of silver plate candlesticks 30

3. Set of 3 nested mixing bowls 45

4. Parure (Set of 4):
Matching necklace, brooch, bracelet, & earrings 95

5. Five golden rings! (5 goldtone bangle bracelets)

6. Half dozen vintage Vera scarves 75

7. 7 Swans a swimming – 7 Lennox swan salts:
(6 individual and 1 master salt) 95

8. Porcelain dresser set (8 pcs)
Tray, ring tree, 2 candlesticks, 2 powder boxes w/lids) 95

9. Dessert set: Berry bowl & 8 individual bowls
or handled cake plate w/8 dessert plates 95

10. 10” vintage evening clutch 25

11. Pair of boudoir lamps (11" tall) 80

12. Complete set of china for twelve 350

TOTAL $1055

Albeit the sum totals appear a little high, the majority of the items will increase in value with time; many becoming family heirlooms. Ask the helpful dealers at your area antique mall to help you find reasonable substitutions in your budget, or marked-down items. All of the items listed, were indeed found at the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of FM 2920 and I-45 North, at Exit 70A. Look for the large U-Haul sign in the U-Haul rental and storage center. For additional information call 281-355-1110, or visit www.springantiquemall.com Also look for the Spring Antique Mall on Facebook.

All Dolled Up for the Holidays

2010-11-24T18:27:00.000-06:00

Dolls date back to the origin of the human species. They have been found in caves, pyramids, and temples, made from materials ranging from bone, wood, clay, and stone. Manufactured dolls have been made of paper, cloth, porcelain, rubber, and plastic. Originally intended as toys traditionally for girls, action figures produced by Hasbro in 1964, i.e. “G.I. Joe”, introduced this type of play toy for boys. Dolls are now collected by adults for their value or nostalgia, with the Barbie collectors being some of the most passionate.

The Barbie fashion figure was somewhat controversial at first, because of her anatomically enhanced form, but truthfully she was not the first anatomically correct doll. The health profession, medical schools, and department stores had been using lifelike mannequins long before Barbie debuted at the American International Toy Fair in New York, on March 9, 1959, by Mattel, Inc.

At the high end of collectible dolls are 19th-century bisque dolls like those made by French manufacturers Bru and Jumeau, which may be worth over $20,000. Simon and Halbig German bisque ‘K star R’ (Kammer & Reinhardt) dolls start at around $500, and go upwards depending on condition. Pictured in center of photo collage is a K star R doll, circa early 1900’s, restored and dressed to resemble the owner’s mother from a portrait from the early 1900’s (see portrait hanging above doll.)

Unfortunately the quantity of antique dolls in very good to mint condition is not equal to the growing number of antique doll collectors. The number of doll restorers who specialize in the restoration or repair of dolls is quite limited. The Spring Antique Mall has had a long and rewarding relationship with The Doll House, providing a resource for their customers to bring their cherished dolls to, when in need of repair. It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Kandy Ferriby, the owner of The Doll House, who is believed to have restored the K star R doll mentioned above. We are pleased to announce that the business has been acquired by another Spring Antique Mall dealer with extensive doll restoration experience, Cathryn Chancellor, and that the doll restoration service will remain in the Spring Antique Mall family.

Although some doll brands offer doll repair service for their own dolls, it’s difficult to find someone talented enough to work on dolls made from all materials. Chancellor is adept at working with porcelain, composition, plastic, etc. “The most challenging are the composition dolls, but they’re the most rewarding,” states Chancellor. (See baby doll in photo collage.) She adds that you have to have an understanding of the technology of doll repair, like restringing or resetting eyes that roll, but you have to have the creativity to improvise when replacing missing digits and limbs; or making the clothes from vintage materials in keeping with their original style. Chancellor says she tries to keep the dolls as original as possible for authenticity. Unlike other antiques whose value could be compromised if restored or altered, damaged dolls enhance in value when lovingly restored. When asked why she went into doll restoration, Chancellor replied that she enjoyed breathing new life into broken dolls and keeping them out of landfills. “Isn’t that what being green is all about?” Chancellor asked. If you have a doll that you would like lovingly restored, contact the Spring Antique Mall at 281-355-1110, and ask for contact information for Cathryn Chancellor, Dealer 57. Please also visit the Spring Antique Mall website at www.springantiquemall.com and their Facebook page by the same name.

The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A), in the U-Haul Center; hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6. When holiday shopping, drop by the Spring Antique Mall where ‘the past makes the perfect present.’

At Your Service...Customer Service is a Must!

2010-10-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

The Spring Antique Mall will usher in the holidays with its holiday open house on Saturday, Nov. 13, from10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 14, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. This long-standing tradition was established by the Mall as a customer appreciation event. A buffet of refreshments is always provided along with live entertainment.

With the onset of the Internet, your competitor is no longer the one just across the street. Antique shops no longer just contend with the local competition, their competitor is global. The emergence of online antique malls and auction sites a little over a decade ago brought about the demise of many quaint antique shops. The dip in the economy made the competition for the discretionary spending dollar even more fierce. Antique malls not only need to provide an eclectic mix of inventory, but provide an environment that encourages customers to drop in and browse. The shops have to shift from a ‘push’ to a ‘pull’ strategy…instead of trying to push the merchandise when the customer walks in the door, you create an environment in which the customer gets preferential treatment and wants to do business with you. So, how do you do that?

A friendly and inviting environment is first and foremost. If customers enjoy the shopping experience, they’ll definitely be back. Greeting the customers when they walk in the door and making them feel welcome, is the basic essential. Complimentary refreshments like hot coffee and cookies are not all that expensive, but definitely appreciated. A complimentary gift wrap or gift bag for ‘smalls’ is something I’ve noticed male shoppers especially appreciate.

Occasional sales during slow periods will bring the frequent shoppers back in the hopes of getting something at a discount that they’ve been eyeing. Even go as far as to offer quantity discounts if customers are indecisive about which items to buy. ‘Bundling’ will not only move more inventory, but provide value to the customer. For instance, if a customer is buying a vintage dress, offer a quantity discount if she will also buy all the accessories…handbag, gloves, & jewelry to match. Other value-added services, like accepting most major credit cards and lay-a-ways, are essential. The Spring Antique Mall even has a library of books on a wide variety of antiques to assist customers with research, as well as offering to do Internet research.

