Life
You’d be hard pressed to spot a flaw in this amethyst-purple glass vase
This 19th-century, tulip-shaped vase was made with pressed glass and natural gemstone coloring. It sold for $960 at…
Life
While snails can symbolize laziness, their shells have long inspired art
Adorned with colorful glass “jewels,” this miniature brass snail’s shell was striking enough to fetch $51 at auction.
Life
Made to last, old furniture is reborn when altered to suit modern tastes
This secretaire cabinet, made around 1830, was refinished in an elaborate East Asian style. It sold for $9,274…
Life
Stained-glass screens did more than block stray sparks from the fireplace
Fire screens were once made of wood, leather, wicker and papier-mache. Then came the bright idea to use…
Life
With a clock like this, you’ll never need to buy a new calendar again
This calendar clock, which sold for $5,100 at auction, is said to correct for the days of each…
Life
Annoying Christmas song inspired exquisite glass figurine
This Steuben Glass Works piece contains a tiny 18k gold partridge in — you guessed it — a…
Life
Santa’s image has been influenced by history, folklore and advertisements
This country store Santa holds an American flag even though the North Pole is his traditonal home. It…
Life
Famed Della Robbia pottery was made in America — by a native of England
Frederick Hurten Rhead designed Roseville Pottery’s most famous art pottery line, named for an Italian Renaissance sculptor.
Life
This fantastic chair carved from walnut takes the form of an ostrich
“Fantasy furniture,” hundreds of years old, can depict both real and mythical animals. This piece sold for $3,276…
Life
Early 20th century Puffy lamps don’t need to be on to brighten up a room
With three-dimensional designs painted on the shade, lamps like this don’t need darkness to provide decorative value.
Life
Emile Galle infused furniture with elements of his better-known glass work
This tea table from the pioneer of art nouveau is stylistically similar to his cameo glass. It sold…
Life
This platter is fit for a Thanksgiving feast — even if it was made in England
Though it’s adorned with the all-American turkey, this platter bears the marking of an English pottery company.
Life
If ads are any indication, Coke is fit for any occasion — even Thanksgiving
Like so much of Coca-Cola’s vintage advertising, this banner circa 1950 is a collector’s item. It sold for…
Life
Rare 40-star flag represents just a few fleeting days in American history
For six days in November 1889, the nation had 40 states. This flag from that time sold for…
Life
This postcard from 1911 wishes its recipient ‘A Merry Halloween’
Featuring familiar Halloween icons in an old-fashioned style, this card once went for a cent. More recently, it…
Life
Holes in this George E. Ohr mug make drinking tricky
Made by “the Mad Potter of Biloxi” — or “the best potter in America,” as Ohr called himself…
Life
Sometimes, terms like ‘legs’ and ‘feet’ on furniture aren’t figurative
This zebra hide table, which sold for $500 at auction, stands on the literal legs and hooves of…
Life
Home grocery delivery predates online shopping by decades
This bicycle from 1930s England was built for delivering groceries. It sold at auction for $1,200 in U.S.…
Life
Grapevine pitcher was made by renowned Bohemian company
Also, queries about grandmother’s coffee set and late husband’s Beatles records and memorabilia collection.
Life
This shell-shaped vase would make a fine souvenir of summer fun
It may not be a real shell, but this art nouveau piece could still evoke fond memories of…