The Semantics of the Antique Business

Every hobby, industry, and interest has its own nomenclature, and the antique business is no exception. Let’s start with the word antique. Unless a dealer is solely concentrating on the purchase and sale of items that are one hundred years of age or older, theoretically they’re not an ‘antique dealer.’

The term is used loosely because a dealer will handle some items that are old enough to be genuine antiques, but not all of their merchandise will qualify as an authentic antique. Where the semantics get muddled is in the descriptions of the rest of the merchandise, so to clarify them…

An antique is any work of art, decorative object, item of jewelry, mechanical device (i.e. clock), or piece of furniture, created or produced one hundred years prior to the current year. An exquisite example would be American brilliant cut glass. The Brilliant Period lasted from approximately 1876 to 1914. Golden oak furniture manufactured in the early 1900's and sold widely through the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog business, would be another, but not Art Deco furniture which wasn’t produced until 1925 when the the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exposition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) was held in Paris that year. Within the next decade, it too will achieve ‘antique’ status. This is significant because the value of items doesn’t just increase incrementally when it reaches 100 years of age, it often increases exponentially, contingent on the demand and the economy. As successive generations grow up without being introduced or appreciating the works of craftsman long since gone, the lower the demand will be.

Items less than 100 years old are referred to as vintage, but should be used in context with the item, as in ‘1960’s vintage clothing.’ Most dealers are in agreement that vintage should only apply to items that are at least twenty years old. Some say the item should also have some redeeming value and interest to collectors. Twenty-year old paper bags do not.

Which brings us to the term collectible. A collectible doesn’t need to be 20+ years. It just has to be an item valued and sought by collectors. Many numbered figurines, sports memorabilia, and limited-edition toys are highly collectible, but not vintage or antique. A word of caution. Limited edition items can be released in volumes high enough to saturate the market thus devaluing them. Case in point, the bane of collectibles, those adorable Beanie Babies.

Here’s where the water gets really murky...Retro versus Repro. The difference between these two is based primarily on intention. Retro is imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past. It’s the dealer’s intention to provide a quality item that represents a previous era to customers seeking that item. Mid-century furniture is often referred to as Retro, but in fact, it’s vintage. Furniture made to look like it’s from the 1950's would be correctly identified as Retro.

Repro, for reproduction, is made to represent an older item, but is marked or even distressed, to give the illusion that it’s from a previous era. The intention of the seller is to deceive in order to obtain a higher price for the item. Collectors are advised to do their research. Learn the difference between the old and the reproductions. Many reference books on collectibles have a section on reproductions that have been produced. It’s often been said that the first thing you should add to your collection is a good book about the item you’re interested in collecting.

As stewards of antiques and collectibles, a certain amount of responsibility goes along with seeing that they’re cherished for years to come, not disposed of with little regard as to their value. At some point the torch has to be passed to the next generation, to quote John F. Kennedy. In addition to passing down antiques and family heirlooms, share your knowledge and the nomenclature, to educate the recipients and cultivate their interest in antiques.

#Antiques #Vintage #Collectibles #Retro #Repro

Miniature Decanters fill a unique collecting void

If a little is good, a lot is better. That’s especially true of miniature liquor decanters. There’s something fascinating about these miniature works of art that collectors just can’t resist.

Called nips and minis, they typically contained a shot or 1.5 fluid ounces, and are often referred to in size as 4/5. They range from approximately three to five inches, and although small, some command big prices.  

Several companies who manufactured them include Garnier, Grenadier, Hoffman, Lionstone, Luxardo, Schafer, and Ski Country. At the high end and considered some of the most beautiful are the Ski Country decanters designed by Barbara Foss. Her Native American series decanters, produced from 1974 until 1983, are the most prized, but her birds and wildlife decanters are equally as beautiful. Ski Country released them in limited quantities in specific locations, which certainly drives up their value. The Native American decanters are in the hundreds of dollars.

As for all the others, the presence of a tax stamp indicates bottles from the early 1980's and older. The tax stamps changed over time which aids in dating the decanters. Prevalent bourbon distillers issued limited edition miniature decanters that often mirrored their full-size decanters, among them were Jim Beam and  Austin Nichols Whiskey Wild Turkey Bourbon.

