Never touch the surface of a daguerrotype or an ambrotype. The perspiration will stain the image.
To clean wax from glass candlesticks, scrape with a wooden stick, then wash off the remaining wax with rubbing alcohol.
To remove white water stains from wood, put a piece of blotter paper over the spot. Press with a warm iron. The spot should vanish. If it doesn't, rub it with lemon oil.
If you receive a package of glass antiques during cold weather, let it sit inside for a few hours before opening it. The glass must return to room temperature slowly or it may crack.
If a piece of paper becomes stuck to the finish of a dresser top, soak the paper with mineral oil. Let it sit a few hours, then rub with a rough cloth. Repeat until the paper is removed.
To remove dirt or pencil marks from a vinyl doll, wrap doll so only the marked part shows. Rub mark with solid vegetable shortening and place doll in the sun for the day.
Stains on porcelain can be removed by soaking in a mixture of two tablespoons of Polident denture cleaner in a quart of tepid water.
Stained glass windows are more stable than they look. Small cracks in the glass, even a bowed window, is usually not a problem. Cracked solder joints between pieces of glass should be repaired.
A hair dryer set on cool can be used to blow the dust off very ornate pieces of porcelain.
Enjoy these tips, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS Everyone!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Recent Additions at Hourglass Antiques & Collectibles
New this week is a set of Frankart chariot horse-head bookends from 1934. With manes flying and nostrils flaring, they cry "Art Deco" in a bold way! They are a golden color over gray metal, and have developed a fine bronze patina over the years. They're marked, "Frankart Inc. Pat. Appld For" on the base. According to the "Collector's Guide To Bookends", these are considered very hard-to-find.
Another rare find is our Royal Copley "Stuffed Animal" elephant planter. Reminiscent of the poem, "The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat", these pieces have prominent 'seam stitching' and colorful patterns. This fella is off-white with lime green polka-dots and has his original foil sticker. He's circa 1940's and in excellent condition.
Also seldom seen is our Doranne of California circus elephant cookie jar. She's decorated with curlyQ swirls and wears a ruffled collar. With her trunk pointed straight up and her ears straight out, it's hard to believe she's survived in such great condition.
We've also added an amber Depression glass beverage set in the "Old English" pattern, a milk glass swung vase with hand painted Magnolias, a circa 1880 hand painted glass oil lamp, a pair of intricately carved cinnabar urns on wooden stands, a Lenox Belleek mug with dragon handle, Nippon, Czech, and German porcelain, and miscellaneous Barberiana.
Our special this month is a coupon for $15. off any order of $55. or more, or $40. off any order of $150. or more. These are good through October 15, 2005, and can be used with regular priced AND sale merchandise! We back all purchases with a 7-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. So kick off your shoes and pay us a visit real soon!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
New Additions at Hourglass Antiques & Collectibles
We've just added 15 vintage purses, including a carved Lucite box purse with allover cross-hatching. Even the bottom and handle are cross-hatched. And it's in excellent condition! Another purse we're proud to offer is an 800 silver fine mesh purse with bottom fringe. It's origin, judging from the hallmarks, is probably London, England, circa 1890. Other purses include Corde', Whiting & Davis Alumesh with Bakelite frame, tapestry, hand beaded, and tooled leather.
Royal Doulton's "Pomeroy" pattern was produced from the original Davenport engravings of 1793. The rims are slightly scalloped and fluted with an intricate flowers and fruit border. When there is a center motif, it's of a floral bouquet in an urn which sits on a wall. Doulton made this pattern in several styles, including all blue, all red, blue or red with multi-color border & no center design, and red with multi-color floral center. We've just listed several pieces of this latter style. What's interesting is that the center floral of the dinner plate differs from the center floral of the bread and butter or the soup bowl ~ each center is different. We have dinner plates, flat soups, bread and butters, tea plates, and cream soups and saucers.
Our glass hat selection has just grown from five to nineteen. We've added Fenton opalescent, cranberry optic, Blenko crackle glass, a black glass advertising, and others in milk glass, crystal, amber, and green.
We've created a new category named "Johnson Brothers" under the main heading "Dinnerware". This was to accommodate the newly added "English Chippendale" china. This pattern features an allover red design of Cabbage Roses, stems & leaves, and other blossoms on a white ground. The rims are scalloped and embossed. This is a popular pattern because it resembles the chintz designs so in demand today. We have dinner plates, bread and butters, fruit bowls, cups and saucers, platters, sugar bowl and creamer, and a wonderful round covered vegetable.
Other new items include Wade whimsies (nursery rhyme characters and wild animals), advertising playing cards (airlines, cruise ship, and Joe Camel), and a 7-piece pattern glass berry set in amber (ca. 1892). Everybody's heard of the Poky Little Puppy, but how many Poky figurines have you seen? We have one! Wouldn't he look cute displayed next to your childhood Golden Book?
