Weekly View » What’s in the Attic?

Grill Plates

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:08:49 +0000

This column first appeared in November 2011.

Long before the advent of the Happy Meal, before you could super-size, even before the drive-through (there was a time before the drive through?) there was a deal to be had at the local eatery, and it was called the “Blue Plate Special.”
From the early 1920s through the latter part of the 1950s, the local diner was the gathering place for the common man looking for a fast, affordable meal. Dinners across America offered “a meat and three,” meaning a meat dish and three vegetables, for 25 cents. This meal, which changed daily, was served on a divided plate, that was most often blue, and hence it became known as the “blue plate special.”
So why a blue plate? First let me clarify that the plate was not a solid blue, but rather a white and blue pattern know as Willow. It was a variation on the popular Willow pattern offered on fine English china. While a number of theories exist as to why these “blue” plates were used, one highly accepted explanation is that by offering the special meal of the day on china that replicated fine china, everyone could enjoy a little luxury at an affordable price. A more practical explanation may be that Blue Willow plates we very inexpensive to produce.
By definition the grill plate is “a dinner plate divided in half, with the top half being divided again, reducing it’s section to equal on fourth of the plate.” This design was later used for the TV dinner tray. These plates grew in popularity in the 1930s, being produced in a wide range of colors and styles, ranging from stark white stoneware to a rainbow of colors and patterns in what we commonly call Depression Glass.
Grill plates from the first half of the 20th century are a little piece of nostalgia that are growing in popularity as a collectible. Depression Glass plates from Hazel Atlas, Anchor Hocking, and Federal Glass Company are available in a multitude of patterns. The china plates from the Hall and Buffalo China Companies are also of interest. Perhaps the best examples of the original Blue Willow grills are found in the efforts of the Spode and Staffordshire Companies of England and the Moriyama China Company of Japan. Note that Moriyama grills are available with two markings, “Moriyama Made In Occupied Japan” and the older plates marked only “Moriyama Made in Japan.”
I often receive of e-mails from those of you who are looking for something new to collect that won’t break the bank. Grill plates may be your answer. Stacks of plates still surface at estate sales and auctions, and individual finds are not uncommon at garage sales and flea markets. For those of you who prefer online shopping to acquire your collectibles, eBay abounds with grill plate auctions. Until next time . . . Linda

Irvington resident Linda Kennett was a professional estate liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors. She currently runs the BIG Red Box food boxes on the east side.

Gustav Stickley — Father of the American Arts & Crafts Movement

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:08:26 +0000

This column first ran in November 2013.

With a passion for the environment and a love of nature, Gustav Stickley introduced simplicity to the American public in early 1900s. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of his native state, Wisconsin, Stickley’s philosophy of “organic architecture” was based on four ideas: a house should be constructed in harmony with it’s surroundings, local materials should be used in construction, artificial light should be kept at a minimum and natural light maximized, and an open floor plan should be used to encourage family interaction.
The time was right for a change after years of highly ornate Victorian influence in both architecture and furniture design. By contrast, the architectural designs featured in Stickley’s 1901 periodical, “The Craftsman,” expounded on the practical elegance of the Arts and Crafts Movement. The magazine, featuring designs by Stickley and architect Harvey Ellis, enjoyed a 15 year run during which it offered 221 different sets of floor plans. Its popularity led Stickley to establish the “Craftsman Home Builders Club” in 1903 to aid in spreading his concepts.
In 1904 Stickley traveled to California where he fell in love with the beauty of the old Spanish Missions. Upon his return to upstate New York he opened The Craftsman Workshops. Bold and angular in design, his utilitarian furniture pieces were made of American Tiger Oak and upholstery was limited to canvas and leather. The furniture featured exposed joinery, wood peg construction, and a fumed ammonia finish. Hardware, used only when required, was either beaten copper or iron in the most basic of designs.
Not all Stickley furniture is Gustav’s work. There were five Stickely brothers, each a talented craftsman in his own right. The first to enter the furniture business was Charles Stickley. He married into the Brandt family in 1891 and formed the Stickley-Brandt Furniture Company. His furniture, while among the oldest of the Stickley works, is considered the least desirable by collectors.
Albert Stickley formed the Stickley Brothers company in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1891 with John George Stickley. While many consider this furniture to be a derivative of Gustav’s, one cannot dispute the quality of his work, especially his inlaid Arts & Crafts furniture.
Leopold and John George Stickley produced furniture for Toby Furniture in Chicago. Their own company, L&LG Stickley, opened in 1907, making furniture from 1907-1912 with a decal that read, “Handcraft L&JG Stickley.” In 1912, the furniture signature changed to “The Work of L&JG Stickley.”
The taste of the American public changed and they began to reject Gustav Stickley’s simple furniture designs, forcing him into bankruptcy in 1915. The man considered by many to have been the Father of the American Arts and Crafts Movement died in 1942.
The casual elegance of Mission style furniture has seen a revival in recent years as decorators once again realize it’s warmth and versatility. Its increasing popularity has driven up the price, forcing many to turn to reproductions. Exercise caution if buying “new” Mission furniture as the construction and materials are in many cases low quality. Some of the finest Modern Mission furniture is made by the L&LG Stickley Company. It can be found online and in select fine furniture galleries. Until next time . . . Linda