Others were very prolific. Dugs Nevada issued a brothel series of miniature decanters, and even the KLM, the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands, has done their part to contribute to the miniature decanter collector market. Since the 1950s, every World Business Class passenger is presented with a a Delft Blue miniature, Dutch house, filled with Dutch gin known as genever. Every year on October 7, the airline celebrates the anniversary of KLM’s founding in 1919, by presenting a new house.

On average, these smaller decanters typically start at around ten to twenty dollars, but decanters produced by exquisite china manufacturers like the 200-year old English company Royal Dalton, would be considered high end. The Sandeman black decanter pictured top left in photo, is just one example. It’s approximate value is $40.

Sets are always difficult to find, like the miniature skeleton decanter with skull shot glasses, and the rare Scheibel Obstwasser chess set, which is valued at $100 (also shown in photo). The miniature crystal set by Galway (bottom left) goes for $300.

Also pictured are a couple of porcelain miniatures by Beswick for Beneagles Scotch Whiskey...a squirrel, circa 1979, and the Loch Ness Monster believed to be a newer decanter. The unique Michters Whiskey King Tut gold miniature decanter dates back to 1978. All three are valued at between 15 and 20 dollars.

It would be an oversight not to mention the miniature liquor bottles. When full they sell for their retail value, when empty, between one and three dollars. Although not valuable, they have an irresistible charm and are certainly easier to locate in area antique shops and online, than most of the decanters mentioned above. All would make great Christmas stocking stuffers and a wonderful way to toast the holiday season.

#Decanter  #Liquor  

The fruits of our efforts...Antique dealers should mimic customers' buying habits

Antique dealers who mimic their customers’ buying habits are more likely to realize the fruits of their labor. The modern-day collector is more likely to be a collector with a purpose, than a collector of sets and groupings of like items. With the passing of the Greatest Generation, there are few collectors left who collected with a passion, adding to their sterling silver flatware, their china pattern, or buying groupings like crystal bells, china tea cups, etc.

Based on observations of current shopping trends in antique shops, the modern collector is more intent on shopping for decorative items based on a theme, or in a specific color, and more likely selecting items that are utilitarian which can be used for a purpose and not just for display.

Making note of this shift in the antique market will enable dealers to shop more effectively for today’s buying trends. Instead of buying entire collections at an estate sale, selecting just the best or most outstanding items in each of the sets, will provide customers with quality and uniqueness.

By artfully displaying the merchandise by color or theme might incite customers to buy more. Case in point, the Spring Antique Mall changes their counter display based on the season or holiday. This corner location at their check-out counter has become known as the ‘sweet spot,’ because of the number of sales made from the clever counter displays. On occasion, the entire display has been purchased.

Examples of collecting by theme would be a fruit motif (as shown in the photo), birds, or Orientale. Not unlike the Victorian era which embraced the rose theme in upholstery, window coverings, and even wall paper. As opposed to collecting large groupings of like, but dissimilar items, today’s buyer is more likely to purchase based on a particular aesthetic like Country French, primitives, or mid-century modern, i.e. the mid-50s. Even the popular man’s cave is an eclectic collection of unlike items.

Collecting by color opens up an even broader mix of product. The collector is more likely to purchase across different eras if the color is right. Pink is a consistent best seller, as well as blue.

As the collector generation passes away and passes their beloved collections of multiple items to their heirs, they’re showing up in volume in the antique malls to collect dust. Dealers should be as discriminating in their buying as their customers are. Resist the temptation to buy whole lots of like items. Buying and ‘clustering’ items when displaying them, will increase the opportunity for more consistent and ‘fruitful’ sales.

Coffee...Good to the last drop, Coffee antiques...Good to the last penny

As you sip your morning cup of fresh, hot coffee, you might be interested to know that coffee collectibles are becoming as popular as the beverage itself. The spread of local coffee houses by a national chain, has fueled the interest,not only in coffee, but everything coffee-related. Ironic that a beverage that is believed to have first been cultivated as early as 575 A.D., has spawned a collector frenzy that’s not but about a decade old. 

