We’ve not been able to find a lot about this piece – a German stoneware wine cask/dispenser in Cobalt blue and white. We did find a similar piece on an auction site. CLICK HERE to view it.
Thanks to Edel Patterson, owner of Edel’s Bridal Shop here in Havre de Grace, we are able to give you the translation on this beautiful wine dispenser/cask.
Iss, was gar ist. Trink, was klar ist. Sprich, was wahr ist. Lieb, was rar ist.
In English, it translates as follows and is from Martin Luther:
Eat what is done. Drink what is clear. Speak what is true. Love what is rare.
This piece recently arrived at Bahoukas and it’s truly exquisite!
While we’re discussing wine casks/dispensers, have you ever wondered who might have the World’s Largest Wine Barrel?
World’s Largest Wine Barrel
Well, wonder no more… within the cellars of the Heidelberg Castle in German, is the Heidelberg Tun:
The Heidelberg Tun (German: Großes Fass), or Great Heidelberg Tun, is an extremely large wine vat contained within the cellars of Heidelberg Castle. There have been four such barrels in the history of Heidelberg. In 1751, the year of its construction, the present one had a capacity of 221,726 litres (58,574 U.S. gallons). Due to the drying of the wood its current capacity is 219,000 litres (57,854 U.S. gallons). One hundred and thirty oak trees were reputedly used in its construction. It has only rarely been used as a wine barrel, and in fact presently enjoys more use as a tourist attraction, and also as a dance floor since one was constructed on top of the tun.
Located in the cellars of the Heidelberg Castle is this mammoth wine barrel. Check out the size of the people around it and the stairway to the right that takes you up to the top landing. WOW!
Now that we’ve piqued your interest. Stop in and see the beautiful stoneware wine cask. And, of course, we’re watchin’ for ya!
A Toby Jug is a figural ceramic jug. Each jug is molded in the shape of a notable character. Historically, Toby Jugs feature a hearty man holding a mug in one hand and sporting a tricorn hat. His hat doubles as a pouring spout. Each character is outfitted in typical period fashions.
From the same source as above, we learn that there are Toby Jugs, Toby Mugs, and Toby Character Jugs.
Toby Jugs: A Toby Jug is a figural jug that depicts a character’s entire body. Original Toby Jugs showed a seated man, sporting a tricorn hat, puffing on a pipe, and holding a mug of ale. Toby Jugs also must have a spout, designating that it’s used to pour a liquid.
Toby Mugs: A Toby Mug is a Toby Jug that doesn’t have a spout. Without a spout, it’s used for drinking, so it’s a mug.
Character Jug: A Character Jug is a jug that only displays a character’s bust (head, face, and sometimes shoulders).
There are competing theories for the origin of the name “Toby Jug”. One is that it was named after the intoxicated, jovial character of Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. Another is that it was named after a notorious 18th-century Yorkshire drinker, Henry Elwes, who was known as “Toby Fillpot” (or Philpot), who was mentioned in an old English drinking song The Brown Jug, the popular verses of which were first published in 1761.
This fine collection just recently arrived at Bahoukas Antiques and Beer MuZeum. Now that you know ‘more of the story,’ you may want to add a couple to your own collections or gift as a gift.
The history of the Royal Doulton Company is intriguing in its own right. They manufactured ceramic sewage pipes, toilets, taps, and cast iron baths. But they later manufactured architectural stoneware. It’s a most interesting company. Read more about Royal Doultonby clicking here.
Of course, with this knowledge, we encourage you to stop in and take a peek at this collection. And yes, we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
Well, maybe you don’t like to sew. But these thread cabinets could easily be upcycled for any unique project you might have.
DID YOU KNOW THREAD SPOOLS WERE ONCE RECYCLED?
