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Christmas toys from Victorian times make for great decor
Do you have an antique Christmas board game? Prop it against the wall near your tree for decoration.
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A note was found taped to the bottom of this birdcage rocker
The writing traced the Windsor chair back to a Massachusetts woman who was hung as a witch.
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Miniature pool table is actually a match holder for a table
Did you know? There is a difference between a match strike, match safe, match case and match holder.
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Devilish Krampus figure holds a basket of naughty children
This evil man was part of German holiday lore for centuries, a frightening idea that was suppressed.
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Carved mermaid on hanging lamp fully clothed in 1900s fashion
Mermaids and mermen have been “seen” and pictured since the Babylonian era.
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Antique obelisks made of rare Blue John stone and rock crystal
This form of mineral fluorite with bands of purplish-blue or yellow was found in the 18th century.
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Early whistles were molded from clay into shape of a bird
The center of these whistles held water. Blowing into a hole made the water move and make a…
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Settee inspired by Adams brothers, 18th century designers
The brothers admired and adapted the classic styles of Greece and Rome.
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Halloween memorabilia is 4th in popularity with collectors
The holiday formerly known as Allhallows Eve is behind Christmas, Fourth of July and Easter.
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Inkwells, obsolete for 140 years, now prized by collectors
Examples from the 18th century are much sought-after.
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‘Pope Joan’ game was popular pastime in 18th century homes
Game boards can be sought-after antiques — just keep them out of the sun.
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‘Foot Art’ table may just be the strangest you’ve ever seen
It has a flat top, one drawer with a human nose for a handle, and a resin foot…
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Water-carriers were popular subjects for pre-photo figurines
The 10- to 15-inch-tall statues were made or porcelain or bronze, and most were glazed in colors.
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Brazier found in Pompeii inspired copies in the 18th century
The excavated piece buried in 78 A.D. was a heater used to warm up a Roman bath in…
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This creepy-looking doll helped 1890s kids learn
And if you have one in the attic, you’ll want to sell it. It’s worth up to $64K.
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Even copies of Tiffany lamps can fetch big money
Lamps made by Philip Julius Handel in Meriden, Connecticut, are now selling for up to $8,000.
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Iron figural garden sprinklers can be worth thousands
The vintage garden pieces were made in all shapes, sizes and materials.
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Mexican Campeche chairs were popular with 2 Founding Fathers
Also called “plantation chairs,” they were common in Southern homes.
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Huckleberry Finn doorstop based on Mark Twain’s character
Cast-iron figural door stops didn’t became popular until the 1910s, when the U.S. began making them.
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Folding fans weren’t just for fashion — they were status symbols
In the 1700s, a talented fan painter was as important as a landscape or portrait artist.