Originating in Arabia, coffee was first introduced in the United States by Captain John Smith, the founder of the  Colony of Virginia, in 1607, but tea was the beverage of choice. Two centuries later an unjust tax on tea resulted  in a protest dubbed the “Boston Tea Party,” making the United States a nation of coffee drinkers from that day forward. 

Collectors of coffee antiques are as passionate about their collections as they are about their coffee. And if you   think the price of coffee is high at the corner coffee shop, you should see the prices on coffee collectibles. The   most primitive, wooden coffee mills start at over $100, but most are twice that price, subject to age and condition.Double wheel table mills are $500 at the low end; the floor models start at $1000. The presence of a brass hopper will typically double the price.

For the novice collector, coffee advertising pieces and packaging items are more affordable, then graduate to coffee pots and makers. Some collectors swear that the best cup of coffee is the one their 1950s General Electric percolator makes (as seen in photo to the left). Just a word of caution. Coffee antiques require space and can  become overwhelming, thus the reason collections on a grand scale are usually found in coffee shops and restaurants. Their collectible of choice is usually the urns and servers. As for the beginner, start with a beautiful porcelain coffee cup to enjoy your morning brew. A porcelain cup and saucer will cost on average, $30-60 dollars. A bone china cup and saucer less...approximately $20-30 dollars.

To brew a great cup of java add one heaping tablespoon of coffee to each half-pint of boiling water. On a larger scale,use one cupful of coffee to three pints or six cupfuls of water. The purists take it plain, but have cream and sugar on hand for all others. Although the majority overwhelmingly enjoy their coffee hot and fresh-perked, it’s enjoyed in many variations...iced, Irish Coffee made with Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with thick, unwhipped cream, and this recipe for a “Coffee Frostie”:

2 cups brewed coffee, chilled
1 pint of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream (or substitute 
coffee-flavored ice cream)

Blend coffee and ice cream, then pour over ice cubes in tall glasses or 
an over-sized coffee mug

Makes 3-4 servings. Substitute frozen coffee ice cubes

The most conclusive book on coffee antiques is a book by the same name…”Coffee Antiques,” by Edward C. Kvetko & Douglas Congdon-Martin. It includes grinders, mills, coffee makers and servers, advertising pieces, and even roasters, and also provides prices. Fortunately for the coffee antique collectors, the economic downturn kept prices from escalating for a few years, but as these items become older, the economy will not have a bearing on their value. Prices are expected to rise as the popularity of coffee continues to grow.

The History of American Glass at the 2013 “Vintage Glass & Antique Show & Sale”

The fascination with glass has continued to grow since the development of this creative art form which can trace its origin back to ancient Egypt. Considered one of the most popular of the antique collectibles, this is evidenced by the 39^th Annual Houston Glass Club’s “Vintage Glass & Antique Show & Sale,” which will be held again at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, August 16 through 18. One of the antique industries longest running traditions, and certainly one of Houston’s more popular events, the glass show features everything made of glass, from one-of-a-kind art glass, to high-volume, low quality glass produced for the masses during the Great Depression.

Believed to have been developed in 3500 A.D, the earliest known glass objects were beads, and were considered a luxury item. They say what goes around, comes around. The popularity of glass-bead jewelry and Daichroic Glass jewelry, has spawned a large number of cottage industries, and will once again, have a huge presence at the show.

Glass making In the United States first began in Jamestown Island, VA, in the form of windows, and evolved to produce drinking vials and bottles, but was eclipsed by the Massachusetts settlements of Boston and Cambridge which produced fine glassware until the Civil War. After the war. the industry re-emerged in Boston, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, to produce some of the most spectacular glass with ornately cut designs that it was and will be forever remembered, as the American Brilliant Period, which lasted from 1876 to 1917.

Aside from the fact that cut glass was expensive and only affordable to the affluent, the industry of approximately 1000 glass cutting shops dissolved because the Lead oxide, an essential ingredient in glass made for cutting, was needed for more military usage in the country’s next major military campaign…The Great War (WWI).

