About Antiques, Coins, Collectibles and Banknotes

It is mid morning at the regular weekly session of the local auction house. Prices are along the normal range and most of the items sold are glass, porcelain, primitives, and other small collectibles. Hammer prices are in the $10 to $200 range. Finally, the long awaited item comes up for auction. It is a 1840s Papier-mâché snuffbox. The box is 3 ½” in diameter and about ¾” high, with a large chunk missing on the inside lip. However, the lid is decorated with a hand painted miniature of Gen. Zack Taylor, Old Rough and Ready, the hero of the...

You are holding a small and delicate box in your hand. The lid is decorated with a miniature painting of a singing bird perched on a tree branch. It looks like it is made of porcelain and has a metal jointed closure. The inside mirror on the back of the lid is clouded from age. You recognize beauty in this small treasure. What you don’t know is how old it is? Who made it? Where it was made? And what it was used for? Well, it turns out you are holding an English enameled patch box. The box was probably...

  #110030799 / gettyimages.com Gamal and I will be heading off to Amish country for a week of fun, relaxation and buying.  We will try to share experiences and photos starting next week.  

Have you heard of the "Antique Marks" website?  This is a great site for pottery marks, antique terms, glossary and history.  Also talks about caring for rugs, carpets silver and glass.  http://www.antique-marks.com.