VictorianCobweb

Addiction? Obsession? What Ever "IT" is I have IT!

2012-01-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

Old Canning Jars! Yes, I have found a dirty little secret! Not even I knew how bad it was until I decided to get a jump on my Spring Cleaning with cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom!

Let me back up a bit - I love canning jars and at my last Estate Sale I had literally oodles of really cool half gallon ( yes that's the size I absolutely adore - also the really small pints) in aqua! I was in canning jar heaven and wanted to take every last one of them home with me - but I couldn't! My job was to sell the clients possessions and clear out the personal property so that the house could be sold. And being a good liquidator I price everything to sell - not for me. So, with the hubby breathing a sigh of relief in the background I price my clients jars to sell. The first day of the sale I seen several beautiful aqua jars slip out the door in some very happy purchasers hands, and on the 2nd day I seen every last one of them sold to an antiques dealer! Ugh!! Sooo....

No jars for my collection.

Then a couple of weeks later my husband was called to look at some bottles! He went to look without me - of course - but after 3 hrs I got worried and called - he needed help! Yeah!! Guess what I found - yep you got it Canning Jars - most were the half gallon size! Yeah Woot Woot!!

I brought em home - scrubbed em and then realized the scope of what I had just purchased! Where was I going to put 29 jars? I already have several that I use for corralling odd collections of bits and pieces that were found along beaches, and several have been sterilized for food storage like beans and such, now I have 29 more. I thought....

Until today when I got a jump on spring cleaning ! And lordy gordy - I had no idea that I had collected this many jars! I'm half afraid to count them now, and to tell the hubby - I'm afraid he would commit me to some loony bin or 12 step program!

But look at all those wonderful jars aren't they beautiful? aqua - some clear ones have started turning pink OOOOOOhhhhhhh love me some canning jars! Yes addicted! Better than crack, better than weed, better than alcohol, no not better than sex - but really close!

Final count of old canning jars: 30 - 1/2gal; 14 - quart; 9 - pint; 5 - 1/2 pint!
Now what am I going to do with all my lovely jars? Don't know but I do know that when I figure it out I will have a jar that will fit the bill.

What is your secret collecting addiction?

Amish Auction Time Again

2011-09-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Yes the Amish Auction in Clarita, Oklahoma is fast approaching. Remember its always the 2nd Saturday of September.

So for this year 2011 it will be Saturday September 10th.

Make plans to attend one of the areas bests auctions of the year.

Treasures

2011-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Rescued this little table top first. The guy I got it from didn't know if there were any legs. Then a few days later he brought me the legs! What a cute little treasure!

When we think of treasures we think of all those "things" that we collect or inherit or find like my little red topped kitchen table - Right? Well, that's not always the case.

Wikipedia defines treasure: "a concentration of riches, often one which is considered lost or forgotten until being rediscovered".

Have you ever considered a person to be a treasure?

I ran across a living breathing treasure the other day and the stories he could have told me! He was the son of a very colorful Oklahoma politician and had quite a few stories to tell - I had the pleasure to hear a couple and would have loved to spend the afternoon with him, but I was on a business trip and couldn't take the afternoon off.

You just never know where your life's path will take you, or who you will cross paths with over a lifetime.

Ta-Da!

2011-08-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Can you see me doing the "Happy Dance" ? Yes, my chair is finished at long last! It isn't perfect, but for a first time upholstery job and sewing cushions I think I did alright. I still have my full head of hair, hubby is still alive and the dog isn't hiding under the bed!

Now time for a well deserved cup of hot green tea and a good book!

Procrastination at its Finest

2011-08-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Well, about 2 years and counting that I have had this chair! Urgh.....There were times I thought I'd be better off if I just threw it out! Then, finally got the seat re-upholstered! (Hubby had already gotten the arms/legs refinished - shortly after purchase - after much much grumbling and fuming about all the ins and outs.)

Now all I like are the cushions....No these won't take 2 years to finish as the sewing machine is staying right where it is until it either breaks unrepairable or I finish the cushions!

I bought the fabric at our local Doylene's Fabric shop here in Bryan County just right outside of town about 5 years ago on a whim - for a future decorating ideas (seats cushions on my dream dining room table and chairs - pillows - chair for living room - etc.) I bought the remainder of the bolt with was approximately 13 yards I believe. I think I paid $32 for this heavy weight fabric - I know steal right!

When I seen this chair at a local outdoor junk place I didn't buy it at first - I kept circling it. It was there for three weeks and we would pass buy it on the weekends going out to the shop. I finally got the hubby to stop one afternoon and looked at it. I knew it wasn't an antique piece - but you could tell it was a nice piece of furniture. I don't remember what she asked for the piece or if I bargained with her but the take home price was $15 so I bought it!

This is the style I am heading toward in my home decor - so for now I have an almost finished chair and one day I will have the dining room table and chairs, end tables, coffee tables, and, and, and, and,

Does it never end? ;-)

Next up, those walnut chairs that need to have the seats re-caned! I have had them much longer - I'm a bit of a scaredy cat when it come to tackling new things! I have lots of guts to buy these things but then when it comes right down to the actual doing of things I freeze. I get the supplies, instructions, then Bam! Stall out and become this ball of squishy stinky scaredy cat poo!

Now, what do I do with all these pieces of fabric that I messed up cutting on when I was cutting this out? Please weigh in and I hate to waste fabric.

Stay tuned for the next project.................

What I'm Reading Now

2011-08-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm an odd sort of duck when it comes to things I like to read. Not into all the Harlequin Romance stuff ( although I like me some romance), not really into the Sci-Fi sort of thing either.

I love the looks of old books for their decorative abilities and also for their read ability. The cover of this one is lovely isn't it?

Some are just a hoot to read, some are rather captivating.....and then some are just down right terrible. My tastes are all over the board.

This is what I'm reading now:

She A History of Adventure by H. Rider Haggard Inscription on the inside front cover is dated Dec 25th, 1890 (which intrigues me even more than the title). So far this book has mystery, history, adventure, genealogy, far away lands, and the Secret of Eternal Youth.

I'll let you know how I like it when I finish - so far I don't really want to put it down!

How to Date Postcards

2011-08-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dating Postcards is one of the more easy tasks associated with vintage antiques of any sort. Well, in my humble opinion at least.

Several years ago I could have bought a box the size of half a washing machine cardboard box full of old postcards - everything from the earliest Pioneer Era to Chrome Era. I did buy my fair share of those cards and made a nice return on my investment to boot so I did really good - I sometimes wish that I would have just bought the whole box that very first day of that awesome estate sale. But that would have been a bit greedy and no one else would have had the pleasure of rummaging through that large box to find their own treasure.

I learned a few things and found a great site that helped me learn a bit more in my research of these old pieces of ephemera. The guys over at The 2 Buds were a great resource as well as The PostCard Price Guide. Mine is the Third Edition, but still is a good research tool.

Pioneer Era postcards are your earliest dating from 1892-1898 - these are id'd by no middle line on the back of the card (called undivided back), Grant or Jefferson head Stamp, a lot of the cards will be multi-view types, postage rate is 2 cents, Souvenir Card or Mail Card as titles.

Private Mailing Card at TheBlueCamel

Private Mailing Card Era are from 1898 -1901. The title "Private Mailing Card" is printed on all of the postcards from this era.

Art Nouveau Postcard at Joyatri

Art Nouveau 1898-1910 These beautiful cards started in Paris where all the great posters were made. These were influenced by the Art scene.

Real Photo Postcad NOKO 1907-1920 at arborwayantiques

Real Photo Postcards 1900 - These are a bit difficult to date. The stamp box if visible will show the printer makers initials: AZO, EKC, KODAK, VELOX, KRUXO, AGFA ANSCO, ARGO, ARTURA, CYKO, DEFENDER, Devolite Peerless, DOPS, EKKP, EKO, NOKO, PMO SAILBOAT SOLIO, VITAVA. But sometimes these stampboxes are covered in stamps (which can help narrow the dates down also). These are reproduced often.

Undivided Back Postcard at Sarahendepity

Undivided Back Era 1901-1907 "Post Card" was printed on the backs of these cards. The address was all that was to appear on the backs of these, any message that was to be written would be on the front or the picture side.

Divided Back Postcard at junqueTrunque

Divided Back Era 1907-1915 The images would normally fill the whole front of the card, the back is divided so that a message could be written on one side and the address to which the card was to be sent would be on the other half. This covers a wide area of the postcard collectibles.

Art Deco Postcard at rosimar87144

Art Deco Era 1910 to early 1930's This says it all - rich vibrant colors and anything Art Deco!

White Border Postcard at jammatun

White Border Era 1915-1930 All cards in this era had a white boarder around the edge of the picture side of the card.

Linen Postcard at ifonlyshehadboughtit

Linen Era 1930-1945 Linen type paper with a high rag content. These were cheap to produce and feature Roadside America, Comics, Advertising etc. Americana.

PhotoChrome Era 1939- Chromes as they are called, feature beautiful rich colors. Publishers such as Curt Teich and Plastichrome to name a few.

As you can see postcards can span a couple of different types. Then you can further your research and narrow dates down a bit more by the publisher of the cards and the type of paper it was printed on.

Enjoy,
Toma Tyler
VictorianCobweb

Do You Ever Splurge on Silly Stuff?

2011-07-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

That's the question! Do you?

Well, this is Monday and I am wishing that I had splurged on that cute little vintage Turtle Cake tin that I found in Sulphur Springs Texas this past weekend! But in my defense it was just a silly little luxury that I didn't need. Just because I have this thing for anything that looks like a Turtle ( but Not the Ninja Turtles!) doesn't mean that I need to start collecting every single turtle dohicky out there. Soooo, I passed on the Cake tin because 1 it was something I didn't need, 2 I didn't need it, and 3 I did not need it! I'm trying to clear out not add to! So I left it!

It was only $9 so it wasn't the money. If it is a personal purchase I feel as if I need to justify its purpose, now if its something I think that I can resell and make money on, than I have no problems. And this really had no purpose other than maybe hanging on my kitchen wall.

I have searched the internet over and have found not one vintage Turtle Cake tin or mold that looked the same! So, don't know whether I should be relieved that I cannot find one ( as I would most likely buy it), or that it might have been a really Rare tin! ( and I don't really think so - it was vintage - but not terribly old I do not think.)

So, let me know - do you ever splurge on that silly stuff? And if so, what was the last silly splurge you took the plunge for?

Just Call Me - Bond - James Bond 007!

2011-07-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Ever wake up on a Monday morning wishing you could be 007 James Bond? but then realize that you don't have a Spy Camera to finish off the "look"?

Minox BL Sub-Miniature Spy Camera

Humble Thank You!

2011-07-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I received a very nice reference book via Schroeder Publishing Co.....but the thing was I didn't order it. I vaguely remember a book give away that I entered on a lark as I rarely enter or win these things.

So guess what? I don't remember who or what site I was on........

I wish that there would have been some kind of "Thank You for Entering our Give Away" type note inside or that I could remembered where I surfed to on that given day! Instead I will eat my humble pie in shame because I cannot properly thank the powers that be for the really nice and informative Early American Furniture book that they sent me.

But I can Thank Schroeder Publishing for delivering my wonderful gift to my scorching hot mailbox this past June!

Proceed Without Delay

2011-07-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Proceed Without Delay Thomas R. St. George

Very interesting first person account of the War from a War Correspondents personal View. This is the author "Ozzie" Thomas R. St. George's own accounts of his daily life in the South Pacific Theater of World War II in 1945. Australia, to the Philippines and everywhere in between, from train to plane to ship...it is a rather funny (only now as I read the book - but am sure it wasn't then for the men and women that were there) account of the ups and downs of life in the War.

