tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70377524279298886592024-02-26T14:35:46.642-05:00Personal Effects ChroniclesJerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-44542710700013547912015-06-22T15:28:00.002-04:002015-06-22T15:28:24.360-04:00Mean While Back At The Store Forgive me for not getting on here and writing the latest exploits of the store. The late spring and summer seasons have me reeling. Thought you might get a kick out of this one. Promise I'll write more soon.<br />
<br />
The day was so good, the past week end was so GREAT! The customers were beautiful, fun, interested and really wanted to be here. Then today this happened...<br />
<br />
Man upon leaving the store,<br />
<br />
Man: You sure do have a lot of stuff in here.<br />
<br />
Me: Yeah, I try.<br />
<br />
Man: I mean you have a LOT of stuff in here.<br />
<br />
Me: Well, yes, that's part of the business. You can't sell from an empty wagon. <br />
<br />
Man: What wagon? I didn't see no wagon.<br />
<br />
Me: The store is the wagon.<br />
<br />
Man: This building is on a wagon?<br />
<br />
Me: Symbolically not literally<br />
<br />
Man: Now who made that symbolically wagon? I've heard of that one. Can I see it? <br />
<br />
Me: No, I'm sorry I don't let people look at it.<br />
<br />
Man: Son, I don't blame you. People will just worry you to death over it. Thanks I'll come back one day.<br />
<br />
He was very elderly and I don't think he got out much. Everyday is a new experience. Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-21877266562973547632015-05-16T13:28:00.003-04:002015-05-16T13:28:41.817-04:00That's a Good Question This one made me laugh and its a short one.<br />
<br />
Man: What's that up there?<br />
<br />
I tear into a good description of the merits of this ultra cool sled.<br />
<br />
Me. That... is a Sno-Rocket sled. Its original finish. The side boosters are still intact. Its like the holy grail of American sleds. You see the rocket boosters on the side often broke off and the kids had no sled. Its heavy American steel and dates to the early 1950's. Its got that 1950's space age look to it, doesn't it? Was only made for a few years. Other than that I don't know much about it manufacturer.<br />
<br />
Man: So that was made for snow?<br />
<br />
Me: Yes, it was. (Inside I'm thinking.... No dumbass! It was made for grass and gravel, that's why they called it SNO-ROCKET!) Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-23013442190809864142015-05-14T14:17:00.000-04:002015-05-14T14:17:08.114-04:00Mean While Back At The StoreHere is a layman's rundown of furniture and its desirability in the OPEN market. This is from an appraiser and retail store owners point of view.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKC4zfltHDka9uffYrZ7jcOlxVtYZbQq4eGgjb0tcdfDL5H1teCBGCh7irm5E7zKMVQt39o8axJcMW39ZvMuwwGYrCu_1K9bV9XR9seDepzl7x60Qk6Sph67zg0WrhCk0Hhj-kmK3QIo/s1600/100_9329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXKC4zfltHDka9uffYrZ7jcOlxVtYZbQq4eGgjb0tcdfDL5H1teCBGCh7irm5E7zKMVQt39o8axJcMW39ZvMuwwGYrCu_1K9bV9XR9seDepzl7x60Qk6Sph67zg0WrhCk0Hhj-kmK3QIo/s320/100_9329.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Irish 18th Century desk and bookcase. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Antique:</b> This can run from the 16th Century to the early 20th Century. Things that are earlier? You're not going to have much luck in finding or being given. There is a obscenely strong chance that it did not come over on the Mayflower, get over it. It can be anything from a masterpiece to junk. It can be valued from the millions of dollars to a few dollars per piece. One good thing about these periods is that it is almost always good quality, made from real wood and there might be, might be, someone out there who still wants it. Each piece must be weighed on a case by case basis. Lots and lots of variables.<br />
<br />
<b>Old & Collectible:</b> This group is going to run from just after the early 20th century to the early 1970's. It can be valued from the millions of dollars to a few dollars per piece. The million dollar mark is now a real long shot. Basically, you're dealing with some merely expensive stuff and a lot of inexpensive to downright cheap. Its not always good quality either. You're looking a hand and machine construction, the good, the bad and the ugly. Its not always made from real wood. The later pieces will be much, much cheaper materials. There might still be someone out there who still wants it.<br />
<br />
This category will encompass several subcategories.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"Regional Traditionalist" </b></i> This is the locally or state made traditional furniture. Corner cupboards, bed and dining suites, reproduction sugar chests and hunt boards and the like. Think of TV shows such as, Leave It To Beaver, Ozzie and Harriett and Happy Days and a decorating view. Companies like Willett, MacMahan, Davies and other Campbellsville cherry furniture makers were big in my area. You'll have these types of companies in your area or state too. They make the stuff your grandparents and parents scrimped and saved for. Their desirability is sketchy at best.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"The Stylish Collectible" </b></i>These are the high end brands, many still in business today. Companies like Century, Kittinger and the various companies that did the Williamsburg reproductions. You'd be surprised that some of these companies are hotly fought for by designers and decorators. Many times these furniture companies may have Asian or European flavors or something is unique and different. They can pay big bucks for these items. But there are again, many variables.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"The Studio Set" </b></i> This category will also have the cache of having studio made pieces. These are professional artists, George Nakashima comes to mind as one of the most famous, though not the only one. Provenance is a major key here. This is not a local crafter, but a listed and reputed artist. This ain't your Grand Pap's furniture. Which leads to the next subcategory.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"All in the Family" </b></i> These are things that were made and sourced locally. Of course, a lot of fine furniture was sourced locally, at one time. Today that is something different. It can run the gamut from amazingly beautiful to just horrible. This is a sticky wicket. Families, sometimes, will fight tooth and nail for a piece and pay accordingly. Sometimes a piece will be near museum worthy and will die from a lack of sale. Many of these pieces are subject to "The Regional Traditionalist" and its either merits or demotions. Their desirability is sketchy also.<br />
<br />
<i><b>"Paint Me Pretty" </b></i> This is a recent, but a big addition to this lineup. This covers a lot of furniture from the 1920's to the 1950's. Good bones but poorly made. Comfortable but weak. Hated but loved. A lot of it is poorly made. A great deal of was literally churned out by thousands of box cars over these decades. There is little if any love and care and attention paid to the construction of this type of furnishing. This is a lot of the furniture that you see that's painted in the home and shelter magazines. And rightly so. I doesn't bother me. Its better than being in a land fill. It DOES bother me when a piece from one of the other categories is painted, much to the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Cheap thin veneers, gum wood bodies, watery stains all equal up to poor quality from this period. Still, there are some hidden gems here, but you're going to have to dig for them. Most of the value here, lies in what else you can do with it.<br />
<br />
Now, for the last category.<br />
<br />
<b>Modern:</b> This is going to date to the late 1970 up to yesterday. This is going to be a shocker to you. That recliner you bought a year ago, that dining room set you purchased 10 years ago, that sectional sofa you bought last week, its all USED FURNITURE! Period. I don't care if you bought it from your local furniture store, Macys or The Ralph Lauren Home Store in New York. I don't care if you home has been featured in Home & Gardens, Veranda or Architectural Digest. Its USED FURNITURE! I don't care if you took great care of it or if you never sat or ate from it. Its USED FURNITURE! If its from this period, even if you paid thousands for it, its used furniture. Its not what you paid for it its what the market says its worth<i> today</i>. Of course, there are exceptions to every category, this one included. However, I've I see more and more modern furniture selling at a nice, public auction for pennies on the dollar. The whisper of bed bugs, even from fine homes, ruffles across the antiques trade. Sometimes a modern piece doesn't even get a bid. In my opinion, don't buy new furniture.<br />
<br />
<br />
So there you have it. A layman's guide to furniture. Remember each piece must be weighed on a case by case basis and there are lots and lots of variables. Bear in mind, the market is soft and real picky about what it loves. In all categories, things sell for less than what they did 5 or 10 years ago. So now you know how furniture functions on the open market.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-55988860685120363792015-05-07T16:38:00.002-04:002015-05-07T16:38:42.915-04:00Mean While Back At The Store Dear readers forgive me for not being more timely with my blog entries. I promise, now that I have some breathing room, I"ll post up something with some meat on its bones. In the mean time, here's something that you make you either chuckle or sadly shake your head.<br />
<br />
This just happened today. As stunningly beautiful as it was it was slowwwww. I had a man to come in.<br />
<br />
Man: I'm gong to get this book.<br />
<br />
Me: Than you will that be all for today?<br />
<br />
Man: Yeah.<br />
<br />
He then proceeds to throw a American Express credit card on the counter.<br />
<br />
Me: I'm sorry I don't take credit cards.<br />
<br />
He says in a very snotty way.<br />
<br />
Man: Your sign says otherwise. <br />
<br />
Me: What sign??<br />
<br />
Man: Hello?? The sign in the window. Shop small. American Express excepted here.<br />
<br />
