Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with antiques

Antique Roadshow worthy or just old art?

ratita — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:18:22 -0800

Antiques Roadshow worthy or just overpriced old crap? I just purchased this lithograph (I think that's what it is) by Ed Gust May (I think that's a name, it's all in german and I don't speak it) It is 4 colors with accents of gold. It is a picture of the Sacred Heart, which is written in gothic font in german and in french and spanish set in a thin serif.

It called my attention first because my grandparents had two smaller prints like this one, although theirs was only 2 colors, it just brought some nostalgia to me. Then, looking up some information in these type of prints, I realized that it could be worth a bit more of what I paid for or could be worth nothing. I would like to know how can I get this to someone who may know more about it. Where and to whom do I take it?

I am really lost on this and I don't even know which period time this comes from. It seems to be from the early 1900s but I know they made these types of lithographs well into the 30s. Are they worth anything?

This print is approximately a 2x3.5 ft. and it is, in what appears to be, the original frame and backing. The frame is a bit damaged at the bottom, but the print seems to be in perfect condition, no tears or rips.

I'd be forever grateful if anyone has any tips or information about what should I do.

Antique window needed

shesaysgo — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:44:00 -0800

Where can I find an old, 6-paned window? Online or Chicago-area I need a on, 6-paned window frame for a project for a class. I looked on craigslist, but the search was fruitless. Does anyone know of some good spots to look for that kind of thing? Would anyone happen to be selling one? Since I am a college student, I'd rather keep this inexpensive.

Here are some reference pictures
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/at45b4c004e5cb01.61175577.jpg
http://bahmdemolition.com/images/antiques/AntiqueWindow.jpg

It doesn't necessarily have to be 6 paned, but I'd like to keep it around that size.

We have a chest full of stench!

imjustsaying — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:44:58 -0800

We've inherited a wooden sea chest from 1827 along with accompanying provenance and documentation. That's the good news. The bad news is that it stinks. This beautiful antique chest was filled with old navy uniforms for at least 100 years, but also with moth balls.

When we open it, the smell of the moth balls is overpowering, to say the least. We've tried leaving it open outdoors for several days, putting trays of baking soda in it and closing it, and doing the same with vanilla extract.

Nothing works, although we have seen soem slight improvement.

Should we resign ourselves to never again being able to store anything in it?

How old is this ring?

angry.polymath — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:27:04 -0800

Please help me get an idea how old this ring is, and what stone is in it. Among my grandmother's things was an old silver ring with an opaque blue stone in it.

It's clearly hand-made, and has some sort of sizing apparatus on the back. I've never seen anything quite like it.

I know nothing about gemstones or minerals or jewelry, so can anyone give me even a vague idea of when this kind of ring was in fashion, and what "style" it is? And also, what is the blue stone in it?

Pics are here, here, and here.

Thanks!

ceci n'est pas un pipe, c'est un pipe stand.

crazylegs — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:14:03 -0800

Who can tell me about an antique pipe stand that I have? Well, a picture is worth a thousand words. I've been told this is a pipe stand. It's made of mahogany, and I'm guessing it's from England and made around the 1920s or 1930s. There is a copper ashtray at the top with a pipe that leads to the bottom, where a glass jar is screwed on.
What can anyone tell me about it? Were these common? I've never seen one before. I was told that it should have a lid on it. Who made these? What's it worth? Ever seen one before?

Mysterious Urn

softsantear — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:32:40 -0800

Mysterious Urn Filter: What is the intended use of this ceramic thing i picked up at an antiques fair? Here are some (blurry) pictures:
1. Complete urn
2. Urn pieces
3. Urn pieces standing
4. Urn opening
5. Inside shaft

I bought this little urn-looking thing at an antiques fair as a nice bibelot, but I'm still wondering what it is intended to "do."

The thing unscrews into three pieces: one is a ceramic ring; the other is a metallic base which fits onto the bottom; and the other is a metallic shaft with a point (the urn "top") that has perforated openings around it. The top shaft slides into the ceramic ring and screws into the bottom base, locking it all together.

I wanted to think this had something to do with incense or the like, but when you flip over the top piece, the shaft is blocked by a plasticky/waxy...thing -- a stopper, maybe -- that doesn't allow for an unobstructed opening to the top perforations. It seems to be pretty solidly wedged in there, too (i.e., by design, not accidental).