Other glass forms emerged, but never of the level of craftsmanship of the American Brilliant Period cut glass. But because the glass was not just ornamental, it became and still is, wildly collectible for its beauty and because it’s utilitarian. Depression glass manufactured during the Great Depression, and sold at low cost or distributed free as promotional items, experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1960s-70s, and remains highly popular. A higher quality glass referred to as ‘Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era,’ was sold in the department stores as an alternative to fine china. It distinguished itself for its clarity and brilliant colors; some of which was elaborately etched or embellished with gold or silver trim.

Art glass is an art form in and of itself…one of a kind hand-blown pieces, collected for their artistic design and decorative qualities. Unlike cut glass of which many pieces were signed, fabulous artisans will go undistinguished because most of these works of art are not signed. Definitely a cross-over collectible because it’s prized as much by glass collectors as it is by the home décor market.

All the above will be on display and available for sale at the vintage glass show. For those who have eclectic collecting taste, the show is adjacent to the annual antique show which will feature everything from A to Z. This is a show with something for everyone, and a definite must see. Aside from the collectors, it’s a great opportunity for students of history to see and talk with the antique dealers who not only participate in the business for their love of antiques, but to preserve our country’s culture.

The Fort Bend County Fairgrounds are located on US 59 to Hwy 36, ½ mile south of Rosenberg. The show opens Friday, August 16, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., through Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The $10 admission on Friday, is good for all three days; admission on Saturday and Sunday is just $6. The air-conditioned venue will have food and drink concessions, and parking is free. For more information, view the Houston Glass Club’s website at Houston Glass Club

Crowning Glory

Break out the crown jewels! Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, and antique dealers are anticipating a renewed interest in vintage costume jewelry with a royal look like crowns, scepters, and medallions.

The international celebration throughout 2012, marks the 60th anniversary of her accession to the thrones of seven countries upon the death of her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952. Queen Victoria (1897) is the only other monarch in the history of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries in the Commonwealth, to have celebrated a Diamond Jubilee. The first major event of the Jubilee celebrations will be the Diamond Jubilee Pageant, an equine-themed pageant in honor of the queen’s passion for horses, which will be held at Windsor Castle. The event will feature 550 horses and 1,100 performers from around the world. The show will be performed on May 10, 11, and 13 May.

More desirable than the new inexpensive imported jewelry, will be the jewelry issued in 1953, at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. All the renown costume jewelry manufacturers issued commemorative pieces which are difficult to find as many remained in families as favorite keepsakes. The high-quality pieces were issued by Barclay, Boucher, Butler & Wilson, Carnegie, Eisenberg, Jomaz, Rosenstein, Trifari, and Weiss. But mass production companies also issued their royal lines. Look for crown jewels also issued by ART, B. David, Castlecliff, Coro, Corocraft, Florenza, Kramer, Lisner, and Napier, just to name the more well-known. The appearance of these names will validate that it’s not a new piece, but in fact, vintage, and considered more regal.

The resurgence in popularity of grandiose rhinestone brooches, a few years ago (circa 1950s) with the emergence of the ‘bling’ era, has restored prices to book values…but those books are now over five years old. The Diamond Jubilee is expected to drive the prices up on the vintage jewelry to a level befitting its stature. The fact that this jewelry is now 60 years old and has weathered the test of time, attests to its quality. Mother’s Day is the weekend of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Treat her like a queen by crowning her with royal jewels.


Sourced from the Internet
Photo of Queen Elizabeth II sourced from Wikipedia
Jewelry photo & photo collage by Collage

What's In A Name?

To the new generation of antique collectors, some terms may be unfamiliar. A few unusual ones are listed, with one being discussed just recently on the Antiques Roadshow when in Houston.

Garniture

Local ceramics expert, David Lackey of David Lackey Antiques & Art, defined a ‘garniture.’ "It's a group of decorative objects made as a set to be prominently displayed on something like a mantel or a buffet table," stated Lackey.

He went on to explain that they were never made in sets of twos, fours, or sixes. "They always come in odd numbers," he says. "There's always three, five, or seven, with a central element flanked by pairs." For instance, the centerpiece might be a clock, flanked by a pair of candlesticks or urns. Often the center item would be a large compote or bowl, or an elaborate epergne…a bowl with arms supporting smaller bowls.

