Without a cute, little bunny tucked into the Easter Basket or among your Spring Decorations, it just doesn’t feel like Easter – or Spring! Take a peek at some of the cuties we have.
Bahoukas has a wonderful collection of Easter Bunny figures in several sizes – and even a cookie jar!
It’s hard not to love – and smile – at these cute little, music-loving, bunnies at Bahoukas.
Seriously, have you seen anything so cute? Can’t you almost hear them singing along with their instruments? So many wonderful choices of little bunnies to add to a special Easter Basket or in your Spring Decor!
These very collectible bunnies – plus flower pot and large egg – are perfect for your Easter Holiday.
Very collectible Eggs to fill with a gift for Easter or to add to your Spring Decor
Several decorated Eggs as well as a variety of Plastic ones.
Stop in soon and pick out your favorites to tuck into someone’s Easter Basket or add to your Spring Decor. We’ve shared baskets, PEZ ideas, and now Easter Bunnies. Stay tuned for our next collectible perfect for the season. In the meantime, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
PEZ – those little (and not so little) whimsical characters that delight young and old make perfect gifts to hide in a plastic egg or include in an Easter Basket.
Just a ‘sampling’ of the huge assortment of PEZ dispensers at Bahoukas in Havre de Grace
No matter what your taste, we probably have a PEZ that’s perfect for your celebrations! Even teens and adults have a surprising choice – and collectors just love ’em!
PEZ – Game of Thrones – the Iron Anniversary
Seriously, something for everyone in our PEZ collectibles:
PEZ Collectibles including KISS, Charlie Brown, Presidents, Barbie, Star Wars, and more
Smurf PEZ Collectibles and character glasses
We encourage you to stop in today and see our PEZ collection – hundreds, if not, thousands! Surprise someone with one hidden in a plastic egg or in their Easter Baskets. Stay tuned for more posts of other fun Easter items including eggs, rabbits, and other surprises! Yep, we’re here and we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
This colorful tin (from a Whitman’s Sampler) is perfect for an Easter ‘basket.’ Fill it with colorful grass, a small toy or two, and wonderful chocolates to make a very special someone – happy! Or add a few gift items to give to an adult – even homemade cookies! No matter how you might use it, it’s a beautiful container!
Then we’ll add an assortment of baskets…
Wonderful assortment of baskets for your Easter gifts and decorations
Here at Bahoukas, we also have a wonderful selection of baskets. Of course, they’re perfect for the Easter basket filled with flowers, candy, little toys, and other delights. But they also make perfect containers for your spring decor.
Get your spring on …
We’ll be posting more of our Easter-related and spring collectibles over the coming weeks. Stop by soon to browse and find the perfect item for your Spring and Easter Celebrations. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Collecting military items has always been an interest at Bahoukas. From Civil War photos to various headwear, lead and plastic toy soldiers to invalid feeders. Stop by and browse. Take a minute to chat with George.
Canteens and other gear in our military section at Bahoukas
It’s amazing the variety of items we have. Along with the above canteens, belts, etc., Bahoukas also has currency (including WWII Japanese currency), military books, military DUI, and patches. CLICK HERE for posts related to our military category.
Stop in soon. We’re here… and we’re watchin’ for ya!
Great pieces to aid in your Spring decorating – inside and outside!
Do you have the perfect plant that would love a crock for its home? Maybe you have a wonderful collection that would look great in a fruit crate. Stop in and see what inspiration you might find browsing our shop.
stoneware crocks and urn with spigot
What Are Stoneware Jugs Used For?
Before the advent of refrigeration, crocks were used in American kitchens to hold foodstuffs such as butter, salted meats and pickled vegetables. The crocks were invariably made of stoneware, a durable, economical ceramic that remains water-tight, even without a glaze.
These familiar books still tickle the fancies of young ones. Yes, they are collectibles, but you can read to them and enjoy. These titles include The Tunnel of Lost Toys, Raggedy Ann’s Wishing Pebble, and Camel with the Wrinkled Knees.
A wonderful selection of big-little books.
Titles that include Chando the Magician, Woody Woodpecker and the Meteor Menace, Buck Rogers – 25th Century A.D., Flying the Sky Clipper with Winsie Atkins, Jungle Jim, Tarzan, and more. These little books are amazing!
Of course, we have shelves of books that include a large selection of children’s stories, Golden Books, Encyclopedias, Cook Books, Military Books. Oh my, you’ll want to allow yourself a bit of time to browse if you love books.
Stop by soon. We’ll be watchin’ for ya, ready to point out the various locations of books – books – books!
