When you go to a store and look for new clothes, do you ever stop to consider all the work that went into making them? Much of it nowadays is handmade, but some brands do still rely on people sewing the clothing by hand. A hundred years ago, many people made their own clothes, and they relied on what are now antique sewing machines.

The Singer Sewing Machine: A Quality Antique Sewing Machine

Singer sewing machines are still popular amongst seamstresses today, and were the highest-quality sewing machines that people could get a hundred years ago. The most common kind of Singer antique sewing machine that you can find today are ones that have a table with a foot pedal to work the main machine needle up and down.

There are several disadvantages to using an antique sewing machine nowadays. Most importantly, when sewing people find it hard to maneuver the foot pedal. If the foot pedal becomes stuck, the person cannot sew. Also, if a part breaks, it is expensive to have the part fixed.

If you have an antique sewing machine, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that the antique sewing machine stays in good condition. First of all, make sure that you keep the gears free from any external things that might tangle in the machine (such as curtains).

Also, it is a better idea to keep an antique sewing machine out of damp areas, because the dampness can rust the gears. Ideally, an old sewing machine should be kept in a dry place, securely in a box if possible.

If you are interested in obtaining an old sewing machine at your local antique store, there are a few questions that you should first ask. First of all, you want to make sure that the sewing machine is in good working order, because even if you do not use it, if you someday choose to sell it, that is the thing that will determine the value.

Speaking of the value, a sewing machine might be old, but it is also expensive. It all has to do with the materials that went into making the sewing machine. While many of the sewing machines of today are made out of plastic, older sewing machines are made out of wood and iron, among other things. Check various reputable websites for more information. With the proper research, you are sure to find a beautiful old sewing machine.

Tags: Antique Sewing Machines

When people think of antiques one of the last things that most people think of is antique bottles.  However as most archaeologists know, if you want to know more about a society you need to look at what they used to put in their bottles.  When archaeologists get to a new dig one of the first things they look for are the bottles and jars left behind by the society so they can see what kinds of foods the society used to eat.

It is significant because the society may not have been a farming society and they may have imported all of their food.  Then from there you can learn about their commerce and their structure.  It all unfolds from how a society acquires food and the antique bottles that these scientists find can tell them a great deal about the people that used to live in an ancient society and what they did to survive.  Sometimes antique bottles will also have drawings and markers on them that can tell the archaeologists even more about the society left behind and they can become the biggest indicators of the history of that lost civilization.

For those that prefer more recent history there are many collectors of antique bottles from various times in more modern society.  It is fascinating to see the development of bottle technology from studying antique bottles from different parts of the world and see how the use of the bottle developed through different cultures.

In many cases antique bottles were only available to the more affluent people of society and it took some time before bottle technology allowed the bottle to reach out to more parts of society and become something that seems so common place today.  But a study of antique bottles shows that this was a long road and it took many brilliant people to bring the bottle to where it is today.

Coke Adds Life

One of the more popular subjects of antique bottle collectors are the bottles of the Coca Cola Company.  Coca Cola is known for its attention to its marketing and that includes the creation of the image of Santa Claus that everyone knows today.  To look at antique bottles from the Coca Cola company can give you a glimpse into how the company started its business and then grew into one of the largest companies in the world today.  You can get all of that from studying antique bottles.

Never underestimate the power of the bottle and you can study antique bottles to give you a better idea of how a society lived and functioned.  There is a lot to be said for the things you find in bottles.

Tags: Antique Bottles

Many people enjoy antiques, because the antiques are really a piece of the past. Perhaps there are certain items that remind a person of their youth, or perhaps there is just a specific collector’s interest. Whatever the reason, many people acquire their antiques through antique auctions.

Antique Auctions are for Buyers and for Sellers

If you are an antique seller, you might be interested to know that if you have some pieces that you cannot sell through your regular store, you can often have them sold at an antique auction. The first thing that you will need to do is go to an antique appraiser, and if they show an interest in the item, they will pay you for it and put it in an antique auction themselves.

They will either do that, or you will pay them to put it up for antique auction, and you will get whatever it sells for. If you are in the antique business, you most likely know a reputable appraiser, but if not, Antiques Roadshow is a popular television show that can be a wonderful resource.

If you want to buy something at an antique auction, you should definitely have some extra money put aside specifically for that purpose. The reason being is that while you can get very unique things, those things will sell for at least a few hundred dollars.

Some people will bid themselves into debt over the right thing. However, what you will need to do is exercise restraint! Have a budget, and make sure that whatever you bid for you can purchase immediately. Remember, you might be able to find certain antiques through other sources.