The whole item is no more than 2'' tall and 1'' wide; it fits in the palm of the hand. The bottom base is shaped kind of like a "dish," but when sealed together, there is very little room from the dish base to the plastic/whatever blockage to suggest that one could fit anything in there.

Maybe the openings on top are ornamental, but I still feel as if this is intended to store something smoke/incense/perfume/drug related. Why else would it come apart?

Help me, MeFi sleuths!

Attention Antique Experts: I bought this marble/mold Cameo at an auction for .99 cents, anyone know anything about it, age, etc?

MMALR — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:28:52 -0800

Attention Antique Experts: I bought this marble/mold Cameo at an auction for .99 cents, anyone know anything about it, age, etc? I bought this Cameo marble or mold wall hanging at an auction for .99 cents in a box. It has a very detailed Cameo on the front of the wall hanging. It's exquisite in detail, but I'm unsure as to the age of it.

Anyone have any ideas?
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo

New Old Stuff

relucent — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:49:27 -0800

Is there a term for the rising popularity of new things manufactured to look old, such as relic guitars, faded jeans, and worn picture frames? I am fascinated by the rise in popularity in the last 10-15 years of "false vintage" or "manufactured antiques". A new lamp or painting that's already got chips and scuffs on it... jeans that are faded or have holes in them... "relic" or "road-worn" guitars... etc. It seems like we love the idea of old things but don't have the patience or resources to wear them out ourselves.

My question: is there a general term for this cultural phenomenon that encompasses all of the above? They are related conceptually, but each industry or category has their own specific terms that don't apply to the others (i.e. you wouldn't call a pair of jeans with holes in them "relic"). Is there anywhere I can read more about it?

Help me decide between being Sexist or PC, Current or Traditional?

Acacia — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:39:33 -0800

To 'ress or not to 'ress, that is my question My elderly Aunt has been a doll doctor and dealing antiques (her specialty is steamer trunks) for as long as I can remember. I am finally getting around to making her a business sign that she can display at various shows around the country.
At the top will be her business name, and the main body of the sign will be a draft horse pulling an image of a trunk, with a man at the reigns. At the bottom I want to put her name followed by either Proprietor or Proprietress.
And that is my dilemma.
I think Proprietress is out dated and a little sexist, but the sign I am making is very old fashioned and done is sepia tones.
So, what to do? Proprietor or Proprietress?
The sign is a surprise, so I can't ask Auntie. So I'm leaving it up to you'se guys. Majority wins.

Can you tell me anything about this brass figurine of a jet?

Ian A.T. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:35:59 -0800

Aviation buffs and antique enthusiasts: can you tell me anything about this brass figurine of a jet? Aviation buffs: Any idea what kind of jet it is? It looks like a Northrop Talon with tip tanks, or maybe a "pointier" Lockheed Shooting Star. Or is it even a specific kind of jet at all? It could be just a stylized jet-like shape.

Antique enthusiasts: Can you tell me anything else about it, like when it dates to? There are no identifying marks on it of any kind; however, there are at least two more of these out there in the world that I've discovered while researching this question. (In fact, the photo I've used isn't a photo of the one I own...it's a completely identical figurine, however.)

I acquired it roughly twelve years ago in an antique store in Arkansas. I know that this is no guarantee that it is actually an antique, but--at the risk of sounding imprecise--if "feels" like something that was made in the past.

Thanks in advance. Oh, and one more thing...this isn't some Antique Roadshow deal where I have delusions of selling it for hundreds of bucks. I'm just genuinely curious about the object.

Buried treasure

NormandyJack — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:28:50 -0800

I recently came into possession of some family heirlooms. I don’t know the back-story on these items so their sentimental value is minimal. I’m interested in selling at least some of them, but don’t know the best way to assess their value. I was recently given some things that have been in my family for some time. A small bag of American, Canadian and European, coins dating as far back as the 1760s but most from the mid to late 1800s and early 1900s, some jewelry, pearls, gold chains, etc. and a few gold watches.

What’s the best way of getting a handle on the value of these items?
What is the best way of selling them once I know their value?
How can I avoid getting ripped off?
Are the markets for such items as bad as the rest of the economy right now?

