Postmark: Vintages of Los Gatos

Just In: Hammered Brass Pendant Necklaces and Keychains

2012-02-17T13:25:00.000-08:00

We just got these funky hammered brass initial charms that look great by themselves or with other steam-punk or industrial chic accents. The initial is impressed into the oval pendant and highlighted with a black enamel to give it a real steam-punk look.

Hammered Brass Oval Pendant Charms ($7.95 each)

In the shop we sell these as components, where you can build your own necklace (chain $7.95 each) or keychain ($4.95 each) with the oval charms and add a variety of smaller mini-charms to create the look you like! Great for any age or anybody -- keychains especially are for men or women and the pendants have a dog tag look to them.

Charms and Components Display

We have necklaces and keychains for sale online, complete with an initial charm pendant. 20 initials are available (I, Q, U, X, Y, Z are not available), but please check with us before ordering to see if your initial is in stock.

Keychain with Charm ($12.90 online or in the shop)

Necklace with Pendant ($15.90 online or in the shop)

Trees if You Please

2012-02-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

I was doodling around looking at blogs and found this one devoted to trees! It's pretty and cool! Check it out. And surely we all remember this little, witty poem by Joyce Kilmer ...

Trees

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer 1913

Vintage Los Gatos Postcard: Prune Orchards in Bloom

2012-02-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Prune blossoms in the foothills south of Los Gatos

The First Signs of Spring!

2012-02-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

In a short walk-about in our yard this morning, I was inspired by the spring blossoms. Yes, we have definitely had a very mild winter this year ... at least what we Westerners call "winter" ... but there is still something uplifting about the first flowers, the return of the robins and the blooming of dormant fruit trees. Please enjoy the little visual stroll through out gardens.

Chevrolet Speedometers

2012-02-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

I found this blog post this morning ... and had to share it. I love the minimalist nature of the images ... and it does bring back memories! My first "real" car was a '56 Chevy Bel Air.

Speedometer from a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air -- my first car.

Speedometer from a 1949 Chevrolet -- this one is my favorite.

See the whole post and all the images on Christian Annyas' website page: Chevrolet speedometer design • Design evolution from 1941 to 2011. While you are there, check out some of his other posts on graphic designs.

Say "Be My Valentine" with Magnetic Frames

2012-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

We just got these wonderful frames with a variety of create your own story magnets. This set is all about valentines ... love, kisses, hearts ...

Our current stock of metal board frames and easels start at $12.00 each. The valentine selection of magnets are priced at $6.00 to $14.00 each.

We have other magnet boards and frames, as well as other magnets available. In a couple of weeks we will unveil the complete line of these magnets, but we couldn't wait to share these valentine themed embellishments with you. By the way, these are Made in America!

Stamp Collecting in 1902!

2012-02-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Back in December, I posted about Christmas ads in the December 1902 issue of Connoisseur: A Magazine for Collectors. This was a British magazine aimed at collectors of a wide array of things. When looking through these old magazines I love to scan the articles, columns and advertisements to put things into historical perspective. Amongst the articles about antique furniture, columns about pottery and ads for antiquities, are quite a number of ads for collecting postage stamps! I would not have expected that, as the first official postage stamp, the British penny black, was issued only 62 years earlier. Not only were there advertisements, but there is a column dedicated to stamp collecting and an article about The Stamps of Lagos in the October 1903 issue.

Now I was a neophyte stamp collector as a kid, and still have my old collection which I add to on occasion, although I am not really an active collector at this time. It kind of puts a historical continuity to my collecting habit to add to a collection that started about 60 years ago.

Postal collecting, or philately, involves more than just stamps, as it includes postal history, postmarks, envelopes (covers) and just about anything related to the mail. The interest in collecting stamps was quite widespread by 1860! It would seem that having an official and easy way to communicate across the country and even worldwide was fascinating even then.

The first British stamps L to R: Penny Black, Two Penny Blue, 1850s penny stamp

The first official US postage stamps were issued in 1847 -- the 5c Benjamin Franklin and the 10c George Washington. A series of stamps featuring Franklin, Washington and Thomas Jefferson were issued in the 1850s to replace the first two stamps. Franklin was the first US Postmaster General.

Early postal mail used "stampless" envelopes and local or regional stamps

First Official US postage stamps 1847

The next series of US stamps from the 1850s

One fascinating (at least to me) era of US postal history was the Pony Express. The service lasted just one year (from 1860 to 1861), being made obsolete by the advent of the intercontinental telegraph system. But it created a lot of legends and folklore.

L: Actual Pony Express stamp • R: Commemorative issue 1867

Hawaiian stamps have been a special interest for me, having been born there a long time ago. The first Hawaiian issues are known as the missionary stamps and are extremely collectible -- wish I had one!

Hawaiian Missionary stamps 1851

Postage stamp errors are an added spice for collectors. Some seem almost laughable (like the FDR stamp where he has six fingers!), others are subtle, and many are actually artistic in their misprinted condition.

Postage stamp invert errors. Top left is known as the "Inverted Jenny"

Here is a timeline of events in US postal history:

1639: First American Post Office set up in Boston

1775: Benjamin Franklin appointed as first Postmaster General

1799: U.S. Congress passes law authorizing death penalty for mail robbery

1813: First mail carried by steamboat

1832: First official railroad mail service

1847: First U.S. postage stamps issued

1857: Perforated stamps introduced

1860: Pony Express started and lasted until 1861

1861: Mailing of post cards permitted

1873: Pre-stamped "postal cards" introduced

1879: Postage Due stamps introduced

1885: Special Delivery service introduced

1893: First commemorative event stamps: World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago

1918: First airmail stamps used

1958: Well-known artists begin designing stamps

1963: ZIP Codes introduced

1989: Priority Mail introduced

Source: Wikipedia

Header form the Stamp Column in the Connoisseur: A Magazine for Collectors

CHA 2012 • Lots of Inspiration

2012-02-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

We learned a lot last week at the Winter CHA Conference and Trade Show. Although there were a lot of opportunities to select products for Vintages, the educational part of this show is really the big draw. They have seminars and workshops where you can learn and actually make things under the tutelage of experts, "demo-nars" and "make-and-take" sessions sponsored by the manufacturers to show off their products, and chances to learn from fellow crafters and artists who are eager to share their experiences. There is always a whole lot of talent and inspiration at the CHA show.

We attended a few of the workshops, learning more about resins, paints, printing techniques and materials of all sorts. One session was hosted by Jenn Mason, mixed-media artist and editor of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine and the new Pages magazine as well. Along with a lot of information about the trends in mixed-media, she walked us through a neat little project making an embellished monoprint. FYI: Jenn's website is chock full of ideas and inspiration for the mixed-media artist.

These are the mixed-media hearts we made at Jenn's workshop. Not bad for a first effort, huh?

Susan spent a couple of hours at a Ranger/Vintaj workshop with Tim Holtz as one of the instructors. And Tim Holtz was everywhere! It seemed like either Tim or his products were in every other booth. Below is the crowd around Tim at a demonstration make-and-take session in the Ranger booth.

Tim Holtz demonstration

Other demonstrations were crowded as well, as you can see from these pictures.

There are always some fantastic artistic displays at the show, and these where a few of our favorites.

We tried to pick out some of the trends in the crafting world from the show. It seemed like everyone had scrapbook papers ... even when it was not a key part of their line. At Vintages, we do not stock crafting paper as such, but do have decorative wraps and vintage papers, which are good alternatives to standard papers or as accents to make your pages POP!

Rubber stamps were another ubiquitous item at the show. We carry a few specialized sets, but do not go overboard on rubber stamps. Something unique that we have are the old letterpress printing blocks which can be used as stamps or embedded as 3D accents on an art object.

Some of the items that will be arriving in Vintages from the show soon include wax seals and stamps (Made in America), miniature white resin frames for scrapbooking or altered art, ultra-fine glitter and a new chunky "glitter" made from organic elements. New ribbons, charms, watch parts and a whole number of doo-dads complete the list.