So, what are those sources for antiques? First of all, make sure that you purchase an antique buyer’s guide, which will list the current prices of items, and places that you might be able to purchase them. Of course, your local antique store might also be of help in finding reputable resources.

When it comes to the internet, be more hesitant. While the internet has many different antique websites, some of them sell fakes. Fakes are unfortunately very prevalent in the antique world, so make sure that you have reputable certificates of authenticity.

Antique auctions can be a lot of fun. You can meet fellow antique enthusiasts and see many different items. So, with the proper research, not only can you find interesting auctions, but also beautiful antiques.

Tags: Antique Auctions

When cleaning out the attic or basement have you ever come across an old book or trunk and wondered if there was any value to it today. Many antique pieces are worth quite a bit today but there are strict stipulations as to how the antique value is determined. There are experts in the field of antiques who know the rules in determining antique value. So be wary of the average antique dealer who spouts off prices of their wares. Getting credentials before buying or selling an antique piece is advisable.

An antique dealer is trying to sell their pieces to whoever walks in the door. When the dealer gives you the value of the piece be sure and ask him questions as to where he got the information from and then when you get home check the internet and get the name and phone number of an antiquities expert and find out exactly how much the particular piece you were interested in is really worth. If the dealer was spot on the mark in his antique value, then return to his establishment and purchase your item. If you want to sell an item then check the intended price before you go see the antique dealer so you have a frame of reference to start your bidding.

Markings

There are particular marking on an antique piece which will give its antique value. These markings can either be the initials or name of the maker of the item or it can be a date on the inside or bottom of the item. Antique value always goes up when a piece is dated and signed by the original maker. Books in their first printing are very valuable as are paintings that are signed by the original painter.

Jewelry that has the designers mark on it somewhere is always a good sign of antique value as is a piece of antique furniture that has the artisan’s markings on the bottom or inside of the piece. Some glassware will have antique value if it has the name of the factory of its origin on it. Having a very old antique can have quite a bit of value even without markings if it is made in a particular manner. In some centuries only certain types of furniture were made and with all of the copies made in modern day it is hard to determine which is the real thing. But an antiquities expert will know the difference because he will know what to look for and the antique value can be high or non-existent depending on which century the piece was made.

Tags: antique

Have you ever tried to cook on an antique stove? It is very difficult to cook on an antique stove unless the stove has been reworked and redesigned. Very old antique wood burning stoves can be quite an experience to cook on. They are large and have open flames and you must keep the fire hot by consistently putting in large pieces of wood. Having a stocked woodpile is necessary to cook on a wood burning stove, but some people like the adventure of really living like pioneers and working for their food.

Early gas stoves were pretty easy to cook on and are now considered antiques. But you have to careful with the gas lines to these stoves because they aren’t compatible to the gas hookups that we have today. Again these antique stoves were big and easy to cook on because the burners were so large. You would get an even heat, but if you ran out of matches then you were out of luck. If you get your face too close to the burner when you light the gas you could get singled eyebrows or worse yet, second or third degree burns on your face. Cooking on antique stoves can be quite challenging.

Charming Pieces

If you were to have an antique stove sitting in your kitchen today and decided it was to difficult to cook on, it can be quite a conversation piece. The biggest problem with an antique stove is that you would still have to have another stove in the kitchen in which to cook on. Antique stoves are quite beautiful and, as said before, large in stature. They are quite charming and have definite personalities.

They are usually either black or white and some have red trimmings. They can be used for your plants or just to display a beautiful antique China set. However, if you are able to conquer the cooking difficulty, the food you cook in antique stoves is very good. The flavor is different then from the stoves we have today. It’s not an antique taste, but a flavor that will remind you of your grandmother’s kitchen.

Or in most cases today, I guess that would be your great-grandmother. Many people like to have wood burning stoves today because it saves on their electricity bill. Wood burning stoves are beautiful stoves and look lovely in large kitchens. It provides an ambience of warmth and coziness to a family atmosphere. It can be very pleasant having an antique stove in your kitchen whether you decide to cook with it or not.

Tags: Antique Stoves

If you enjoy antiques, there is now doubt that somewhere along the way you have seen antique pocket watches.  However locating and purchasing truly authentic antique pocket watches can be a challenge, but it is a fun challenge.   The first step is to get familiar with the different styles and manufactures of original antique pocket watches.  Knowing these things will help you maximize your investment and make sure that the watch you purchase will have the most value.

