Can anyone identify this antique table/cart? It's raised and lowered using a crank. [more inside]
posted by secretsecret on Jul 26, 2009 - 5 answers

I need an antique (or sufficiently vintage-y-antiqu-y styled) trunk for my living room. Problem: every piece I've seen to has been too big, too worn, too ugly, or too expensive. Where would I find stores/markets/fairs/dealers in the NYC metro area that might carry such trunks? I got a zipcar, so I can tool around the tri-state area. Insanely detailed requirements follow. [more inside]
posted by The Whelk on Jun 8, 2009 - 8 answers

What is this crazy sci-fi looking device I bought at a salvage store? It has knobs, a compass, and a bizarre spinning top. [more inside]
posted by agropyron on May 28, 2009 - 9 answers

I'd like to buy Mrs. Whuuuu a silver teapot/tea service/something similar but I don't want to get taken for a ride. [more inside]
posted by whuuuu on Dec 6, 2008 - 10 answers

I have a couple of intricately beaded African ceremonial sashes, ca. 1960, that need cleaning (desperately! profoundly!), but I can't afford professional art restoration at this time, and don't trust non-specialists to clean them. Can I (should I?) try to do something (anything?) on my own? [more inside]
posted by taz on Apr 25, 2007 - 8 answers

I just bought an antique Japanese doll and she's in fair condition except for one thing--her silk "skin" is very discolored. How can I make her snow white again? [more inside]
posted by bristolcat on Sep 10, 2006 - 5 answers

Do you know what this tool is? [more inside]
posted by hyperfascinated on May 11, 2006 - 17 answers