Shadows of the Past

Mom and I were reminiscing about "the good old days" earlier this week - remembering places and faces, and recalling some of the wonderful pieces of the past that still can be found in antique shops, or estate sales, or even grandma's attic. I've always loved going through old boxes to find this trinket or that memory, and I have a couple of heirloom items that I hope continue to be part of our family legacy long after I'm gone. I enjoy these shadows of the past - pieces that are filled with memories, as well as the history and energy of the people who used them... I'd love to share a few of the antique pieces I've found online recently that have intrigued me!

To be considered a true antique, an object typically must be at least 100 years old, although depending on the item, some (like automobiles) qualify as antiques when they are at least 50 years old. (Yikes! That includes me, I think!) It should also be valued because of its appearance or historical significance. With those criteria in mind - enjoy these beautiful relics from the past!

SilverMagpies offers this gorgeous English Silver Kiddush Set dating back to the turn of the twentieth century England. Please visit the shop to view the rest of this amazing grouping.

Le Maire Fi Paris created some of the most beautiful opera glasses of the late 19th century, and they've maintained a reputation of high quality through the year. These Mother of Pearl inlaid opera glasses, available from ShinyChick, are a glowing example of the finery - a rare and stunning find!

Another lovely reminder of the late 1800s is the wonderful glasswork found in more common day items like this amber medicine bottle and flask from MarciaLu51151. The rich amber color and imperfections of the glass attest to its age - and create a timeless beauty when displayed simply "as is", or used as containers for flowers or other decorative items.

The first US patent for a typewriter was issued in 1829, with the first patent for the more practical QWERTY keyboard typewriter being granted nearly 60 years later. I wonder how many of the kids born in the last decade or so will never even see a typewriter except in a museum!  Of course, there will be some who have a relative or family friend who appreciates these magnificent machines and even possibly collects them. What a treasure this Remington No. 6 from the 1890s would be for such a person! Find out more about it at junkdrawer on Etsy!

I think cast iron tools from the 1800s representative of primitive Americana make wonderful conversation pieces or accent pieces and this cherry pitter from dawghouse is no exception.

Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble... I think everyone is probably familiar with that famous line from Shakespeare's MacBeth, but admit it, wouldn't it be pretty cool to have a cauldron of your own? Now you can - and the fact that it comes with an original stand makes it all the more rare and fun. An excellent accent for your kitchen or hearth, this applesauce kettle is available from Bluebonnetsetc.

This rare tobacco plug cutter is another fascinating example of cast iron tool artistry from the 1800's. As you can see, this piece appears to be in excellent condition, and the quality of the detail is wonderful. It's available from EndlessAlley !

William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill Cody, was a pioneer, a trader, a pony express rider, a buffalo hunter, a civil war cavalry soldier, and a showman. In 1917, the world said its final farewell to this old west legend, but not before honoring him with a magazine devoted to his life and times. PikesPeakShadow offers a copy of this tribute magazine for the serious collector or curious reader.

Onceupntym offers the oldest piece in this feature... this English Regency Period tabletop cheval mirror in mahogany with a fruitwood inlay dates back over 150 years to the 1840s.  A real collectible that boasts its original glass!

Anyone with a passion for sewing will appreciate the excellence of this turn-of-the-century sterling silver sewing tools set from VintageMemoryChest. The beautifully detailed 8 piece set comes in its original leather carrying case.

The Buffalo Pottery Co. began production of its lovely pottery in 1901 and for decades created distinguished and beautiful art pottery primarily for sale to the hospitality industry. This gorgeous Victorian style pitcher is a grand example of the beauty of their designs. You can find it at stonecottagemill.

ClockworkUniverse has a number of vintage and antique timepieces, but I think this antique Swiss silver pocket watch is one of the best of the best. I love the floral pattern, and the fact that it's in working condition makes it functional as well as beautiful.

Victorian Era jewelry was known for its beauty and its sumptuous and ornate details.  Boylerpf offers this locket bangle bracelet from the 1890s as a stunning example of Victorian elegance at its finest.

Intoxicating sandalwood and carved teak combine beautifully in this intricately hand carved jewelry box offered by ParisCoutureAntiques. Mother of pearl, sterling silver, ebony and ivory all lend amazing accents to the textures design. Simply exquisite!




I could have easily added a huge section of antiques, but I'm hoping you'll be pleased with the ones you've had the opportunity to preview here.  Etsy has a huge subsection of vintage dealers, and occasionally you'll find a real treasure for the taking amongst the goodies, without the middleman of many brick and mortar auction houses and retail establishments - so if you're looking for the beautiful and antique, Etsy is a great place to begin :)

xo,