Me: I'm sorry that was a give away. American Express promotes that slogan but I don't take American Express. In fact I don't take any. I honestly never saw that it was there I just saw the slogan. I love the canvas bags they give small merchants.<br />
<br />
Man: WELL, ITS A GD FUNNY THING TO ME THAT YOU ADVERTISE THEM BUT WHY DON'T YOU TAKE THEIR CARDS! I THINK THATS FALSE ADVERTISING.<br />
<br />
ME: I'm sorry sir but I've never taken any credit cards. Because....<br />
<br />
Man: YEAH, YOU'RE FULL OF SORRY. YOU SHOULD TAKE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS LIKE YOUR SIGN SAYS.<br />
<br />
Me: WELL, FOR ONE THING! I CAN'T AFFORD THE $500.00 + A YEAR IT TAKES FOR ME TO ACCEPT YOUR PLATINUM AM EX CARD FOR YOUR $3.00 BOOK!<br />
<br />
Man: Fine I'll just pay cash for it.<br />
<br />
He proceeds to toss down a $100.00 bill. <br />
<br />
Me: I can't break that. I did a deposit last night. ( really could)<br />
<br />
Man: Well, what now?<br />
<br />
Me: The ATM is up the street.<br />
<br />
Man: Fine I'll be back in a few minutes.<br />
<br />
I guess he got lost cause I've not seen him since. Ahhh! The joy of small business. Needless to say I took the Shop small sign out of the window.<br />
<br />
<br />Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-33587112815893316142015-04-18T12:25:00.001-04:002015-04-18T12:25:19.913-04:00Personal Effects the Column <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's a Good Question: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personal Effects Dickens April 2015
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxeYAAtSXbqv41awPbtdwM9odsjpMYDiQiV4XRdV8Hs3yS3lVP5QVjIxAArFzsNo8da_YyEk02y9dk9ayG9vycAGA5tnYFLmQQmoXvFGuhYdP4sq1mRvfmrRhEqQWE0OuGVHpi_XpSIM/s1600/Dicken+figures-+front+view+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWxeYAAtSXbqv41awPbtdwM9odsjpMYDiQiV4XRdV8Hs3yS3lVP5QVjIxAArFzsNo8da_YyEk02y9dk9ayG9vycAGA5tnYFLmQQmoXvFGuhYdP4sq1mRvfmrRhEqQWE0OuGVHpi_XpSIM/s1600/Dicken+figures-+front+view+(1).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little Dickens figures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Question: <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Jerry---Can
you tell me anything about these little figurines that belonged to my
grandfather? He was born in Scotland in 1890 but spent most of his
adult life in America. Pop was a great reader and all his life
he preferred British authors. These figures represent characters from
the novels of Charles Dickens. From left to right they are Little
Nell, Mr. Pickwick, Sam Weller and Mr. Micawber. They are made of
solid bronze or a similar metal, although two are much lighter in
color that the others. They are approximately 4 inches high and are
heavy for their size, with a lead weight in the bottom. They are
quite detailed. I assume there were other figures in the series, but
these are the only ones I have. Were they purely decorative? I
keep them on my bookcase, just like my grandfather did. I look
forward to an intriguing explanation!</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Answer:
I love these little figures. Something about small literary figures
that just excites me. I guess it stems from my being a book dealer.
There is nothing as classic, as the characters from the works of
Charles Dickens. At first these were a puzzle, but I worked it out.
They were made by the Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Company in
Bridgeport, Connecticut. The company's earliest date is about 1890.
They had a very successful business manufacturing metal clocks,
candlesticks, silver plated wares and other novelties. Their goods
were shipped all over the world including North America, New Zealand
, South America and... Great Britain. Which is where your grandfather
come across them. So from American to Scotland and back to America.
In 1926 the company remained in the same family with Henry Jennings
remaining president and his son Edwin Jennings becoming secretary. In
1937, both Henry and Edwin Jennings passed away and the company soon
there after was sold. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This
company made some incredible items, but I think that their bookends
are my favorites. Some of these bookends can cost retail upwards of
$400.00. I found several bookends with these same metal figures on
them. I'd wager that this was a line of products for those not
needing bookends, but still admired Dickens. In a stroke of
merchandising, a figure that could have been on a bookend, instead
was, filled with lead, and was touted as a curio cabinet figurine.
That's what the lead weight was for, it kept them standing up. Many
Jennings pieces are marked with the initials of JB in a diamond
shaped shield for Jennings Brothers. I would assume, that like many
other companies, smaller pieces didn't always get marked, as yours
aren't marked. I believe that these pieces are actually brass with
various patinas applied to them. A patina is a chemical wash that's
applied to metal to give it an aged appearance. The first two
figures, from the left, are in the Florentine bronze patina and the
other two are in the Ormolu Gold. This gold patina used by Jennings,
was very popular in its day, for its richness and quality. Ormolu
means that its an alloy of copper, tin and zinc. So, I guess,
roughly translated, it means gold gold. Be sure to dust these
treasures with a dry soft cloth. Any polishes, dips or anything
abrasive will strip off the desirable patina. It will also wreck the
value. I'd think that at a good antiques show, that these would be
priced at about $45.00 each. Thanks for sharing them with us. Be
sure to write down their history for future generations. </span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
</div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-15121185809316268162015-04-11T11:30:00.000-04:002015-04-12T20:20:09.868-04:00Well I'll be damned ,it was one! That's a Good Question:<br />
<br />
Phone rings I answer.<br />
<br />
Woman: I have a painting I need you to appraise.<br />
<br />
Me: Well, what kind is it?<br />
<br />
Woman: I think its on wood and its a black background. Really thin.<br />
<br />
Me: How big is it?<br />
<br />
Woman: About one by thirty six.<br />
<br />
Me: One by thirty six what?? Inches?<br />
<br />
Woman: Yes, one inch by roughly thirty six inches.<br />
<br />
Me: One inch high? OK, what's the design of the painting?<br />
<br />
Woman: I don't know what you mean?<br />
<br />
Me: What's it a picture of? <br />
<br />
Woman: Ohhh. Its got all kinds of flowers and vines and a few butterflies and green leaves.<br />
<br />
Me: Uhhhh. It sounds pretty but I still can't wrap my mind around the size.<br />
<br />
Woman: I think that it belonged to an elderly aunt or something. So its old. I can bring it over in a few hours.<br />
<br />
Me: But that size is strange. I mean was it a yard stick or something? <br />
<br />
Woman: I'll be over as soon as I can.<br />
<br />
She brings it in in a few hours.<br />
<br />
AND IF DAMNED IT WASN'T!<br />
<br />
It was a gorgeous, folkly floral painting PAINTED on a yard stick! It measured roughly one inch by thirty six inches. I dated it to the 1890's to the early 1900's. Obviously was a handcraft of one the delicate lady painters. It was beautifully done and I said that it would be priced in a store for maybe $75.00. I begged her to let me photograph it and put in one of the newspapers. But she didn't want other family members to see it. So, I'm here to tell you that you never know what may come your way.Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-69721835657278810042015-03-18T08:30:00.000-04:002015-03-19T01:05:56.268-04:00 A mid Week Funny<h2>
Just The Way It Is: </h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A goofy acting guy comes in the store. He points to a book I have on laying on a blanket box. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: Boy, that's what I like to read. I love that stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I look up and over and notice that he's pointing at a copy of Gideon's Sword. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: You ever read this?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me: Yes and I love Gideon. To be honest I've never read one, but I listened to the whole run, on CD in my van. I have to say that Gideon Crew is my favorite next to the Bourne series. I mean that Gideon is like a sober Archer. Really an entertaining story. And I go on and on over the merits of this cool outer edge character. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, this man starts this kind of sing-song type chant. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: NUMBER 17, NUMBER 17, NUMBER 17! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me: Number 17? They've not written that many books? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: No man, Number 17! Number 17 is Abe Lincoln. 17th president. He's my hero. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me: Yeah, but what's that got to do with Gideon's Sword? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: Abe wrote it? Him and Fred Douglas. My favorites. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He points the authors names at the top of the book, names highlighted in gold, by the way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me: Hmmm that book is written by LINCOLN Childs and DOUGLAS Preston. President Lincoln and certainly Frederick Douglas had nothing to do with it. It was written more than a century and a half after they both had died?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Man: Yeah, I'm all in to that history shit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm not sure what he was into but it wan't history. Or the books of Childs & Preston. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-32107622070978562692015-03-14T10:27:00.000-04:002015-03-14T10:27:10.978-04:00Sipper Spoons<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personal Effects </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Question: Dear Jerry, I've have these
in my family for many years. I've never really been sure what they
were used for. There are 6 of them and they are long with a tiny
bowl and the stem is hollow. They are sterling but I can't read the
mark. There were purchased here in Harrodsburg for a wedding gift for
my husbands mother. I think that she was married in the early 1900's.
