Ivory Pie Crimper

Old tools can be hard to identify because they are no longer used. A carved ivory leg with a little wheel at the top looks like it might be a toy or a drawing aid, but it seems odd to make a tool of ivory. This auction item, recently sold by Eldred’s Auctions, is a […]

Patented Closures

Soda, mineral water, and beer bottles have closures that kept the gas in the bottle until opened. Codd bottles closed with a glass ball that was held in place by the gas, so the bottles had to be filled upside down. Soda pop was nicknamed for the “pop” sound that accompanied the removal of the […]

How To Judge The Value Of An Unknown Bottle

Early bottles (before 1800), historic flasks, free-blown bottles, and early-nineteenth-century decorative decanters can be judged by the same standards as any fine early glass. Age, rarity, quality, condition, and appearance are the important factors. Commercial bottles of the nineteenth century can have great value, even if the bottles originally held pickles, catsup, or beer. Even […]

Baby Bottles

Late eighteenth-century baby feeding bottles were usually made of pottery and shaped like elongated eggs. Liquid was poured into a large opening on one side, and the baby sucked it through a small opening at the tip. In the early nineteenth century, infant bottles were also made of metal, porcelain, or blown glass. Some were […]

Examining Lips, Tops, And Bottoms

There are a few rules that can aid in the dating of old glass bottles. All the rules are based on the method used to manufacture the bottle. A search for mold seams, pontils, designs, or “whittle” marks can give the first clue to the age of the bottle. Most bottles produced before 1840 were […]

George Hunzinger Furniture

George Hunzinger (1835-1898) was born in Germany and trained as a cabinetmaker. In 1855 he emigrated to the United States and started making his own style of furniture, chairs and tables made of wood or wire inspired by pipes, machinery and his 21 patented designs and methods. He invented or improved extension, swivel top, and […]

Important Information Before You Sell at an Auction

Many of our readers ask this question: How do I know if an auction house is legit? If you are unfamiliar with the auction house, ask for references and look up online reviews. Make sure money for your items is kept in a separate escrow account. This will protect you from loss if the auction […]

Step-by-Step Estate Planning

For those who are not settling an estate but want to make it easier for heirs to manage your estate, plan ahead. Make a will; know where it is. Keep a record of your lawyers and accountants. Store your passwords somewhere heirs can locate them. Include passwords for investments, credit cards used, unused, or almost […]

Dealers Tricks to Buy/Bid and Auction Etiquette

Updated February 1, 2022 Watching auctions online or in person is fun, but becoming a participant can be confusing and intimidating, especially in person. How do I bid when sitting in the auction room? Which item are they on? Who has paddles? Who are on the phones and computers who keep calling “Here”? What tells […]

Auction Checklist

Before you sign the contract, get clarification on important sales features.  Read the contract. Get a full list of the items and the terms of the sale and read the compete contract before you sign it. The auction representative must sign it too. What are the financial arrangements? How high are the reserves? What are […]