Monday, September 3, 2012

Antique, Vintage Christmas Postcards from 1909

In the year 1909 Christmas was as beloved a holiday as it is today, with postcards being among the more popular ways to send greetings to family and friends.

To that end we've included several Christmas postcards from that year to give a glimpse into the variety of ways the holiday theme was expressed through art created to be shared with others.

In this first Christmas postcard from 1909 we have a couple of winged angels appearing as children. The soft colors are magnificent, as is the inclusion of what appears to be the star that led the wise men to find Jesus long ago.

I also like the tree and uneven fence on the left.





Next we have a mother and daughter working together to create a dish to include in the Christmas meal.

These are such terrific snapshots of the era, including the way people dressed at the time, as well as the hairstyles and types of kitchen utensils and tools used to make the various parts of the Christmas meal.

Also interesting is the table and the way the dishes and other things are displayed on the shelf.




Finally we have this wonderful depiction of Santa delivering his big bag of gifts via a dirigible. Seeing what is in the gift bag is a nice look at what was popular and desired at the time.

The way the basket is attached to the dirigible via the vines is very cool looking, as it the basket itself.





Hopefully you enjoyed this brief look at the way Christmas greetings were expressed over 100 years ago. Without meaning to, the artists also give us a wonderful glimpse into the way life was lived during that period of time, and how people viewed this wonderful time of the year.









Sunday, July 29, 2012

Fantastic Folk Art Antiques

Folk art is a wildly popular collectible genre, which encompasses a wide variety of items and mediums. It's almost impossible to describe because of the expansive number of way people express themselves across an infinite number of interesting areas.

One way of characterizing folk art is in its purpose. Usually folk art isn't primarily made for aesthetic purposes, but rather to be something that is also useful.

That's not to say there isn't aestheticism involved, as there are many artisans that have painted and sculpted with beauty in involved, even though the choice of materials used can be very unique.

Personally, I don't like modern artists who simply create a "folksy" type of art as simply another art form. Real folk art is spontaneous and reflects something of the culture and people making it.

Here are several pieces of folk art in photos to show disparate the creativity among
these artists can be.

Beaded Folk Art Chair


I wanted to start off with this beaded folk art chair to show how skillful and dedicated an artisan in the genre can be.

It's a magnificent work that really would be an awesome addition to any antique collection. The colors are vibrant and beading and detail very ornate.






Rooster Made from Metal Sign
Next we have this metal folk art rooster made from a metal sign. How cool is that?

This is what makes folk art so indescribable and compelling. You have someone design a fantastic rooster from a piece of metal from an earlier period of time.

The colors of the body of the rooster are terrific, as is the darkened area by the head and tail.





Folk Art Lamp and Base

Finally we have this gorgeous handmade lamp and base, made of mortered stones.

Notice the very shiny varnish finish over the entirety of the lamp.

The design is exquisitely ornate, and would look fantastic in many interior design schemes.



Well there you have a brief look at some fantastic pieces of folk art, confirming why it continues to be one of the more collectible antique items out there. This is why I continue to collect these extraordinary, one of a kind pieces.








Monday, February 13, 2012

Nice Looking Antique Toilets

Even though antique toilets may not be something that are appealing to a lot of people, they are in fact a window on the past, and some of them can be very ornate and nice looking, being part of the decor, and not only for utilitarian purposes, as you'll see below.

This first toilet was built by T. R. & Co. in 1902. The tank is made of oak with that finely embossed finish on the toilet.





Next is this really nice toilet from the medieval period. I don't have an exact, or even close date on this, but it had to have been a toilet from a noble's home or possibly royalty. It's far too nice for a commoner of that period.



There are so many varieties of antique toilets out there that it would be impossible to show even a tiny portion of them. In this article I just wanted to include a couple vintage toilets which were designed with idea of being an addition to the decor of the room it was in.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Coca Cola Matchbox Car Collectibles

Coca Cola items continue to be among the most desired and collectible by fans of vintage brands like the soda company.

That extends to the diecast car area, and specifically to the Matchbox branded Coca Cola cars and vehicles they've introduced through the years. Many of them are awesome.

In its 'Models of Yesteryear' series, Matchbox released this great replica of 1912 Ford Model T, with "Enjoy Coca Cola" on the side. Although the packaging is bland, the car itself is awesome.



Matchbox released this Coca Cola 1958 Porsche 356a coupe. Now is that a great looking car or what?



Another Coca Cola Matchbox release includes these two great vehicles from the 1950s. They are, on top, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, and on bottom, the FJ Holden Panel Van.



I love the Coca Cola Matchbox Dodge Coronet Convertible below. That engine looks great, as does the tropical look we all imagine when thinking of going on a vacation.



These two Matchbox Coca Cola collectible cars below were really cool in the day, and it's hard to believe how popular the Chevrolet El Camino was at the time. I remember seeing them all over the place in the 1970s.