The box says <span style="color: maroon;">Wiseman Je</span>welers. Thanks
for taking the time to look at this. I enjoy your articles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi0PAn_WxoiEj95Kc8rmkeLi1yJfg_o_e84iX0je9b6CL5p5zVAzK4c1h4IT3eEO2HPJIDddL997Bh0W1FbLiEmZ9Z2KdWQjFAvAq1wCq6U-kAG7hCujjZ9EqMT1Zbx4xCCoUJjXigFk3/s1600/Personal+Effects+March+2015+sipper+spoons+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi0PAn_WxoiEj95Kc8rmkeLi1yJfg_o_e84iX0je9b6CL5p5zVAzK4c1h4IT3eEO2HPJIDddL997Bh0W1FbLiEmZ9Z2KdWQjFAvAq1wCq6U-kAG7hCujjZ9EqMT1Zbx4xCCoUJjXigFk3/s1600/Personal+Effects+March+2015+sipper+spoons+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A collection of sterling sipper spoons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Answer: These are great reminders from
an era long since gone by, but it doesn't have to be gone. You can
easily use these spoons today. You have a great set of lemonade
sipper spoons. Now, some people will argue that these are <i>soda
</i>spoons, and in a way, they would also be right. The handle of the
spoon is the straw and are long and slender with an opening right on
the back of the bowl. They were long so as to reach to the bottom
of glass. Some people would put ice cream or sherbet in their
lemonade. Using these spoons you could partake of bit of creamy ice
cream or sip the beverage its floating in. Some hosts would add some
seltzer water or ginger ale to the lemonade and that is where the
soda part comes in. Regardless of what you call them, they are
beautiful. Sipper spoons make me think of wide front porches, wicker
rockers and the tinkle of ice in a tall, cool drink. They are marked
sterling and the makers maker is Webster. Webster was a well-known
silver manufacture that was founded by George K. Webster in 1869. His
company lasted until the 1930's, when it was purchased by Frank W.
Smith Company. Reed & Barton owns the Smith company today. Were
never meant to match a service of flatware. But there are examples
of sipper spoons that match flat ware sets. These are usually really
popular patterns. Though these spoons are very plain they will blend
in with any other silver that was being used. These are The date of
your mother-in-laws nuptials is right on target for these spoons.
Again, it was the work of the Victorians and Edwardian folks that
encouraged such tools and equipment. Lemons are an ancient fruit,
dating back thousands of years. They have been used in food and
drinks for many centuries. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria
that sweetened lemonade was considered stylish. Your spoons were
only one part of the table. There could have been a fine hand painted
lemonade set with pitcher, handled lemonade cups and maybe even
cookie trays. The Roaring 1920's and the modern 1930's brought the
sipper spoon to an end. I love the fact that you have a local
jewelers box with them. That adds to their appeal, but not the value
too much. I warn you, they can be a booger to clean. If you keep
your eyes open, you can find long pipe cleaners, that you can run
through the straw to clean them of sticky fruit, soda and silver
polish. Your pretty set of sipper spoons with a local box would in a
good antiques store be priced at about $75.00. Get them out and use
them this summer. Thank you for sharing them. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-2726604487023439292015-03-11T19:26:00.003-04:002015-03-11T19:26:37.593-04:00Radio Days: <h2>
Just So You Know: </h2>
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Did you know that I also have a radio show? Yep, I sure do and amazingly enough its called Personal Effects: The radio Show. I'd like to invite each and everyone of your to listen in as I and several guest hosts explore topic related to antiques, collectibles, decorative arts and books. It airs on WHBN AM 1420 every Saturday at 10:10 right after the AP news. Say you can't be around a radio at that time? You can stream it live from your computer. Just go to www.hometownlive.net and click on the red rooster. Right now Jan Jennemann and I have a great time continuing our series on color. Black is going to air this coming Saturday. Come on listen in you might learn something. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvI0hs0Ig5RXM5R36qoo_435xuMRO6dWFckeJWyaoa4JU21apYjJCLNKPzc4wdqYq78h25FHgAlRI1jU12RkCOICYz8PF1JVzJWRfzdQT3XJTfnPYUtROIN31-wZkz9h48IUjkcFVuR5v/s1600/me+on+radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvI0hs0Ig5RXM5R36qoo_435xuMRO6dWFckeJWyaoa4JU21apYjJCLNKPzc4wdqYq78h25FHgAlRI1jU12RkCOICYz8PF1JVzJWRfzdQT3XJTfnPYUtROIN31-wZkz9h48IUjkcFVuR5v/s1600/me+on+radio.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as shot in the small studio back we I did all the shows live. </td></tr>
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<br />Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-60368601934184387392015-03-11T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-11T09:30:01.433-04:00Handle With Care<h2>
Just the way it is: </h2>
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Touch, its your first education in this antiques business. I started working on my education when I was just a little toddler. Though, I don't remember it, my Grandmother Richter often said that, as she held me in her lap, that with much passion, I would try to reach my foot out to knock off a beautiful Nippon bowl she had on a display. The family often laughs over this still. But I don't think that I was trying to destroy it. I think I wanted to touch it. As I grew up, I did touch it, in secret, as its moving would have been frowned upon. Far beyond the toddler stage, I would reach out and touch its heavy, embossed gold edges. I would gently rub my finger tip over the pink and yellow roses painted in the bowls bottom. I think that that was the start of my education and how important that touch is to this business. I was encouraged to touch things. Carefully so as not to break them AND to ask first if I could touch items. I can remember the thrill of touching pieces of Fenton glass. The velvety satin glass that was showcased and spotlighted at Brits Department store in Danville. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nippon bowl.</td></tr>
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I never passed up the opportunity to touch, feel, hear and even smell an item. We'll cover using your other senses with antiques in some future blog posts. You have to, you can't just rely on static sight in measuring up an antique. Oddly, I have many people who come into the store and just stare and look. My first response is "Feel free to handle anything you want." Its always been strange that you see dealers post signs in their stores that say, "Touching is fun but break it you buy it", I think that is just negative. You know legally, you really don't have a leg to stand on anyway, as accidents happen. Besides, if its that fragile, expensive and precious in needs to be behind glass. Now, granted some people are naturally clumsy and they, as adults, should know their limits. There are also children who have issues with being destructive with things. In my opinion, some of this stems from the parents lack of regard for property, theirs or others. But any child old enough to handle an Iphone can begin to touch and handle antiques. Touch will give you a lesson, far beyond that of a book or magazine. Now granted, I don't think that you need to hand a seven year old a $8,000.00 piece of Tiffany glass<br />
. But maybe they could touch it as you hold it or touch it as it sits on a shelf. My grandmothers nippon bowl sits in a cabinet in the living room today. I treasure it and though I'm very gentle and reverent with it, I touch it and handle it and think of her. People who are taught not to touch are often preordained not to buy or collect. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-89574864946252556002015-03-02T10:15:00.000-05:002015-03-02T10:15:00.429-05:00<h2>
Just The Way It Is: </h2>
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You know I always have dashed hopes when it comes to the store and winter time. When I first really began to hang around the book and antiques trade, I subjected myself to one of my favorite bookish winter experiences. I can remember it well, The Book Emporium on Main Street. It was operated by a good friend of mine, Ruth Cubert and I was drawn instantly to her and this marvelous little store she had. The winter time seemed to be such a cozy time. Though the books were mostly paper backs, they were stocked pillar to post, with little sections to sit and read in. I dreamed that one day my own store would be this way. The snow would dance outside and hot chocolate would be served from steaming mugs. That old man with his roasted chestnut cart would peddle his way up and down the street selling scalding, hot chestnuts in pink stripped paper bags. Then the.... wait a minute!!! What the hell! Those things never happened. Sorry, I must have slunk off into one of my Rockwell moments. I mean the Book Emporium was a great place, but Ruth HATED winter, and the store often went shuttered for weeks, due to bad weather. It was cold outside. It was slick in spots. Even the very air we breathed was grey, damp and unfriendly. Winter is rough on a small business. Rougher still in a small town that depends on tourists to keep the doors open. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAk_axQ-X-eNHs8GdQB7CuSwBwwHqD-ixUe-WXcImZlFLPDTZKL49IRSevpQxu9dCQWISQd7EbhyEpS2luu4nU-1ZsMCltgW8CDcJ04L1kiKR6PW5fc45JAWQmz_9-zX6Rww0x3zc1X8d/s1600/100_2512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAk_axQ-X-eNHs8GdQB7CuSwBwwHqD-ixUe-WXcImZlFLPDTZKL49IRSevpQxu9dCQWISQd7EbhyEpS2luu4nU-1ZsMCltgW8CDcJ04L1kiKR6PW5fc45JAWQmz_9-zX6Rww0x3zc1X8d/s1600/100_2512.