This beautifully painted rooster sits atop a large dinner bell that needs to be mounted to a wall. It’s an absolutely gorgeous piece.
Cast-Iron Figures for every decor!
We have an eclectic assortment of cast-iron figures (old and new), bottle openers, door knockers, and cast-iron mechanical banks.
These are just a few samplings. From lobsters to ladybugs, mermaids to Michelin men, flying pigs to turtles, well, you’ll just have to come and see for yourself. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect addition to your collection or for your decorating idea. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
This amazing 1906 Star Coaster wagon is approximately 40″ in length with spoked, cast iron wheels. It’s a beautiful piece that we believe may have more recently been painted black. Come see this piece. It’s in our front display window. And it’s a beauty!
Beautiful Wooden Nail Keg
In excellent condition, this beautiful wooden nail keg is 18″ in diameter and 29″ tall with metal hoops. We believe it’s from the 1960s. You can see it in our front display window sitting on the beautiful Star Coaster Wagon.
These two pieces are in excellent condition. Surely, you have the perfect location and use for one or both. Stop in soon to view them. Chat with George. You know we’re watchin’ for ya!
In the last few months, we’ve acquired several interesting collections. Last week, we shared a few of our motorcycle memorabilia. This week we want to showcase a wonderful assortment of model airplane kits and an interesting magazine.
An assortment of model airplane kits in great condition
These kits include a large percentage of military aircraft. They are from the 1960s and the kits are in great condition.
Did You Know?
Though toy planes might seem like a byproduct of human flight, toys were actually airborne long before we were. In the late 1700s, Sir George Cayley built the first flying top using feathers, cork, and whalebone; by the middle of the following century, a helicopter device launched using a pull-string, called the “Spiralifère,” was a major hit in France. As inventors worked to develop life-size flying machines, they often tested their ideas on a smaller scale, leading to a variety of “mechanical birds” and other plane-like toys during the late 19th century.
Unique Magazine Series: Royal Air Force Flying Review
We have a great selection of Flying Review Magazines from the 1960s.
First issue published in 1944 under the title ‘Royal Air Force Review’, but renamed ‘Royal Air Force Flying Review’ by the early 1950’s. Content at this time was a mixture of “ripping yarns” true flying stories and serious features on World War Two and contemporary aircraft types. Through the 1950’s it evolved into a serious enthusiasts magazine, with detailed type profiles, surveys of foreign air forces and assessments of the latest Soviet aircraft. It was renamed ‘Flying Review International’ in September 1963. With its large b+w and colour photos, cutaway drawings and colour profile drawings it became the premier aviation magazine in the UK.
Evidently, in 1968 it was reformatted and the name changed. By 1970, it was no longer being published. This magazine had very enthusiastic readers.
So whether you want to check out this unique magazine selection or purchase a model plane – or two or three, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya. Stop in and we’ll point you to their shelf!
Did you find a teapot, bowl, or other items that are just too beautiful to ignore but you’re trying to justify the purchase? We found a great article to show you how to upcycle your favorites into beautiful planters.
teapots make great planters for your indoor ivies and flowers
flower blossoms in old collectible bottles
This cactus looks so great in this fun, collectible pitcher.
Or make a statement with these beautiful tulips clustered in a silver teapot. Exquisite!
Tins
Tins of all shapes and sizes make wonderful planters to show off the greenery and the collectible tins!
Check out this article for ideas and how do to upcycle a variety of objects into great planters.
Old or new, colanders make ideal hanging planters since they come equipped with their own drainage holes. You can line the colander if you’re concerned about some dirt spilling out, and you easily can tie some rope to the handles to hang your planter from the ceiling.
pitchers, bowels, teacups and more make great containers for spring flowers
Here at Bahoukas we have vases, pots, crockery, baskets, and so much more to add some fun to your plant shelf. Check out the above article. Then put on your creative cap and come on in and see what we might have that will work perfectly for your plant decor. Yep, we’re watchin’ for ya!
Here at Bahoukas we’ve discovered some interesting and exciting items. In this post, we’ll share a number of pieces that may be of interest to anyone who loves motorcycles. You know who you are.
Pre-1930s Willson Goggles
pre-1930s Willson Goggles with metal case
This pair of Willson Goggles is in brand new condition and nestled in a metal case. They are pre-1930s. The photo below shows the printed piece inside the case.
If you want to learn more about Willson Goggles, check out their website at Goggleworks. And YES, you can visit their museum and art studios. All of this is located in Reading, PA. WOW! The things we learn.