Gifts from the Heart for Valentine's Day

2012-01-31T05:15:00.000-08:00

We loved with a love that was more than love.

From that great wordsmith Edgar Allan Poe

Come live in my heart and pay no rent.

So says Samuel Lover

What the world really needs is more love and less paper work.

Wise words from the immortal Pearl Bailey

Love is metaphysical gravity.

According to Scientist/ Inventor extraordinaire R. Buckminster Fuller

BUT

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.

Rebuts the Uber-Gravitational Scientist Albert Einstein

Valentines and love, hearts and flowers, cupid's darts and hugs & kisses ... Valentine's Day brings out the sentimental side of all of us. What ever you do, say it from your heart, mean it from your soul and live it forever. We have a lot of hearts, valentines, special gifts and cards to help you say "I Love You ... will you be my Valentine?" at Vintages. We will wrap your gift and Susan can customize a special solder pendant for you as well. Come into the shop, or check out our online selection of Valentine gifts, Gifts for Her and Gifts for Him.

Murano glass hearts ... from $22.95

Solder pendants Hand Made by Susan ... from $12.95

Eco-friendly hearts made from salvaged materials ... from $59.95

Special ribbons to help convey your feelings.

The key to her/his heart ... $7.95

Kits to make your own Valentine card or tag ... from $9.95

Limoges Heart boxes ... hand painted from France ... from $89.95

Pewter hearts ... from $2.49

Hand crafted tags, fans, cards and more.

Hand crafted wood heart greetings ... from $1.79

Valentine's Day is Tuesday, February 14th

Without Valentine's Day, February would be... well, January.

... the last word from Jim Gaffigan

Visit our remodeled blog: Made in America at Vintages

2012-01-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

What do all of these products have in common? Well, they are all US made items. Some are antique and some are contemporary. Many are hand made, but all are made by skilled American workers, craftsmen and craftswomen who take pride in their work.

Starting in February, we will be featuring strictly "Made in the USA" products on our other blog - Made in America at Vintages. We find excellent products made all over the world and will continue to carry global products in our shop and online. But over the past couple of years, as we have increased the number of American-made products that we carry, we have seen an increased interest in items "Made in the USA". So we thought it was a good time to highlight American products on one of our blogs. We will continue posting about everything else we love on this blog.

Handmade Wooden Heart Tags

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day almost here, Susan has made these heart tags with a variety of romantic greetings. The hearts are wooden with paper, glitter and other elemental add-ons. They are wonderful as gift tags, frame them to give a lasting memory, or just pass it on with all your love!

These are well priced from $1.29 to $4.95 each.

Antiquarian Books

2012-01-20T03:58:00.000-08:00

We just found this cache of old books -- classical fiction and plays from the 19th century. I have not yet placed them for sale online, but they are available in the shop or via email. The books have excellent full or partial leather covers, wonderful old world type and some have fancy paper inside the covers. All are written in French, some published in Paris, others in Brussels. Titles include: Don Quixote (V5) by Cervantes 1802; Oeuvres (V1, 2 & 5) by Jean Racine 1803; Les Saintes Voies de la Croix by Boudon 1752; and eight volumes of plays, both comedies and dramas, published in 1827-8. All are smallish books about 3.5 x 5 inches in size. These are mostly priced at $40 each (Don Quixote V5 is $75).

We have other antiquarian and collectible books on our online antique site. These will be added as time permits.

Latest Design Trends from Americasmart

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

We just got back from Atlanta's Americasmart Gift & Home Design Show. WOW! Great show ... and we are bringing in some wonderful new lines for you. This show has over 4000 exhibitors showcased in four tall multistory buildings. I would guess that we traveled through about 50 floors of displays in five days. We bring back a lot of new ideas and a whole lot of new products reaching us over the next three months or so. More on these as they arrive.

We discovered several trends that were reflected in the market: "Made in America" is strong; bright colors, especially tangerine/orange are in; designing with antiques is going mainstream; and industrial chic has crept into just about everything from accessories to furniture to jewelry.

Made in America

Over the years we have been bringing in more American made product and this show gave us the opportunity to bring in even more. There was a whole section devoted to products from the USA. Most of the product, but not all, is handmade. We ordered some wonderful pottery from Southern California, magnetic DIY frame components from Michigan, reclaimed wood hearts from Georgia, fence post fish from Connecticut ... and more.

Color of the Year • Tangerine Tango

Every year Pantone designates a designer's "color of the year". This year it is a bright, luscious orange Tangerine Tango. The color is already reflected in a number of products from fashion to interiors to fabrics to accessories.

Antiques in Design

While antiques have been incorporated into design for centuries and such design themes as country and shabby chic utilize antique and vintage accents, we saw a real push toward antiques (and antique reproductions) making it into the mainstream of design at the show. The lifestyle reflected in these items is one of bringing much of the outdoors -- rugged furniture, weathered watering cans, old fence posts, etc. -- inside the dwelling. It can have a masculine feel when the primary shades are dark browns and greys, or a softer, feminine touch when age-worn shades of pink or green are added.

Industrial Chic

Steampunk and industrial elements have been in the designer's vocabulary for a couple of years now, but with the release of several industrial age movies in the past year (think Hugo for one), there are gears, mechanical gadgets and industrial hardware showing up everywhere. Much of these items utilize a mixture of materials, burlap and glass, iron and ceramic, silver and gold, painted surfaces and natural finishes. The design trend includes a wonderful juxtaposition of industrial items with modern gadgets.

The story behind the movie Hugo is an interesting one. It is based on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Here are a couple of interesting images from the book and movie.

Crushed Paper Garland for ... whatever you dream up!

2012-01-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

We just got in these wonderful rolls of crushed decorative paper garlands. Each roll is 18" wide and 5 yards long ... and they come in a half-dozen yummy colors. Be the first to get these and start incorporating them into your projects. Just $8.49 per roll and only available in the shop at this time, but email us if you would like to get some rolls for yourself.

Valentine's Day is Only a Month Away!

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day only a month away, I thought I would get you into the mood. We have started on our Valentine themed windows at the shop. Here is a preview. More Valentine gifts and inspiration to come ...

January Trade Show Schedule

2012-01-11T06:48:00.000-08:00

We will be attending two trade shows during the month and will be closed Jan 12th through 18th (re-open on Jan 19th) and Jan 27th through 31st (re-open Feb 1st). Watch for posts about new trends and new products that we will be introducing at Vintages this year.

Otherwise we are back to normal hours at Vintages during January:
* Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am - 6pm
* Open Sundays "by chance" (11am - 5pm when open)
* Closed on Mondays

Corkscrews Hidden in Keys

2012-01-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

Each year the Canadian Corkscrew Collectors Club solicits and publishes the Best 6 Corkscrews of the year from each of its members. This year I chose to feature figural corkscrews that are hidden in keys. With one of these you could have the key to the cellar and an opener for the bottles in the cellar! Here's my selection.

The while many of the key corkscrews around are fairly ordinary, the three in the lower photograph are a bit more unusual. The top one is a large, heavy brass corkscrew made by the famous Viennese designer Carl Aubock. This one is from about 1920. The center one is made of nicely turned hard wood and is probably French. The bottom sterling silver corkscrew is made by the American silversmith J. F. Fradley & Co., New York. Fradley made sterling holloware, vanity items and novelties from 1873 to 1936.

You might note that most of these have caplifters in the handles (the Aubock one has the caplifter in the key). Back when these were made you needed a tool to open bottles of beer and soda pop, as the screw cap lid for carbonated drinks was not yet invented. Many corkscrews had the bottle opener built in.

More Charm Bracelets

2011-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Since I posted about Elizabeth Taylor's charm bracelets in the recent Christie's auction and then the charm bracelets that we have for sale in Vintages, I found this article in the January, 2012, issue of Town & Country Magazine that features a selection of charm bracelets. I thought I would share it with you.