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a>Fast forward twenty some odd years and I'm still dreaming those dreams. Every year I become more and more disappointed with the cold reality of winter on Main Street. Like my friend Ruth, I hate winter. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and all its special meanings and the warmth of friendship and glad tidings. Its after the holidays that winter bites the hardest. I always wanted to schedule book readings or book clubs in January, to entice those snow bound citizens, to come in and warm themselves by the fire. Well, that was part of the problem. There was no fire. In fact, there was little heat. I can remember in those early days, that an expensive heating bill would be, maybe, $200.00 and the store would be toasty warm. Today, you would call that a pilot light bill. Lets make this theory, Old un-insulated building + sky rocketing natural gas bills + ancient heating elements + a desire for heat you can actually feel = A couple months worth of mortgages, at the least. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have good old reliable furnaces. Lets face it, tanks that they are, they ain't going to win no "green" awards. But when I really examine things, its basically me and the die hard book lovers and antiques scouts that will be in there anyway. For my stock and trade, people just don't come out like they do for summer seasons. Besides the more modern customer is one who will exclaim when they come in, " OH MY GOD! Its freezing in here. How do you stand this? I just can't look any more." Yeah, there's that word again, LOOK. Suzy Saturday here, is used to pounding those hard floors at Fayette Mall or other more tony antique venues. Looking is about all she's up for. Amazingly, I've had some really great winter sales over the years. Sales from dealers, dyed in the wool collectors, history buffs, book hoarders, in other words, people who are used to standing at cold winter auctions or poking through old antiques stores. We be a tough breed, unlike the Suzy Saturdays of today. But we are growing older and our flock thins every year. And I'm left chilly waiting for a spring that never seems to come fast enough. So its between a rock and a hard place that I rest for now. No eco friendly furnaces blowing constant streams of hot air out of their iron lungs, no fireplace of crackling logs, no pots of hot chocolate and no Suzy Saturday to come browse and maybe buy a thing or two as she listens to someone read from a vintage novel. Worse yet, there are fewer and fewer of the old soldiers who don't care what the conditions are, they want their stuff! Its the clash between the Browser (maybe we'll buy if you entertain me enough) v/s The Old Collector / dealer who just doesn't care and muck through it anyway. Spring can't come soon enough for me. <br />
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Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-83377252012026967812015-02-03T01:04:00.001-05:002015-02-03T11:06:34.939-05:00Invisible on Main Street<h2>
Just The Way It Is: </h2>
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It never fails that someone will come into the store and say, "What a darlin' store." I respond, "Thank you and where are you from?" Often they will say, we live on the lake or in Salvisa or some other location in Mercer or Boyle County. But, I already knew that. Then the conversation will turn back to me and I get hit with, "How long have you been you been here?" I reply, "I've been here for twenty (or twenty one or twenty two) years." That twenty something year changes as the calendar flips over and over. "Oh, My God! I had no idea you were even here. I mean we've lived here since 1999 and I never knew you were here." Yeah, I get that a lot. That's part of the invisibility cloak that get pitched over Main Street, mostly over my store. I guess it comes from being in a small town or maybe people just don't care to come onto this beautiful street and head to other venues instead. You know, for a long long time people thought that Highway 127 was Main Street. When they opened the new-ish Highway 127 by-pass several years ago, I heard time and time again, "That by-pass will put you out of business." Little did they know that Main Street had already been by-passed, many a year ago. It was called Highway 127. You know its the place that the Ben Franklin store held sway. Ben Franklin has been gone a long time, but it left its children. Later they grew and expanded down the road to include Wal-Mart, Kroger and the other necessary modern day shopping venues. We survived that by-pass and we'll survive this one. Though at times, I wonder if we are surviving or if we will survive. I guess that you never see what's at your finger tips. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7btibXwx2Hw90Vr4UoaOSCcSY-oetbnb8uKOxnXm5jknYDMNltMvRh_75uA8nSzOqbTR7R5F3neaq8nlK9zAJz27fp4TgrP984xS_PE9jTk4Nno3D2bOkShn3_MCcrJqGAXx4hyphenhyphenhHr35K/s1600/Tanya's%2BPhoto%2Bof%2Bme%2B2014%2Bcropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7btibXwx2Hw90Vr4UoaOSCcSY-oetbnb8uKOxnXm5jknYDMNltMvRh_75uA8nSzOqbTR7R5F3neaq8nlK9zAJz27fp4TgrP984xS_PE9jTk4Nno3D2bOkShn3_MCcrJqGAXx4hyphenhyphenhHr35K/s1600/Tanya's%2BPhoto%2Bof%2Bme%2B2014%2Bcropped.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its invisible me. lol</td></tr>
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Now, lets explore another customer profile. I like to call this one the, "I've been lost since the 1950's" customer. Unlike the other mentioned customer, this one is a local, born and raised right here in the burg. I've learned to breathe deeply and unclench my fists when they manage to come into the store. They push open the door as though they are pushing open the door to an inner sanctum. They step in, with eyes already watering, their heads pushed heaven-wards,panning left and right. "Oh, this used to be the Gem Store.", they'll say. " I bought my first tube of lipstick here. RIGHT HERE! God, I remember that like it was yesterday." I'll spare you the diatribe of how they paid for it, who checked them out, where they wore that lip lacquer to that night, what color it was and how it was such good quality. Now bear in mind that this happens as they climb over book shelves, foot stools and display cases, as thought they aren't even there, all in a quest to walk the walk of fifty years ago when they were young, happy and had a great life in front of them. If they took the time to shed the scales off of their eyes, they would see that I have some great stuff that could also enrich their lives and maybe even help to transport them back to the past, that they gild and wax poetic over. But they pay my "old" stuff no heed. I've also discovered that this customer, though not always, is fairly tight with a pocket book. I don't mean to be that way, they mean well. But it can be hurtful when you put such time and effort into your business, only to have someone compare it to a past that will never be again. Its a kin to seeing someone you saw grow up and saying, "Well, you were such a cute little baby and look at you know." I love nostalgia and history but pay attention to the history and nostalgia that's growing in front of you.<br />
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Next time I'll let you know about one of my favorite customers, the out of town or out of state frequent shopper. They make me smile and often laugh. Until next time. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-78221749554138810722015-01-25T15:14:00.000-05:002015-01-25T15:14:01.986-05:00<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personal Effects Mango Forks January 2015</h2>
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Question: Jerry, what kind of fork is
this? Its mother of pearl with a sterling band. Both are marked
Henckels near the tines. I've had them for over twenty years. I've
been curious about them all this time. What are they worth? Thanks
for looking at them. I enjoy the articles.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Two Mother of Pearl handled mango forks.</td></tr>
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Answer: I had to do a little digging on
this one. I've always had an appreciation for silver flatware, but
this one had me stumped. Finally, I found out what it was. Leave it
to those persnickety Victorians to create something like this. You
have, of all things, a mango fork. Cool isn't it? This was a fork
that was designed for wealthy patrons, for a fruit that only the
wealthy could afford. Let me tell you, this fork, its history and its
manufacture is elusive. I could find very little on it... at first.
If Replacements.com doesn't have, one single listing for a mango
fork, then its hard to find. I did find a few, on other sites, that
were obviously modern and fairly cheap. Nothing like these beautiful
pieces. There was one interesting posting, on an antique forum page,
that helped shed some light on these unique pieces. I found that
many, many times, these forks are mislabeled as cake forks, snail
forks, lobster picks, olive forks and chicken forks. I have no idea
what a chicken fork is. However, they are all wrong, as I've already
stated, this is a mango fork. Here's how it worked. A fruit knife was
used to cut off the top of the mango, about an inch, you should just
see the tip of the mango pit. The fork was held firmly in ones hand
and driven into the top of the mango. You should pierce the mango
pit, in that “joint” or ridge that goes around the pit. The
central long tine went into the pit and the two shorter tines were
anchored into the flesh of the fruit. Now stand your mango up on its
end, holding the fork firmly in your hand. Picking up your fruit
knife you scored the thick skin and peeled back that skin, revealing
its orange meat. Still holding the fork upright, use your knife to
slice off slabs and transfer those pieces to your dessert plate.