It was not until about 1800 that manufactured cotton thread was available to the hand sewers in the United States and Europe. Before that, textiles were sewn with silk or linen thread, and rarely homespun cotton or wool thread. At first, they were sold in hanks as some yarns still are. Thread came on wooden spools beginning about 1820. Like our beverage bottles, the spools could be returned for a deposit, to be refilled. In the mid-19th century, during the Industrial Revolution, textile manufacturing processes were some of the first to be modernized including the manufacture of cotton sewing thread.
Maybe you collect small items and the drawers would be perfect to store them and pull them out for display. Or possibly, you love notepaper and cards. These drawers might be perfect for keeping your collection. OR!!! Possibly a perfect place to store sheets of wrapping paper or even your artwork!
Love More History of Threads?
Images from DuPont’s nylon production plant in Wilmington, Delaware, 1938 (clockwise from top left). Mike McCall pours nylon chips into a hopper; the chips will be melted, measured out and filtered before being spun into filament. An unidentified worker oversees the operation of a draw twister, which twists polymer fibers into thread. Violet Grenda inspects skeins of nylon yarn. Joseph X. Labovsky Collection, Science History Institute
DuPont in Wilmington, DE in the 1940s manufactured fully synthetic nylon thread. During WWII it was very difficult for women to get hosiery because they were made from silk thread, imported from Japan. DuPont worked to create a substitute that we know as ‘nylon stockings.’ If I remember correctly, the late Phil Barker, a former mayor of Havre de Grace, first worked at DuPont. He started out just cleaning, working up to ‘doffing’ – removing empty spools from the machines.
Of course, you probably have a very unique idea for using one or both of these beautiful 1800s sewing thread cabinets. Let us know how YOU might use them! Yes, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
Okay, maybe that’s not a real word. But a person who collects “petroliana” is collecting gasoline and the oil business memborabilia.
Gas Stations on Every Corner
In the early days of automobile travel, service stations were unfamiliar and often poorly lit at night. So lighted gas-pump globes and other oil company signage were key to reassuring and drawing in motorists. And since pumping gas was a new experience, early pumps allowed motorists to see if the gasoline was clean (through a small glass window), and later to watch the price as the gas was pumped (a major innovation).
Do you remember when every busy intersection had a gas station on each corner? How many different brand names do you remember?
Reproduction Gasoline Signage at Bahoukas
We wonder if there will be similar scenes where there will be electric charging stations everywhere designed to keep our cars and trucks moving? What do you think?
Stop in and chat. Since a number of folks ask for these fun collectibles, we found a nice selection for you to browse. Think holiday gift-giving!! It’s not too early to start – after all, 14 weekends from now you’ll be open gifts under the tree. WOW! And, of course, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
The history of the music box is much more complex than one might think beginning with the Middle Ages.
The first known music box was the carillon. This was very prominent in the Middle Ages mostly because it is what they called the very mechanism that told the people the time. It was also normally attached to a large bell which is struck by a hammer every hour to help tell time.
Then in 1796, we learn of clockmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon:
The clockmaker Antoine Favre-Salomon, a native of Geneva, invented a musical pocket watch in 1796. Since then he is considered to be the inventor of the music box, and Sainte-Croix became the world capital of mechanical music. Music automatons are still produced here.
This music box opens to place jewelry or powder and still works.
This music box still works in spite of looking well-used.
This music box is a larger and egg shape.
American soldiers returning home after the Second World War were the unwitting creators of a real trend by bringing music boxes back in their luggage, a symbol of victory and a new life about to begin. Thus, it was then that a keen interest developed for the little Swiss musical movements from the other side of the Atlantic that were fitted into all sorts of products.
As we’ve learned here, some of the simplest collectibles have a unique and colorful history. If you delve into the music box history, you’ll also realize that they’re connected to Edison’s invention of the phonograph. (We have some old phonographs as well! Just in case you were wondering.)
The weather’s turning a bit cooler and it’s a pleasant time of year to browse our shops. So you know, we’ll be watchin’ for ya.