To demonstrate customer service at its finest, a cordial invitation is extended to the customers of the Spring Antique Mall, to come and be treated to a unique shopping experience at their Holiday Open House. Hopefully they’ll find something unique for those special individuals on their holiday shopping list. Door prizes will be gift certificates which can be redeemed immediately. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 off the southbound frontage road at FM 2920, Exit 70A (in the U-Haul rental and storage center.) For additional information call 281-355-1110 and also see the Spring Antique Mall Facebook page. Please also view the website at www.springantiquemall.com The Spring Antique Mall…’Where the past makes the perfect present.'

Hitting the Books

2010-09-04T17:19:00.000-05:00

Books need not be very old to be collectible or valuable. A First Edition printing of a bestseller or an autographed book by a celebrity or athlete, and the price goes up. Typically authors, celebrities, and athletes only sign first editions, and book collectors are usually interested only in First Editions. First Edition books autographed by the authors don’t merely double the value; depending on the celebrity’s status and current popularity, the value could go up exponentially.

If a book is not autographed, how do you tell if it’s truly a 1st edition? Often the book is marked First Edition, but sometimes the words "First Printing," "First Published," or "First Impression" appear on the copyright page, but not always. Sometimes just one date is referenced. Check the date on the title page with the date on the copyright page; they should match. Generally speaking, you should not see dates other than the original if it’s a First Edition.

Many publishers now use a number line to denote the printing. The presence of the number 1 at either the beginning or end of a string of numbers would indicate that it’s a first printing. As the printings are released, the previous numbers are removed. (i.e. 123456 or 654321 would be a first edition. 3456 or conversely, 6543 would be a 3rd printing.)

Though these guidelines serve as a good rule of thumb, each publisher has their own way of designating their first editions. Bill McBride's "Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions" would take the guesswork out.

Somewhat of an enigma are the Tom Clancy novels which are not considered very old…a quarter of a century and newer, First Editions of Tom Clancy novels in hardback, are valued at approximately $50. The exception is his first novel “Hunt for Red October.” The 1984 novel was originally released only in paperback, but when it hit the best seller list, the U.S. Naval Institute Press then released it in hardback…but only through a book club. This blockbuster was the first fictional work they ever published, and still to this date, their most successful. Various sites on the internet value the hardcover version, depending on condition, between $350-$1000!

To research the value of old or collectible books, refer to the latest edition of Huxeford’s Old Book Value Guide with over 25,000 listings. The following internet sites also provide current book values: www.abebooks.com, www.onceuponabook.biz, www.bizrate.com, www.fadedgiant.net

Many unique and interesting books sell for approximately half their value at the Spring Antique Mall, located on the southwest corner of I-45 and FM 2920, at Exit 70A. (The U-Haul rental and storage center.) Hours: Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 & Sun 1-5. Phone: 281-355-1110. Visit the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and sign up, and also see the website at www.springantiquemall.com

Tax Free Shopping Spree

2010-08-17T10:34:00.000-05:00

Unique boutiques are gearing up for the tax-free weekend shopping spree as malls and outlets are not the only options where shoppers can purchase clothing items. Stores that stock any of the items approved for the tax exemption, may sell them to the public. One such unlikely source is the Spring Antique Mall, long-regarded as a source for vintage clothing. The official list of eligible tax exempt items can be viewed at:

http://www.woodlandsonline.com/blps/art_edit_c.cfm?newpage=776&weblog=321

With very few exceptions, the majority can be found at the Spring Antique Mall. Items with an asterisk are not typically found at the Spring Antique Mall, and some of the other items are in limited supply, but all are vintage or collectible, AND on the tax-exempt list.

Vintage looks that are back in vogue include the shirtwaist dress from the 50s, miniskirts from the 60s, and the 80s preppy look. Unusual graphic and designer ties are popular items, and although hats have been slow to come back, the Fedora is still hot due to its popularity with celebrities. Most antique malls have a nice selection of vintage clothing and accessories and are often willing to work with consumers on a limited budget. Leading department stores aren’t flexible in negotiating prices, and don’t offer single point-of-sale checkout. Minimize the hassle and shop your local antique malls for a ‘unique’ look.

View the Spring Antique Mall Facebook for our ‘virtual’ fashion show for some of our offerings that qualify for the tax-exempt shopping weekend. Also available at the mall…vintage lunch boxes. Metal and vinyl lunch boxes have been popular with collectors, but environmentally-conscious students will be carrying lunch boxes instead of disposable bags. Among the most desirable are the ‘domed’ or barn-shaped boxes, where the thermos was stored in the lid. Unadorned domes can fetch as much as $50, but the real money is in those with pictorial decorations. And a themed thermos can add significant value to a matching lunch box, with most starting around $50 too. The most popular themed lunch boxes are Barbie, action heroes, and space themes…Star Trek, Star Wars, and Lost in Space. Western heroes may not be as popular with the kids, but they’re typically older and more popular with collectors, thus more expensive.

For your back-to-school shopping needs visit the Spring Antique Mall during the tax-exempt weekend August 20-22. The mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul Rental Center. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, & Sun 1-6. Complimentary refreshments will be served. For more information call 281-355-1110, and also see website www.springantiquemall.com

Jewelry For All Seasons

2010-07-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

As soon as the temperature drops to the low 80’s, out comes the sterling jewelry…the charm bracelets and the silver chain necklaces. No, sterling jewelry is not seasonal, but by relegating jewelry to specific seasons for practical reasons, it will ‘weather’ the test of time. Nothing can be more caustic to silver jewelry than the salt produced by perspiration. (Sweat as we refer to it in the heat and humidity of Houston, Texas.) Combined with perfume and the chemicals in lotions, and you have a formula for disaster.

Other jewelry fares better in summer...Bakelite, Lucite, and beaded jewelry, both glass and stone. But it’s still advisable to wipe this jewelry with a clean, damp cloth after wear, as those same chemicals in the lotions could affect the coloring of jewelry made from chemical byproducts like Bakelite. Every woman has her favorite pieces of jewelry, but keep in mind, the more often you wear it, the more likely you are to ‘wear’ it out. Why not balance the usage by rotating jewelry by the season. Consulting with Jewel Collect member and one of the most knowledgeable jewelry sources I know, Molly Garza, she provided this list of recommendations:

Spring – Costume jewelry in the pastel palette (as the inexpensive metal alloys will deteriorate just like silver, for all the same reasons…perspiration, chemicals, and perfume.) And of course, wear your sterling silver jewelry.

Summer – Break out the Bakelite bangles and beaded bracelets, and wear jewelry that doesn’t fit snuggly, so that it has air space. It’s best to wear costume jewelry brooches during this season as they’re affixed to your clothing and not your skin in the hot summer months.

