Die Cast Toy Sizes

Ever wonder what those size notations on models and small toy cars mean? I found a good explanation for you.

Die-cast toys and models come in various scales, the most popular ones being:

1:12 scale - Very large models usually about 14 or 15 inches long often targeted at adults who are more into serious collecting and high detail. These models are generally much more expensive than the 1:18 models.
1:18 scale - Large models usually about 7 or 8 inches long, often targeted at adults
1:24 scale - Similar to G scale Nascar Cars,which are 1:22.5 scale, extremely popular in America
1:32 scale - Intermediate size most common for vintage cars and model tractors.
1:36 scale - Also made from Maisto, Kinsmart and Welly
1:43 scale - made popular by Dinky and Corgi, the most popular scale with model car collectors internationally -
1:48 scale - aircraft sold in this scale to match plastic model kits
1:50 scale - trucks, buses, construction equipment, promotional models, military vehicles
1:55 scale - used by Siku and the Disney-Pixar Cars Die-Cast Line by Mattel
1:60 scale - the scale of the immensely popular pre-war and post-war military vehicles series by Dinky Toys (including military Dinky Supertoys)
1:64 scale - popular for farm models and American model trucks. Matchbox, Hot Wheels and model Nascar cars are nominally this size.
1:72 scale - A growing scale for military die-cast AFVs
1:76 scale - highly detailed mainly British buses and lorries such as those by EFE and Corgi OOC, and Trax Models in Australia - same as OO scale model trains
1:87 scale - One of the smallest in scale products widely available in the markets. - same as H0 scale model trains

Have any old flags around?

This 1862 Confederate Battle Flag of the 47th Georgia Infantry sold for $59,750 in a recent auction in New Orleans. Historic flags are worth more when they have their history attached (see the plaque on the framed flag).

How to Care for Old Quilts

How to care for old quilts:

• Never put in sunlight because it will fade.
  Never store in plastic - store in old pillow cases.
  You can hand wash in the bathtub (you will see yellowish water). This is good, it means old acid is reacting with the dyes.
  Use non perfumed soap to clean.
  Rinse 5 times or so to get residue out lay flat to dry.

Copper, Brass, and Bronze

Copper, Brass, and Bronze are often hard to tell apart.

Copper is a metal that is bright orange in color, very shiny and quite soft. It is commonly used to make wires that conduct electricity in electric cables.

When copper is mixed with the metal tin, another elemental metal, an alloy is formed called bronze. This is much harder than either constituent metal and bronze has been used for thousands of years to make tools. The time period when people first started using bronze tools is now actually called the 'bronze age'. Bronze has a lovely deep orange brown color and is often used for sculptures and statues.

Copper can also be mixed with zinc to form another alloy – brass. Brass is again stronger than either of its constituent metals. It is very resistant to corrosion and is a good conductor of electricity. It is often used to make brass musical instruments because it is resistant to corrosion by saliva from the player's mouths.

1. Color
Copper, Brass, and bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them. Copper contains a brown, somewhat rustic finish to it. Brass has a lighter finish, and is contains a very bright sheen. It is very comparable to the color gold. Bronze has a much darker finish, and does not contain much of a sheen to it.

2. Alloys
Copper is true in itself. Copper is pure, and is not made of any alloys. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. The copper in brass can be used and varied to create many different types of brass. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Copper is the main used, and can be mixed with other materials to create other types of bronze as well.

3. Magnetic
When looking and testing to see which material is which you may be able to tell with a simple heavy duty magnet. Copper is in no way magnetic. Using even the strongest of magnets on copper, it will not attract. Brass is magnetic to a small extent. If you take a very heavy duty magnet, and hold close to a brass object, chances are the object will attract to the magnet. Bronze is in no way magnetic, just like copper. The only material out of those three is brass, which will only attract to a heavy magnet.

4. Durability
Copper is durable, as well as flexible. Copper at its true state is very hard to crack or break. You can bend copper, stretch it, and shape it into anything you want without cracking or damaging it. Brass is strong, however not as durable. Brass is susceptible to corrosion cracking. It is not as strong or durable as copper, and is not flexible at all in comparison to copper. Bronze is tough, and durable. Although bronze is not easily flexed in any situation, it does withstand water, which in turn is resistant to corrosion.

