Trunks and Touring

Domed trunks, including the popular “camel back” trunks,were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These wooden trunks were reinforced with metal and were often used for traveling on stagecoaches, boats, and trains.

Most of these trunks that were used for travel and storage were covered with canvas or decorated with sheet metal, which might have been embossed or stamped with decorative designs. They might be lined with wall paper and have a patent date stamped on the hinge. But keep in mind that the trunk could have been made several years after the patent date.

Stop in to see our new “Touring” corner—complete with trunks, travel clothing, cameras, and other items needed for a proper 19th century vacation tour.

Cleaning Cut Glass

Every time you wash your cut glass, you risk damaging it. Some specialists advise that the less you handle it (i.e. cleaning), the better it is for the glass.

When you do want to clean it, handwash in lukewarm water (never real hot or real cold). Dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Some people use a vegetable brush to clean the small cut areas—pat dry and then use the cloth in the cuts to absorb all the water.

If you are using a cut glass vase, don’t let the water sit for a week. Keep changing the water. If you get a little bit of discoloration, use a denture cleaner tablet in water inside the vase overnight.

Tiffany: Real or Fake?

How do you tell the real Tiffany from the many imitators and fakes? Start by reading up on Tiffany, looking at pictures, genuine pieces, and talking to dealers and collectors.

Examine enough pieces so that you feel that you can recognize Tiffany’s iridescence and a good Tiffany signature. Even collectors that have years of experience know that judging an authentic Tiffany is sometimes difficult.

• 1. Never be fooled just because something is signed. The fake “Tiffany” is almost always signed.
  2. Learn which patterns Tiffany made. That will help eliminate the reproductions that didn’t copy a Tiffany pattern or didn’t copy it properly.
  3. Watch out for “bargains.” Be wary of the dealer who brags that the item sold at the big auction house for $5,000 but you can have it for $1,000. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable dealer who will guarantee the authenticity of the piece.

Cuckoo Clocks

There are several things to consider when looking for that special Cuckoo Clock for your home.

Do you want a one-day clock? By definition, this will need to be wound every day. Winding this sort of clock is easy once you have the hang of it. You simply pull the chains and lift the weights up to the base of the clock. You can do it every morning or at night, or whenever you walk past the clock!

There is also the eight-day clock. This is wound every week, depending on how high you hang it from the floor. Some of the specialty clocks with the animated figures are better hung lower so you can see all the detail. Then the clock will need to be wound every four days or so.

Perhaps you want the traditionally carved clock, with the leaves and bird/stag top piece, or is the more modern Chalet style clock the one for you? Then, do you want just the cuckoo call on the clock, or do you want music as well? Musical clocks usually come with dancing figures that twirl around in the top of the clock, and there can be a water wheel as well. This will slowly turn around while the music is playing. Some clocks have figures that move when the cuckoo calls. There are wood choppers, beer drinkers, wanderers, hunters, bears on see-saws and all sorts of things!

How much you want to spend? Your new Cuckoo Clock can start from under $200 for a wonderful little clock that will give you years of joy!!

The bigger eight-day Chalet clocks can range up to many thousands of dollars, but a great sized clock with animation can start from just over $500.00. It’s worth your time and consideration: there is a Cuckoo Clock for every home and budget.

Miss Me?

I have been sooo busy! Tomorrow, April 1, is our First Anniversary!

I've been re-arranging and adding new items to the store! Stop by tomorrow to see us.

Remember, that's tomorrow--and that's no April Fool's Joke!

Testing for Bakelite

Bakelite, a type of plastic, was discovered by accident in 1907 by a Belgian born chemist, Dr Leo Baekeland (1863-1944). Having moved to New York he inadvertently created the first completely man made liquid resin, which he named Bakelite. When poured, it completely assumed the shape of the mold it was in. It soon became an inexpensive choice for jewelry, cosmetics boxes, kitchenware...But did you know they also made Bakelite shaving kits, cameras, radios, plugs, handbags, records, Christmas light bulb casings, silverware handles, pitchers, cups...even furniture?

One of the biggest collections of Bakelite jewelry ever amassed belonged to Andy Warhol, and was stored in several bonded warehouses across the USA. In the film Top Hat, featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the floor was constructed out of Bakelite for the dance scenes. Evidently the most suitable material available at the time!

