Article Archives: What’s in the Attic?

The Holy Grail of Christmas Ornaments

November 28, 2019 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The Christmas holiday is fast approaching and with it the beautifully decorated trees of the season. While some go for vintage tree ornament or traditional decorations handed down through the family, others are loading up their carts at Walmart and Hobby Lobby. … Read More

Reproductions, Revivals and Fakes — Oh My!

November 21, 2019 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

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. Reproductions, revivals and fakes abound. Sometimes this … Read More

Children’s Books

November 14, 2019 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

“You’re never to old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child” — Dr Suess The growth of the middle class in the mid-1800s saw an increased demand for children’s books. Recognizing this need, publishers encouraged their writers and artists to develop well illustrated … Read More

Case Knives — An American Tradition

November 7, 2019 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

It may be one of the most common gifts a man gives to his son. Perhaps it is not even so much a gift as a rite of passage, a way of saying “now you are a man.” I remember when my husband gave our son his first pocket knife … Read More

White on White…The Return of Ironstone

October 31, 2019 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Patented by British potter Charles James Mason in 1813 and heralded currently by HGTV as one of the top decorating ideas of 2019, ironstone is back in the spotlight as one of today’s most sought after collectibles. In the 1840’s the English began exporting plain white glaze covered ironstone to … Read More