Irvington resident Linda Kennett was a professional liquidation consultant. She is currently guiding the Big Red Box Project to help the food insecure in our community.

Once Upon a Time

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:08:44 +0000

The growth of the middle class in the mid-1800’s saw an increased demand for children’s books. Recognizing this need, publishers encouraged their writers and artists to develop well illustrated books with interesting story lines. As the century progressed, technical advances in both printing and color illustrations made it possible to produce large numbers of books at a reasonable price and the “Golden Age” of children’s books was well under way.
Two highly recognizable names are attributed with changing the way the publishing world viewed books for children. Hans Christian Andersen, established the “fairly tale” as a legitimate form of literature, and Lewis Carroll is credited with changing the focus of children’s books from instructional books to entertainment.
In the first half of the 19th century most children’s books were illustrated with woodcuts or printed on wood blocks and then hand-colored. As the century progressed, innovations in printing allowed for the widespread use of color and master printers were working with some of the most talented illustrators of the age. Collectors watch for picture books from this era featuring the works of Randolph Caldecott, Kate Greenaway, and Richard Doyle whose brilliant picture books produced under the direction of Edmund Evans are referred to as “sixpenny color picture books” or “toy books.”
The Victorian Era reflected the social boundaries between the sexes. Boys were treated to Mark Twain’s Huck Finn (1884) and Tom Sawyer (1876), while authors like Alcott and Wiggin wrote of for girls with books like Little Women and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. At the turn of the century animal stories restored the unisex appeal to children’s literature with the release of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Kipling’s classic Jungle Book.
Many of the classics that we still enjoy today were written in the early 1900’s. Notables include; The Wizard of Oz series which ran from 1900-1920, Rosie O”Neill’s delightful Kewpies were top sellers from 1910-1918, and the 15 Cupples and Leon’s All About books which were published in 1913.
Twentieth century books will be more multicultural content than their predecessors. From the 1920s forward Allen Say, Mildred Taylor and Virginia Hamilton found success with stories that features children from many different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
As we entered the 1940s children’s books became more segmented in terms of age. Before 1940, books had been intended for children six and older. This changed in 1941 with the release of the first pre-school books, The Runaway Bunny and Goodnight Moon, both illustrated by Clement Hurd. Pop-up and pull-out books and those with large lettering and formats intended for pre-school age children met with an immediate audience. These books are considered quite collectable, and for obvious reasons, are difficult to find in good condition. Until next time…. Linda

First published in September 2013.

Irvington resident Linda Kennett was a professional estate liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors. She currently runs the BIG Red Box food boxes on the east side.

Signs of the Times

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:08:30 +0000

This column first appeared in Sept. 2011.

School’s in session . . . take it slow . . . let our little shaver grow . . . Burma Shave.