Our Anniversary Sale is ongoing, and although newly listed, the items in the preceding paragraph are all marked down. The sale marks our 14th year in the antiques and collectibles business. Including internet auctions, we've satisfied over 1000 online customers, and hundreds before that locally. We back all our items with a money-back satisfaction guarantee. So visit our shop soon! Sale ends August 31st.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Antiques Care Tips
I promised you more tips to care for your antiques, so here we go.....
Large, old paintings look great above a mantelpiece, but if there is a working fire beneath, damage from heat, smoke, and dust can be damaging.
Overcleaning plated silver wears through to the base metal over time. Sheffield plate should not be replated, while electroplate can be. Liquid dipping solutions are not recommended for tarnish removal.
A wall-hung textile should be backed with linen and hung on a wall that is flat and free from moisture, an not facing a window. Hang with the warp running verically to take the strain, as the wefts tend to stretch and distort.
Vintage hats should be gently shaken out regularly. Dust can also be removed by using a blow dryer set on cool. Never leave hatpins in as they leave rust marks and holes. Store in acid-free boxes. While replacement feathers can be found, some are from extinct species, so look for spares at antique shops or markets.
Never set the time on an antique clock by moving the hands backward. Before moving a pendulum clock, the pendulum must be removed or locked in place. Tall case (Grandfather) clocks should be screwed to the wall, as they are top heavy and could topple over.
Never keep old metal toys in a kitchen or bathroom; humidity hastens the natural degradation of the tinplate or diecast alloy. It's best to display them in a glazed cabinet, using sachets of silica gel to control humidity.
Never display pewter, lead, or diecast collectibles in an oak cabinet. The acidic atmosphere will cause decay.
Until next time......
Large, old paintings look great above a mantelpiece, but if there is a working fire beneath, damage from heat, smoke, and dust can be damaging.
Overcleaning plated silver wears through to the base metal over time. Sheffield plate should not be replated, while electroplate can be. Liquid dipping solutions are not recommended for tarnish removal.
A wall-hung textile should be backed with linen and hung on a wall that is flat and free from moisture, an not facing a window. Hang with the warp running verically to take the strain, as the wefts tend to stretch and distort.
Vintage hats should be gently shaken out regularly. Dust can also be removed by using a blow dryer set on cool. Never leave hatpins in as they leave rust marks and holes. Store in acid-free boxes. While replacement feathers can be found, some are from extinct species, so look for spares at antique shops or markets.
Never set the time on an antique clock by moving the hands backward. Before moving a pendulum clock, the pendulum must be removed or locked in place. Tall case (Grandfather) clocks should be screwed to the wall, as they are top heavy and could topple over.
Never keep old metal toys in a kitchen or bathroom; humidity hastens the natural degradation of the tinplate or diecast alloy. It's best to display them in a glazed cabinet, using sachets of silica gel to control humidity.
Never display pewter, lead, or diecast collectibles in an oak cabinet. The acidic atmosphere will cause decay.
Until next time......
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Hourglass Antiques is celebrating our 14th Anniversary!
We are celebrating our 14th anniversary this August, and we want to include YOU! The Big Anniversary Sale begins July 15th and runs through August 31st. Don't miss this event!
Bill and Evelyn Mancino started their antiques & collectibles business in August of 1991. They had been collectors themselves for more than fifteen years when Bill retired from his executive sales position at a major computer firm. His dream, and Evelyn's too, had always been to have an antique shop. But first, they decided, they should get their feet wet by becoming part of an antique mall.
The first mall they became involved with was Tri-City Antique Mall in Largo, Fla. They rented a 12' x 12' space up front with a window. To describe their feeling at this time as 'excited' would be an understatement. Next they opened a 10' x 20' store in the newly opened Floriland Antique Mall in Tampa, and another smaller space in South MacDill Antique Mall. They would go on to be part of two more malls, including Lyon's Head Antique Mall in Holiday, Fla.
By 1999, only one of these malls still existed ~ Lyon's Head. Bill & Evelyn were left with plenty of inventory, and not many options to display it. Their hope of turning their home, built in 1926, into a shop was dashed in 1998 by the local zoning board. That's when they turned to the internet. They became a part of TIAS, The Internet Antique Shop, and have not regretted it for a moment.
With over 1,000 items sold and 665 customers satisfactorily served, Hourglass Antiques is proud of their record at TIAS. They have over 2,500 items on display, ranging from perfume bottles to walking sticks. The anniversay sale will involve the entire store, with discounts up to 50%!
