Days Gone

There are many types of auction houses in business today. There are auctions that specialize in automobiles, livestock, government surplus, real estate, fine art, antiques and collectibles, imports and decorative arts. The most common are the personal property estate auctions. The owners, auctioneers and employees of most local estate auctions not only work very hard but they work long hours as well. They provide a much-needed service within their community by offering a venue where customers can buy and sell household items and furniture. People who are moving but cannot take everything with them or people who have to sell a few items because they are in need of money can consign them to the...

Coca Cola memorabilia and images have appeared throughout the years on a variety of products, which have become collectible antiques and collectibles. Collectors who begin a collection of Coca Cola memorabilia do not necessary focus on one particular item, but instead will general add anything that has the logo of Coca Cola to their collection. The polar bear ones are definitely the best - but are they eco friendly Collectors enjoy collecting true Coca Cola memorabilia, especially older ones that can be hard to find. A true Coca Cola antique has been manufactured for the Coca-Cola Company and have been licensed to be manufactured as well. Collectors will have collections contain this fabulous...

If you love buying unique hand-crafted items directly from the talented artisan who made them, you will want to visit SoWa Open Air Market (540 Harrison Avenue) in Boston's hip South End neighborhood. Open only on Sundays from mid-May through late-October, plus Saturdays on opening and closing weekends, the market is one of the city's most popular specialty shopping destinations. An exciting new addition for 2009 is the SoWa Antiques Market, located in an adjacent historic building. "SoWa" stands for "South of Washington (Street)" - a part of the South End once called "home" by an assortment of large mills and factories producing pianos, canned goods, shoes, and other items. By the 1950s, most of...

The state of Oaxaca has been inhabited for well over 10,000 years, initially by hunter-gatherer groups which, as their populations increased, developed sophisticated systems of political and social organization, means by which to work the land and use its by-products to make clothing, weapons, vessels for storage, manufacture and cooking, adornments and accommodations. Cultures and material items evidencing their development, continued to flourish, not without change as a consequence of war, trade, overuse of land and shifts in the natural environment. The Spanish conquest which began in the early 16th century created the most profound changes in Mexico in general, as well as in Oaxaca. But Oaxaca...

The bad economic whirlwind that has been swirling around our heads for the last couple of years has really taken its toll on small businesses all over the country. Jobs lost through attrition, staggering layoffs and the worst of all - companies that could no longer hang on so they shut their doors for good. Old time auctioneers and auction owners who have lived through recessions before will tell you that auction houses are one of the few businesses that can hold their own when times are tough. The logical explanation for this is a sort of mixed-up version of supply and demand. When times are good, collectors tend to hoard that which fuels their passion. They treat their items as an investment, such...

No matter what you collect - whether it is 18th century tea caddies, 19thC carriage clocks, pressed glass, Art Deco teapots, or Googlie dolls - there are many ways in which you can acquire items for your collection and heading to the antiques auction is one of those ways. If you want to dispose of items in your collection, you can also sell them in the same way. One of the most exciting ways in which to buy antiques and collectibles is at an auction, with potential buyers bidding for items. You will find almost every type of collectible, from objects worth millions to boxes of inexpensive bric-a-brac. Auctions are not limited to the big city salerooms such as Sotheby's, Christie's, Phillips, and...

Decorate a vintage nautical themed boy's room in just one weekend! A vintage nautical theme can be as practical in nursery decor as it would be for the growing boy's bedroom, and lasting themes are important when it comes to decorating at the pace of a child's growth and maturity. Interior decorators are often attracted to vintage themes, styles going as far back as the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, because everything from advertisements to architecture conveyed a distinct artsy appeal that will remain timeless in home decor. This article will tell you how you can redecorate a boy's bedroom in a vintage nautical theme in just one weekend. Start with a colour theme that your and your children will enjoy...

Antique wedding rings give a newlywed couple a link to old-fashioned romance that newer styles of bands and settings don’t reflect. The tradition of antique wedding rings started from back in the days when an heirloom wedding ring was passed from generation to generation. It was a token of marrying a husband’s family, as well as them accepting a new bride when his grandma’s wedding ring was exchanged during the vows. Now, antique wedding rings not only come in the style of heirlooms that are passed down, but many of the antique wedding rings can be found at estate sales, jewelry auctions, professional jewelers and online catalogs. Nothing says old-fashioned romance like an antique filigree...