ADVERTISING related to motorcycles
Advertising for Buco helmets, BSA motorcycles, and Triumph Motorcycles from the 1950s
Ephemera collections can include advertising brochures for those who collect all things motorcycles. You’ll want to see some of the items we acquired.
For a more immersive view of Indian Motorcycle, visit the Indian Motorcycle Experience Center, attached to the Indian Motorcycle factory in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The center showcases current and historic Indian motorcycles, displays vintage artifacts and memorabilia, and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase exclusive factory merchandise. Visitors are also able to view a short video tour of the manufacturing facility during times when guided tours are unavailable. Guests are welcome to visit the Indian Motorcycle Experience Center anytime Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm(CST) with the exception of holidays.
Paul Goldsmith on the Souvenir Program of the National Championship of the AMA Motorcycle Races
Who is Paul Goldsmith?
Paul Goldsmith is a former USAC and NASCAR driver. He is an inductee of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the USAC Hall of Fame. Later in life Goldsmith became a pilot and, flying primarily a Cessna 421, transported engines and parts to and from races.
BOSSONS – THE FACES THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND COLLECTIONS
Bossons is the name given to an extraordinary collection of character wall masks, figurines, shelf ornaments, animal studies, wall plaques, lamp bases, bookends, wall clocks, thermometers, barometers, pottery figures and mirrors that were produced by the W. H. Bossons Company of Congleton, England between 1948 and 1996. The brainchild of a talented father and son team, they have become highly sought after works of art all around the world, but especially in the USA and England.
Talk about a small business with a quality of excellence!
Ray Bossons was an extremely talented artist with an intuitive ability to anticipate market trends. He was a perfectionist with regard to the anatomical detail, artistic excellence and historical accuracy of each item of art the company created. He was the creative genius and without question, the designer extraordinaire of the W. H. Bossons companies following the death of his father, W. H. Bossons in 1951. The company’s reputation spread within a comparatively short period of time to all the principal markets of the world. Most of the original ideas and basic concepts came from Ray Bossons fertile imagination. He would sketch the ideas for the wall masks and figurines after much research on each character to be portrayed and relied on his extensive library for research material. The original models were executed in clay by highly talented sculptors with no limit set on the time it took to create an original model.* Ray Bossons would set the standards for the pieces and then turn them over to the staff of painters to complete.
This unique selection of Bosson Chalk Heads can be a perfect start to a new collection. Stop in and see them for yourself. We’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya.
It may not be politically correct, but this go-go girl will certainly generate a few giggles and a lot of conversation this New Year’s Eve as she mixes a drink or two. Created in 1969 by Poynter Products.
Welcome 2022 – Happy New Year!
Stop in today if you’d like to have her mix a drink or two on your bar to bring in the New Year! We’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya.
This selection of jacks is pretty unique. The center one is a train jack, the outside ones are car jacks.
Vintage Train Jack
Vintage Car Jack
Vintage Car Jack
These are certainly unique to our shop. Have someone on your gift list that just might be looking for one of these. Stop in today and pick it up. In the meantime, check out the great restoration in the video below. Beautiful!
All of Us at Bahoukas wish you a safe and wonderful Holiday!
Remember, we’re closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Give us a call if you’re stopping by Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve to be sure we didn’t sneak out early! Yeah, we like to celebrate, too. And yes, we’re watchin’ for ya. So hurry in!
Dads carried metal tins with lunch to their jobs in the coal mines and factories. Of course, it wasn’t long before their children wanted to copy their dads.
… the first commercial lunch boxes, which resembled metal picnic baskets decorated with scenes of playing children, came out in 1902.
The first lunch box decorated with a famous licensed character was introduced in 1935. Produced by Geuder, Paeschke & Frey, it featured Mickey Mouse, and was a four-color lithographed oval tin, with a pull-out tray inside. It had no vacuum bottle, but did have a handle.
In 1950, Aladdin Industries created the first children’s lunch box based on a television show, Hopalong Cassidy. The Hopalong Cassidy lunch kit, or “Hoppy”, quickly became Aladdin’s cash cow. Debuting in time for back-to-school 1950, it would go on to sell 600,000 units in its first year alone, each at US$2.39. In 1953, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were featured on models introduced by American Thermos.
Huge collection of decorated lunchboxes in plastic and metal
Many of the latest additions are complete with thermoses as well. Do stop in and check it out. They are a great last-minute gift for a child in your life – or your favorite collector. Remember, not just great for lunch, but fun for picnics, playing, keeping treasures, and more.
School Desks
Beautiful wooden and cast iron school desk.
The above desk is in beautiful condition. We also have another as pictured below:
Another beautiful wood school desk.
