Have you had a chance to see The Firefighter’s Monument that was unveiled in the summer of 2006? It is a collage of the events that involved the New York Fire Department on 9/11. It is 56 feet long and is a bronze mass that has the names of the 343 NYFD personnel who gave their lives that day. It was dedicated to the firefighters “who fell and to those who carry on.” It rests on the site of “10 House”, the home of Engine Company 10 and Ladder Company 10, across Liberty Street from the World Trade Center.
All of us have heard the stories of 9/11. Even to say the word fireman, a person cannot help but associate the events of 9/11 to the profession. It is a job that could require a person to lay down his or her life for strangers and friends alike.
I have an uncle who is a fireman. I know that angels watch over him as he protects and serves his community. I am sure there have been many thoughts and prayers have kept him serving all of these years.
We drew names for Christmas last year and I got Uncle Tim’s name. I saw all sorts of fireman gifts that I could have gotten. The one that really got my attention was a fireman angel.
Fireman angels pay homage to firemen in a way no other gift can. I saw one that had an angel holding a fireman hat and the caption read “Courage”. That was very moving to me. That is the one I gave Uncle Tim and he loved it. It even inspired my aunt to begin a collection. She wants to be able to give it to their children one day for keepsake items.
I would have to say it is one of the best gifts I have ever given. There are many types of fireman angels to choose from. You can pick one that is just right for your gift giving. There are firemen prayer angels that have a prayer inscribed on the figurine. Other fireman angels serve as nightlights, or there are even memorial angels for a fireman you may know who has left a legacy.
This is a gift that doesn’t have to be for a fireman. A fireman angel would be a lovely gift for a child or teen who is aspiring to be a fireman when they grow up. Whatever your situation, fireman angels are inspiring and thoughtful gifts.
While firefighters watch over a sleeping city, who watches over those heros?
Fireman angels, of course! Show your hero you care with fireman angels that guard him while he works. Honor those who risk their lives so that you can feel safe every night.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Over the last ten years, the prevalence of online auction sites like eBay and Ruby Junction has changed the face of collecting antique glassware. On one hand, items once thought to be extremely rare, like iridescent Carnival glassware, were suddenly readily available. On the other hand, items one found in every kitchen cabinet, like mid-century Fire King milk glass coffee cups, were suddenly hot collector’s items and, therefore, very valuable.
Antique Glassware - Libbey Cut Glass
Libbey cut glass is a popular line of antique glassware because virtually all antique Libbey glassware is marked at the factory with the Libbey mark; the presence and style of the signature makes pieces easy to authenticate, identify and date. The mark shows the word “Libbey” written in script. With the tail of the “y” connected to the tail of the “L,” and a curved sword under the word.
Pressed glass can look similar to antique cut glassware, but the difference is in the touch. Cut glass has sharp edges - not sharp enough to cut through skin, but sharp enough to differentiate it from the smooth, rounded edges of pressed glass.
Antique Glassware – Fire King
Fire King mugs, made by Anchor Hocking, are some of the most popular antique glassware items on eBay. Collectors have made old advertising mugs a cottage industry of thief own, with a single 7-Eleven Fire King mug recently selling for $247.50 on eBay. Plain jadeite green mugs are also popular among collectors, with a set of four bringing $260.
If you ever owned Fire King, check your kitchen for a white and red salt and pepper shaker set and a jadeite green ball pitcher. The salt and pepper set brought $650 in a recent auction, and the pitcher $520. Fire King pieces are marked in embossed script, usually on the bottom of a piece. Beware of reproduction jadeite from the late 1990s.
Antique Glassware – Fostoria
The most popular antique Fostoria glassware is clear cut glass, and the blue cut glass also does quite well. An eBay seller recently got $516.99 for a five-inch-tall deep jelly compote that had a small chip on the edge (These chips are diminutively called “flea bites” in the antique glassware business.)
Other Fostoria items that bring top dollar are liquor decanter sets, etched with “bourbon” and “gin” labels, and an eight-inch shallow, flared nappy. (A “nappy” is what antique glassware dealers call a cut glass bowl.)
Antique Glassware – Depression Glass
No glass discussion complete until it mentions antique Depression glassware. Mass-produced in shades of pink, green, blue, and amber, Depression glassware was made during the Great Depression of the 1930s and later.
An aquamarine swirl pitcher made by Jeanette Glass recently brought $1,461 on eBay. The pitcher was described as “flawless” – no flea bites! A blue bowl in the Royal Lace pattern sold for $686.
Popularity: 25% [?]
The popular collections of antiques typically include fully functional furniture made from specific periods of time. Since most antique furniture was produced before the use of power tools and mass production, they are considered stronger and more valuable than many of the pieces made today. Collecting antique furniture usually requires some knowledge about age, how many pieces remain usable today, its condition and use, along with some of the unique features built into a piece of furniture.
