Discovering - ANTIQUES

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November 2009 - January 2010 • 3

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European Inspiration

4 • www.DiscoveringANTIQUES.com

Editor’s CommentsWelcome to the winter issue of Discovering ANTIQUES!

Far too often we have a tendency to take for granted those things which we come to expect in our lives. Simple examples would be a hot dinner waiting when we arrive home from work, clean clothes always hanging in the closet, and especially in my case, a steaming mug of coffee waiting when I go to the shower first thing in the morning. Referring to Discovering ANTIQUES magazine, I realize that without the authors who submit the articles; the “meat” of the publication would be much less enticing. Their original ideas take hours to compose and refine into the final submission. As well, in the last three years, Crystal Reynolds, the graphic artist behind Crystal Ink has continuously improved the personality of the magazine with her graphic talents – not just with her flare for doing the articles but also creating ads which satisfy the advertiser’s needs and stand out for the reader. To the authors and Crystal – thank you!

To all of you, Merry Christmas and may 2010 be a wonderful year for each of you!

As always, when visiting any of our advertisers, be sure to let them know that you saw their ad in Discovering ANTIQUES.

Jan Mather, Editor

Discovering ANTIQUES

Discovering ANTIQUES

Jan Mather

www.crystalink.ca

Fred HauckSusan Holme Manyluk

Henry StelDan Thomson

Catharina VanTooren

This beautiful mahogany ste-reoscope is called a “sweetheart” stereoviewer because it has lenses on two sides making it pos-sible for two people to use it at once. Inside the lid is the date 1889. Read all about its story in the article When Antiques Talk. Thanks, Henry.

Discovering ANTIQUES is published five times a year. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent

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Table of CONTENTS

LAST CHANCE

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ANTIQUEMALL

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Sunday........ 12:00 - 4:00

325 Edmonton Trail South, Airdrie, AB 15 Minutes North of Calgary, 15,000 sq. ft. Wheel chair friendly, wide isles.

(403) 948-3669

Alberta’s finest antique mall with quality antique furniture and collectibles.

ON NOV. 14, 11AM-3PM, we will be hosting a ‘What’s it Worth?’ fundraiser for the Airdrie Food Bank. Got a treasure you‘ve always wondered what it’s value is? Bring a donation of food along with your item and Sheldon Smithens will be glad to appraise it for you.

For more information, or to book your time call 403-948-3669.

CLASSIC EUROPEAN ANTIQUES

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Come have a coffee and some cookies as you browse through our beautiful showrooms. There are so many treasures awaiting you.

www.classiceuropeanantiques.com

When Antiques

TalkHenry Stel, Collector, Barrhead, AB

The author with his steroscope.


Th thor with his steroscope

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE INTERESTED IN

ANTIQUES? WHY DO SO MANY OF US

“catch the antiquing bug?” Is it their age?

Is it their uniqueness? Perhaps it is. Yet, I

think it’s more than that. I think it’s because antiques talk

to us. Antiques have stories to tell. They tell us about the

past. They remind us of the past which we can never gain

back. So often when I’m in an antique store I hear people

say things like, “Oh look at that! My Grandmother had one

of those!”

Not long ago I had an antique top hat in my booth

at the Leduc Antique Mall. When I was working on my

booth a lady looked at it and made the comment that her

grandfather had had one. She just had to buy the hat! It

had spoken to her. It had reminded her of her past. It had

reminded her of people who had impacted her life. And so,

this antique gave her great pleasure.


YES, ANTIQUES TALK. They remind us of things of

times gone by. They remind us of loved ones that have passed

on. They remind us of times that are no longer. That’s why

people collect antiques, and that is why I have a home full of

antiques. That’s why I am, “The Antique Addict.”

In my collection are several types of stereoscopes.

Stereoscopes are extremely neat to collect because the

simpler ones are quite affordable, and once you have one

you can begin collecting stereoscope cards. There are cards

with pictures of all kinds of places and things that have

taken place in the world dating from the mid-1800’s to the

early 1900’s.

The first commercial stereoscopes came out in

the late 1850’s based on a design Sir David Brewster had

developed. After that all kinds of stereoscopes were produced

and sold, and millions of stereoscope cards were produced.

You might say stereoscopes were a precursor to the modern

day television.

So how do they work? Well, a stereoscope card is made

up of two identical pictures, side by side. The card is placed

in the stereoscope which has two lenses for the person to

look through at the card. The two lenses are directed toward

each other putting the two pictures into one so we see it in

three-dimensional.

These stereoscope cards tell us what things were like

in the second half of the 1800’s, and the first part of the

1900’s. They tell us of the historic things that took place,

what kind of clothes people wore in those days, what they

ate, and many other interesting facts.

As a collector I have the privilege of owning six

stereoscopes and countless cards, but none of them talked

like the last one I bought! It came to me from the eastern

seaboard via eBay.

This beautiful mahogany viewer is approximately

24 inches high, and 10 inches by 12 inches (inset photo

on page 8). It holds one hundred stereoscope cards and is

called a “sweetheart” stereoviewer because it has lenses on

two sides making it possible for two people to use it at the

same time. The top of the viewer is made up of two wood

flaps that can be opened to let the light fall on the cards.

