Author: hiramk

Few things give me joy like acquiring a piece that has a hallmark, patent number, serial number or model number. For me collecting is getting to understand the past, and having these time markers usually means with a little research I can put the item into a larger historical context.  This IBM Master Program Clock; Metal Disc Type circa 1933 is a great example of research paradise. Business equipment is one of those really fun…

The greatest loss to an antique is the loss of its history (owner, purpose, use, etc.). Yes, condition governs value on most pieces, but knowing who owned the item and their story adds tremendous personal value. In the case of this Horne & Thornthwaite camera I unfortunately do not know anything about the previous owner(s), but we can make a few speculations. Known Camera History First the easy to discern facts. The camera is well documented…

Put Yourself In Yost’s Place Imagine it is the mid 1800’s and you want to create a portable printing press.  Something that can be easily moved, self-contained and did not require a skilled typesetter to use.  In short, you want to create a typewriter.  How would you solve the various challenges of converting a manual process into a mechanized 19th century wonder? Let’s start with our only reference, the printing press. I am not an expert…