Since Bakelite is a resin-type of material, there can be a chemical reaction if a certain compound is rubbed against it. A simple test for Bakelite is to use Simichrome Polish, a pink polishing paste used by motorcycle and auto enthusiasts. When applied with a soft cloth or a Q-tip and rubbed against Bakelite, the friction and chemical interaction will turn the Simichrome a bright, rusty orange color.

Scrubbing Bubbles was once the standard cleaner to use for Bakelite testing, but experts now recommend Formula 409 instead. To use, dampen a cotton swab with 409 and rub it gently on the inside of the item being tested. If it's Bakelite, the swab will turn yellow. If a piece is lacquered, it may test negative with 409. Black Bakelite pieces often fail this test as well. Use the other tests above to confirm authenticity if a piece you suspect to be Bakelite fails with 409.

Another test is to listen for the "clunk" when two pieces of Bakelite are tapped together. This very distinctive sound is often heard when two or more Bakelite bangles are worn at the same time. Try tapping two pieces of another type of plastic together, and compare the sound to two pieces of true Bakelite the next time you're out shopping where Bakelite is on display.

Also, consider the weight of a piece of plastic, especially jewelry. Bakelite feels heavier, more dense when compared to other types of plastics. Hold another piece of plastic in one hand, and a piece of Bakelite of approximately the same size in the other. You'll notice the heavier feel of the Bakelite.

Rub the item in question vigorously with your thumb until you feel the plastic heat up. Then, before it cools, take a whiff. A distinct chemical odor similar to formaldehyde will linger with most genuine Bakelite. This often takes a bit of practice. Some noses find better results when the piece of plastic is placed under hot running tap water before sniffing it. This test works well with Bakelite bangle bracelets.

Look for wear scratches and patina that new pieces of plastic don't normally exhibit. Also look for tiny chips on the edges of carving. Examine the piece with a jeweler's loupe or another type of magnifier, if needed. Generally, an old piece of Bakelite will not be free of some minor scratching and wear, even though it is in excellent condition by a collector's standards.

The Language of Fans

In Victorian times the ladies had an unspoken "fan" language. The hand fans were used not only as cooling instruments, but also as convenient communication devices, mainly for transmitting more or less furtive love messages. For example, by running ones fingers through the fan's ribs, one is trying to say "I want to talk to you". Or by quickly fanning one self, one is trying to say "I love you very much".

1) THE FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART: "You have won my love."
2) A CLOSED FAN TOUCHING THE RIGHT EYE: "When may I be allowed to see you?"
3) THE NUMBER OF STICKS SHOWN ANSWERED THE QUESTION: "At what hour?"
4) THREATENING MOVEMENTS WITH A FAN CLOSED: "Do not be so imprudent"
5) HALF-OPENED FAN PRESSED TO THE LIPS: "You may kiss me."
6) HANDS CLASPED TOGETHER HOLDING AN OPEN FAN: "Forgive me."
7) COVERING THE LEFT EAR WITH AN OPEN FAN: "Do not betray our secret."
8) HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN: "I love you."
9) SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY: "I promise to marry you."
10) DRAWING THE FAN ACCROSS THE EYES: "I am sorry."
11) TOUCHING THE FINGER TO THE TIP OF THE FAN: "I wish to speak with you."
12) LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE RIGHT CHEEK: "Yes."
13) LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE LEFT CHEEK: "No."
14) OPENING AND CLOSING THE FAN SEVERAL TIMES: "You are cruel"
15) DROPPING THE FAN: "We will be friends."
16) FANNING SLOWLY: "I am married."
17) FANNING QUICKLY: "I am engaged."
18) PUTTING THE FAN HANDLE TO THE LIPS: "Kiss me."
19) OPENING A FAN WIDE: "Wait for me."
20) PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD: "Do not forget me"
21) PLACING THE FAN BEHIND THE HEAD WITH FINGER EXTENDED: "Goodbye."
22) FAN IN RIGHT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: "Follow me."
23) FAN IN LEFT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE: "I am desirous of your acquaintance."
24) FAN HELD OVER LEFT EAR: "I wish to get rid of you."
25) DRAWING THE FAN ACCROSS THE FOREHEAD: "You have changed."
26) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: "We are being watched."
27) TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: "I love another."
28) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND: "You are too willing."
29) CARRYING THE OPEN FAN IN THE LEFT HAND: "Come and talk to me."
30) DRAWING THE FAN THROUGH THE HAND: "I hate you!"
31) DRAWING THE FAN ADROSS THE CHEEK: "I love you!"
32) PRESENTING THE FAN SHUT: "Do you love me?"