When I began to examine the viewer it began to “talk”

to me in ways that no antique had ever done before. On the

inside of one of the flaps I found written the following: C. A.

Reed, Ravenna Ohio, May 12, 1899.

Continued on Page 10

This set me to wondering. Did this viewer once belong

to a man by the name of Reed? Where is Ravenna, Ohio,

and who was C.A. Reed? The internet helped me out. I found

the website for the city of Ravenna and learned that the city

is located approximately a one hour drive south of Lake Erie

in the north-east corner of the State of Ohio.

Checking out the Ravenna website I was surprised to

find that Ravenna has a library, and; wouldn’t you know

it, it is named the “Reed Memorial Library”!!! When I went

to the library’s website I found in its history section that it

was so named because in the early 1920’s, a gentleman by

the name of Judge Cornelius Austin Reed had made a most

generous donation to the city of Ravenna, in the amount of

$25,000.00 to erect a library.

The website had pictures of the library and of Judge

Reed laying out the lot before the ground breaking.

THIS WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! Had my

stereoviewer really belonged to this man? All evidence

pointed in that direction, but I still didn’t have the proof…

until I found a letter written by Judge Reed to Mr. T.C.

Mendenhall proposing the construction of the library. On

page three of this letter was Judge Reed’s signature, and

guess what? The signatures matched perfectly! There is no

doubt about it. This beautiful stereoviewer now standing in

my living room had once belonged to Cornelius A. Reed of

Ravenna, Ohio! My stereoviewer had talked. It had told me

one of its many secrets.

My curiosity was piqued. Who exactly was Judge

Reed? What else had this man done besides pay for a library

building in Ravenna? Had he been married? Did he have a

family? What other activities had he involved himself in?

Well, there are ways to find out. I got hold of a phone

number and made contact with a wonderful lady, Jackie,

who is a member of the historical society of Ravenna. Jackie

was thrilled when I told her of my stereoviewer, and we came

to an agreement. I would send her pictures of the viewer,

and she would research and send me any information she

could find about Judge Reed.

A few weeks later my efforts were rewarded. Jackie

came through and I received a package full of information

in the mail. Judge Reed had lived from 1838 to 1929. His

family had originated in Connecticut. Unable to participate

in the American Civil war due to a damaged foot, he studied

law, was admitted to the bar in 1863, and set up a practice

in Ravenna. He was elected to be a probate judge in 1881.

In 1869 he took the position of Prosecuting Attorney. In

1865 Judge Reed married Phoebe Folger of Nantucket,

Massachusetts. This marriage produced two daughters

who in their later life also donated generously to the Reed

Memorial Library.


Reed signature found inside the stereoscope.

Reed signature confirmed in the letter.


Reed signature fi d i th l tt


131 Bloor St. W.Suite 200

Dept 124XP10Toronto, ON M5S 1R8Or call: 1-877-444-4508

Jackie had also gone the extra mile. She photocopied

information about him and his family for me, and even sent

me pictures of Judge Reed’s original home and his grave.

I could tell you a lot more about Judge Reed, but space

will not allow. The point of all of this is that every antique

has a story. Not every antique will “talk” as much as my

stereoviewer did, but still, you never know.

If you get an antique, use the internet to find out

when it was made, what it was used for, and if there were

others like it. Check further to find out what conditions

the people of that time lived under, and what other world

events took place during their lives. Look over your item

very carefully. It might just have a name or other helpful

information written or scratched into it.

I really struck the mother-load of information

with my stereoviewer. I now have what is known as its

provenance. This doesn’t happen very often, but you may be

pleasantly surprised! Happy antiquing!



(on the road to Panorama)

Open Wednesday - Sunday

OR BY APPOINTMENT.Visit us:

STOREFRONT CLOSEDTrade Shows OnlyPh: (306) 244-7229Cell: (306) 227-9001Market Mall Antique Sale, Saskatoon, SK Oct. 26 - Nov. 1Carswell's Christmas Antique Sale, Red Deer, AB Nov. 21, 22

616 - 10th Street E.Ph: (306) 653-2969Mon - Sat 10:00 to 5:00Over 4,000 sq. ft. of Quality Antiques

820 Victoria AvePh: (306) 653-4033Mon - Sat 10:00 to 6:00Appraisal of Antiques

111A - Ave B South.Ph: (306) 651-2800Mon - Sat 11:00 to 5:00Purveyors of the Shabby Chic

THE COLLECTING OF FOBS STARTED FOR ME ABOUT 15 YEARS AGO. IT ALL STARTED WITH

A WESTCLOX DOLLAR POCKET WATCH, MAINLY BECAUSE OF THEIR ECONOMICAL PRICE

AS A BEGINNING COLLECTOR. THEN I ACQUIRED A FEW BETTER SWISS POCKET

watches, and finally a few good American-made watches. I originally kept the dollar watch in my

shirt pocket and one day I discovered watch fobs. Never having seen one before, I was at a friend’s

house and he happened to show me a caterpillar fob that had belonged to his brother. I had to have

it after he told me how valuable it was. We made a deal and from then on I was hooked. Not knowing

much about fobs at the time, it was very easy to overpay or even get stung with reproductions or

new fobs.