Popular in the 18th & 19th centuries, garnitures were elaborately made of French old Paris porcelain, Meissen porcelain from Dresden, Germany, and emulated in Naples, Italy, by the Capodimonte porcelain manufactory.

Unfortunately they were deemed ostentatious and fell out of favor in the 20th century. The garnitures were often separated when estates were passed on to the next generation, or a piece may have been broken. Those that have survived the test of time, command high prices.

Parure

Often referred to as a suite, a ‘parure’ is an entire wardrobe of matching jewelry which could include a necklace, a bracelet, brooch, ring, and a pair of earrings, and at one time also might include a comb, a tiara, a diadem (ornamental headband), and even a belt clasp. And old French term, parure means adornment, from the verb parer, to adorn. Any woman with this many matching pieces would certainly be guilty of adorning herself, and by today’s standards…shamelessly. But in 17th century Europe, a woman of station would not be considered well dressed if the ensemble of jewelry did not match, and not worn in its entirety.

Minaudiere

Minaudieres are small, rigid metal boxes with several compartments for all the essentials a woman would need for an evening out. They included a powder compact, lipstick, comb, money clip, cigarette compartment, and a coin section. The first were designed in the 1930s by Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels, the French jewelry, watch & perfume company. The popular concept was then produced by other jewelers and cosmetic companies. They remain treasured keepsakes and often handed down in the family to the next generation. The value on minaudieres has remained high, and to find one in very good to mint condition is rare.

With Mother’s Day approaching, any of these items…a garniture, parure, or minaudiere, would make a magnificent gift for Mom. Expect all to be over $100 in value, but keep in mind it will become a family heirloom.

Section on garnitures sourced from Antique Roadshow website http://to.pbs.org/JgJxkr & Mr. David Lackey’s Facebook page http://on.fb.me/J5QSUM
Section on parures sourced from Wikipedia
Section & photo of minaudieres: “Ladies Vintage Accessories” by LaRee Johnson Bruton
Photo collage by Collage


Photo caption: (left to right) The 19th century ‘garniture’ appraised by David Lackey on the Houston episode of the Antiques Roadshow; a 1950s “Weiss” parure; and three ‘minaudiers’, circa 1930s.

The Sign of the Cross

The most universally known symbol is the cross, yet there isn’t another symbol with as many interpretations. One Internet source depicted as many as sixty-six variations. The most recognized are listed here, and have become an integral part of everyday life. With the approach of the Easter season, some ethical issues come into play that are discussed here within. But first, a broad overview of the most prevalent crosses…

Egyptian Ankh

The oldest know cross is the Egyptian Ankh. It was the Egyptian symbol for life and fertility, pre-dating the modern cross. It’s depicted throughout the pyramids and ruins of Egypt validating its origin.

Celtic Cross

The elaborate Celtic crosses possibly originated in Ireland, and are also found to a lesser extent in Great Britain, in churches and graveyards. The intricate, free-flowing design has fascinated graphic artists who have perpetuated the concept in modern graphic designs.

Florian Cross

Adopted as an emblem by the fire fighting service, the Florian cross is named for Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. It is found on fire service badges, patches, and emblems.

Greek Cross

The Greek cross, used especially by Eastern Orthodoxy has arms of equal length and proportioned to the width. It is thought to be the model for the Red Cross logo, which has a white background, and often claimed to have been derived as the inverse of the Flag of Switzerland, which has a white Greek cross on a red background.

Mariner’s Cross

The Mariner's Cross is a stylized cross in the shape of an anchor. The Mariner's Cross is also referred to as Saint Clement's Cross in reference to the Pope Clement’s was martyred..by tying his neck to an anchor and casting him into the sea.

Maltese Cross

The Maltese cross, with arms that narrow towards the center, and are indented at the ends, is also known as the eight-pointed cross (with no curved lines). Perhaps best known as a badge of the Order of Malta; and is a common heraldic device.

Cross Pattée

Often confused with the Maltese Cross, the cross pattée (pattée, patty), has arms narrowing towards the centre, but with flat ends. It is also shown with curved inside edges as in the Iron Cross used by the former German Empire, and later awarded to German officers of the Nazi regime.