Fall – Resurrect the costume jewelry but in the autumn colors when the temperature drops, and break out sterling silver again.

Winter– Show off the showy rhinestone jewelry during the holiday season.

Gold really is the gold standard. It can be pulled up from the bottom of the ocean three hundred years after it went down with the ship, and it emerges it mint condition. There were plenty of good reasons why a king’s ransom was mostly gold. A much better choice when the temperature soars. There was also a time when women had day jewelry and evening jewelry. The day jewelry was yellow gold; the evening jewelry was white gold. Now it’s more a matter of personal preference, but whatever the color of gold…year round, any time.

By selectively wearing jewelry based on the season, your jewelry collection can become family heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation. For a beautiful selection of both fine and costume jewelry, visit the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110, or visit www.springantiquemall.com

The Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-08T21:16:00.000-05:00

The dog days of summer can be brutal unless you’re Callie Marie, one of the regular customers at the Spring Antique Mall. Callie Marie receives the VIP treatment when she visits, being provided her own ‘ride’ as she shops with family; but Callie Marie is the exception as some family members are not suited to the environment of an antique mall. Children typically become bored and sometimes so do husbands. The Spring Antique Mall is conveniently located to venues that children and husbands might find preferable.

Splash Town, located on the east side of I-45 from the Spring Antique Mall, is a great place for the children to cool off during the dog days of summer while mother shops for antiques. Although there is typically a bench at the front of the antique mall for husbands to cool their feet, they may prefer The Stadium Sports Bar located approximately 100 yards east of I-45, at 1428 Spring Cypress.

Also mom’s shopping convenience the Spring Antique Mall is open seven days a week: 10-5 Mon thru Fri, 10-6 Saturdays, and 1-6 on Sundays. Some of the additional amenities include complementary refreshments, major credit cards, a lay-a-way, and carry-out. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. For more information call 281-355-1110, and also visit their Facebook page and website at www.springantiquemall.com

Let Me Call You Sweetheart...Sweetheart Jewelry

2010-06-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

Patriotic collectibles can be as diverse as any other collectible field but if they’re extremely old, dating back to the beginning of this country, they’re probably in museums. One of the most affordable,patriotic collectibles would be ‘Sweetheart’ jewelry popularized inWorld Wars I and II. To display patriotism and pride in a loved one serving in the military, jewelry reflecting the branches of military service were worn my mothers, sisters, and ‘sweethearts.’ Sons, brothers, and boyfriends bought mementos overseas and sent them home to their loved ones. Since most metals were being used for the war effort for weapons and war machinery, the jewelry was often made abroad or constructed from inexpensive materials like celluloid, plastic, and wood, but finer materials like mother-of-pearl and gold were also used. Sterling silver pieces from World War II were most likely made outside the United States.

The jewelry consisted of everything from figurals depicting military personnel in uniform, eagles, and replicas of the ‘hardware’ worn by servicemen like sergeant stripes and air force wings. ‘Service’ pins were especially popular, featuring a star for each family member serving in active duty. Pins with three stars or more are especially rare, and the color of the star is significant. Blue stars reflected active duty, silver stars indicated that a loved one was wounded in action, and a gold star signified that a loved one had made the ultimate sacrifice.

As with most collectibles, Sweetheart jewelry is considered a dual collectible. Collectors of militaria and service symbols have traditionally been attracted to Sweetheart jewelry, but avid jewelry collectors are now adding these sentimental tributes to their collections. Since 911 this market has continued to rise with the surge of patriotism, but likewise, so have the prices as demand will always drive the price upward. Even in a recessed economy, if in good condition, Sweetheart jewelry commands respectable prices. A World War I celluloid sailor pin was priced at a $199 ‘Buy It Now” price on eBay; gold pins over $100, and Sterling pins between $35 and $50 depending on the size. There are two excellent books on Sweetheart jewelry, both written by the same author, Nick Snider… Antique Sweetheart Jewelry and Sweetheart Jewelry and Collectibles, published by Schiffer Book for
Collectors.

Pictured is an assortment of Sweetheart jewelry from dealers at the Spring Antique Mall and from some of the collectors who buy from them. View the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page to enlarge the photos. For an added treat, go to www.flickr.com/photos/ggmsmolly/sets/72157604200664756 to see the private collection of one of our dealers. Collectors of Sweetheart jewelry can also visit the Spring Antique Mall to view their current inventory, located at on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920(Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. For more information call 281-355-1110, and also visit www.springantiquemall.com

Don’t Pitch It, Switch it!

2010-06-24T20:41:00.000-05:00

Recycling has not only become a trend, but a means of survival for antique malls. During the economic downturn, the volume of collectors was also down, so antique dealers found creative uses for old items in order to attract interior designers and decorators from the home décor market. Primitives have been especially popular for interior decorating. At the Spring Antique Mall a carousel figure of Pinocchio, circa 1914, was recently purchased for a hat rack. There’s no end to what these creative people can do with antique bric-a-brac; they can make an occasional table out of anything.

Among the antique bric-a-brac or ‘smalls’ as we antique dealers refer to them, are ‘spooners’ and relish vases being purchased for the vanity to hold toothbrushes or makeup pencils. My favorite recycled item is the hair receiver. Although its original purpose is repugnant to me, I absolutely love using them for potpourri around the house. My favorite one holds cotton balls on my vanity. Sugar bowls and tea pots without lids, have become colorful pencil holders, flower vases, and containers for kitchen utensils. Even the lids to sugar bowls or cookie jars can be recycled if the bottom portion gets broken. I personally have a problem throwing something into a landfill that’s not biodegradable. These orphan lids are being reinvented as paperweights to weigh down napkins on a picnic table, or prevent a debris field under a ceiling fan. For whatever reason, put a lid on it.

Vintage jewelry has become especially popular with new artisans who make unique one-of-a-kind jewelry. As much as I hate to think of them cannibalizing beautiful, vintage jewelry, it is theirs to do with as they please once they’ve purchased it. Keep in mind that the value of the reinvented jewelry will not appreciate as quickly has the vintage piece would have. My preference is to recycle broken jewelry, and if at all possible, try to repair it to its original state. But if too many beads are missing from a necklace, the remnants can be made into bracelets and earrings. And leave it to women to find new places to wear jewelry… purse charms and jean charms from vintage jewelry components. Even jewelry for pets can be reinvented from broken jewelry.