Fobs have been around since the 1800’s; the need to easily access a watch started the trend.

Gentlemen with three-piece suits were usually seen with a watch chain looped through vest button

holes, with the watch on one end and a chain-type fob (as they were often called) on the other end.

The more widely collected fob is the strap type. The strap was usually made of leather and the fobs

frequently showed an advertisement of some sort; whether it was construction equipment, tractors,

saddles or household products. In the early days fobs were given away as a form of advertising a

company’s merchandise.

There are literally thousands of fobs to collect. My particular favourites are agricultural


HE COLLECTING O

by Fred Hauck, Collector, Red Cliff, AB

Watch Fobs


related. Every major manufacturer gave away fobs.

Caterpillar seems to be one of the most plentiful with dozens

to choose from. Caterpillar fobs usually had the local dealer’s

name on the reverse side, allowing for a lot of variations.

International Harvester and John Deere also produced

dozens of different fobs; as did Case, Allis Chalmers, Massey,

etc. The more ornate ones had multicoloured enamel

and are highly sought after; for example, the red, white

and blue McCormick Deering fob from the 1930’s. Prices

are usually $100.00 or more depending on the condition.

Another desirable fob is the John Deere mother of pearl

fob. Made from mother of pearl, it is shaped like a shield

with a metal deer jumping over a plow. The original strap is

leather with a mother of pearl buckle. Most do not still have

the leather strap and the mother of pearl is damaged. John

Deere Collectors magazines state that these were given away

to John Deere Territory Managers back in the 1930’s. Two

variations exist with the jumping deer, one has the antlers

facing forward and the other they are facing back. Most

collectors do not know that there are two types. I have seen

both. They are valued at shows, undamaged, at $200.00 or

more. I have seen new “old” stock fobs, still attached to the

original cardboard; but they are usually for display only, not

for sale. I am not sure which is more valuable; the fob with

the forward, or back, facing antlers. Both are difficult to

find in good condition.

Many fobs pictured the company’s product, some just

its logo. The Case farm machinery company had a very nice

fob featuring their Case “L” tractor. The “L” was produced

from 1929 – 1940. This information assists in dating a fob.

Non-agricultural fobs in my collection include one

shaped like the heel of a shoe dating from the early 1900’s;

or one from the 1950’s looks like a bag of cement, another

is a presidential fob picturing Jimmy Carter (1977); an early

City of Medicine Hat fob and a variety of saddle-shaped

fobs to promote that product. I have three saddle fobs in

my collection one of which is generic, another is Riley and

McCormick and the third is from Hamley & Company,

Pendleton, Oregon. The Hamley and Riley & McCormick

were produced from the same mold, one was made from

brass and the other was nickel-plated brass. The Hamley has

its original mailing envelope from 1949 which dates that

fob. The Riley & McCormick was not found as a normal fob

would be found as pocket watches had gone out of fashion.

Many companies had a surplus of left over fobs and Riley &

McCormick soldered clips on the back of them turning them

into western string ties. That is how I found the fob I have.

Some fobs have been found mixed in with cans of nuts and

bolts or nails to be forgotten about until some unsuspecting

person purchases the box and contents, discovers the odd

looking item and does the research.

Fobs are still being produced today, mainly for the

collectors market. The collecting of Fobs does have a loyal

following and from more recent times seeing fobs from the

“Fob of the Month” Club. Subscribers would receive a new

fob every two months. These are marked on the back “Fob of

the Month” and are numbered 1 through 59. They were also

later produced without the “Fob of the Month” designation. Of

these fobs, some appear to look like copies of the originals and

some have original markings all agricultural related. There

are also fob collectors clubs which produce a yearly fob with

the member’s name and membership number on the back.


Companies like John Deere still provide collectors

with modern fobs. In the collectors market we must

remember that there are three main categories of fobs:

old original fobs; reproduction fobs copied from old ones

(these usually have details that make them look new or

modern); and new, or modern fobs with original designs

never seen on old fobs. This all dictates price, as well as the

condition and wear. Always look to see whether or not the

slot where the strap goes through is worn, thin or repaired.

Sometimes the top bar is broken and a new one has been

soldered on, or the bar is worn paper thin, or on the saddle

fobs the tapadairos are broken off and missing which puts

the value at zero. They all had tapadairos or stirrups. Check

to see if the fine details are worn with use. On the Case “L”

fob, the “L” tractor had the word “Case” in a bar between

the front and back wheel, this is sometimes missing. They

all had the word “Case” on the bottom. Don’t let a dealer

tell you otherwise, and don’t think that this is a variation.

Recently I bought a Waltham Railway watch with a cat fob

attached. Upon closer inspection, I realized this fob was cut

down from a larger watch fob. Someone had cut around the

caterpillar tractor rendering it worthless. Also, be aware

of homemade fobs. One in my collection was made from

a 1931 McCormick-Deering 100th Anniversary medallion.

The copper coin has a wire soldered on the top turning it

into a fob. The interesting thing about this fob is that in

1931 there was an identical fob produced except for the wire,

and it was cast as a one piece copper bar. Always closely

inspect all fobs, new and old.

A great many fobs are found without straps, but new

straps can be purchased. They are true to the originals,

brown with a gold buckle or black with a silver buckle; and

are not expensive. It is my opinion that this does not affect

the value. Remember, it is the fob you are collecting, not

the strap.