Southern Spring Tradition - Poke Salad

2011-04-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

How to Cook Poke Salad

Recently I posted a comment on my Facebook Wall and was surprised at the friends didn't know what Poke Salad was.....Maybe this puts me in the "old timers" category but I'm NOT that old - and that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

The herb pokeweeds are known by several different names: poke, pokebush, pokeberry, pokeroot, polk salad, poke salad, polk sallet, polk salat, inkberry are just a few. Wiki says they comprise the genus Phytolacca, perennial plants native to North America, South America, East Asia and New Zealand. The generic name is derived from the Greek word φυτόν (phytos), meaning "plant," and the Latin word lacca, a red dye.

In 1969 a song was written and performed by Tony Joe White, and later Elvis Presley recorded the song Polk Salad Annie, about this wild herb...

Yes, the herb is toxic but the old timers knew when to pick it and how to cook it. If you have never picked or fixed Poke Salad - I am not endorsing and I do not recommend picking and cooking this wild herb without the help of someone familiar with the pokeweed.

There is loads of information fun and factual all over the internet like Peggys Antiquated Recipes, or the Poke Salad Festival in Blanchard Louisiana

Excerpt from Tradition or Insanity? Why Do We Eat Polk Salad? "Polk Salad, Poke Weed, and a variety of other common names are all names for the poisonous plant, Phytolacca americana. The plant is a perennial, and grows wild across a large portion of the United States. The plant is similar to turnip greens, collard greens, and mustard greens - but a little more acidic and can be bitter. One of the most interesting things about polk salad is that it's acutally quite poisonous. The toxic substance in the plant is a triterpene saponin called phytolaccigenin, which causes hemagglutination. Sometime called American Nightshade, polk salad can be a very dangerous plant if not prepared and consumed properly.

Once the green leaves reach about 7 inches - they are filled with toxin and unsafe to eat. The stems, and root, are always full of this poison, and there is never a safe time or safe way to eat them. However, as long as the leaves are less than 7 inches long, this plant can be prepared safely and consumed, by carefully following a few simple steps.

1. Immediately after picking the polk greens, wash thoroughly in cold running water.

2. Immerse the clean greens in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.

3. Drain, and rinse the boiled greens with cold running water again, rinse boiling pot.

4. Refill pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil the greens again for 5 minutes.

5. Drain, rinse the greens again in cold water.

At this stage, the greens are now safe to eat. However, in the South, we cook them one more time by frying them in a skillet with some bacon fat. Some people also scramble eggs into the fried greens. You may add salt and pepper to taste, and some people like a little vinegar on them."

Spring is the time for cleaning the house from top to bottom and for spring greens like Poke Salad. Spring is not truly here until you have a mess of a Southern Cuisine Treasure - Poke Salad!

Happy Treasureing,
VictorianCobweb

My Enigma

2011-02-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Can you help me identify this plate??

This wonderful old plate has me stumped! I have identified the maker: Cauldon - it is impressed and also blue under glaze. Also, there is a blue under glazed S and an impressed D and 12. The glaze has a blueish cast to it - which is indicative of pearl ware.

The crest in the middle of the plate is my enigma.....there is a crown over the letters LCS. What I would dearly love to know is who this was........was this real royalty? or some distant cousin that fancied himself a bit of a dandy and thought he would flaunt his royal lineage when he entertained? This was obviously a special order and would have been a bit expensive for the time so the owner had to have money.

Can anyone help me identify this royal crest?

The treasure is always in the hunt,
VictorianCobweb

Building Murals - Advertising Treasures

2011-02-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

This is an old advertising mural in Achille, Oklahoma..................

Have you found a treasure today?
VictorianCobweb

The Proper Martini is Stirred!

2011-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Or so I am finding out.......As my friends know I don't imbibe in much alcohol - not for any reasons other than I cannot handle my liquor! Half a glass of wine has me under the table - I've never had a Martini so I am guessing that just one would have me under the table and sliding out the nearest door!

Reminds me of this poem by Dorothy Parker

I like to have a Martini,
two at the very most;
three, I'm under the table,
four I'm under my host!

The reason I am on this discovery of the "Proper Martini" is because of a treasure that we found browsing a little antiques store while on our homeward path from a recent road trip.

This "little" treasure is a very large sterling silver spoon with a wonderful cabochon of turquoise at the top!    The makers hallmark is visible on the back which made it even more special. And a bit easier to research since I was thinking about the Native American Silversmith eating Ice Cream Sundays with this spoon!

I know, I know - such naivety in the world of cocktails knows no bounds with me!

Upon my research I find that this is a Martini Spoon! I'm still thinking - wouldn't that be a bit clumsy this large spoon in those cute little Martini Glasses - they aren't deep enough!

Oh so naive!

Further in my search I find The Martini over on Dandyism.net and the proper way to mix a Martini and the proper tools to use!

My sincere apologies to all the Dandy's out there!

My research of the hallmarks lead me to the famous jewelry designer and silversmith - Italian immigrant who was greatly influenced by the Native American silversmiths and their cultures in the Santa Fe New Mexico area - Frank Patania Sr. His Thunderbird Shops in Santa Fe and Tuscon were a wealth of beautiful works from the late 1920's to the early 1960's.

Now I wonder who the F monogram was for?? Ford...... Franklin........

Happy Treasure Hunting,

VictorianCobweb

Tulsa Bound for the 2011 Antiques Roadshow??

2011-01-25T07:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read the title right - the Antiques Roadshow will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma July 23, 2011!!

I was there in 2001 and had a blast, rules have changed a bit, but I have signed up and hopefully I feel a lucky streak coming on! Maybe I will be one of the lucky winners of a pair of tickets this year!

So, now I have to decide which two treasure I want to take when they send me my tickets! Positive thinking! I want tickets!

To see if they will be in your neighborhood this year and register for your free tickets just click on the link above and register.

Good Luck!

Roadshow bound,
VictorianCobweb

Cherished Nativity / Creche Set

2011-01-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

Cherished Family Treasures

Recently I had a chance to help a client find a cherished family heirloom. Something I love to do - find treasures! This was a Christmas Nativity Scene that her mother pulled out every year at Christmas time. It was proudly displayed on the mantel for all to enjoy. The house had been closed up for a couple of years since her mother had passed and the treasured set was no where to be found. My client wanted to pass this treasure on to her daughter - so my hunt began.

I had envisioned a wonderful old creche that was very valuable very rare. So off I go - a full 2-story house to dig through. Finally my search was rewarded - first I find the Stable - very typical of most Nativity Scenes. Then deep in the closet I find a box - my treasure hunting radar is registering at max overload about now and sure enough I have hit the mother load! Treasured Nativity Scene has been found.


A Group of 19th Century Neapolitan Creche Figures Realized Price $9,088 in Feb 2009 Photo Courtesy of Christies

I carefully open the box and inside I found each figurine carefully wrapped in tissue and nestled in soft excelsior. I carefully unwrap a figurine and find the family treasure so long sought for. It is a wonderful little hand painted ceramic set that the mother painted many years before for her family. It shows the love and care of many Christmases, a few bumps and bruises, careful repairs, a bit of paint touch up here and there. But the treasure has been found.

I must confess I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't a very old and highly collectible creche set from Italy (like the one from Christies that I have posted here), but am so excited that I found this families treasured heirloom that can be passed down to the next generation and hopefully loved and cherished for many more Christmases to come.

Treasures don't have to be expensive or old to be treasured! They just have to be loved by someone.

May you find many treasures along life's path.
VictorianCobweb

Courtly Cast Iron Chandeliers

2011-01-13T04:45:00.000-08:00

These massive cast iron chandeliers were awesome to behold! I don't believe I have ever seen anything so huge! Can you imagine the ceiling structure that would hold these beauties?


Chandelier in the Courthouse at Washington, Arkansas

Chandelier in the Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg, Mississippi

Old Courthouse Museum

2011-01-08T05:32:00.000-08:00

The Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg Mississippi was built in 1860 and is a wonderful treasure. This is a place that we have been to several times over the years - anytime we are close we make a bee line to this museum before exploring other parts of Vicksburg. Very historic, very grand! The architecture, the surrounding homes and businesses. The overlook of the Mighty Mississippi.

This is a place that everyone must see. History, military, southern life, there is a bit of everything in this grand old building - from period clothing, china and glassware, dug artifacts, military (of course), photographs, oozes with so much history!

I could share a slew of photographs that I took with you, but I think I'll just leave you with a glimpse back in time - a hint at what you will find on your own journey to The Old Courthouse Museum!

Happy Treasure Hunting,
Victoriancobweb

Time for Change

2011-01-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is a new year and time for a change! Happy New Year 2011!

Change is in the air here - and I am anxious to share something with you! I love finding treasures - I don't care if it is my own or something for someone else - I just love finding treasures!

The treasure could be an object ( like the treasured Nativity Scene that my client couldn't find in her mothers house or the treasured Victorian necklace my friends mother was wearing - stay tuned for these stories), could be a memory, could be a place, could be a child's precious art work, could be an beloved pet, could be a photograph, could be anything..........You tell me. That's the deal, I am going to share with you the treasures that make me smile and I want you to chime in and share your treasures. This blog is going to be about those things that make our hearts sing, that bring a smile to our face or someone else. The things that are important to us. Sometimes it will be interesting information about the antique treasures that I find and resell like this Ink Eraser or maybe a piece of my personal collections like this small little Mourning Jewelry hair brooch.

Treasures abound around us everywhere, we just have to be able to see them. Come back later this week and I will share a new treasure with you. Really its not a new treasure as it has been around since about 1858, but it is a treasure none the less........

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

When joyous Christmas Chimes

ring out,

The Olden Message sweet,

May not one thing be lacking

To make your joy complete.

Have a safe and glorious holiday!

VictorianCobweb

Antique Ink Eraser

2010-10-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what they used in the old Dip Pen and Ink days when mistakes were made? Well I never thought about it until recently.

Before rubber erasers and white out, there was a handy little gadget that could be used albeit with some care so as not to scrape a hole in your paper.

Novelties? I'm not sure but there are a few out there.

The Webster Co was in business from 1869 to 1958 in Massachusetts. And to think when we bought this I thought it might be a blood letting instrument! That's where research comes in.

Treasures abound,
Happy Hunting
VictorianCobweb

Life of an Estate Sale - Beginning to End

2010-08-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

What an experience! & a lot of had work - but ohhh so enjoyable!

Not every sale is this enjoyable or for that matter around here it isn't going to be this big. I was blessed in being recommended for this one and my client and I hit it off.

The day the contract was signed (June 4th), and all keys were handed over was a "Wow! moment! After a couple of months of talking via phone several times, making dates to meet then circumstances for really both of us requiring us to reschedule we finally had a definite date to meet and discuss whether or not we each wanted to proceed. For me it was seeing if there was enough usable salable items in the sale to make it worth my time and the fact there were boxes of stuff in a storage facility (per Realtor advice on making the house less cluttered and more show able/salable) that I wouldn't be able to view until late afternoon made this meeting a bit of a trial run (I thought). But off I go and for the first time that I can remember I wasn't nervous at all - there was a peaceful calmness in me that I cannot explain other than I knew if I didn't get this sale it was okay.

I walk in the door meet my client and it is as if we have know each other for a long time - a few minutes into the viewing of the contents of this 3000 square foot 2 story home and I knew it will be worth my time. It is a house filled with a lifetime accumulation, from treasures to washers and dryers. The items that were carted to the storage facility will be just a bonus - not even counting the stair stepper machine that was inherited when they rented the facility!

I started work June 6th, and worked steadily at least 6 days a week until the 19th of July! Husband was the attic cleaner outer and trash technician. Mother -in- law was the linen lady.

The first thing I did was pull everything out of the closets, drawers, cabinets cubby holes - anything that was in under or around was pulled out in full view. As I was doing all this I was also doing an initial de-trashing.   This was a clean house, but a house that had sat for several years unoccupied.

That first week I think I had a "OMG What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" panic moment. What was I thinking - I always helped with estate sales - who did I think I was - thinking I could tackle this huge house and conduct a sale - by myself no less?    Yes, panic sat in that day and let me tell you it was a nasty sight! The next day I just pulled myself up by my shoe laces and got to work and my panic subsided.

