Does Dad Love Radios?

Father’s Day is June 17th!

Does your Dad love radios? Does he collect them? We have a really beautiful and unique radio from the 1920s.

1920s radio - for the collector - at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace, MD

This is a “FADA Eight” – table model, 1926, wood, low rectangular case, center front dials, loop antenna stores inside when not in use, lift top, 5 knobs, BC, 8 tubes, battery. You can see the loop antenna which would be raised up to ‘receive’ when in use.

Of course, we have a variety of radios for the collector and the curious.

Maybe Dad remembers his first ‘transistor’ radio. We have those, too.

1960s transistor radios came in all sorts of shapes - cars, gas pumps,Snoopy, even a phone and Pet milk can - all at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace, MD

We offer a variety of collectibles that just might bring a big smile when you give it to Dad for Father’s Day. So stop in soon. And yes, of course, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

 

The Details Matter

Figural Bottle Openers Actually Have Rules!

Bahoukas has a fine collection of figural bottle openers.

The above openers are from left to right: a reproduction cast iron goat and a 4-eyed, a 1940s Syroco horsehead, old cast iron drunk-on-a-pole, parrot and the seagull (on the right). A brass “donkey” and a Coca Cola wall mounted opener are included.

According to the site of the Figural Bottle Opener: they established the characteristics of these collectibles as follows:

At the first collector convention, members established the criteria for a figural bottle opener.

It must be a figure designed for the sole purpose of opening a bottle.

It must be three dimensional on both sides.

It must be free standing or wall mounted.

The part that actually lifts the bottle cap should be an integral part of the figure.

Some openers do not meet the last criterion, but have gained club acceptance because they were included in the original catalogues of well-known opener manufacturers. Most figural openers are made of painted cast iron or aluminum. The hook may be hidden in a piece of shrubbery or be part of a beak, tail or mouth.

Stop by and see this unique assortment of figural bottle openers. Of course, you’ll have to browse a few of our hundred other collections. And you know we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

How many ways can you play stringed instruments?

… play with a bow, some with picks, many with plucking and strumming

musical instruments available at Bahoukas Antiques

Above we have a beautiful violin (autographed, but we don’t recognize the names – maybe you will), a dulcimer, a Bauer Bowl Mandolin, a Russian balalaika, and the frame of a banjo. Oh yes, and a tambourine! (Come on… let that 60’s child out and enjoy a bit of rhythm!)

The balalaika (Russian: балала́йкаpronounced [bəɫɐˈɫajkə]) is a Russian stringed musical instrument with a characteristic triangular wooden, hollow body and three strings. Two strings are usually tuned to the same note and the third string is a perfect fourth higher. The higher-pitched balalaikas are used to play melodies and chords. The instrument generally has a short sustain, necessitating rapid strumming or plucking when it is used to play melodies. Balalaikas are often used for Russian folk music and dancing.   from wikipedia.org 

Listen to an explanation and hear the beauty of this instrument in this video:

If you go to another blog post on our site, CLICK HERE, you can also enjoy the beautiful sound of the dulcimer and the mandolin.

Music seems to be as old as the human race. It has comforted us, given us joy, led us to war, and created amazing celebrations.

“While language splits the world into detailed, distinct pieces, music unifies the world into a whole,” Perlovsky writes. “Our psyche requires both.”

from Mic.com

These wonderful instruments are in our front window. Stop by and see them for yourself. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Oil Lamps and more Oil Lamps

 

Every style for every decor…

I believe we may have posted these before Christmas. Most of them came in just before the holidays. There are many different sizes, colors and patterns.

floral pattern oil lamps at Bahoukas

Green and other shades of oil lamps at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de GraceIf you’ve ever thought a couple oil lamps would add a touch of warmth and light to your home or get-away cabin/cottage, now is the time to stop by and choose the ones you’d love to have.

shades of blue oil lamps

Oil lamps are practical, functional and beautiful. Pick up a couple in case of an electric outage. Pick up a few others just for the ‘ambiance’. Beautiful and practical – a perfect combo for any reason. Stop by. We’ll be watching for ya!

Mostly amber-colored oil lamps

 

 

Do You Still Dine at Home and Entertain?

Do you still use fine china, stemware and napkins?

Sometimes we find it sad that in our fast-food lifestyle, everyone seems to be looking at their phones instead of the people that are with them. So every now and then we love to post a few collectibles in the hopes that you just might want to bring some of the old entertainment ways back to your lifestyle now and then. In this photo is a beautiful set of dishes by Haviland Limoges of France. This is their floral pattern. Imagine your delectable dinner being served on this beautiful collection.

Haviland Limoges, France dishes available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

History

David Haviland was an American businessman from New York dealing with porcelain. While seeking out new business interests, he arrived in Limoges, France and by 1842, he was able to send his first shipment of Limoges porcelain to the United States. He was also key in adopting a new process by which to decorate porcelain pieces developed in 1873.

In 1890, David Haviland’s son, Théodore Haviland, built a very large and prominent factory in Limoges and introduced a variety of new processes for firing and decorating porcelain pieces. The Haviland company has since been overseen by grandson William Haviland, and great-grandson Theodore Haviland II.

Present Day

Haviland & Co. is still operating as Haviland Company, though the facilities are now modernized and now sell silverware, crystal, and giftware in addition to porcelain.

from Wikipedia

We encourage you to stop in and see this beautiful collection. It is stunning. And, of course, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Victorian to Masters of the Universe Toys

Toys Are Always Interesting at Bahoukas

from Victorian…

Victorian Dolls and doll sofa

The Victorian Sofa is perfect for a young girl’s smaller dolls. Burgundy cloth on a beautiful wooden frame is a perfect ‘seat’ for a variety of dolls including the Victorian Stuffed doll on the right. Of course, Mickey Mouse or a little doll with boots and coat will also enjoy the sofa.

… to Masters of the Universe – STRIDOR

Masters of the Universe He-Man Horse Stridor at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace MD

STRIDOR carries He-Man to victory. And we have two of these awesome war horses sitting on the shelf waiting for the perfect owner.

We encourage you to stop in soon and see not only these items, but the variety of toys and games for the young and the young-at-heart. We’ll be watchin’ for ya.

1800s Victorian Vase

The Photo Speaks Volumes

1800s Victorian Vase, pink with blue flowers, handblown glass at Bahoukas

 

We have a pair of these amazingly beautiful vases.

They are 1800s Victorian – hand-blown glass and enamel painted. The colors are exquisite. The shape is  beautifully fluid. You must see them to appreciate just how spectacular these vases are.

If you looking for a beautiful ‘conversation piece’ that will stand out in any room, or if Victorian is your home decor, one – or both – of these vases will most certainly add a stunning beauty to your home.

Stop in soon and see these for yourself. And yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Think Warm!

COLD? brrrrr…

Beautiful Hoosier cupboard and Fire King Stove - both available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

This is the time of year we peruse our garden catalogs and consider how we might want to update our homes. As we huddle in our living rooms to stay warm, our thoughts go to projects for Spring.

We thought this might be a perfect time to highlight the gorgeous Fire King Stove and Hoosier Cabinet and the other kitchen accessories in our front window. The Hoosiers is a 1920s oak cabinet with an enamel top. Made by Sellers of Elwood, IN. It has a flour bin and bread box. Beautiful condition.

The 1920s Fire King Stove/oven combo was made in Baltimore and yes, it works! On the shelf above the oven, you’ll notice an electric, table-top washing machine.

On the Hoosier sitting on top is a sausage or fruit press (the black item). On the wall is a coffee grinder and a drying rack. On the enamel top of the Hoosier are cast iron items that include a matches holder, pancake maker, ice scraper and lemon squeezer. There’s a cast iron toast holder, various utensils, dishes, wonderful pottery bowls and old tins, plus  a yellow egg basket.

Just looking at the photo seems to make us feel warmer. Stop in and take a peek for yourself. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

DAY 44 – Last Day of Our Gift Giving Ideas

It’s Christmas Eve!

Please note that Bahoukas will be closing at 2 p.m.
today to prepare for our Family Holiday.

We will be closed on CHRISTMAS DAY and
re-open regular hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017

Tomorrow you’ll be gathering up wrappings and the surprises will be over. The kids will excitedly play with new toys. Hopefully, mom and dad will have a chance to breathe a bit.

To help you with your last minute shopping, here’s a link that shows you our 44 Days of Gift Giving Ideas.

44 days of gift giving ideas from Bahoukas in Havre de Grace, MD

Most of all, everyone from Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum
wishes you a safe, Happy Holiday Season
overflowing with the love of family and friends. Remember to share
a bit of time with someone who may need a friend during this season.

 

Day 23 – 44 Gift Giving Ideas from Bahoukas

Looking for a Unique MAN-ly Gift?

Sometimes that special guy in your life is difficult to find the perfect gift. Bahoukas would like to help you with some ideas:

Antique and Collectible Tools are a great idea for the wood worker in your life:

antique and vintage tools for the craftsman

Of course, our Beer MuZeum offers a wonderful variety for that ‘man-cave’.

Thinks like beer taps & mugs, Neon signs, mirrors, beer steins and more. We have a variety of brewmania to make the ‘man-cave’ perfect or to add to his collectibles.

Italian Anri wood-carved bottle stoppers at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Mechanical, wood-carved, Italian Anri bottle stoppers

Beer collectibles including bottles, cans, beer steins, at Bahoukas Beer MuZeum in Havre de Grace

Picture given to Kathryn Asher from Pabst for the

We have some fine men’s jewelry pieces

… that include watches, pocket watches, ‘girly stuff’ such as Playboy Cuff Links.

 

For the sportsman,

… we have Heddon fishing lures, Decoys, Nascar items, collectible sports cards to name just a few things.

Collection of Heddon Fishing Lures at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Maybe old bottles, coins or a special knife would be a better fit.

Vintage Kiehl and Kiefer blob top soda bottle, Lancaster PA             CHas. Zech Lancaster PA crown top vintage soda bottle available at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace Maryland             Coin Sets available at Bahoukas Antique Mall

Have you considered games, cameras, old phones, military items, or even scales?

Many varieties of scales at Bahoukas Antique Mall

Hurry in to Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum – let us help you find the perfect gift for the special guy on your list. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Day 12 – Bracelets & Watches & Tie Tacks… oh my

Day 12 of Our 44 Days of Gift Giving

Jewelry is a very much loved gift for many on our list. Have you ever considered an antique or collectible to fill that wish?

The above photo is a ‘mere sampling’ of the many unique and fun pieces of jewelry we have available for you this year!

Have a techie in your group that still wears a tie – or maybe one who would love to place this on a scarf? Check out the little ‘robot man’ tie tack (toward the bottom of the photo by the wreath).

We have a variety of wonderful jewelry items in red to add that festive charm to your outfit or to give to someone on your list. Possibly a vintage ladies watch or pocket watch might brighten the eyes of someone you know.

Whether it’s fun and frivolous, or classic and stylish’…

…we have jewelry pieces for as little as 2-for-$3 to hundreds. We can help you find that perfect stocking stuffer, that beautiful piece that you know will be perfect, and even a silly gag gift – you know – just like ‘ugly sweaters’!  Stop in to Bahoukas Antique Mall today… we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Collectible Coffee Tins

Antique Coffee Tins are highly collectible…

a display of antique coffee tins

In researching a bit more about collecting coffee tins, we learned some interesting facts. First, that collecting antique coffee tins is second only to collecting tobacco tins. But this excerpt from Collectors Weekly is most interesting:

The widespread practice of packing food in tin cans and containers was a direct result of the public’s acceptance of the Germ Theory of Disease. In the 19th century, many Americans were still willfully oblivious to the breakthrough research of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. People were more interested in the pitches of snake-oil salesman and their medicine shows, where cure-all elixirs and exotic balms in medicine bottles were sold. It never occurred to many of these good folk that the best way to be healthy might simply to be clean.

 

  • In the early 1800s, cleanliness was one way for the upper classes to distinguish themselves from the working and lower classes, as only the wealthy had access to water and soap. However, as germ theory became more prevalent during the Victorian Era, it became unacceptable for the working poor to be dirty. Most food was displayed and accessed at the local five-and-dimes in communal food barrels—grimy, germ-infested hands would not do.

These days, people of means tend to dismiss canned or “processed” food as something people without access to fresh food eat. But in the late 1800s, food in tins was highly desirable. It was considered much more sanitary, and therefore healthier, than food offered in bins or barrels.

…from Collectors Weekly

The Vintage Virtue website discusses collecting coffee tins with this introduction:

The coffee tin came into being as long ago as the early 1800’s in a time when most people bought fresh green coffee beans to roast and grind fresh at home. Pre-roasted and packaged coffee became popular much later in the late 1880’s. Over the years, coffee containers were produced in many shapes and sizes; they could be square, cylindrical, rectangular, or trapezoid shaped and ranged in size from one ounce sample tins to large bins holding more than fifty pounds of coffee. Coffee came in boxes and in pails with metal handles and in addition to tin, some containers were made of cardboard and others featured paper labels over tin. The lids also can in a variety of styles that evolved other the years. The early tins had hinged lids or lids that could be pulled off. Later tins were made with pry lids, slip lids, and lids that screwed off and on, these were followed by lids that utilized keys for removal.

… from VintageVirtue.net

The advertising, as in the graphics on the tins, has also made them highly collectible. The graphics became more interesting as companies realized that making the tins reusable with very beautiful graphics added to the appeal for their product. Ah yes…. advertising!

Now that you appreciate a bit more the value of the ‘tin can’ … stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall to see the many collectible tins we have for coffee, tobacco and other products.

Eye Cup or Eye Bath Glass

You may need these today after you enjoy the Eclipse!

eye cup or eye bath glass to refresh your eyes after the eclipse - from Bahoukas in Havre de Grace Maryland

glass eye cups or eye baths date back into the 19th century in the United States, and aluminum examples appeared early in the 20th century. Through the years there have been several devices used to install liquid eye medicines into the eyes for irrigation or treatment, but for use by the patient, the eye cup or eye bath were most popular until eye drops were developed using a screw-capped top provided with a plastic collar and a rubber unit carrying a glass dropper and a rubber teat. To use the eye cup, the patient applied it to the eye with the head bowed forward, threw the head back with the eye open, ensured lavage of the eye by blinking several times and then removed the cup with the head once more bowed forward.     … Dr. Richard Cannon

Of course you know that you DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN during today’s eclipse! If you do, then you obviously have not been connected to any media in the past couple months!

These very collectible eye cups can be used as easily today as they were used in the 19th century. A warm eye wash will relieve irritated eyes tired from reading, watching too much tv, or working on your computer. A wash can also be used to quickly remove irritating or hazardous chemicals in the eye. Naturally, we recommend that you consult with a doctor or other medical establishment. But the eye cup easily fits around the outside of the eye. When you tilt your head back, the refreshing wash easily works by just blinking your eye a few times.

If you need one of these great items, stop in today. If you just like the look of these little cups, they can be added to a collection, used for a tiny flower, or even in a shadow box. Stop in we’ll be open all day!

Printer’s Trays – yesterday and today

Did you ever wonder why there are so many layouts of printer’s trays?

Old printer's trays often used for shadow boxes today, available at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace MD

These amazing vintage printer’s trays are sturdy and beautiful pieces of wood in their own right. Today they are often used for shadow boxes where folks put a variety of ‘collectibles’ in them and usually hang them on the wall. We might add it’s a great way to keep those smaller collectibles together and add a beautiful display piece to your home or office.

But are you aware that they were used to hold the letters for the old letterpress. Well, we say ‘old’ with the exception that Letterpress has become popular again. Just ask Glyph’s in Havre de Grace. Beautiful cards, stationary, and posters are being created today using the Letterpress.

But have you ever wondered why there are so many different layouts. CLICK HERE for some history and also CLICK HERE to read a bit of how they’re being used with a Letterpress today.

Here’s a beautiful assortment of ways to use the old printer’s trays in Pinterest. Gorgeous. Do a search and you’ll thousands of ways to use these old printer’s trays. Enjoy!

When you discover items at Bahoukas Antique Mall, ask George about it. He always has a few tips about the amazing collectibles in his shop.

Beautiful Decoys in All Sizes

Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace, Maryland brings a wonderful variety of decoys to you!

decoys in all sizes available at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace, Maryland

Decoys are beautiful. They can be simple and primitive or amazingly artistic! Here, at Bahoukas, we have a wonderful variety of decoys to match every budget and every style. Stop by and see them for yourself. From miniatures to very collectible full-size decoys, we would love to show you our selection. Stop in soon!

1858 map Harford County and 1803 map referencing Harmers Town

Harford County 1858 Map

1858 Harford County Maryland street map published by Jennings & Herrick

This map was published by Jennings & Herrick entirely from original surveys. It includes an inset of Havre de Grace Streets. (yep, we know it’s upside down. It is so fragile that we didn’t want it to tear,)

better photo of 1858 Harford Co map

Posted above is a better photo from Herrick, L. W. A map of Harford Co., Maryland, 1858. [Philadelphia?, Jennings & Herrick, 1858] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, website. (Accessed July 12, 2017.)

George also has an 1803 map regarding “Harmers Town as established by the concerned parties in the year 1796”

Made from tracings from the original maps in the clerks office at Bel Air, Nov. 1803. Below are some great snapshots of the map

1803 map re: Harmers Town (later Havre de Grace)

Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall to view many historic pieces related to Havre de Grace history. Many are not for sale, but George has plenty of stories to make it worth your while. Of course, we have 9,000 sq ft of antiques and collectibles plus another 2,200 sq ft of browsing in the Beer MuZeum (and yes, most of this IS for sale). We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

 

 

When Was The Last Time You Phoned Home!

Jimmy Vancherie Shared A Story About the Havre de Grace Switchboard

reproduction of a famous painting titled "The Operator" to honor switchboard operators.

(Apologies for the blurry photo – no matter what we did, we either got blur or reflection!)

Jimmy told George years ago that his mom was a switchboard operator and the service was located on the 2nd floor of the old Post Office Building (where JoRetro is located) on the corner of Franklin and Union.

Now you knew that Bahoukas Antique Mall would certainly have a unique line of antique and collectible phones to complete this piece of history. Check these out (and they work!):

This is a beautiful phone. It’s a Western Electric “Stowaway” – it’s in a most beautiful wooden case and has a retractable cord on the phone. It’s from the 70s and talk about ‘stylish’! WOW! This piece is beautiful. You have to stop in and see it.

Western Electric Stowaway phone - beautiful wood case - at Bahoukas Antique Mall

Inside the case of the Western Electric Stowaway phone from the 70s at Bahoukas.

Then check out this unique phone. It’s almost a piece of sculpture. It’s an Ericsson, made in Sweden. The dial pad is on the bottom.

            the clean, artsy look of the Ericsson phone, made in Sweden

The next phones are a Bell System 1940s dial phone (on the left) and a Princess Style Phone from the 70s on the right. The color of the Princess Phone is rare.

        

Of course, we can’t ignore the wonderful working reproduction of the Candlestick phone with dial pad. And we encourage you to “Phone Home” just like E.T.

Did you know about the switchboard operator that worked on the 2nd floor of the old Post Office building? Anyone in cyber-land have any stories to add? Stop in one day soon at Bahoukas and share your stories with George.

A. P. McCombs – Havre de Grace

“The Pink House” – Havre Iron Company
and The Havre Republican Newspaper

Bond from Havre Iron Works at Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace, MD

This bond was signed on January 1, 1879. The following are the signatures of A.P. McCombs, President, and the Secretary, E. Mortimer Bye.

Signature of A.P. McCombs - Havre Iron Works

   Signature of E. Mortimer Bye, Havre Iron Works

These items can be seen at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum.

A.P. McCombs built the grand Victorian Home located at 120 S. Union Avenue in Havre de Grace. This beautiful home is well-known in the area as “The Pink House.” You won’t miss it! Click the link below to read the pdf and learn more about this building from the Maryland Historic Trust document with photos.

HA-1171-APMcCombs

In addition, A.P. McCombs built the building on the east side of N. Union Ave – corner of Union and Franklin – 467 Franklin, which at one time was used for the U.S. Post Office. JoRetro is now located there! Click the link to the JoRetro site to view photos of the building! (It’s also a wonderful shop to visit while you’re in town!)

From 1868-1881, A.P. McCombs & Son published a weekly newspaper, The Havre RepublicanThe clip below is from Pettengill’s Newspaper Directory and Advertisers’ Hand-Book for 1878:

Needless to say, A.P. McCombs left a legacy in Havre de Grace. Stop in and chat with George, he’s a wealth of information and the most interesting tidbits about Havre de Grace!

 

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