Then you would use your fruit fork and fruit knife to consume your
hard earned mango. Sounds complicated doesn't it? I think Carson the
butler from Downton Abbey would have trouble with this one There was
a reason to this madness. It separated the well to do folks from the
down trodden. If you couldn't pass table etiquette, then it was
likely that you'd not fare well in proper society and you would be
shunned. I'm going to say that your mango forks date to the later
1890's to the early 1900's. This was a grand time for formal dining.
Your forks were made by the J. A. Henckels Manufacturing Company in
Germany. They are a well known blade and table ware power house and
their knives can still be found in fine stores. I saw some all
sterling mango forks and many modern versions in stainless steel.
Yours are extra special with the pearl and sterling ferrels / bands
I love the mother of pearl handles. You don't find this thickness of
mother of pearl anymore. Value? In at a good antiques show I'd
expect to see them priced at $50.00 to $60.00 each. Congratulations
on owning the only mango forks I might see in my career. Maybe you
should try your hand at using them at your next dinner party. Or
maybe not. Thanks for sharing them with us. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-53022064153316246302015-01-19T15:28:00.000-05:002015-01-19T15:28:21.249-05:00 Everyone is an appraiser<h2>
Just the way it is: </h2>
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I can't help but to be angry and sharp tongued over it. I had a dealer to tell me that she was always so miffed when she went to do an appraisal and, "They won't sell me anything!" Arghhh! That makes me pull my hair out. Good for them I say. You get what you pay for. Both parties are in the wrong. The dealer for ACTING as an appraiser and the client for not knowing who to call and when. People are so vulnerable when it comes to selling property. Even worse, when they don't want to sell but need information. Many a time a crafty person has toted off someones treasures for a pittance. All because they didn't make the effort to contact a knowledgeable appraiser. Everyday people make this mistake, even in this day and age of the internet and hokey cable antiques shows. People ask their hairdressers or mechanics before asking someone who knows. Often this leads to that antiques dealer looking to buy for a song. Or it could lead to a wonderful relationship with an honest and thoughtful dealer who will pay you top dollar for your stuff. But do you know what top dollar is and why?<br />
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You know, just because I know how to debone a chicken, doesn't mean that I should attempt to repair your torn shoulder. It seems as though that every dealer in the world is also an appraiser. In a moment of total disclosure, I too, am an appraiser and a dealer. However, there is a difference. I know which hat to wear and when. You see I have hats that I wear at certain times. I have an appraisers hat, a dealers hat and a book dealers hat. You can only wear one hat at a time. It is not right morally or ethically to purchase the items you appraise. You are showing bias towards your client and being disrespectful towards the property. Appraisers are advocates first for the property and for then for the client. Being an advocate is not the same as showing favor, its informing your client, you speak the truth, good or bad. The main role of an appraiser is to Identify, Witness and Value, period. Don't get me wrong, there are collectors and dealers out there, who know so much, in a particular field, that its awe inspiring. I call on these folks often. Sometimes, they are the right person to sell to. I've learned that there is a great difference between a collector and a dealer. Just by the mere fact of economics, a dealer has to make a living. Making a living in this business is hard, real hard, and every pinched dime and tweeked dollar counts. As clever as they are, I think that the majority of collectors and almost all the dealers, would have trouble laying out an appraisal for charitable donation, insurance coverage or the settling of an estate.<br />
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Anyone can appraise. But what they are doing is making an offer to purchase or making a value statement. Appraisers look at several markets levels and we weigh a lot of variables. A good appraiser should ask why you want an appraisal. Because you see, there are different values to different intended uses. Obviously, you don't want a fair market value if you're looking to have your items insured. You want a replacement value. This allows you, the owner, to go into a store and purchase a like, kind and similar item. Just be careful who you call when you need some advice on your property. That's why my business cards say Unbiased, Impartial and Independent. Fore warned is fore armed.</div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-76635179244144705462015-01-11T15:17:00.000-05:002015-01-11T15:17:02.844-05:00Little Pink Roses<h2>
Mean While Back At The Store: </h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKfMcsPPwTquSCX_C9HP-1uPW6j72rUuoRLivbSQOV4nACIyOtGYlJuDCwGriFXaNJykJTSLEUsxqnIzXZujDp0X1SODyMYjdrHMuJbqZKfVkmuUzO659lsRRCknjkOA7ftCWWTpi4kL_/s1600/pink+popy+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKfMcsPPwTquSCX_C9HP-1uPW6j72rUuoRLivbSQOV4nACIyOtGYlJuDCwGriFXaNJykJTSLEUsxqnIzXZujDp0X1SODyMYjdrHMuJbqZKfVkmuUzO659lsRRCknjkOA7ftCWWTpi4kL_/s1600/pink+popy+close+up.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this case its pink POPPYs </td></tr>
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I shared this on Face Book a few days ago and wanted to feature it here. Also I wanted to elaborate on it some more. When I worked at Graves Jewelers many years ago, at least once a month, some woman would come in and ask Miss Graves what her china pattern was. Usually without a hesitation, Miss Graves knew and often could remember several generations of who had what china patterns. If it was someone who didn't frequent the store often, Miss graves would ask what the pattern looked like. Without a doubt, they always said, "Well, I'm not sure, but it had little pink roses on it." So, it was a running joke, for all the years that I worked up there, when someone would ask what a china pattern looked like and we'd say, "It had little pink roses on it." It was funny to us as most china patterns had some form or little pink roses on it. Fun times. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I'm waiting of a lady to come in for me to identify her Haviland pattern and it set me to thinking. Bet you didn't know this? At one time porcelain manufacturers did really crazy things with their patterns. Lets say that there is a pattern called "Queen's Garden." Its heavy with pink & yellow flowers and a brown trellis. That's Queen's Garden. Then there might be Queen's Garden with BLUE & RED f</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">lowers & brown trellis. Lets call that QG1 ( Queen's Garden 1.) Then comes QG2 with Purple & Green flowers and a GRAY trellis. Then there might be QG3, QG4, QG5 and on and on. NOW, couple this with shapes. Queen's Garden might be in the Louis XIV shape or the Princess Louise shape or the St. Augustine shape and on and on. Cups can also vary within the SAME shape. All the time bouncing and switching back and forth. So you might find YOUR pattern, but you'll discover that the shape is wrong. There can be just 1000's of combos. Don't even gt me started on the hand painted or commissioned pieces. Believe me, if your great Aunt Mildred, way back in 1900, painted a chocolate set. That's it, its the only one. When Mary McKercher had her Havilnad booths in the store twelve or thirteen years ago. She hated the hand painted porcelains and refused to carry them. Reason?? You couldn't match them. Each hand painted piece is a one of a kind original. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">For most it doesn't matter too much, but for the scholar or serious collector, it can make you pull your hair out.</span></div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-27014941925989888312015-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-02T10:00:00.741-05:00<h2>
Querulous Quandaries: </h2>
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This was a new one for even me. It happened just a few days after Christmas. </div>
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Phone rings</div>
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(me) J. Sampson Antiques...... How can I help you? </div>
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(man) Can you tell me it this is the right way to fix cranberry glass? </div>
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(me) Fix it how? Is it broken? </div>
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(man) No, no. Its not broken, just faded. </div>
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(me) Faded?</div>
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Now, get ready for it. </div>
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(man) Yeah, I had someone tell me that these vases were cranberry but the color faded out. If I was to soak them in cranberry juice it'd bring back that color. </div>
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I'm stunned. </div>
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(me) Sir, glass is an inert material. You can't just soak it in a liquid and expect it to absorb that color. All that will do is make them sticky. </div>
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(man) Well shoot. So I can't make them back to cranberry?</div>
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(me) They never were cranberry or they were a pale color of cranberry. You can't make them anymore cranberry than you could cobalt or canary or emerald. </div>
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(man) Canary? </div>
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(me) Its the color of the bird not the actual bird. </div>
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(man) Well I never thought that! Thanks for your help.</div>
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(me) Thank you. </div>
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I'm thinking, "Well I didn't know. You thought that you could soak clear glass in cranberry juice and make cranberry glass. So hell, I thought that you were considering grinding up some birds to make yellow. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-68737011677920474712015-01-01T15:47:00.001-05:002015-01-02T11:30:01.229-05:00The New Years WishJust The Way It Is:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoQKHyQwIt3Rm7r3sG42_xQ-zKn2stTkAY0U0D6TIIDV8eB1_5En1XCbFMj70-SDKfKK4NdRFIQQzmnMTzagLW1uVTSCF-sSDuGMDOnENXcV59nq5N1rQoDw9pkeAWYpvYXiXd62L1x3X/s1600/revere+tea+pot+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoQKHyQwIt3Rm7r3sG42_xQ-zKn2stTkAY0U0D6TIIDV8eB1_5En1XCbFMj70-SDKfKK4NdRFIQQzmnMTzagLW1uVTSCF-sSDuGMDOnENXcV59nq5N1rQoDw9pkeAWYpvYXiXd62L1x3X/s1600/revere+tea+pot+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the tea pot that someone should have used. Instead it was sold in an auction. </td></tr>