Perhaps when it comes to showing how much we appreciate a person, there is no better way that depicts it than with a gift, jewelry in this case. It is from sheer appreciation and intense respect and love that drives one to get the best gift for the best person in one’s life. If you have no idea about the right way to show how much a person means to you, there is no worry, since Vintage Yard has it all laid out for you. There are assorted vintage rings and vintage earrings for all occasions and tailored to meet the taste of everyone, wherever he or she might be across the world. Many ways of telling your wife you appreciate her for being with you for all that time during your anniversary exists...

Dolls can be babies or high fashion models, sweet little girls or vampish sirens. There are almost as many kind of dolls as there are collectors, so whether you find yourself lingering amongst the pink boxes of the Toys 'R' Us doll department or gazing at the magazine photos of lifelike Ashton-Drake baby dolls, if you're reading this article you're probably thinking you'd like to start a doll collection. Where to start? First of all, collecting dolls can be an expensive hobby, so be sure you know where your "dolly dollars" are going to come from. Many doll collectors support their hobby by sewing, knitting, or crocheting doll clothes to sell, either on ebay, a Website, or at craft fairs. Dolls can...

Did you know that everyday there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of eBay auctions that have misspelled words in the titles and descriptions? Auctions with misspelled information do not come up on the regular eBay search, so frequently these listings have no bids and can be scooped up at a bargain price. This means you can profit by locating these misspelled auctions before anyone else does! If a seller is trying to sell "jewerly" instead of "jewelry" they are extremely likely to lose out on a ton of potential customers. If someone is an avid collector of "vintage costume jewelry" you can bet that the search term they use will be "jewelry" not "jewerly". Remember - "If you can't spell it......you can...

The earliest mention of the Celts goes back to around 400 BC when they came down from the Alps in Northern Italy, defeated the Etruscans and later even humiliated the proud Romans. They thereafter lost influence from around 100 AD and had declined even before the advent of the Vikings. The present day Irish and the Scots are said to have descended from the Celts. Celtic jewelry is mysterious, magical and unique in its designs. The Celts essentially adopted ideas from nature and made motifs which they reproduced in their jewelry articles which were in silver, bronze and gold. The Celtic jewelry discovered and on record are mostly in earrings, bracelets and pendants. At a later date the jewelry of the...

Got a PC hooked up on the net? How about a hot drive and a life-long dream to earn big? But you don't have any technical know-how? It's time to earn big, with your computer, with just a partial of your time you will be earning the big bucks you've been dreaming of in no time. How? Through eBay!eBay is the premiere online business portal even newbies can use, with a minimal tech-savvy, who can resist the lure of setting up a business in this popular e-market. Most of us dream of hitting it big time with not much tedious effort. To make that dream a step closer, if not in-your-face, to reality, here are some top business ideas you could start with the help of eBay. Selling Business This is one of the...

Antiques are always prized possessions - whether as family heirlooms, or as symbols of your own aesthetic taste and your power to purchase them. Silver is one of the more durable materials in which antiques are available, but keeping these antiques in their shining glory is still quite a daunting task. If you have recently laid your hands on a precious antique silver artefact, make sure that only the most careful and expert people get to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right people, and to take care of your regularly used silver yourself - 1. Consult experts before choosing restorers. Shops that sell antiques would be good to consult, while museums will definitely know...

Collecting antiques come naturally for some people. This is actually because all humans have an instinctive desire to own things that are precious to them and things that are also unique and beautiful. However, it is not just like collecting anything; antique collecting can really provide the person a deeper gratification. For those individuals who don't understand yet are fascinated to know how antique collecting and operating works, this could be the right time to learn the grounds as to why there are so many people who are in on this hobby. Who knows, reading pieces like this can turn you into one of those people who can get pleasure as well as financial benefits from antique collecting...

Most people start selling on eBay by listing used stuff from around their house. This is an excellent way to get familiar with how eBay works. But you can't make a sustainable business doing that - eventually you'll have nothing left to sell! Many people take this a step further and actively seek out stuff to sell on eBay at carboot sales, jumble sales, pound stores, charity shops, auctions, pawnbrokers, etc. Many people make a living selling antiques and collectibles on eBay - but you really need to know what you are doing to do this successfully. If you are a specialist dealer or collector, you will already have the knowledge of where to get items in your niche and what they are worth. If you are...

Creating a home based business from your hobby has its advantages. First, if your hobby is collecting antique and collectibles, which is one of the most gratifying hobbies there is, because if it is age related and there is a history behind the item that is being collected. The longer you have been a collector, the more knowledgeable you will become, not in history only, but in the value of the items of interest. • Understanding The Value.... The art of buying and selling is in knowing your products you have for sale. Understanding the value is of the utmost importance, this will determine if you are leaving money on the table or not. The whole process of collecting is a learning curve, the longer...