What is your favorite recycled antique? Send a picture to the Spring Antique Mall Facebook page and visit the Spring Antique Mall to view their eclectic selection of antiques and vintage collectibles. We’re located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110, or visit www.springantiquemall.com

Photo caption: Clockwise from left...gold-filled charm bracelet consisting of antique lockets; brass bangle w/cartouche displaying a crest from a broken earring; gold-filled charm bracelet w/whimsical charms from earrings & pendants; pink & fuschia art glass beads refashioned into a matching necklace, bracelet, and earrings; and a locket with a cartoche from an antique cufflink mounted on it.

Father's Day - A Practical Matter

2010-06-05T11:39:00.000-05:00

Dads always seem to be harder to shop for Father’s Day than mothers are for their special day. Probably because mothers are always appreciative of any show of affection, whether it’s a homemade card or refrigerator art, but Dads on the other hand, want the gift to be practical. When my sisters and I were youngsters, we’d save the S&H green stamps from the family’s grocery store purchases, and redeem them every Father’s Day for a wood-working tool. Our father liked making things with wood, so one year it was a circular saw, another year a router, then a jig saw. The first thing Daddy would do with his new tool would be to make a wooden box to store it in. I dare say my father would much rather have had his wood-working tools than a homemade card.

Unless your father has a hobby, it’s difficult to find something that’s useful, but special. There are many interesting collectibles that Dad might enjoy receiving that are practical. A pocket knife like the first one he ever received, an advertising money clip, vintage watch, or a decanter. Even something eclectic like the Budweiser light fixture pictured, or a unique dresser caddy might be appreciated because they’re still useful.

It’s rare, but there are men who collect things. A new customer who collects cigarette lighters dropped in the Spring Antique Mall. He spotted an old cigarette lighter that had the name of his father’s defunct trucking company on it. But wait! There’s more. When the dealer was getting the item out of a locked case for the gentleman, the customer spotted another lighter. The customer, already trying to control his sentiments, became visibly emotional when the dealer handed the second one to him. It had the customer’s name monogrammed on it and the year his grandmother had given it to him for his birthday in 1967. Unfortunately a brother had taken it and pawned it, and the customer thought it was lost for a lifetime. What are the odds that the one person who would have a connection with both lighters, would wander in the door forty-three years later?

But the best gift of all is to spend a day with dad rummaging through an antique mall. For their customer’s convenience, the Spring Antique Mall is open seven days a week: 10-5 Mon thru Fri, 10-6 Saturdays, and 1-6 on Sundays. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. For more information call 281-355-1110, and also visit www.springantiquemall.com Visit us on Facebook and view the photo album titled “Man Cave” for some gift suggestions, or let us know what you’re trying to find dad for Father’s Day.

For The Record

2010-05-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

What goes around comes around, especially in the case of vinyl records. Through the years the technology evolved in sequential order from 8 track tapes, to cassette tapes, and now compact discs and MP3 players. Ironically, music has now come full circle. The evolution of technology will now enable the transfer of music from 45s and long-playing (LPs) records to compact discs (CDs), on what resembles a vintage 1950s record player. This device has created a renewed interest in vinyl records in antique shops, and the hunt is on for out of print records.

If you’re collecting for investments purposes, then carry the latest edition of Jerry Osborne’s “Official Price Guide to Records.” This guide not only lists the artists, but all the recording labels, the year of release, the price based on condition, and a whole lot more. Be aware that there were counterfeit copies made, and learn to identify them. From an investment standpoint, they won’t be worth what you’ll probably pay for them.

But if you’re collecting to copy the music to compact discs, audiophiles know to keep the following
things in mind when collecting vintage vinyls:

-Buy only in the best condition. Scratches will create ‘pops’ and ‘ticks’ on high density CDs.

-Continue to look for favorites in better condition than the one you previously purchased. This will enhance the value of your collection.

-Avoid buying sight unseen. Buying on-line is risky. This is a touchy-feely business and it’s best to inspect the product before purchasing.

-Clean the vinyl with a soft cloth and a commercial record-cleaning product before recording.

-Don’t overlook the album cover either. The graphics on the cover can add considerable value,especially if designed by pop artist icons like Peter Max or Andy Warhol. Again, buy in the best condition possible.

-Stack the record collection ‘standing up,’ not laying flat on top of each other. And definitely don’t store in a warm environment. These preventative measures will keep the vinyls from warping.

For a large selection of ‘oldies but goodies’, visit the Spring Antique located on the southwest corner of I-45 and FM 2910 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 & Sun 1-6. For more information call 281-355-1110, also view their website at www.springantiquemall.com and visit their Facebook page.

What Goes Around, Comes Around...Records & Retro Record Cabinets

2010-05-20T14:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing exemplifies the saying...”What goes around, comes around” better than phonograph records. The evolution of technology has created a resurgence in the popularity of vinyl, long-playing record albums. There are now dedicated turntable systems that are specifically designed to play albums and capture the music on your computer, and allows you to easily edit the pops and ticks. The two major products available for the conversion process: Audio-Technica, and the other ... Ion/Numark if you use a Mac computer.

Record albums are generally described by their size ("12-inch", "10-inch", "7-inch", etc.), the rotational speed at which they are played ("33 r.p.m.", "45", "78", etc.), their time capacity ("Long Playing"), their reproductive accuracy, or "fidelity", or the number of channels of audio provided ("Mono", "Stereo", "Quadraphonic", etc.). Originally four minutes in length, the discs needed to play at least 11 minutes to accompany a thousand-foot reel of 35mm film at 24 frames per second for movie soundtracks. The diameter of the disc was eventually increased from 10 inches (25 cm) to 16 inches (41 cm), and the speed was slowed to 33⅓ revolutions per minute.

Nostalgia typically dictates what sells, which is as varied as the individuals who collect records. The primary condition in which a record will be purchased is just that....condition. The better the condition, the more likely the record will sell. When storing or displaying record albums, do NOT stack flat. Stand them on edge to prevent damage and warping, and of course, for easier viewing. If not in pristine condition, a record may still have some redeeming value if the album cover is in very good condition and the graphics collectible. To determine the price on albums and covers, it’s best to do an Internet search to get the current values.