The back roads of America once served as the platform for one of the most successful advertising campaigns of the 20th century. The idea was simple, the results incredible. Four red signs were placed at 50 foot intervals, three with a portion of a clever saying and the fourth with the name of the company, Burma Shave.
Advertising concepts have always been highly competitive in a market where the public loves you in January and can’t remember your name by June. The creativity and persistence of the American advertising pioneers is truly to be admired, and the thousand of collectors of advertising memorabilia pay tribute to their work.
The companies of the mid-1800s faced a number of obstacles, not the least of which was the fact that they were often dealing with an illiterate public. In order to make people understand what they were trying to sell they turned to the use of colorful graphics. As a result, artfully decorated hand mirrors, thermometers, tape measures and fans were produced to advertise everything from talcum powder to soft drinks.
Tin containers, highly collectible for their wonderfully executed lithography, first appeared ion the mid-1880s. The subtle colors and intricate art work of these early tins is among some of the finest to be found on any advertising collectable. Tobacco tins are the most highly sought by collectors, but there is also interest in coffee, talcum, cracker, and candy tins. Broken hinges and rust considerably reduce the value of these early tins.
Porcelain signs first appeared in American in 1890 and are collected not only in the category of advertising, but also as objects of art. Topic matter on these signs will be indicative of the period of origin. A well developed collection offers insight into the popular amusements, humor and taste of the time frame in which the signs were produced. The shifting moral attitude of our culture also comes into play when determining the age of porcelain signs. This is most apparent in the presence of the female form in advertising. From the modesty of Victorian era ladies to the bikini clad gals of the late 20th century, beautiful women and product promotion have been constant companions.
The unfounded claims and exaggerations of early advertising are often an amusing draw to the collector. Tonics and potions lead the way with their claims to cure everything from rheumatism to hair loss. In 1906 the Federal Food and Drug Administration curtailed these laughable deceptions.
One of the most effective and enduring forms of product recognition came through the use of character logos. The Goose trademark from The Red Shoe Company, the Campbell Kids, Mr. Peanut, and the RCA Victor dog Nipper are some of the most highly sought after images.
Old porcelain signs have been in reproduction for years. Watch for signs with three or more fired-on colors, as this is an indication of age. Older signs will also be very heavy, while newer counterparts are made of flimsy lightweight material.
In an age where a computer can generate most anything the mind can conjure, I rather miss the old days. As for me . . . computer graphics . . . and high tech designs . . . will never replace . . . the Burma Shave signs. Until next time….Linda

Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidator specializing in downsizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com

Reproductions, Revivals & Fakes

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:08:02 +0000

It is said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” While that may be true in some areas of life, in collecting it has been my experience that falling prey to imitation is one sure way to end up with buyer’s remorse.
A reproduction is a modern copy of an item made during a past period of time. They are never made by the same company as their original counterparts, nor are they made from original molds. Since most of the molds used in reproduction are either new or re-engineered old molds, the quality will often suffer .
Some reproductions are made with the intent of deceiving the buyer. An excellent example being the reproduction Roseville Pottery that came flooding into the U.S. market from China in the mid-1960s. Maker’s marks, factory detail and methods of decorating on the early issues of these reproductions were so flawed that in many cases it was easy to tell that something wasn’t right. However, as time has passed quality has increased, often fooling even the seasoned collector. Research and working with a knowledgeable dealer can help you to avoid deception.
There are reproductions of popular pieces from the past that make no attempt at deception. Take for example the line of “new” jadeite from Martha Stewart who clearly marks her pieces with her company name on the bottom. Martha and her daughter are avid collectors of old jadeite and started their line as a tribute to the popular green glass. These are beautiful, fun to collect and much easier to find than the originals.
Revivals are sometimes mistaken as reproductions, but there are two major differences. A revival is a new piece made by the same manufacturer as the original and it is not intended to deceive the buyer. Fenton Carnival Glass is an excellent example of a revival. It was originally released from 1907-1929, then revived in the 1970s. The later line is clearly marked with the Fenton name in an oval. You will also find pieces and patterns in their 1970s lines that were made from molds Fenton purchased from other glass makers that had gone out of business as well as a number of pieces made from new molds. Both “new” and “old” Fenton Carnival are seeing a come back.
Then we come to those pieces that are fakes. They cannot be reproductions as there is no original piece. While fake (or fantasy) pieces appear in many fields of collecting, one of the most common would be Coca-Cola items. In the 1970s Coke pub mirrors appeared on the market. They were illegally produced without the permission of The Coca-Cola Company and are blatant fakes. Another example of fake Coke memorabilia to be aware of are “Coke” pocket watches. The watch case and mechanism on these are authentic, having been taken from a line of wristwatches Coke handed out as employee awards. The face on the pocket watch is fake. There is no such thing as a Coca-Cola pocket watch.
One of the most famous “fake” pieces of antique furniture stood on display for many years in the oldest art museum in the U.S., the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut. The piece in question was a highly ornate secretary from the mid-1800s attributed to the craftsmanship of Union soldier John Bingham.
So elaborate was the hoax that it included a note from his family describing in detail the importance of the piece that had been in their possession since 1862. A wonderful story? Yes. A True story? No!
Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.