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Here is my New Years day wish to all of you readers. I wish for you all to use and enjoy the items that surround you. You want to know something? I'm a contractor. Didn't know that did you? Yep, I'm a contractor. I sell materials for building and designing your home. I provide you with materials that will make you and your home happy, joyous, welcoming, inviting, warm, stylish and interesting. The decision to make that happen, is up to you. Remember, I'm providing you with materials. If a "real" contractor builds you a pool and you never get in it... who's fault is that? I wish that everyone would appreciate the things that fill their homes. You can have no idea of the times that I go into a house after a death and am meet this situation. The family is usually in a state of chaos. Emotions run high and are tightly strung. I reach over and select an object and begin to talk about it. Simple enough. There is always one person who will say, I've never seen that before?" Is that their fault.? No, its Granny's or Mom's or Cousin Lottie's. They never enjoyed it, they never shared it with their family and friends. They and myself don't know if it was a family heirloom or if it was bought at a yard sale last year. Many of your are thinking, " Well, I don't have anything." Really?? If you have a bed to lie in, a roof over your head, more food than you can eat in one sitting and a pair of shoes, you already have more than half of the rest of the world. Yet, you have books that you've never opened. You have dishes that you've never eaten off of. You have clothes that you've never worn. Likely many of you have have rooms of furniture that you've never sat on. Use what you have. Enjoy it. If you have so much that you can't possibly use it, move it on to someone else who has less than you do. You'll be blessed all the more for it. Now, when you're really really ready to design your home call me. I've got the perfect piece for you.Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-29614422636952703852014-12-17T14:30:00.000-05:002014-12-17T14:30:00.966-05:00 Not Another Fluffy TV Show ! <h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Mean While Back at the Store: </span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Just a bit of ranting. I found out today, from a favorite podcast, that the Scripps Netwoks, owners of such channels like HGTV, </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=20534666726" href="https://www.facebook.com/FoodNetwork" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;">Food Network</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> &</span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=15672033850" href="https://www.facebook.com/TravelChannel" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;">Travel Channel</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> among others. They are planning a new antique show with Paul Brown. Paul was the well known host of Auction Kings. Don't get me wrong I like Paul and Auction Kings when it was on. This new show,called Endless Yard Sale, is to travel up and down taking in the Highway 127 Yard Sale. People who live on 127 will love that. Take that as you want. This Endless Yard Sale is so NOT what this industry or the public needs. Please not another helter skelter, antiquers for hire, random, fluffy show. This type of show does nothing to help the business or educate the public. Dear Scripps folks there are people out there that need help. They are looking into the barrel. The barrel in this case, is a man who's having to disperse his grandmothers estate, its a woman who's dealing with downsizing her elderly father's 4 bedroom house, its a young married couple who don't know what to buy for their home and WHY. For all of these, so called popular shows, people are still ignorant over values, markets, the antiques economy, the change in tastes and trends and I won't even mention not encouraging scholarship for antiques, collectibles and decorative arts. People will blindly stare at more either common or "planted" rare items with no idea as to why these things are common OR rare. While their problems go untended or they make serious mistakes.</span>Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-36707243101009765172014-12-15T22:13:00.000-05:002014-12-15T22:13:16.667-05:00The Spirit and Grace of Reading<h2>
Just The Way It Is: </h2>
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I talked about this the other day on the radio show. I wanted to take some time and really delve into this subject. Now, bear with me as I kind of get out on a limb. </div>
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I have so many people to ask me, "Jerry, What should I read?" Now, some are asking me to suggest to them what is a good or informative read in their favorite category. Many, really mean, WHAT SHOULD I READ! TELL ME I HAVE NO IDEA!" Now, there are no stupid questions, but there silly questions. My response to them is, "What do you like?" I mean its the same thing as me going up to someone and saying, " What do I like to eat?" I promise you that anything you have an interest in, from cooking to camping, mysteries to space travel, needlepoint and nuclear powered ships or famous dogs, there is a book or something with the printed word out there for you to read. Pick something. </div>
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I've said over and over that there is nothing any more personal that reading. Its more personal than the clothing you wear, the art you hang on the wall, the jewelry you wear on your fingers, wrists or neck. Reading is right up there auditory abilities, these will play into each other soon. Yes, reading is that important. Now, lets get this out of the way. </div>
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Never let anyone tell you what to read or that what you're reading is wrong. Suggestions are fine, but to childe you or to be rude to you for what you're reading is wrong. As I book dealer, I don't care what you read. You can read the ancient classics, physics, medical textbooks or you can read harlequin romance novels, comics or cereal boxes. I don't care what you read, just that you read! Now onto the reason that I think that reading is so personal. Reading is personal as it actually gets into your head. I mean you see a word and its letters. You know from your earliest schooling that C- A - T spells Cat and you know what a cat is. You're brain is actually registering that these marks mean CAT. Yes, you can look at your ring and think of the store you bought it in, the town you were in, the people you were with and on and on. But reading is like exercise for your brain. Then you speed that up and you branch out into sentences, paragraphs, pages, chapters and you're taking it all into your noggin. You retain more information when you read. You apply your new found knowledge to your life. Now, if you really want to retain and remember, read it out loud. You remember more of what you read when you read it out loud to yourself. In a way, you're getting it right into your brain with your own eyes and voice. That's why I think that its so personal and private. Here's the cool part. In some secret part in you head you keep that information,forever. You may never use it again. It may be clouded in sickness or disease. But, its there. You never take it off. You never sell it or store it in the basement. Its always there. READ for the process not for the content. Now, understand I want you to grow and expand and read many things not just comics or the fluffy stuff. However, you've got to start somewhere. Reading is one of the most important things that you can do during your day. Hopefully, you're read this. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-75880786530138838242014-12-08T10:30:00.000-05:002014-12-08T10:30:02.492-05:00<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's a Good Question: </h2>
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Personal Effect Goblets December 2014
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterling silver goblets</td></tr>
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Question: Dear J, I wanted to ask you
about my sterling goblets. My father who worked at a manufacturing
company in Georgia received these from his co-workers upon his
retirement. He had worked at the same plant since he was a teenager.
He retired in1958. He's been gone for many years and I think of him
often. I know that I'm crazy but I enjoy setting a pretty table for
several holidays. I always use these goblets. They have no damage or
initials written on them. Should I have them added on my insurance? I
don't know the mark on the bottom, its a cross with a crown. Were
they made for a church? Thanks for taking the time to look at these.</div>
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Answer: You have a great set of eight
sterling goblets. I remember working at Graves Jewelers, here on
Main Street, and polishing the few goblets that we had in stock in
the late 1980's. I loved the way that they felt and reflected the
light. I don't think that you're crazy at all for setting a fine
table. If you have nice things you should use them. People should
take more care in a the environment that they eat. Ahhh... the
1950's, what a hey-day for sterling silver. Seems that every bride
had a set of sterling flatware,sterling goblets were on tables and
the julep cups and bread trays used as trophy prizes at county fairs
were all made of sterling. The Hunt Brothers, and their quest for
domination in the world of silver, changed all of that forever. No
longer were table and gift wares made in sterling. It was far too
expensive and other materials were used. Today, its even worse, with
silver plate and pewter taking second stage to aluminum and other
metals that don't require polishing. Those days are gone forever
and we should just let them go. But nothing is like the cool, classic
beauty of sterling silver.
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When your father received these nice
gifts, they likely retailed for about $10.00 - $15.00 each. Today,
at a nice antiques show, these should be priced at $175.00 each. If
they had been monogrammed that would have been less. I'm surprised
that they didn't have the date or some other message on them. For
your set of eight goblets that would be about $1,400.00 for the set.
Yes, you should have them listed on your homeowners insurance policy.