It is not so much how old a piece of antique furniture is that makes it valuable, rather its condition and appearance. A 200-year-old table for example, may be beyond repair with water damage or missing a leg or two that cannot be restored, turning that old hunk of wood into firewood. However, there are some basic construction tips that can help people determine the quality of the piece as well as the period in which it was made.
Beyond age and functionality, the piece of antique furniture should still be serviceable, meaning if there is an antique chair, meeting the requirements in all aspects, a person should still be able to sit on it without fear of it breaking. Since nails and other metal fasteners were rarely used on most furniture, the means with which the different pieces are held together can be an indication of its age.
Antique Furniture Restoration Is An Art Form
With many pieces of antique furniture requiring some sort of repairs, it takes a qualified person to restore accurately the piece to near original condition. The amount of wood that has to be replaced will affect the quality and the values of the piece. Typically, collectors look at about 20 to 25-percent as a limit of replacement wood in a piece of antique furniture before they begin to lose interest in the piece.
Most antique furniture was made of mahogany, oak, pine, walnut and rosewood and the type of wood used will affect its value among collectors, and restoring antique furniture requires the same species of wood to be used as in the original construction. Persons with the ability to replicate a table leg with the same species of wood and have the same grain pattern show as in the other legs, can be hard to find.
Today, many factories pump out replicas of antique furniture using laminates to recreate the pattern and grain of some of the most popular woods used in antique furniture. However, with these pieces it is easy to spot the difference between the original construction and today’s mass-produced items.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Antique fishing lures can be highly collectible, valuable, and hard to find. If you have an old tackle box out in the garage or down in the basement, get it out now and check for some of these extremely rare antique fishing lures. The most valuable lures are made of wood, painted and finished to a high gloss, with glass eyes.
Heddon 700 Musky
One of these three-hook wooden minnow antique fishing lure recently sold on eBay for $840, with twenty bids! The clear glass eyes on this lure were extremely lifelike, and the hand painted Rainbow paint pattern gives the minnow an appearance that makes it appealing to fish – and to collectors of antique fishing lures!
Creek Chub
The creek chub, or weed bug, was made during the 1920s or 1930s of painted wood. A beautiful specimen of the creek chub in very good condition recently sold for $461.66.
Pikaroon Wood Minnow
A jointed picaroon lure in the perch colors can sell for upwards of $200 on eBay or another popular auction site. These antique fishing lures measure approximately 4.5 inches from one end to another.
Heddon Punkinseed
The adorable Heddon Punkinseed #730 SD lure is one of the cutest antique fishing lures you will ever see. Just 2-1/8″ long in a green shad scale pattern, this beauty was created during the 1940s. One of these adorable lures recently sold on eBay for $151.51.
Pflueger Wizard Fishing Lure
The Pflueger Wizard antique fishing lure is notable for its metal plate, identifying Pflueger as the make of this lure. The Pflueger lures often have distinctive paint jobs, making them extremely attractive to other fish and to collectors alike. You will see Pflueger Wizards sell on eBay for about $100.
Rinehart Musky Buzer
If you can get your hands on a Rinehart Musky Buzer, you will have a wonderful 1948 antique fishing lure for your collection, complete with adorable black and white stripes.
What To Watch For
When buying antique fishing lures on eBay, always pay attention to the seller’s feedback rating. Are buyers satisfied with the fishing lures they have purchased in the past? Doe the seller promptly answer any questions you may have?
Look for lures that have clear, unblemished eyes and an undamaged paint surface. Shopping for old fishing lures can be a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. A gem of a lure is out there, just waiting for you to discover it.
Popularity: 23% [?]
If you are a gun collector but have become bored with your collection, perhaps it is time for you to take a look at some antique firearms. These guns offer you a chance to get a real piece of history, and some can even still be used, although be careful because antique firearms can be very expensive.
Examples of Antique Firearms
A good example of a highly collectable and completely authentic early firearm is the Baker Rifle. This gun from the Victorian Era was the primary firearm of the British Army in the early 1800s. It is a flint lock single shot rifle that was used during the Napoleonic Wars. These antique firearms served the British soldiers well and were an inspiration for generations of rifles since. The musket was a .625 caliber with a 30 inch barrel that was fitted for a sword bayonet. It also had a 6 inch long lock mechanism, a ring-neck cock, a folding-leaf rear sight with a scrolled brass trigger guard. In addition, it had a raised cheek rest on the left of the butt that aided when aiming.
One of the most ingenious and innovated features of this rifle was the compartment for the cleaning equipment, essential for antique firearms from this era. It was located in the butt of the rifle and was easily accessed at all times and never damaged unless the actual rifle was. Finding one of these rifles in pristine condition with the cleaning kit and bayonet is a truly rare find and something all collectors seek. This musket is a fine example of workmanship from this era and was incredibly accurate to distances of over one hundred yards.
This rifle was so accurate that it was used as one of the first sniper rifles known to man. Whereas normal muskets required teams of 60 to 80 gunners, these antique firearms operated in two man teams. One of the greatest examples of the accuracy was when Rifleman Thomas Plunkett shot and killed French General Colbert at a reported distance of eight hundred yards. In addition he then shot one of the General aides, proving that the first shot was due to his skill and the effectiveness of the rifle, not just luck.
One of the main hindrances of the rifle was its slow reload time, but the increased accuracy more than made up for this. This is just one example among many antique firearms that can add to your current gun collection; there are many more out there. Good Luck!
Popularity: 22% [?]
Antique dishes are one of the most collectable antiques that are readily available. Unlike most antiques, dishes can be found just about everywhere in every culture throughout history. You can get pottery and tableware dating back to Greek and Roman times, or find exquisite examples for the mid eighteenth century. The key is to make sure that you are well informed before making a purchase.
Antique Dishes Buying Guidelines
The first step is to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable antiques dealer. Many online places will advertise that their products are genuine, only to ship you a cheap knockoff then close up shop after your purchase. Be wary as scams involving antique dishes are becoming more and more common.
The best thing to do is find a local shop that you can go to so you have someone to hold accountable if you are not satisfied with your antique dishes. Many antique stores offer dishware in addition to there many other antiques. Once you find a dealer you feel comfortable with, talk to them about your goals and what you want to accomplish by purchasing your antique dishes. If you are simply looking for an investment, your purchase requirements will be vastly different then if you are looking to something to display or perhaps even use. Many of the most valuable dishes are not exactly the most eye pleasing, and conversely some of the more eye pleasing pieces are not as valuable.
Preface what your purpose is with knowing what you want and it will make the buying decision that much easier. Also, if you can find a specialist in antique tableware ask that person for advice. Sometimes there may be a fee associated with this service but its value is difficult to measure. Be wary of anyone who professes to know everything about antique dishes because there is always someone out there who knows more or has more specific and focused expertise. The variety of available antique dishes that you have to choose from is astronomical so bring in some experts to help you. Most importantly you will also get to know the people in your area who share you interest and they may in turn be able to keep an eye out for dishware that interests you.
Always know what your budget is so that your collecting hobby doesn’t cost you a fortune in being scammed!
Popularity: 23% [?]
Since early pioneer days, U.S. emigrants have relied on coffee to give them the caffeine boost that helps so many people maintain a productive life. Today, we have the corner Starbucks where we can stop in and buy a grande latte or mocha.
When we make our own coffee at home, we enjoy the luxury of an electric coffee grinder that grinds the roasted beans in mere seconds.
However, the pioneers of yesteryear had to grind their own coffee beans by hand in a coffee mill. Today, these antique coffee grinders are collectible kitchenware much sought after by collectors or individuals who love that country kitchen look that comes with having an antique coffee grinder on the countertop or island.
Although their owners purchase them to complete the look of a country kitchen, many antique coffee grinders are fully functional and are used every day by their owners.
Antique Box Coffee Grinders
This style of antique coffee grinder is shaped like a box. The coffee drinker turns the crank on top of the box to grind the coffee beans, and the box beneath stores approximately one pound of coffee.
The box style antique coffee grinder is easier to use when it has a handle on the side. The user can hold the handle when turning the crank, keeping the box stationery on the counter while the coffee is being ground. Ground coffee collects in a handy little drawer that can be pulled out and dumped in the coffee pot.
Antique Upright Coffee Grinders
These cast iron coffee grinders have two grinding wheels and are recommended for collectors who want to continue to grind their own coffee on a daily basis, because cast iron is so much more durable than wood.
Better Tasting Coffee
Ground coffee purists believe that the heat today’s electric coffee mills generate damages the coffee and robs it of part of its taste. There is no coffee, they say, like hand-ground coffee that has been roasted and then never exposed to heat until it meets the boiling water that turns it into a steaming cup of magic energy.
European Coffee Grinders
Collectors who have exhausted the U.S. market search for antique coffee grinders made across the Atlantic in Europe. These charming mills are sometimes lettered with “coffee” in their native tongue: koffie, or kaffee. Porcelain Dutch grinders feature Delft patterns of windmills and canals.
Some collectors choose wooden coffee grinders, cast iron coffee grinders, or porcelain coffee grinders, while others collect all three kinds.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Antique China is usually fragile and beautiful. Antique China could be fit for a queen because it was used by a queen at one time. With a little bit of luck, an avid collector might find some antique China that a queen used before to serve her guests. The antique China could come from many different places so the antique China might be a piece from the Queen of England or the Queen of Spain. Other foreign places are known for their fine China, and antique China from the makers of the best is often quite valuable. Antique China is usually made of porcelain which has a delicate but fantastic look.
Many people love to collect old China pieces, and these collectors usually have special pieces that they look for to add to their collection. Some collectors travel far and wide to find pieces of antique China that they would like to add to their collection. The collectors often have special cabinets for displaying their special pieces. They often have the finest pieces behind glass where it will not collect too much dust, and it will not be broken. Depending on the age and the value, most people never use their antique China. It is appreciated from afar.
Antique China Was Made By Talented People
The antique dinnerware available is made with beautiful designs. There are many to choose from so it is a great idea to check out all of the patterns available. Some of the China is made in England which is known for the quality of their products. Germany is another country that is known for the great quality of their China. Some of the fine dinnerware comes with a floral design which is often popular with collectors. The best fine China from the past was actually decorated with gold accents. These pieces are often more expensive, but they are exquisite.
Antique China also comes in other shapes and sizes that are valued by collectors. Vases and urns made in China are often the most beautiful pieces. These pieces are often great as a centerpiece for any décor. Some of the most valuable pieces are from centuries past. There are some beautiful pieces that were created by great artists in beautiful colors. These pieces can be very tiny or quite large. Figurines made of China are antiques that are very valuable to collectors. These figurines are solo characters dressed in beautiful costumes or groups of characters.
Popularity: 22% [?]
To most people the idea of preserving, or restoring, a car that was built in the early 1900’s may seem like a huge waste of time and money. But to car enthusiasts all over the world there is a huge, and growing, network of people that are finding joy in restoring old vehicles back to not only their running condition but then they go that extra step and restore them to their original look.
Restoring antique cars is becoming a big business and companies that got involved in the business of supplying parts and services for the restoration of antique cars are now finding themselves involved in a boom industry that has been growing by leaps and bounds in the last few years. There is a lot more to restoring antique cars than just buying a few parts and cleaning off some dirt.
It is a science and an art to restore antique cars and it takes years to get good at it and in the meantime you wind up accumulating a huge collection of antique cars that seems to just sit in your driveway. The big trick to restoring antique cars is that many people prefer to use as many original parts as possible and, even when that seems like it may be impossible, that is the part that has caused so many businesses to be so successful.
The ability to recondition an original part so that it can be used on antique cars again is a growing business and the people that get involved in this sort of business are finding that people that restore antique cars are probably the most patient people in the world. It takes months to properly recondition a part and sometimes you wait that long only to find out that the part cannot be saved.
For some of the larger portions of the car, like the seat or the roof, there are repairs and restorations that can be done to salvage them and their look, but for smaller parts there are businesses that will sell you the parts you need to restore antique cars and those parts come at a premium. But it is a premium collectors are willing to pay.
First In Show
Antique car shows are becoming more popular, and more frequent, all over the world and the business of restoring antique cars is growing along with them. An increase in car shows indicates an increase in interest in the cars and many vendors are trying to cash in on the premium that collectors are willing to pay for the parts for their cars and for the services needed to restore them. Inexperience will be the end of your business when it comes to antique part restoration so be sure you know your business before you get started.
Popularity: 22% [?]
If antique vases are something you collect then taking a trip to Asia is an excellent idea. The United States has antique vases that only date back a few hundred years. Very old vases can be found in Europe and Russia but the very ancient vases can always be found in China and Japan. The antiquities dealers in Asia are plentiful and are very happy for westerners to come browse in their shops. Many have websites so you can view their wares easily in the comfort of your home. But to really get a feel of the details of an antique vase you must visit and see it in person. Antique Chinese vases are very famous because they come from the different dynasties. Each dynasty has its own motif and artwork and collecting these antique vases is a precious and beautiful experience.
Details
Before traveling to Asia decide on which parts of the countries you want to visit. The artwork on the antique vases in Japan varies from the north to the south. In China you will have to be sure you can visit the particular dealer before you make the trip. Be sure they are open the months that you want to travel and learn some of their customs before you go. It is always wise if you do not know the language to have an interpreter.
Even though most Asian dealers can speak English, if they see a Western face they know they can raise the price of their item. This is where a local comes in handy to help translate and maybe work the bargain for you. Research your dealers in advance and make sure they have credentials in the field so that you are getting the real thing. Browsing in some market places can also be fun in searching for antique vases, but again make sure you have an interpreter with you when you find a treasure.
It’s not as much fun when you find out later that 350 people have the same piece or that you ended up paying 3 times the amount for the piece then it was really worth. But browsing these shops and seeing these antique Asian vases in person is quite the experience. The artwork and hand details and colors on the pieces are exquisite and worth the experience. Most Asian antique vases are very expensive so if your hobby is collecting antique vases be sure and pad your wallet before you make your excursion to China. Chances are good that if you are making an extended trip to China or Japan for antique vases, money is probably the last of your worries.
Popularity: 23% [?]