Old World Charm • Charm bracelets have always been a kind of jeweled autobiography, each dangling trinket a tangible remembrance of things past: that first trip to Paris, that beloved black Lab, that year you almost won the club tennis championship...

Murmuration • Gathering of Starlings

2011-12-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

An amazing video by Sophie Windsor Clive and Liberty Smith shot on the River Shannon in Ireland. No matter how creative we are, Nature sets the standard!

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Christmas Decorations Sale at Vintages

2011-12-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

Save 30% off the regular price of all Christmas and Holiday decorations through New Years Eve!

Sale is for in-store purchases only and limited to stock on hand. Sale ends 12/31/2011.

Charm Bracelets

2011-12-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Charm bracelets are a little bit of history worn on your wrist. The charms collected by a lady tell a story about her thoughts, her travels and things she holds as precious. Some are engraved to mark a memorable event, others are souvenirs of special places she has visited, and still others are vicarious images of places and people in her dreams. I love to look for themes and connections among the charms.

The unique charm bracelets of Elizabeth Taylor are commemorations and collections of places, events and whimsies in her life. While her bracelets are precious metals and stones by the likes of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, here at Vintages we have several nice charm bracelets from unknown people and jewelers that still tell a story.

This bracelet has 27 silver charms with a Southwestern theme • Including a turtle box, several with turquoise stones, western gear and American Indian items. ($395.00)

I have not figured the theme out for this bracelet. It has a few college items (sorority charm, an Oregon Duck and a mortar board) as well as a US Navy ring and a pineapple. ($95)

This charm bracelet has some interesting travel related items • Including some old British coins, an airplane, jeep, horse and mule for transportation, and a cute little red plastic googly fella. ($195)

Here is an anniversary charm bracelet. I guess these represent some memories of their married life together. ($95)

Elizabeth Taylor's Charm Bracelets

2011-12-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

The recent sale of The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor by Christie's Auction House in New York has been over-the-top, both in what was being offered and for the prices realized. The sale follows a world wide exhibition of many of the items and has drawn attention as a media event. Looking through the catalog (and prices) reveals the breadth of the offering -- from fantastic jewels to Liz Taylor's unique fashion choices, from ephemera to furniture. I was especially drawn to the lots that featured Miss Taylor's charm bracelets and necklaces.

There were five highly personal Gold and Multi-Gem Charm Bracelets that attracted enormous interest and strong bidding, getting a combined total of $1,110,500! Other lots also featured charm bracelets and necklaces from the collection. From her teenage years through to adulthood, Elizabeth Taylor collected charms for her many bracelets. The images below are my favorite charm pieces.

Gold and Multi-Gem Bracelet featuring charms personalized for Elizabeth Taylor

Charm Necklace and Earrings by Chanel

Whimsical set of Fish Charms on a Van Cleef & Arpels Gold Neckchain.

Gold Pendant and Necklace by Cartier • The pendant is a commemorative Broadway ticket for the play The Little Foxes starring Ms. Taylor.

Ivory and Gold Necklace featuring thirteen antique ivory opera passes.

Gold and Multi-Charm Bracelet with 30 charms collected by Ms. Taylor

All photos from www.christies.com/elizabethtaylor

Folk Art, Primitives & Fishing Decoys

2011-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

How wonderful is it to show off something made by your dad? or display a craft item created by your mom or a close friend? or that little boat you made when you were twelve? Folk art goes as far back as mankind. Toys, dolls, games and images crafted for entertainment, worship, memories and beauty by common folk are the core of many cultures. The American Folk Art Museum in New York City has some great collections and background on this genre.

At Vintages, we occasionally get the opportunity to acquire some pretty wonderful collections. Earlier this year we obtained a whimsical group of folk art dolls.

These little beauties range in price from $29 to $49 each. Some pictured have already been sold.

This past week we got a collection of wonderful, colorful ice fishing decoys, plus several dolls and a couple of Santos figures.

Ice fishing decoys appear to be an American invention, used by the Native American Indians hundreds of years ago. The idea of attracting a fish to a hole in the ice and spearing it for dinner is not just American, but the use of a fish or critter effigy to attract the fish is uniquely American. While there are commercial examples of these lures and decoys, it is the hand carved and painted variety that attracts collectors. Many of these rise to the level of objects of art ... folk art for sure. (Click this link for additional information on Fish Decoys.) We have listed a collection of these online and have them in the shop.

Ice fishing lures from the early to mid-1900s. Prices range from $125 to $195 each.

Here are a couple of Black Americana folk art dolls we have. One is a dancer or jigger doll. A kind of puppet that moves and dances when jiggled from a string or spring or moved around on a stick. The other is a wonderful little black man doll, decked out in a cloth outfit including a bow tie and suspenders.

Black Americana Folk Art Dolls ($295 each)

These two bunny rabbits are candy containers! Wonderful little gifts from an Easter long ago.

Candy container c1930 Boy in Bunny Costume ($395.00)

German Bunny Candy Container c1920 with Feather Trim ($495.00)

We have posted about some of the reproduction Santos figures we have in stock -- these are handmade and wonderful. Now we have two superb antique Santos statues from the 19th century.

Antique 19th century Santos figures. L: Padre ($795); R: Angel ($695)

We love folk art and always have some nice examples. Come on in and check out our selection ... or look at the folk art on our online site.

Vintage Christams Decorations

2011-12-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

Throughout the year we search out interesting vintage items for the holidays -- Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. It is getting harder each year to find quality collectibles from holidays of the past. Here is a selection of the vintage Christmas Holiday decorations and ornaments that we have this year.

A variety of Victorian tinsel & other vintage ornaments, tags, tinsel and Santa lawn lights.

Old candy cane box ($18.00)

Holiday postcards (from $4.00 each) and a candy container sleigh with snowman ($34.95)

1930s vintage village houses ($18.00 - $24.00 each)

Fantastic tin holiday candy box from Knutsen Lines ($45.00)

Santa bell candy container ($29.00)

A glimpse of our display window with an old red & green truck from Grandpa's Toy Shop c1953 ($149.00) and an old doll ($85.00). The 1960s Santa & snowman lawn lights are priced at $65.00 to $95.00 each.

WOW! This is a super little Santa wind-up walker pulling a sleigh. It has its original box! ($49.00)

Hostess Gifts & Thank You's from Vintages

2011-12-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

During the Holidays we all have opportunities to take a little gift for the host or hostess ... or to say Thank You ... or just to wish someone Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. Vintages has many wonderful little treasures for your favorite folks ... and we wrap them up for you so you are ready to go. So when you need a gift, see us at Vintages.

Christmas in London 1902

2011-12-09T07:50:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what the Christmas gifts were 110 years ago in London? Well, here is a snapshot I gathered from advertising in the December 1902 issue of Connoisseur: A Magazine for Collectors. These ads were aimed at British collectors, but are not just about collectibles or antiques.

The articles in the magazine have nothing at all to do with Christmas. It's all about collecting. But there are a few choice ads.

Maybe an antique sleigh filled with gifts!

Or a pair of opera glasses.

For the musically inclined, there is this beautiful pianola.

(This ad by-the-way is the only color ad in the magazine.)

Maple & Co. suggests an array of

Chinese and Japanese Curios (imported direct from the East).

Beautiful Furs for Christmas Presents and New Year's Gifts.

Of course, what would the Holidays be without a

special Favrile vase from Tiffany's?

And finally, once the Christmas cheer has died down,

spend the rest of the Winter on the Nile.

Steuben Glass Closes its Doors

2011-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Quite a few years ago, back in 1996, I was working on a hi-tech project with Corning Glass and had the good fortune to be treated to a personal, one-on-one tour of the Steuben factory and the Corning Glass Museum. It was a wonderful experience. I came home with a lovely Steuben vase that we still treasure today.

Crystal Clear Steuben Vase c1996

I was truly surprised to hear that after over a century of art glass excellence, the Steuben factory closed at the end of November! Since 1903, Steuben glass has been fashioned into everything from fruit bowls and decorative animal figurines to one-of-a-kind sculptures bestowed as official gifts by American presidents from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.