I learned a few surprising things about myself that first week - 1: I can do anything that I set my mind to. 2: I am totally scared of brown recluse spiders and 3: I think I bit off more than I can chew.

First week the initial de-trashing stage was complete except for the attics and I was off to get things arranged a bit and find treasures to be researched. The rest of the month of June I started to price things - the everyday stuff was the easiest and what I was used to helping with previously.   Making notes on stuff that just needed signs with prices and working toward the hard to price or need to research treasures.

Then July rolls around and I am struck with another major panic attack - I stall out on the big items like the furniture and in this particular estate I had Oriental pottery from the 50's or so, mostly decorator items but "OMG what do I price it" and "No one buys Oriental or Asian stuff now days in rural Oklahoma!" Thankfully I had a few angels help me out of my conundrum and I could finally get things priced, finish arranging the house in a pleasing - inviting manor and do a final cleaning.

July 21st I was ready for the family, finally!! They were in awe of all the stuff, and they were excited to finally be able to let go and move on.

Then I opened the house up to a few people everyday so that I could make my own trial run behind the counter and get comfortable adding purchases and taking money. This is something I won't often do but this house was so jam packed with goodies and treasures it wasn't missed by the time the sale was scheduled August 6, 7, and 8th.

The sale arrived hot hot hot! But at least no rain! The morning of the 6th I go in early to make sure everything is ready - turn on lights, raise blinds etc. Catastrophe #1 strikes - I raise the blinds over the sink ledge where I have some wonderful Blenco decanters and the blind falls and shatters the best piece there!! So I say a few choice words - stick the price tag to my shirt and clean up the mess! Pray that thats the worst that happens that day! I put numbers out front on the step ( numbers the first day helps keeps the number of people in the house at a minimum if there are crowds outside waiting to enter - you can let in 20 or what ever you are comfortable with in at a time). I tell my 3 workers (who have never helped with estate sales before) to smile, always have something nice to say no matter how cranky someone is and most importantly to have fun! If we cannot have fun we need to go home now! I open at 8 and at 7:30 only one lone man is waiting! Panic attach #3 sets in - "no one is coming to my party!". By 8 there are only 13 or 14 people waiting to get in. I feel I am doomed! We let them in and I sit behind my table at the calculator .

Man #1 is a veteran Estate Saler - he comes in and makes an initial swing through the whole house then comes back to me and says: "I want the Billiard Table" - don't tell the hubby but I fell in love with this man! My albatross was sold - one of the hardest biggest things in this huge house was sold and on the first day to the first customer of the sale! I don't know if my expression was professional or not, but my insides were doing a happy dance!! My panic was over, let the fun begin!!

The rest of the weekend was an absolute blast, everyone including the customers had fun and yes I will do another estate sale.

To view the whole montage of the sale visit my EstateSalesbyToma blogspot.

Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

Amish Auction

2010-08-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

The Amish Auction time is fast approaching. So make plans now to attend this one day long event in Clarita Oklahoma. And remember for future reference it is always scheduled for the 2nd Saturday of September, rain or shine.

The food and quilts are always from the Amish, but there are vendors from everywhere and not necessarily Amish. I believe there are 3 auction rings, plus vendors galore, if you are looking for something you will most assuredly find it here. Wear comfy shoes (bring an umbrella because it may be rainy and if not in this Oklahoma weather you will want the shade from the sun) and plan to stay all day. This is a one day event so plan to arrive early especially if you want to eat an Amish breakfast (food goes fast here) and stay late.

All images courtesy of http://www.clarita-oklahoma.com/auction.html.

Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

Friday is D Day!

2010-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Estate Sale Day!

Okay, those of you that follow my sporadic posts - tomorrow is D day! The Estate Sale starts officially tomorrow morning at 8a.m., and there will be people lined up the sidewalk and parked around the corners on both sides of the street! ( I hope !! )

If you want to read all about it and take a peak at the video montage that I put together check me out on Estates Sales by Toma. I'll follow up later in the week on all the goings on!

I'm off, better get to Wally World to stock up on Wheaties - I'm going to need'em!

Until Next time - may there be a treasure around every corner.
Toma
VictorianCobweb oh &
Estate Sales by Toma

Changes

2010-07-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the changes around here of late? Yes I have been a bit absent from the blog sphere and everywhere else! But I have been really busy - some business was more personal but the best news was what fell in my lap literally when I couldn't do anything about it! But when things became freer for me personally these other great changes just seemed to fall into place!

Those closest to me have known of my desires and goals and so aren't surprised about my newest adventure! So without further ado I want to introduce you to my newest baby:

Estate Sales by Toma

I have been working on my first estate for the past 2 months (by myself I might add - hubby has been my designated strong man and trash technician!). This estate is a 2 story, 3000 square foot home that has been just wonderful to dig into! Yes, treasures did surface here and there, some I returned to family others have been cleaned up and put on display for the sale. I have to say that at this point in time this house is much cleaner than my own as I have neglected some things around here not just the blogs/twitter/facebook/etsy/ebay areas of my computer. My time has been researching things that I knew nothing about and learning things that I thought I knew! The house finally decided to come together this last couple of weeks and I can honestly say that other than a very little bit in the store room and the making of a few price signs I am ready for the sale!

Cannot wait to share the sale with you! I know that those of you too far away to attend will be with me in spirit ( and have been - thank you), so stay tuned because this sale will be the first weekend in August (6th, 7th & 8th) and is going to be a whirlwind of excitement!

So, for now make sure you bookmark my new site so that you can follow the adventure!

I love what I do!
Toma
Estate Sales by Toma

Fathers Day Finds via Etsy's Vintage Market Team

2010-06-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

I went shopping this morning right from my comfy seat here at home! Cup of green tea in hand I parused the Vintage Market Team's Fathers Knows Best Promo on Etsy they are having and boy did I find some goodies!

Each participating vendor has their own spin on the details of the sale so don't forget to read their profile for more info.

I'm off to make my purchase...............................


1950 Willis Car Ad AnniesAccumulations

\Vintage Retro Sporting Advertising Texas Thermometer

TeaAtHomeWithOlivia

70s John Travolta Shirt fiinafiina

Bell and Howell Movie Projector funretro

Vintage 50s Mens Eyglasses CollectibleSpectacle

Vintage Remington Electric Shaver afleacircus


Antique Drill Brace SarahAnntiques

June is for Fathers!

2010-06-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day is the 20th of June! And while I am still playing catch up and trying to chase away a few Cobwebs I would love to show you some wonderful "Mantique" Treasures that would be perfect for any doting father from The Antiques Diva's new online Brocante ........

Vintage Clutches

2010-05-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

While I have been a bit absent from cyber world these last couple of months my dear friend and wonderful fashion stylist Kelli at A Rendezvous With Style has graciously given me permission to reprint one of her wonderful articles! This article pays tribute to a wonderful woman in my friends life and a beautiful collection of family heirlooms that will be cherished for many years to come.

Thank you Kelli for the wonderful glimpse into your cherished collection!

Kelli Djulus A Rendezvous With Style

Vintage Clutches

So many questions, so little time!

Last fall, as my family and I sadly laid my Grandma to rest, my head was swirling with questions. Of course whenever her and I spent time together I would ask her about her life. I always enjoyed looking through the hundreds of photos documenting her wonderful years here on earth and I never turned down an opportunity to ask about her past experiences, her parents, what life what like "back then", how she met my Grandpa and many other questions that I am sure at times were overwhelming for her. Yet, once someone is gone, you realize that there is so much that you didn't know about them or their life, even after 30 years of asking questions and spending time together. I guess I am still coming to terms with the fact that certain experiences, other quiet secrets, are taken to the grave.

While cleaning up the remaining belongings at her home, I couldn't stop myself from wondering why hadn't I ever asked to play dress up with her or even request to see some of her favorite items she had acquired throughout the years, on her many travels around the world. It is unfortunate that I didn't ask more than I did! Alas, the stories behind these vintage beauties are lost forever, however I am keeping my imagination open and my daydreaming vivid! I am sure these hand-beaded clutches lived well and of course always added just the right amount of pizazz to my Grandma's already very stylish wardrobe.

Bullocks, wow! That department store was around when I was young and I had almost completely forgotten it ever existed! Not being allowed in Grandma and Grandpa's room, ever, I had absolutely no idea what I would find inside. Needless to say, I was delighted to uncover 4 gorgeous vintage clutches!

                   ***************

Vintage Clutch #1:
Silver Mesh Whiting & Davis Co. Bags
This clutch could very well date back to the 1920's

Front View ~ The silver mesh is stunning along with the large rhinestone clip

Inside View ~ The tag reads "Mesh Whiting & David Co. Bags Made in U.S.A.
The same information in stamped into the frame of this shining beauty.

I was curious about this bag as well as the company, so I did a little research and this is what I found out about Whiting & David Co.

With a pedigree that dates back to the jazz age, WHITING & DAVIS handbags are renowned for their sleek and innovative collection. First introduced in 1876, they became world renowned for fashionable metal mesh handbags. In addition, they are also a major supplier of mesh for industrial, architectural, jewelry, scientific and home décor applications. In 1999, The Inge Christopher Group acquired WHITING & DAVIS handbags. Soon after the acquisition, as they began pioneering new ways to play with the metal mesh, they realized they had acquired an aesthetic gem.

WHITING & DAVIS’ new design team added novelty colors, dramatic new textures, and retro-paint effects to its repertoire, creating exquisite metal mesh handbags. They soon became coveted arm candy by many fashion icons, as well as celebrities. Their bags are used for everything from one’s wedding night to prom and even on the red carpet.

WHITING & DAVIS handbags use their signature metal mesh to create an array of products from cosmetic cases and wallets to sophisticated daytime and evening handbags. Their handbags range from timeless to classic to vintage styles with Art Deco and Victorian influences, to young and contemporary silhouettes. Let your imagination take you away with all of WHITING & DAVIS’ alluring metal mesh handbags.

                   ***************

Vintage Clutch #2:
No Name
Hand Made in France
Small pearl-like beads & flat metallic beads hand sewn onto ivory silk

Front view ~ I am in love with the attention to detail! It is absolutely exquisite!

Back view ~ I love the "hand slip" rather than wrist strap. I can just imagine it appearing as to float magically in hand.

Inside tag reads "Made in France. Hand-Made"
A vintage clutch after my own {French} heart!

Inside the interior pocket safely rests this clutch's original mirror. It is gorgeously backed in the same silk as the bag's inside lining.

                ***************

Vintage Clutch #3:
No Name
No Tag
No Idea!

Front view ~ Beautiful hand-sewn detail. I love the sunflower inspired motif! I can definitely see this lovely vintage clutch accompanying me to many weddings in future years.

Back view ~ Again, I love the little hand slip.

Peering inside ~ Even the zipper pull has a vintage motif engraved around it.
Things just aren't made like they used to be!

            ***************

Vintage clutch #4:
No Name
Hand Made in Hong Kong
Black beading on black silk

Front view ~ The perfect beaded black clutch!
I absolutely adore the shape of this clutch's opening flap. It is larger than the other 3 bags and much "newer"; I am estimating late 1970's - early 1980's.

A peek inside

Black silk lining with small tag. This clutch was certainly purchased when my Grandma & Grandpa traveled to China.

                           ***************

My maternal Grandmother gave me this adorable purse when I was just a few years old. It is paisley velvet with a long pink strap and I remember dragging it around everywhere with me. I have kept it all these years and hope someday my daughter will enjoy playing with it, just as I did. My Grandmother has been gone since 2001, so when I pulled this little purse out while re-organizing my closet the other night, it brought a smile to my face.

The tag reads "Hans och Greta" ~ Hans and Greta

As I continued about in my closet, I enjoyed reliving memories of times spent with my Grandma and my Grandmother. I thank them for their love, their care and their always impeccable, personal style.