Swastika

Archaeological evidence of swastika-shaped crosses date from the Neolithic period. Though once commonly used all over much of the world, because of its wide-spread association with Nazi Germany, the symbol has become stigmatized in the Western world as a symbol of hate and evil. The swastika is an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles, in either right-facing (卐) form or its mirrored left-facing (卍) form. It remains widely used in Eastern and Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Christian Cross

The Christian cross, also referred to as the Latin cross, is the most common symbol of Christianity, intended to represent the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.

Crucifix

The most universally known cross is the Crucifix, a cross with the representation of Jesus' body affixed to it. Predominantly used in the Catholic Church, Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox churches, it emphasizes Christ's sacrifice— his death by crucifixion.

Crosses have always been a popular accessory, primarily for men in the form of awards and medals, and more recently, as a jewelry accessory for women. With the exception of extremists, wearing a swastika is considered taboo as a result of its tainted legacy. The Christian cross is the most widely worn cross internationally, however, wearing a crucifix is considered irreverent by some.

With the approach of Easter, the sale of crosses will pick up in area antique malls. Some say that crosses and religious medals should not be sold, comparing this to the money changers in the temple. In truth, crosses and medals should not be sold if they have been blessed, but in the secondary market, it would be impossible to know this. Most antique dealers use their discretion when handling these items, and customers typically regard the purchase of these items at antique malls no different than buying them from a religious goods store. It’s best that all parties take into consideration the purpose for which a cross is being purchased...to wear out of love and reverence.

"Retrocycling"...What Goes Around, Comes Around

Antique dealers were the original recyclers. When the trend after the Great Depression was to sweep out the old, a reminder of the hard years, and replace with new furnishings, there were those who had the foresight to know that the old needed to be preserved. The craftsmanship and attention to detail would never again be replicated. Unfortunately our fast-paced lifestyles don’t allow us the luxury of time that previous generations enjoyed, nor the joy of enjoying the luxurious items crafted by these skilled artisans. These beautiful items wound up on shelves in antique malls and were sadly referred to as ‘dust collectors.’

As the antique collector market shrank due to an aging demographic, economic downturn, and a more transient society, the decorator market took up the slack, and now accounts for the majority of sales in antique shops. The hottest trend in collecting is the re-purposing of antiques and vintage collectibles for more utilitarian uses. This writer coined the phrase "Retrocycling" for the recycling, reinventing, refashioning, or repurposing of antiques and retro items for purposes other than originally intended. This trend has become so dominant that an entire page of their website is devoted to ‘retro-cycled’ ideas from their dealers, customers, and spotted on the Internet on such sites as Pinterest.

Just a few ‘retrocycled’ items... An early 1900s oak, free-standing potty chair with removable slop jar, was ‘re-purposed’ as a redneck cooler to ice down beer. Vintage brooches are being scarfed up by brides to ‘refashion’ into a vintage bridal bouquet as a lasting memento of their most memorable day. Especially popular, retro 1950s television and entertainment console cabinets for new flat screen TVs or bars.

Antique dealers abhor the idea of defacing a vintage item in good condition for the purpose of a trend, and the Antiques Roadshow is adamant about not altering the state of antiques as it results in its value plummeting. But when an item has been damaged and unable to be restored to its original condition, any creative idea that will keep it from being relegated to a landfill, is the environmentally-conscious thing to do. So whether you recycle, reinvent, refashion, or repurpose an antique not in good condition, it’s all good.

Bottling It Up

There’s not a vintage automobile, animal species, fraternal order, or World’s Fair, that hasn’t been commemorated with a liquor decanter bottle. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and all that’s Irish in March, it’s fitting to talk about the decorative whiskey decanter bottles.

In truth, Irish whiskey must be distilled and aged in the Republic of Ireland or in Northern Ireland. The spirits must be distilled from a yeast-fermented mash of cereal grains, to an alcohol by volume level of less than 94.8%, and the product must be aged for at least three years in wooden casks. If the spirits comprise a blend of two or more such distillates, the product is referred to as a "blended" Irish whiskey.

