Sep 8, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles
Hope your first week was extraordinary!
Heading back to school creates mixed emotions. As parents we see our children growing up way too fast, especially if you’ve just sent them off to college. Our young one’s first day of school is always emotional. Don’t get me wrong, some parents are jumping up and down with glee, while others are teary-eyed and sad. But to school we must go!
To make school days extra special, here are just a few items available in our store that can make it a fun event. Character, collectible lunch boxes, a special Sally, Dick and Jane Reader, a world globe, or even a wonderful palette of watercolors can make returning to school a real treat.
CLICK HERE for some fun facts about the Dick and Jane Readers you might not have known.
Or CLICK HERE for some great ideas for kids to use with the watercolor palette box.
The older world globe is a great way for an older student to learn how much the countries of the world have changed. They can compare the globe to a map of the world on the internet of today!
Of course, collectible lunch boxes are just plain fun. Having a character box that your student will love to open at school lunchtime will remind him/her of how special you think they are.
What would YOU like to give your unique student? Stop by soon and see the possibilities we have waiting for the perfect owner!
Sep 6, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Home
When the power goes out, what do YOU do?
The simple oil lamp has a very long history keeping humans safe, working, and comfortable.
After human race first tamed the fire and started to use it as a light source, a need appeared for a smaller, controllable flame – a more sophisticated solution, if you will. First such solution was an oil lamp some 70.000 B.C. Early humans used shells, hollow rocks or any nonflammable material as a container and in it some moss soaked in animal fat which they would ignite and it would burn with a flame. from History of Oil Lamps
Then in Egypt, Greece, and Rome they began to make the lamps out of man-made materials: terracotta, bronze, stone and alabaster in a shape of a dish that would hold oil and a place for a wick that would prolong burning and prevented the whole surface of the oil to catch fire.
That design stayed the same until the 18th century when Aime Argand, Swiss chemist, invented and patented “Argand Lamp”. His lamp consisted of container for oil as all the other lamps but had cylindrical wick to give larger surface for a larger flame and glass tube chimney around the flame to direct the draft, make a stronger flame and make lamp safer for carrying. from History of Oil Lamps
Here’s another great link for more details on Aime Argand, the Swiss chemist.
Then in the mid-19th century, kerosene lamps came on to the scene. We still use them today, mostly for ambiance. But, here at Bahoukas Antique Mall we also believe they have utilitarian value. If you’ve endured a nasty winter storm that kept the power off for days or a hurricane that meant battening down the hatches and surviving days without power, you know the value of a kerosene lamp to help you get through the tough times.
But the ordinary oil lamp also shared in the history of our developing country. A simple oil lamp allowed people to stay up later, to work in their barns and sheds, to read in the evening. They were used for signaling in the railroad industry and to light highways and towns.
On the left is a Pennsylvania Railroad Lantern, 1920s, by Dressel in the U.S.
The middle is a Barn Lantern by Feuerhand of Germany, 1930s.
The Highway Lantern on the right is by Dietz of the U.S., 1930s.
In the days before city lights and GPS, railroad lanterns served a very important purpose: they communicated signals at night between trains and stations. Sometimes, a timely lantern signal meant the difference between life and death. In one romanticized 19th-century story, for example, a 15-year-old girl named Kate Shelley saved the Fast Atlantic Express from a broken bridge by alerting a station agent, whose lantern signal to the train averted disaster. from Collectors Weekly
So even today, one of our lamps might just make a power outage a bit more comfortable as you wait for your electric to come back on. Stop by today and see what we have available – lots of styles and sizes!
Sep 4, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Decorating, Home
Linens Napkins, Tablecloths, Hankies and more
Vintage Linens are beautiful and often real artistry in their making. But, although we now use tissues instead of cloth hankies, there are some wonderful ways to use vintage linens in today’s lifestyle. Check out this blog post: 15 Cute Ways to Repurpose Vintage Linens.
Here’s a beautiful close up of the detail on some of the pieces available in our store.
If you’re wondering how to clean vintage linens, we have two links available, PART 1 and PART 2 from Dell’s Daily Dish blog.
Stop in to Bahoukas Antique Mall and browse for the perfect vintage linens to use or to decorate with. Be sure to check out some of the awesome upcycled items created by Barbara of Green Joy!
Sep 2, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Decorating, Home
Vintage Kitchen Utensils Can Add Pizzazz!
They may be older, but many function better than their modern-day counterparts. Even more of them are hard to find.