Steuben got its start when Frederick Carder, an English designer, agreed to run a glass-engraving shop in exchange for the freedom of creating decorative glass. His richly hued creations turned him into a giant of the glass arts scene alongside Louis Comfort Tiffany and Rene Lalique. Early designs by Carder were colorful, many with Steuben's famous Aurene iridescent surface. While Tiffany and Lalique delved into the world of Art Nouveau fantasy, Carder chose to remain faithful to classical shapes revived with fresh, vibrant colors.

Frederick Carder's Aurene Vase

After nearly going out of business during the Great Depression, scientists at Corning Glass, which had acquired Steuben in 1918, came up with an exciting new crystal formula—a colorless heavy-lead optical glass that throws off an extraordinary rainbow of color. Arthur Houghton Jr., Steuben's marketing maestro, along with Sidney Biehler Waugh who had taken over the creative reigns, propelled Steuben back into a name of distinction with an emphasis on line and form created in clear, colorless crystal. Houghton staged exhibitions by leading contemporary artists such as Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe and Salvador Dali, opened a retail store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and advertised in all the best magazines.

Sidney Biehler Waugh's Clear Crystal Gazelle Bowl c.1935

Steuben remained a hallmark of creativity and excellence in glass throughout its history. It will be missed. On the brighter side, art glass dealers expect an even more vibrant aftermarket in Steuben collectibles. "Tiffany art glass hasn't been made since the 1930s, and the desirability did not diminish, it's increased," said a prominent collector.

Contemporary Eagle Decanter

A couple of final notes: Steuben's flagship store in New York is holding huge sales and will close once its inventory is sold off. The Corning Glass Museum, in Corning, New York, is not affected by this closure and will continue to operate.

Vintage Dress Forms or Mannequins

2011-12-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

We have always used vintage dress forms for display here in the shop. The ones we have had were part of Susan's personal collection. These vintage mannequins are difficult to find, especially in good condition. We now have several of these vintage dress forms for sale ... while they last!

We have these priced from $395 to $495. Most are adjustable types, one has a metal skirt at the bottom and all are old. Come on in and check these out.

Christmas Creche Theater

2011-12-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

We have this wonderful antique looking theater that was made for a Parisien themed opera scene ... but we found that it is a gorgeous backdrop for a wintery creche nativity scene. The theater itself comes with two interchangeable backdrops - one is a Paris scene on a bridge over the Seine River, the other is a wintry forest.

Theater with two-backdrops ($249.00); Decorated brush tree (from $18.95 each)

Wire form Creche ($24.95); 3pc Nativity ($19.95 set)

Theater Paris Seine River scene backdrop and dancing ladies (Dancers $21.95 each)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-11-28T09:07:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder how much it would cost to purchase all the gifts in the classic Holiday song The Twelve Days of Christmas? Well, last year we passed on the tabulation from the folks over at PNC Wealth Management who calculate the PNC Christmas Price Index. So we pass it on again this year, which is the 28th time they have done this index that totals the cost of items gifted by a True Love who repeats all of the song's verses.

For the 2011 Holiday season your True Love will have to shell out $101,119.84 for all 364 gifts, a 4.4 percent increase compared to last year. It is comforting to know that the cost of Three French Hens, Eight Maids-a-Milking, Nine Ladies Dancing and 10 Lords-a-Leaping are the same as last year. However, the price of Seven Swans-a-Swimming rose by 12.5 percent to $6,300, and while the Partridge is still affordable at $15, its home, the Pear Tree, increased 13.3 percent to $169.99.

For those True Loves who prefer the convenience of shopping online, the cost of The Twelve Days of Christmas gifts purchased on the internet is $174,382.93! Internet prices are higher than their in-store counterparts because of premium shipping costs for birds and the convenience factor of shopping online, according to PNC.

Well, the twelve days of Christmas are almost upon us. Vintages can assure you that a True Love can get by on much less in our shop ... and get much more relevant and wonderful gifts as well.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me ...
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtledoves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

• For those who want to see the numbers, here’s the breakdown of the cost for each gift.

Partridge in a Pear Tree – $184.99 (up 14.2%)
Two Turtle Doves - $125.00 (up 25%)
Three French Hens - $150.00 (no change)
Four Calling Birds - $519.96 (down 13.3%)
Five Golden Rings - $645.00 (up 0.8%)
Six Geese-a-Laying - $162.00 (Up 8%)
Seven Swans-a-Swimming - $6,300.00 (Up 12.5%)
Eight Maids-a-Milking - $58.00 (no change)
Nine Ladies Dancing - $6,294.03 (no change)
Ten Lords-a-Leaping - $4,766.70 (no change)
Eleven Pipers Piping - $2,427.60 (up 3%)
Twelve Drummers Drumming - $2,629.90 (up 3%)

24 Gifts of Christmas: A Vintages' Holiday Gift Guide

2011-11-28T07:21:00.000-08:00

Starting on Dec 1st, Vintages presents the 24 Gifts of Christmas -- a Holiday Gift Guide with a gift idea every day until Christmas. We will post a reminder here on Postmark: Vintages of Los Gatos, but the full post will be on our companion site, Vintages: Featured Product. On that blog you will find everything you need to help you select the perfect gift for the Holidays -- photos, links to online resources and pricing information.

Vintages' Holiday Gift Guide • The 24 Gifts of Christmas

REMEMBER: For items purchased in Vintages we can wrap your gift for you and arrange for shipping as well. We have gift certificates and Christmas cards, too.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

* * Happy Thanksgiving * *

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Bob & Susan

It's Time for Holiday Crafts

2011-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Vintage Western Germany lithographed heavy paper bowls ($13 each)

The Holidays sure present a multitude of opportunities for crafters to show off their imaginations and creativity. Cards, gifts, table centerpieces, room decorations, gift bows and tags are available for the crafter. Vintages always has crafting supplies in stock ... some vintage, some new, all fun! Come on in and pick up some unique crafting treasures.

Our "Tiny Treasures" pack of beads are a great source of creative energy for all ages ($5.95 for a 5" round)

Along with beads, we have buttons and bells as well.

A whole bunch of doo-dads from Canvas, Stanislaus and American Tag Company

A variety of brass items like discs, tags and adornments

Eyelets and brads ($3.49 a bag)

Maya Road crafting packets (from $4.95 per pack)

Vintaj brass embellishments (from $1.39 per pack)

Letters & Numbers - colorful ones (49c each)

Letters & Numbers - glitter ones ($2.49 each)

Letters & Numbers - miniature ones (99c each)

Alphabet cards ($1.00 each)

Old documents with super graphics and penmanship

Reproductions of vintage images (99c each card; $3.95 per sheet)

Notes and cards from Spain and Italy

Stamps, stickers, ribbons, baker's twine, and more ...

Old lace and vintage crochet doilies, including these little lace and linen squares

Game tokens in celluloid, bakelite and ivory

Craft packets ... ready to give as a gift or to start a project.

More craft packets ... lots to choose from

Decorative masking tape ($7.95 per 2-roll pack)

Vintage ribbons and trims

Large selection of beautiful ribbons

This is a wonderful one-of-a-kind vintage painter's box, including sketchbook, a couple of brushes and a palette knife ($89 for the whole setup)

Bonnie Noehr's Miniature Books and Calligraphy

2011-11-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

Bonnie Noehr is a frequent customer here at Vintages searching out ribbons and other treasures to use with her books. She is a calligrapher and book artist, who currently serves as president of Pacific Scribes, the San Jose-based calligraphy guild. Pacific Scribes holds workshops and exhibits throughout the year. An exhibit, including calligraphy wall art and small books, will be on display at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA, December 1 - 31, 2011.

Bonnie's latest creations are these two wonderful accordian miniature books.

The first is a small accordion fold book that has Japanese paper covers and Fabriano paper for the text. The text is written in the Copperplate hand (Engrosser's script) using metallic gold watercolor and a vintage nib in an oblique pen holder. The book closes with a ribbon tie using ribbon Bonnie found at Vintages.

