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!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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?"
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?"
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond
May: Emerald
June: Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot
September: Sapphire
October: Opal
November: Topaz
December: Turquoise
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)