Another close inspection is needed when looking at

pewter fobs. Look for scratches, or bent medal. Soft material

like pewter damages easily. If a fob looks shiny and new, it

probably is. Don’t be misled by an old design.

Where can fobs be found? They are at shows, antique

shops and always on eBay. There are collectors who

specialize. Some want one of each kind, some want just

old ones. John Deere collectors may just want John Deere

fobs, or International Harvester collectors, just IHC fobs.

Odd old names like Rumely, Avery, Hart Parr (and the list

goes on) always command good money due to age and

rarity. Names like Caterpillar and International Harvester,

however, should be old to get a high price. With Caterpillar

fobs, for instance, old ones say “Caterpillar” and newer ones

say “CAT” on them. Early International Harvester fobs say

“McCormick-Deering” (which ended in the 1950’s) or have

the letters “IHC” as opposed to “IH” on them. There are also

old Rumely fobs and new ones. Rumely went out of business

in 1931. I have often seen new ones from the 1980’s being

sold on eBay and collectors are paying the price of an old

one. I have one from the 1980’s and on the back in small

letters are the initials MEB (Milton E. Brison, who made

many different fobs according to a 1980’s advertisement).

These have been produced for the modern fob collectors

market but have an ‘old’ look and appear to have years of

use. Mine is like that. Again, don’t be fooled.

A reference book for more information is Watch Fob

Guide, by Allan C. Hoover. It covers every fob that was ever

made relating to machinery and automobiles.

AS ALWAYS WITH ANY COLLECTABLE, AGE AND CONDITION

IS EVERYTHING.

Don’t be misled by an old design.


HUGE SELECTION OF CHINA

CLOSEDMONDAYS

QualityQ lit && QuantityantityQ antity


Shows & AuctionsDiscover Rare Treasures

Nov. 1 ...............Auction: Antique & Collectible

Consignment Auction

Schlenker Auction, Stampede Park,

Medicine Hat, AB

*Nov. 7 ..............Auction: Life Time Collection,

Store Dispersal, Consignors

Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers, Red Deer, AB

Nov. 7 ...............Medicine Hat’s Own Antique

Road Show

Esplanade Museum, Medicine Hat, AB

Nov. 7, 8 ...........Best of the West Fall Antique Show

Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, BC

*Nov. 8,-10 .......Auction: Semi-Annual Auction of

Antiques & Collectibles

Hall’s Auction Services Ltd., Calgary, AB

*Nov. 13 ............Auction: Currency & Coins

Scribner Auction Ltd., Wainwright, AB

*Nov. 14 ............“What’s It Worth” Fundraiser with

Sheldon Smithens

Where On Earth Antique Mall, Airdrie, AB

*Nov. 14 ............Auction: Estate of Marjorie Blanchard

& Consignors


Nov. 14, 15 .......Historical Arms Collectors Society

of BC Trade Show

Operating Engineers Hall, Burnaby, BC

Nov. 15 .............21st Century Flea Market

Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC

*Nov. 21, 22 ......Carswell’s 19th Annual Red Deer

Christmas Antique Show & Sale

Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB

*Nov. 23, 24 ......Auction: Fine Art Auction Live & Online

Hodgins Art Auctions, Calgary, AB

Nov. 27, 28 .......Elizabeth’s Antique Sale

Aviation Museum, Edmonton, AB

Nov. 28, 29 .......13th Annual Piapot Lions Gun,

Hobby & Antique Show

Armories, Maple Creek, SK

*Dec. 5, 6 ..........Country Drive’s Christmas Drive

Central Alberta www.countrydrive.ca

Dec. 6 ...............Retro Design & Antiques Fair


Dec. 13 .............Historical Arms Collectors Society

of BC Trade Show

Operating Engineers Hall, Burnaby, BC

*Jan. 1 ..............Auction: Fine Antiques, Furniture

& Collectibles


Jan. 16 .............Alberta Arms & Cartridge Collectors

Gun Show

Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Hall,

Calgary, AB

Jan. 16, 17 .......Saskatchewan Gun Collectors Assn.

Annual Gun Show

Evarz Turvy Centre, Regina, SK

Jan. 17 .............21st Century Flea Market


Feb. 6 & 7 .........Piapot Lions 11th Annual Antiques

& Collectibles Show & Sale

Armories, Maple Creek, SK

Feb. 7 ...............Retro Design & Antiques Fair


Feb. 27 .............First Canadian Collectors Club’s Antiques

& Collectibles Show & Sale

Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Hall,

Calgary, AB

Mar. 14 .............21st Century Flea Market


*Indicates ad in this issue. Discovering Shows is a complimentary listing. Contact us regarding your event at:

TOLL FREE: 1-888-705-8978 or (403) 281-0413, Fax: (403) 238-6923, email: [email protected].

For the most up to date listings visit www.DiscoveringAntiques.com


Birthstones

by Catharina VanTooren, Calgary, AB

I RECENTLY CAME UPON A SMALL INTERESTING

booklet called The Fascinating Facts About

Gemstones, by Milton A. Gravender (published

in 1933).