The Raven "recycled" is a book within a small tin, painted black. The pages are recycled from a Restoration Hardware catalog on which is written the complete text of Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven using Copperplate and a variety of inks (many do not work on slick paper according to Bonnie) using a vintage nib in an oblique pen holder.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day is
Thursday, November 24th

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged by many people today as the first Thanksgiving celebration in the colonies.

In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations.

from History.com

The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth by Jennie A. Brownscombe

Over the next couple of hundred years, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by the American colonies and states. However it wasn't until 1863 that President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. The holiday was celebrated on a variety of days until 1941 when President Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

When you bring together your family and friends this Thanksgiving, why not put out your best china, your silverware and a whimsical turkey or two. While it is time for serious thanks, something we all should do, it is also time to look at life a little less seriously. Enjoy the holiday. At Vintages we try to present options for elegance as well as fun ... silver tableware along side a folk art turkey ... a pumpkin created from natural elements next to a delicious home made pumpkin pie.

We have some nice Holiday table decorations available online and in the shop. Our vintage silver offering has some spectacular pieces of sterling and in the shop we also have a nice selection of silver plate serving pieces.

Christmas Tree Ornaments

2011-11-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments ($9.95 each)

Every year we search out distinctive, unique and different tree ornaments. We think you will like this year's selection. We have some wonderful snow globe style ornaments with deer, penguins and the Eiffel Tower. The winter forest ornament set is unique and whimsical. How about a sailboat? Or a skating deer?

Vintage-style glass globe ornaments feature the Eiffel Tower, a stag deer and a penguin (all $24.95 each); The set of six winter forest ornaments is different enough to be a collector's item ($28.95 box of six)

Neat manuscript paper sailboat ornament with flag ($39.95 each)

Gold Glass Ball Ornaments with Trees ($18.95)

Ice skating deer ornaments ($24.95 each)

Birds are a natural ornament in a tree and we have several ... from glass and glitter to feathery and sequined.

This tree is loaded with a variety of ornaments.

Glittery Bird Ornaments in Red & Silver ($9.95 each)

Feathery clip-on birds with sequins or glitter (from $6.95 each)

This glass ornament is a pretty bird ($9.95 each)

Susan has made some one-of-a-kind solder glass pendant style ornaments again this year.

These one-of-a-kind ornaments Hand Made by Susan are two sided and encased in 2x3 inch glass ($19.95 each)

As usual for Vintages, some of these are available online, while others are only available in the shop. But you can email us about any of them to get more information or to place an order.

Allerton Gardens, Kauai, Hawaii

2011-11-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

When traveling for fun and relaxation, we all ask for "a room with a view". How about when the room IS the view? At the Allerton Gardens, on the south shore of Hawaii's island of Kauai, that's how it is! Robert Allerton and his adopted son John Gregg purchased a piece of land in the Lawai River valley in the late 1930s and transformed an already gorgeous tropical setting into a series of garden rooms, filled with everything from manicured gardens to tropical forests, bubbling fountains to enclosed rooms with sculptures and gazebos.

We first visited these marvelous gardens a decade ago and toured the gardens again a couple of months ago when we were on vacation. There is a new visitor center, instead of the old trailer that was there before, and the gardens have remained beautiful, just as Allerton intended.

The lush, tropical Lawai River valley was part of the Hawaiian royal family's estate, a favorite retreat for Queen Emma in the mid- to late-1800s. The McBrydes, a significant plantation family on Kauai, obtained the valley from the queen around 1890. Today, the McBryde estate is part of the National Tropical Gardens Trust, the larger section being the McBryde Botanical Gardens, the rest is the Allerton Gardens.

Over the past half-century, Allerton Gardens has been the location of choice for a number of Hollywood blockbusters -- South Pacific, Jurrasic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean. All that aside, this is a wonderful tropical excursion, worthy of spending an afternoon to experience what Hawaii was like many years ago.

Christmas Trees & Holiday Decorations

2011-11-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Wall hanging trees made from reclaimed materials (Tall $165; Short $115)

This year Vintages has put together a fantastic collection of table top trees for the Holidays. White frosted trees, feather trees, tinsel sparklers, wooden wall hangers, little decorated trees and brush trees in several colors. Come on in and check out our forest of Holiday trees.

Frosted wooden "stump" trees (Tall $29.95; Short $15.95)

Crystal glitter twig trees ($48.95)

White and green feather trees with metal stands (36" tall $99.95; 24" tall $59.95)

Decorated vintage-style brush trees ($18.95; $21.95 & $24.95 each)

Christmas table with ornaments and votive lights

Glittery brush trees in red, silver & green ($9.95 & $12.95 each)

White feather tree ($99.95); Silvery tinsel trees (12" $17.95; 16" $17.95; 36" $44.95)

We also have some unique hand crafted snowmen and Santas, brightly colored garlands and wreaths, candy jars and votive candles.

Handmade in the USA snowmen and Santas (from $23.95)

A variety of Holiday decorations

Santa & snowman felt candy bags ($8.95 to $11.95 each)

Plush Santas and snowmen (Large $29.95; Small $14.95)

Holiday candy bags, decorations and stickers.

Snowman candy bag ($8.95 to $11.95 each)

Holiday snow angels ($24.95)

Candy jars ($24.95) and blackboard stars ($5.95)

Bright green pine needle & berry picks, wreaths and garlands

Love this green. It's different and refreshing.

Holiday garland with wire work Eiffel Towers.

Vintages always has a special selection of treasures from Holidays past. Along with ornaments and tinsel, we have some stand up lighted figures - Santas and a snowman.

Vintage holiday items, including two standing Santa lights.

Festive vintage Holiday ribbons, candy containers and standing lights.

This year we have some wonderful and whimsical pendants with Holiday gift charms. We also have traditional vintage Holiday jewelry - tree pins & pendants.

Gift charm Holiday pendants on ribbon ($14.95 each)

Some of our selection is available online, but most have not made it to the shopping site yet.

Vintages' Celebrates the Start of the Holidays

2011-11-06T12:23:00.000-08:00

Vintages' Annual Holiday Open House was another success. Refreshments, specials, door prizes and visits from many of our loyal customers. Thanks for helping us celebrate the Holidays.

Holiday decorations are out and ready for customers.

Delicious treats - homemade of course - were enjoyed by all.

Hourly door prizes were given away. Six lucky entries!

Vintage sheet music and magazines.

A large variety of vintage holiday items - from ornaments & cards to Santa lights & tinsel.

Great Table Settings

2011-11-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

I recently posted an article on our Featured Product blog on setting an elegant table with silver tableware. This morning I found this fantastic blog -- Affordable Accoutrements -- that shows off dozens of beautiful table-scapes. Great source of inspiration! With Holiday celebrations upon us, bring a touch of elegance to the occasion. Celebrate your guests and set a beautiful table.

Patience Brewster Has Retired!

2011-11-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Patience Brewster has been creating whimsical cards and images for over 15 years and now she has retired! We love her greeting cards and enclosures ... and apparently so do you, as her line has been our best seller for years. We placed a significant last time buy recently, so we do have a nice selection available ... for a while, at least. This is your last chance to get Patience Brewster holiday cards or greeting cards. So come on in while the supply lasts.

Patience Brewster Holiday Cards • $3.25 each or Box of 10 for $22.95

Patience Brewster Greeting Cards • $3.25 each

We have added a new line of cards from the French Artists Club. These are quite beautiful and are all blank inside. I'll send out more information on this line in a couple of weeks.

French Artist Club Greeting Cards • $5.25 each

Holiday Hours Start This Weekend

2011-10-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

Vintages Holiday hours begin in November.

We will be open on Sundays until Christmas

and even a couple of Mondays just before Christmas.