The popularity of record albums has spawned a renewed interest in vintage record player cabinets; retro 1950s being the most highly sought after, but through to the late 1970s also being collectible. The record player doesn’t have to be in working order as the conversion turntables can be mounted in them. Condition need not be a determining factor as Howard’s Restor-A-Finish can breathe new life into these old wood cabinets. Prices can be as low as $75 to over a thousand, with the older vintage commanding the higher prices. Occasionally one of these old stereo cabinets shows up at the Spring Antique Mall, but currently there’s a large selection of record albums available. The Spring Antique Mall is located at is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110, the website is www.springantiquemall.com , and please become one of our friends on Facebook.

Mother's Day - The Past Makes the Perfect Present

2010-05-04T19:55:00.000-05:00

What do you get mother for Mother’s Day when she has everything she needs and most of what she wants? If your mother happens to be an antique dealer like mine, it’s even more difficult. You can never go wrong with something nostalgic, thus the reason for the Spring Antique Mall’s slogan… ”Where the past makes the perfect present.”

We’ve come up with some ideas that are guaranteed to please Mom. (See photo collage clockwise.):

-Have her favorite piece of family heirloom jewelry repaired. Missing stones can be replaced; broken pin backs can be repaired.

-A beautiful pair of vintage earrings. Make note if she prefers pierced, clip-on, or screw backs.

-A piece of vintage ‘sweetheart’ jewelry which was popular in World War II. The more symbolic the better.(See the Air Force expandable bracelet pictured…ideal for a WW II veteran’s widow.)

-Build her a sterling charm bracelet that chronicle’s her life; where she’s been and what she's accomplished.

-A vintage compact that was monogrammed especially for Mother, circa: 1940’s.

Fortunately my mother can't read this blog because she doesn’t have a computer. For sentimental reasons I'm giving her the 'Sweetheart' expandable bracelet with the Air Force insignia (pictured) for Mother's Day.

Let the Spring Antique Mall help you with some gift suggestions or provide you with a personal shopper to help you find something mother will love. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110, and also visit www.springantiquemall.com

Spring Forward

2010-04-26T20:59:00.000-05:00

By: Janet Werner

Daylight savings time can be time-consuming for the ‘horologists’…a term used to describe people who deal professionally with timekeeping devices… watchmakers, clockmakers. All their time pieces, watches, and wall clocks, have to be wound forward an hour in a timely fashion. (This isn’t as arduous as rescinding daylight savings time in the fall when time ‘falls’ back an hour. As all horologists will tell you, you don’t wind the time piece backwards, you have to advance it eleven hours. Or you can do what I do and pull the stem out for an hour, but then how will you know when the hour is up?

Greater dependence on cell phones as time-keeping devices makes it a good time to invest in collectible watches. Wrist watches are not in as great a demand, and for the small niche market who knows the value of quality time pieces, it’s a buyer’s market. For those like myself, who wear watches more for fashion, and who aren’t as knowledgeable as horologists, here are some guidelines provided by the Spring Antique Mall’s resident horologist, James King…

-If a new battery won’t start a quartz watch ticking, then it’s served out its usefulness. Unless the casing and the watchband are of high value, it’s non-value added to replace the watch mechanism.
-Look for “Swiss Movement” watches. They increase with time (no pun intended.)
-The more jewels in the jewel movement, the better. According to King, the jewels are for balancing the time piece; the different jewels have different weights. (Something new I learned.)
-Only use a jeweler’s rouge cloth to clean the cases of pocket watches.
-Watch boxes have value too; it increases the value of the watch if it is the original box.

When the watch stem is frozen and won’t turn, turn it over to an experienced watch repairman. If it is a Swiss Movement watch, he can usually get it running again if the watch mechanism hasn’t corroded. Swiss Movement watches run with a miniscule of oil in them which can dry out with age; this can be easily rectified.

Now is the time to collect time pieces. There are many men’s watches that are highly collectible…at the high end: Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, and Rolex, to name a few, and very fine: Elgin, Bulova, and Hamilton watches. Although women’s watches don’t command as high a price because of their size, at the high end: Piaget, Cartier, and Rolex; also look for vintage Elgin, Bulova, and Hamilton. An internet search can provide a fair assessment of values…go to www.tias.com or check eBay and other auction sites. Be sure to check the local antique shops and antique malls as many good watches are procured from estate sales. When you have time on your hands, stop by the Spring Antique Mall and visit with James King and discuss watches and time pieces. The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental and storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. And when you have free time, visit the Spring Antique Mall Facebook page and share your comments about your favorite time piece. For more information call 281-355-1110, or visit www.springantiquemall.com Please also take the time to read the article by James King titled “The Wristwatch…What’s in a name?” Don’t put off hunting for that timeless treasure…time’s a wastin’!

The Wristtwatch…What’s in a name?

By: James King
Spring Antique Mall

There are over 2000 different names of watches these days. Some that run on batteries or need to be wound each day. Some that will work 200ft under water, and others in the most extreme conditions. You can pay any were from a few dollars for a good used watch at an antique store up in the millions for a 24kt solid gold, 21 jewel diamond bezel with a sapphire crystal and titanium jubilee band guaranteed to last longer than you will. But face it; don’t we want to just tell time? I remember when Timex said their watches “Takes a lick ‘in and keeps on tick ‘in”. Not sure what licking my watch did but it did keep good time. We see athletes promoting expensive watches. Will that help me be a better player, capable of dunking a basketball at my height of 5’ 10?

If you’re like me and love the old vintage time pieces with names like Geneva, Gruen, Hamilton, Elgin or even Timex, just find yourself a good old watch, put a battery in it or give it a good wind and the next time someone asks “do you have the time” say “yes” and only you will know you didn’t spend a small fortune to just tell time.

The Social Aspects of the Antique Business

2010-04-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

During a sluggish economic period, the antique business languished. Antique dealers rearranged merchandise, changed out inventory, but nothing seemed to increase foot traffic and sales. In a tough economy, anything regarded as a luxury item falls to the bottom of the list. More than ever antique dealers need to focus on the customer…not their inventory. The social aspect of antiquing can help tremendously in transitioning from a push strategy to a pull strategy.

Some of the social niceties can be as easy as offering complementary refreshments like fresh coffee and cookies. A small premium at check-out is always appreciated, like discount coupons to food establishments in the surrounding area or a map to other interesting shops. The Spring Antique Mall gives away small American Flag lapel pins. The concept is to make the shop a place people want to visit when they have time on their hands, or want to escape to a stress-free environment, or a place to go shopping with friends.

Men will become regular shoppers if you can help them with suggestions for gift-giving occasions, or provide them with a personal shopper. If you include a complementary gift-wrap, you have a shopper for life.