Until next time...
Call someone you love, enjoy something passed down to you from another generation and embrace styles from the past that you enjoy!

Kelli

My Grandma and I enjoying a moment together at my wedding

Posted by Kelli Djulus at 1/16/2009 5:00 PM

My Collection: Symbols of Joy - Love - Loss - Memorials & Mourning

2010-04-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is a reprint from an earlier blog roll - I hope you enjoy.

This is a Hair Wreath framed in a large Victorian shadow box frame. I believe this to be more of a Family Memorial Wreath (a family tree but in hair) because of all the different colors of hair, although there are a few flowers that have black beads incorporated into the designs.

This is a small sampling of what is in my jewelry box (well not necessarily a jewelry box - this was an old flatware service box that we revamped for the purpose of holding some of my collection.

This bracelet was made in such a way that it will stretch. Kind of like the stretchy trendy little beaded bracelets you find nowadays - but there is no elastic in this bracelet - just the way it was woven. Black enamel under the flower decoration, so this was most likely a mourning piece.

This is a beautiful little rose gold ring that has hair incorporated into the band. The initials AEL are inscribed on the crest on top.

This is an amazing set of earrings that are in need of some jet stones replaced. These are hand cut faceted stones so are very hard to replace, I could replace them with some modern black glass, but the look wouldn't be right, so.....In the little half moon area there is a woven mat of hair under the glass - which is actually Rock Crystal. Very Victorian and very much a Mourning piece.

This is an amazing little piece, as you can see by this side there is three colors of hair - the salt and pepper around the edge - the braided in the middle -then if you look close enough there is a fine mat underneath.

Now on the back there is four different colors - auburn around edge - salt and pepper entwined with a lighter brown - then another dark brown matte underneath this.

The initials RWC to NA.

This little brooch is done similar to the hair wreath, but in miniature. This little gem only measures about 1 inch in diameter.

This is a wonderful little babies bracelet with a coral cameo. With the Victorians everything had a meaning - symbolism in objects - - flowers, names, colors, gems - as with coral being used in this bracelet the mother believed that she was helping to protect her baby from illness and disease.

This is a puffed cross pendant, (view the above picture of the full necklace) I have no idea as to how the Victorians made this. The book (reprint) The Art of Hair Work by Mark Campbell has numerous patterns if anyone wants to try their hand.

These are small brooches, the two smaller ones on the top and left have tiny seed pearls around the beazels. The one with a cross over an open weave of hair is inscribed on back: M. M. Died April 10th 1858.

This is another teeny weensy brooch with hair under rock crystal and beautiful seed pears surrounding.

My most recent find: This is what you would call a Flipper/Swivel Brooch. The photograph of the man is a tintype and you can swivel it around on its axes to reveal hair on the other side.

This is the woven mat of hair on the other side: just swivel it around and it can be worn in front.

I hope you have enjoyed my small collection and please don't forget to read the earlier blog on the history behind the Victorians marvelous little works of art.

VictorianCobweb

The Art of Victorian HairWork

2010-04-07T04:34:00.001-07:00

Repost from an earlier blog roll:

Recently my good friend/name twin/and modern day pen pal: The Antiques Diva™ left a comment on a previous blog and emailed me that I "sooooo needed to write a blog on the Art of Victorian Hairwork Jewelry!"

I gladly agree that it would make a fascinating article as I have been collecting Mourning Jewelry for some nearly 20 years. My husband was the one who introduced me to antiques early in our newly wedded bliss and bought me one of my first pieces of Mourning Jewelry. That first piece sparked an interest that has continued to this day.

So, off I went to write the blog, and as I was doing a little more research on the internet to back up some of my hardbound references in the stacks in my "office" low and behold I found the perfect article in fellow blogger/journaler Dynasty of Lao and one of their favorite sites Curious Expeditions , which they have kindly gave me permission to reprint here:

The Art of Mourning

July 24th, 2008

A yellowed and well-loved copy of Art Recreations sits tucked in the bookshelf. A modest brown leather book, the unsuspecting passerby would never know they were walking past a goldmine. Published in 1860, Art Recreations is a thorough guide to artistic pastimes for Victorian women. It offers detailed lessons in many standard art forms, like pencil drawing, grecian painting, and watercolor, but somewhere towards the last third of the book, the mediums veer into bizarre and thoroughly antiquated crafts. This back section begins with a deceptively simple guide to taxidermy. It opens graphically with,
“Take out the entrails; remove the skin with the greatest possible care; rub the whole interior with arsenic…after taking out the entrails, open a passage to the brain, which must be scooped out through the mouth…”
From there the book proceeds into the subtle art of aquarium preparation, wax work, “cone work” (the regrettably obsolete medium of pine cone), and the rather specific art of “Wild Tamarind Seed Work” (brought to England from the West Indies). All of it goes to show just how much time the unemployed VIctorian woman had on her hands. However, the most exciting lesson for these industrious Victorian woman with ample free time is the wonderful lesson in hair art.. as in human hair.
Curious Expeditions has long been interested in hair art. Spanning from a sweet memento between lovers to a macabre relic of the deceased, D and I had seen a few touching examples of this mourning keepsake at the Volkskundemuseum (Museum of of Folk Life and Art) in Salzburg, Austria. Unlike the complicated hair formations often seen in hair art, these were small, simple locks pressed between two rounds of glass. There was something mesmerizing and eerie about these two artifacts, physical pieces left from long forgotten people.
Even before the intricate hair art became popular in the 1800s, hair of the living was frequently gifted and worn. Hair bracelets and locks of hair pressed in glass were popular love tokens in the 1600s. Valentines and postcards with hair pasted on them were often sent as keepsakes to far away loves. Napoleon wore his watch on a chain made of his wife’s hair, and Queen Victoria was known to give locks of her hair away as gifts to her children and grandchildren. And at the Paris Exposition in 1855, fair-goers were delighted by a full-length, life-sized portrait of Queen Victoria, made entirely of human hair.
It is a strangely romantic gesture to give a bit of oneself away (in modern days a more extreme version is the bone ring, grown from bone samples of your loved one). But it is the darker side, the desire to keep a bit of the departed alive and with you, that so fascinates us here at Curious Expeditions.
It was thanks to Queen Victoria that mourning jewelry came into vogue in the 19th and 20th centuries. Her husband, Prince Albert, died of typhoid in 1861, and Queen Victoria remained in mourning for him for the rest of her life, a full 40 years of black. As with many aspects of their strained moral earnestness, Victorians reflected Queen Victoria in her habits and ethics. Thus, strict mourning customs came into fashion. Mourning widows were not allowed to leave their homes without full black attire and a weeping veil for one year and a day (called “full mourning) after her husband’s death. During “second mourning,” the next nine months, the widow was allowed some small ornamentation, like mourning jewelry and lacy embellishments to her black attire. The art of proper mourning was vital in demonstrating the wealth and class of a family. It was of the utmost importance to appear fashionable in these times of grief, and many wealthy woman dressed their servants in black as a grand show of a household in mourning.
Besides fashionable dress, mourning jewelry was a further symbol of dignity and social status. Much of mourning jewelry was made of jet, or “black amber,” a solemn fossilized coal. Hair jewelry also became common, with locks of the deceased’s hair set into bracelets, brooches, rings, watch fobs, earrings and necklaces, often clipped off right at the funeral parlor. Soon jewelry makers found themselves immersed in a new industry of professional hair art. Great distrust encircled these professionals as rumors flew that bulk hair was used in place of the actual hair of the deceased. Many suspected that their “custom pieces” were in fact mass produced. Thus, the diligent Victorian lady took it upon herself to learn the fine art so she could know for certain that it was in fact the deceased’s hair she wore around her neck, and not wisps from a stranger.
Eventually, this art broadened back out from objects of memento mori to keepsakes and elaborate pictures of flowers, wreathes, weeping willows, and landscapes made of hair. And of course, in a repressed society such as the Victorians found themselves, everything was fraught with symbolism in hair art. A willow meant forsaken love, lavender meant distrust, a conch shell meant reincarnation, and a zinnia meant thoughts of absent friends. The technique is a painstaking assemblage of bunching, twisting, knitting, weaving, brushing, and braiding. Though some of these complex pictorials were made from the hair of the deceased as memorials, they just as often used hair from the living, incorporating hair clipped from members of an entire church, school, or family.
Today, the practice is all but dead. The Victorian Hairwork Society, however, is a collective of artists keeping the tradition alive with their skilled hands for any nostalgics who may be interested in commissioning pieces. Of course there’s always Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri, which proudly exhibits hundreds of Victorian hairworks. Rooms filled, floor to ceiling, with the hairy remnants of Victoriana past. Photographs may capture a moment in time, a mere instant in a person’s life, but their hair…it was a part of them. Perhaps Leila says it best, “When I look at hair, I see more than hair. My museum is filled with other people’s families. It tells a story, but there’s a lot more story that I won’t be able to know ’till I get to the other side and meet them.”
For more on Victorian Mourning Customs, we recommend Morbid Outlook.

Thanks to Curious Expedition for the wonderful article on a subject that is close to my heart, and many thanks to Dynasty of Lao for their kind words of encouragement.

Some interesting books you may want to check out:"

Collector's Encyclopedia of Hairwork Jewelry by C. Jeanenne Bell, G.G.

On Women & Friendship A Collection of Victorian Keepsakes and Traditions by Starr Ockenga

The Art of Hair Work by Mark Campbell (reprint)

Victorian Americana by Evelyn Swenson

Hope you enjoy,

Happy Treasureing,

VictorianCobweb

Victorian Viniagrette - Little Scent Boxes

2010-03-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hilliard & Thomason

Victorian Viniagrette

The proper Victorian Lady's answer to all those ill smells that permeate the air, it was also used to keep the lady from feeling faint!

Small little piece of material or sponge soaked with a scented vinegar or other substance was inserted underneath a pierced grille. The little locket was closed and opened up as necessary.

The earliest known examples date back to the late 1400's and came in all shapes and sizes: circular, oval, heart-shaped, shell-shaped, shoes, books, watch-case, purse, acorn just to name a few. And made in sterling, gold or porcelain.

This one was made by Hilliard & Thomason and is hallmarked on both the inside of the lid and base.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

How can you tell if you have a piece of reproduction glass?

2010-02-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Laurel Leaf Farm Country Antiques and Vintage

Repost from a Guest Article that A Rendezvous With Style posted in December 2009

Recently I received a phone call from a friend who was excited along with disappointed in a spontaneous gift from her hubby.
Excited because the gift was a cute little blue hobnail pattern lidded candy dish in the shape of a shoe that she thinks is Fenton.
Disappointed in the fact that it was cracked and the dealer that her husband had bought it from hadn't mentioned the defect. Now the dealer in question conducts what I call a "perpetual" estate sale at her clients house (sadly he lost his wife several years ago and lets the dealer take a few boxes at a time to the garage and shed to sell off). My friend and her husband know this woman and the client as they have lived in the same area all there lives, and have bought quite a lot of glass ware from her.
Chit-Chatting back and forth she starts describing the piece to me:
black flecks in the glass, shallow bowl area, pattern not really crisp - just little things, but enough to make me suspect that the piece isn't what it appears to be. But I just keep listening to my friend all the time thinking she has a reproduction. Then she asks me: "How can you tell if you have a piece of reproduction glass?"

My response: "I'm no expert on glass at all, but everything that I have ever been told about glass from people who are experts in the field say it is a "Feel" thing. (I laugh because that is such a vague response to a serious question.) Plus, you have to listen to yourself. I said just by what you have described to me over the phone my gut is telling me you have a reproduction, but since I am not looking at the piece I don't really know."

This lady also collects Candlewick so I asked her to feel a piece of her Candlewick - then feel her gift. Did she feel the difference? Then I asked her if she had a signed piece of Fenton, and told her to take her gift and compare with the known piece. How did it feel in comparison? What was the pattern like - crisp and clean or not as well defined and rough? Was there a difference? Where was the wear or was there any?

