When Pigs Fly

Oh hello!

I was recently visiting my dear sister Jane.  In her apartment I noticed two ceramic pigs on the floor.  I found this interesting considering my sister is bit of a city girl. When I inquired, I discovered my sister has a new collection...pigs! 

On a visit to an antique mall Jane saw a cute little ceramic pig "squealing" her name! She fell in-love.  Jane thought that the pig looked happy and loved the pink little snout! However she hadn't decided if pigs were the way to go that day.    Over the next couple weeks Jane kept  thinking of the little piglet and her found memories of visiting our grandfather on the farm.  Jane has vivid memories of pigs when she was just a little girl;  she remembers all the good times on the farm and she can still hear my grandfather calling  to the pigs..."souie! souie!"

Well, my other sister Sheila decided to get some "brownie" points and surprised Jane with the pig! That was Jane's first little piggy in her collection.  Her second pig unfortunately didn't have a pink snout; so Sheila painted the snout with pink finger nail polish!  Well, this has now become the trend...the pigs must have a pink snout.  Jane looks and collects only happy pigs...she believes you can tell it the pig is happy by the way it stands and expresses itself.

Many folks collect items that remind them of their past.  Do you have a special collection that reflects your life story? If so send me some pics!

"Every girl should be two things: Classy & Fabulous" Coco Chanel.  
Words to live by according the Jane.

Good Day

--D. Charles

We are NOT art "collectors"...

Oh Hello!

I recently had the privilege to visit some friends in their unique and neclectic home.  From the outside the house is a beautiful ranch style, however once entering the home you soon find and whole new world to discover!

Walking up to the front door I knew I was in for a treat! After being warmly welcomed, my eyes began to dance around the house trying to soak in all that was to be seen.  My friends offered me a glass of water, however I almost forgot to take any sips because of the spectacles in the room.

These folks have been "collecting" for many years from literally around the world. They don't consider themselves collectors."

“We have chosen the things we have (and enjoy) because they inspire us, lift our spirits, or evoke memories of people and places we love.”

How wonderful!  I love this...they collect because it brings joy...they don't collect for monetary or social clout. Each piece has story, emotion or person attached to it.  It was awe inspiring to see my friend's faces light up while sharing their stories. Many of their pieces are hand-crafted from local artisans.

While having great conversation...somebody decided to add his two cents!  It was Chip their parrot!  What a treat! Chip had so much to say about everything (however he was a bit repetitive..LOL...don't tell him I said that!).  I think I learned a thing or two.  The other family member,Wally the dog, had retired to his private chambers (he gets a little to excited when company arrives.)

Please enjoy the pictures below. These are just a "tasting" of their "collections." I can not do justice to their personal stories and excitement for each piece.

"Story Teller Violin"

Hand crafted chairs.  No nails were used in producing these amazing chairs!

 

Egyptian Hieroglyphics.   

Lithography rubbing copies of Petroglyphs from New Mexico.

Wall of amazing art!

Good Day!

--D. Charles

 

True American Picker...Collections of Americana

Oh Hello!

"One man's trash in another man's treasure."  Is a comon quote that is perfectly depicted in the new show, American Pickers. This show is about the adventures and great finds that two antique store owners have while they travel around the country for "new" items for their store.

Before there was an American Picker TV show, my friend, Al was a self proclaimed "picker" for many, many years.  He has been collecting, restoring and selling incredible items! Al has an extensive and amazing collection of Americana, much of which he restored himself! I was amazed at his collection and how passionate he is about it.  His dedication and attention to detail while restoring a piece is outstanding.  This blog won't truly do justice to his craft, collection and knowledge, however I hope it will give you a glimmer of this true American Picker's collection.

Please join me in the following photos as I adventured through his man cave.  This is only a part of his entire collection.  If you have any questions or specific interest in any of the items, please email me at anothur.decor@gmail.com and I will forward them to Al.

Let's begin with his jukebox...

In his own words...

In 1950, the Seeburg Corporation created something very unique for consumers, the first 45 rpm jukebox. Another first for Seeburg, this jukebox could play 100 selections, four times greater that any other jukebox.  When I first saw this jukebox, it was a diamond in the rough. The owner had placed this jukebox on their sun porch, it would play the same Elvis tune repeatedly.  The owner had tried a restoration project, however failed miserably in my book.  This was the same jukebox that was used on Happy Days, the keyboard is shown during the beginning of every show. I would not suggest this project for anyone without patience as these old jukeboxes are a labor of love. The outside of the cabinet was veneered in the original zebra wood, all of the metal was replated, the amplifier and the mechanism was completely overhauled. Instead of downloading the music from a website, many of the original 45 rpm records are available for about two dollars a record.  The tube amplifier has an amazing sound, this jukebox is very impressive for its vintage. 

Restored - The 1950's Seeburg 100B was the first 45 RPM Jukebox ever made.

Restored

Restored - Al restored all the mechanisms within the jukebox.

Before

Restored - The Coke Cola machine is a Vendo 81, mid 50's model that dispenses 81 bottles of Coke.   With it's rounded corners and ability to dispense various sized bottles, it has become a true collector's item.
If you have a nickel or dime you can quench your thirst with a Coke Cola beverage!  

The tall gravity feed is a Wayne model 615, circa 1928.  It sets on the landing before entering Al's man cave.
I see it as an appetizer to the amazing collection waiting!

Can you imagine pulling up in your Model-A to this gas pump? 

The Ferris Wheel seat was built by the Eli Bridge company in Jacksonville, IL and was made in the early 1900's.
Anyone up for a ride?

The Neon clock was made by the Cleveland Clock Company & was popular between 1930 to 1950.
Because it was neon I couldn't get my camera to show it's brilliant neon colors :-(
The Bennett 766 Shell Gas pump & sign are from the early 1950s. 

Restored -  Model 562 brass cash register was made in 1916 for the Chi, Wilm, Franklin Coal Company

Restored - The small brass cash register was made in 1910 by the National Cash
Register Company and originally sold for $75.

The Barber Chair is a Belmont model and was produced in the early 1950's.
The chair is fully functional and reclines for the patron who is getting the extra close shave.

Restored - The telephone is a 1920s model produced by the Western Electric Company.
It still works and you can actually make calls! No texting though!

The Gamewell alarm boxes are still in use in Boston, Chicago and various other cities. 

Good day!
--D Charles

Nutty for Nutcrackers!

Oh Hello,

I recently visited a friend that has an amazing collection of nutcrackers!  All different sizes, characters and styles from around the world.  He has been collecting nutcrackers for many years and has a collection of 48 so far.  Below are some photos of some his most valuable nutcrackers! Many of them are the beautiful German handcrafted Steinbachs! http://www.steinbachnutcracker.com 

Every year when he purchases a new Steinbach he places the date on the bottom for reference. This collection is amazing!  Each nutcracker is in mint condition and is cared for with love.  I love how he incorporated the nutcrackers throughout his home;  especially the 6 foot nutcracker that meets you at the front door (This is his favorite.)

I believe that is a design factor as well.  If you have a collection of some sort, place the pieces throughout the home (within reason of course).  This gives people a glimpse of your passion and therefore creates a connection.

Thanks to my friend for sharing his passion and wonderful collection of nutcrackers!

Good day!
--D Charles