Holiday Hours at Vintages

Tuesday thru Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday 11am - 5pm

Monday Closed (except the two weeks before Christmas)

David Beck Miniatures

2011-10-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

I was at the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show at Fort Mason yesterday. This year's theme of hidden treasures was reflected in many of the dealer booths as well as in the special exhibition. One particular artist captured my attention. David Beck is an American artist who creates a fascinating world of hidden scenes, boxes and drawers that hold secret sculptures, creatures and rooms. He also sculpts these intricate animated creatures that move and wiggle using a crank mechanism or tremble from the simple movement of the object.

David Beck was commissioned to create MVSEVM, a sculpture to commemorate the reopening of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in July of 2006. Inspired by the American Art Museum's Patent Office Building, the model opens to reveal miniature artifacts and artworks as well as drawers containing hidden treasures.

This video gives a wonderful insight into the world of David Beck as well as his thoughts in creating MVSEVM.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a positively ghoulish Halloween

I took these photos at an antique stall in the Clingencourt Paris Flea Market a couple of years ago. Spooky stuff in this place.

Glamorous Glitz: Weiss Fashion Jewelry

2011-10-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Weiss Company, started by Albert Weiss on 5th Avenue in New York City, sold jewelry from about 1942 to 1971. He had learned a lot about the costume jewelry business as a designer for Coro in the 1930s. Weiss offered high quality costume jewelry at several price points and all of it is quite collectible today.

1954 Weiss ad in Vogue magazine (Courtesy morninggloryantiques.com)

1959 Weiss Ad (Courtesy morninggloryantiques.com)

Weiss Crystal Demi-parure (Earrings $45; Necklace Sold)

The focus of Weiss' designs were the stones, the glitz not the metal work. Some of Weiss’ 1950s and 1960s clear rhinestone pieces share a look with Eisenberg pieces of the same era. Weiss used high quality brilliant rhinestones and Austrian crystals, which is why so many of their pieces look as good today as the day they were fashioned. Weiss is known for using smoky rhinestones, which they called black diamonds, Japanned or blackened metal findings and was one of the first to use Swarovski’s polychromatic aurora borealis crystals in the late-1950s.

Albert Weiss designed or approved virtually all of their jewelry, but manufactured only a part of it. Some items were made for Weiss by Hollycraft, including the trademark Christmas trees. Desirable pieces sought after by collectors are the beautiful rhinestone-studded figural jewelry that includes the Weiss butterflies and insects.

Weiss Highly Collectible Christmas Tree Pins (Private Collection)

The company's first pieces were signed “Weiss” in block letters or script, either on an applied plate or stamped directly into the metal. They were also signed “Albert Weiss” or "A.W. Co.", a signature that appeared sometime in 1951.

Typical Weiss Jewelry Marks

Weiss Classic Butterfly Brooch ($95); Hard-to-find Weiss Flower Brooch ($165)

Weiss Brooches from the 1950s & 1960s ($69 to $95 each)

Weiss Lucite Clamp Bracelet with Crystal Rhinestones (Sold)

We have a very nice selection of Weiss jewelry available in Vintages, both in the shop and online. Here is a selection of the items that we have at the time of this post.

Weiss Crystal Brooch & Earring Set 1950s ($125 for the set)

Weiss Crystal, Rhinestone & Lucite Brooch & Earring Set ($125 for the set)

Weiss Yellow Crystal Domed Brooch c1950 ($95)

Weiss Brooch with Green Crystals and Black Baroque Pearls 1950s ($95)

Weiss Black Diamond Crystal Brooch & Earring Set ($95)

Be aware that fake Weiss pieces entered the market from Mexico in the late-1980s and are difficult to distinguish from the genuine pieces. One clue is that many of the fake Weiss pieces have a textured back, while with few exceptions Weiss pieces have a smooth, shiny rhodium-plated back. A new line of Weiss jewelry is being offered today by a group that has bought the rights to the name and trademarks called the Albert Weiss Collection.

Vintages' Holiday Open House • Nov 5th

2011-10-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

We will be celebrating the

Start of the Holiday Season with

Vintages' Annual Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 5th.

Join us for fun, refreshments, savings and a drawing for a special gift or two. Our entire Christmas Holiday collection will be on display. This is the perfect time to get some of our fabulous holiday decorations, ornaments and crafting supplies before they are gone! And it is never too early to get started on shopping for unique and distinctive Christmas gifts at Vintages.

Los Gatos Votes Vintages #1

2011-10-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Los Gatos has spoken! Vintages has been voted the

#1 Antique Store by the 2011 People's Choice Awards

(sponsored by the Los Gatos Weekly-Times)

Thank you Los Gatos for giving us this honor. We will continue to bring you the best in antique and vintage finds, as well as inspirational crafting treasures and distinctive gifts. We enjoy serving all of you. Thanks, Bob & Susan.

Gorham Silver Advertisement 1890

2011-10-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ad from Scribner's Magazine October 1890

Halloween Decorations

2011-10-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Every year we search out the best in Halloween Ghosts, Goblins and Witches. Susan has also made a nice collection of Halloween themed pendants and ornaments. This year we have some really spooky stuff! Black trees, giant spiders and webs, spooky houses, flying skeletons. There is also a selection of colorful Halloween ribbons and giant orange flowers. Come on in and check us out while we still have a good selection left. And there is still time to order online.

EEK! and Ike • Great Pumkin' Kids at $94.95 each

Disc ornaments at $6.95 each

Giant flowers in several colors at $18.95 each

A variety of Halloween pendants at $12.95 and $19.95 each

More ghost & bat pendants

Pendants, door hangers or ornaments. Your choice at $19.95 each

Handmade Halloween puppets at $38.95 each

Halloween ribbons by the yard at a variety of price points

Witches, goblin fences, haunted houses that light up.

Flying skeleton and jack-o-lantern at $24.95 each

Giant spiders at $13.95 each • Spider web to match at $19.95 each

Los Gatos Historic Homes Tour

2011-10-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

The 18th Annual Los Gatos Historic Homes Tour will be held on the first weekend of November (Saturday and Sunday, November 5th and 6th). This year's self-guided tour will feature older homes that have been updated with an eye toward architectural detail to preserve the integrity of the town while reflecting modern life-styles. Homes designed by Los Gatos architect Gary Schloh will be featured.

The Historic Homes Tour is an annual event sponsored by the Museums of Los Gatos. For tickets contact the Museum at 408-395-7386 or online at www.museumsoflosgatos.org.

Stop into Vintages' Open House on Saturday, Nov 5th, after your tour.

Beautiful Little Silver Heart Perfume Pendant

2011-10-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

We just found this lovely little heart-shaped perfume bottle that can be worn as a pendant. It is sterling silver with a beautifully crafted body of repousse feathers and swirls, highlighted with hand-chasing. Who wouldn't love this little gem?

Vintage Silver Heart Perfume Pendant ($125)

18th Century Map of the Americas, the Pacific and Hawaii

2011-10-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Old maps are fascinating. Not just for what they show, but what they do not show. Just as wonderful is the way these maps express the ideas of the time with little embellishments and decorative vignettes.

Charte von America - Homann Heirs, Nurenberg, 1796

This is a superb example of an early map of both North and South America by the famous German cartographers Homann und Söhne. Johann Homann was a master geographer and was appointed Imperial Geographer of the Holy Roman Empire in 1715. After his death in 1724, his sons continued the business as the Homann Heirs company. This map was created by Homann Heirs and published in 1796 by F. L. Gussfeld in Nurnberg, Germany.

Charte von America - Homann Heirs, Nurenberg, 1796 is a hand-colored copper plate engraved map that was originally published in book form, thus the quadrant folds. The map is generally true to form, geographically, for the eastern half of both continents. Sketchy information was available at the end of the 18th century about the American west and north. The detail of the Pacific Northwest, for instance, is an early depiction prior to the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. The Hawaiian Islands are shown as the “Sandwich Islands” and the individual island names are shown using the early phonetic spelling. To the east of the Hawaiian Islands, i.e., between Hawaii and California, are an erroneous group of islands with Spanish names. These islands were introduced on maps in the mid-18th century and were not corrected until the early 19th century.

