Auntie Que's

Auntie Que's Providing useful and informative information dedicated to the world of Antiques and Collectables

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It started 1949. Upon the completion of a Pennsylvania Dutch language course, the class members decided to hold a gather...
06/20/2024

It started 1949. Upon the completion of a Pennsylvania Dutch language course, the class members decided to hold a gathering in Hershey Park that summer, to thank the leaders responsible for offering the class. The event featured hand painted works from the art class. Estimating attendance of 2,500 people, the one day event ended up having an attendance of 25,000. This success resulted in it's becoming a regular event.

Taking place in Hershey Park, "Dutch Days" showcased authentic arts, crafts, and customs of the early Pennsylvania German pioneers who settled in South Central Pennsylvania. The festival featured a wide range of crafts and activities celebrating the "Dutch" way of life. The last celebration was held in 1979.

This hand painted porcelain tin plate is from the 1955 Dutch Days event. It is approximately 9¼" in diameter and features wonderful hand painted Pennsylvania Dutch decoration. The plate used to create this wonderful example of Pennsylvania Dutch art is considerably older in age.

This should have been the lead picture!
03/17/2024

This should have been the lead picture!

Another Interesting Acquisition!
03/17/2024

Another Interesting Acquisition!

It is time for full disclosure, an admission as to my total obscure collecting obsessions!Let me introduce you to my mos...
02/17/2024

It is time for full disclosure, an admission as to my total obscure collecting obsessions!

Let me introduce you to my most recent addition. In order to put into perspective – its dimensions are 35” (with the extending cast iron valve piece adding an extra 5”) x 42” - doesn’t quite fit on a display shelf.

This little treasure happens to be one of the first safe and successful steam radiators for house heating. Referred to as a “mattress” radiator due to its quilted mattress look, it is comprised of two thin plates of sheet iron fastened together by a multitude of rivets. The edges are rolled together around a rope like material to seal the radiator against steam leaks. The large cast iron valve is the inlet to let steam in and there is a small c**k at its opposite end to let the air out. Gold’s system was the first attempt at what is referred to as one pipe steam heating.

Yes, the old collector’s insane asylum is definitely coming for me.

The hybrid cable stayed/suspension bridge spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, opened...
01/10/2024

The hybrid cable stayed/suspension bridge spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, opened May 24, 1883, was originally called the New York and Brooklyn Bridge. It wasn't until 1915 that the span was officially renamed the Brooklyn Bridge.

Founded 1802 in Waterbury, Connecticut, as a button and sewing hardware factory, the company developed the first gilt buttons manufactured in the United States, followed closely thereafter by the invention of "new" brass making methods. In 1850 the company incorporates as Scovill Manufacturing Company to reflect its expansion in early cameras and plates, brass lamps, munitions, fuses for artillery, and coin banks for the US Mint.

These buttons were made for the uniforms of the personnel operating the New York and Brooklyn Bridge Railway, a cable car service that began operation September 25, 1883. Each button is approximately 7/8" in diameter.

It is the time of the year that many reflect on their life, especially us Old Folk.I have lived an interesting life, for...
12/23/2023

It is the time of the year that many reflect on their life, especially us Old Folk.
I have lived an interesting life, for which I am very thankful. I am a “Baby Boomer,” however, what many do not realize there is a quite a diversity in those that are labeled as “Baby Boomers.” War causes major stress on all, especially the families where members participated in the consequences. WWII was no exception and had quite a diversity in those that served their country. Naturally the return home of these people did result in a “Baby Boom.” What is not commonly recognized is the diversity in age of the parents of “Baby Boomers” resulting in a considerable diversity in the “Baby Boomers” that were conceived.
I considered myself to be one of the lucky ones as I was born to “older” parents, or as my mother affectionally referred to it, I was a welcomed surprise (she was in her 40’s). I was 8 years younger than my closes in age brother, and 12 years younger than the oldest brother. Lucky in that I was raised in the “old school” way rather than the “new school” parenthood. In my opinion, this is when the divide started. In total, the “new school” had considerably larger population than the “old school.”
In many ways us “old school” members were out of the mainstream of the “new school” population. For instance, although I am part of the “s*x, drugs, and rock and roll generation, it is hardly the terms that I would use to describe my youth. I was to believe that s*x was a commitment, my choice of drugs was alcohol, and rock and roll was a genre of the blues and jazz. Although we did find a way to coexist, are children were raised considerably different, a difference that, in my opinion, has led to the rather extreme divides that exist today.
Enough of the soapbox, on to my historical example.
In my lifetime, young ladies’ dress has gone from the very conservative to the extremely risqué. One of the significant events in this transition was the introduction of the Bikini, perhaps one of the most scandalous events of the 1960’s. Which brings me to my treasure displayed here.
Let me introduce you to Lee Pockriss, the co-writer of “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” the novelty song preformed by Brian Hyland in June 1960, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 list, selling a million copies in the US. Although this may seem to be a rather nonevent today, it was the time that bikini bathing suits were seen as far too risqué to be accepted in society. The release of the song created a significant takeoff in bikini sales, causing many to want to ban the playing of the song. “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” is considered to be a major contributor to the acceptance of the bikini in society which in turn saw the creation of the surf movies in the 1960’s. That is the period in time that every warm-blooded male, including myself, had a crush on Annett Funicello, thank you Mickey Mouse Club.
Straight out of the estate of Lee Pockriss, this is a shadow box framing of a candy bikini honoring him for the creation of “Itsy Bitsy Teeney Weeny Wenny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”

