Tag Archives: antique

Old Time Instruments

 

cigar boxes It was suggested to me to write about old time “Cigar Box Guitars”, and I said “SAY WHAT”!  What is a cigar box guitar? You’re talking to a person that doesn’t know the difference between fret boards to a banjo string. This subject matter of old time instruments is a totally new topic for me, but maybe . . . that’s OK … I’ll learn. Research on new material is the real fun part of blogging and the subject matter on cigar box guitars did get my Mo-Jo working.

“A poor man’s cigar box guitar…Eh”. I can do this!

I used to be an avid cigar smoker so I am familiar with the different styles and sizes of boxes. Hell, I used to collect them for a hobby. This topic could be right up my alley. I enjoy music, but … that’s as far as my talent goes with making instruments.

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Are Antique Picture Frames Highly Collectable

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Are Antique Picture Frames collectible or just, overrated? An old picture frame is one of those things that are sadly ignored by most of the general art collecting public, especially in North America.

2 people in a old frameYears ago, most older frames were recognized as pieces of art and, in their own right were priced accordingly. Now  in today’s market, they are generally a forgotten item. Which means, you can pick up these beautiful old frames for a very low dollar price.

Look past the farmer and his wife.

But remember, you have to look past the Portrait of the old farmer and his wife. Just look at the quality, handmade, and in some cases, hand-carved frames.farmers in an old picture frame

If you collect any type of masterpiece’s, whether it’s a lithograph, watercolor or oil paintings and proudly display them in galleries or in the foyer of your home or business. Then you should consider that time period of frame to complement your artwork.

Things to note on good old frames.

  • They could very well complement your old picture or the painstaking oil portrait that you just finished of your favorite Auntie.
  • The average public back then could not afford these handmade, hand-carved frames so most were bought by wealthy clients.
  • Also note: don’t be discouraged if they are a little rough around the edges. You can still buy products today to repair damaged old frames.

Some of these older frames are good examples of folk art. While others can be dated to a particular style (Art Deco, Faux Bois) or a time period. Frames are one of those items that don’t get moved around much from where they originally were hung. So in most cases, you will find these frames with minimal damage or wear.

Look at these frames through different eyes!

Now, next time you’re at your favorite antique auction house, try and look at those quality old pieces of art through different eyes. You will see the beauty and workmanship that went into every one of these exquisite looking frames.  While you’re at it, check out the old dated, rippled, not so perfect glass, you know the glass with the air bubbles still in them.

But of course, the industrial revolution changed all that around the (1850s)” where the “hand carving” was done by “machines” which, just looks hand carved.

FOR INFORMATION ON ANTIQUE FRAMES, CHECK OUT THIS SITE.

This is part 5 of

“THE LEAST YOU SHOULD KNOW” 50 Series.

If my posting is not correct, please go to this link.

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Fun Day At an Estate AUCTION

     Auction time in the big smoke

Auction time in the big smoke and all the online information was intriguing enough that we planned on attending. The night before the auction I downloaded all the pictures/ information and did little a research to get set for the next day. It does look to be a good auction. A few hours to go before I hit the sack and I picked up my favorite book to read, Killer Stuff and Tons of Money.  Very interesting read on flea markets and antiquing. through the eyes of one main character and the author.

In this one chapter, he talks about this old hard to find 6 board blanket chest/box. I’m reading this article like it was my last will and testament. We live in an old order Mennonite community and it is  possible I will run into one of these boxes and as the story goes, the ordinary settlers had all their belongings in one of these chests as they immigrated to the new world, it’s (not mistaken for steamer trunks) These chests  were crude, and probably not very stylish, but, did the job.

The old Wooden chest just like in the book

After a good nights sleep, off we went. The auction had many antiques and collectibles, just what we’re looking for but this old rough looking pile of lumber caught my eye and Na … couldn’t be an old wood chest. It had all the makings of being old, rough saw marks on the underside of the wood, hand cut dovetail construction/joints, old handmade steel, and forged hinges. A very nice 6 boarded chest with a small tray on the inside. A very acceptable condition, this was a nice find.

Knowing that it was old I didn’t have enough time to do my research on the box……. Short of the article in the book, I know nothing about this style of chest.

The auction had started and my mind was totally on that chest and  “most of the antiques went too high anyway” After 2 hours the auction helpers went around the chest, to the other corner of the building, then the other corner, then they started selling cups and the saucers separately and still my chest sits there.

Why is it always the last item

Finally up it comes and now we’re in the bidding mode. Nobody started the bidding and that could be a good sign, so I started the bid and then there was another, If you have ever been to an auction, you know how it goes. I lost the bid … that extra $10… well, maybe. What are the chances that it was the same 6 board blanket chest that I read about in the book????? … We’ll never know.

“The moral of the story”:

Should have, Could have… BUT DIDN’T,

“but I still have my money”.

Antiques for sale

Did I mention that we have ANTIQUES-for-Sale?

Just inquire in my comment section.

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