At Bahoukas, we have a wonderful variety of kitchen utensils and decorative items sure to add both function and interest to your kitchen decor.
Check out this great article of 25 Vintage Kitchen Tools You Don’t See Anymore!
I’m willing to bet that we have most of them. Stop by and check it out.
Aug 30, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Tools
Cleaned-Restored Old Tools
… can be some of the best tools you’ll have in your garage, workshop or barn. They are often made better and have stood the test of time. Well-used, they seem to fit perfectly in your hands. Cleaned up, they are truly beautiful.
At Bahoukas Antique Mall we have a wonderful selection of old tools. We’re sure a couple of them are exactly what you’ve been searching for.
If you’re wondering how to clean them and if you should bother, consider this:
Whenever I head back home to the Midwest to visit my family, my dad and I always schedule at least one afternoon to spend together, scouring local antique stores for beautiful old hand tools. Why? Because, beneath years of dirt and grime, we’ve found files, planes, screwdrivers, and hand-drills that have turned out to be some of our favorite and most-reliable tools in our workshops—all they needed was a bit of cleaning and some basic maintenance to bring them back into good working order. So, if you’ve been collecting old tools but not using them, maybe it’s time to put ’em back to work! This helpful guide to cleaning old tools with common household items that Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades shared on Craftsy is a great place to start. _from Makezine
Aug 28, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Decorating
We Know Them As Door Stops
Those heavy, cast iron, painted door stops that you use to hold a door open. With cooler days approaching, turn off your air conditioners and open the door. Let one of these whimsical cast-iron door stops hold the door open for fresh, cool air to circulate through your home or office.
They can be whimsical or historical, but cast-iron doorstops were always functional before air conditioning and central heating. In 18th century England where they originated they were known as “door porters. They were made in America in the early 19th century. Historically, President Andrew Jackson is said to have had figural frog doorstops with the slogan “I croak for the Jackson wagon, “ used during his campaign. _from The Antique Shoppe Florida
In the above photo, the duck is a reproduction. The dogs and the ship “The Constitution” are originals.
After the Civil War when iron casting techniques became more refined doorstops became of a status symbol for the upper class and many subjects from animals to ships became popular. Whatever was trendy at the time was turned into a doorstop. During the 1850s when trading with Japan began figural doorstops were images of Buddha. _from The Antique Shoppe Florida
Door stops first appeared in England in the late 1700s. Made of cast brass, they were used to help prop open the heavy English doors, allowing air to better circulate through homes. The earliest door stops had wooden handles so they could be easily moved. Handles disappeared in the 19th century; by then, cast iron had replaced brass. Most door stops you’ll find today were likely made in America sometime between the turn of the last century and 1940. They hit their peak of popularity during the 1920s and ’30s. _from Yankee Magazine
Aug 25, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Decorating, Toys
Coca Cola Bottling was a solid economic asset in Havre de Grace
Coca Cola has been a part of the Havre de Grace economy for decades. Here’s a small news clip (3rd column a little more than half-way down the page) from the Midland Journal that describes the plant managed by J. C. Hebditch. The date was November 1, 1940. It reads:
Coca Cola By Hebditch
Adhering to the fine principles of production which make Coca Cola the nation’s outstanding drink, the Coca Cola Bottling works has grown rapidly under the management of J. C. Hebditch, who established the plant 17 years ago (1923). It is located in Havre de Grace, on Juniata St.
The modern plant sterilizes every bottle and distrbutes its products throughout the Harford and Cecil counties, keeping service above par at all times. A call for a case of Coca Cola receives prompt attention, with gas and soda orders also filled on prompt schedule.
-The Midland Journal, Friday, November 1, 1940
Another interesting news clip re: J. C. Hebditch of Havre de Grace Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Rotarian Offers Land For Swimming Pool HAVRE DE GRACE, Md., Sept. 27, 1944 – from The News Journal from Wilmington, DE – J. C. Hebditch, a soft drink company representative for Maryland, has offered a tract of land on the dual highway opposite the Chesapeake Courts for a swimming pool and also has donated $100 toward the $2,000 needed for the civic enterprise. The Havre de Grace Rotary Club, of which Mr. Hebditch is a member, will sponsor the project and has agreed to return all money donations if the pool is not built within eight months after the goal has been reached.
Click here for some fun history from the World of Coca Cola website.
Are you a collector? You might want to check out this page from Coke’s Website!
Aug 22, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Decorating
Create a Perfect Home Decorating Piece with
Fun and Beautiful Ceramic Planters!
