Life
When somebody pays big money for something that’s useless
Antiques made of iron, even clown’s heads like this one, have long been coveted by collectors.
Life
Pottery ring was a lifesaver for parched 19th century farmers
The circular tube was a water flask for when streams were far away. An example recently sold for…
Life
This ivory pie crimper was made in the 1800s by a sailor
Sailors had time to carve ivory objects, often as gifts, and the ankle and leg were considered erotic.
Life
Unusual ‘Modern gothic’ woven wire daybed auctions for $3,125
The bed still has the original fabric-wrapped metal wire webbing the designer patented in 1879.
Life
Goldscheider family had a profound influence on ceramics
A new book could stimulate interest in the family’s work — and raise prices for collectors.
Life
Agrillite carvings by the Haida people can fetch big money
The fine-grained black siltstone comes from just one place on Earth: Slatechuck Creek on Haida Gwaii.
Life
Great-grandma probably had one of these boxes in her kitchen
This pine box from the 1850s was for proofing bread dough. The lid was a place to rest…
Life
This American-flag table is rare — and worth a lot of dough
“Unique” is a word that is often misused by collectors. It means one of a kind. There can…
Life
Little is known about exotically dressed dancer figurines
Their Art Deco style remains popular a century later — many have sold for up to $1,500.
Life
Many emotions and interests motivate people to collect
Do they hoard to replace something that was missing in their life? Or is it interest history or…
Life
Popcorn wagons, the food trucks of yesteryear, popular again
A horse-drawn wagon from 1910 built by Charles Cretors fetched $34,000 at an antiques auction.
Life
Correct marks make all the difference in figurines’ value
A pair of authentic 7½-inch-high figures of a Sultan and Sultana sold at recently for $1,220.
Life
America’s first symbol, Miss Liberty, is all but forgotten
She held a sword, wreath, shield decorated with stars and stripes, and wore the Phrygian liberty cap.
Life
Wine-tasting table was probably never used when tasting wine
It’s now known to be a tea or dessert table that held plates, cups, saucers and food for…
Life
Nantucket lightship crew made baskets to stave off boredom
The rare lollipop basket features a top rim with round pieces that look like little lollipops.
Life
Rare optician’s eye test chart was made in the 19th century
The chart priced at $2,200 has a metal lamp visor and a linen scroll with letters of different…
Life
Hires Root Beer ad, made in the 1920s, features a flapper girl
But most of Hires ads had few pictures, just descriptions of its health values or the good shape.
Life
Solve the puzzle to drink from this pitcher without spilling
The elaborately decorated vessel with a hidden “straw” was made in Budapest, Hungary, in about 1895.
Life
Vintage flag made of crocheted crepe paper sold for $344
The 48-star banner was probably made to display at a Forth of July or “Welcome Home Soldier” party.
Life
Kem Weber was modernism’s leading West Coast proponent
The modern architect and designer was most known for creating the sleek “Airline” chair.