Nicole Dextras • Weedrobe Fashion

2011-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

I did not think I would see an off-the-wall fashion exhibit to compete with Pulp Fashion, but here it is! Nicole Dextras of Vancouver, BC, has created these "weedrobes" (and other environmentally friendly art pieces) out of vegetation! Check out this blog post from diana:muse and Nicole Dextras' website for more inspiration.

Photo from diana:muse blog

Antique Letter Copying Book

2011-10-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

We found this amazing book. It is filled with a hundred or so copied letters from 1912 to 1914. The book is a Bed Rock Letter Copying Book. The letters are copied onto translucent paper using a wet oil cloth and a book press. The interesting thing is, that the side you read is on the opposite side of the paper from the ink.

These are the instructions from the inside of the front cover. Click on the image to get a larger, easier to read image.

The book opened up like this shows the readable copy on the left and the "backwards" copy on the right. Click on the image to get a larger, easier to read image.

The letters themselves are interesting. These are typically purchase orders being placed by the Summerville Drug Company, Summerville, Georgia. As you can see, some of the copies took better than others.

We are selling these sheets individually ($4.50 per sheet for copied letters and $1.00 per sheet for blanks). All of the pages are numbered. Artists, scrapbookers and other paper enthusiasts love these.

Collection: Perfume Bottles and Vanity Jars

2011-09-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Perfume bottles have been a popular collectible for a long time. They come in so many shapes, styles and materials that any collection can be as focused or broad as you like. They can be little miniatures, even doll-house sized, or large table top bottles, and even the super large display bottles known as a factice. The peak of perfume bottle-mania was in the art nouveau period, when the master of the genre, Rene Lalique, made some luscious perfume bottles. Art deco bottles are also highly desirable, with Tiffany leading the list.

Perfume bottles were designed to reflect the personality of the lady who would own them or the character of the commercial perfume inside. Either way, these bottles are wonderful to collect.

I love these early 1900s German figural perfume bottles. The trinket boxes and vases were part of the whole vanity accessory ensemble.

German Porcelain Vanity Accessories: Perfumes $115 each; Trinket Boxes $65 each; Mini-Vase $49

Small vials that held perfume for the well-coutured lady to carry in her purse are easy on the pocket book and do not occupy much space when displayed.

Purse Perfume Vials: Frances Denny High Life with leather case $22; Bakelite case with glass vial $38

L: Caron Paris Bottle $49; R: Purse Bottle $49

Crystal bottles from the 1940s and 1950s look great on a vanity. Most of these were very geometric, reflecting the modernism of the time.

Crystal Perfume Bottles $39 each

Art Deco Bottle $75

These tiny miniatures were intended to be attached to this spring-loaded figural chatelaine. These are blown glass (and we have the funnels to fill them, too!)

Miniature Perfume Bottles $19.95 each; Funnels $9.95 each; Chatelaine Paly Pins $49 each

In Paris, the streets are lined with souvenir stands, eager to pitch anything French for you to take home with you. Back fifty years ago, boxes like this filled with miniature Paris perfumes were popular.

Les Parfums de France in original box $95

In Victorian times, scent bottles and vanity jars were necessities on every vanity table. Beautiful cut crystal bottles and jars with silver lids were the high fashion of the day.

Victorian Crystal Scent and Vanity Bottles with Sterling Silver Lids (from $49)

For a listing of perfume bottles and vanity jars that we have online, please click here. Remember, we always have more items in our shop than are listed online.

Old Lava Stone Church in Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii

2011-09-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii

On our recent vacation to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, we stopped in to this wonderful old church. We had seen is many times, but this was the first time we stopped to look inside. Wow! The hand-carved altar and communion rail are gorgeous! The stained glass windows are equally as beautiful.

The Christ Memorial Episcopal Church is located just off the main highway in the town of Kilauea. It is still an active mission church, with services on Sundays and Holy Days.

According to the church's website: There is also an interesting history attached to the church itself. As early as 1888 worship services were held in Kilauea ... By 1924 the time had come for a permanent church in Kilauea ... In 1939 the Kilauea Sugar Company deeded the churchyard to Christ Memorial Church and gave the native stone used in the erection of the present building ... The graveyard surrounding the church dates back to the earliest days of the original Hawaiian Congregational Church, with many graves dating back over 100 years. Unfortunately, many graves are unmarked and the number of people buried here will probably remain a secret known only to God.

The graveyard surrounds the church, which is made from locally quarried lava rocks. The headstones in the graveyard tell many stories, so when you visit allow time to read them.

The Kilauea church is reminiscent of the then mission church where I grew up in Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu. That church, St. Ann's Catholic Church, was built back in 1852 of local coral rocks. Alas it was replaced in the mid-1950s.

The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

2011-09-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show celebrates its 30th anniversary, October 27th through 30th, at the Festival Pavilion of Fort Mason Center. Over 60 vetted dealers will present an array of high quality decorative and fine art objects.

This year’s theme, Hidden Treasures, is inspired by the pearl, the treasure hidden within an oyster shell that is the traditional 30th anniversary gift. The annual featured exhibit will highlight works of art that have an element of surprise! Come look for trompe l’oeil wallcoverings, boxes with secret compartments, metamorphic furniture, fore-edge painting and other visually intriguing designs.

The lecture series will look at a variety of hidden treasures, featuring renowned speakers, such as Archduke Dr. Geza von Habsburg sharing objets d’art from royal storage vaults and former FBI Agent Robert Wittman giving the inside scoop on art heists and masterpieces still at large. This show is always worth visiting.

Antique Typewriters aka Writing Machines

2011-09-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

A few months ago we were in a craft and art shop in Marin. They had this collection of old typewriters displayed across the top of the shelves. They are really cool!

Then yesterday I came across this old Scribner's Magazine from 1890 that had these advertisements for typewriters and writing machines. I just had to share these with you.

Howling Halloween in Los Gatos

2011-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Society Dog presents Howling Halloween 2011! A Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza for your Dog! Join us and the merchants in downtown Los Gatos for a fun event on Saturday evening, October 22nd. We will have both people and doggie treats for all comers!

Festivities are from 6:00 – 7:30 pm along Santa Cruz Avenue. Trick or Treat with your Dog! Costume contest judging will be at 7:30 at the bank across the street from Vintages.

Details for registration, location, etc., can be found on the Society Dog website.

Holiday Cookie Cutters

2011-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

We carry a fantastic line of large-sized tin cookie cutters. Cookies and Holidays go together! Whether you want to bring the family closer at Christmastime or Hanukkah, to celebrate a special birthday, Valentine's Day, Easter or any occasion, making cookies is the way to do it. Fall is a great time for cookies which are special treats for Halloween and Thanksgiving. These are just like the cookie cutters your Grandmother used, only a bit larger.

These cookie cutters are handcrafted in Vermont and each comes with a delicious recipe for cookies and frosting. Many of these are large enough to also cut out some terrific tea sandwiches. Try them with gingerbread as well.

We are now featuring a trio of really wonderful Halloween themed cookie cutters -- a large bat, an arched back cat and a pumpkin ready for you to dress up as a jack-o-lantern. The Halloween cookie cutters are now available in our online shop, but we have many other designs available in our Los Gatos store. The cookie cutters are priced at $5.49 each.

Here's a link to some cookie recipes.

A Sad Love Story: Mantie • Blondy My Sweetheart

2011-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is a true love story written April 18, 1914, in San Francisco. It was written by Jerome Erickson to Mantie Beuck. I love the title: Mantie - or Blondy My Sweetheart By I Really Love Her. This guy is smitten! and he has a sense of humor too.

NOTE: Please click on the images to get a larger, more readable image size.