Old Quilt, New Problem

nkknkk — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:02:17 -0800

I have a very old patchwork quilt (est 1910) that my mom bought as an antique. It's been stored for many years now, and is looking really stained and sad. How can I bring it back to life? The quilt is very simple - red and white squares around larger patches of white squares, and an all-white backing. Some of the smaller squares are frayed through to the batting, and the edges are frayed. There is lots of discoloration on the white parts, which are now yellowish from age and/or being stored in a cardboard box.

I took it to a "specialist drycleaner" here in DC and they said it was probably too far gone - I was willing to put up with some additional fraying in the process, but they claim that even immersing it in water would damage the fibers and the thing would just fall apart.

I thought of laying it out on a hot sunny day (next time we get one of those) and letting the sun do its work... but it may not make a bit of difference.

Any ideas?

ancient chinese

colusa — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:42:50 -0800

This is an ancient chinese inscription on an antique vase... thousands of years old. Can anyone translate it or let us know what kind of dragon this is or if it realates to any story... anything would help. Thanks your help is greatly appreciated Hello,
I recently aquired a vase, which is of asian decent, which I have done intense research on and cannot find what the Japanese writing on the vase says. I would greatly appreciate input from anyone with any info on this item or opinions.

Thank You!!!!

To start, it appears to be bronze.the vase is a standard oriental vase shape that sits on a tripod base with legs that curl under. The texture on the tripod base appears to resemble the leatherlike rough skin of maybe a dragon. It covers the area of the base stopping on the third tripod leg,witch then becomes a smooth texture, maybe resembling the tail of the dragon.

Starting at the base, which sits 1 1/2" up, tenticles begin to protrude from the surface. Between the first and second tripod leg, there are two claw like tenticle shapes protruding. The first one containing 5 fingers to the claw, sitting atop four more tenticles. The second set of tenticles contains 6 curved swirly claws coming from it. Between the 2nd and third tripod legthere are two more protrusions ( sitting closer to th 2nd leg.) the first protrusion contains 6 small twirled tenticles, while the second contains 9. between the 3rd and 1st tripod legs, there is a claw with four fingers, one finger is curved under and there are 3 curved claw nails.

Now the vase begins to become intriquite and very detailed.
The 1st tripod leg is the smooth textured leg resembling a tail. above that, the tenticle that protrudes form the surface, comes out about 2 inches and works itself into the shape of a dragon. The dragon appears to have a scales texture and as it reaches higher up onto the vase, begins to develop claws with distinguished sharp nails. the first foot has 2 claws (sharp nails) the texture and protrusions then for a mass array of details and dragon like objects, that covers half of the vase.
In the objects appears to be one dragon foot with 3 claws and one dragon's foot with 2 claws. The dragon appears to be on a rocklike strructure with its head covered in spikes peering out.its scaled tail also protrudes from the vase with arow of about 15 spikes on it.
The prtrusion concludes on the right side with a big swirl, while on the left it is a rock like texture.
This protrusion sitas on the vase's side. The rest of the vase is a dimpled texture with a thick glaze like texture dripping down the vase.( appears to look like lava dripping down a volcano.

it looks like this:
http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq174/collectableusa/100_1353.jpg

Under that is this marking:
http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/qq174/collectableusa/100E1305-1.jpg

BookQuest: So you want to be a bookdealer

Rora — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:25:27 -0800

What is it like being an (antique) bookdealer? How does one become a bookdealer? Are there people out there who actually have the job title of "bookdealer"?

Help Me Date a Book!

CheeseburgerBrown — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 18:44:52 -0800

How might one go about deducing the age of a book with no publication date printed inside of it? Antique books acquired at auction; estimated origin late 19th to early 20th century; most of them are Googlable but some are not. My wife suggests that the inclusion of the occasional colour illustration (on different paper) might help gauge the age. At what point did relatively inexpensive books have access to sufficiently cheap technology to achieve this? Any other practices that might help mark a decade for us? Help me, publishing historians, you're my only hope.

Happy happy happy all the time shock treatment, I'm doing fine

simbiotic — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:54:23 -0800

I found an antique electro-therapeutic apparatus at a thrift shop. Now what? I haven't been able to find any real information from googling. I brought it to an antique shop but they had no information about value or resources for finding a buyer. They estimated the date to turn of the century by looking at the hinges and the dovetails of the box and the cotton insulation and fine copper wiring. I have no idea if this is accurate.