As for the 1970 Ford Boss Mustand, what's not to like about this popular car?



Speaking of the 1960s and 1970s, here are a couple of cars that rocked the world back then: the Volkswagon Beetle. How many times did we take trips where we yelled out "slug bug" and gave one of our siblings a hit, or were on the receiving end of one?

Fascinatingly, the Volkswagon Beetle style, in general, has recently made a comeback.



What a great selection of Coca Cola, Matchbox diecast cars to enjoy and appreciate. This is what collecting is all about: quality designs reminding of us of the wonderful days of our youth.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Vintage Knitting Advertising

Any type of vintage advertising gives up a snapshot into the past, and that's very true concerning vintage knitting advertising, which is fun to see, because of the focus and in some cases, new contraptions made to help the prospective knitter.

It's fun to see this Nomotta ad for yarn, selling itself on the premise that a "little bit of yourself goes into everything you knit." Having a mom and daughter dresses alike with the knitted hair is a humorous touch.



This 'Knitting Jenny' ad is great. It was a precursor to modern marketing, and is fascinating in how it uses, back then, the same techniques to sell their product. Not only that, the product is very cool, and I'm sure it was a very compelling product for moms to acquire for their daughters. Anyone remember it?



In this final piece of vintage knitting advertising, we see this image of a mom and her daughter dancing in joy over the apparent ease of use of the "Hero" measure knit, which included a ruler on the knitting needle to make it easier to use. Fun and creative stuff for the day.



This was an enjoyable look for me at past knitting advertising. I'm sure you got a chuckle out of it and memories of times you had in the past when you started your own creative streak.

Vintage Valentine's Cards | Hearts, Flowers, Umbrellas

Vintage Valentine's Day cards, or at least cards designed with that vintage look, still are the most compelling to me, as long as they are true to the period.

Probably my favorite part of the genre is the innocence and wholesomeness included in most of these old cards, as well as the way the people of the bygone era dressed. For me, it's just as enjoyable seeing either or both.


In this first Valentine's card, it shows a Victorian couple surrounded by flowers, with the simple message: "To My Valentine." That look they're giving each other says it all!





Another aspect of classic Valentine's cards were the inclusion of umbrellas and a heartfelt poem. Here we have hearts raining as the woman says a prayer to St. Valentine for the man in her life.



Finally we have this wonderful image of what appears to be some extra Cupids pouring out hearts out of a horn upon the woman. It's beautiful how she has her dress out catching the hearts. The roses on the side are a very nice touch as well.




As you can see, vintage Valentine's cards are fantastic pieces of art, and show when it comes to love between a man and a woman, it never goes out of style.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Vintage Halloween Postcards

In the tradition of, I guess, pointing at Santa Claus in his sleigh on Christmas Eve, here you have a little child pointing out a witch flying on her broom with a full moon on Halloween night. The black cat is a nice touch. I like the vintage look of the Halloween postcard.











The cat in the vintage Halloween postcard below is also a great addition to the theme, and appears to be the center of attention, as it raises it back as the witch is stirring up the floor with her broom. All those nasty little critters coming out of the kettle boiling in the fireplace looks great as well.






Classic Halloween Car Designs

Here are a couple of great classic Halloween designs on cars. The first one below includes all that you think of when thinking of Halloween, including the scary trees, ghosts, and overall "haunted" look.




With the second car we have that great big pumpkin on the hood and grill, which looks awesome, to say the least. These would be a lot of fun during the Halloween season, and would generate a lot of attention.




Friday, January 21, 2011

Vintage Valentine Cards

I'll always be fascinated by vintage cards of any sort, as there seems to be a timelessness about them which not only reminds you of days gone by, but of a time you wish would return, in its simplicity and innocence. Here's a look a number of Valentine postcards and cards to remind us of these wonderful times, and time in our lives.

The Valentines card and postcards speak for themselves.














I really like the vintage Valentine postcards right above and right below. Mostly it's because of the wonderful vintage clothing and hats the women of that day wore. It gives a snapshot of that period of time, along with the timeless expression of love toward their man.
















What I really like about these vintage, antique Valentine cards is the wholesomeness and winsomeness associated with them. None of the snarky, edgy stuff you see today; just a sincere expression of how a person felt for the other.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Vintage, Collectible Coca Cola Ad Posters

Ad posters from Coca Cola over the last 70 years or so were fantastic, and there's little doubt when you glance at one that it was made by Coca Cola, as it has that unique look we've all come to recognize.



They are a piece of history for sure, and reminds us of much simpler, innocent and desirable times.
Another important part of the Coca Cola advertising is you always recognize it's Americana; it wasn't something overtly done, but done out of who we were as a people. You still feel the sense of who we were and are as Americans, or if you're not an American, who we were, but to a lesser extent today, who we are.