Another choice is this wood desk:
The front of the desk had the bench for the desk that sat in front of it
1881: The Fashion School Desk
The First Model
The first school desk was made in 1880 by John D. Loughlin in Sidney, Ohio. The desk, known as “The Fashion Desk,” proved to be extremely popular across the country. The practicality of the desks allowed for many to be put together in a one room schoolhouse, and the fashion aspect of it was aesthetically pleasing to those in the education industry. Loughlin’s marketing campaign also helped to sell these desks, which would eventually sweep the nation. The “Fashion Desks” were desks attached to one another and were big enough to seat two or three children. Usually, there was an inkwell so that the student could replenish his pen’s supply.
The Sidney School Furniture Company, located in Sidney, Ohio, began manufacturing the popular “Fashion” school desk in 1881. Advertising for the desk claimed, “No desk in the market is made with more care, nor of better materials than the ‘Fashion,’ and none has met with a more popular reception, or gives better satisfaction.” The desk featured a Patent T-head, which eliminated screws and bolts by joining the wood of the top, back, and seat to the legs, which were made of cast iron.
… with writing pad. These are solid and have a shelf on the bottom to place books and bags.
So whether it’s a lunchbox or a school desk, we can add a last-minute ‘surprise’ to your holiday gift-giving. Hurry in. We’re watchin’ for ya so that we can help you with your last-minute searches. Don’t forget, we DO CLOSE for Christmas Day and New Years Day. (Give us a call to be sure we didn’t leave early on the eve of both!) Happy Holidays!
Vintage cake carriers and keepers, also known as cake savers, are once-common items that bring a nostalgic or vintage feel to the kitchen.
Tins have been used for saving and transporting food since the 19th Century. There were also covered metal “pails” for carrying lunches and multi-compartment ones for taking pies, cakes, and other dishes one from place to another.
Cake carriers have a wire, metal or plastic, to hold the pieces together (plate and cover) so that you can transport it. Cake servers usually have a cover that fits over the plate of cake. It often is designed to sit on a kitchen counter and match the kitchen’s decor.
Cake Plates and Stands
beautiful glass cake plates
A cake stand is a structural, stool like object on which cake and other pastries are decorated and served. Cake stands are generally a single plate connected to a pedestal or multiple plates in a tower like hosting object. Cake stands are a form of tableware, they come in different materials like wood, pottery, metal, etc.
… The cake stand came into use in the late Victorian times when afternoon tea came into fashion. Presenting the cake at a higher level above the table gave the cake more attention. Therefore the cake stand usually has multiple tiers and hooped handle for the purpose of carrying.
To offer a beautiful way to display your Holiday Cakes, stop by and see our selection of plates, stands, servers, and carriers. Don’t forget that muffins, cupcakes, and other delicious pastries can be displayed and transported with these items.
It’s a wonderful way to share a message of ‘welcome.’ Just like we do at Bahoukas Antiques when we keep reminding you that “yep, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!”
The above photo is a 1910 Oliver Typewriter available in our store. Here’s a great quote from a collector’s website:
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the typewriter industry was developing rapidly. Before the Oliver typewriter entered the market, text remained hidden from the typist on the underside of the platen as it was typeset until the platen was lifted. This design was convention across many successful typewriter brands of the era. However, the typewriting industry was soon revolutionized by Reverend Thomas Oliver and his eponymous invention. The Oliver typewriter features two towers of typebars which strike down onto the platen, allowing the text to remain visible at all times. With this iconic typing mechanism, the Oliver become known as The Standard Visible Writer.
The history of manual typewriters began in 1575, when an Italian printmaker, Francesco Rampazetto, invented a machine to impress letters on papers. Not until 1714 did a Brit named Henry Mill take out a patent for a machine similar to a typewriter.
It was until 1874 that these typewriters were commercially introduced to Europe and America. By the early 1900s, the electric typewriter would hit the market.
Tom Thumb Cash Registers and Typewriter
Did you ever get one of these for a Christmas gift? The cash registers came first to be followed in 1953 with the Tom Thumb Typewriter.
Tom Thumb toy typewriter by Western Stamping Co.
It was the beginning of the glory days of the durable metal Tom Thumb toy cash register, manufactured exclusively at Western Stamping Co., 2203 W. Michigan Ave.
“I bet they made 600,000 of those cash registers a year for at least 10 years,” said Edna Whiting, 86, of Blackman Township, daughter of Arthur Poole, a company founder.
… The toy cash register’s keys were first attached one at a time. By 1953, they were attached in one process, which upped production and enabled the company to produce half a million cash registers and 100,000 typewriters that year.
Many of us “boomers” probably remember the heavy black Royal typewriter. They seemed to last FOREVER! This interesting quote may help explain why:
To promote the ruggedness of its typewriters, George Edward Smith, president of Royal bought a Ford-Stout tri-motor airplane in August 1927. This plane will drop over 200 typewriters in crates with parachutes to dealers over the eastern seaboard of the USA. Royal will eventually deliver over 11,000 this way with only 10 being damaged.
Many famous writers used their typewriters, often long after the computer arrived.
Author Will Self explains why writers use a manual typewriter: “I think the computer user does their thinking on the screen, and the non-computer user is compelled, because he or she has to retype a whole text, to do a lot more thinking in the head.”
In 1883, Mark Twain was the first to present his ‘typewritten manuscript” to a publisher. The book? Life on the Mississippi
And did you know that J.R.R. Tolkein typed and retyped his Lord of the Rings manually on a typewriter? Jack Kerouac was a speed typist at 100 words per minute!
Read more about writers and the typewriters in the link in the above post.
No matter what the reason: you love to type on a manual typewriter, you’re fascinated by the mechanics themselves, or you’re a collector! Stop by and browse our collection of typewriters. We’re here and we most certainly are watchin’ for ya!
A wonderful collection of hundreds of toy soldiers arrived at Bahoukas this fall. Most of them are “Britains” lead and plastic, some are “Barclay.” Lead ones are from the 50s and 60s; plastic from the 70s.
Britains
William Britain, W. Britain or simply Britain’s, no matter what we are called our name is synonymous with toy soldiers. Since 1893 W. Britain has been producing toy soldiers and military miniatures with attention to detail, quality and authenticity.
According to many websites, including toysoldiersco.com, toy soldier collections have been found as far back as the time of the Pharaohs – 2500BC, when they might be made by wood, clay, stone, or metal.
Toy Soldiers from the hundreds available at Bahoukas
Because lead and plastic soldiers were so widely available, many baby-boomers grew up collecting both. Their closets and shelves were filled with shoeboxes full of painted and unpainted plastic Civil War heroes, spacemen, Nazis, Cowboys, Indians and knights, plus the proudly collected (and-too-often dented) metal figures of exotic “Arabs of the Desert,” Foreign Legionnaires and Zouaves. One day, the Cowboys and Indians might attack a Moon base made of wooden blocks and oatmeal boxes which was defended by Robert E. Lee’s Virginians and Spacemen. The next, D-Day landing craft would be stuffed with American Colonials and GI’s, storming the beach defenses manned by Nazis and Knights! Favorite figures, whether lead or plastic would always be the last to fall or remain standing to triumph.
Early figurines were made from wood, porcelain and silver. Initially, these were crafted for generals and monarchs to be used during war-strategy meetings.
You’ve most likely seen them used in this manner in many movies!
A Wee Bit of History
The W. Britain brand name of toy and collectable soldiers is derived from a company founded by William Britain Jr., a British toy manufacturer, who in 1893 invented the process of hollow casting in lead, and revolutionized the production of toy soldiers. The company quickly became the industry leader, and was imitated by many other companies, such as Hanks Bros. and John Hill and Co. The style and scale of Britain’s figures became the industry standard for toy soldiers for many years.
The Barclay Manufacturing Company was an American metal toy company based in New Jersey that specialised in diecast toy cars and hollowcast toy soldiers. Due to their common availability at five and dime stores, collectors often refer to Barclay’s toy soldiers as “Dimestore soldiers”.
from Wikipedia
A collection of PRESIDENTS in our toy soldiers collections
Besides soldiers, these very collectible miniatures might also include cowboys and Indians, presidents, and more.
The Times Can Change Our Toys
1966 marked a turning point in the history of toy soldiers. International concerns about lead poisoning brought about new laws which banned the manufacture of toys containing lead. William Britains, the best-known producer of 54mm metal figures, ceased production of metals and focused exclusively on plastic figures. Many other companies, like Timpo, Crescent and Cherilea, were forced to do the same.
At this point, collectors began to see new modeling techniques emerging, and plastic toy soldiers were all the rage until the world began to change. In the late 1960s and ‘70s, anti-war sentiment turned the tastes of the public away from military toys like toy soldiers. The rise of the action figure, based on science fiction and fantasy movies, and the rising appeal of video games, changed the collecting interests of younger children.
So, if you remember playing with toy soldiers, eagerly creating the game as your imagination allowed, maybe you want to share that joy with a youngster in your life, or still love to collect them, stop in soon at Bahoukas. They are perfectly sized to make great stocking stuffers this season. And yes, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
