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Glassware crafted between the years of 1945 and 1952 are known as Occupied Japan pieces because those were the years after WWII that Japan was occupied. Occupied Japan glassware can have a special significance to Americans as those years are connected to the dramatic events that started WWII. December 7, 1941 was the date Japanese planes bombed an unsuspecting Pearl Harbor and everyone who was alive then knew exactly where they were when they heard the news. Japan was occupied after WWII... Read Full Story

With so many questions as to what Depression glass really is, it is important to learn the history behind Depression glass so you can get a true understanding of the beautiful glass and why we value it so much. Traveling back in time to the Great Depression you will understand the importance of Depression glass and why it was made. Read Full Story

If you have ever been in the presence of Carnival Glass, it is a sure reaction that you have been drawn to the beautiful, sparkling blend of colors that engage the eye, as well as the glorious flow of the patterns and designs of the pieces. You can see a rainbow in almost every piece. This rainbow effect comes from the fact that Carnival Glass uses an iridized treatment to its surface. The result is the lustrous effect that makes the glass shine. When it is created, the hot glass is subjected... Read Full Story

Let’s Talk About Collecting Collector Plates And There History For some of us, the hobby of collecting a specific series of collector plates is a favorite hobby! There are so many plates to choose from, rather it be the famous Norman Rockwells, Evis Preseley, Bradford Exchanges, animals, Native Americans, movie series, dolls and more, we love these beautiful pieces of china and the many scenes they offer. So what do we know a, kitchen plates and others. So lets talk about how collector... Read Full Story

Many collectors consider the 1950’s to be the golden era of toys. These toys came at an amazing time in history. America had survived the Great Depression and was recovering from the shock of World War II. This decade saw the formation of NASA and the popularization of television. A far cry from the video games of today, the toys of the 1950’s were made for children whose only distraction was their imagination. Below are three toys from the 1950’s that continue to capture the hearts of... Read Full Story

The hobby of collecting old milk bottles is on the rise. In the early 1900s, the American economy was heavily agricultural. At that time, one town might have had several local dairies because local delivery was the most common way to have fresh milk available for your family. Dairy wagons would deliver fresh milk directly to your home from the dairy. The bottles were eventually crafted with the names of each local dairy to help identify them. Old milk bottles from America’s early years are... Read Full Story

The manufacture of salt and pepper shakers began in earnest when an easy method of ceramic production was discovered in the 1940s. After that time, nearly every collectible category you can imagine had a set of salt and pepper shakers included with it. Given their small size and the need for only limited space to display, collecting salt and pepper shakers was quite a popular hobby and remains so today. Reasons To Collect Several incentives exist for collecting salt and pepper shakers. Two... Read Full Story

Women’s participation in WWII is always acknowledged but rarely given the significance it deserves. While it is true that women were not holding guns on the front lines of the war, approximately 200,000 served in military support or combat nurse positions that put them in harm’s way. American women both home and abroad risked life and livelihood to support their men and more importantly their nation during World War II. Woman At Home In many cases, “women at home” is a misnomer. While... Read Full Story

I recently came across an interesting article from a 1954 Home Economics textbook. The article is entitled, “How to Be a Good Housewife,” While the title is self-explanatory, the supposed virtues espoused in the article itself are misguided to say the least, but sadly were the status quo back in 1954. As a modern day woman, I look back on the limitations of my female ancestors and think, “Wow, we’ve really come a long way.” But have we? How many of the “good housewife” expectations remain... Read Full Story

Who would want to keep a pile of old buttons? It’s a valid question with an easy answer. In the past buttons weren’t mass-produced like they are today. It took someone with skill to craft a button and there was a lot of work involved. Because of this, you might have thrown away your old jacket, but you definitely would have kept the buttons. Before you knew it, the buttons on your son’s new jacket were a hundred years old and suddenly worth keeping. Read Full Story