In researching for this post, we were surprised by the fact that this Japanese Samurai Helmet made of 5-yen coins is actually a popular craft. Here’s a quote from one story we read about a Tokyo grade-schooler back in the 1980s who created an entire suit of armor:
an entire suit of Samurai armor in coin craft
@take14aki estimates that the armor and helmet required somewhere around 1,750 coins to put together, which works out to 8,750 yen in legal tender.
It’s interesting to learn that there are quite a few pieces of Samurai armor created with Japanese coins and tokens. Want to view more? Do a search for <Samurai Coin Helmets> and see for yourself.
Detail of our amazing handcrafted Samurai Helmet made of coins
While researching, we also found this interesting Samurai project from the Lego Ideas site! Who would have thought!
Just like we tell you all the time, we are most definitely a “Collection of Collections.” Some are very unique items as you can tell from our beautiful Samurai Coin Crafted Helmet. We hope you’ll stop in and give it a look! It’s quite an amazing piece and in great shape! (Of course, we wouldn’t want to wear something like this in battle!!!)
Bahoukas has just received an interesting collection of old newspapers.
Ephemera
Old newspapers can give us the feel of a particular time period, details of history from the news stories and editorials, and a good deal about life through their ads and human interest stories. So why do people collect them?
Well, often they’ve kept papers from a historical period – a war, presidential news, disasters, and such. Sometimes a newspaper may connect to a particular birthdate, death, a favorite sports team, and other more personal topics.
Kennedy Assassination
LINDBERGH
This 1927 newspaper is in good condition for coming out of someone’s attic.
Japanese Surrender – WWII
We have others in our recently acquired collection of old newspapers. It’s so interesting to read from the very day of these events. In many cases, these are complete newspapers giving you the opportunity to really get the atmosphere in our country surrounding these historic moments!
Why Would Anyone Collect Newspapers?
Sometimes, newspapers writing of historical events were tucked away only to be left in their hideaway for a later generation to discover. But there are collectors who save papers of historical significance. Others collect them for the feel of a particular time period, a birth or obituary, news of someone famous or notorious, and for an event in the family’s life.
There are even collectors who love to save the advertisements, whether for a particular product or brand, or just advertising in general.
Whatever the reasons, we have a rather wonderful collection that, if you love old newspapers, you may want to come in and take a peek. And you can be sure – we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
How often do you think of your local antique shop for great ideas for wedding decor. Does the bride and/or groom collect something special that may be used in the decorations? Maybe you’re looking for unique serving dishes or goblets.
Fun and Funny Wedding Topper Collectibles
Or consider ‘insulators’ for table decor:
A variety of insulators
Here is a tea light holder made from a green glass insulator and a rusty bed spring. The two together have a great industrial look that is really unique.
An old insulator and a rusty bed spring upcycled to a candle holder – easy wedding decor (or holidays)
Other Wedding Decor Ideas
We have oil lamps of all shapes, colors, and sizes to add to centerpieces or highlight a particular area of your wedding reception.
Don’t forget that we also have vases of all shapes and sizes.
We have an array of glass ware …
Pink Depression Glass – just a small sampling
Perfect for the bride’s table, special guests, or everyone, we have a wonderful variety of glassware you may enjoy incorporating in your wedding decor. Special cake platters, serving dishes, full sets of dishware, are available.
GIFT IDEAS
Don’t forget the our “Collection of Collections’ offers some pretty unique gift ideas for the bride and groom, or from the bride and groom. And don’t forget the children! Be creative if you have children in the wedding party.
Think out of the box for your wedding!
from bahoukas
And don’t forget, we’re here to help you find the perfect items. Yep, we’re excited for your big day and we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
This amazing Nascar – Coca Cola pedal car is in great condition. What a perfect item for your collection. Or even better – what a wonderful gift for a youngster in your life.
Coca-Cola / Nascar Pedal Car
This was a promotion item used for window displays. Stop in and see if for yourself. Don’t forget, the days are growing shorter and Christmas isn’t really far away! In any case, you know we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
We have a great collection of jewelry with some very special, recently acquired, sterling silver and 10k and 14k gold jewelry. Add to your own collection or consider a selection for a gift.