Bill and Evelyn Mancino started their antiques & collectibles business in August of 1991. They had been collectors themselves for more than fifteen years when Bill retired from his executive sales position at a major computer firm. His dream, and Evelyn's too, had always been to have an antique shop. But first, they decided, they should get their feet wet by becoming part of an antique mall. The first mall they became involved with was Tri-City Antique Mall in Largo, Fla. They rented a 12' x 12' space up front with a window. To describe their feeling at this time as 'excited' would be an understatement. Next they opened a 10' x 20' store in the newly opened Floriland Antique Mall in Tampa, and another smaller space in South MacDill Antique Mall. They would go on to be part of two more malls, including Lyon's Head Antique Mall in Holiday, Fla.
By 1999, only one of these malls still existed ~ Lyon's Head. Bill & Evelyn were left with plenty of inventory, and not many options to display it. Their hope of turning their home, built in 1926, into a shop was dashed in 1998 by the local zoning board. That's when they turned to the internet. They became a part of TIAS, The Internet Antique Shop, and have not regretted it for a moment.
With over 1,000 items sold and 665 customers satisfactorily served, Hourglass Antiques is proud of their record at TIAS. They have over 2,500 items on display, ranging from perfume bottles to walking sticks. The anniversay sale will involve the entire store, with discounts up to 50%!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Happy Fourth of July to everyone in the U.S.!
We're having a Sizzlin’ Summer Jewelry Sale! All costume jewelry and fine estate jewelry reduced 15%-30% through July 15th. Don’t miss this event!
This sale includes fine estate jewelry with gemstones, pearls, and cameos in 14kt & 18kt gold, vintage signed and unsigned costume jewelry, and sterling gemstone jewelry.
We've been providing quality antiques and collectibles for over 14 years and have hundreds of satisfied customers. In addition to jewelry, we offer English, European, and Japanese porcelain, art pottery, art glass, Depression glass, carnival glass, vintage prints, perfume bottles, figurines, American dinnerware, advertising collectibles, ephemera such as magazines, postage stamps, and postcards, teddy bears and other toys, all types of books, kitchenware, quilts and dresser scarves, barbershop items, vintage clothing and accessories including handbags, hats, shoes, and spectacles, Black Americana and other memorabilia, watches, furniture, LP's and 45's, and much more!
In addition to a wide range of collectibles, we offer a 7-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Returns are accepted for any reason, as long as the item is in the same condition as when we shipped it. Quality customer service is a high priority at Hourglass Antiques!
We add to our inventory on a regular basis, so each visit will bring new opportunities for you to add to your collection. Our homepage has a "Newest Additions" link for viewing items added within the past 60 days. We encourage questions, offers, and special requests. So come visit us soon!
We're having a Sizzlin’ Summer Jewelry Sale! All costume jewelry and fine estate jewelry reduced 15%-30% through July 15th. Don’t miss this event!
This sale includes fine estate jewelry with gemstones, pearls, and cameos in 14kt & 18kt gold, vintage signed and unsigned costume jewelry, and sterling gemstone jewelry.
We've been providing quality antiques and collectibles for over 14 years and have hundreds of satisfied customers. In addition to jewelry, we offer English, European, and Japanese porcelain, art pottery, art glass, Depression glass, carnival glass, vintage prints, perfume bottles, figurines, American dinnerware, advertising collectibles, ephemera such as magazines, postage stamps, and postcards, teddy bears and other toys, all types of books, kitchenware, quilts and dresser scarves, barbershop items, vintage clothing and accessories including handbags, hats, shoes, and spectacles, Black Americana and other memorabilia, watches, furniture, LP's and 45's, and much more!In addition to a wide range of collectibles, we offer a 7-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Returns are accepted for any reason, as long as the item is in the same condition as when we shipped it. Quality customer service is a high priority at Hourglass Antiques!
We add to our inventory on a regular basis, so each visit will bring new opportunities for you to add to your collection. Our homepage has a "Newest Additions" link for viewing items added within the past 60 days. We encourage questions, offers, and special requests. So come visit us soon!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Collecting Teddy Bears
One of my passions is collecting antique teddy bears. There are sub-categories within this category: miniature bears, Steiff only, and bruins on wheels, to name a few. I wish I had the "geld" to collect only Steiff bears!
I have a few Steiff bears, including a Panda, which isn't a true teddy bear, according to some people. "True" teddy bears are ones that resemble the first teddy bear, made in 1903. To each his own, I say!
A Brief Teddy Bear Timeline
In 1902 President Theodore Roosevelt makes national news when he refuses to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi.
The Washington Post publishes a cartoon of the incident in November of 1902. An American, named Morris Michtom, sees the cartoon and his wife, Rose, designs a toy stuffed bear. Mr. Michtom writes to President Roosevelt, asking for permission to name his bear after him. The President agrees, and "Teddy's Bear", the most commercially successful toy ever, is born.