She kept looking and feeling her gift and all of a sudden she let out a gasp -" its Made in Taiwan!"

Her husband didn't pay but about $12 for the piece and I asked her what she would have expected to pay for it if it had been real and she said about $24.

So, keep in mind that there are treasures that can be bought for $12 and realize a value greater that the cost. But, you have to pay attention to the details, feel the object, look at the object, ask yourself how, why, where - be informed. And above all else when you don't know - buy from an honest, reputable dealer.

As far as my friend goes she put the little shoe on her shelf and never told her husband about the crack or the fact that it was a reproduction. When she passes it in the mornings she grins and cherishes the little gift from the love of her life, but also realizes that she had a very valuable lesson for a mere $12.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

When is a Collection a Collection??

2010-02-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

That's THE question isn't it??

I actually asked myself that recently......The Car Guy and I have several "collections" going, some haven't had a new addition in years some are quite new little addictions like the Souvenir Spoons he collects.

This is from the fab Etsy shop of Fab Gabs Vintage

But the other day TCG came home with a box of "stuff" and in it was a beautiful little Art Nouveau Dresden Mesh bag. Several years back we had acquired another lot of "stuff" and had put back a beautiful black beaded purse, just because we thought it was in great shape and at the time thought that items like this were in a bit of a slump or slow cycle. So we kept it.

Guess what? One is just one, but when you add another - you instantly have a collection! So I now have another collection - Beautiful Beaded and Mesh purses from eras gone by. When women dressed elegantly, and looked sophisticated! They wore gloves, and dresses, hats and heels. When they went out every hair was in place, every seam was straight, every wrinkle was smoothed, they wore just the right accessories with their outfit.

This is from the great little Etsy shop of VintageHand

Do you have a collection? Something other than dust bunnies I hope, although I have the market cornered on that collection, also!

Its all in the Hunt,
VictorianCobweb

Less Stress on the Pocketbook

2010-02-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is a guest post that I wrote for A Rendezvous With Style when she was on maternity leave with her wonderful little Bebe' before Christmas.

Great Finds in the Most Unlikeliest of Places

Looking for a new outfit in this day and time shouldn't have to put a lot of stress on the pocketbook. There are so many places to find affordable pieces to add to your wardrobe right under your nose! I'm not talking about brand new - well sometimes I am. Let me explain... See I help with Estate Liquidations, I also love to go to flea markets, antique stores and antique malls, Antique Shows and Sales, Resale Shops, even the occasional garage sale. In all of these venues on any given day you can find really great clothing and accessories - sometimes it is couture, sometimes it is vintage and sometimes its just good gently worn or brand new with tags ( I bought 2 great classic vintage shifts this year plus I found a pair of Lizard Nacona Boots that hadn't even been worn - the soles weren't even scuffed! ).

I know your thinking "but I don't do antiques or estate sales" - All I have to say is: "You are missing out". One estate sale had brand new clothing with their price tags still on them that came from stores like Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Nordstroms ( I bought a basic white long sleeve Nordstrom button down shirt for $3 with the tags still on that would have cost $34 in the store). A favorite antique mall has a wonderful vendor that specializes in high end vintage clothing where you can find anything from accessories to that special gown for the $1000 a plate Ball that you and the hubby have been invited to. And don't forget the hubster, he might need a new tux just for the occasion.

Also, Google Vintage Clothing or Consignment Clothing Boutiques, there are online and brick and mortar sites that will list a description of just what they specialize in. Check out Etsy for Vintage Clothing, they have a wonderful vintage clothing community that are eager to help. Your best bets for the resale/consignment shops will be in larger Metropolises but don't forget about the smaller suburbs, they can be a treasure trove of the unexpected.

Here's to finding a treasure around every corner,
VictorianCobweb

Lucky Me!

2010-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

February has just started and I have been having the best time! I am so fortunate to have been included in a few wonderful things.

I had some Valentines included in the My Vintage Valentine Treasury on Etsy

Another Vintage listing was included in the Vintage Market Team (which I have recently become a member of ) Valentine Video!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Plus, on top of that another item from my Etsy Shop has been included in a wonderful blog by Miskabella: Smart Girl Fashion Yes You Can (wear vintage)!

I'm so lucky to have met some amazing people this last couple of months. Thank you!

Treasures abound, in all sorts of shapes and sizes!
Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

St. Valentines

2010-01-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

The history and origins of St. Valentines day are surrounded by much mystery.

Two Christian martyrs are buried in Via Flaminia they were both named Valentine, then there was a mysterious third Valentine martyred in Africa...........so - much mystery and intrigue surrounds this 14th day of February we call St. Valentines.

The earliest surviving Valentine is a fifteenth-century French poem (rondeau) written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife,

Je suis desja d'amour tann'

Ma tres doulce Valentinée…

—Charles d'Orléans , Rondeau VI, lines 1–2

I would translate this verse from the Duke of Orleans rondeau, but I that would spoil the Romance!

May every day be Valentines!
VictorianCobweb

Wonderful Idea to Save & Restore All Those Old Family Photographs

2010-01-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

I received an email this morning and thought it was a great Idea!

My sister & I at about 9 and 5! I'm the cutie on the right!

Better Homes and G ardends has a wonderful way to save and restore all those old family photos before they fade or get damaged my a natural or unnatural accidents! This would also be great for the collector of old photography as well. Wonderful way to catalog your collections.

The great thing with this is that they will scan and color correct your prints, negatives and slides and place them on a CD for you! Wouldn't that be great to take that old turn of the century photograph of Grandpa that had all but faded away and bring it back to like again!

The service is ScanCafe and with this service they will ship you a Photo Scanning Kit for $149.95 plus shipping.

They will then take up to 500 of your photos, negatives or slides and restore them digitally back to original condition and ship them back to you along with your CD! This would be such a wonderful gift for someone and a great way to restore all those precious memories!

Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

I am not affiliated with BHG or ScanCafe in anyway.

I Have A Secret

2010-01-12T17:57:00.000-08:00

Photo Courtesy of Art Flow via Flickr

Yes, I have a secret that I want to tell! Those who know me know that I cannot keep secrets - presents seem to never make the day - I always end up giving them before the day of celebration!

But this secret is a bit different, it will help those of you who are research challenged or just on the lookout for new sources of researching the things you collect or resell!

Its really not a secret at all, but it is a pretty great resource for all those challenged in this area, keep loosing great bookmarks because of cyber muck and gunk that keeps crashing computers and forgot to backup those bookmarks ( score: Me - 0 Computer Crashes for 2009 - 2 ) or just always looking for great sites that will give some bit of knowledge along the way.

My Secret and the only bookmark that I have down pat in my memory is Fine Estate Sales and Estate Liquidation- Martin Codina has amassed a wonderfully extensive and growing Antiques and Collectibles Research data base to some great sites (far better than my meager stab at trying to gather links on my blog) and all this is his contribution to anyone who might need this wonderful service. The links are free for you to use and will be a wonderful addition to your research library.

Martin's site is full of helpful tips on doing your own Estate Sales, wonderful antiques and collectibles that pass through his fingers every day, to letting you know when and where his next Estate Sale will be. So, spend some time with Martin today and let him know that I sent you.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Much thanks goes to Art Flow for the wonderful photo that I was so graciously given permission to use.

Happy New Year to All!

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

They say that what you do on New Years Day is an indication of what the rest of your year will be like!

Well, I'm not sure what that says for TCG and I but here is a glimpse at what our wonderful New Years Day consisted of:

We donned our long johns, work clothes, warm jackets and fished out our waders and mud boots to go "treasure" hunting along the shores of the local lake.

Weather was perfect! Blue skies, no wind, clear water! Just perfect! We spent the morning walking the beaches finding little treasures along the way. Beautiful beads, clay marbles, old bottles, brass lock, loads of beach glass. It was so peaceful and quiet! Perfect way to spend the morning!

Clear water and some metal ring................

I'll share pics of our finds once I get them cleaned up and photographed.

My this find your New Year full of promise and treasure!
VictorianCobweb

Happy Holidays

2009-12-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Have a Great Holiday!

See you in the New Year!

VictorianCobweb

Souvenir Cowrie Shells

2009-12-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Souvenir for Sister from Galveston

A Present from Niagara Falls

Golden Gate Exposition S.F. Cal. 1939

Happy Holidays,

Victoriancobweb

World War Soldiers I'd Bracelets & Something for the Sweetheart too!

2009-12-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

These wonderful bracelets are full of history! The top is a Canadian Coin Sweetheart bracelet made of coins from the late 1930's to the early 1940's and I suspect that the I'd bracelets are from the World Wars.

Happy Treasureing,
VictorianCobweb

Guest Post at ARWS

2009-12-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

Kelli over at arendezvouswithstyle asked a while back if I could write a couple of articles for her blog while she is on maternity leave and of course I said "Yes!" So here is one, let me know what you think!

Happy Treasuring,

VictorianCobweb

Hats Hats and More Hats

2009-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

New listings of Vintage Millinery from the 1960's very Mod and retro! Now where are my GoGo Boots and Mini Skirt???

Happy Treasuring,
Victoriancobweb

Souvenirs of Long Ago

2009-12-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

Souvenir Cowrie Sea Shells

These little treasures were painstakingly acid etched as a special souvenir to remember a special place or to give to a loved one.

A Present from Niagara Falls

1939 Golden Gate Exposition

Souvenir for Sister from Galveston

Happy Treasuring,

VictorianCobweb

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T18:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

VictorianCobweb

Additional Dallas Trip Info

2009-11-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Oh liked to have forgotten all about a couple of must sees for the Dallas area and a Antiques Market date that is always fun to explore every month.

Anyone taking a trip to the Big D mustn't forget the Performing Arts Community! So much to see and do in Dallas I just don't know where to begin!

And if you are around on the 12th and 13th of December you must go by the Buchanan Markets. This is a monthly antiques market that is a bit like a show and a bit like a flea market. This market is either at the Fair Park or Market Hall every month. December is always at Market Hall, admission is $3 and is open Saturday 9-3 and Sunday 11-5.

Happy Treasuring
VictorianCobweb

Girls Trip to Dallas Tips

2009-11-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Antiques Diva recently tweeted about an upcoming Girls Trip to Dallas she has planned with her mom and sister this December and asked me for some tips. Check out my e-mail full of tips and suggestions for an outing to the Big D.

Dear Fellow Plunderer of Antiquities & Such,

D & I lost some of our favs over the last several years - Love Field Antiques and one over by Midway and Beltline. I think D & I are sort of out of the loop been concentrating more on Car Lot.

Forestwood Antique Mall is one D & I recommend they also have a tea room inside. Mix of both high end, decorator (not a big fan of the "decorator" market mixed with antiques but this is okay), vintage clothing (they have a great vendor), furniture, glass, jewelry. Great mall.
If you go downtown Dallas - make sure you visit some of the Museums.

In Plano, Cobwebs is another nice little mall, there is another next to it - a bit more junky but always a nice place to browse while there.

Lovers Lane Antique Market looks to be a very nice high end mix of imports from your neck of the woods (never been).
Legacy Antiques , Griffin Trading Company
All around Highland Park & Downtown area are the higher end antiques/design markets. Years ago (before I became a true plunderer of antiques D & I went to these and because of the high end pricieness [and family business took life over] we have never been back). I think I may be a bottom feeder of antiques! LOL

Montgomery St. Antique Mall in Ft. Worth is another of D's & my favs. While there check out the Stockyards and the Amon Carter & Kimbell Art Museums they are a fav of ours also. If here on Sat. check out the small (sometimes has a nice flea or two sometimes not) flea at the Cattle Barn just around the corner to Amon Carter & the Kimbell.

Noticed that in Frisco (Ikea) there are several antiques places around the town itself. ( I've not made these) The area around Frisco has literally boomed in the last several years - there are the strip malls, boutiques, malls and the like on both sides of the road - you can actually spend a week shopping the area. Frisco itself isn't really very big but the changes are widespread.

Forney Tx used to be a great place to go with row after row of antiques and collectibles but now they have gone to re finishers - importers of China reproductions and just kind of garage sale junk - great place if you are looking for a knock off piece of jewel tea or hobnail. Personally save your money for the real.

Happy Holidays to all Travel Safely and most of all
Treasure Happy!
VictorianCobweb

A Green Christmas

2009-11-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

Katie over at Making This Home has a great little ebook you are going to absolutely Love! Its appropriatly titled A Green Christmas Reduce Reuse Recycle Rejoice. This is her first ebook so let her know what you think.

Go Check it out...........

Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

WWII Souvenir of France

2009-11-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

What do the soldiers bring their sweethearts, wives or mothers now days?

This beautiful silk and lace pillow sham, pillow case was a World War II souvenir from France. I can just imagine the soldier taking the time to look for the right souvenir to take home with him on leave or to mail to that special someone that was waiting back home.

VictorianCobweb

Oklahoma Before Statehood - Not Just Cowboys & Indians

2009-10-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Recently, I sent an article to my dear friend The Antiques Diva about the Berlin Wall that I found on WSJ which sparked a chat about our countries history. I remember I was in college when Pres. Reagan said "Mr Gorbachev tear down that wall!" But it never really "meant" anything to me as I wasn't personally connected. I am the "hands on" type of student and as I read the article that I sent the Diva I remember thinking "Wow, Berlin is So rich with History - how Exciting it must be for the Diva her husband TWG to be living in such a historic place!"

1907 Chickasha Indian Territory

Then I started sifting through some photographs that I was preparing to list on Ebay and I ran across this Indian Territory photo of a church in Chickasha I.T. And I realized ( I had known but sometimes you need to be nudged a bit to "see" things again) that Oklahoma has just as much history as Berlin or anywhere else in the world - I just have to look and take advantage of the resources at hand.

The Spanish explorer Coronado traveled through looking for the Lost City of Gold, at one time we were a part of the Louisiana Purchase, we are the home of the Five Civilized Tribes - the Indians who were forced to relocate to Oklahoma from their ancestral lands and suffered great hardships along the route now know as The Trail Of Tears.

Government held six land runs where people ( those who jumped the starting time were called Sooners) from all over the world came to claim their stake of land. We are home to famous people from actors to bank robbers, Indian Chiefs to politicians. Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy, Pawnee Bill, Geronimo, Paul Harvey, William Pogue, Wiley Post, Black Kettle, Will Rogers, Bell Star, Willie Stargell, Bill Tilghman, and soooo many more.

Oklahoma has ghost towns that have been long submerged under man made lakes, or long since inhabited, Civil War Battles were fought on Oklahoma soils, old Forts, wagon train ruts, Route 66, the Dust Bowl of the 1930's was the classic The Grapes of Wrath was about. There is so much more I haven't discovered

So, what history surrounds you? Maybe you will find a hidden treasure you didn't know existed!
Let me know what you find.
Happy Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

A Little Bazaar is having a Flea Market

2009-09-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Blue Barn A Little Bazaar Flea Market
Date: Friday 25th Sept. & Saturday 26th Sept
Time: Somewhere around 9a.m.
Place: The Blue Barn A Little Bazaar Colbert Oklahoma West of Hwy 75 across the street from Dollar General!

Premier Event, so wear your shoppin shoes and get ready to Shop til you drop and have plenty of dough to roll out for some great bargins!

Ralph and Chris's goal is to have the Flea Market on a quarterly basis, and ultimately hope to turn it into a monthly Bazaar!

Go show E.Z. some love, and tell Ralph and Chris I sent you!

If your interested in being a vendor just send me an email and I'll forward the info along to the Krazy Co-Horts.

Round Top Time!

2009-09-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 42nd anniversary of THE Antiques Show of the Southwest. Thats right its Round Top
Antiques Fair time just around the corner. September 30, October 1, 2, 3rd , admission is $10, for the time of your life fun!

As usual they have some outstanding vendors lined up to make this a one stop shopping trip! From Asian to Russian, from Art Nouveau to Rococo, you just never know what you'll stumble upon at Round Top.

If you miss this one don't forget the Winter Show is January 16 & 17, 2010.

So make plans today to attend one of the best shows around.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Amish Auction Time!

2009-09-01T06:48:00.000-07:00

!News Flash!

Every year the local Amish hold an Auction to help support their schools - so guess what? September 12th will be the date of the 22nd annual Amish School Auction in Clarita, Oklahoma and it is much more than just an auction. You have to get there early - so have your walking shoes on and get there by opening 8a.m. there will be booths full of arts, crafts, antiques, food, quilts to die for, livestock, along with their regular auction rings full of anything you want to raise a hand for!

Hope to see you there,
In the mean time Happy Treasuring!
VictorianCobweb

It's A Grand Opening!

2009-08-28T19:04:00.000-07:00

This is the Blue Barn (just a little Bazaar) located in
Colbert Oklahoma off of Hwy 75 just across the street from the Dollar General. You cannot miss it!

This is Ralph and Chris and this Bazaar is their little brain child! These two will keep you rolling in the isles! There is literally not a dull moment with these two! If you notice that my pics are a bit blurry, its because I couldn't stop laughing!

Their shop is a mix of retro, eclectic, funky and fun, you never know what they will bring in, plus they also rent booths to help round out the mix.

Grand Opening is Saturday, August 29th from 10am to 5pm, and if you cannot make it then check them out any day of the week except Sunday and Monday!

So stop by The Blue Barn (a little Bazaar) this Saturday (Open Tues - Sat 10 - 5) and tell them VictorianCobweb sent you..........................

Photographic History of Dallas Texas

2009-08-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

Autographed copy

Dallas

The Deciding Years - A Historical Portrait

By A. C. Greene

This would make an excellent photographic and historical reference or wonderful coffee table book for the collector of Dallas memorabilia.

WWII USAAF Navigator Wings

2009-08-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

USAAF / USAF Navigator Wings

United States Army Air Force / United States Air Force Marked Luxenburg New York Sterling.

Extra Extra! Read all about it: Scoops In:

2009-08-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Diva Tours Website is Up and Running

If your planning a trip to Europe than you need to check out The Antiques Diva Tours . This young ex-pat has your ticket to a great tour for the novice as well as the experienced traveler! Wether your shopping for antiques or souveniers this lady and her team of professionals will definately help you make the most of your Grande Tour abroad!

A little Gilded Sterling.............

2009-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Co-Star Bracelet

Very beautiful on and will fit just about anyone!

Mother of Pearl, Sterling and Gold, who could ask for more?

W & H Jewelry Co. the Co-Star Mark was used in the 1940's.

Vegas Baby!

2009-08-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Great vintage Las Vegas purse! This is an Exclusive Faye Mell Design and it is in great shape! Listed on Ebay right now.........................

Videodisc? Where was I in the 80's?

2009-07-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

If you are like me you totally missed the Videodisc craze that swept the nation. Or did it?

I recently got a call about this precursor to the Beta/Video tape/DVD and to be honest I did not know what the woman was talking about! All I could "see" from here description via phone wasn't coming across quite right until I got on the computer and did a Google search. Wikipedia defines a video disc as "a general term for a laser- or stylus-readable random-access circular disc that contains both audio and video signals recorded in an analog form. Typically, it is a reference to any such media that predates the mainstream popularity of the DVD format." Basically it is a movie on a record.
Another name is Capacitance Electronic Discs or CED's, a consumer video format on a grooved vinyl disc.
There is a market for these discs and the players by collectors of early technology, you just have to be willing to do some research.

Did you miss this wave of technology?

Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

Happy Independance Day!

2009-07-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

Lake Texoma from Denison Dam

2009-06-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

About 7 a.m. Saturday June 27th I stopped at one of the two small pull offs on the Denison, Texas Dam on Lake Texoma. This is looking west toward where the weekends Estate Sale is being held. The site is just beautiful!

If you look close you will see a flag pole just right of the house there in the center - well that flag pole is where I was - you cannot see the house for all the trees but I had the most awesome view of the lake from my second story perch.

This is looking to the east - it was soo beautiful and my pics do not do the view justice! Just down on this side is the locks were all the water is let out.

This is just to the west - part of the dam works.

The lake was very busy this morning, with all the fishing guides, skiers, and everyone just enjoying the beautiful lake!

Take the time today to enjoy the beauty that is around you!

Chiggers - No Purchase Necessary!

2009-06-24T05:18:00.000-07:00

This next sale has been really great to work on despite the presence of the infamous Southern Chigger! (if anyone knows of a good chigger repellent - something that doesn't make you smell like a refinery - please share) The site of this sale is the beautiful Lake Texoma on the Texas side by the Denison Dam. The views from the property are just awesome. It has been a bit grown up hence the presense of the chiggers and we have since mowed and trimmed so you won't be bothered with the pesky little creatures unless you embark through the bamboo and brush. The family greenhouse, for their floral shop in Denison, was on this property since 1911. So you know that there are some goodies here and believe me this place was full from top to bottom!

ESTATE SALE

673 Lakeview Dr.

Denison, TX

75020

June 26-28

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The living estate sale of Ms. Martha Wagner.

This 2-story house on Lake Texoma is full of vintage and antique furniture and collectibles.

Antique acorn bed, pine china cabinet, antique prayer rug, antique oak furniture, white wicker, drop leaf table, antique dressers-tiger oak & birds eye maple, antique wardrobe, local memorabilia, 1920's & 30's Denison annuals, over 1000 books- antique & new, occupied Japan, lots of smalls, vintage toys & games, old correspondence, stamp collection, grandfather clock, pewter flatware, primitives, samplers, art work-antique & new, pottery, book shelves, desks, sofas, misc. furniture, 100's of cookbooks, china, flatware, crystal punch bowl from Germany, kitchen items, cut glass, colored glass, National Geographic's all starting with 1930-1990's, old stationary, western toy chest, lamps, rugs, antique lures, old florist supplies, vintage magazines, miniatures, stoneware, enamelware, antique radio, dry sink, antique pump organ, antique phone, vintage Christmas, wine dispenser, Metropolitan Museum of Art books, art books, vintage ladies lingerie, crafts- quilting-sewing-yarn-knitting-crotchet-needlework-patterns, rocks & fossils, shells, washer & dryer, old canning jars, lots of flower pots, vintage clothing, occasional chairs,

garage is FULL!!!

PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE!!!!!903.815.1650

Driving Directions

Antique Show Time

2009-05-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ralph Willard's Tower Antique Show will be at Fair Park June 5th, 6th, & 7th admission is $6 and good for all three days.

This is one of the best antiques shows that comes to Dallas, it's a bit on the high end side, but well worth the trip.

There is loads to do at Fair Park - the Science Museum, Aquarium, IMax, the gardens ( and this time of year the gardens are going to be just beautiful).........so pack up the spouse and kids and make a day of it.

Treasure Happy,
VictorianCobweb

Estate Sale at Little Red Log Cabin at Paradise Cove

2009-05-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

ESTATE SALE

534 Paradise Cove Road

Pottsboro, Texas 75076

May 22, 23 & 24

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

(Pics are at bottom of page)

Charming country log cabin filled with quality treasures!