I was surprised to learn that the origin of

birthstones dates back to the Book of Revelation. The

order in which the twelve foundation stones of the

Holy city were laid, is supposed to have determined the

order of birthstones (Rev. 21; 18-21).

At first, people desired to own all 12 stones,

wearing a different one for each month, but later

each person wore the stone of the month in which

he was born. At present some names of birthstones

differ, but the earliest ones are all based either upon

the Holy City’s Foundation stones, or upon the gems

of High Priest Aaron’s breastplate. This breastplate,

measuring 8 inches square, was set with 12 gems, each

engraved with the sign of one of the 12 tribes of Israel.


The science of gemstones is complex and requires

extensive training. In order to recognize a specific gem, we

need to seek the expertise of a qualified gemologist. As a

layman, I dare not touch upon such science. The following

is, in part, extracted from Mr. Gravender’s book and serves

only as a source of general information, with a little bit of

history thrown in for added interest.

GARNET This muddy-red stone was sometimes

regarded as a Royal stone due to the preference the Persians

had given it as the bearer of their sovereign’s image. The

garnet has also been used as an amulet against accidents in

travel. Of its many variations pyrope, a ruby-red stone also

called Bohemian garnet, and almandine, a deep crimson

red, are the most common. The hardness of a garnet is 7.5

on Mohs scale (10 being the hardest). It will not be scratched

by a piece of quartz.

AMETHYST is a member of the quartz family with a

hardness of 7. Glass cannot scratch it. A jewellery favourite,

it is usually step-cut with a large flat table to highlight its

colour, which ranges from pale lilac to deep purple. It was

the stone of the tribe of Dan, which stood for judgement.

Therefore it represents justice and courage. Roman Catholic

Bishops still wear an amethyst ring. Catherine the Great

loved the amethyst and sent thousands of workers to the

mines in the Ural Mountains to search for it. The word

amethyst comes from a Greek word meaning ‘without

drunkenness’, and people believed the stone had the power

to prevent intoxication!

BLOODSTONE or HELIOTROPE The Egyptians

and Babylonians cut this stone in the shape of a heart and

valued it as an amulet. The gem is dark green chalcedony

(quartz) with spotted red jasper. In the Middle Ages people

believed these red spots to be blood drops of Christ, giving

this stone magical power. Heliotrope is often seen in men’s

rings.

PRESENT DAY BIRTHSTONES & ALTERNATIVES

January ..............................................................garnet

February.........................................................amethyst

March .................................. bloodstone, aquamarine

April............................................................... diamond

May ..................................................................emerald

June ..................................................pearl, moonstone

July ........................................................................ruby

August .......................... sardonyx, peridot, carnelian

September ....................................................... sapphire

October ............................................. opal, tourmaline

November .............................................................topaz

December ...................................turquoise,lapis lazuli



The alternate stone for March is AQUAMARINE. This

transparent, blue-green variety of beryl, with a hardness of

7.5-8, is said to bring fortune and luck to the men of the sea.

There is, of course, a connection here, aqua meaning water.

Always a favourite among engagement rings, the

DIAMOND is a symbol of love and harmony between

husband and wife. The mineral species diamond is pure

carbon and the hardest known substance on earth – the

only one with a hardness of 10 on Mohs scale. From all

the diamonds mined, only a small portion is worthwhile

for cutting and being used in the jewellery industry. The

‘sparks’ are in the cutting technique, not in the stone itself.

The most popular cut is the brilliant cut with 58 facets;

33 in the crown and 25 in the base. If a stone is properly

proportioned and polished, the entering rays of light will

reflect and result in a beautiful play of colour, called ‘fire.’

In ancient times, the EMERALD was dedicated

to the goddess Venus. Cleopatra owned Egyptian mines,

and engraved emeralds with her portrait to be given to

her ambassadors. The only gems Josephine received from

Napoleon were emeralds and pearls. And Catherine the

Great was known for owning a considerable amount of

emeralds and amethysts. Caesar wore emeralds to cure

epilepsy, and Nero to relieve eye strain. So, if you love

emeralds, you certainly are in good company!

The velvety, grass-green stone has a hardness of 7.5-

8. However it can be scratched by diamonds, rubies and

sapphires. It is the green variety of the mineral species beryl.

Many stories exist about the origin of PEARLS. Some

3000 years ago it was believed a drop of rain fell into the

shell of an oyster, creating a pearl. Another story tells about

the tears of gods causing the oyster to develop a pearl.

Warriors set pearls in the handles of their swords as symbols

of the tears and sorrow which the sword might bring. But,

as we all know, the birth of a pearl in a mollusc is caused by

an irritation which has entered the shell, then forming layer

upon layer of mother or pearl around the intruder. These

oysters are usually not the edible kind. Pearls are already

mentioned in the Book of Job and the Talmud. The gates

of the Holy City were adorned with pearls as described in

the Bible. Furthermore, in ancient history pearls were the

treasured possession of many Egyptians, Persians, Hindus

and Romans.

Fast forward to the late 1800’s. Japanese scientist, Dr.

K. Mikimoto envisioned and then perfected the execution of

pearl cultivation. In 1896 he even patented his invention!

Cultured or cultivated pearls are still genuine pearls formed

inside the oyster shell; the difference being that they had a

little human help.