You’ve seen them – the little lambs and chickens, giraffes and bears, baby items and puppies, and so much more. These delightful ceramic planters can be used for many other things than plants. Although, a cute grouping of perfect little plants in these ceramic planters would be awesome. But consider using them to hold a variety of items: business cards, pencils, crayons or colored pencils, paint brushes or pens, toothpicks and cotton swabs. They can be functional and beautiful and most definitely put a little flair in any room! Go ahead, let your creative side show!
There are some really fun ways to enjoy the colorful ceramic planters of yesterday. Visit this Pinterest page for a few of them. Then stop in at Bahoukas to pick out 3 or 4 or 5 for your latest decorating idea. And don’t forget, in a week or two the kids go back to school… then it’s a slippery slide to the holidays and gift giving. You could have a lot of fun with a project using a few of our beautiful ceramic planters. Stop in soon!
Aug 21, 2017 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles
You may need these today after you enjoy the Eclipse!
… 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!
Aug 18, 2017 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles, Decorating
Did you ever wonder why there are so many layouts of printer’s trays?
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.
Aug 16, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Dishes
Mixing Bowls and Kitchen Utensils at Bahoukas Antique Mall
Do you remember licking the wooden spoon after your mom or grandmom poured the cake batter into the baking pans? Did you clean the bowl of mashed potatoes before washing it following the family Sunday dinner? mmmMMMMmmmmm Doesn’t the thought of it bring a smile to your face?
In this article the author shares the amazing history of the common mixing bowl in the U.K. that still thrives today, offering memories for (hopefully) generations to follow. In America we see the ‘mixing bowl’ in old movies of the west right up through television shows today! Collectors Weekly offers this wonderful article on the diversity of the mixing bowl that still remains.
Of course, besides the variety of selection we have at Bahoukas, we encourage you to visit Jo Retro, just across the street. offering authentic, affordable vintage from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Love Pyrex! Yep – they have lots.
In addition, here at Bahoukas, we have a wonderful selection of kitchen utensils scattered throughout the store. Before you buy new, check out our supply to see if you can recycle and upcycle an item from Bahoukas. It’s fun to search the store for the right item. It’s keeping items out of landfills. It’s supporting a local shop. But most importantly, you’re getting great quality at a decent price and have a ‘conversation piece’ to talk about as well! Enjoy!
Stop by Bahoukas soon and browse the shop. Give yourself time to search for your treasure!
Aug 14, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Sports
When did you last play a game of Marbles!
Don’t remember how … or maybe just want to learn. CLICK HERE for the basics! Above is a wonderful selection that includes shooters, cat eyes and clear slag glass. We also have a much sought after collection of clay marbles.
Above you’ll find the big marbles – shooters! The blue ones are Bennington, others are End of Day. So many choices!
This round tray of different shooters will entice any lover of marbles. Stop by and get your selection. Start sharing a fun game with your kids that requires no electricity or batteries. It does require thumbs!
If you need a refresher, here’s a glossary of terms. ENJOY!
There are plenty more choices available at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace, Maryland. We’ll be waiting to show them to you! Stop by soon!
Aug 11, 2017 | Antiques, Blog, Collectibles
Bahoukas Antiques in Havre de Grace, Maryland brings a wonderful variety of decoys to you!
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!
Aug 10, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, WhoZwhatsIts
Tis the season for making some great pies!
Do you have a pie bird to vent your pies? Have you seen this singing bird-choir and wondered what that’s all about? Maybe you thought they were waiting for ‘mommy to drop them a worm’!
Oh, don’t know what they are? Check this out:
A pie bird, pie vent, pie whistle, pie funnel, or pie chimney is a hollow ceramic device, originating in Europe, shaped like a funnel, chimney, or upstretched bird with open beak used for supporting or venting a pie. … from Wikipedia
A little more detail of these little pie birds. They stand a couple inches tall. Some folks like collecting them.
Pie funnels were used to prevent pie filling from boiling up and leaking through the crust by allowing steam to escape from inside the pie. They also supported the pastry crust in the center of the pie, so that it did not sag in the middle, and are occasionally known as “crustholders”. Older ovens had more problems with uniform heating, and the pie bird prevented boil-over in pie cooking.
The traditional inverted funnels, with arches on the bottom for steam to enter, were followed by ceramic birds; and from the 1940s they have been produced in a multitude of designs. This trend has been particularly noticeable in recent times, due to their increasing popularity as gifts and collectors’ items rather than simply utilitarian kitchen tools. … from Wikipedia
Want a more recent reference to using pie birds? Click here for a video with MARTHA STEWART!
