Interesting Finds Archives - Page 2 of 5

Hidden Mother Photographs – Behind the Scenes of Early Photography

Written on October 1, 2015.

We recently came across this “Hidden Mother” tintype, just in time for the Halloween season. At first glance, the tintype is simply a charming portrait of a baby. On closer inspection, you can see the half-hidden form of the child’s mother crouching behind the chair. Some people find Hidden Mother photographs a little creepy, but they’re also a really great look behind the...

Restoring the William Aiken Walker Painting

Written on August 4, 2015.

An uncommon William Aiken Walker painting was the show-stopping surprise of our speaking event at the Malta Community Center in May this year. The painting is a beautiful example of Walker’s larger works on canvas and was a really nice find to end the day. As happens with many antiques, however, the years had not let the painting escape entirely unscathed. The William Aiken Walker painting...

Precision Swiss Timepieces: An Antique Patek Philippe Pocket Watch

Written on July 28, 2015.

A client brought us this beautiful Patek Philippe pocket watch in 2014, just in time to coincide with the renowned company’s 175th Anniversary. Patek Philippe is considered among the most prestigious of luxury Swiss brands and is respected for creating some of the most complicated mechanical watches ever made. The company’s origins lie in Geneva, Switzerland. Antoni Patek began making...

From the Archives: A 19th Century Henry Capt Carriage Clock

Written on June 25, 2015.

c1880 Henry Capt Bronze Dore Carriage Clock

Today we’re taking a look back at one of our auction highlights from 2010: a late 19th century bronze doré carriage clock. The first carriage clock was invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the leading watchmaker of his day. Breguet (1747-1823) was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His step-father came from a family of watchmakers, and while Abraham-Louis resisted joining the trade as a youth,...

Appraisal Event Finds: A William Aiken Walker Painting

Written on May 15, 2015.

This William Aiken Walker painting was the star of our appraisal day event at the Malta Community Center on Saturday, May 9th. The Antiques Roadshow-style event had a great turnout with a wonderful mix of family treasures and hidden gems. Attendees brought a varied group of items for a two hour speaking event that examined and evaluated each piece, its history, significance, and potential value. William...

Appraisal Event Finds: Louis Comfort Tiffany Vases

Written on May 5, 2015.

On Saturday, April 25th, we were at the Malden Bridge Community Center for an Appraisal Day event. The event is similar to the Antiques Roadshow: individuals bring in their family treasures for appraisers to evaluate, looking for information and hoping for a pleasant surprise. We had a great time at the event, meeting lots of people and seeing some really interesting things. This week we’ll be taking...

Native American “Wild West” Show Beaded Costume Jacket

Written on April 30, 2015.

Today’s spotlight is on an early twentieth century piece of Western American History. Recently we took a look at the authentic Native American jacket we found at the Malden Bridge Community Center Appraisal Day event. The jacket is characterized by intricate beading and design. Though the history of this garment is still speculative, the original owners believe that it was crafted by Plains Indians...

Appraisal Event Finds: Antique Chinese Fruit Pit Carvings

Written on April 28, 2015.

On Saturday, April 25th, we were in residence at the Malden Bridge Community Center Appraisal Day event. The event is similar to the Antiques Roadshow: individuals bring in their family treasures for appraisers to evaluate, looking for information and hoping for a pleasant surprise. We had a great time at the event, meeting lots of people and seeing some really interesting things. This week we’ll...

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