In 1903 an American toy buyer, at a German trade show, purchases 3000 upright bears made by Steiff. Strictly by coincidence, Steiff had produced a line of upright bears in 1902, which did not catch on in Germany. The Steiff bruins, which stood on all fours, were very popular there, however. As the legend goes, Steiff was ready to discontinue the upright bear line when the 3000 bears were purchased for the burgeoning American market.
In 1906 other American toy manufacturers get in on the action, including Horsman. (The Michtom's endeavor becomes The Ideal Toy Co.) In Germany, Hermann and Bing become notable competitors with Steiff, and all three companies export bears across Europe. About 1915 the Teddy Bear catches on in England, and notable firms like Farnell and Chiltern lead the way. A decade later, Chad Valley and Merrythought maufacture beautiful teddies.
This period is known as the Golden Age o
One of my passions is collecting antique teddy bears. There are sub-categories within this category: miniature bears, Steiff only, and bruins on wheels, to name a few. I wish I had the "geld" to collect only Steiff bears!
I have a few Steiff bears, including a Panda, which isn't a true teddy bear, according to some people. "True" teddy bears are ones that resemble the first teddy bear, made in 1903. To each his own, I say!
A Brief Teddy Bear Timeline
In 1902 President Theodore Roosevelt makes national news when he refuses to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi.
The Washington Post publishes a cartoon of the incident in November of 1902. An American, named Morris Michtom, sees the cartoon and his wife, Rose, designs a toy stuffed bear. Mr. Michtom writes to President Roosevelt, asking for permission to name his bear after him. The President agrees, and "Teddy's Bear", the most commercially successful toy ever, is born.In 1903 an American toy buyer, at a German trade show, purchases 3000 upright bears made by Steiff. Strictly by coincidence, Steiff had produced a line of upright bears in 1902, which did not catch on in Germany. The Steiff bruins, which stood on all fours, were very popular there, however. As the legend goes, Steiff was ready to discontinue the upright bear line when the 3000 bears were purchased for the burgeoning American market.
In 1906 other American toy manufacturers get in on the action, including Horsman. (The Michtom's endeavor becomes The Ideal Toy Co.) In Germany, Hermann and Bing become notable competitors with Steiff, and all three companies export bears across Europe. About 1915 the Teddy Bear catches on in England, and notable firms like Farnell and Chiltern lead the way. A decade later, Chad Valley and Merrythought maufacture beautiful teddies.
This period is known as the Golden Age o
Monday, June 20, 2005
Victorian Calling Cards
In Victorian times, calling cards were used for announcing one's arrival at the home of a friend or acquaintance. The maid would bring the card to the mistress of the house. The cards for gentlemen were different than those for visiting ladies. Ladies' cards were decorated with die-cuts, embossed, or fringed. Men's were more plain.
Here is an exerpt from Harper's Bazaar, ca. 1868: "Visiting cards for the coming season are of unglazed card board, large and almost square. Tinted cards, especially buff, are fashionable. The lettering is in old English text, or in script. The expense of fifty cards is $3.50.
Here is an exerpt from Harper's Bazaar, ca. 1868: "Visiting cards for the coming season are of unglazed card board, large and almost square. Tinted cards, especially buff, are fashionable. The lettering is in old English text, or in script. The expense of fifty cards is $3.50. One corner of the card is turned down to denote the object of the visit. In different cities a different signification is attached to these broken cards. We give the custom of New York society. On the left hand upper corner the word Visite is engraved on the reverse side. This corner is turned downed, displaying the word on the front of the card to signify that an ordinary call is made. On the right hand corner is Felicitation, to be used when making a visit of congratulation on some happy event, such as a marriage, or the birth of a child. On the left lower side is Conge, or Good-by. The remaining corner is marked Condolence."
Calling cards fall into the antique category of "ephemera", or paper collectibles. Related categories are calling card cases and calling card receivers. Card receivers held cards left by visitors who called while the mistress was out or 'not receiving'.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Hi Folks,
Did you know that marble or granite countertops should be washed with distilled water, soft soap, and a bit of ammonia? Mix in a plastic container and apply. Traces of acid or iron in tap water will cause deterioration or stains.
We recently had our old formica countertops replaced with granite. I love the look! You can put hot pots on it.... Yea! And you can chop on it.... Yea, again!
I'll be adding more tips, so check back again! Or you may find them on the homepage of my website: www.hourglass-antiques.com. Happy antiqing!
~ Evelyn
Did you know that marble or granite countertops should be washed with distilled water, soft soap, and a bit of ammonia? Mix in a plastic container and apply. Traces of acid or iron in tap water will cause deterioration or stains.
We recently had our old formica countertops replaced with granite. I love the look! You can put hot pots on it.... Yea! And you can chop on it.... Yea, again!
I'll be adding more tips, so check back again! Or you may find them on the homepage of my website: www.hourglass-antiques.com. Happy antiqing!
~ Evelyn
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