Watt Pottery

 Watt Pottery was made in Ohio. The plant closed due to a fire in 1965. According to Kovel's website the apple pattern can be dated by the leaves. Pre 1958 were three leaves. This is a rare cannister. In all my years I have not seen this for sale in person and it looks like it was never used. My guess is a grease jar or a cannister. I saw a different pattern with similar shape marked "tea" on it. The cookie jars were stout and it is definately not a bean pot either.   $125.00 Local Pick-Up Greensburg, PA

McCoy Pottery, oldie but, goodie

McCoy Pottery started out in 1910 and like many large scale pottery and glass factories they changed hands multiple times. The McCoy stamp on pottery did not start until around 1929. https://mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org/mccoy-pottery/nelson-mccoy-pottery-history/

A rare find! Mint condition McCoy soup and sandwich set. Also referred to as a luncheon set. Heavy, practical and a simple design. A cherished set in any cupboard! Four plates and mugs. $200.00 plus shipping, USA only.

Antique Desk Chair-Pick Up

$225 Local Pick Up-Pittsburgh Area, Ligonier, PA

Cash Only

Exceptional piece for your office or study. On the back is the company brass plate. "Desk Exchange," out of San Francisco, USA.

You know that saying "Things aren't made the way they used to be." This is one of those things. Heavy and solid. Not meant to break. I can't find any major flaws. I found one article in an appliance catalog from 1917 referencing this company.

A fine piece to own for any collector or interior designer.

Halloween Decor Ideas! Mixing new with old.

 I love mixing antiques with new things. I noticed Michael's has a Victorian inspired section this year. Interesting twist than same old. JoAnn's has an unusual spin with snakes and pieces that remind me from scenes from the Great Gatsby movie with Leo DiCaprio.

I am just starting to pull stuff out and experimenting with layouts. The candlesticks below are going to be on a Frankenstein themed table.  My guess these sticks are from the 1920's-1930's. No markings. Hard to find consistent information online. I do know people are using the word jadeite for about everything mint so that does not make sense. I've had Czech glass with this black band. Fenton has made some things with a black band. Northwood has the color but, found no black bands. Online they are going for $75-$160. I used Hobby Lobby taper candles and taper rings from a country store. Taper rings are so hard to find!

The book, Halloween History ISBN 0-8160-1846-4

I have Byer's Choice Carolers for Halloween and Thanksgiving. These are from around 2001. Made in Pennsylvania. A lot of reproductions. Look for label on bottom. Yes, they are more but, still handmade in a factory. The haunted house is actually a ceramic house my Mom painted when I was a kid. It was popular to meet up and paint ceramics at a shop or house. I actually love buying these pieces. They are basically newer folkart and some have a a lot of character! I simply added layers of different color tulle to the mantle for some spooky, easy effects! The signs the carolers are holding are from a cake decorating set.

Add depth and height to a display by simply turning a vase, pretty cup or votive holder upside down. I used a julip type cup and set a wax pumpkin on top. So easy!

Below are old pieces of  English Ironstone mixed in with Halloween. Love the Victorian feel to it!

The oil lamps were always on my Grandparent's mantle. My Grandfather always added red oil and lit at Christmas time. I carry on the tradition because it was so special and makes me feel close to him.

Last but, not least is a sweet candle display on an end table. Keep displays high in the middle like a pyramid. I used beautiful Root candles. They are my absolute favorite. Long burns and burn down the middle or with a draft create beautiful wax drippings. The witch boot is Yankee Candle around 2004. Notice the mercury glass votive cup turned upside down and pillar added on top. I collect dried gourds. Truly a favorite for years. That is a dried pumpkin on the right.

HAPPY DECORATING!

Going to the Show

 Gorgeous wood slat folding chair. Beautiful butter churn with sweet hand painted strawberries.

Complete set of Gothamware!!

Fairy Chimes!

Grandma's Glassware is Not Priceless

Another estate sale today and another disappointed family trying to sell off Mom's curio cabinet and more. Honestly it is sad to see beautiful and many times locally made glassware go for a $1 or to the thrift store. I live 45 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. I am surrounded by closed factories. Everyone knows someone who worked in a glass factory, mouth blower, potter, stained glass and more. Westmoreland Glass is well known and in ruins in Grapeville, PA. No placard recognizing the craft and sweat off that land. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/glassware/westmoreland
Many people want more modern designs and it does exist in old glassware. The 1940's and 1950's saw the surge in more plain lines and modern looks opposed to lace like, floral, overly decorated and more. I personally love Manhattan glassware. The circular pattern is no fuss and cool. It was produced by Anchor Hocking for a short 5 years.

Collecting old pieces is possible for modern taste and it's more affordable than new and it will likely hold up better anyways!

Westmoreland Glass still has followers but, they are willing to pay for more rare colored novelty pieces like cat plates. The collectors are sparse and the prices are 75% less than 15+ years ago. Compotes and candlesticks are a dime a dozen.

Floral china trays, gold edged sugar bowls, faded gold or floral teapots and bowls are all mostly worth nothing. Ten years ago Bavarian and Limoge marks fetched $50 and up. In mint condition at an antique shop you would be lucky to get $20.00. Prosperous antique dealers won't even buy this stuff anymore. They can't move it.

Random pieces like a sugar bowl without a creamer is worth nothing. Take the best offer you get as again collectors are so sparse. There are not many people searching for a missing piece like 20 years ago.

I remember about 15-20 years ago Fiesta Ware had a cult following. People would buy up random pieces at top dollar. These people are gone. I was recently at two shops and their Fiesta prices were less than $10.00. Maybe young people see it as Bon Ton sells it new so why buy old?

When you have a sale you must realize from the start that even if some glass is worth more it will be resold by a dealer shopping your sale. If you want to clean out and make some money then price to sell. I hate to tell you this but, most average households will not have pieces worth more than $100.00. If your parent was a serious antique collector, an executive with prized sterling or crystal pieces, antique pottery collector, purchased and was handed down crystal like Waterford, Baccarat or fine bone china then get a reputable appraiser or auctioneer. Notice I say reputable. Interview these people. Their specialty might be auctioning old cars! Or they are a hobby antique collector who thinks they collect antiques but, really does not understand the principles of true antiques. A pyrex bowl from the 1950's is not an antique. Well known reputable auctioneers have collectors and dealers watching their pages. They will get the crowd you need to make money.

Keep in mind your garage sale is not Ebay. You don't have buyers from around the world. If you think that is how it should play out then set up an Ebay account. It is a lot of work, fees and nonsense with shipping and buyers. You likely will not sell many pieces first round and it will be a slow pace. Taking pictures, uploading and answering questions becomes a full time job real fast.

I have talked about pontil marks on bottles or glass in previous posts. This could be another clue your glassware might be older and or more valuable than you think. Pontil marks are from glass blowing. They were seen up until the 1850's. Here is a link to learn more. https://sha.org/bottle/index.htm 

Unfortunately sherbet/dessert cups which you see a lot are likely going to get a $1 or $2 tag. You are going to need a lot of these low price tags for Grandma's glassware.

Basic clear glass dessert plates, water glasses, egg plates, luncheon sets and more can be bought at the $1 Store. Shoppers are not going to give you more.

Practical cooking pieces will still get $5 or more. In fact a garage sale I attended this weekend told me the early birds wanted Pyrex. People still love the mixing bowls and casserole dishes. We of course could go further into cooking. I will give one brief tip. Early All Clad and copper pans still hold excellent value. Do your research. These are examples of high end products and not mass produced stuff like Pyrex sold at the Five and Dime. However you will have to advertise to get chefs and gourmets at your door.

Many people collected Hummell's, Cherished Teddys and Precious Moments. These are worth nothing. I know a person who closed her parents gift shop and could not get $5.00 for Hummell's that once sold for $50.00 or more. I just checked Ebay and of course there are people listing "rare" pieces for over $100.00 but most won't sell or go for $10.00.

If you have glass ware, China from around the 1950's or earlier that is wildlife or sporting related then research it. This genre is still hot in many places. Christmas patterns not commonly seen can also fetch a decent price and also patterns still collected and newly purchased like Lenox, Spode and more.

I hope you have a successful sale and get the most money for yourself or parents needs. Do a little research to help yourself out. Most things will be nominal prices but, if priced right the volume will make the most money for you. Advertise using name brands and good descriptions. Get collectors and dealers fired up! 

Also it's worth filling up the laundry sink with mild soap and giving some better pieces a quick bath. Dirt, must and mold turns a lot of average lookers off.  

My Grandfather, the Antique Dealer, a Tribute

I was lucky to grow up with a kind Grandfather. He wasn't like a soft spoken, white haired Norman Rockwell type but, spirited and jovial. In the chilly months he always wore an Irish tweed flat cap. It was a perfect frame for his rosy cheeks and smile which lit up his blue eyes. He was a round man and sometimes some might say jolly when he was on a great joke streak! Gosh he was the best story teller and boy did he have the stories from his youth to share! At dinner is when he would spin a good yarn and keep you captivated or giggling so hard you had to take a deep breath!
He is the one who taught me about selling, appreciating antiques and history from probably about the age of five. My Grandfather never said you can't. He was always positive. At antique shows he would send me, the little one to the table to answer customer's questions. He watched on fondly because I was mimicking his magical selling and social skills. I rarely recall being yelled at by my Grandfather. His approach was more about asking you what you thought or learned. He didn't need to tower over me to make a point. To disappoint him would have been shameful to me. As an adult I now realize his patience and lack of quick judgement is called great parenting. It is admirable.
I miss him everyday. When I come across a rare find I know he standing next to me just as giddy as me. He loved the thrill of a great find but, also speaking to the people who owned special things. He really liked to hear their stories. He would in turn pass these stories down when he sold to someone else. Many times you find my items at shows with not just a price but, a little bit of history written with it.
The day my Grandfather died I knew I had an angel by my side the rest of my life. XOXO

Watt Pottery

In 1935 the Watt family started producing hand painted pottery that has been highly collectible for years. Like everything with the new tech generation this pottery has slowly dropped in value. Watt pottery was produced in Ohio. The plant closed in the 1960's. The hand painted patterns were the wares I grew up scouting at flea markets for my Grandfather. He had many followers waiting for a rare piece phone call!
Many people collected the Apple and Rooster pattern. I still will purchase Watt at garage sales. I have never had an issue reselling this pottery. Usually people have know idea it's value. Many times I have picked up creamer pitchers for $1 and easily resell for $25. I once stopped at a garage sale when I was about twenty and picked up a mint condition never used large serving bowl. It was the lady's grandmother's and was stuffed in an attic. I paid fifty cents. That bowl at the time was worth almost $200. Sadly today at a high end show I would be lucky to get $75.
I have seen some poor knocks offs at country stores or like Cracker Barrel. I say poor because if you know the authentic their pretty bad reproductions. Watt pottery colors are more subdued. The apples are not fire engine red but more deep and closer to burgundy.

Right now the hard to find pieces will still hold the most value. Casserole pots with the lid and no chips can still fetch at least $100. Mugs are rarely just found. Watch EBay auction prices. Get a feel for current rates. However don't get overly hung up on auction prices if you are reselling at a show. Remember shows don't have bidding wars. Also "rare" promo pieces again are going to skyrocket in price if you get the right collectors at the right time. Sometimes EBay can be tricky because you have old dealers or hoarders throwing out crazy numbers because they are in denial...you need to watch the piece and see if; sold, any bids, bids but did not reach buyer minimum. We all wish Grandma's hutch of goodies is worth a ton but!!!
As I always say be careful when purchasing average pottery or glass like Watt. The market is down because collectors well...are dying. So the last thing you want to buy is chipped, overly crazed or missing lid pieces. This stuff does not hold it's value in these circumstances because it is not rare, important to industry or in demand.

Should I Use my Antiques and Collectibles?

First, do you know the original purpose for the vessel or furniture? I ask this because I think of a lady who showed me her "old soup tureen," she just loves! She knew I collected English Ironstone. She couldn't wait to show me her garage sale jackpot!
I had to delicately tell her the ribbed bowl with lid was a chamber pot! Again, do you know? What is a chamber pot? It was used for going to the bathroom. Generally slid under the bed if wealthier and emptied by a chamber maid. A chamber maid took care of your bedroom area. I thought this lady was going to faint after my reveal!

I have a family member who inherited a bureau desk from the 1700's. It's luster was carefully restored by a professional who understood true antique restoration. It is still being used for its original purpose and that is office papers and correspondents. This desk is easily worth over 20,000. Adults live in the house. Perhaps if there were children it would go in a spare bedroom until they got older.
Since I grew up in the business most things were always around me like an exotic menagerie. However very expensive glassware was kept in glass cases. My Grandfather really didn't care if I touched the other things. At one time he had a collection of iron toys and banks. They were so unique, you wanted to touch them. One of my favorites was a dentist you cocked back and it pulled out the patient's tooth in a chair! These banks range in price from $100-$1,000. There are many reproductions. In the 90's a perfume company gave away thousands of an Uncle Sam they reproduced.
I think antiques are meant to enjoy. If you have upholstered furniture you love with original fabric then maybe it's meant for a sitting room that is rarely used. Silk can be very delicate. I would seek a professional restoration company for advice. Sometimes covering fabric is tricky too because it needs to breath.
I would not fret over using collectibles like Pyrex, Smith, Westmoreland, Fiesta and Hull. My glass freezer containers are some of my favorite storage containers I take to parties. These are mass produced and hold value because people do like to use them. Still the best! I have a ceramic Hull mixing bowl I use weekly. If it's mass produced I would use it for sure.
What about Grandma's China? Is it hiding in a curio cabinet? I take my own China out for special occasions. If you don't use it, who will? If you're not fancy just treat yourself to a romantic candlelight dinner once in awhile.
Furthermore, unless it is truly an antique (around 1850 or before) or the materials extremely valuable, an important part of a genre's history then have fun and use it! Have you watched the, Then and Now episodes lately from Antiques Roadshow? Collecting is fast becoming a thing of the past for techy generations. So many prices have dipped to half from only 10-15 years ago.

Should I Fix or Refinish an Old Piece or Antique?

I was recently at a community garage sale and was peppered with questions about some "old" pieces. I put old into quotations because many times people think Grandma's old rocker or trinkets are antiques or collectibles. Most items you come across are mass produced and not worth much. Also the collecting market has declined from 15-20 years ago because thirty somethings and younger have little interest. We are living in a throw away, dollar store society. I grew up with the notion of buy the best and buy it once. Things have changed a lot. 

One of the items I was asked to look at was a basic dark wooden rocker with upholstered seat from around 1920-1940. This guy thought it was a gold mine cause it belonged to his Grandmother. Twenty years ago he may have gotten $100 because the market was hot on wood furniture.
Dealers would clean up the wood and reupholster the seat or tac it back up. Housewives wanted wood furniture, boxes, tools and more for country decor. Country and later called Prim decor was hot for about 10-15 years.
This chair had no carving, paint details, ball feet, scrolling or sharp mission style. The upholstery was not the original and the original tacs were long gone. It was just a mass produced chair for regular folk. With the market down and upholstery work expensive, he would be lucky to get $25. A person who does this work themselves could wax it up, fix the seat and be lucky to get $75-$100. I actually just spoke to a dealer today who quit fixing furniture. He said he is not getting his time and money back. 
Now you noticed I said regular folk. Folkarts still carry value. Folk art refers to utilitarian items. Generally these items were handmade out of necessity and used by middle and lower class citizens in the early 1900's or before. I have seen farm implements and wooden household items likely from around the 50's still have value because of their worn nature and beauty. Hand embroidery work telling a family history still holds value for prim and textile collectors too. Folkarts should not be "cleaned up." You are literally cleaning away history. Make thoughtful decisions. Should you just dust it with a rag? Should you use a mild soap and lightly clean? If things start to get sticky then you are in trouble because that sticky is the finish coming off! There is no turning back on that one. Replacing pieces is tricky too. I have a slaw board someone thought they restored. They ruined it. They took the original screws out and cleaned it so good it shows no wear. Now it is just another decor piece. If the piece is important to you or you want to resell then do research. Maybe even get a professional to work on it. Make sure they understand your goals and they understand furniture history. This is an old article but, still has great information. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/tips/woodfinish.html
Folkart is about American history for collectors. It's someones hands who toiled away with a masher, broom, rake, wooden box, mallet, hog scraper, shoe box, tools and more. It is about Americans taking scrap wood or scrap from the foundry and making it into useful items. It was people able to take something from nothing and making it work. Really, isn't that the American dream?

Everyday American Lass Meets You!

Hello.

I chose everyday because I wanted to incorporate happenings along my curvy path called life and not just all about my hobbies and products I sell at my Etsy store. That could be pretty boring.
I live in a medium size town in PA. Pittsburgher's drive out my way and further to get away from the city. I grew up learning the hustle of the antique business. There were of course other things but, the talent of learning to sell and go for the clincher has always stuck with me. The many interesting people I met at antique shows as a kid really taught me a lot about people and reading people's body language. The study of it was fascinating and proved productive later in life in sales. My now deceased,  beloved Grandfather taught me the old school way of caring for antiques and telling their story to people.
The stories  I could tell about twisty sales and old timers may prove a good throw back tale for some of you. Some of the characters like Bob in his cuffed jeans, black jack boots, slicked pompadour hair and tan hardened face remind me of the people Richard Pryor so eloquently described and acted out.
How did my Grandfather, Dick Casteel go from being a barber to a successful, top Chevy car salesman and antique dealer? Well a friend got him off the corner hanging with friends to barber school. Prior to that he dabbled in another friends funeral business but, proved not to fit his personality. However I was told in the sixties kids were coming back from war and things were radically changing from the close cut and coiffed styles like Bob. Kids were letting their hair down and barber's were loosing business fast. So my Grandfather started his new journey from there. And that makes me think of the very big, red leather barber chair that set in the corner of the game room for years. One of the many things that created a menagerie I was freely allowed to wander around and touch.