Technology has enabled the antique business to reach out to collectors with websites and email messages, but unless antique collectors know about your shop, they may never find it on the internet. Emailing customers of sales and special events is an excellent way to give clients ‘preferred customer status,’ but many are reluctant to provide email addresses for fear of being ‘spammed.’ One of the best social concepts for building rapport with customers is the use of social media. This enables customers to sign up to receive your social media messages. Although there are several social media sites, this writer prefers Facebook for a number of reasons. A Facebook site can be established for your antique shop which is like a mini website…and it’s free! You can post pictures of merchandise, send out invitations to events, and even post videos. What I especially like about it is that it’s interactive. Many websites are not set up for two-way communication with customers. Facebook enables you to easily communicate with customers, and this relationship-building is the very crux of your business. Is it time-consuming? Not very much. Checking on the site a couple of times a day is enough to keep up with it. Taking photos, doing the photo-editing, and posting them can take a little extra work, but let me tell you what work is. Trying to load a piece of antique furniture in the back seat of a 2-door mustang by yourself, and then unloading it…that’s work. Maintaining a Facebook site for your antique shop… not so much.

To view the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook site, type the name Spring Antique Mall, then sign up to ‘become a fan.’ You can ask questions about antiques or collectibles, and you’ll get updates real time. You can also visit the Spring Antique Mall’s website at www.springantiquemall.com The Spring Antique Mall is located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A) in the U-Haul rental & storage center. Hours are 10-5 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, & 1-6 Sun. For more information call 281-355-1110.

There's Nothing Like A Hat

2010-04-01T20:42:00.000-05:00

For centuries women have adorn themselves starting at the top of their head. Egyptian queens wore magnificent gold headpieces, and the French court saw the most elaborate display of brims, birds, and plumage in the mid to late 1700’s. It is estimated that in the late 1800’s five million birds were being killed annually for the millinery and fashion industry. The elimination of the bird population was so devastating it spawned the Audubon Society in 1905.

Millinery styles adapted to the times…wide brimmed western hats and bonnets were worn by the settlers to shield themselves from the scorching sun, the brims on ladies hats shrunk when they took to riding in automobiles, and the sheared beaver fedora was largely adopted by men in the early half of the 1900’s as an all-weather hat.

The great milliners say that millinery reached its pinnacle in the 1930’s through the 1940’s. This was when hats became an art form and no longer worn for practical purposes or as just a fashion accessory. They were sculpted, twisted, molded and formed. They became the focal point for which a whole ensemble was created. The styles were as versatile as the designers themselves. Milliners like Elsa Schiaparelli were credited with millinery innovation as she was largely inspired by surreal artist, Salvador Dali. Some of the other noteworthy milliners of the period were Hattie Carnegie and Lilly Dache.’ The partnership of John Piocelle and Frederic Hirst under the John-Frederics label created hats for many epic movies including Gone With the Wind and My Fair Lady.

Two significant events were responsible for the demise of the millinery industry…the bouffant hairdo, and the Catholic Church’s decision to let women attend church without wearing a hat. Hats in the 1960’s & 70’s were reduced to nothing more than a flowers propped atop a mound of hair with a small amount of veiling. At that point milliners pretty much put a lid on their hat boxes. But hats are back in vogue due to changes in time. Chemotherapy is largely responsible due to the hair loss. Greater awareness of the dangers of the sun’s ultraviolet rays has also increased hat sales. Although tea parties and Kentucky Derby parties have brought back the large picture hat, the number one selling hat of all time? ….the ball cap. Whatever your reason for wearing a hat, an Easter bonnet for Easter Sunday is another good reason. To quote George Sanders upon seeing Bette Davis in an elaborate chapeau in the movie All About Eve, “There’s nothing like a hat.”

To see a wide variety of beautiful vintage hats, please visit the Spring Antique Mall located on the southwest corner of I-45 North and FM 2920 (Exit 70A). Hours are Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-6 & Sun 1-6. Visit the Spring Antique Mall’s Facebook page and send a picture of your favorite hat. Also visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

Janet Werner is a featured columnist for Antique & Collectors Guide of Texas, a monthly statewide publication on antiques and collectibles.

Lucky Charms

2010-03-17T20:40:00.000-05:00

Throughout time lucky charms have been a part of civilizations to attract good luck and to thwart off evil. Even those who scoff at superstition will usually stoop to pick up a ‘lucky’ penny. Athletes on the other hand, are an especially superstitious group. Many of the 2010 Olympians have been seen going through rituals prior to competition and wearing an amulet around their necks, but the wearing of lucky charms actually predates the first Olympics. Since the beginning of recorded time civilizations have embraced insects, animals, and symbols, as good luck charms. The Egyptians embraced many gods, thus many charms. Among them was the scarab which they interpreted as a symbol of creation. The Eye of Horus is another Egyptian good luck symbol which was later adopted in the Middle East, and continues to be fashioned into jewelry like the popular ‘eye’ jewelry of the Victorian era. The Asian cultures favor crickets, tortoises, and bamboo, which are all symbols of life. The rubbing of a Buddha’s belly is supposed to bring luck, and the Yin and the Yang symbol represents harmony and good fortune. The tiger is considered lucky in Chinese astrology as it is perceived to protect against the evils of theft and fire, and as luck would have it, this is the Year of the Tiger. The dragon, depending on the culture, is interpreted both ways. The Chinese believe it to be the most powerful and important feng shui symbol, representing protection and success, but in medieval times the dragon was perceived as bad luck.

Many symbols were interpreted both ways, like the cat and the serpent. Cats were revered by the Egyptians but later desecrated in medieval times as they were associated with witches. Although unlucky for Cleopatra, serpents were symbolic of good luck by the Egyptians. The serpent image was made into bracelets which were worn on the wrists and upper arms; the cobra image was often worn as a head ornament. The Irish however, associated snakes with Satan who tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, so St. Patrick drove them out of Ireland using the Shamrock because it represented the Holy Trinity, thus it became a good luck charm. To find one with four leaves is so rare, that it is considered lucky to find a 4-leaf shamrock (or clover.) To find a Leprechaun is also lucky as he will have to share his pot of gold, the same reason rainbows are lucky. In Africa just carrying an animal’s foot or other parts, like teeth or horns from a swift creature, was meant to help you flee evil. Thus the lucky rabbit’s foot was introduced into Western culture by enslaved Africans. Carrying the animal parts in a “Mojo” bag around one’s neck was also adopted from the African culture, thus the term ‘messing with the Mojo’ means someone is attempting to alter good luck.