5. Uses
Copper is used for many things. The most common objects you will see copper present in are wiring and plumbing materials. This is because it is a great conductor, and has been used for years upon years in construction of many types. Brass is used in many of our household accessories. Our locks, doorknobs, gears, etc. are mainly made out of brass. You will also see brass used and some electrical and plumbing materials as well. Bronze is used in many ship and boat parts and gears. This is because as stated before bronze will withstand water, so it can stand up to just about anything.

Christmas Gift Box

Here’s an easy idea for a Christmas gift, or a hostess gift, or just as a fun decoration in your foyer!

Take one antique wooden cheese box, line it with pretty red cellophane, and fill with goodies. Mine is filled with popcorn, wrapped candies, and a few other surprises.




I put a few stickers on the cellophane wrapper to seal it and then a wide ribbon around the lid. What a fun holiday gift! And, you really didn’t spend very much!

Of course, you can use any old box you might have around, or check out what we have available! We have many different sized boxes that make lovely gifts.

Want to Change to Edwardian Decor?

After the heaviness, clutter and dark colors of Victorian interiors, people wanted something new and cheerful. Edwardian style was a breath of fresh air.
If you want the Edwardian look, here are some ideas:
• Furniture - Edwardian furniture would have been reproduction furniture to them so you can choose from a range of styles including baroque, rococo and empire. The wing chair is a typical shape. Choose upholstery in chintz, and damasks in pale colors.
• Wicker - bamboo and wicker furniture were also introduced in these period. You can still buy good quality wicker furniture today in a range of colors. If you find some in a junk shop and give it a new lease of life by spraying the paint on with a spray gun or aerosol. Don't brush it on as you'll clog up the weave.
• Floors - highly polished wood block floors, with oriental rugs, look fantastic in a living room. If you already have wooden floorboards, stain them with an oak-colored varnish. For areas with more wear and tear, go for bricks in a herringbone pattern or red quarry tiles.
• Wallpaper - choose wallpapers with a fresh, cheerful feel such as florals with roses, lilac, wisteria, and sweet peas, with trellises, ribbons and bows. Stripes are also typical - go for something simple but rich for dining rooms such as a gold damask and white, and candy stripes for bedrooms. It was considered too much to have both a dado rail and a frieze: most people papered up to the dado rail and then papered or painted the wall above that with plain paper or distemper.
• Lincrusta - put up some lincrusta - embossed wallpaper - introduced in 1877. It has an almost rubber-like texture and comes in beautiful art nouveau designs. It is still being made today. It can be painted any color although cream is probably best.
• Fireplaces - fireplaces are smaller than Victorian ones. They had splayed sides with projecting iron or copper hoods and decorative tiles. Smaller versions are usually found in the bedrooms.
• Color schemes - choose pastel color schemes in the colors of flowers - primrose yellows, leaf greens, the lilac of wisteria, and grey. Living rooms can take darker colors such as dark green for fabrics and cream walls.
• Lighting - electric lighting was just beginning to be introduced to the grander homes. Buy fabric lampshades in soft colors with frills and tassels. Use them on wall lights, table lights and even standard lamps. For a central light, look for a pendant fitting in smoked glass. Ceiling roses disguised the wiring for light fittings. Tiffany lamps or reclining female bronze figures are also in keeping.
• Windows - hang pieces of lace at the windows and then add plain or floral curtains to co-ordinate with the walls. Alternatively put up a simple striped roller blind.
• Cushions - take up embroidery and needlepoint and make some cushions with floral motifs in an art nouveau style.
• Pictures - hang pictures on hooks but place them halfway down the wall.
• Accessories - add Edwardian-style accessories such as early gramophones (the ones with the conical shells), tiered silver cake stands, and pretty silver photograph frames.
• Flowers - echo the wallpaper with your choice of flowers. Try loosely arranged bunches of sweet peas, roses, and lilac. House palms are also typically Edwardian.