In 1959 Mattel created Barbie. Unlike other dolls, of that era, Barbie was not an innocent baby doll, but a "women" doll. She was all grown-up and very pretty. Little did we know Barbie would become an American icon and girls would emulate her for many years. Barbie quickly became the most popular and fastest selling doll to date. It was evident, almost immediately, that Mattel could design an entire line of toys around Barbie. In 1961, they created Barbie's first boyfriend. His name was Ken. He was "tall, dark, handsome" and a perfect compliment to Barbie's statuesque beauty. In the coming years, Mattel would also design five sisters and several girlfriends for Barbie; however, Midge was always her...

As we see on many of the popular antiques shows, people collect all manner of items from drink coasters to teddy bears, toy cars to vintage clothing, teaspoons to tea caddies. Some are high value items, but a great deal of pleasure can be derived from more commonplace objects. When amassed together, even relatively mundane pieces can create a striking display. What you decide to collect is purely a matter of taste, and also depends on what you wish to achieve. Collecting certain items can be not only pleasurable but a form of investment for the future. If the chance of future gain is one of the driving forces behind your collecting, then you need to do some homework before spending a lot of time and...

Chinese porcelain dolls celebrate the many different aspects of life. Literary characters, virtues, royalty, and life events are all depicted in these fabulous dolls. Their colorful dress is representative of the fine quality and attention to detail used when crafting these collectible dolls. Each one captures forever a slice of history, preserving it for many future generations to enjoy. Through the many years of Chinese history, porcelain dolls have changed dramatically. Antique Chinese porcelain dolls are more like figurines, often small figures with only one or two colors. The antique dolls are beautiful in any setting, but are very difficult to locate, and very expensive to purchase. The more...

Throughout her career as a writer and illustrator of some of the most famous childrens books ever to have been published, Beatrix Potter herself shunned publicity and rarely gave interviews. And of course at that time, famous authors didn't have to do the grand tour and sign books and give readings to promote their books like they do now. But one particular request for a meeting did intrigue Potter. A request from Bertha Mahony Miller. Miller was born in Rockport, MA in 1892 and after a year of secretarial school at Simmons College, she joined the staff of the Women's Educational and Industrial Union (WEIU), a Boston institution that protected and promoted working women. But it was her work ten...

The Louvre is the most famous art museum in the world. It also has the most number of visitors per year. It is home to many great works of art that are historically significant in Western culture. It was originally built as a royal palace for King Philipp II. The architecture is similar to the French Renaissance style of the famous architect Pierre Lescot. Its use as a place to showcase art started at around the time of French Revolution. The idea began from the Luxembourg Palace in Paris which was then followed by the Louvre. The Louvre originally collected the works or Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Sarto. Extensions of the site were commissioned as the continued expansion of the Louvre...

Remember the awesome flea market that used to run at the Portland Expo Center on weekends in the summer? Well, even though it hasn't happened for at least 5 years, it's still listed on most of the Maine flea market lists that you can dig up on the internet. According to my research, the last comprehensive list of flea markets in Maine was updated in 2002, and many of them don't even exist anymore. Outrageous! It's definitely time for an update. There are a ton of great antique stores and junk shops all over the state that are definitely worthy of a visit, but I have focused this list to include primarily indoor flea markets & large multi-dealer antique malls that aren't super ritzy (sorry Cabot...

A well decorated home is one unified whole with rooms that blend and relate toeach other like members of a family. The goal of any room arrangement in yourhouse is a simple grouping of furniture pieces that work toward its purpose, dining,sleeping, working, or relaxing. Create easy access through your rooms with 3-foot-wide passages that suggest where you want traffic to flow. Use entry furnishingsconstant with the rest of your home. When you are dealing with furniture the whole collection must take priority overindividual pieces. It is easy to fall under the enchantment of an antique piece offurniture, but you have to consider how it will fit in with everything else. Plus, youhave to ask whether it...

Many people these days love to browse the neighborhood Saturday yard sales and find them to be an excellent place to find new items for their personal space. When following the yard sales remember that if you can't get a good price on the item you want, consider going back toward the end of the day. This will normally mean you have a more motivated seller. Of course, returning at the end of the day could also mean the desired item has already been purchased by another buyer. To avoid this, you can always opt to consider paying more if the item is truly one of value to you. Another great way to find new and interesting interior design objects is to try your hand at trash picking. Many individuals...

When you think of the most beautiful and luxurious stained glass in the world, you should think antique authentic tiffany stained glass. Their stained glass has been gracing glorious churches and the most lavish homes for over 30 years. With a reputation like that, everyone who wants to experience the good life wants a piece of the most famous stained glass in the world. Here is how to get some for yourself. If you can afford it, hiring tiffany experts to install antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is the best way to experience it. They can create gorgeous window panels, brilliant beveled sky lights, elegant picture windows, and even entire ceilings out of the beautiful stained...

The city of Wilmington Illinois is justly famous for its many and variegated antique shops, which draw visitors from around the country and especially from nearby Chicago. The first antique store in Wilmington opened in 1965 at Liars Corner. At that time Wilmington's downtown was experiencing a change. Many downtown businesses closed or left for the suburbs. In the mid 1970's antique stores began to move into the downtown buildings and created a unique shopping environment reminiscent of days gone by. Shoppers can find unique bargains in either of two large malls, as well as the many small shops in the downtown area. There really are too many categories to list. From pottery to glassware to...

Finding an antique coffee is not an easy job. Most pieces of antique furniture are beautifully crafted works of art that hold years of memories. The richness in personality for these pieces far outweighs today's, cold modern and contemporary pieces. The best thing about antique furniture is that once you find the one that is best suited to represent your individual style then you will have found a piece that you will love and a piece you can pass on for generations. So try and find one that speaks about your personality and style. A well crafted antique coffee table that will go well in almost any room in your house and reflect the style you want flowing through all of your living spaces. The Best...

CNN recently published an article in their online series, WORLD: Art of Life, entitled When only unique will do describing how couples are looking to invest in authentic antique diamond engagement rings for their rare and unreproducible qualities. Susan Allan, a Londoner looking for an antique engagement ring with her finance, Nick Coffey, told CNN, "First of all it's a piece of jewelry, but it's also nice to think that you've got a piece that will never be reproduced; that's a completely unique piece that will act as an investment." CNN explains, "It is becoming increasingly difficult to find these gems, but it's a challenge that [couples] thrive on....it is the history and originality that makes...

Collecting antique mantle clocks is an interesting hobby to pursue. Most owners got their antique clocks as an heirloom piece. Although mantle clocks are considered a typical decor of American homes, more and more people are gaining interest in mixing such home furnishing in their modern home. An antique mantel clock can simply bring an elegance and charm to any room in your home. Mantel clocks are intricately-designed timepieces made during the 1750s. These clocks are commonly manufactured in the United States, with Seth Thomas and Howard Miller companies being the pioneers. American mantle clocks are the traditional ones that are made of a wooden case while the French mantel clocks are extremely...

Are you a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to the decor in your home? Are you also looking for a new table to brighten up your kitchen? A new antique table may be just what you need. Have you ever received any family heirloom in your life, of which was passed from one generation to another? Usually it comes in forms of jewelries from your grandmother. But what if, instead of a ring or necklace, your grandmother gave you instead a table? What will you do with it? An antique kitchen room table has a look and feel of warmth and of family traditions that will enliven any home. Instead of selling it to the highest bidder, why not spruce it up a bit and incorporate it into your home décor. You can...

Collecting antique toy trains is a hobby and passion for many individuals. Perhaps they started the hobby individually, or it all began back in their childhood. Toy trains have long been a popular gift and source of entertainment for many children, going back generations. Toy trains are still a well-liked item among adults and children, whether they are for playtime or collecting. But when you are searching for a particular antique train, you can't simply run to Wal-Mart or Toys R Us to find what you need. You ought to scout out your options and know where to anticipate find antique toy trains. The first and most helpful place to look for antique toy trains obtainable is the internet. While you can...

Antique wine glasses are also often called collector's drinking glasses and with good reason. These glasses are by no means cheap and due to the fact that many of them are unique pieces, meaning that they are truly unique pieces (or unique sets), they are highly sought after by true wine glassware collectors. They are usually vintage wine glasses from a classic glassware collection or another and if you want to display your glassware in a cabinet at home, these will make your glassware cabinet really proud. Because they are so precious, not only for sentimental reasons, but also because they are so expensive and difficult to find at times, taking good care of them is a must. Many glasses are really...

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. But there is no cure for curiosity.”  I’ve certainly lived this quote. I can say that I have never been bored because my curiosity has ridden over most all my other needs and emotions. I drove my parents crazy with the “What’s that? Where are we going? How was this made? Why do we do it this way?” questions; having to be quieted with the typical parental answer of, “Because.”  I have spent my whole life living outside of the box looking at things different from others, trying to figure out why things have been done one way and why couldn’t they be done another way. For instance, when I saw a rusty toaster in a garbage can I thought, “what...