On September 4, 1977, members of a Chinese youth gang, attempting to kill leaders of a rival gang, shot up the Golden Dragon Restaurant at 822 Washington Street in San Francisco. Sometime before the Golden Dragon was established, a restaurant at the address was named Tao Lee Yon. It was a teacup on eBay that … Continue reading Reading the Teacups of History
Many people still use and love candles for their aroma and ambiance, but while some of us find it hard to believe, many others have never owned a candlestick. If we refer to candles at all, it's more likely candles in jars, tealight candles and even LED candles powered by batteries. Candlesticks are an easy, … Continue reading Diving into the Origins of the Dolphin Candlestick
Tea Caddy being auctioned at Pook and Pook, June, 17 $100-$150est When you are next offered a cup of tea spare a thought for the intriguing social history which lies behind such a drink, especially taken in a Georgian home such as Wheathills. Although now a national habit, tea drinking, and its fashionable consumption was … Continue reading Antique Tea Caddies – Their Story and History
Beautiful blue depression-era glass came in every shade from the deepest cobalt to transparent azure and it remains one of the most popular colors. Let's look at the glassware you can enjoy in your home. Hazel Atlas made deep cobalt blue glass in several depression patterns, notably Moderntone, Aurora, Royal Lace, Newport, and New Century. … Continue reading Blue Glass – Azure to Cobalt Glassware of the Depression Era
That’s a good question, isn’t it? I’ve stood in front of more than a few sideboards at antique shows and with Philadelphia on the tip of the tongue; someone blurts out “Pittsburgh.” It’s happened so often I feel I may know what a Pittsburgh sideboard is. Unlike eastern cities like Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New … Continue reading How do we know a Pittsburgh Sideboard when we see one?
Cherry Blossom is also one of the top 5 most collected Depression Glass patterns! The beautiful pattern is not only eye catching, but has a variety of pieces making it quite useful . It also can be found just about everywhere making it a little easier to collect than some patterns. This has also made it a target, as one of the most reproduced of all depression patterns. When I identify a reproduction (repro) in a person’s collection I always hear it can’t be as it was my grandmothers and she wouldn’t have reproductions. She had this set 50 years! Unfortunately, they were making repro’s back in the 1970’s, and some even earlier. If the collector was alive and possibly buying replacement pieces, it is quite possible many collections have reproductions in them. Trying to figure out if it’s real or a repro can be difficult with this pattern as there is not really a common thread to look for in the pieces.
Urban Art & Antiques 