Let me introduce you to a close friend and associate Steve Giterman3288 Pebble Beach Rd.Grove City, OH 43123sgiterman@co...
12/06/2023

Let me introduce you to a close friend and associate
Steve Giterman
3288 Pebble Beach Rd.
Grove City, OH 43123
[email protected]
614 878-8812
Steve specializes in Flashlights from their inception. This is an area that is near and dear to my heart as the flashlight market was the first area that I became responsible when I started my Lighting career. As is my nature, I dug in and learned everything that I could about flashlights, which was extensive. HOWEVER Steve's knowledge is far more extensive than mine. Please take the time to study the attached. From knowledge to total repair Steve is the go to person. I highly recommend him and hope to be posting further details of his extensive collections (which go beyond Flashlights) and his new acquisitions.
Giterman
Antique Flashlight, Lantern & Battery Repair Services
Steve Giterman
3288 Pebble Beach Rd.
Grove City, OH 43123
[email protected]
614 878-8812

Flashlight Repair

Most old flashlights or lanterns can be repaired when they stop working. The problem is sometimes simple and suitable for home repair, such as replacing an exhausted battery or a burnt-out bulb. Other times, the problem is more significant, requiring a professional’s touch, such as an electrical problem due to corrosion or oxidation, or a mechanical problem, such as a broken part, wire, switch, contact or lead.

When home repair is unsuccessful, consider sending the light to me. I have repaired these devices since 2002, and developed a reputation for successfully restoring them to full functionality. I have a good stock of replacement parts, and a large stock of replacement bulbs for virtually all applications. I make replacements for obsolete batteries, and can replace broken lenses with NOS lenses, or custom-cut odd-size flat glass lenses, when necessary.

Generally, it is best to call me so that we can discuss the problem and the possible fix. I may also ask you to e-mail photos of the outside and inside of the light. I may be able to diagnose the problem over the telephone, or after reviewing your photos, and provide you with an estimate of the cost of repair. In other instances, I may ask you to mail the light to me for closer examination.

I will inform you if the light is repairable. I will also let you know if it makes economic sense to repair the light. For example, a common flashlight, readily available on eBay for $15.00, should probably be replaced, rather than repaired. On the other hand, repair may make sense for a special family heirloom with sentimental value.

Unfortunately, some lights are beyond repair and are only suitable for the parts bin. This generally includes lights damaged by heavy corrosion from battery leakage or rust, with extensive mechanical damage, or missing parts. Most lights can, however, be restored to working condition.

There is no charge for a preliminary telephone or e-mail diagnosis. Should it become necessary for you to mail the light to me, there is a 20.00 fee for inspection and diagnosis of the problem. I will let you know what the problem is, the appropriate “fix,” the approximate length of time required for repair, and the cost involved. There is no inspection charge if the light is not repairable.

11/19/2023

How many of you have heard the words “if only it could speak” when referring to a precious antique? The reality is IT DOES SPEAK. The problem is most are unwilling to take the time and make the effort to listen.

I consider myself to be an antique whisperer. Taking time to fully study and “feel” an antique as well pursuing the details surrounding it, I am able to hear its story. It is all there. One just has to learn to listen.

I am sure that you have also heard the statement that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Perhaps many are familiar with Rod Stewards interpretation, “Every Picture Tells A Story.” Both are wrong. The truth is every picture contains a novel.

One of my passions is photography and pictures from the early days of daguerreotypes to the current age of digital photographs. I sometimes study individual pictures for hours. I can separate “instant relatives” from significant portraits. I have found several pictures that surpass “War and Peace” in content.

As they say, take the time to “smell the roses.”

07/22/2022

Many have asked me what is the differentiation of a Pin Tray to a Vide Poche.

Vide Poche or empty pocket Vs Pin Tray:
Gentlemen had pockets everywhere, jackets, vests, & pants, in which they carried their daily use items. Women, on the other hand did not have pockets, nor did they have the often large pocket books so familiar today. Rather their daily use items were carried around on chains that were attached to their dresses or belts by individual pins or chatelaines which were worn either by being pined on or from the belt. All of these required being laid out along a more lengthy tray. Women had hair pins or combs, hat pins, pin watches, pins that were designed for everything from eye glasses to writing instruments; as well as a slew of sewing notions. For convenience, many of these were grouped together to hang from a chatelaine making theme easier to locate. Chatelaines did not just hold sewing notions and tools. Most held a general collection of women's daily necessities grouped at one location.