It's kind of creepy to have sitting around but I am not sure if I want to sell it. I'd like to know the value or if a museum would be interested. At this point I don't have money to invest in an appraisal. Since we do live in LA, of course the apparatus already has a movie offer. I'd like to know if it should be insured and for how much.

There are pictures at the flickr link in my profile. I've also transcribed the instructions from the inside label. Maybe the language would be helpful is dating it?

Hooked on junk

WPW — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:14:09 -0800

Does anyone know of any "good" junk shops in east London? I've lived in east London (Mile End) for a year now, and have only ever found one "good" junk shop, on Roman Road.

I say "good" because what I mean is "crammed with junk, mostly of no value, but with the strong possibility of coming across something very nice indeed; not a forgotten Prouve, just a decent piece of old furniture". I've been to the one of Romn Road three times and once came away with a beautiful c1920 trunk; that easily repaid the investment of time and effort.

So, does anyone know of any place like this between the City and the Lea Valley?

Can my antique record cabinet be saved?

wheat — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:03:57 -0800

Hand sanitizer stained (really, lightened) my antique furniture. Is there a remedy? I have an antique record cabinet (1920s-ish, I think) in the baby's room. A pump bottle of Purell hand sanitizer was on top of it. Some stray sanitizer hit the face of the cabinet and its top and reacted in some way with the finish. Now there are whitish streaks where it landed and was absorbed. Any ideas on what might fix it? I tried some 0000 steel wool on one of the small spots on the top. This seemed to lighten it and the rest as well, but might work. It is the streak on the door is the most worrisome part.

I crave age.

greytape — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:25:15 -0800

What's the oldest man-made thing I can buy for €1500-2000? I remember watching an antiques program years ago and seeing a Native American sculpture that they dated to around the 5th century, being sold for not all that much. I'd really like something like that.
I'm guessing coins are probably my best bet, or maybe arrow heads, but I'd really like a bit of pottery or something. So taking into account the coolness/oldness matrix, could I pick something suitable for a few thousand dollars that was a thousand years plus? If so, what?

My anachronism's broken.

fish tick — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:21:42 -0800

Low-tech repair help needed. I have acquired a Royal Quiet De Luxe manual typewriter (The World's First Truly Modern Portable Typewriter!). The booklet has a 1948 copyright date. The cord that pulls the carriage is broken, though, and I'm not sure exactly how to thread a replacement one. Does anybody have one of these typewriters who could take a photo of the back, or otherwise instruct me?

Findiing toy stores, typewriters in Los Angeles.

Charlie Lesoine — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:18:12 -0800

Los Angeles shopping filter: Is there a big toy store like FAO Schwartz in LA? Also where can I buy a working mechanical typewriter? I'm looking to buy some last minute Christmas gifts. Any info on giant toy stores or anywhere I might find a typewriter for cheap, perhaps a multi-vendor antique market or store. Or a giant pawn shop...in Los Angeles

Name this flag

Bighappyfunhouse — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:48:23 -0800

My Google-fu has failed me. I cannot for the life of me find any information on this flag. It's big 62" x 42", five stars, red and white stripes and this stamp located on the edge. Seems to have some age. Maybe WW2ish. Thanks!

Removing a powerfully bad smell?

beckish — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:15:14 -0800

So I got this beautiful antique chest of drawers which is perfect except that it stinks, really badly...please help. The insides of the drawers are sticky with what I can only assume is really, really awful old perfume. I tried putting the drawers on the fire escape to air out but the chest stinks even more with the drawers out. Now I have the drawers back in with a pile of baking soda in each one. Is there any hope?

Vintage finds in Ireland?

seekingsimplicity — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:19:01 -0800

I am traveling to Kilkenny Ireland and Clifden Ireland next week. Is there any good antiqueing in either of those towns? I am not looking for furniture but rather tea pot/china/silver and flea market type stuff. Thank you!

Antiques/thrifts off I-95 near Philly?

citron — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:11:45 -0800

DC to Philly road trip - Any recommendations for neat antique or thrift stores along the way (ie, not far off I-95)? I am planning to drive basically a straight shot up there on 95, and have to pick up an item at 2, so I prefer not to veer too far off an exit.

I'm looking for unique furniture, vintage clothes, maybe a cool lamp.. Just basically any place you might find something neat at a cheap price.