Ironically, the decorative whiskey decanters have not been produced by Irish whiskey distillers, but American whiskey distillers. Among the most well known are the Jim Beam bottles. Jim Beam has produced a brand of bourbon whiskey in Clermont, Kentucky, since 1795, except during Prohibition. The whiskey was named in 1933, in honor of James B. Beam, who rebuilt the business after Prohibition ended. Among the most famous decanters they produced was the genie bottle used in the comedy sit-com “I Dream of Jeannie.” Jeannie's famous bottle was not created for the show, but instead, as a special 1964 Christmas decanter containing "Beam's Choice" bourbon whiskey. It was designed by Roy Kramer for the Wheaton Bottle Company. An Internet search provided many unique Jim Beam decanters. To see the wide variety go to http://bit.ly/zcjzoT


Auction prices are all over the place. Starting bids for the blue glass “I Dream of Jeannie’ decanters range from $10.99 to $34.99. Unique decanters like slot machines, pedestal telephones are in the $35-50 range; the Professional Football Hall of Fame decanter starts at $61.67. Vehicle decanters are the priciest.

•Decanter depicting a 1917 Firetruck ’Buy It Now’ price…$68.99
•1934 Police Car ‘Buy It Now’…$99
•Steam engine locomotives start at approximately $50

The muscle cars command the highest price:

•1984 Corvette ‘Buy It Now’…$35.95
•1956 Corvette ‘Buy It Now’…$57.99
•1964 White Mustang (like decanter in photo) ‘Buy It Now’…$99.99
•1969 Camaro ‘Buy It Now’…$110
•1957 Chevy ‘Buy It Now’…$199.99!

The white Mustang decanter may not bring the highest value, but for one lucky guy, Lang Chapman of Willis, TX, the family’s vintage V8 Mustang was a package deal. His grandmother, Pat Werner, handed over the keys to her vintage Mustang along with the Jim Beam decanter, as a birthday this past January.

The most recognizable decanters are those produced by Wild Turkey, a brand of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey distilled and bottled by the Austin Nichols division of the Campari Group. It distinguishes itself by producing a 101 proof of its most popular bourbon as compared to the 80 proof of standard bourbons. Likewise, there was a disruption of production during the Prohibition era, but it dates back to 1869. The decanters that feature a wild turkey, start at auction prices of $20, and go up depending on age and condition.

The other whiskey distiller that featured decorative decanters is Ezra Brooks who produces charcoal filtered 90 proof Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. The product is no longer distributed in decorative decanters, but at one time probably produced the most eclectic array of decanters, with the college mascots commanding the highest prices.

•USC Trojan National Championship decanter, ‘Buy It Now’…$125
•South Carolina Gamecock, ‘Buy It Now’…$75
•Nebraska National Championship, ‘Buy It Now’…$74.99
•Arkansas Razorback with original box, ‘Buy It Now’…$150
•And an unbelievable ‘Buy It Now’ price for the Florida Gator…$369.95!

A large photo collection of Ezra Brooks decanters can be viewed at http://bit.ly/yB2psZ

The collector market for these decorative decanters is strong. The demand has increased with the popularity of built-in ‘wet’ bars and vintage Art Deco bars. They’re even used for fundraising. American Legion Post 77 in Bellaire, Texas, auctions off American Legion decanters commemorating past conventions, as a fundraiser for their annual Boys and Girls State government leadership programs. Some individuals may just have a collection of one, if that decanter invokes a sense of nostalgia. For whatever reason one collects whiskey decanters, this St. Patrick’s Day celebrate responsibly.

Black is Beautiful

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.


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

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.

Enter the Dragon

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.

A Toast to the New Year

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.


Photos by Collage

All That Glitters

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!

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

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.

A Toast to Glass!

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.



Internet sources
Photo collage by Collage

In the Good Old Summertime

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.

Setting the Table

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), look for the vintage linen soak product at area antique malls, 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.

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

Internet photos & sources

In the Good Old Summertime

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.

Also see the article on vintage print tablecloths for your summer picnics titled “Table It” at http://bit.ly/2eetJ9m