Life
This ceramic charger fits right into art nouveau, or ‘Jugendstil’ in German
Jugendstil means “young style” in German. This decorated plate made circa 1900 sold for $2,500 at Auctions at…
Terry and Kim Kovel
Life
I scream, you scream, we all scream for … glace? Well, in France, yes.
This ice cream vendor toy, which sold for $1,800 at auction, reminds us of France’s role in popularizing…
Life
A real moose would gobble up your garden. Not this life-sized replica.
This zinc figure, which sold for $3,328 at auction, might even spook other wild creatures keen on eating…
Life
Attributed to famous 19th-century design firm, table sees its value soar
This Aesthetic Movement table — with its ebonized finish, incised gilt decoration and flower panels — sold for…
Life
Hitting a homer is hard for most. On this machine, we all have a chance
This restored 1930s Jennings slot machine — with candy prizes for knocking it out of the park —…
Life
Many famous design firms were built to last because sons joined fathers
Nineteenth-century silversmith Samuel Kirk’s legacy lives on today because his sons and grandson followed in his footsteps.
Life
As glassmaking was streamlined, Clevenger Brothers stuck by old techniques
From its medium blue color to its rough pontil mark, this hand-blown vase stays true to traditional glassmaking…
Life
Not to be confused with spongeware, this mug is spattered with color
This example of spatterware is unique for its design and rainbow of colors, which is why it sold…
Life
Cast-iron sign offers 3 simple steps for safety in case a train’s a comin’
Advising people to stop, look and listen, this old sign is more instructive than newer X-shaped railroad crossing…
Life
Gnomes, per lore, are more than garden decor. This guy’s ready to travel.
In fact, his atypical attributes — a blue cap and total lack of garden tools — make this…
Life
Mickey Mouse and Buddha are among this bracelet’s 21 charms. But why?
This piece’s eclectic mix of charms must say something about its former owner. Regardless, it sold for $1,206…
Life
An example of delftware, this decorative plate sports polychrome blooms
Delft is a type of tin-glazed earthenware pottery born in Holland. This 16th century English piece sold for…
Life
To most, tiles are utilitarian. To some, they’re a sought-after art form.
Collectors particularly prize tiles made by early 20th century art potteries. This Wheatley piece sold for $216 at…
Life
Don’t blow a bundle on glass supposedly made by the Henry William Stiegel
Why? Faked signatures, reused molds and imitated styles can make it unclear who actually made any given piece…
Life
For some, this cigar lighter’s sinister symbolism is especially striking
Whether it is a sincere or ironic reference to tobacco as poison, this snake-shaped lighter sold for $1,599…
Life
This Japanese clock is designed to account for seasonal shifts in daylight
Days and nights are divided into units called “toki,” similar to hours in a day, except these adjust…
Life
Over 200 years, the magic lantern transformed into an educational peacock
Regarded as magic in the 1650s, this device was refined into the more scientific sounding sciopticon by the…
Life
What we might call a bar cart began as Victorian England’s tea trolley
Whatever you call it and however you use it, this birch wood cart with white enameled wheels attracted…
Life
These pickles mark your spot and serve as memorable advertising for Heinz
Whimsical, attention-grabbing bookmarks like these are both fun and practical. This set of nine sold for $130 at…
Life
Foregoing his love of watercolor, this artist became the king of enamels
Kenneth Bates brought the craft out of jewelry houses and into the hands of hobbyists. This piece sold…