The alternate stone for June is an almost colourless

stone with a hardness of only 6 – 6.5.



MOONSTONE is made up of two types of feldspar

creating a white or bluish sheen by reflecting light,

especially visible by rotating the stone. At the end of the

Victorian Era, moonstone became a very popular stone for

use in costume and fine jewellery. The always cabochon-cut

stone replaced the bold style for a more subdued one.

July’s birthstone is RUBY. “The Gem of Gems” as it

is called by the Hindus, who prize it above all other stones.

It is said to bring its wearer health, wealth, wisdom and

happiness. By the Lord’s command the ruby was placed

on Aaron’s neck. The ruby is the red variety of the species

Corundum (the blue variety is known as a sapphire). Both

are the hardest of coloured stones, having a hardness of 9,

and are, therefore, popular in the jewellery industry. The

most valuable rubies originated in Burma (Myanmar) and

were “pigeon’s blood” red in colour.

There are three different birthstones mentioned for

August. SARDONYX is an onyx consisting of alternate

layers of brown and white sard. Sard is a translucent deep

orange-red to brownish-red quartz. That is a mouthful of

scientific words, but if you look at a cameo, you probably

will see a sardonyx. These layered stones are used in

intaglio’s (incised beneath the surface) as in signet rings,

and the already mentioned cameos, showcasing a raised

design.

We are more familiar with PERIDOT as the

birthstone of August. This yellow-green or olive-green stone

demands caution when using in jewellery, as it reaches only

6.5 on the Mohs scale. Crusaders brought peridot to Middle

Europe via the Red Sea. It was the most favourable stone

during the Baroque Era.

The third stone is CARNELIAN or cornelian, a deep

red to reddish-brown variety of chalcedony (quartz). A

person wearing a carnelian was believed to be safe from evil

spirits. Mohammed himself wore a carnelian as a signet.

Lucky are the people born in September, as they

have the SAPPHIRE as their birthstone. An exceptionally

brilliant and hard stone (hardness of 9) from the species

of Corundum and found in a variety of colours, although

we are most familiar with the various hues of blue. The

sapphire is said to be the symbol of truth and constancy.

Tradition tells that is was upon a sapphire that the Ten

Commandments were engraved. The Persians believed that

the earth rested on a great sapphire of which the reflection

gave colour to the sky. It is, therefore, known as “the

celestial stone.”

The star sapphire, with its three crossbars, is known

as the “asterism.” These crossbars represent faith, hope and

charity. A star sapphire, according to Oriental tradition,

wards off ill omens and brings good fortune.



We have all heard of the fire of the OPAL, but this

“colourful” stone has in reality no colour of its own.

Nature has given it a ‘trick’, though, of catching the light

and breaking it up into many colours. “All the colours of

the rainbow” would be an accurate description. October’s

birthstone has a hardness of only 5.5-6.5, making it

vulnerable. It scratches, chips and breaks easily. To avoid

drying out (because the opal contains water) an olive oil

or glycerine bath should be given a few times a year. In

Roman Days, Senator Norius had an opal which he believed

provided him with good fortune. On the other hand, in the

novel Anne of Geierstein by Sir Walter Scott, calamity and

bad luck was brought to the heroine. Notwithstanding the

above, the beauty of an opal has made it one of the most

desirable gems.

The alternate stone for October is TOURMALINE.

This stone was not identified as a distinct species until 1703,

although it existed in ancient times. Due to its complicated

chemical formula, it has the most colours, shades and hues

of any other gems stone. This variety of colours, as well as

its hardness of 7-7.5 makes it a very desirable stone in the

jewellery industry.

Most of us tend to think of a TOPAZ as a golden brown

stone, similar to the golden leaves showcased during the fall

season, but actually its colours range from a sherry-yellow

to pale blue and green. The name is derived from “Topazios”

an island in the Red Sea (presently known as Zebirget)

where the first stones were found. This island was difficult

to locate for sailors due to the always present fog. Topaz was

supposed to have the power to give off light. When rubbed,

the genuine topaz has the ability to pick up pieces of paper.

Topaz-like substitutes do not have this ability. A topaz

has a hardness of 8 and takes a beautiful polish. Its wide

range of pale colours offers a charming selection to those

born in November.

Our final month, December, has two birthstones

TURQUOISE and LAPIS LAZULI. TURQUOISE was found

in the Sinai as far back as 5500 BC and was named after the

trade route from Asia to Europe, leading through Turkey.

This stone has also been found in burial ruins of ancient

Indian tribes; still today few religious ceremonies of the

Natives of New Mexico and Arizona take place without some

form of turquoise stone. To the Apache, it has unusual

healing power. For the Navajo, a piece of turquoise thrown

into a river (accompanied by a prayer to the rain god) meant

that rain will follow. In Tibet turquoise is valued above all

else because of its religious importance. And during the

Biedermeier Period (1815-1848) the sky blue of a turquoise

was the favourite colour. Being a rather soft stone (only a

hardness of 5-6), it should be worn with care. Colours range

from pale blue to sky blue with or without brownish veining

(matrix).

LAPIS LAZULI is of a much darker blue than the

above, with golden specks of pyrite adding to its beauty.