You'll need to have a written appraisal for this to be added to your
policy. Check with your insurance agent. The mark you see on the
bottom is not for a church, its for a company called Manchester
Silver Company. Manchester Silver Co. was founded in 1887 by William
H. Manchester. William was a descended from a family of silversmiths.
Manchester was famous for the slogan, “If its Manchester, its
sterling.” In time the company became Baker-Manchester, and as is
often the case, the company was merged, absorbed and liquidated into
several other silver and metal manufacturers several times, until it
just ceased to exist in the 1960's. Based on this mark, it could be
possible that these were purchased at an antiques store or were “old”
stock when they were gifted to your father. Either way, they are
beautiful goblets and a very nice gift. Keep them polished and use
them often and think of your Dad when you lay out your table for
Christmas. Thanks for sharing them. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-74829752145603726542014-12-06T14:30:00.000-05:002014-12-06T14:30:00.401-05:00<h2>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">On The Road:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group is ready. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examining a beautiful piece of enameled glass.<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNLFs2cUNxnnJR5O5FZROp3hR5c-rHegzPwUuuYoPcnTZHwfMV6o-xh0afObMasi8V0uIqmFlU_O8jbp-F4szH6YjnYTbyO-5BpB7A4dJ6HJqWFhUWg2OPW6-gNkz8yLrtI2a-q8QfF-Y/s1600/Boyle+County+Public+Library+Lecture+and+Appraisal+Dec+2014+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNLFs2cUNxnnJR5O5FZROp3hR5c-rHegzPwUuuYoPcnTZHwfMV6o-xh0afObMasi8V0uIqmFlU_O8jbp-F4szH6YjnYTbyO-5BpB7A4dJ6HJqWFhUWg2OPW6-gNkz8yLrtI2a-q8QfF-Y/s1600/Boyle+County+Public+Library+Lecture+and+Appraisal+Dec+2014+013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at a French or German porcelain basket.<br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br />R<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">eally had a great time at the Boyle County library last night. For all the wet and nasty weather, there was a good group of folks out. There is thing better than an small intimate crowd. I love it when I don't have to use a microphone. I was just up close and personal with these folks. There were some interesting things that were brought for me to examine. I have to say that everything that was brought into the hall was of nice to great quality. I've here to tell you, that one lady had an amazing eye for picking up good things. She kept saying, "I like to go junking." Well her junking skills were excellent. I have to say that I've never had, so many people, call me the next day, thanking and saying such good things over me. I really makes one feel good when they have this type of honest praise. I very much appreciated it. They really enjoyed themselves. I knew they were when the library was closing up and the announcement was made, " You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here." No they really didn't say that but I knew that those couple of hours flew by. What a sweet bunch. I hope they do it again. Thanks to </span></span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=597452568" href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.ashby.10" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;">Mary Ashby</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> for being my official photographer.</span></td></tr>
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Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-86885184746640819002014-12-04T14:11:00.001-05:002014-12-04T14:11:55.051-05:00<h2>
Querulous Quandaries:</h2>
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I've not had one this funny in a while. Christmas & gas bills always brings them out. Remember high school chemistry, folks. </div>
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A man comes in the store with a box</div>
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(me) Hi, Can I help you? </div>
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(man) Yeah, I want to sell these candlesticks here.</div>
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(me) Well, lets see them. </div>
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He takes out 3 or 4 pair of modern brass candlesticks. </div>
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(me) I'm sorry, I can't use them. They're too new for me. Pretty but they won't sell. </div>
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(man) But these are special! </div>
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(me) Oh, how so? </div>
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(man) Well my great great grandfather in the 1800's owned a brass mine. And there were made from brass taken from that mine. They're made by hand from a famous craftsman. </div>
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(me). Sorry but that can't be. Brass can't be mined. </div>
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(man) WHY THE HELL NOT! He owned a mine and this is from there. </div>
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(me) Brass is an alloy. </div>
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(man) What's that? </div>
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(me) An alloy is a mixture of metals. Its created by man. In this case its copper and zinc. Copper and zinc make brass. </div>
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(man) So they not old? </div>
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(me) No, I'm sorry. They might be from the 1950's or there about, but they aren't really very old. I'm not sure about the craftsman part either, as all of them are machine made. </div>
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(man) Well, let me ask you this... </div>
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He glances around like someone might over hear him. </div>
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(man) Who made the copper and zinc??</div>
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(me) God, I'd say. </div>
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Nodding his head with eyes closed. </div>
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(man) That's what I thought. Thank you. </div>
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And off he went. So I guess, that he went off to speak with God over the fabrication of brass. </div>
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Its always something. </div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-83965663785430059962014-12-01T10:30:00.000-05:002014-12-01T10:30:00.186-05:00<h2>
Just The Way It Is: </h2>
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The Sanctity of Wood</h2>
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<i>Sanctity: The state or act of being holy, sacred or saintly. </i></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnePNgCZczo1j2W03fO9OdF1dJWQsRgV2ZsQiipk5aLM9Cog5kLfB-UTZ5SLQvVZ66A407WqvnwX40NMM3zi5B7E7ndrIRNrtak7fAQaHuuyIpaFucVswIXUlx_RyUc3ube6V6OYgWP0eT/s1600/koa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnePNgCZczo1j2W03fO9OdF1dJWQsRgV2ZsQiipk5aLM9Cog5kLfB-UTZ5SLQvVZ66A407WqvnwX40NMM3zi5B7E7ndrIRNrtak7fAQaHuuyIpaFucVswIXUlx_RyUc3ube6V6OYgWP0eT/s1600/koa.jpg" height="128" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Examples of the rare Koa wood. </td></tr>
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The question of wood and its finishes has for decades been a hot bed for conversations. Nothing will cause a mild mannered person to roll eyes and gnash teeth over the altering, replacing or restoration of a finish. Today's decorating trends only add tender to the fire. </div>
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1. The dealer:<i> "Yes, this is the original finish. You'll note the long white streak on the side? Its been proven to be fecal matter from the Carolina Parakeet. The last known, wild citing of the this bird, was in 1910. So that dates it to at least that time. Couple this with established history and its construction techniques and we think that it will date to the 1840's. You could wipe it off but why would you?? Its part of the history. "</i></div>
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2. The decorator: <i>"Dark wood is so out of style. Its weighs down a room and just causes it to be transported to the 1970's. No one in my field would allow a dark piece of furniture in a room. It simply isn't done. Yes, of course, I know that this is a Koa wood, but its dark and so sad. It really would "pop" if it were painted lime green. It'll be fine sweetie darling, I know the best paint experts." </i></div>
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3. The collector: <i>"Its and old finish, certainly it is. But I want to see that beautiful wood grain. I know that its poplar wood and that it has a grain painted finish. But, I want to see that wood. Furniture is all about wood and pristine condition. I want it to look like it just come from the craftsman's shop. Yeah, go ahead and strip it off so that wood can shine again."</i></div>
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Three wildly exaggerated scenes, or are they? I've been to many a show that had old bird poop on a piece of furniture. I've also seem incredible pieces of wood painted with a modern paint. Sadly, I've seen my fair share of old or original finishes scrubbed or belt sanded into oblivion. The following is my opinion and you should always consult an expert first before you make decision that changes a finish. </div>
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A cruddy, old finish is currently in vogue right now. And rightly so. An original finish is like a fine wine, once drunk, its gone. There is no refilling that bottle. If you find that you simply can't live with a cruddy finish, then you should find a piece of furniture that you can live with. Some will say that if a finish clouds a woods grain then it has out lived it purpose. I disagree. I think that its simply another layer of patina. Honestly, I have seen furniture that needs to be gently cleaned. Come on folks, its poop... in your living room. On the flip side, a piece that is 150 or 200 years old, should not look like its show room new. I can understand removing a modern finish in favor of an period finish. But to replace an old finish with a modern poly finish is just wrong and is insulting to an antique piece. Wood, like silver or metal should have a worn, soft glow to it. It should show those tiny scratches, mars, dings and spots where hands have rubbed and burnished a finish down to the bare wood. This can't be duplicated. ANY sandpaper will destroy glowing feel. Move the piece on to another collector, if you must restore the life force out of a piece of furniture. </div>