Sterling Silver and 10k/14k Gold Jewelry
This is one of those times when my photos don’t do it justice. But we encourage you to stop in and view our selection.
Just a few of our available rings.
Jewelry – Jewelry – Jewelry
Don’t forget that we have jewelry in nearly every category: costume jewelry, “Crazy Nutz” necklaces, and even Cracker Jack’s rings! Yes, you’d be surprised. Just stop in and ask us to point you in the right direction. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Are you old enough to remember where you were when you heard that Elvis Presley had died? Do you have a favorite song? To coordinate with our post, we include the ‘title song’ here for your enjoyment!
Elvis Memorabilia
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He died aged 42 on August 16, 1977 but during his short life and since his death he has become one of the most well known cultural icons of modern times.
If you’ve not visited our shop, you may not realize that we have a great selection of Elvis collectibles.
Visit our ELVIS section!
For Elvis collectors, there is a mother lode of Elvis Vegas collectibles to be had, from menus (festooned with Elvis’ image), table cards, posters, postcards, matchboxes, dice and swizzle sticks. Krein says that ’70s memorabilia is another favorite he collects — pins, tour programs and posters, jewelry, belt buckles, lipstick cases.
You’ll definitely want to drop in and see the ELVIS collection at Bahoukas. We have figures, games, statues, pictures, recordings, and so much more. Don’t forget, if there’s an Elvis collector among your family and friends, it’s a great time to think ahead for Christmas. (Just sayin’!)
More…ELVIS!
In the meantime, you know we’re always watchin’ for ya!
Do you remember that? We may be smoking less today, but anyone of a ‘certain age’ will remember that slogan for Lucky Strikes cigarettes. Maybe you remember buying a pack of candy cigarettes and riding on your bicycle pretending to be smoking. Okay, okay… maybe you didn’t. (chuckle)
TOBACCIANA
2 corn cob pipes and a wood-carved pipe
Tobacciana is the collecting of anything tobacco-related. Old tins, cigarette packs, cigarette papers, pipes, ashtrays, tobacco tins, etc.
Choosing a favorite among tobacco memorabilia may be the most challenging aspect of this hobby. From the art to the accessories, selecting which items to collect is a great challenge.
corn cob and wood-carved pipes, cigarettes, smoking tobacco, cigar ashtray, hand-carved buffalo and owl pipes.
close-up of the buffalo and owl hand-carved pipes
If you really want to delve into the world of Tobacciana, you may want to check out this Tobacco Pipe Glossary. In the meantime, stop in and see just what we have in our Tobacciana Collection!Of course, we’re watchin’ for ya and can’t wait to say, “Welcome to Bahoukas!”
If you’ve browsed an antique shop, you’ve most likely noticed the old photos in boxes, stacked in corners. You’ve also most likely been drawn to one or two, wondering where the place is or who are those people. You may have even commented on their attire or the sternness in their expression. The article connected to the following quote is a very easy and interesting read.
The People Who Collect Strangers’ Memories
In gathering old photographs of daily life, family scenes, and illness, hobbyists get an intimate view into past lives.
There are many reasons old photographs are collected. Some folks are looking for certain locations while others may be collecting a category, say, a particular advertising, old motorcycles, vintage farm photos, portraits. You name it, someone’s collecting it.
But we’re most assuredly pulled into wondering about the story behind the photo.
Farrell Auto Co. photo advertising BUICK
Vintage photos – don’t you wonder about who they are?
What To Do With The Found Vintage Photos You Love
Feeling crafty? This article gives some great ways to incorporate those vintage photos into your decor. CLICK HERE for the article from salvagedliving.com
TINTYPES
Tintypes
We also have a few tintypes in our store. Do you know what “tintypes” are?