Good Antique Pocket Watch Manufacturers

One of the most reputable and long standing manufacturers of pocket watches is the Waltham Watch Company.  Based in Waltham Massachusetts, this company has been manufacturing watches since the mid 1800s.   Watches from this time period are extremely collectable and can be worth a lot of money to the right investor.  They have several famous antique pocket watches including the 1853 P.S. Bartlett watch.  This watch originally sold for $40 dollars, quiet a sum of money at that time.  If you can find one of these prized possessions, purchase it without hesitation.

Other watches from the Boston Watch Company, and older name for Waltham, are also extremely collectable.  These watches were marked Dennison, Howard, & Davis or perhaps C.T. Parker.  Again if you find these, grab them while you can because they are in high demand.   The Waltham Company went through several changes throughout the 1800s and with each of these changes cam more unique watches, but most of the collectable, antique pocket watches come from before the turn of the century.  The company eventually changed to the Waltham name and continued to produce some of the finest examples of pocket watches the world has ever known.  Sadly, due to a lack of demand, the company was forced to close in the mid 1950s.

Another company to look for is the Elgin National Watch Company.  Founded in 1864 this company produced watches up until the mid 1960s and is another example of fine watch technology prior to 1900.  They began producing watches in the city of Elgin, Illinois are highly desirable in the antique pocket watch market.

If you are looking for a non American pocket watch, the company to search for is Rolex.  These can be difficult to find in the U.S. however as most were sold overseas.  In addition, their watches are not really considered to be true antique pocket watches as the company was founded in 1905.  Most of the truly antique pocket watches come from around the civil war era.

Tags: Antique Pocket Watches

I have been an antique collector for many years but one item that has eluded me has been an antique magnifying glass.  I know it sounds kind of silly, but I have always wanted to add one to my collection of rare and unusual antiques.  For a long time I sought an original civil war pocket watch that worked, and eventually I did find one but I did not have such luck in finding an antique magnifying glass.  Well, I am here to tell you that my search is over and I have finally got the object of my affections.

Finding My Antique Magnifying Glass

I spent days and weeks searching the internet and antique shops for my antique magnifying glass but never found exactly what I wanted.  I grew frustrated as I thought that all my efforts were in vain, but while away on vacation I stumbled into an odd antique shop not looking for anything in particular.  This shop had all manner of odds and ends, old engagement rings, Tiffany lamps, dressers and drawers and even the odd firearm or two but nothing that really caught my eye.

I spent some time talking to the owner and went over everything that I have in my current collection.  He was interested in a few of my items but I told him that none of it was for sale.  He asked if there was anything I was looking for in particular and I said no not really, that I was just browsing and was away on vacation.  Almost as an afterthought I mentioned that I was looking for an antique magnifying glass, and to my astonishment he said that he might have something of interest for me.

Away we went into the back, popping out several minutes later with an old shoebox in his hand.  He placed in on the counter and gently brushed away the dust telling me that he had displayed this years ago but never found a buyer a simply put it away and forgot almost completely about it for the last twenty years.   Slowly he opened the box and there sitting neatly on a bed of fine red velvet was the most magnificent antique magnifying glass I have ever seen.

Instantly my eyes lit up, perhaps a bit too much, as he noticed and neatly pulled the price tag off.  Looking me square in the eye asked whether I was interested.  At this point we both knew I wanted it, the question was how much I was willing to pony up.  We bantered back and forth for a couple minutes and finally settled on a price that I was comfortable with.  What’s the moral of this story?  That no matter how bad you want something, whether it is an antique magnifying glass or a brand new car, the second you stop looking there it will be!

Tags: Antique Magnifying Glass

Antique keys are about the past, and most of the keys that are available have an interesting story that comes with them.  There are authentic antique keys that collectors look for, but there are also replicas of antique keys that interest collectors as well.  There are antique keys that opened doors in the past, but there are also antique keys that opened handcuffs and the lids of trunks.  Antique keys might come from shops close to home or these old keys could also be from distant lands such as India.  There are keys from some very old padlocks that interest many collectors.

Antique keys from the Victorian Era in England are particularly interesting.  Many people like to create an old charm in their décor, and these people might want to find authentic Victorian hardware to create a beautiful atmosphere.  There are also some great replicas for those who cannot find the real thing.  The replicas are reproduced with great care and attention to the hardware used so many years ago.  There are hinges that are just like the ones used so many years ago, and these pieces can make every thing look like a scene out of the England when Victoria was the Queen.