Stop by and see us On The Avenue for more great ideas. We'd love to help with your new decorating project!

Rolling Pins - the Latest Collectible

There are two main types of rolling pins - rod and roller. The rod, usually of wood, is the long, thin, handle-less, often tapered cylinder preferred by French chefs, while the roller - more popular in the States - consists of a cylinder that rolls independently of the handles at each end. Though most commonly of wood, rollers have also been made of such materials as glass, marble, Bakelite, metals, plastic, and silicone.

Of course, the rarer an object, the more valuable it is to collectors, and the same rule holds true with the lowly rolling pin. Yellow Ware pins from the 19th and early 20th centuries have sold for up to $1200. (Yellow Ware derives its name from the tinted clays from which it is made.) Knowledgeable collectors are also on the lookout for such types as the old, heavy stoneware pins with advertising under the glaze on the roller. Harker decorated ceramic pins, authentic Shaker double rolling pins, and Depression-glass pins. These all can sell for from several hundred dollars up to $1000 or more for particularly fine examples.

Harker Pottery, a 19th century Ohio company, manufactured both decorative-patterned and hollow pins. The latter could be filled with ice water to keep pastry cool, a prerequisite for tenderness. Today, Harker pins are beloved of collectors and cooks. Other American pin-makers, characteristically entrepreneurial, sold advertising space on ceramic models that were offered as giveaways. Flour mills were the usual advertisers, and yet promotional rolling pins were curiously popular with undertakers.

Glass rolling pins were actually used in early Victorian kitchens. Depression glass rolling pins were made during the 1930s and 1940s in an assortment of colors. Today collectors will find these glass collectibles cost hundreds of dollars. Elaborate, hollow, blown glass rolling pins in clear emerald green, cobalt blue, and milk glass bore enameled decorations and inscriptions. Their nautical embellishments and mottoes hint that they were probably gifts from sailors. Most of these were English.

Here's an interesting use for the rolling pin: “How to Improve the Appearance: Making the Neck Pretty” from the American Woman Magazine, October 1920.

The Princess and the Frog

Once upon a time, in a land far away, a beautiful, independent, self-assured princess happened upon a frog as she sat contemplating ecological issues on the shores of an unpolluted pond in a beautiful meadow near her castle.

The frog hopped into the princess' lap and said: "Elegant Lady, I was once a handsome prince until an evil witch cast a spell on me. One kiss from you, however, and I will turn back into the young man that I am. Then, my dear, we can marry and live in yon castle with my mother, where you can bear my children and serve me for the rest of your life, and feel grateful and happy doing so.”

That night, as the princess dined on sautéed frog legs in white wine sauce she chuckled to herself and thought, “I don’t think so!”

Rust Remover on Fine China?

Never use rust-remover on china as it can remove the glaze or protective coating of the china.

Also, calcium, lime or rust-remover products should not be used on gold or platinum-banded crystal because they can stain or permanently change the color of the metal-banding.

Collecting Marbles

Marble collecting is a hobby practiced by over 400 million people around the world. Marbles are categorized by many factors including condition, size, type, manufacturer/artisan, age, style, materials, scarcity, and the existence of original packaging.

A marble's worth is primarily determined by type, size, condition and eye-appeal, coupled with the law of supply and demand. Ugly, but rare marbles may be valued as much as those of very fine quality. However, this is the exception, rather than the rule - "Condition is King" when it comes to marbles. Any surface damage (characterized by missing glass, such as chips or pits) typically cut book value by 50% or more.

Marbles date back to the times of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who played with marbles made of stone or polished nuts.

According to the National Toy Hall of Fame, even Shakespeare mentioned marbles in his play the Twelfth Night.

We have a few older marbles available--come by to see us anytime!

Saturday's Car Show

We had a great time looking at all the cars in the 5th Annual Grand Car Show on Saturday!

The winner of the Best Car with All Original Parts was parked right in front of Antiques on the Avenue--it was a 1937 Oldsmobile. They borrowed items from the store to make it look like a traveling band from the 30s!

Fire King

Fire King is an affordable houseware collectible found in antique stores, garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores, as well as on the Internet.