The cross which represents Christianity is naturally perceived as good and worn to ward off temptation and evil which is why it is often depicted in horror films as protection against vampires. Religious medals and crosses are popular in today’s culture, but as with many talismans, they can have a dark connotation. Many have now been adopted as symbols of the occult. For instance, the swastika, an ancient symbol of the sun and the four directions, was adopted by Hitler and came to represent racism. Symbols that are unmistakably lucky are horseshoes, wishbones, and the lucky number “7”, which possibly derived from Buddhism and Hinduism for the seven gods of fortune. Precious and semi-precious stones have also been linked to good fortune… like rubies, jade, pearls, and crystals. Jewelry was quite often embellished with them for that reason. But for whatever reason, bring out your lucky charms on St. Patrick’s Day so that you too, can share in the luck of the Irish.

Go Texan

2010-02-18T18:22:00.000-06:00

Many vintage Texas collectibles were produced for the tourist trade which took off when the highway system was completed after World War II, enabling tourists to do likewise. Individually crafted items of wood and hand-painted pottery, like miniature vases and pots produced by the Meyer pottery company, were painted with the state flower…bluebonnets. Stuckey roadside convenience stores stocked state souvenirs and collectibles: key chains, souvenir plates, ashtrays, etc., depicting scenes of historic significance like the Alamo and the San Jacinto monument. State plates currently sell for less than $20, but the asking price for Texas plates is always higher than other states. Glass tumblers depicting these same Texas landmarks in pen and ink sketches by renowned Texas artist, Norman Baxter, were given away at ENCO and ESSO gas station openings by the Humble Oil & Refining Company. The clear tumblers are the older version from the late 50’s to early 60’s. The Shell Oil Company later provided the same scenes by Baxter in a frosted tumbler. Unfortunately they don’t give them away at the antique shops. The clear tumblers are typically $10 or more; the frosted ones usually sell for approximately $5 each. Also for glass collectors, the U.S. Glass Company produced a variety of table serving pieces in the early 1900’s. One of the most popular patterns was the “Texas” pattern. Refer to Bob H. Batty’s book A Complete Guide to Pressed Glass, or Florence’s Glassware Pattern Identification by Gene Florence, to view this beautiful pattern.

Texana souvenirs can be everything from Texas roadmaps by defunct oil companies to souvenir ladies’ compacts. Some items are classified dual collectibles because they appeal to more than one collector market. For instance, items with the Battleship Texas emblazoned on them, appeal to both the Texana market and collectors of militaria.

At the high end of the Texana collectible market are rare and out of print books on Texas history. Antique dealer, Roger Synnott of the Spring Antique Mall, specializes in history books and topics of specific interest about Texas, in addition to Texas collectibles. Good Books In The Woods, located in The Woodlands, TX, is another great source for hard-to-find books on Texas.

Vintage western boots are also in great demand, short of supply, and high in price. Being a fifth generation Texan myself, I can attest to the fact that the competition for vintage Texas collectibles is fierce, but many rare and unusual Texana collectibles can be found at the Spring Antique Mall, located on the southwest corner of the I-45 & FM 2920 intersection (Exit 70A). Open seven days a week; for more information call 281-355-1110, or go to www.springantiquemall.com Regardless of the age of your Texana memorabilia, being a Texan is never out of date.

"Scragg Boys" - A B-17 that will live in infamy

2010-02-18T17:54:00.000-06:00

Woodlands Online - Blogs Article Management

Fur Goodness Sake - Recycle Furs

2010-01-12T12:53:00.000-06:00

Woodlands Online - Blogs

The Texas Longhorns lost more than their hides

2010-01-08T17:51:00.000-06:00

The Texas Longhorns lost more than their hides.

Woodlands Online - Blogs Article Management

Lose Yourself

2009-12-30T21:58:00.000-06:00

After the firecrackers have been expended and the bowl games are over, the gyms will be packed. The number one New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight, and it’s the hardest one to keep. Thus the reason it’s renewed each year. This is not going to be an article about a diet or an exercise regimen. People who have managed to lose weight and successfully keep it off, will tell you that it requires a behavior modification program. Not only modifying what you eat, but when you eat it, and how much you eat. Being only five feet tall, I have no place to go but out. Although not at my preferred weight, the following tips have enabled me to keep my weight under control, and prevented any weight gain during the holiday season.

- Write down everything you eat and how much you consumed.
- Use a smaller plate reducing the size of your portions.
- Drink plenty of water. It will not only make you feel full, but will result in many other benefits.
- Eat breakfast. Put something in your stomach early to jumpstart your metabolism.
- Restrict as much sugar and salt from your diet as you possibly can.
- Refrain from eating fried foods as much as possible.
- Learn to love green vegetables.
- Fruit, lots of fruit.
- Try not to eat after prime time.
- Eat several smaller meals or snacks, instead of three large meals. New studies support this idea.
- Try to exercise 20 minutes three times a week, at the minimum.

Notice that I didn’t use the words, quit, stop, or eliminate. Realistically, we don’t want to go through life depriving ourselves of things that we enjoy. Just learn to eat them in moderation. If this information sounds redundant, then keep doing what you’re doing and see what kind of results you get. If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always have just what you’ve have.

O Tannenbaum

2009-12-23T14:33:00.000-06:00

My earliest recollection of putting up a Christmas tree was trekking through the woods with my dad to chop down a pine tree. We were so poor we couldn’t pay attention, so we had to harvest a tree since we couldn’t afford to buy a commercial one. We’d go to my Aunt Katy’s farm which is now Gessner north of I-10. I often wondered if the Old Katy Highway was named after her, and maybe even the town of Katy, since she was always having a bar-b-q to get a local politician elected.

Pine trees were always kind of scrawny with a bare spot on the north side of the tree. I remember my dad binding two trees together one year to get a really full tree. We always put up the tree on the second weekend of December because any earlier and it would dry out too soon from the hot bulb lights. Traditionally Christmas trees were not brought in and decorated until Christmas Eve and not removed until after the Epiphany, the visit of the Magi, on January 6. To have a tree up before or after these dates was even considered bad luck. It is believed that the early trees were biblically symbolic of the Paradise Tree in the Garden of Eden.

Legend has it that in the 7th century, St. Boniface used a triangular Fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity, thus St. Boniface is credited with starting the tradition of the Christmas tree which has since been used as a symbol of Christianity. By the 12th century it was being hung upside-down from ceilings, possibly as a space-saving idea. I’ve only spotted one tree hung upside down this holiday season, the one at the Spring Antique Mall, I assume to allow for more counter space. I think hanging the tree upside down is a good idea because you can get more presents under the tree.