Birthstones

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist traditions mingled with Pagan legends led to the association of certain stones with different months. In the 18th century the relationship of stones with months was standardized but it was based mainly on the colors of the stones.

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal
November: Topaz
December: Turquoise

I just couldn't resist this....

Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic, while it was a style and line of homewares created by designer Rachel Ashwell, actually refers to the style of decorating.



It is an ironic term, as shabby isn't usually chic, but it works! Think worn, distressed white furniture, elegant lamps, romantic flowers, chandeliers, slipcovered sofas, raggedy cushions, fine china, and anything scrolly, pretty, elegant and homely! Shabby chic also has a very cosy, cottage feel and has become an extremely popular style of decorating in the past few years.


The dominant color is white, also encorporating soft pinks, sage green and plenty of flowers. It is certainly a decorating style that can be achieved on a budget, as most things can be older items that you fix up yourself.

Using a Black Light

Many antiques lovers use a long wave black light to date objects and test for authenticity. Some clues to age or telltale signs of repair aren’t easily visible to the naked eye, but will fluoresce under ultraviolet light. While it’s not the end all answer in antique authentication and dating, it is a good place to start.

1. Detecting Porcelain Repairs
Before buying or selling a nice piece of porcelain, always take it into a darkened room with either a handheld or keychain black light to test for repairs. A good repair job might not be readily visible without assistance, but will become obvious under a black light since glue used in repairs will fluoresce. Modern paints will glow under the black light as well, so you can also detect touch-ups, repaints and embellishments with ultraviolet light.

2. Testing for Reproduction Glass
Both green Depression glass and Vaseline glass will glow under a black light due the uranium oxide content in the glass. American colorless pressed glass made before 1930 is said to fluoresce yellow, while reproductions generally do not. Some people report that American brilliant cut glass also casts a yellow hue under ultraviolet light, others say it glows pale violet or blue. Given the discrepancies, make sure to follow up with further research to ensure cut glass authenticity.

3. Examining Works of Art
Since we now know that modern paint will fluoresce under a black light, you can also easily inspect paintings for touch-ups and repairs. Hairline cracks in oil paintings can also become more visible when examined under ultraviolet light. If you’re a serious art collector, or want to become one, it’s wise to buy a book specific to art inspection to learn more about how ultraviolet lights can be used to test for authenticity and repairs before purchasing a pricey works of art.

4. Testing Ephemera
Old postcards, books, signs, photos and other paper products made before the late 1930s rarely glow under a black light. However, chemical bleaches and dyes used in modern papers will fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Knowing this helps to detect forged documents and distinguish reproductions in all types of ephemera. Before purchasing a rare paper memorabilia, however, have it examined by an expert who will have knowledge and tools beyond black light testing to aid in authentication.

5. Dating Textiles
Many modern fibers like rayon and polyester, including sewing tread, will fluoresce under a black light. This helps to date quilts, vintage clothing, stuffed animals, rag dolls and other items made using cloth. However, additives in modern laundry detergents can cause old fabrics to glow under ultraviolet light if they were cleaned with these products. It’s wise to consider manufacturing techniques, design, provenance and materials used in construction in addition to black light exam results.

6. Authenticating Cast Iron
Many valuable vintage banks, mechanical toys and door stops from the early 1900s were made from cast iron. These genuine articles with original paint are still quite valuable to collectors. Since most modern paints will fluoresce, you can use your black light to check for reproductions and painted repairs on cast iron pieces prior to making an expensive mistake. If the paint doesn’t glow, look for other signs of age and wear to make sure the piece is really as old as you think it is.

Kovel's Price Guides

Kovels has added over 90,00 new prices and thousands of images to its price guide on Kovels.com, the largest free antiques and collectibles price guide. The prices on Kovels.com are collected and edited by the Kovels and other experts from sales at shops, shows, flea markets, auctions, magazines, newspapers, the internet, dealers, and other knowledgeable sources.

Over 800 categories of the most popular collecting interests in America are included. Also new are over 5,000 pictures of priced antiques. The website also has more information for those interested in antiques or collectibles, including a free directory where you can list or find services for collectors.