In ancient Babylonia, lapis was highly valued. Tombs of

pharaohs show mosaic and other inlaid work with many

apiece of lapis. Probably Cleopatra loved this stone as much

as her emeralds! In the Middle Ages, lapis was ground for

use in the manufacture of ultramarine coloured paint. The

mines of the finest lapis lazuli are reaching exhaustion,

making it a pricey gem.


SHANE MACDONALDBox 2544, Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0TOLL FREE: 1-888-854-7859

TEL/FAX: (403) 335-3905 CELL: (403) 630-3925email: [email protected]

www.vintagestove.com

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old stoves into

treasured

heirlooms!

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& MORE

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(403) 782-4719

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www.lacombesecondhand.com


is it?’s it worth?

If you have an item you would like to have evaluated write to Dan Thomson (owner, Inglewood Antiques) 1221B - 9 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9. Please include a

clear picture of the item and any marks that may be visible. The cost per item is only $5 which covers the time spent in research, etc. The most interesting items will

be featured in this magazine. Please allow a reasonable amount of time for Mr. Thompson to reply. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Mr.

Thomson, and are merely a guide to values. Neither Mr. Thomson nor the magazine will be held responsible for any transactions that may arise from the above

information. Items may or may not sell for appraised value. Thank you for using our serve.

ONCE AGAIN THE PUBLISHER, JAN MATHER, HAS COME TO MY RESCUE

AND PROVIDED ME WITH THE ITEM FOR THIS ARTICLE. THANK YOU

so much. Jan brought this item to me a couple of months ago to see if

I could find out what it was. My immediate thought was, “It is a lighter,”

but I, even at this stage, am not sure what it might be. Most of the ‘bullet’ type

lighters I am familiar with including the insides (photo shows only outside). Bullet

lighters were used in World War I and II and shaped like a bullet, thus the name why

they were made of copper; some were even chrome-plated. The top was removable

and had the wheel, flint and wick. The lighter in the photo is only the shell it

does not have the insides, however I am familiar with, and have seen many bullet

lighters over the years.

First, I looked at the bottom to see if there were any familiar marks or

labels. The letters in the flag should have been a dead give away but as I did my

research, including the internet and the various reference books that I have;

I could not find any type of lighter that has this shape or logo. Around the outside

and in a double circle are the words “Patented 1908.” The finish on this object

I would say nickel plate.

Looking at this item both are pull away cylinders that slide easily back

together. The larger part of this object is approximately 5/8 of an inch across. The

smaller half is approximately 3/8 of an inch across. Both are attached in the center

Once opened, there lies the puzzle. The larger cylinder on one side has what

appears to be a round wick of some sort that is sewn and tied at the bottom. The wick

can be pulled in and out of the cylinder and is solid material at the bottom. In the small

round other half of the cylinder there is a fixed three-prong cage which is possibly

made from brass. It has in the centre, two very small balls attached to the center by two

threads. Both large and small cylinders fit together snugly and have a total height of two

inches. It can be easily transported in a man’s pocket or lady’s purse.

When I opened it this afternoon in the high heat we are having this week

(late September), there was a faint odour of an antiseptic/perfume. Could this have

been an early room freshener?

If any one can tell me, or Jan, what it is; it would be most appreciated.

As a result and because I do not know what the item is, I cannot determine a value.

I would sincerely like to thank Howard Smith for the items that he provided me for my last article in the July/August 2009 issue. Howard. Thank you Very Much.


10,000 sq. ft.New Dealers & Consignments Welcome

Where on Earth...Did you Get That?

Burner & WicksShades & Chimneys

Largest Selection of North American Oil Lamps in Alberta

Antique Mall, Airdrie, AB

Located at:

(403) 243-4016Email: [email protected]

Inglewood AntiquesAntiques, Collectibles & Curios

1221B - 9th Ave. SE, Calgary, AB(403) 264-9463


Part II

By Susan Holme Manyluk,

HolmeHus Antiques, Red Deer, AB

CHRISTMAS IS COMING. AFTER A YEAR OF

FINANCIAL TURMOIL, POLITICAL UPROAR,

WEATHER-RELATED GRIEF AND ECONOMICAL

instability, aren’t we all ready for a little bit of old fashioned

warmth, comfort and family-centered respite?

From what I have been hearing, this is the year to re-

turn to tradition, to the comforts of long-standing seasonal

favourites in food, music and decorations. This is the year to

pack away the mauve, plastic-spangled, dancing Christmas

tree! Get out the axe and snowshoes, the hot chocolate and

the toboggan – help a tree farmer or Mother Nature by har-

vesting a renewable resource. Nothing says Christmas like a

real tree; put it up the week before Christmas (not the day

after Halloween), take it down just after New Years and keep

those pesky needles where they belong – on the tree.

But, TWO days after Halloween, dig out the Burl Ives

Christmas album (these old 33’s still sound the best) and

gather the children or grandchildren for the first of many

Sunday afternoons spent making decorations out of foil

and shiny paper, weaving garland chains and gluing real

mother-of-pearl button eyes on a family of walnut-shell

Merry Mice. Dad or Grandpa can shell out the walnuts;

their strong fingers can pry the two halves apart, intact.

