Try Shopping at your Local Antique store for a change

Every day it amazes me how many people comment that they have never been in an antique store before. I have come to realize that many people have no idea what they will find. Some assume they would have no interest while other assume that everything will be too expensive for them. Both assumptions are wrong.

Most stores carry both antiques and collectibles. That can be something really old or a current collectible that you would buy at the local gift shop. Our store carries all kinds of items. We have tools, toys, newer and old jewelry (both fine and costume), home decor items, sports items, glass, pottery and much more. There is something for everyone in an antique store.

Prices vary in this type of store. We carry item for under one dollar to items that are thousands. It all depends on the item. Many items that we use, like drinking glasses, are cheaper here than at your discount stores. Vintage and antique furniture isn't just unique, it is less expensive and better quality than you can buy anywhere else. Most of the furniture in an antique store is better constructed and made solid wood, not fiber board.

The next time you are looking for an item, try something new and check out the local antique store.

Starting a new booth at an antique mall

I have had my store for almost 5 years now. Before I decided to that I had booths in Antique malls owned by other people. Business has been a little slow so far this year so I have decided to put a booth in at the Abilene Downtown Antique Mall in Abilene, KS. It is a lot of work but the owners of that mall are willing to let me advertise my store in the booth I am renting. This week my days off are being spent looking for shelves and packing items for my new booth. I hope that any of you that are in either Abilene, KS or Salina, KS will stop by and see what we have.

People who read my blog

Just thought I would thank everyone who has read my blog. I hope you enjoy it and will return. An easy way to keep informed is to become a follower. Simply click the follow button on the right hand side of the screen and blogger will let you know when I have added a new blog. I will continue to write about different collectibles and also about my shop.

Hall's Autumn Leaf pattern, Jewel Tea premium

Hall made the Autumn Leaf pattern from 1933 until 1976. This pattern was produced exclusively for the Jewel Tea company of Barrington, IL. The pieces were offered as premiums to Jewel customers when the purchased another product. Since this line was developed as a premium new items were added frequently and old items were retired. This encouraged customers to buy more products to complete the set.

Unpopular pieces were discontinued quickly. This means that there are fewer of them out there and are harder for collectors to find. Another reason that certain pieces are hard to find is that during WWII there was a metal shortage. It is difficult to find pre WWII tin items.

Pictured above is just a few of the items available to Jewel Tea collectors. There were many other items, not just dinnerware.

Hull pottery

Hull pottery was formed in 1905 in Crooksville, OH, by Addis Emmet Hull. They originally made stoneware and stoneware specialties.

In the 1920's Hull began to make art pottery. In the 1930's they added their popular kitchen figurines like cookie jars and banks.

The company suffered in 1950 due to a flood followed by a serious fire. The recovered and continued operation until 1986.

Pieces made before 1950 are marked "Hull Art USA" or "Hull USA". Pieces made after 1950 are simply marked "Hull" in script or block letters.

Be careful, there are reproductions out there. A good source for information on how to avoid a reproduction is the Hull Pottery Association.

The piece that I pictured at the top is Hull Blossom flight, This pattern was made in 1955.

Easter is coming & Spring is here

Easter will be here soon and spring has sprung. If you like vintage Easter decorations now is the time go to your favorite antique shops and flea markets. There are many wonderful things available: from chocolate molds, paper mache rabbits, post cards, and much much more.

If you don't want Easter specific items but would like to decorate for spring there is a number of items for you. There are a lot of springtime colors available this time of year. We have decorated our store with floral pattern dishes in spring colors, bright jewelry & Easter related items.

Rosemeade pottery

Wahpeton pottery was founded in January 1940 by Laura Taylor and Robert J. Hughes. In 1953 they changed the name to Rosemeade for better name recognition.

Laura Taylor was educated at the University of North Dakota. She was a student and assistant to nationally known director, Margaret Cable.

She worked briefly making pottery for Dickota potter at the Dickenson Clay Products company, then was appointed State Supervisor at the North Dakota Works Administration (WPA).

She demonstrated pottery making at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair, that is where she met Robert. J. Hughes. They were married in 1943.

Her designs reflected the native plants and animals of North Dakota. The wide range of products included place souvenirs, human forms, functional pieces, and advertising pieces. Taylor observed trends and met the needs and wishes of the public.

Howard Lewis, Production Manager, created distinctive lustrous glazes that set Rosemeade apart. Lewis also threw swirl pottery vases and pitcher, a process he learned while working for Niloak Pottery.

Lewis was succeeded by Joe McLaughlin. McLaughlin introduced decorative decals including those of wildlife artist Les Kouba. He also accelerated the advertising specialties sales.

Rosemeade closed in 1961.

Although some pottery was thrown on a potters wheel, the majority was cast in molds. Most pieces are marked with an impressed mark or an ink stamp of the company name in blue or black lettering. The Swan pictured at top is an example of Rosemeade pottery. I have show a picture of the black ink mark on the bottom of the swan.