Antique Keys Open Hearts And Hearths

When you think of keys, you usually think first of doors, but some people think of the keys on a piano or the keys to one’s heart.  There are some beautiful pendants that have a key hanging from the chain.  The keys are supposed to be keys to the heart.  Some antique keys have extremely intricate designs that make for great conversations and stories from the past.  These keys can also be used as part of a distinctive necklace.  The intricate designs on some of the antique keys or replicas of these keys can be a great addition to a piece of artwork or a collage.

The keys from the past are much different than the keys that are used currently, and the unique designs make them great additions to a piece of art.  Searching through stacks of old keys will surprise you because of the great variety.  Keys have been made in different materials including brass, iron and steel.  Many collectors strive to gather keys from many different eras and types.  The keys from different parts of the world are often quite different.  Some of the antique keys that were made hundreds of years ago were made by companies that still make keys today.

Tags: Antique Keys

Antique guns are a window into the past like other antiques, but antique guns are a window into a special part of history.  Antique guns are usually part of a very colorful part of the past for anyone who carries or uses a gun has a certain amount of adventure in their lives.  Antique guns could be from an owner who was a sheriff or an outlaw from the Wild West.  Antique guns might have been used from people in opposing armies in the same war.  Antique guns might have been used by hunters from hundreds of years ago.

Collectors of antique guns usually search for the most interesting models available, and these people often look for the story behind the weapons they own.  The antique guns are often available at gun shows that take place in different venues around the country.  These shows provide customers a good chance to have a close up look at the antique guns.  The people at the gun shows usually have a good story to tell about each of the guns that they put up for sale.  The prices for the guns depend on the condition of the guns, and like all antiques, the guns in the best condition get the best prices.  Older guns that remain in working condition will get higher prices than similar guns that do not work any more.

Antique Guns Come In Different Shapes And Sizes

The old guns that interest collectors most are those that have the most interesting stories behind them or the most fascinating technology.  The guns that were used by both sides of the American Revolution are particularly interesting to gun collectors.  The war was filled with brave people fighting for their beliefs.  The battles took place over two hundred years ago.  Some gun dealers specialize in the guns from this era.  The guns can be purchased from their websites, but many collectors like to visit the dealer in person to check the gun out with the owner who often has many great stories about the gun.

There are societies devoted to the collection of antique guns.  These groups have an incredible amount of information about the types of guns used in different eras.  These societies have links and information on the guns available on the market.  There are handguns, rifles, muskets and other types of firearms that people can add to their collections.  Most collectors take great pride in their collections, and they get great joy from showing them to others.

Tags: Antique Guns

Antique fishing lures can be highly collectible, valuable, and hard to find. If you have an old tackle box out in the garage or down in the basement, get it out now and check for some of these extremely rare antique fishing lures. The most valuable lures are made of wood, painted and finished to a high gloss, with glass eyes.

Heddon 700 Musky

One of these three-hook wooden minnow antique fishing lure recently sold on eBay for $840, with twenty bids! The clear glass eyes on this lure were extremely lifelike, and the hand painted Rainbow paint pattern gives the minnow an appearance that makes it appealing to fish – and to collectors of antique fishing lures!

Creek Chub

The creek chub, or weed bug, was made during the 1920s or 1930s of painted wood. A beautiful specimen of the creek chub in very good condition recently sold for $461.66.

Pikaroon Wood Minnow

A jointed picaroon lure in the perch colors can sell for upwards of $200 on eBay or another popular auction site. These antique fishing lures measure approximately 4.5 inches from one end to another.

Heddon Punkinseed

The adorable Heddon Punkinseed #730 SD lure is one of the cutest antique fishing lures you will ever see. Just 2-1/8″ long in a green shad scale pattern, this beauty was created during the 1940s. One of these adorable lures recently sold on eBay for $151.51.

Pflueger Wizard Fishing Lure

The Pflueger Wizard antique fishing lure is notable for its metal plate, identifying Pflueger as the make of this lure. The Pflueger lures often have distinctive paint jobs, making them extremely attractive to other fish and to collectors alike. You will see Pflueger Wizards sell on eBay for about $100.

Rinehart Musky Buzer

If you can get your hands on a Rinehart Musky Buzer, you will have a wonderful 1948 antique fishing lure for your collection, complete with adorable black and white stripes.

What To Watch For

When buying antique fishing lures on eBay, always pay attention to the seller’s feedback rating. Are buyers satisfied with the fishing lures they have purchased in the past? Doe the seller promptly answer any questions you may have?

Look for lures that have clear, unblemished eyes and an undamaged paint surface. Shopping for old fishing lures can be a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. A gem of a lure is out there, just waiting for you to discover it.

Tags: Antique Fishing