American oak & tiger oak antique furniture-circa 1890-1910, Antique vanity w/bifold mirrors, wooden high chair, pie safe, wardrobes, several chest of drawers, pine trestle dining table, pine dry sink, antique Hoosier, book case w/glass doors, antique side chairs, antique spinning wheel, antique cherry drop leaf breakfast table, Colonial Jr. Portland cast iron kitchen stove- works, small secretary, black writing table w/chair, large work desk, several accent tables, campaign style pine desk, 60th anniversary Howard Miller Grandfather Clock, small cast iron cookstove-American Boiler & Fdry. Co. Milan Mich., antique RCA Radiola, willow wood furniture, hutches, dressers, students desk, buffet, sofa, lounge chairs, recliners, sleeper sofa, 1920's decoy ducks, wooden wagon seat, kitchen items- handmade & antique iron & wood, old wooden fruit crates- large & small, lamps- antiques & 1960's style, many collectible- roosters, chickens, salt & pepper shakers, etc., Spode- American Songbirds plates by Ray Harm, china, pottery- new & old, enamel/graniteware, lanterns, iron cookware, Guardian Service cookware, old tins, old scales, 1930's & 40's magazines, kitchen appliances, pine and wrought iron plate holders, iron ice hooks, old records, pine prayer alter, baskets, black Americana collectibles, Aladdin lamps, linens, dollies, quilts, pictures, artwork, sewing machine, silver plate serving pcs., G E profile washer & dryer, 2 claw foot bath tubs, old saws, fishing equipment-rods, reels, tackle, etc., boat w/1975 Chrysler motor, animal mail boxes, trunks, bird houses, dolls, large stuffed animals, coffe tables, Christmas items- vintage & some new, yard tools, tools, PLUS MUCH MORE!!!2 CAR GARAGE IS FULL!!!!

West of Pottsboro, signs will start at American bank in Pottsboro.

903.815.1650

Driving Directions

Hidden Treasures

2009-05-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

This just proves that you never know what treasures you will find if you just look, even in the most obvious places you can find wonderful treasures that can be worth a cool fortune or just a fun addition to a collection. Case in point is this Oklahoma man who found what might possibly contain an original Dr. Pepper recipe.......(article reprinted courtesy of Yahoo News). Read on about this fascinating treasure and what it could be worth...........

Dr Pepper artifact may reveal soft drink's origin

By JAMIE STENGLE, Associated Press Writer Jamie Stengle, Associated Press Writer – Mon May 4, 7:51 am ET

DALLAS – Poking through antiques stores while traveling through the Texas Panhandle, Bill Waters stumbled across a tattered old ledger book filled with formulas.
He bought it for $200, suspecting he could resell it for five times that. Turns out, his inkling about the book's value was more spot on than he knew. The Tulsa, Okla., man eventually discovered the book came from the Waco, Texas, drugstore where Dr Pepper was invented and includes a recipe titled "D Peppers Pepsin Bitters."
"I began feeling like I had a national treasure," said Waters, 59.
Dr Pepper's manufacturer says the recipe is not the secret formula for the modern day soft drink, but the 8 1/2-by-15 1/2 inch book is expected to sell between $50,000 to $75,000 when it goes up for auction at Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries on May 13.
"It probably has specks of the original concoction on its pages," Waters said.
Waters discovered the book, its yellowed pages stained brown on the edges, underneath a wooden medicine bottle crate in a Shamrock antiques store last summer. A couple months after buying it, he took a closer look as he prepared to sell it on eBay.
He noticed there were several sheets with letterheads hinting at its past, like a page from a prescription pad from a Waco store titled "W.B. Morrison & Co. Old Corner Drug Store." An Internet search revealed Dr Pepper, first served in 1885, was invented at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton. Wade Morrison was a store owner.
Faded letters on the book's fraying brown cover say "Castles Formulas." John Castles was a partner of Morrison's for a time and was a druggist at that location as early as 1880, said Mary Beth Webster, collections manager at the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute in Waco.
As he gathered more information, Waters took a slower turn through the book's more than 360 pages, which are filled with formulas for everything from piano polish to a hair restorer to a cough syrup. He eventually spotted the "D Peppers Pepsin Bitters" formula.
"It took three or four days before I actually realized what I had there," Waters said.
The recipe written in cursive in the ledger book is hard to make out, but ingredients seem to include mandrake root, sweet flag root and syrup.
It isn't a recipe for a soft drink, says Greg Artkop, a spokesman for the Plano-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group. He said it's likely instead a recipe for a bitter digestive that bears the Dr Pepper name.
He said the recipe certainly bears no resemblance to any Dr Pepper recipes the company knows of. The drink's 23-flavor blend is a closely guarded secret, only known by three Dr Pepper employees, he said.
Michael Riley, chief cataloger and historian for Heritage Auction Galleries, said they think it's an early recipe for Dr Pepper.
"We just feel like it's the earliest version of it," he said.
He hasn't, however, tested that theory by trying to mix up a batch. Neither has Waters; he's thought about it but would need to find someone to decipher all the handwriting.
Jack McKinney, executive director of the Waco museum, surmised that Alderton might have been giving customers something for their stomachs and added some Dr Pepper syrup to make it taste better.
"I don't guess there's any definitive answer. It's got to be the only one of its kind," Riley said.
McKinney said the ledger book was bound to be popular with Dr Pepper collectors because it's from the time the drink was invented.
Riley said the book was probably started around 1880 and used through the 1890s. It's not known who wrote the Dr Pepper recipe in the book, but they don't think it was the handwriting of Alderton or Morrison. Some of the formulas have Alderton's name after them.
At first, Alderton's drink inspired by the smells in the drugstore was called "a Waco." "People would come in and say, 'Shoot me a Waco,'" Riley said.
Soon renamed Dr Pepper, the drink caught on and other stores in town began selling it. Eventually, Alderton got out of the Dr Pepper business and Morrison and a man named Robert Lazenby started a bottling company in 1891.
Flipping through the pages of the ledger book takes one back to a time when drugstores were neighborhood hubs, selling everything from health remedies to beauty products mixed up by the stores' chemists. And among the formulas being mixed up in drugstores were treats for the soda fountain. A two-page spread in Waters' book has recipes for "Soda Water Syrups," including pineapple, lemon and strawberry.
"There were very few national brands," Riley said. "Their lifeblood was all their formulas."
___
On the Net:
Heritage Auction Galleries, http://www.ha.com
Dr Pepper Museum, http://www.drpeppermuseum.com

Happy Treasureing,
VictorianCobweb

Designer Hand Bag or Not??

2009-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

Fendi or Not? That was the question.

While working on a past estate sale we came across two designor hand bags. One was a cute little patent Christian Dior the other was a little Baguette Purse by Fendi. Both are very pricey little accessories if real whether brand spanking new or gently used! The obvious thing to me (you would have to know me I'm not your designer type kind of gal - but I had heard of Dior - duh! but the little Fendi - no) was they were used, second hand, not brand new in the box. Cute, yes - I even had my eye on the little baguette bag by Fendi that you see in the photo above.

Next, were they real or fake? In central Oklahoma/north Texas my guess is going to be strongly toward the fake side and based on my surroundings - these people could have obviously spent major bucks on a couple of designer handbags if so desired but would they? My guess is still a resounding - No. So off to the internet and to the designers sites and compare styles, closures, stitching, etc. Next up on the research trail is Ebay and look for the handbags in the completed listings. I then decide to Google "Fendi" and came up with the Purse Forum, which is a wealth of information. I then went for the camera to take some detailed photographs of the little Fendi baguette and straight back to the forum to add pictures to some questions. After a few posts back and forth I find my less than $million dollar answers. We had found a very cute little purse without the pedigree of the real thing. No serial numbers inside the lining, no halograms, no little leather strip with the serial number, nothing nada!!!

So, next time you are hankering for one of those really cute pricey designer handbags but not the price do your homework because there are some really convincing fakes out there.

NOTE: I do not condemn or condone the sale or purchase of a fake or knock off of any kind. This blog is only for the fun and information that the owner comes across and deams worthy of posting for others to read.

Until next time, may you find a treasure around every corner!
VictorianCobweb

Local Estate Sale

2009-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

ESTATE SALE

1250 Dixon St.

Durant, OK 74701

March 20, 21 & 22

9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Estate of Carl & Lu McCoy.

The house is full of Antiques & treasures!!

Eastlake parlor set,antique acorn bed, Eastlake side chairs & rockers, Wallace sterling flatware- King Edward pattern, Antique Victorian floor lamp, curio cabinet, misson style oak entertainment cabinet, Eastlake secretary, antique & new lamps, bedroom furniture, large T.V.- 52", wash stand, Noritake china, ladderback chairs, antique breakfast table, Drexel dining furniture, occasional tables, Persian rugs, crystal, cut glass, mirrors, misc. sterling, Nippon items, quilts, art work, pine secretary, Stiffel floor lamp, Gone With the Wind lamp, collector spoons, jewelry, Farmer & the Dell dishes, lots of blue & white porc. & dishes, picture frames, lift chair, colored glass, Andrea items, paper weights, washer & dryer, Kitchen Aide frig., freezer, office supplies, lots of books, seasonal items, quality kitchen items, mens & womens clothes, tools, yard tools,

PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE!!

Driving Directions

Reader Need Our Help

2009-03-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

Monday I was contacted by The Antiques Diva (my name twin) with a query for one of her readers. So, I thought I would post her blog in hopes that someone out there might be able to help, if you can please leave us a comment.

Hi My Friend,

I wanted to point out todays blog on my site... any thoughts on where this lady could look? I had no help at all for her! Maybe you could even post her query on your site to see if any of your readers/sources have a solution?

Best regards,
Toma (The Antiques Diva)

A Diva Reader Needs Your Help

A Diva Reader is Searching for a 1950’s Parfait Glass Like This:

Dear Diva Readers,

I’ve got a challenge for you. This weekend I received an email from an Antiques Diva Reader who inquired:

Dear Diva,

Do you, in your wisdom and with your keen eye, know if we can find a 1950’s parfait glass to replace one that is broken and is part of an art work? It has to be straight sided and exactly like the one in the photo (above photos show the broken stem), but do not worry about the color - it is paint. I do not know if you take inquiries but your website is intriguing.

Yours Truly,

Jane Foley
Liparini Art Restoration
Evanston IL

Can you help this reader? If so, leave a comment or email toma@antiquesdiva.com or go straight to Jane at jfcfoley@sbcglobal.net

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little about The Litas Liparini Restoration Studio:

We are qualified and experienced conservators specializing in the treatment of objects, sculpture and paintings. We both trained in Europe and work for most of the museums in Chicago and many private collectors in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.

We are based at 823 Main St, Evanston IL USA.

Jane Foley ACR, Sculpture & Monuments

Studio Owner and Paint Restoration - Inez Litas

If you’re in the area stop by and tell them The Antiques Diva™ sent you!

Tulip Vase

2009-03-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas I was fortunate to have met my Name Twin the Antiques Diva and was honored to receive a very beautiful Tulip Vase. And since I have been patiently awaiting the first blooms of tulips around these parts of Southeastern Oklahoma. Well, I didn't make it! Instead I plucked the beautiful yellow daffodils that are dotting the old home sites and landscapes here. And I have to say the yellow goes beautifully with the blue and white glaze of my vase.

The diva recanted a bit of history about the Tulip industry in Holland and the odd little Tulip Vases that I thought was facinating and right up my alley as I love a little bit of history, mystery, intrigue and of course an antique. So, I went to the internet for a bit more information and was suprised at what I found!

In the early 16th Century (which would be the 1500's) the Tulips came to the Netherlands by way of Turkey and as such they were very expensive. This led to greed and theft of the exotic flower bulbs which in turn fueled Hollands tulip industry for years to come. So, this inspired the Dutch potters to make very special multi spouted vases just for the prized blooms. Only one of the vases pictured is an antique but all are unique. Enjoy!

Tulipa Vase from Freshome

DeWit Unica Delftware at Dutch Village Shopping

Web Gallery of Art

1690's Royal Collection, Hampton Court

Dutch Souvenirs

Fun and whimsical vase.

Tulip vase Piet

Take a moment out of your busy day to stop and smell the flowers!

VictorianCobweb

Oddities in North Texas Estate Sales

2009-02-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

This one is for the BritGal - Tyne Brand Beef Steak & Beef Kidney Pie tin! Sounds absolutely Yummy! (I think??)

This next one I think is what was used to polish buttons on military uniforms - so that you wouldn't get the uniform dirty? Or is it to size buttons?
If anyone knows please let me know.

Happy Treasuring!
VictorianCobweb

Day Trip Monday -Just A Little Off the Beaten Path

2009-02-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

"The art of travel is to deviate from the current plan."