And, while they have their nut crackers out, have them shell

a supply of almonds and hazelnuts as well. These can be

enjoyed with a glass of sherry, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea

(lots of milk and a bit of sugar or honey for the youngsters).

Freshly cracked nuts lead to stories of squirrels and acorns,

Beatrice Potter and the Hundred-acre Wood. End the day

with a few chapters read aloud by the light of a candle or

two, for some old-time atmosphere.

If your squirrels don’t consume all the nuts; on an-

other wintry afternoon, the extras make wonderful treats

for Christmas after a quick dunking in melted chocolate.

Stir to coat well and remove each with a pair of forks, place

on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Let cool and when

hardened, place in vintage tins in single layers, separating

the layers with parchment or waxed paper sheets. Store

in a cool spot, away from grandpas and hungry squirrels.

The older children love to help with these. Dried apricots,

cranberries or raisins are also first-rate after taking a warm

chocolate bath. An assortment of these, nicely packed in an

old Bluebird tin, makes a wonderful gift; that speaks of good

taste and the heartfelt caring shown in a handmade pres-

ent. The label says love!



These wonderful old tins I referred to are a big part

of such a thoughtful, homemade gift. Shortbread tins are

fairly plentiful; the nicest have lovely scenery, or lithographs

of earlier Scottish art, depicting historical incidents of note

or well-known Highland figures. Bonnie Prince Charlie,

MacBeth and Rob Roy have lent their austere images to this

long-time favourite Christmas treat – tinned shortbread

imported from Scotland. Every bachelor neighbour we have

ever welcomed during the Yuletide season always came

bearing a tin of Scots shortbread. It was a treat reserved

for that time of year, to be shared generously with family

and friends. The empty tin was always carefully washed

and dried, then kept to store buttons or thread, small

nails or screws, or other household items. This is another

example of great advertising; for the warmth, cheer and

good feelings of Christmas were associated with a product

name every time the tin was used again, all year long.

Bill McBlane’s ghost still visits our farm every Christmas,

shortbread tin in hand.

Homemade shortbread is another easy gift for

seasonal giving. The following recipe is one that was

included when a genuine shortbread mould - carved in

Scotland – was bought at the local Hudson’s Bay store. These

wooden moulds always featured their own “label,” usually

a thistle or more rarely, an acorn or bluebell design, carved

into the pine, sycamore or applewood mould, representing

Scotland’s heritage. So gather the kids; give each a vintage

mould to shape their share of shortbread dough, and fill the

house with good smells as they bake to perfection. Store in a

vintage tin, in a cool spot, to share and enjoy for Christmas.


Another unusual tin I have had for years is also

ideal for storing baking; being much larger, round, with

a delightful early 1950’s red and turquoise colour scheme

(see page 30). It features an “old-fashioned” lady presenting

a Christmas cake (or plum pudding) to her delighted guests.

Made by…WONDERBREAD! Who would have thought

the purveyors of gummy white bread would aspire to the

baking of fruit-filled Christmas cakes? Their label does not

appear on the outside of the tin, but on the inside of the

lid. Presumably the wonderful contents were to be admired

before serving, while the lid was bottom-up on the table,

to deliver its message then – or later – during actual use.

Tea and coffee tins from the past 100-odd years can

also do double duty as innovative recycled containers for

gift giving. I find many college-age types enjoy this bit of

nostalgia; the tins can always be utilized by them in some

manner, during their spartan existence while pursuing

educational goals. Collecting tins is kind of cool, regardless

of your gender; if a faint whiff of a certain brand of coffee

reminds them of mornings at home – so much the better.

Many a “collecting bug” has been caught with the gift of

a single item; finding other examples of a favourite brand

of tea or coffee tin might lead to a rewarding study of

marketing, advertising and consumerism, as it existed for

their parents or grandparents. Young people who wear their

favourite labels can really identify with that.

And finally, while on the subject of promotion, let me

remind all our readers that “homemade” is the best label

of all. The love and attention to detail – be it an item of

food, or something crafted by hand and given in the spirit

of the season, will continue to give, year-round. If you want

to personalize your gifting this year, join the members of

the Country Drive for the Christmas Drive, taking place on

December 5th and 6th at various sites in central Alberta.

You will find wonderful locations, meals, experiences

and unique items – many handcrafted locally – that will

give new meaning to your Christmas giving. As well, two

large well-stocked antique stores (ours and Mary Lamb’s

Treasures From the Past, west of Penhold) will both present

a broad range of gift-giving possibilities with some history

and tradition behind them. To kick-off the Christmas Drive

weekend, on Thursday December 3rd at 5pm “A Taste of

Country Drive” is happening at the Red Deer County Centre.

Tickets are $10.00. The evening will feature food, fun and

fashions from the 28 diverse members of Country Drive.

Check out their website at www.countrydrive.ca.

To each and all – a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes

for 2010!


VISIT US DURINGChristmas Country Drive ~ Dec. 5 & 6

www.countryDRIVE.ca

(403) 348-5527

FREE TAROT CARD READING BY

APPOINTMENT

With a minimum purchase of $50.

A Taste of Country DriveDecember 3 at Red Deer County Centre

Christmas Country DriveDecember 5 & 6

For complete information, contest details and maps visit CountryDrive.ca or call 1-800-215-8946.


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