Mantie Beuck was a San Francisco girl who passed on this Jerome guy and married Rea Montgomery in 1917. Rea was the nephew of the San Jose legendary developer Thomas "T.S." Montgomery. The couple were the parents to San Jose's Shirlie Montgomery (now 93 years young) who made her mark in the Bay Area as a journalistic photographer when it was not the fashion for ladies to do such things. She is also a member of the Wrestling Hall of Fame for her action photos of wrestlers from the 40s, 50s and 60s. Here are a few more images of the envelope this letter was sent in, etc.

Here are a couple of ads run in 1914 for the Green Parrot.

Halloween Sneak Preview at Vintages of Los Gatos

2011-09-07T14:46:00.001-07:00

Since we will be on vacation next week (Sept 12th through 19th) we have started putting out our Halloween items this past week. It seems like the holidays start earlier every year ... or maybe time just flies by faster. So to keep up with the times, we are getting ahead of the trend by showing off our tricks and treats. Lots of new items, as well as some great items back this year due to popular demand.

Our lovable EEK! and Ike, the stuffed, fabric pumpkin dolls, are back ... and so are the Count and the Countess.

EEK! and Ike - The Pumpkin Girl & Boy ($94.95 each)

The Count and Countess ($74.95 each)

How about a huge spider and spiderweb? We have 'em. Along with flying skulls and jack-o-lanterns!

48" Spiderweb ($19.95); 18" Spider ($13.95)

The Flying Soaring Spirit of Skully (and Jack not shown) ($24.95 each)

Many new Halloween figurines and decorations with are in stock. We love witches!

Witches and Black Cats (starting at $13.95)

Witches and Black Cats (starting at $13.95); Black Trees (from $27.95); Halloween Ornaments (from $6.95); Halloween Houses ($24.95 each)

This year we have a selection of trick-or-treat candy containers ... little buckets with smiling jack-o-lanterns, black cats and clowns.

Smiling Face Trick-or-Treat Buckets ($10.95 each)

Large Trick-or-Treat Pumpkin ($54.95)

Check out this haunted house. It lights up! We have some smaller ones that are ornaments as well.

Large Haunted House ($159.95); Small Houses ($24.95 each); Trick-or-Treat Buckets $10.95 each); the Fritzy Witch ($35.95); Black Halloween Trees (from $27.95)

Small Haunted House Ornaments that light up! ($24.95 each)

For your holiday table this fall, we have a variety of pumpkins made from natural materials.

Decorative Pumpkins made from Natural Materials (from $13.95 to $49.95)

Plus some hand made witch's brooms, Halloween coasters and cookie cutters, bright and whimsical ribbons and a couple of glorious masks. Susan has made some solder pendants and ornaments especially for Halloween.

Hand Made Witch's Brooms ($29.95 each)

Susan's Pendants (starting at $12.95; $19.95 as shown)

Decorative Ribbon, including special Halloween and Holiday Selections

Feathery Masks for Halloween and New Years ($24.95 each)

Vintages on Vacation Sept 12th through 19th

2011-09-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

Vintages will be closed for a short vacation from September 12th through 19th. We will re-open to our normal schedule on Tuesday, September 20th. Sorry for any inconvenience.

When we get back we will be ready for the crush of the Holidays, with our Halloween items ready and on display, and Christmas decorations scheduled to be out at the end of October.

Decorated Stones

2011-09-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Susan has gathered these wonderful flat stones and has decorated them with letters and images in silver-, gold- and copper-leaf. Each unique and special. Pretty neat! Just $15.95 each.

Heath Anderson 1930s Sunset Covers

2011-09-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

Sunset Magazine has had many wonderful covers through the years. The magazine debuted in May, 1898, with articles on Yosemite and the High Sierra. It has been published monthly since then. Illustrators and artists that have developed covers for Sunset include a who's who of the genre: Maynard Dixon (who did many covers for Sunset), Jules Guerin, Matto Sandona, Paul Farnham, Sam Oppee, Rolf Pielke, Maurice Logan, and my personal favorite, Heath Anderson. By the end of the 1930s, the cover art was primarily photographic, leaving behind the wonderful imaginative graphic illustrations of the first forty years.

Heath Anderson, born in San Francisco, 1903, was a painter and illustrator who remained active in San Francisco until the early 1940s. She was a member of the San Francisco Women Artists and the All Arts Club of Berkeley. She studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts. She did many covers for Sunset in the early 1930s.

We just picked up a number of classic 1930s Sunsets, including these Heath Anderson covers. Enjoy her art. (Click on the images to enlarge them.)

For a lot of information on the history, art and articles of Sunset Magazine, visit The Sunset Bibliography, a website by Michael A. Keller of Stanford University.

Vintage Crafting Treasures

2011-08-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

At Vintages we always have a large variety of treasures, special finds and doo-dads for crafters. These vintage craft items are one more way we distinguish ourselves from the ordinary craft stores and scrapbook shops. These are things you will not find anywhere else. The offerings change frequently, as these are always subject to the whims of our special finds.

Old Paper

I have run posts on our vintage paper items in the past -- ledgers, letters and envelopes, wallpaper, wine labels, sheet music and post cards. In the paper department we also have many old photographs, crate, bottle and tin labels, die-cuts, playing cards and even paper dolls.

Vintage Millinery

How about some old hat feathers and millinery flowers? We also have loads of vintage ribbons and trims. These would spice up any altered book or handcrafted tag.

Printing Blocks, Game Tokens, Children's Blocks

The game tokens come in many shapes and a variety of materials - round, square, oblong and made of ivory, bakelite, plastic and paper. Letterpress blocks make great focal points in artwork, or these can be the artwork by themselves. We have these in wood and metal, and even have quite a few with pictures and advertising on them. Children's blocks come in different sizes and ages. Try these as parts of robots or dolls, as pedestals for other art, or to spell out a child's name.

Watch Parts, Old Bottles & Vials, Small Hardware

Steampunk enthusiasts should love these. Some of the little vials have tiny watch hardware in them.

Ephemera Packages

From time-to-time, Susan puts together special pre-packaged selections of ephemera. These are usually themed collections, such as French documents, floral items, bird prints, etc. Great gifts for your crafty friends.

Artcetera Packages

These special pre-packaged assortments are themed collections of a variety of items, including ephemera, little bottles, small jewelry items, beads and chains, and more. All themed and ready for a crafter to put them together with their own collections to create that special something.

Come in and check out these special crafting treasures. Have fun and enjoy the world of arts and crafts.

Duettes, Clip-Mates and Dual Purpose Jewelry

2011-08-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

We've all seen pins that can also be worn as a pendant. That's a wonderful way to create a dual purpose piece of jewelry, doubling the occasions that the item can be worn. Multi-purpose jewelry has been around, in one form or another, for many years. Cartier was a master of the form, creating necklaces that could be separated into a bracelet or two and a brooch as well.

One of the most famous of these is the crocodile necklace made for Maria Felix, the exotic Mexican actress. The necklace can also be made into two separate bracelets.

Another beauty by Cartier, is this bandeau made in Paris, 1912, for Princess Anastasia of Greece. A multi-purpose piece of jewelry, the bandeau may also be worn as a bracelet and brooch.

More recently, we have this wonderful beaded necklace whose clasp comes off and can be worn as a brooch.

Goldtone & Pearl Necklace with Removable Brooch Clasp ($65)

Probably the most ubiquitous of the dual purpose jewelry forms, other than the pendant-brooch combination, is the double clip. The original patent for a double clip was granted to Cartier in 1927. Costume jewelers picked up the form, and improved on the designs with additional patents in the 1930s.

Virtually every primary costume jeweler made these double clips. Coro named their version the Duette, while Trifari dubbed theirs Clip-Mate. These remained popular through the 40s and into the 50s.

1948 Advertisement for Coro Duettes

Three Double Clips: TLft is a Crystal Clip ($95); TRt is a Crystal Coro Duette ($145); Btm is a Coro Blue & Clear Crystal Clip (Sold!)

Coro Blue Parrots Duette ($245)

Coro Duette shown separated to reveal the frame structure.

French Double Clip (Sold)

French Double clip separated.