The Fire King line includes bowls, casseroles, cups, plates, serving platters, creamers, vases and more. Fire King is not designed for dishwasher use, which can dull its original lustre and remove any applied paint decorations.FireKing was originally produced in the 1940s for everyday use, rather than display. It was often sold in bags of flour as a promotional item or was given away at gas stations.

Fire King could also be purchased at local grocery and hardware stores.Jadeite Restaurant Ware is most popular among some collectors. It is a creamy jade color. Martha Stewart popularized this pattern by using it on her TV show. Fire King solid glass colors come in rose-ite (creamy pink), turquoise blue, azur-ite (light pale blue), white, and ivory. It can also be a fired-on coating over crystal in shades of pastel green, pastel blue, pastel peach, pastel yellow, primary orange, primary blue, primary yellow and primary green. These fired on colors are part of the pattern Rainbow. Rainbow is not technically Fire King, but included in the same category with most collector books. There is also a fired on Peach Lustre color that comes in several patterns.

What does CIRCA mean?

The word circa is often used in antiques and this is usually represented by the letter C in front of a date, what this means is hat the item in question can be dated ten years either way from the date that is quoted as a guide.

CLOWNS!

All the world loves a clown they say. And clown collectibles are pretty amusing and adorable too.

Clown collectibles range from antique toys and classic cookie jars, to colorful head vases, novelty baking pans, and even postcards. Of course many of them also have a long-standing association with the circus world.

The history of clowns can be traced back to antiquity, but our modern concept of clowns started with clown-like characters who entertained in England during the middle of the 18th century and were eventually given starring roles in the Royal Circus of the 1780s.

Do you collect clowns? Stop by our little shop on the Avenue to see what we have...the cute threesome above are still available!

Collecting Old Glass

Collectors throughout the world appreciate the unique features of glass cups and saucers, not only because of their place in history, but because they offer such a diversity in style, shape and decoration. Glass collecting in the United States is one of the most popular fields of collecting. Various collector clubs are scattered throughout the country. Antique glass shows and auctions take place all year round.

Glass cups and saucers are easy to care for and store, but use a bit of caution. A glass cup not only will shatter when it is dropped, but when it is exposed to sudden changes in temperature. Never wash glassware until it reaches room temperature. It is best not to put your art glass cup and saucer in the dishwasher as the temperatures are too severe and the water pressure too great. A gentle hand washing is the best method of cleaning.

Also, take care when buying an art glass cup and saucer. Examine both pieces carefully. Check the handle as it’s very vulnerable. Glass can be repaired quite reasonably. Edges with chips can be ground. The value is lower, but not significantly. Unfortunately, there are many glass reproductions on the market today.

Is it Silverplate or Sterling?

Verifying the precious metal content of silver flatware is crucial to determining its value. It can be fairly difficult to tell if silver flatware is real silver for several reasons.

Many manufacturers market silverplated flatware. Silverplate is coated with a thin layer of silver to create the appearance of sterling silver and is popular as an inexpensive substitute. Still other flatware is made from stainless steel fashioned to look like silver.

One more point: real silver flatware is normally sterling, not pure silver. Pure silver is soft and won't stand up under heavy use. Sterling is an alloy of 92.5 percent silver plus another metal (usually copper) that is hard and durable. When people refer to "real" silver flatware, they mean sterling silver.

Brass Cleaning Hints

If your brass is simply dirty, then cleaning using nothing more than soapy hot water and a child’s toothbrush is recommended, this can be used very gently even on those pieces that have fine etchings and decoration. If the piece is only lightly tarnished, then a silver polishing cloth can be used to remove the tarnish. If however there is severe tarnishing then a brass and copper polish should be used to gently remove the tarnish and restore the original beauty.

Whenever you are cleaning brassware it is essential that you dry the piece thoroughly after washing, making sure that great care is taken to remove any cleaning materials that you have used. Residue from cleaning materials can cause pitting of the brass and this should be avoided at all costs as it distracts from the beauty of the antique.