That is a quote from a movie "The Art of Travel" the Hubby (The Car Guy - TCG) and I watched a few weeks ago and the quote just made me think of The Antiques Diva and all the ExPats all over the world. So this trip isn't really something you can do in a day unless you are looking for ideas for your South American holiday. Plus Machu Picchu is someplace that TCG (just don't think I'm up for the hard manual labor of clearing a roadway in the Darien Gap ) would really love to see one day.

So - Deviate from the Current Plan and plan that trip that you keep putting off or go rent a movie about someplace you dream of going one day, order take out - in and spend the "day" or evening dreaming about some exotic local that you have always wanted to go.

Thanks for the great photo of Machu Picchu goes to the Kutztown University website.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Road Trip Monday

2009-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Goin "down the road" to Sherman, Texas. This little North Texas town has a lot going on. Hot Summer Nights Concerts starting in June (lots of local & famous and going to be famous talent here)! The 27th Annual Sherman Arts Fest - it wouldn't be in its 27th year if it weren't good! Elks Club Film Festival coming up in March - I didn't know we had a Film Festival in the area - might have to check it out myself. Charity Balls out at Tanglewood, Earth Day Festivals, Lake Texoma and don't forget the shopping in the area.

Sherman was created in 1846 so there is history in every nook and cranny.........some good and some bad. Fires, riots and bandits like Jesse James and William Quantrill but they also were know as the quote: "a city of great opportunity for the arts, music and theater".

Come check out Sherman Texas and don't forget Lou's Antiques is having another estate sale in Sherman this weekend - 20th to the 22nd.

The Antiques Diva: Organised Bliss

2009-02-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

The Antiques Diva: Organised Bliss

Day Trip Monday er Tuesday

2009-02-10T14:16:00.001-08:00

Okay Okay, so I tripped over my two BIG feet and I missed the second Monday's post! In my defense I was called away to help with getting this weekends estate sale ready.....so please forgive me.

Now ..................

Whitewright, Texas is the next little spot that I have picked this week for two reasons - it is a really cute little town, lots of old cute turn of the century houses, flea markets, wine and rose tours, fiddle festival, pretty good little Mexican food restaurant, and not far from Bonham or Canton, Texas (more flea's in there somewhere). And the next reason is really very shameless bit of advertisment: Estate Sale Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, and Sunday 15th! What better way to spend your Valentines??

So, come by the Estate Sale this weekend and tell us how you found us..............

Day-Trip Monday

2009-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a trippin today! That is - I'm thinking of great little "Day Trips"! So, on Monday's I'm going to start listing places that I think would make for a great little day or afternoon trip. And yes since I'm into the Antiques they will "usually" focus on an Antique Shop or two but you never know.

Today's Day-Trip is to lovely downtown Sulphur, Oklahoma. This little town is the home of the Chickasaw National Recreation Center - very beautiful little park that is ideal for a picnic or hike. The little downtown is seeing a resurgence since the last time the hubby and I made a swing through. There are a couple of antiques stores/malls that have just opened up and one that has been there a while. On the weekends they also have a little flea market that happens on Sunday mornings. I've never been but everyone who has reports that it starts early and when the vendors are done its closed! If you are inclined to stay the night there are a couple of B&B's and the like in the area.

The antiques shop that we really enjoyed was Joseph's Rugs and Collectables 200 W. Muskogee Ave., owned and operated by Joe and his lovely wife Mouphida Dakour. They hadn't quite got moved in when we stopped by, and we didn't find anything that we really wanted but we got to meet Mouphida! She is a wonderful little lady, we had a great visit and because of her - we will be back whether we find something to buy or not.

And since you are in the area there are a few antiques in Davis just west of Sulphur and an easy 15 or so minutes "down the road" so to speak.

So, next time you feel like a short little road trip don't forget to check Sulphur, Oklahoma out and tell Mouphida "Hi".

Until next time,
Happy Treasuring,
VictorianCobweb

What Questions Would You Ponder?

2009-01-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

It's interesting what you can uncover when working on an Estate. And the questions that pop up when you read through some of the ephemera.

Like this article that was clipped out of a Friday, July 21, 1939 newspaper:

"Taking a Good Look at America Costs Youth Hostelers $1 a Day"

This article is about a way of travel that was imported from Europe - bicycling or hiking through the countryside and staying in designated Hostels around the country. This European idea was brought to the USA in about 1934 by Isabel and Monroe Smith who set up the first hostel in Northfield, Massachusetts. The American Youth Hostelers, Inc was a non-profit organization. In 1938 there were 26,498 overnight guests and "East of the Mississippi 80 percent of these arrived by bicycle"!

So, the questions that pop up in my mind: Did this person (whose estate I was working) hike or bike the United States as a youth? Where did they go, who did they meet? Did this change their life? Is this organization still in business or one similar?

Now what questions does this article make you ponder?

21st Century Pen Pal

2009-01-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the International PenFriends actually started in Sweden in the 1920's, came to the USA and was promoted at the 1933 Worlds Fair with Parker Pens, resurfaced in the 60's as Pen Pals (which wasn't part of PenFriends)? Well, I didn't until now, isn't it interesting what you find on the internet and how the history of one thing leads you to something else like an antique Parker Pen or the Cabinet Card Photograph at the left?

By the way that is how history is learned and interests are formed, collections are started, and friends are made.

I got the chance to meet my "21st Century Pen Pal" (my term for a pen pal via internet e-mail) this past holiday season. As those who follow the wonderful blog of The Antiques Diva know she is my "name twin". And that's how this whole thing came about - our name - Toma.

A year ago she was in my home town visiting her family and she happened by a little boot store that I pitch in to help on occasion and seen a Christmas stocking with her/my name written on it! Too cool she thought, and for those of you who actually know the Diva know that in her wonderful bubbly-inquisitive-outgoing Diva self had to find out who that was with her name! So she left a card with the proprietors for me (come to find out she rarely has her calling cards on her person - talk about fate) to email her. The whole block (all friends of mine) was abuzz with the "other" Toma as I came to find out a day or two after her shopping trip - everyone was asking and telling me about this young woman with my name!

So for the past year we have kept up a steady email campaign back and forth - learning about what makes the other Toma tick and along the way finding out that there are numerous similarities in our lives besides our given names. And anxiously awaiting the next Holiday season that the Diva will be back in the States visiting family and hoping that our schedules will correspond for just a brief moment to actually put a face to all the wonderful emails of the past year.

In the mean time I have learned about a lifestyle (expatriots) that I never thought about before, learned about geography in a way that my school teachers never taught, numerous other things along the way, but the most important thing is I gained a wonderful friend!

New Year 2009

2009-01-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, as you have noticed I am in to old vintage antique postcards of late! To me they are one of the few things that really know how to celebrate the seasons. The graphics, colors, and the sentiments are so wonderful. Modern day greeting cards just don't have the same "feel" as a vintage one.

This one is a very collectible 1909 Raphael Tuck & Sons' "Art Publishers to Their Majesties the King and Queen".

May you have a wonderful, happy and prosperous New Year filled with many treasures!

VictorianCobweb

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

There's something about the old Christmas Cards of times past - here are a few for you to enjoy.

I think I can here Christmas Music.

Have a Great Holiday!

See you next year!

VictorianCobweb

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

VictorianCobweb

Estate Sales & Antiques Shows

2008-11-25T07:32:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in December proves to be a busy one for anyone interested in a good antiques and treasure hunt!

Lous Antiques will be hosting an awesome estate sale December 5th, 6th, and 7th. This lady and her husband were avid travelers so there are wonderful antiques, artwork and collectibles from all over especially Cuba. Wonderful old doll collection (Salmen-Helbig, Madam Alexander and Armand Marseille to name a few), old pewter, Welsh furniture, cigar label collection, Tiffany Christmas dishes, Steinbach Nutcracker collection....and I can go on and on wonderful estate full of treasures. So on your way to or from the Tower Antique show in Dallas you might want to stop by Denison, Texas and see what Lou and his crew have gotten into.

December 5th, 6th, & 7th Ralph Willard is hosting the Tower Antique Show in Dallas. This is one of the Premier Antique Shows in Texas. This one is at the Food & Fiber Pavilion in Fair Park admission is $6 (good for all three days), over 70 of the top Dealers from the Southwest region will be there showing their wares. Everything from Country to Victorian, glass to furniture, ethnic to local. Something for everyone.

Buchanans Flea Market will be in the Automobile Building at Fair Park also........so this is a busy weekend for everyone. A few fleas but usually a whole lot of nice treasures to be found from Primitive to Antique and everything else in between.

Until next time,
I wish you all a safe and Wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with Family and Friends.
VictorianCobweb

Art Shows to Coin Shows

2008-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Pedagogy 08
The Centre Gallery of Southeastern Oklahoma State University along with the Red River Arts Council are Featuring Artworks of the SOSU Art Faculty November 12 - December 15, 2008

Gallery Hours are M-F 1 - 5pm of by appointment.

Red River Valley Coin show will be Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 9-5 in Paris Texas, this will be hosted at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds at 570 E. Center St.

Both of these shows are free to the public so make your plans to attend. See you at the Art Show...........

Also, Lou and Chris are having a HUGE sale at their Antiques shop in Pottsboro, Texas this weekend Saturday, November 15th. Don't miss this one.

Have a Great Weekend,
VictorianCobweb

Out & About in the Antique Malls

2008-11-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share with you some of our favorite haunts.

Montgomery St. Antique Mall

These guys have over 240 dealers and the Secret Garden Tea Room.

2601 Montgomery Street.

817-735-9685.

Forestwood Antique Mall

Over 200 dealer in 45,000 square feet of space and the Garden Tea Room.

5333 Forest LaneDallas, TX 75244

(972) 661-0001

Boggy Bottom Antiques & Collectibles Mall

Great little local mall, full of antiques and collectibles - big city flavor small town appeal.

400 E Court St Atoka, OK 74525
(580) 364-0131‎

Magnolia House Antiques

Owned by LaDonna Mcferran - this one is a great historic little store, just LaDonna and a few friends and family. Sweet Magnolia Tea Room is upstairs for a light lunch or refreshment.

144 W Main StDurant, OK 74701

(580) 924-8088

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Quick Thread of My CobWeb!

2008-11-11T08:40:00.000-08:00

The Southern Oklahoma Historical & Genealogy Conference

Sponsored by The Friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society Archives & the Three Valley Museum will be hosting a full day of wonderful history, genealogy and fun

Saturday November 15th from 8am. to 5pm.

9:am Welcome by Dr. Michael Lovegrove President Friends of the OHS Archives

9:10 am Educate or We Parish - The Armstrong Academy's Unique History as Part of the Choctaw Education System 1845-920

Dr. Dennis Miles Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Wheelock Academy

Barbara Asbill-Grant Choctaw Nations Wheelock Academy

9:55 am Genealogical Research at the OHS Archives

William Welge, Director OHS Research Division

Excavations of the Steamboat "Heroine"

John Davis Fr. Towson

10:55 am Legal Issues of Museums

James CatronMarshall County Historical Society

Larry Macy Ft. Washita

11:50 am Traditional Choctaw Meal

1:00 pm Living History & Choctaw Heritage

Ernest Hoosier Distingquished Choctaw Elder

2:00 pm POW's in Tishomingo

Dr. Bill Corbet Northeastern Oklahoma State University

Native Flute Storytelling

D. J. Battiest - Tomasi

3:00 pm Finding Confederate Graves in Indian Territory

Gwen Walker & Cindy Wallis Atoka Confederate Memorial Museum

Choctaw Research at OHS

William Wegle

4:00 pm Dr. Amanda Cobb - Greetham Director Chickasaw Nation Division of History & Culture

Jack Pate Choctaw Nation Director Special Programs

This will prove to be a very informative and fun day of events. Cost is $35. Registration is requested as there is limited seating. For more information please contact The Three Valley Museum at 580-920-1907.