From the sublime to the ridiculous: Surrealist Antiques

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:08:07 +0000

A designer friend once told me that no room is complete until you add a touch of whimsy, and there is no faster way to accomplish a whimsical presence than to add “surrealist antiques” to your home.
While they are definitely not for everyone, we are seeing a steady growth of interest in surreal antiquity. From furniture and art to sculptures and ceramics, the dream-like effect of these weird and wonderful pieces stimulate creativity and stretch the imagination in a way that few genres of decorating can.
Feeling the need to “kick it up a notch” with your decorating? Surrealism, whether by the room or by the piece, might be the way to go! Here are examples to help you get started.
Furniture — Two of the most highly recognized furniture pieces you will find are the hooved footstools and “hand” chairs (inspired by the work of Pedro Friedeberg c 1965). Chairs with odd shapes and twisted legs are popular, as are those with animal skin fabrics
Glass top tables supported by outstretched arms and tables accented with uniquely placed mirrors are popular. The Salvador Dali influenced gold leaf and bronze tables supported by legs that look like the legs of a bird, are among current top sellers.
Art — The word “art” can be intimidating. Visions of huge price tags and a limited knowledge of the art world keep many people at bay. If you are a novice, my advice to you is simple. Buy what you like! If it fits your decor, suits your taste and brings you joy . . . then it is a wise purchase!
Dream-like prints from Salvador Dali, Rene Magritte, Joan Miro and Leon Kelly are available at local art shops or, for the budget conconscience, you will find an abundance of stretched canvas works online at www.ebay.com and www.temu.com,
Also watch for mixed media pieces using unconventional combinations of materials.
Lighting — Just as with art and furniture we see the influence of the great Salvador Dali reflected in lighting fixtures and lamps. Gold tone lamps with outstretched arms for support, lightbulbs containing tiny works of art and huge abstract chandeliers are available.
Want the look, but struggling to stay within your budget? Amazon has a large collection of plug-in pendant lights that will give you the look and, at only $49.99, they won’t hurt your wallet!
However, if you are willing to spend a few dollars there is a wonderful source for surreal and fantasy furnishing online called 1st Bids. I can’t really afford their offerings, but they are sure fun to browse through! Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.

The Answers are in the Almanac

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:08:56 +0000

Unique in content and inexplicably accurate, the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” stands as the oldest continuously published periodical in North America.
This little book (which is actually no more than a pamphlet) was first published by Robert B. Thomas in 1792 under the name “The Farmer’s Almanac.” Originally intended to be a regional publication, only 3,000 copies were printed. That number was increased to 9,000 in 1793 and circulation has grown ever since.
The success of the book is in large part attributable to Thomas’s uncanny ability to forecast the weather using a combination of astronomical cycles and weather patterns. Today, the Almanac employs state-of-the-art technology and the study of solar activity in their forecasting. While the forecasting methods used have been refined over the years, the basis for the predictions is still grounded in the original formula set down by Thomas over two centuries ago.
The outward appearance of the Almanac has changed very little in its lengthy history. There have been two notable alterations — in May of 1848 the word “Old” was permanently added to the title and in 1851 the “Four Seasons” drawing by Boston artist Hammatt Billing was added to the cover. Both changes are still used today.
Attempts have been made through time to alter the content of the Almanac. One of the most drastic changes came in 1920 when Robert Ware decided to modernize the pamphlet by turning the emphasis away from farming and give it a more metropolitan appeal. It didn’t take long for Ware to realize that the “Farmer’s Almanac” would never be accepted as the “Big City Almanac” and by the mid-20′s the original format was reinstated.
In 1936 editor Roger Scaife made the greatest blunder in Almanac history when he dropped the temperature and precipitation forecasts. The outcry from the public was so great that both returned the next year.
People take their Almanac quite seriously. Case in point: In 1858, then lawyer Abraham Lincoln used an almanac to argue the innocence of his client who was on trial for murder. A supposed eyewitness claimed he had seen the crime “by the light of the moon” on August 29, 1857. According to the almanac the moon on that date was not only in its first quarter, but at the time in question was riding “low” on the horizon, about to set. Case dismissed!
The amusing text and historic information contained in early Almanacs make them a popular collectible. The massive number of books in print make most of them fairly easy to find and modestly priced.
High-end examples include Almanacs printed before 1860 and the Kate Greenway Almanacs printed in England from 1883-1887. These are illustrated with twelve drawings of children, one for each month of the year and are collected as much for their art as for their text. Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.

Baskets, Bunnies, and Blow Molds — Oh My!