At night, all of these ladies' adornments had to be carefully laid out when taken off to insure that their often delicate chains did not get tangled. Thus the evolution of the lady's pin tray. Pin trays were generally made of ornately decorated china suited to a lady's dressing table.

Thus, the lady had her pin tray while the gentleman had his vide poche, both equally important to each.

This little treasure has been sitting in a pile of books that I got over a year ago. Originally I was attracted to it as...
07/12/2022

This little treasure has been sitting in a pile of books that I got over a year ago. Originally I was attracted to it as my daughter, Erin and her husband, Mike live in New Hampshire. Little did I realize at the time how much of a treasure it was.

Definitely it is the earliest "pocket" travel history guide book that I have had the pleasure of owning. Written by the manager of the two summit hotels on Mt. Washington, it includes a meteorological table for 1853-4 reporting the indications of the thermometer on top of Mt. Washington. This copy also includes a RARE additional inserted page titled "Death of Lizzie Bourne."

Considered to be classic and historically significant, as part of the knowledge base of civilization, the book is a combination history and tourism guide. It provides a fascinating look at the events and people who were prominent in the region's settlement and describes in great detail the many natural wonders of the White Mountains. Published by Nathaniel Noyes of Boston, this is a "pocket guide" edition of a larger book. Approximately 4¾" x 7", it contains 98 pages with pg 97 being a detailed presentation of several different "Routes and distances from Boston to White Mountains" and pg 98 being and advertisement for the Tip-Top and Summit Houses, managed by Spaulding & Co. The book includes a separate added slightly smaller (4¼" x 6") page titled "Death of Lizzie Bourne." Lizzie Bourne died September 14, 1855 after the original writing of the book had been completed. This extra page evidently was composed and printed in the time period after the books original printing and binding and was included as a separate page with the book's distribution, quite possibly at the book's point of sale. After all, how could a book of this nature not include the demise of Lizzie Bourne. I suspect that very few copies retaining the inclusion of this extra page are still in existence.

During the latter half of the 19th Century (1850-1899) sent and smelling salt containers were essential objects for the ...
07/11/2022

During the latter half of the 19th Century (1850-1899) sent and smelling salt containers were essential objects for the well to do ladies. Vinaigrette containers with their pierced grille were out of style and hardly used. Ingenious new containers combining both of milady's indispensables that could be carried in a m**f or hand bag became the preferred accessory of the day. The English inspired fusing two bottles end to end with their openings at each end became the convenient receptacles.

This wonderful approximate 1" diameter x 5" example appears to have held smelling "salts" at one end and sponge saturated vinaigrette at the other. Both sides are still packed with what appears to be the original wadding. The corks or stoppers are missing. It has deep emerald green glass with brass caps that may have been silver plated at one point in time.

When the great fire of London in 1666 damaged or destroyed huge areas of the historic city, it became apparent that ther...
07/11/2022

When the great fire of London in 1666 damaged or destroyed huge areas of the historic city, it became apparent that there was a need for organized responses to fires as well as protection for the owners of property that may suffer damage or destruction from fire. This prompted the creation of property fire insurance and protection companies. These were private companies that offer fire protection and provided monies for the restoration or reconstruction of buildings damaged by fire. Realizing that it was cheaper to prevent and or fight fires to keep the restoration costs to a minimum, the companies established their own in house fire brigades to protect the buildings covered by their policies. To designate which buildings were covered by which company, distinct "Fire Marks" were installed on the exteriors of the buildings. By the time that this tradition made its way to the United States, volunteer fire brigades were already well established to protect the common good. Fire marks which first started showing up in Philadelphia functioned as insurance company advertisements and in the 1800,s most companies offered rewards to the fire brigades that would fight the fires affecting the buildings they insured. A large number of attractive firemarks were installed in Philadelphia some of which still exist today. The most iconic of Philadelphia's fire marks was that of the Ben Franklin founded Philadelphia group which bore the image of four hands grabbing each other by the wrists.

Most likely created as a company keepsake or premium in the early 1900's, This wonderful approximate 2¼" x 3" bronze paperweight is a replication of the fire mark used by the Fire Associates of Philadelphia. Founded in 1817, they maintained operations till 1958. It was the first insurance company in America to be organized and managed by volunteer firemen. the company was so successful that volunteers in other cities used the Fire Association's charter and fire mark as a model for their own.

Please note, this is NOT a reproduction fire mark. It is an original bronze paperweight created with the companies firemark symbol. Based on the remnants of the bottom padding cover, I judge it to have been created in the early 1900's.

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06751

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