Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
(Editor’s note: This is the first of three-part series focused on art and antiques of the Eastern Shore. DeeDee Wood is the owner of Black Cat Curiosities, an online antiques research and sales venue.) It’s traveling time, and time for an antique roadtrip in and...
U.S. flag has become a banner institution
Our American flag is known as “Old Glory,” “Stars and Stripes” and “Red, White and Blue.” Antique collectors sometimes enjoy collecting Americana memorabilia. There is no greater symbol of American pride and memorabilia than the United States flag, an enduring symbol...
Frakturs: It’s a Dutch treat (Antique Discovery)
When Germans immigrated to Pennsylvania in the United States during the late 1600s and early 1700s, they brought with them their traditions of folk art that are so iconic today. One of the more interesting creations that they endeavored to pursue were Frakturs, a very...
The world’s largest chandelier
Chandeliers have always made a room significant, with sparkling crystals and dazzling light displays that illuminate the night. They can also be quite grand and important in the antique and antiquities world, not only for their crystal and priceless components, but...
History of artificial flowers
It’s that time of year again when bulbs are sprouting up beautiful flowers in nature, including crocus, daffodils, hyacinth and tulips. Many people want to preserve this beauty in nature, in artificial form, to admire it indoors, and bring a bit of nature to their...
Lucky horseshoes
Many people collect old horseshoes and antique horse equipment, but what is the legend of the lucky horseshoe, and what are the Irish origins that still have people hanging a horseshoe above a door frame, even in modern times? The folklore surrounding the story of a...
Victorian Valentines under glass: Bell jars of love
The Victorians liked to put miniature worlds under glass. Known as the bell jar, parlor jar or parlor shade, they intrigued the viewer and brought wonder into the home. Although for many occasions and whimsy, there is a particular style of jar that was strictly given...
Daguerreotype photography
When you look at a photograph or take one yourself, you probably don’t stop to think about the history and processes that occurred to make those images possible. The daguerreotype was the first widely available way to process a photo, and had very technical,...
Antique restoration, repair
Our valued treasures are sometimes damaged from wear and tear, age, moving and accidents. There is also sunlight, wind, rain and dampness that can change or unsettle a piece. Dust, mites and insects, storage and improper care are all factors to consider when an...
The haunted Hesse Tiara
The Haunted Hesse Tiara was designed by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband and consort. It was to be a joyous wedding present for his daughter on her sacred wedding day, but the tale of the glimmering nightmare reached far beyond the day of vows and into the...