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:08:27 +0000

The temperatures are climbing, the lilies are starting to bloom and the shopping malls are filling up with life size bunnies and giant colored eggs. There is no doubt about it, Easter is right around the corner.
While they will most likely never reach the popularity level of Christmas collectibles, Easter collectibles are finding an audience and the number of loyal collectors grows each year. Let’s take a look at what “those in the know” are watching for this year.
Baskets — Baskets from the mid 20th Century are gaining in popularity both for display and to use for the little one’s holiday treats from the bunny. It was easy to pick one of these up for $3-$4 a few years ago, but now you will be looking at $20-$30.
Vintage Longaberger baskets have long been a staple with collectors. The easiest to find will be from the early 1990s. Longaberger price points have plummeted in recent years so this is a good time to get their high quality baskets at very low prices!
Some of my favorite baskets are the traditional wicker pieces crafted by Old Order Amish families. These handwoven baskets ranging in size from 12” to 20” wide, run from $50-$100. If you have not yet shopped for your baskets for Easter 2023, your procrastination had paid off! Currently you will find Amish Baskets offered at 20% off at amishbaskets.com.
Ceramic examples from the 1970s and ‘80s are also of interest. You will find these from Lefton, Department 56, Longaberger and Jim Shore for Hallmark, as well as imports from Italy and Portugal. These will range in price from $10 to $150.
Bunnies — Is any Easter basket truly complete without a stuffed bunny? When it comes to collectible vintage bunny rabbits there is no match for those from the Steiff factory. Coveted by collectors for many decades, these can be found for as little as $100 or as much as $500, depending on the age, condition and rarity.
If your tastes run to the less traditional, you might consider Rushton rubber face stuffed bunnies (and chicks). Made in the U.S. during the 1950s and 60s, these adorable creatures, with their flexible faces, are highly collectible.
Online venues like eBay and Etsy are offering vintage Rushton animals in the $750-$900 range. These are mint condition prices on some of the more rare animals. By contrast there are currently bunnies in the $90-$110 range on Poshmark. Still a bit too steep for your budget? It is not uncommon to find Rushton rubber face bunnies and chicks at resale shops and flea markets for $20 or less. So be on the lookout!
Blow molds (a.k.a. light-up lawn art) — New blow molds abound and are often made to look vintage. Check for a barcode, or telltale signs that one has been removed. If one is present your blow mold can be no older than 1970. This is not all bad as anything over 30 years old is considered vintage. Just know that while they may look similar, a 2020 mold should be priced considerably less than one from 1970, so do your homework and know what you are looking at before you buy.
Many of the older blow molds (1940-1970) will be embossed with a maker’s mark and date on the bottom. Other ways to check for age on your blow mold is to determine the material it is made from. Serious collectors watch for those made pre-1950. However, those from the 1950s and 60s are gaining in popularity.
Another way to check for the age of your blow mold is to determine the material it is made from. The three main materials that have been used through the years. Celluloid pieces will be the oldest, followed by Vacucell and then Fiberglass.
Maker’s names to watch for include: Union 1967-2006, Artistic Latex Form Company 1940-1960, Beco products 1950-1960, A J Renzi 1960-1970 and Blinko 1960-1980. In the 1980s most companies began outsourcing production and by the early 1990s all blow molds were being imported from China.
Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.

