Trouble Starts with What's That!
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I have come to realize that my favorite pieces are the ones I have repaired. The act of restoring something to a working condition creates a bond that goes beyond the simple act of purchasing it. This rocking (moving) eye clock is a prime example of how investing time and care makes an object dearer. I found this rocking eye “Mammy” clock in a junk shop in San Antonio, Texas. The clock hands were broken…
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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…
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This 1885 “New Home” Singer Sewing Machine was our first significant antique. When we first found it, we could not bring ourselves to pay the $100 asking price. Looking back I can’t believe we got it. I Love Mid-19th Century Technology The Singer Manufacturing Company was one of the first to make a practical sewing machine. They were not the first. They were the first to get it right. But as an early piece you…
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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…
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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…
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My friend pictured here is Old Jim. Jim is the alter ego of my great grandfather James Henry Lemens (1876 – 1974). After posting this, my aunt, Linda Burk Kemp (keeper of the family history), added some crucial details. Greatdad taught himself ventriloquism late in life. By her estimation he was in his 80s when he acquired the skill! Being a man of many talents, Greatdad would write a poem to be recited at his…
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