Folk-Art chairs make unique collectibles

#Middlebury It is sometimes the unique collectible at a show or sale that is a “must have” for an unsuspecting collector. Folk-art collectors often see “one-offs” that are too ... Continue Reading →

Halloweeniana now second only to Christmas

#Middlebury Halloweeniana is now one of the major holiday collecting categories, second only to Christmas. Jack-o’-lanterns, figural candy containers of papier-mache, and crepe ... Continue Reading →

Three methods add color to clear glass

#Middlebury #Kovels Is a red-and-white glass decanter made of cased glass, flashed glass or stained glass? All three were methods of adding color to a clear glass piece to make it more ... Continue Reading →

Racehorse weathervane sells for thousands

#Middlebury The recent hurricane and flooding in the Carolinas show how important weather, rain and wind are to everyday life, both now and in the distant past. Weathervanes told the ... Continue Reading →

Burmese glass lamp commands high price

#Middlebury American homes in the 1700s seem very colorless today when compared with log cabins and many restored homes and buildings. Ceramics during that time usually were made of ... Continue Reading →

Sample plates are very rare

#Middlebury Ever wonder how the rich American families in the 18th century bought their dishes, glassware and other necessities from foreign countries? Many of the best sets of dishes ... Continue Reading →

Victorian furniture sells for low prices

#Middlebury Large, ornate Victorian furniture is selling for low prices at auctions for many reasons. Houses are smaller and bedrooms have more windows and closets, so there are fewer ... Continue Reading →

Decorative screens can act as giant paintings

#Middlebury Decorative screens were being used in rooms in China by the 7th century. But they were not used in Europe until the 1500s. It wasn’t until the 17th century that they ... Continue Reading →

Chinese twins brought harmony and union

#Middlebury Once, long ago in China there was a pair of immortal twins, one bringing harmony and the other union, according to the legends. So artists made figurines showing the twin ... Continue Reading →

Bell toys were made after Civil War

#Middlebury Bell toys, a type of pull toy that had moving parts that rang a bell, were made in America just after the Civil War. The Gong Bell Co. of Connecticut made the first one. ... Continue Reading →