The first record of a decorated tree was at Riga in Latvia, in 1510. The legend says that the first Riga tree was decorated with paper flowers and burnt on the bonfire after the ceremony. This was what we usually did with our dried-out pine after we took it down. We’d put it in the burn barrel out back, and incinerate it with the Christmas trash. The trend now is to recycle them. They’re mulched for flowerbeds, or sunk in lakes to create fishing ‘honey holes.’

The Christmas Tree first appeared in England with the Georgian Kings who came from Germany (where St. Boniface had been preaching), but the tradition was slow to catch on as the British public was not fond of the German Monarchy. In 1846, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were pictured in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas Tree. Unlike the previous Royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at Court immediately became fashionable - not only in Britain, but with the fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. Thus the Christmas Tree tradition was born in both Britain and America. In America, Christmas Trees were introduced by several different groups…the German Hessian Soldiers, Texas Cattle Barons from Britain, and the East Coast Society copying the English Court tree customs, all about the mid 1800s. Although Pennsylvanian German settlements are reported to have had community trees as early as 1747.

The first record of artificial trees were the Goose Feather Tree invented in the 1880s in Germany to combat the deforestation damage of the Fir tree as a result of this holiday tradition. They ranged in size from just a few inches to as tall as 8 feet. So if you were unable to obtain a tree, any old feather duster would do. Unfortunately, feather trees and feathers being used extensively in the millinery business, began to take its toll on the bird population thus resulting in the formation of the Audubon Society for their protection.

In 1930, the first American artificial tree was made by the Addis Brush Company using the same materials they used for their toilet brushes. These brush trees had an advantage over the feather tree in that they would take heavier decorations, but this is probably when the tradition went down the drain. In one of America’s best examples of one-upmanship, artificial trees went from the ridiculous to the sublime. The modern movement in the 1950’s, coupled with the advent of the space age, saw the invention of the silver pine or aluminum tree. It was typically displayed with a minimum of ornaments of all the same color, and illuminated by the use of a color wheel. I remember the first time we saw one of these trees. We had just moved into our new house across town and when we finished our decorating, we took our traditional drive to look at the other neighbor’s decorations.(My dad was always looking for inexpensive ways to entertain the troops…drive around and look at decorations during the holidays, watch the planes take off and land at Hobby Airport Sunday afternoons, etc.) Anyway, when we cruised in front of a house that had an aluminum tree in the large, front window with its revolving color wheel, my Dad literally hit the brakes. He actually parked the car and we just stared at it for a while, watching the colors change as the color wheel went round and round. We had never seen such a thing!

It wasn’t long before plastic trees were all the rage. My father saw the plastic tree as an answer to his prayers. No longer would he have to contend with the prickly pine needles, or the messy clean up when they dried and fell off the tree. Because my mother loved a tall, flocked tree(a grand mess giving the tree the illusion of having snow on the branches), he surprised her with a 6 foot, white plastic version. She hated it. She hated the artificial look, she hated the lack of nostalgia, and she hated the plastic smell. But Dad stood his ground and we used it for several years until the hooks from the ornaments began to rust on the branches, giving the tree a weird polka-dot look.

The natural versus artificial argument ensued. Commercial tree growers argue that artificial trees are environmentally harmful, and contend that a natural tree is entirely biodegradable and recyclable, often reused by tree farms or local governments as woodchips or mulch. Those who favor artificial trees argue that cutting down natural trees is harmful to the environment, and that artificial trees are made from 100% recycled plastics of used packaging materials. Other types of artificial trees have have provided alternatives. The 19th century feather trees saw a renaissance in the mid-2000s, and fiber-optics, "holographic mylar," glass, and cardboard, have become increasingly popular.

The ceramic tabletop tree decoration has resurfaced; popularized in the craft movement of the late 1960's and early 1970's when decoupage, sweatshirt painting, and ceramic-making were all the rage, although I never could understand why. With the exception of the ceramic tree, you never see any of this stuff in antique malls even though it would be considered vintage at this point.

In my opinion, the best Christmas trees are the ones that nature and technology collaborated on to produce picture-perfect trees like the ones I spotted at Kroger in Sterling Ridge. When the best minds with agriculture degrees go to work, they produce something as perfect as a mass-production artificial tree. I looked around for the most beautifully decorated, natural tree, but was unable to locate on. I did however, find the most beautifully decorated tree...the magnificent tree in Market Street in The Woodlands, TX, shown here decorated with my beautiful daughter.

Some excerpts from www.wikipedia.org and www.christmasarchives.com/trees

Photos by J. Werner sans the feather tree (obtained from www.images.Google.com)

Eye of the Tiger

2009-12-20T15:23:00.001-06:00

As startling as the revelations about Tiger Wood’s “transgressions” were, so is the announcement that he was voted the Athlete of the Decade. I’ve heard every argument pro and con relating to this new award, but then the news about one of his doctors, Anthony Galea, a doctor at the Institute of Sports Medicine & Wellness Centre in Toronto, being under criminal investigation and facing three charges in Canada, after police in the United States discovered drugs in his medical bag which can be considered performance-enhancing. The fact that this information made the news wire before the voting was complete, and yet the Associated Press still cast a majority 56 votes out of 142, to bestow this award on Tiger Woods.

The Associated Press justifies their choice based on Tiger winning 64 global tournaments, which included 12 majors. The argument is a valid one. His 56 PGA Tour victories in one decade, were more than anyone, except four of golf's greatest players, ever won in their careers. My argument is…how many of them were won using performance enhancing drugs? His record far exceeds what mortal men have been able to accomplish on the golf course, and just how was he able to play at a super human level when he had a chronic eye disorder…a roving eye for the ladies. The amount of time and energy he applied to his extracurricular activities and still play golf at the highest level, would have necessitated super human vitamins. The Associated Press discounting the rumors about performance-enhancing drugs puts them in the same category as the enablers who looked the other way, when the eye of the Tiger was eyeing the gallery for the next prey, instead of keeping his eye on the ball.

The one good lesson that will come of all of this, is that maybe sponsors won’t be so quick to anoint athletes, laying riches at their feet, until they find out what moral fiber they’re made of. It remains to be seen whether or not Tiger's exceptional play was the result of performance-enhancing drugs, but it stands to reason...any many who would cheat on his wife, the mother of his children, would probably cheat on the golf course.