A paid subscription is available that includes access to a database of pottery, porcelain and silver marks, and premium articles, updated monthly, with price-filled reports of recent sales, price lists, and Q and A.

The Art Nouveau Period

Art Nouveau, 1890-1914, explored a new style in the visual arts and architecture that developed in Europe and North America at the end of the nineteenth century.

At its height exactly one hundred years ago, Art Nouveau was a concerted attempt to create an international style based on decoration. It was developed by a brilliant and energetic generation of artists and designers, who sought to fashion an art form appropriate to the modern age. During this extraordinary time, urban life as we now understand it was established. Many artists, designers, and architects were excited by new technologies and lifestyles, while others retreated into the past, embracing the spirit world, fantasy, and myth.

Art Nouveau was a response to the Industrial Revolution. Some artists welcomed technological progress and embraced the aesthetic possibilities of new materials such as cast iron. Others aimed to elevate the decorative arts to the level of fine art by applying the highest standards of craftsmanship and design to everyday objects. Art Nouveau designers also believed that all the arts should work in harmony to create a "total work of art," or Gesamtkunstwerk: buildings, furniture, textiles, clothes, and jewelry all conformed to the principles of Art Nouveau.

This little Art Nouveau lamp sits on our counter at On The Avenue Antiques...stop by soon to see it and other pieces we have available!

Jewelry fit for a Queen

The word "Jewel" is actually a derivative of the French word "jouel", referring to the royal table dressings many years ago in France. Kings, Queens and people of great wealth and political prominence wore fine lacy jewels throughout the 18th and 19th century that were encrusted with fine gems when they came to the dinner tables of court.

Because members of the King's and Queen's courts often had to travel many miles by coach to reach the destination palace, they would take trunks and lockboxes of jewels and their most valuable possessions to be worn in the company of Royalty. During their travels, however, robbery was commonplace. Hence the term "highway robbery", since people were often stripped of their valuables, precious gems and gold. Given this, which became more common than not, wealthy persons began to commission their very best artisan jewels to create exact mold replicas or imitations of the original pieces that they owned. They discontinued the practice of traveling with their authentic gems and would take their replicas or imitation to court so the threat of thievery was that less painful.

Speaking of jewelry, stop by our shop to see what jewels we have available! Our unique pieces may not be as old as the Queen’s gems, but many are just as wonderful And our prices are certainly not “highway robbery!”

Quick Tip #17

Don't use plastic bubble wrap to store silver and ceramics. Heat and humidity can cause permanent discolorations.

Davenport, Couch, Sofa?

The Davenport is a piece of furniture that gained popularity during the late 19th century and turned into a "generic" term of sorts in some parts of the country by the early 20th century.
In America, it originally denoted a sofa that was rather square looking with a high back and arms. The style, resembling a box in many ways, developed around the turn of the century. It's named for the A.H. Davenport Co. of Boston.

Soon the term came to be used with any sofa or couch, especially in upstate New York and the Midwest. In fact, the term was so popular, that when sofa-beds were first introduced they were dubbed "davenport beds."

But, there is really more to the story. The Kroehler Company of Naperville, IL became the first furniture company to actually patent a sofa containing a hidden mattress and springs in 1909. This type of sofa was so popular, in fact, that the word davenport came to mean any foldout bed.

The British have an even different meaning for davenport—it’s nowhere near a sofa! In fact, their davenport was a small desk, one with a slanted or pull-out top. It also contained a row of drawers down one or both sides.

Originally, the term was used to describe a simple chest of drawers with a swivel top. But as the piece of furniture evolved, it was made with hidden compartments and various cubbyholes of sorts.

This davenport originates from the 1790s. Developed by a furniture firm called Gillow's based in Lancaster, England. The name itself comes from the name of the company's client, believe it or not, a "Captain Davenport." If Captain Davenport wanted this unique piece of furniture for a specific reason, it's lost in history.

JFK Library Goes Digital

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy a new digital online archive now gives global access to JFK papers, records, photographs and recordings. Anyone can search, browse and retrieve original documents from the Kennedy Library’s collection,
gaining a first-hand look into the life of President Kennedy and the issues that defined his administration.

The Kennedy digital archive includes 200,000 pages of text, 1,245 individual recordings, 300 museum artifacts, 72 reels of moving images and 1,500 photos. It took more than four years to digitize the documents, photographs, audiotapes and films.