Aug 7, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Sports
Migratory Birds Hunting Stamps – Maryland
There are some beautiful, collectible, Maryland Hunting Stamps available at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace, MD. Above is a sampling of the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp and a Big Game Hunting Stamp for Archers.
Here’s a close-up of the Big Game Stamp.
We also have a nice selection of hunting licenses for Harford County Maryland. Do you collect them? Stop by and see what we might have to add to your own beautiful collection!
Aug 4, 2017 | Art, Blog, Collectibles
This Spanish Galleon Model Just Arrived
This beautiful model from a local estate just arrived this past week at Bahoukas. It’s an 18 gun, 3 masts with 15 sails.
Construction
Galleons were constructed from oak (for the keel), pine (for the masts) and various hardwoods for hull and decking. Hulls were usually carvel-built. The expenses involved in galleon construction were enormous. Hundreds of expert tradesmen (including carpenters, pitch-melters, blacksmiths, coopers, shipwrights, etc.) worked day and night for months before a galleon was seaworthy. To cover the expense, galleons were often funded by groups of wealthy businessmen who pooled resources for a new ship. Therefore, most galleons were originally consigned for trade, although those captured by rival states were usually put into military service.
The most common gun used aboard a galleon was the demi-culverin, although gun sizes up to demi-cannon were possible.
Because of the long periods often spent at sea and poor conditions on board, many of the crew often perished during the voyage; therefore advanced rigging systems were developed so that the vessel could be sailed home by an active sailing crew a fraction of the size aboard at departure. …From Wikipedia
This model is 51 inches long, 41 inches tall, and 8 inches wide. All wood. An absolutely exquisite model. We do not know who built her, but she’s a beauty!
The most distinguishing features of the galleon include the long prominent beak or beakhead followed by a fore-mast and main-mast, both noticeably taller than the single or double lateen-rigged mizzenmasts with their sloped lateen-rig yards, and below those the square Quarter gallery at the stern. On average with three masts, in larger galleons, a fourth mast was added, usually another lateen-rigged mizzen, called the bonaventure mizzen. …From Wikipedia
Here’s a wee bit closer view. She presently sits in our front window. Stop by and check her out. When the called Spanish Galleons – “Sea Castles” – it’s easy to understand when you see this model. Click this link for a little more history from Pirates & Privateers blog.
Of course, always amazing ‘finds’ at Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace!
Aug 2, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles, Sports
Poker and Horse Racing = Fun!
Poker is a family of card games that combine gambling, strategy, and skill. All poker variants involve betting as an intrinsic part of play, and determine the winner of each hand according to the combinations of players’ cards, at least some of which remain hidden until the end of the hand. Poker games vary in the number of cards dealt, the number of shared or “community” cards, the number of cards that remain hidden, and the betting procedures. from wikipedia
These are beautiful Poker Sets. The one on the right is in a beautiful leather box. It’s ready for a great card game! The one on the left is packaged in a heavy metal case. It’s a hefty set and will delight any serious Poker Player! You must stop in to see them to truly appreciate these beautiful sets.
Prefer a different type of game?
Check out this beautiful 1890 French Antique Horse Racing Gambling Game – Jeu De Course
There couldn’t be a more perfect game than this Jeu de Course 1890 mechanical, French horse racing, game. With a city named by LaFayette, it seems the perfect gift for the gaming collector! A small flag is missing, but it otherwise runs perfectly! It was actually used for gambling in its heydey! Bets anyone!?!? The bottom section here is actually the lid to the box that keeps the entire game. It’s mechanical, so no repairs are needed. You can even play this game when the electric is out! (smiley face)
Here’s a closer look at the horses. Remember, this amazing piece is from the 1890s!
Stop in soon and see these wonderful gaming pieces for yourself! They’d also make great and very unique gifts!
Jul 31, 2017 | Blog, Collectibles
Genuine Hand_Painted
This beautiful Native American Doll is not really a toy, but an amazing addition to an adult collection or for a child who really loves to keep the dolls pristine. Hand-painted by Native Americans, you must see this doll to appreciate the detail and the beauty.
The pillow cover is titled “Silver Moon” – a souvenir of York, PA.
This is one of those unique collectibles we have at Bahoukas that is easily missed. But do stop in and browse. And when you do, be sure to look at the beauty of this amazing Native American Doll.
We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