When done correctly a piece of cleaned brass won’t need touching again for several years if it is handled correctly, you should avoid touching the actual item and instead use a cloth to hold and the place the item into place, touching it will only start the tarnishing process over again. The only thing you should need to do on a regular basis is to give the piece a quick dust over to ensure that its shine remains.

Provenance - Such a big word!

Provenance, a word that describes the history of a piece, is important in determining the value of an antique. Provenance refers to an object's history, or who owned it, when and where. Many valuable antiques have oral stories that are handed down through families but without precise documentation of a story, they do not add significant value.

So write down what you know about those family heirlooms! Tell the story that your grandpa told, with as many dates and other information that you can. Future generations will thank you for it!

Identification of John Deere Items

You can quickly identify early John Deere items by looking at the deer in the logo—older items will have a deer with 4 legs.

In 1968 the company logo was modernized and streamlined to show a straight-side silhouette with just two legs, instead of the four, and one four-point rack of antlers seen on earlier designs.

Terms Used by Antique Collectors

The world of antiques can be confusing and when listening to others in the trade that have years of experience--you may think they are talking in a foreign language. If you want to get ahead in the world of antiques then it is essential that you understand what others are talking about, so here are a few of the terms explained in an easy to understand way.

The term antique can be confusing to start with. An item is classed as antique if it is 100 years or older, however in some unique cases an item can be considered antique if it fifty years or more.

Firing cracks is a term that is used in the collection of pottery, this occurs during the baking of the pot in the kiln and it is not actually classed as damage.

The word circa is often used in antiques and this is usually represented by the letter C in front of a date, what this means is hat the item in question can be dated ten years either way from the date that is quoted as a guide.
Soft paste and hard paste are both terms used when talking about porcelain; hard paste porcelain usually comes from Europe while soft paste is usually made in Britain and in some cases France.

When antiques are classed as being in the Victorian period they are usually divided into three different times, early, middle and late Victorian periods this particular applies to furniture and ceramic pieces.
Periods of time are also defined as Elizabethan, Queen Anne, Carolean, Mary and Georgian. They are classed as Edwardian if the item if they are dated 1901 to World War one.

Staffordshire is a word that is used in the collection of pottery particularly if it comes from Britain. This is the area that the pottery was made and includes such as Royal Doulton and Wedgwood pottery pieces.

Enamel is the word that is used to describe the material and in particular the type of paint that was used to decorate porcelain and pottery especially plates.

Jasperware is a term that is used in pottery and especially when it comes to Wedgwood pottery, in fact it was Wedgwood that invented the jasperware process; it is most famous for its representation of classical scenes in relief in white.

Art deco is the term used to describe the decorating techniques and architecture with the most common materials used in these pieces being metal and steel which are well known for portraying geometric shapes.

Baroque is a term used to describe art and architecture that was from Europe ad mainly Italy during the late 16th and early 17th century. The style is typified by the use of very ornate scrolls and curves which was in fashion between 1660 and 1730.

Britannia standard was the first ever silver mark indicating that a particular piece was made of sterling silver with a purity of 92.5%.

Julia Child's Copper Kitchen Utensils

Copper pots are timeless kitchen utensils! Even Julia Child’s personal collection of copper utensils are on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. She used these every day! If you are ever in the area of Washington DC, be sure to go see the Museum of American History--great stuff!

And, here's our own collection: stop by and see what we have—surely something here will catch your eye! Start your own collection and you may be as famous as Julia Child….or may-be not; but at least your kitchen will look great!

Check Out the Jesse James Mall in St. Joe

Do you ever get to Saint Joseph, MO? Stop by the Jesse James Antique Mall. We also sell there. It’s just off of I29 (exit 53). You can spend an entire day there and still not see everything!

Our Sign is Up!

Our sign is finally up! Here we (Jody & Russ) are perched high over the awning getting the sign in place. What a job!

Time for a cup of coffee--stop by to see us!

Memorial Week-end Sale

Are you a copper collector? We have many fine older pieces. Stop by this weekend to see our selection!

We are the newest Antique shop on 3rd Street in Historic Downtown Grand Island--stop in and say hello. We might even offer you a cup of fresh coffee if you care to sit awhile and talk!