Collectible Board Games

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:08:23 +0000

What do a map of WWII safe houses, a pile of 8-sided coins, an egg timer and a thimble have in common? They have all been pieces of one of the top 10 vintage collectibles for 2024…the board game!
Early games are hard to find and quite pricey when you do. Watch for 1840s games from the W.B. Ives Company, 1860s games from Milton Bradley and Mcloughlin Brothers, and Parker Brothers from the 1880s. Games from the 19th century are prized by collectors who are drawn to their incredible color lithography.
More commonly found, and easier to afford, are games from the mid-20th century. Baby Boomers will remember the popular television-based games produced from 1949-1979. Many of these were modeled after children’s shows, including Roy Rogers (1949), Hopalong Cassidy (1950) and The Partridge Family (1971).
Television games increase greatly if they have been signed by the show’s actors. Case in point is the “Batman and Robin” game from 1965. In good condition it normally sells in the $100-$120 range. However, a mint condition copy signed by six of the show’s cast members recently sold for $1,380 at auction.
Pre-television games were often based on sports, travel and books. Milton Bradley’s early 1900s “Baseball and Checkers,” and the 1926 Parker Brothers double board game “Football, Baseball and Checkers” are both good finds. Thayer’s “The Game of Authors and Their Books” and Milton Bradley’s “Junior Combination Board” from 1910 with twelve games in one box are popular with collectors. Parker Brothers and All-Fair Games continued to produce high quality lithography through 1940 and are sought for their quality graphics
One of the top selling games in this category was released in 1957 and recently sold for $1,084 at an east coast toy auction. Be on the lookout for the Swift Meats “Major League Baseball Game” as they are starting to surface.
Intellectual games that combine fun with learning have long been a favorite of families. Scrabble, trademarked in 1948, ranks at the top of “letter cross-word” games, making it into the Guinness Book of Records as having been played by over 500 million people. Risk, a game of strategy published by Parker Brothers in 1959, is a map of the world during the life of Napoleon which is won by eliminating your opponents and ruling the world. And who doesn’t remember the challenges of the top selling game of 1984, Trivial Pursuit?
Nearly all of the early 20th century children’s games required the ability to read. In 1949 CandyLand changed all that. The colorful game with its Peppermint Forrest and Gumdrop Mountains was designed to “teach color recognition, matching and the concept of taking turns,” remains a top seller and the early examples are popular with collectors.
The Game of Life, originally created by Milton Bradley in 1860, was modernized in 1960 by toy designers Reuben Klamer and Bill Markham. In its reincarnation it featured two innovations to the world of board games, a three-dimensional board and an integral plastic spinner. To promote the 100th anniversary edition of the game Milton Bradley hired one of the top TV personalities of the day, Art Linkletter. Players pass through the various stages of life as they travel the board in a small plastic car trying to land in “Millionaire Acres” and avoid “The Poor Farm.” The re-release of The Game of Life is recognized as the top selling game of 1960.
It will come as no surprise that Monopoly reigns as the top selling board game of the 20th century. Originally based on the 1903 designs of Elizabeth Magie, the game underwent a series of changes from 1906-1930, eventually evolving into what we recognize today as Parker Brothers Monopoly..
The original game (Black Box #7) is the ultimate find for collectors, but any game dated 1934-1954 will demand top dollar. Also highly collectible are the rarely issued game pieces, including the Scottie dog, top hat, thimble, boot, wheelbarrow, cat, racing car and battleship. Games from 1991 forward were produced by Hasbro and are of little interest to collectors. Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.

Thrift Store Shopping — What’s Trending For 2024

Linda Hamer Kennett — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:08:46 +0000

New trends and old favorites are topping the list of the most popular thrift store items for 2024. Ready to shake off those winter blues with a day of junking? Here’s what the experts say we should be watching for.
Once again vintage clothing makes the list with emphasis on the decade of the 90s. Mini-skirts are hot, as are their mid-calf counterparts. This is the year we return to a more feminine look so watch for fru-fru dresses and shirts. Local boutique owners tell me that denim is also in demand, with jackets being their number one customer request.
Wall art is always a fun collectible and if you are careful in your selection it might also turn out to be a good investment. Watch for large minimalist geometric designs and psychedelic styles in bright purple, pink, orange color palette reminiscent of the late 1960s and early 1970s. By sharp contrast also be on the lookout for nature prints in warm shades of brown, rust and olive green.
Vintage toys are the sentimental favorite among this year’s top collectibles. Mid-century windup toys from Disney occasionally surface at second hand stores as do vintage injection mold plastic Fisher Price toys from the 1960s and 70s. Remember playing “Cowboys and Indians”? Then you might very well want to pick up any capguns you come across, especially diecast examples marked Hubley.
“Vintage style” light fixtures can easily be purchased from one of the trendy online shops. But you will find the real thing at half the price (and twice the quality) at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Mid-Century and Retro floor lamps and table lamps are an easy find. Check them carefully for defects and if in doubt, rewire them before using.
Chandeliers tend to have dozens of pieces and are hard to display. As a result many of the resale shops set them in an out-of-the-way corner of the store and price them for quick sale. I have found some very nice crystal chandeliers for under $20, a tenth of the price at the antique malls!
We all knew it would happen eventually, and it appears this is the year. Antique glassware, taboo for the past decade, is making a comeback.
For many years I have had the sad task of having to tell clients that their beautiful family heirloom glassware has plummeted in value. But there may be hope on the horizon as 2024 buyers appear to have found a renewed interest in Great Grandma’s treasures.
Cut glass cruets and decanters from the Brilliant Period, Bohemian ruby glass bowls and pitchers and Marigold carnival glass made 1904-1910 are bringing top dollar at auction, but if you are willing to dig you may well find them at your favorite flea market!
It may be a while before the outdoor spring sales starts, but there are deals to be had indoors. So, bundle up and let’s go get a bargain! Until next time . . . Linda

Linda Kennett is a semi-retired professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates.