Ivory Antiques

 


First off, collecting ivory antiques is perfectly acceptable, despite all you may hear about the illegal trade in ivory. Sadly, mammals are being hunted or slaughtered for this valuable commodity today, particularly in poorer countries, where the majority of these animals are found, however, due to wide  media coverage and a dedicated few, measures are been taken to tackle this problem.  Now, of course, there are huge parks for breeding programmes and to monitor and provide some protection to these animals. This provides an education and an understanding for local people to learn about their wildlife and also provides much needed work.  Wildlife in their natural habitat now draws in large numbers of visitors.

Carved Ivory

Let’s not forget that the carving of ivory has been going on for centuries, in fact, since prehistoric times. Many of the carvings really stem from very few sources of ivory. Elephant tusk, whale teeth and walrus were the most common types of tusk used. Carvings have been influenced by religion and superstition, created as jewellery, used as utensils and ornaments.

Antiques ivory carvings can be found all over the world and some date back as far as 20,000 years to the Stone Age. Many people associate China as the main country producing quality carved ivory and carvings have been dated back to 3000 BC. The Ming and Qing dynasties were popular periods for ivory carvings (1368-1911). Qianlong was the fourth emperor in the Qing dynasty and one of the longest-serving in Chinese history, reigning from 1735-1796 (incidentally, the Chinese ceramics industry in the 18th century was known for the perfection of its porcelain and the evolution of new decorative techniques, in fact a vase recently unearthed sold for £42 million).  Perhaps what is less known is that items of carved ivory have been excavated at the ancient tombs of Egypt and that the Romans had religious items, elaborate and detailed panels and delicate ivory boxes made of ivory going back to 500 AD. Other countries such as Japan were also known for its ivory carvings, in particular, the small and often intricate carvings of netsuke. The kimono had no pockets, so, in order to carry money, tobacco and other personal belongings they had to have a container that was attached to a cord and fastened by a toggle called netsuke. Initially produced for practical purposes, netsuke developed into fine miniature artistic sculptures and can command high prices at auction houses.

Collecting Antiques Ivory

As mentioned earlier, antiques ivory is found the world over so making it highly collectable. There are items to suit all budgets and quality reproductions can be found that are inexpensive. Most items would be made from elephant ivory as it’s the most widely available source of ivory and all kinds of artistic objects are crafted from chess pieces, jewellery, knife handles, frames etc. There is much to learn about collecting antique ivory and the various periods in which a piece was made, understanding the makers mark and stamp to its care and maintenance, which is of equal importance.

Care

Speaking of maintenance, I think I should devout a few lines on the care of antique ivory.

1. It is important to mention that ivory is a natural and organic material and is therefore subject to temperature change and has a high moisture absorption rate. This will eventually change its appearance with the item darkening or yellowing or in worse case scenarios warping or splitting.

2. Clean with a medium strength bristle brush or paintbrush. Use a little distilled water and ethyl alcohol mix with a cloth for cleaning tougher stains and let dry. Buff with soft cloth. You could rub on a little mineral oil, leave on for 8-10hrs then clean off. Not to be done too often.

3. Do not use water or any other cleaning agents as this could cause further damage.

4. Finally, keep in constant temperature away from damp, windows and direct sunlight.

If in any doubt, consult with a professional.

Designs

These designs were integrated throughout different parts of the world with one or two doors and inside, many shelves. The original pie safe design prevented mold and spoilage through the ventilation while also keeping mice and flies away from the goods. Traditional ones had six punched tins in the front with three punched tins on either side. The dovetailed drawers were constructed out of mortise and tenon with pine and poplar used as the most common wood. Six feet high by three feet wide was standard with a depth of one to one and one half feet. The design was far from stylish but perfect in terms of its economic value.

Shaker cupboards were the second of the most popular antique pie safe designs which emphasized simplicity. These designs were created to fit within corners and odd spaces in communal homes. Pennsylvania cupboards sat at five feet high on high legs with two doors covering the three feet width. Some designs included a drawer at the bottom or the top of the doors. The punched tin work was often a star design, hex, tulip, or heart. For those with additional wealth, brass hinges and porcelain knobs could be found to accent the elaborate carvings or cherry wood.

Restoration

For those who have acquired one and are looking to repair the piece, it is important that you gauge the amount of money you will spend based on the worth of the overall piece. You can order reproductions or build pie safes from scratch, but wood shop workers are available to restore antique pie safes. If you decide to restore it on your own, the first step should be inspecting the area for holes from mice, torn screens, or broken hardware. Any cabinet drawers and doors should be gently removed and sanded. If you have areas which are very difficult then you can use a commercial paint stripper. You should ensure that the floor of the work area is covered and that you place newspaper under the legs of the safe. You can remove softened paint with a putty knife.

You should inspect each of the dovetail joints on the drawers to assess any rot or damage. Do not use nails to repair any joints, but rather, glue. A clamp should be used to hold the wood in place until the glue has set. If any of the drawers are broken you can have custom drawers made out of the same wood so that they can be replaced. While you might prefer to keep broken original drawers for the sake of maintaining the authenticity, new drawers will provide smoother movement if you anticipate using the drawers. The guides should be screwed into place if you do replace any drawers. Gouges and cracks can be filled with wood putty and once that has dried, the entire cabinet can be sanded again. New stain can be applied with a brush or soft cloth. Varnish or sealer can be applied to the top to protect the pie safe from moisture.

Antique Kitchen Cabinets

Popularity

Antique kitchen cabinets are very distinct in their historical features. Antique cabinets do not have to be authentic to display the necessary character that age and beauty bring into traditional homes. Their popularity has continued to grow as people are incorporating “green” household ideals, especially, in kitchens. Remodels which incorporate the latest technology or condensed kitchen sets have increased the demand to hold on to the appeal of an old age cabinet and classic kitchen design.

Collectors

Traditionally, antiques were associated with collectors and investors. This soon expanded to include the upper class and wealthy who would hire collectors and investors on their behalf or begin collecting on their own. As time has passed, “antiquing” has become a verb associated with all classes and all people.

Business owners are one of the many users and collectors of antique kitchen cabinets. These can be integrated into an office kitchen or used for decoration. Interior designers are another professional group who have found a particular use for antique kitchen cabinets. Like so many other focal points, kitchen cabinets have been integrated into interior design as the centrepiece from which all decorations or remodelling occurs. They add an authentic flare to the room, while they can also serve as the piece upon which the rest of the room should accent. Islands or hutches can be accented with antique kitchen cabinets, as well. Likewise, using antique chandeliers, chairs, dishes, or artwork can bring out the colours or styles contained within kitchen antique cabinets.

Historical societies, hotel owners, and restaurant owners, who are restoring or recreating specific themes, atmospheres, or time periods are demanding antique kitchen cabinets in larger numbers than before. As generations change so too do the repeat styles and qualities taken from previous generations or artistic periods which emphasize the new demand for antique kitchen cabinets.

Uses

In a kitchen, the cabinets can be applied to a custom wood surrounding a refrigerator and freezer. Hardwood floors can be used to offset the wood in antique kitchen cabinets. Old homes and new homes have each incorporated cabinets in their kitchen. They are particularly useful when incorporated into historical facilities which are attempting to restore buildings, and can be installed into a kitchen remodel or installed only in one section, in a dining room, or used as the doors for a new kitchen set to create a specific atmosphere or accent a certain household theme.

Kitchen Solutions

While an antique kitchen cabinet make for beautiful and authentic character in the room, they may also be in short supply. If this is the case, it is becoming common to utilize the rare ones and colour and varnish other hardware to create a matching antique look. The changes are typically slight and make the remainder of the cabinets very economical. If you do find these and need to make slight changes for the sake of utilization, these too do require more than change door knobs or kitchen hinges. Whether they need replacing or not making these slight changes can add beauty and simplicity to the uniformity of the kitchen.

Locations

There are many places to find antique kitchen cabinets which now include more than just a live auction. Online auctions have become very popular means of shopping particularly because of the recent changes in the economy. People are less likely to drive lengths to go shopping, when they could save petrol money by making purchases online. Antique auctions generally take place in cities, and with fewer people willing to take the time out of their schedules to travel, the residents living in nearby cities or on the outskirts of the towns will be less inclined to attend.

Because of this, shopping online has created a niche market. Investors and collectors wishing to sell now have to additional opportunity to create online markets which boast antique kitchen cabinets categorized by different time periods, wood, designs, or amenities. Adding class to the homes of many residents, antique kitchen cabinets will remain a popular item and utilizing the new demand for online marketing will compensate for missed income or aid investors who are reselling the pieces which they purchase from live antique auctions.

Antique Fire Extinguishers

During the industrial revolution in 1819, Captain George William Manby gave the world a modern version of a fire extinguisher, and it was comprised of a 14-litres-vessel made of copper and filled with the compressed potassium carbonate.

Antique fire extinguishers are still used in modern homes and are available for sale in all over the world, thanks to memorabilia enthusiasts. One particular item which always draws attention is the antique fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguishers (Antique)

Pyrene manufactured the carbon tetrachloride extinguishers — the version we deem “antique”. This version is characterized by chrome holding cylinder or a brass holding cylinder. Elkhart is another popular fire extinguisher company which started in 1902. They were responsible for the invention of the first ball-type nozzle to shut off the extinguisher which was created in the 1920s. Still in operation, the design has continued to advance with time. While every house, building, school, or office had a glass grenade—a fire extinguisher—it was discovered that the chemical compounds inside caused respiratory problems when inhaled. Soon the liquid was changed to salt water to avoid this problem.

Description

The glass fire extinguisher grenades were typically six to eight inches high. They had a narrow neck with a round body and were sealed with cement and a cork. The cement seal prevented the liquid from escaping should the cork shrink. Other versions had a foil seal placed over the cork to create additional protection. There was often a wire loop on the neck used to hang the grenade from a hook on the wall or a nail. Often, two or three of these grenades were sold at time in a wire basket.

Collector’s Pieces

Harden Hand Fire Extinguisher Company of Chicago created one and one half pint grenades and one quart sized grenades which featured vertical ribs with an embossed star or a pattern which was diamond quilted. Some of the earlier designs showcase a footed base. The glass used was often cobalt blue. This design is the most popular of antique fire extinguishers. There is a rare design manufactured by Harden in 1889 which contained three separate sections which were all held together with a wire. One of these sections was clear glass while the second section was made out of amber glass and the third section made out of cobalt blue glass. Hayward’s Hand Fire Grenade was located in New York and produced fire extinguishers which were available in smoke coloured glass, amber glass, blue glass and green glass. Babcock Hand Grenade Non-freezing is another popular one made by Babcock manufactured in the same colours: blue, green, amber, or clear glass.

The fire extinguisher bottles were similar to fire grenades, though both remain popular antique pieces. The latter were meant to be destroyed when thrown into a fire while the former were anticipated to survive as they released dry chemicals on top of the fire. Early automobiles had fire extinguishers mounted to the cars to put out engine fires.
A popular design out of Dri Gas Fire Extinguisher is a thirteen inch long bottle with a diamond quilted pattern. The bottle contained a brown, dry chemical. On the back of the bottle are directions which inform the user to throw the contents at the base of a fire by using quickly swinging motions. Larkin Fire Extinguisher created a collector’s bottle which was made out of brown glass, containing a dry chemical. These are unique for collectors because each was made in a different shape or pattern with a bottle cap top and a mounting bracket.

Crocks Antique

Crocks Antique were perfect for storing home-cooked food from yeast to pickles, to cookies. One of the distinctive 19^th century crocks from New York feature a cobalt blue decoration of a chicken which is pecking at corn.

Value

When older family members passed away, the lot of their possessions which the heirs did not want were sold at a typical auction scene in small farmhouses. Reddish brown jars which contain splotches on them are antique designs from five different potteries which were popular in Connecticut in the 19^th century. Clarkson Crolius from New York designed crocks which were engraved with “Manhattan Wells” with the floral decorations. While many families did not understand the wealth of the pieces which the older generations had collected, small farmhouse auctions during the 1940s did not value the worth of redware nor recognize that it’s was more valuable than an eight-sided Empire table made out of mahogany.

Types

Redware crocks were part of the Crolius pottery from the 18^th century until 1870. For three decades this potting family and its rival potters the Remneys created stoneware whose durability is proven by the lasting crocks found today. The date and name attached to these pieces might excite certain collectors, but there are other pieces made at later dates by potters with a less renowned name which offer the same aesthetic qualities. Adam Caire was the son of an Alsatian potter whose work is marked by the simple yet poignant “Adam Caire, Po’keepsie, N.Y.”. These are desirable pieces because of their free hand designs out of cobalt blue as well as the realistic and original style. The crocks created by Caire were originally four gallons and could have been used for lard or butter receptacles or preserving eggs in water glass to shield them against winter. Many will see these antique crocks as wastepaper baskets or used for a jardinière.

Bricks are a subsidiary of redware which was the first pottery type known to man and categorized in the story about Rebecca in the Bible. This is a more porous and softer type of stoneware. To create these crocks out of redware, one needed a grinding mill to use on the clay, a potter’s wheel to shape the crock, and a kiln for firing. These crocks were either glazed on the inside or outside, and sometimes both. The potters would at times inscribe his name into the soft clay, though many pieces lack a date or inscription.

Conversely, stoneware would often bare the mark of the maker. The composition is harder than redware crocks, made out of a fine and dense clay which, when fired, boasts the consistency of porcelain. The outer glaze can be attained by integrating salt into the kiln when it is at high heat. Despite the durability, redware remained more popular until after the 17^th century. The ceramic looking stoneware crocks utilize bright colours and create a focal point for any kitchen.

Techniques and Patterns

One technique used was the stressed look which occurred when potters relied on the natural pattern of crack lines. More advanced designs contained muted colours on flowers, fruit, cottages, animals, or roses. A popular design is a garland around the bottom the crock which is made out of forget-me-nots in blue. Another flower design is a bouquet created out of small flowers which create a central decoration. The decorations for another collector’s piece display a U-shaped flower strand created by a pink phlox and leaves. There are many cottage scenes to be found on antique crocks, particularly smaller cottages which are tucked away among a tangle of flowers. Antique rose designs can be found with bouquets of yellow, red, and pink roses. There are artistic crocks whose bases are lined with various red strawberries, red apples, and peaches. Some designs still display bird houses with content-looking occupants, found among a detailed garden of flowers placed below.

Locating pieces from these time periods conjures the images of an easier, or at least less stressed lifestyle with the backbreaking and difficult challenges of retaining food throughout the year. No matter the style or colour, stoneware and redware remain the two major types of antique crocks for which each collector should search.

Antique Console Tables

What really counts, when searching for antiques, is the perfect mixture between style, age, and perspective. What might render high value in one home or office might be considered ugly and useless in another. An antique console tables are antique pieces of furniture whose use could still be applicable and less expensive than a larger piece of furniture of a dining room set.

Age

For something to be considered an antique collectors console table it must be at least one hundred years old. For some, however, an antique piece might be an acquired table which is fifty years old or from a previous era. An older piece which is at least fifty years old will be referred to as an antique by furniture sellers. There are some who define the age of an antique simply by an older piece which is very rare or has a particular degree of beauty for the time period in which it was made. Overall many antique stores which offer console tables will not offer pieces whose age or quality make it antique; instead, it is the perspective of the collector.

Perspective

Shopping for that type of tables means that you must pay attention to the idea that this piece is second hand or used. Negotiating the price is not frowned upon and it is not unusual to find weathered wood or unfinished wood underneath as indications of the timeliness of the piece. However, a piece which is very weathered or which has unfinished wood does not mean that the console table is an antique. It is important that you not purchase refinished tables if you want to retain the true value. If an antique has been refinished even in only a small amount, it has lost half of its value already. Antique console tables which have suffered from aging of the original finish and darkened have increased value.

Design

There are many popular styles for console tables. Originally, this design was meant to attach to a wall via brackets. This style developed in France during the latter half of the 17^th century because it fit perfectly within a long and narrow foyer of a townhouse. The table was two-legged though it is also found with at least a single straight side which remains undecorated and can be placed against a wall. The most popular shape associated with a console table is the rectangular shape, though the demilune table shape was also popular. This is a half-moon or semi-circle shape which can contain a drop-leaf which the user can flip up to form a complete circular table. This style was integrated during the 1750s and was a particularly popular design for Louis XVI. The flat side of antique console tables is perfect for moving to another room when it is needed and offers practicality which is unmatched by other tables produced during the 17^th and 18^th century. Moving tables to other rooms was a common practice during the 18^th century, making this design a collector’s dream, particularly if their homes boast long and narrow corridors or foyers as so many townhouses throughout the United Kingdom cities do.

Styles

The Butler’s table is an 18^th century design which consists of a trap which folds on top of the stand. There are two X-frames which surround this table with a rectangular tray. Some variations have a rectangular centre with hinged sides forming an oval upon extension. Originally, this antique console table was meant as a lightly portable table. The butterfly table remains a popular and similar design to console tables. The butterfly table design is an American variation of the gate-leg table. Other options include the Kang table from ancient Chinese furniture, the Hutch table which is a tilt-top table which flourished in England, as well as the Pedestal table. The Pembroke table was another famous table which broke away from the traditional design of the console table. The Piecrust table and the tavern table was also popular 17^th and 18^th century designs. Tea tables and trestle tables are two additional antique table styles which expounded upon the unique design and functionality of the console tables during the same time period.

Antique cedar chest can be found at nearly any garage sale, but understanding what differentiates between old and antique is only the beginning of the search process.

History
Antique cedar chests were often associated with older women, containing their deepest secrets including a dowry, quilts, and photos and clothing which were saved in anticipation of a wedding day. The memories contained in them encouraged the colloquial term “hope chest”. Estate sales, attics, basements, and yard sales are often a great place to not only purchase a chest, but to purchase the memories which are contained therein. A cedar chest was a traditional gift meant for young couples at their wedding. They were meant to store items such as blankets, bedding, the wedding dress, clothes, or special items for the bride. They were brought as the main—and sometimes only—transportable storage facility when families moved from one place to another. Now the tradition of giving cedar chests has transformed into giving it as gift for weddings, anniversaries, or holidays.

Vintage vs Antique
While a piece might seem perfect for you, from your 99-year old grandmother, it might not qualify as an antique for another year. Anything which is between thirty and one hundred years is deemed vintage while those things over one hundred years old are antiques.

Manufacturers
Those cedar chests which were created before the 20th century are very rare. These antique cedar chests amount to costs upwards of thousands. The chests created during this time are unique because of the fact that they were created during a period of time where they were made by hand. The time and energy required to make such pieces are revealed in the woodwork. At the corners of these  chests one will notice the trapezoidal cuts at the dovetail corners. The ones which are uneven demonstrate the cuts made by hand by skilled woodworkers who devoted hours to their tasks. Lane Furniture as well as Ed. Roos were popular cedar chest manufacturers during the 20thcentury, whose designs were produced in bulk and can still amount to larger value for those rare styles among them.

Condition
While an antique cedar chest might appear to be shabby or worn, this does not negate its value. Original condition is of course worth more in terms of an investment but might not contain as much of the antique appeal that is associated with a used cedar chest full of memories. The visible wear  is referred to as a “patina” and can contribute to its value dramatically.

Styles
There are many features and styles that antique cedar chests may boast. The ornamentation is a reflection on the manufacturer or the woodworker and can increase the value of the piece. The largest cedar chests are referred to as blanket chests for the obvious reason that they hold blankets. Because of their size and durability, these are worth more than smaller versions. Plainer items might mean more to collectors because of the rural families or associations which they represent, while richly features pieces whose hardware and inlays are reflective of decorative craftsmanship can be considered more valuable. Antique cedar chests which have hand-carved ornaments and those which are unusual—such as multiple-drawer models or high-legged models—attract a higher value.

Drawers of Secrets
Bargains and treasures can be found simultaneously. Older models of hope chests  can not only serve as a treasure or a bargain, but as an economic storage facility and attractive decoration for any room in your household. They serve as perfect gifts for friends and primarily for family. Their function as the perfect storage facility because they can be placed in the centre of a room and used simultaneously as storage for guest blankets and pillows as well as a coffee table or foot rest. When placed in a bedroom they can be used as footboard of sorts, a bench, as well as a storage facility for additional blankets, movies, tools, pillows, clothes, or bathroom accessories. The scent these natural wood pieces provide any room acts as a natural air freshener and is often associated with the image of a wood cabin in the mountains.

Antique Barbers Chair

Antique barbers chair demonstrate a sense of timeless quality that so many other pieces of furniture lack. These chairs can be used for show only or in a place of business. The reason for investing in an antique barber chair is important in terms of what the piece can offer. You should research the right barber chair based on the purpose. Some people might collect them  in an attempt to relive their past, others to match the theme of their new barber shop or salon, yet some to simply collect and resell for a profit.

Condition
The condition of barber chairs varies greatly, as do so many antique items. The value of the chair will be determined based on the style as well as condition of the piece. This is not to say that only flawless or reconstructed antique barber chairs will retain value. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Those which remain intact and original though tattered will present the highest value in terms of the reliability and the functionality. Age is another important consideration in terms of the value. Classic chairs which have retained their mint condition will cost thousands. Remaining one the most expensive chairs, Koken barber chairs are the most widely sought chairs. Unlike regularly used and transported household furniture, barber chairs only endured use from clients sitting in and out of them which means that mint condition might occur. The original materials used, actual age, design, special qualities, as well as any possible restoration will contribute heavily to the investment and worth of the chair.

Uses
Currently, antique barber chairs add to a home or business décor. They offer classic seating and various models used to complement the setting. Since there are several kinds of antique barber chairs, the beauty is determined by the purpose for having the chair. Men or women who are opening new salons might be more interested in antique barber chairs for the sake of matching décor or appealing to older customers. Still, many dental offices and tattoo shops are integrating the use of these chairs making it even more difficult for collectors to track them down. While online auctions are a popular means of acquiring an antique barber chair, a live auction is a better bet for the obvious reasons; the item can be examined in person, all areas, nothing can be hidden or disguised in a photo, and restoration details will be immediately noticeable as well as the actual size of the item(s).

Types
The first of the many types of antique barber chairs is the traditional type. The traditional ones are often the common image concurred at the mention of barber chairs. The seat of these chairs can be moved up or down to accommodate the needs of the barber. The materials used consist of a chrome base with a vinyl or leather seat. The next type is facial tables. These are the chairs which are most often used in spas. While many will claim that these are in fact called spa chairs, they were originally barber chairs. These chairs recline with ease, permitting the client to lie down as a technician shaves their face or conducts other facial treatment. They have a hydraulic system allowing the chair to move up and down as well, creating the most comfortable position for the client.

The European antique barber chairs are the most durable given the wooden arm rests and vinyl materials. Like the aforementioned ones, this version offers a fully adjustable seat which can be raised or lowered depending on the needs or the placement within an office or home. There is a headrest attached for the sake of elegance now. Of all of the types, this one is the most reliable but also remains the most expensive of the three options. The base is studier and the design remains in use even today, making it one of the most popular. Many new barbershops and spas will steer away from this version because of the increased cost, making it easier to locate for collectors and investors searching for antique barber chairs for use in their home or use in their office or business.