That America has gone, at least for many people, although there is a significant number who cling to what we were and represented at the time.

As far as the art work, it worked well with the characters and props associated with it, while Coco Cola was viewed and included as one of the joys of life that accompanied who we were.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Military Collectibles: Russian Flare Pistol Holster




This is an authentic Russian flare pistol holder, which I thought was in great shape and would have really liked to own.

The purpose of the double flaps you see is first of all to obviously hold the pistol, while the other is to hold the ammunition.

I thought this was in exceptional condition for the time period and potential environment it would have had to have been used in.

Probably my favorite part of the pistol holder is the color. That deep brown is really attractive and is what caught my eye immediately.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Vintage Christmas Cards | Santa Carrying Presents


Vintage Christmas Cards

I just love this vintage Christmas card of Santa carrying all the presents from his sleigh to the house. All of us dreamed of getting a bunch of presents like this when we were growing up.

That little doll hanging at his side with what looks like a snowman is fantastic too.

Santa's face looks so determined to make sure he gets it right. I like how the artist captured that.
This sure isn't any wimpy Santa. Great image of a moment all of seem to have registered in our minds.

Vintage Christmas Cards

Vintage Christmas Card | Little Girl



Vintage Christmas Card

I love these Christmas cards of childhood innocence, and this one of the little girl riding the wooden pony is so cute and delightful. You can picture her just receiving on Christmas day and galloping around the house over and over again.

That hairstyle is so old that it fits in with certain people in our day, which shows everything returns back to its origins sooner or later.

Another thing I like about these old Christmas cards is the rosy cheeks of the children and interesting color combinations most artists of today wouldn't think of doing. Great Christmas card from days gone by.

Vintage Christmas Card

Friday, November 20, 2009

Vintage Christmas Card | Little Boy



Vintage Christmas Card

I remember seeing this vintage Christmas card years ago, and never ceases to be among my favorites, as the little boy attempts to bring all those goodies home, but his eyes were bigger than his ability to deliver the goodies.

It doesn't look like it's bothering him though, as he's seeming to have a lot of fun trying to bring as many home as he can.

Vintage Christmas Card

Vintage Christmas Card | Santa Angel




Vintage Christmas Card

This vintage Christmas card of the angel with her hand on Santa's shoulder while he's about to gather up his gifts for Christmas eve delivery is another reason why I really enjoy vintage Christmas cards.

It's almost like the angel is saying she'll guide Santa on his way to doing his good deeds. Great Christmas card.

Vintage Christmas Card

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Vintage Christmas Decorations| Albino Deer



Vintage Christmas Decorations

This set of Christmas albino deer are extraordinary to me, and they absolutely look fantastic.

I am a Christmas decoration nut, and seeing these albino Christmas deer made me wish I have a few, as I can already picture where I could put them. Alas, at this time it's not to be; but I can hope!

Interestingly, I think I remember something similar to these when I was a child growing up; at least as far as the deer go. One thing nice about them is while they are similar in looks, they are still completely different as well, with the one having a base gold and the pink flowers, while the other one looking like it's ready to hop away. And how about those eyes on the doe? Cute.

Vintage Christmas Decorations

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Vintage Christmas Decorations | Victorian Stocking




Victorian Christmas Stocking

This is a nice Victorian Christmas stocking, and it includes an array of related themes to that period of time and what inspired people.

What is really great about this Victorian stocking is it shows a little bit of everything, and seeing Santa and children in how they dressed and how people imagined Santa is a great reminder and piece of history.

Victorian Christmas Stocking

Monday, October 12, 2009

Vintage Christmas Card | Girl Skating



Vintage Christmas Card

This is just a fantastic image of the skating girl and her little dog running beside her. But what is great to me is the extraordinary detail of her clothing, which gives a window to the past.

What really caught my eye was the hand warmer, which brought back memories of my grandmother when she was 17-years-old in about 1900, where she wore one of those while having a picture taken of her.

Great vintage card.

Vintage Christmas Card

Vintage Christmas Card | Santa Watching Children with Christmas Gifts




Vintage Christmas Card

As with many vintage Christmas cards, they show far more than simply a Christmas greeting or salutation, which was important in those times, just like it is today.

But it also reveals a wonderful history of the period, as you can tell from the clothing worn by the children.

The toys are also a telltale sign of an era long gone, but is sure is fun to see those things again. Did you see the drum lying on the floor? Great image.
Vintage Christmas Card

Vintage Christmas Card | Victorian Children



Vintage Christmas Card

This vintage Christmas card is in reality from the Victorian period, and the clothing a little different than a little later, as well as the way they depicted the faces of the children.

Those little caps they're wearing are also unique, and I enjoy the inclusion of the ivy to give it some Christmas color.

Vintage Christmas Card