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Paint. We're talking about applying modern paint to an old piece here. First off, NO fine antique, let a lone a masterpiece or a rare wood should ever be painted. Shop around until you find what you need with out committing this travesty. However, this opens the field up for the painting of modern reproductions, reproductions that are from the 1930's to the modern days. EXCEPT for the really fine AND highly collectible manufacturers like Kittinger, Hendendron, Drexel and pieces made for the historic foundations like Williamsburg or Old Sturbridge Village, or the coveted mid century makers like Wright, Nakashima, Eames, Gershun and several others. Probably 90% of common, mass produced, machine made, Victorian furniture could be painted. Its a personal preference on this one. Check with an expert first. At least Google it! You know, I see this all the time, in the magazines, a walnut Victorian ladies chair painted white or hot pink with a funky upholstery and placed in a little girls room. People will say to me, "Jerry, aren't you horrified??" No, not really, this type of furniture brings, little money in todays market. Some pieces actually look good, great in fact. Besides, I'd rather see it painted and used rather than sent to the junk heap. Paint can always be stripped and if sealed with a light spit coat it will come off easier. This paint topic is hotly debated and I'm sure I'll catch hell for it either way. But, it is very, very personal. Remember the adage, First do no harm. </div>
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Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-11344331875730503672014-11-27T16:08:00.001-05:002014-11-27T16:08:52.633-05:00<h2>
Mean While Back at The Store:</h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">There is something to be said about having a store pet. Small dogs and large non-threatening dogs are the most common canine. Who doesn't love the thoughts of a lab curled up under a table or sprawled on a couch. They typically, welcome a pet or a "Helloooo there boy! How are you pretty guy?" They will spring to life, like a key wound toy soldier, and pant or cock a head with the look of "HEY you want to play or rub my belly?" Cats are the most common pet in residence. I guess that this stems from the fact that, cats are self preservers. They make it seem proper and right that YOU, serve them and not the other way around. They seem to blend in. They make themselves become part of the atmosphere, a fixture of the culture and place. Well, for many years, I had a store cat. Antiquea was her name. Great name for an antiques store cat. I'm not sure that she liked it or not. But, she would answer to it. That is amazing, as any cat owner or cat slave knows. Everything about this cat was amazing and different. I saw her for the first time near my back porch, looking for something to eat. All I said to her was, " Hey kitty cat, what are you doin'?" Evidently, that was translated into cat speak for, "Come here and live and I'll feed you." That's what happened, she came and I fed her. All I had was a can of Hormel potted meat and she ate it with delight. Come to think of it, potted meat and cat food do look a lot alike. My God, she was thin! In her healthy days, I fattened her up some, but she never did become a fat cat. It must have been her hard scrap life that kept her thin and agile. She curled up on a towel I had laid out and this became her home for the next 15 odd years. Proper cat bedding and toys quickly followed, but she never much cared for them. Antiquea preferred to hunker down in the section where I kept large paper bags at the front counter. I worried that she would be cold in winter, until I reached my hand in and found it toasty warm from her own body heat. I however, was often cold, and still am. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It seems hard to believe that yesterday marked the 6 year anniversary, since Antiquea last left the store. I knew that the time was quickly approaching. A major holiday, a holiday weekend and promises of another holiday would prolong her suffering. I choose this time, so that things would be quiet in the closed store, after the deed was completed. I looked back, a few days ago, at photos of her during her last weeks with me. Shockingly, I found that she had nearly reverted to her former skinney, starved looked. But I knew that there was one difference, she had been loved, and become a character in the store. Never to be replaced. Though she was independent, she had changed from that of a street cat, a stray feline, to that of a minor Main Street star and legend. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeQiJqvrsRe_xlFxUU514NJICpyqOD-Ievb9Icm2o11v0UceNx81c2YBVtppVzHTwb1vERRuGq2StpRtPJ6MsYVV6VbAfGH67ITT-sZ4s194BNN5ECXM28BhsZIoStX6yHEaMKqLZb-62/s1600/Antiquea+on+Counter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUeQiJqvrsRe_xlFxUU514NJICpyqOD-Ievb9Icm2o11v0UceNx81c2YBVtppVzHTwb1vERRuGq2StpRtPJ6MsYVV6VbAfGH67ITT-sZ4s194BNN5ECXM28BhsZIoStX6yHEaMKqLZb-62/s1600/Antiquea+on+Counter.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antiquea loved to be on the front counter. It made it easier for folks to pet her. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">What a treasure she was to have in the store. I didn't choose her, she picked me. That little cat was responsible for more sales than you can imagine. I think that, as a thank you to me, she endured years of her eyes being almost poked out. Sometimes by kids, just being kids and more often than not, by adults who, " Didn't think she was real?". Would you go up to a statue and poke its eyes, even if you knew it was a statue or figurine? I wouldn't think so. She was carried, packed, toted, talked to, kissed, loved on and once was placed in a baby stroller with A BABY! I'll never forget the elegant, older woman, who rolled around on the floor playing with her. Her expensive skirt riding up around her thighs. She cried real tears, when I wouldn't sell her. Her husband had to almost drag her away. I think that she might have had serious metal issues. People loved to give her treats and cans of her favorite foods. The servant of said cat, received nothing. Honestly, I did make sales because of her. So in a way she did pay for her keep. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">There are times that I think I still catch a glimpse of her. You know its funny... I still have her litter box set up and her food dish is under the counter. People still ask about her and more than one sent a sympathy card when she died. I secretly chuckle when folks say that they just saw her last year when they were in town to see Mom and Dad. I guess they don't visit Mom and Dad as much as they should. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">And NO there will not be another store cat in the future. I'm not being cruel or denying myself or another animal joy... I raised her, cared for her, befriended her and had her put to sleep and I'm done with that job. I know that there are other animals out there that need help, care and love, but it won't be from me. I'll be more than happy to give an animal food or donate food to an animal shelter. But I'm done with my stint as a cat slave. Dr. Ellis and I were never sure, but we always thought she was about 20 she died. I'll always miss you little girl. </span></div>
Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7037752427929888659.post-2249892014196964492014-11-21T10:35:00.002-05:002014-11-21T10:35:47.381-05:00<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's a Good Question:<br />
Personal Effects Tasha Tudor Books
October 2014</h2>
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Question: Dear Jerry, I love love
love Tasha Tudor. I've collected her books, prints and everything I
can lay hands. I enjoy her attempts to travel back in time to the
1820's with her clothing and home. I have a couple of her books that
are signed. I bought them new and I'm not sure if they have any
value aside from whats I paid. I have Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts
and The Private World of Tasha Tudor. Both have the dust wrappers,
are marked 1<sup>st</sup> edition and are spotless inside and out.
Both are signed but the crafts book is double signed and upside down.
Why? Has her death increased their value? Keep the articles coming.
I save them. Thanks and kindest regards.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover of Tasha's beautiful Heirloom Crafts. </td></tr>
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Answer: I too, enjoy the lifestyle of
Tasha Tudor. Though some say that she was living in a bubble of her
own fantasy. I think that's harsh. If you can afford to do it, if its
what you want and no one is harmed over it, live in the 1820's if you
want. However, the world that Tasha created and the one she
illustrated are somewhat different from the true life she led. Tasha
Tudor was an American author and illustrator. Known for her
illustrations of quaint 19<sup>th</sup> century farm / country life,
featuring bonnet topped kids, New England styled homes and long lost
customs and traditions. Born as Starling Burgess, in Boston,
Massachusetts, in August of 1918. She, while still a child, was
re-named Natasha, which was later shortened to Tasha. Following the
first of two divorces, she legally adopted her mother's maiden name,
Tudor. Tasha and her first husband had four children. Her second
marriage was very brief. Tasha died on June 2008, at age 92, in
Marlboro,Vermont. The bulk of her two million dollar estate was left
to her oldest son Seth and her grandson Winslow. The remaining
children were disinherited, due to what was called “their
estrangement from their mother.” Though, it was cited that the
other children were gifted millions of dollars, in the form of her
original art work, during her lifetime. So see it wasn't all tea and
cakes and ices.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM27K5I1PB63QKIW51AG65lJptVMT9eRhcYSFwbJ-GgfimRa4Ck60nXCWmKGw1MIcOXstRNbwacHOS42VvPrVqRzshJ-psaijn8Ju-EAesCRTxHAIW4U9JNcAkiQ1QF2Mb88KYSChWNQmu/s1600/tudor+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM27K5I1PB63QKIW51AG65lJptVMT9eRhcYSFwbJ-GgfimRa4Ck60nXCWmKGw1MIcOXstRNbwacHOS42VvPrVqRzshJ-psaijn8Ju-EAesCRTxHAIW4U9JNcAkiQ1QF2Mb88KYSChWNQmu/s1600/tudor+002.jpg" height="83" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasha Tudor's autograph</td></tr>
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Tasha's first book, Pumpkin Moonshine
was published in 1938. A mint condition first edition of this title
will fetch upwards of $2000.00. More than one hundred other titles,
either illustrated or illustrated and written by Tasha culminated her
career. Tasha received many awards and honors in her career,
including two Caldecott Awards and a Regina Medal. There was several
ground breaking exhibits of Tasha's work and collections at such
places as The Norman Rockwell Museum,the Henry Ford Museum and
Colonial Williamsburg. Her writings, manuscripts and original art
work are in collections all over the world.
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Tasha is most well known for her
children's books and that is where some serious value is. I wish that
you'd told me what children's book you have. The two, lets call them
“lifestyle books”, that you have are very collectible and
beautiful. The addition of signatures is even more desirous. She'll
not be signing anymore. The reason for the double upside down
signature? Likely, it was during a mob packed book signing and
someone just handed her the same book twice, upside down. A double
signature does not add nor detract from it's value. I looked online
and found that these two titles were being offered for up to $390.00.
Realistically, I'd say that in a good book store environment that
they would be priced between $75.00 to $100.00 each. You've done
pretty well, as you probably paid $25.00 for them when new. Thanks
for sharing them.
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Jerry Sampsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10328130576066018160noreply@blogger.com1