A tintype, also known as a melainotype or ferrotype, is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a dark lacquer or enamel and used as the support for the photographic emulsion. Tintypes enjoyed their widest use during the 1860s and 1870s, but lesser use of the medium persisted into the early 20th century and it has been revived as a novelty and fine art form in the 21st.
It might also be of interest to you to learn why tintypes are so special.
Tintypes are a very early type of antique photograph dating back to the late 19th century.
… There is no negative in the tintype process, making each one a rare, one-of-a-kind photograph. Tintypes are valuable capsules of history and should only be directly worked on by an archival specialist. Today virtually all tintype images needing restoration are restored digitally on the computer.
CLICK HERE for an intriguing article that explains much more about the markings on a tintype and also how to get some clues from the photo. It’s a really interesting piece.
So there you have it. We have vintage photos and a few tintypes. Stop in and see if something catches your fancy or adds to a particular collection you may have. In the meantime, be assured. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Scouting memorabilia collecting is the hobby and study of preserving and cataloging Boy Scouting and Girl Guiding items for their historic, aesthetic and monetary value. Since collecting depends on the interests of the individual collector, the depth and breadth of each collection varies.
Deltiology … is the study and collection of postcards. Professor Randall Rhoades of Ashland, Ohio, coined a word in 1945 that became the accepted description of the study of picture postcards. It initially took about 20 years for the name to appear in a dictionary.
Our feature photo shows a variety of postcards for different holidays. But we have plenty more throughout the store.
Postcards are considered “ephemera:”
things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.”there were papers, letters, old boxes—all sorts of ephemera”
from a Google Search
Beautiful Vintage Postcards
Crafty?
Are you wondering what you might do with old postcards? Check out this article that offers 16 PROJECTS. Some of the ideas mentioned include scrapbooking, decoupage, origami, and framing them to display.
We look forward to showing you our collections of postcards. And absolutely, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Exonumia are numismatic items (such as tokens, medals, or scrip) other than coins and paper money. This includes “Good For” tokens, badges, counterstamped coins, elongated coins, encased coins, souvenir medallions, tags, wooden nickels and other similar items. It is related to numismatics (concerned with coins which have been legal tender), and many coin collectors are also exonumists.
… “Tokens” are often made of cheaper metals: copper, pewter, aluminium, brass and tin were commonly used, while bakelite, leather, porcelain, and other less durable materials are also known.
A key point of difference between a token coin and a legal tender coin is that the latter is issued by a governmental authority and is freely exchangeable for goods. However, a token coin typically has a much more limited use and is often issued by a private company, group, association or individual. In the case of “currency tokens” issued by a company but also recognized by the state there is a convergence between tokens and currency.
Amusement games often used ‘tokens.’ With the wonderful Havre de Grace history items we have on display, you can view some of the games from the Hatem Store that would have used tokens.
Vintage Game Tokens
Vintage Tokens
You probably can guess what animal was first used on circulating coins: NOOOOOOOoooooooo – not the BUFFALO!!! The EAGLE was first.
But do you know who has been recorded as having the first coin collection?
The earliest recorded coin collection belonged to the first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar. He lived from 63 B.C. to A.D. 14. That is over 2,000 years ago!
The blue crab is a highly sought-after shellfish. Blue crabs live up and down the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico and are caught by both commercial and recreational fishermen. Its scientific name—Callinectes sapidus—translated from Latin means ‘beautiful savory swimmer.’
Blue crabs are the most valuable fishery in the Chesapeake Bay. They are also major predators of benthic communities and are prey for many other fish species. Blue crabs are so treasured in the region that the blue crab is the Maryland state crustacean.
Along with a few crab mallets, we also have these beautiful oyster knives.
Oyster Knives
Finally – Maryland Skipjacks
Skipjacks in the Chesapeake and oyster drudgin’ are as much a part of Maryland culture as duck hunting and decoys. We couldn’t talk about crabs and oysters without a bit about skipjacks. And don’t forget to visit the Havre de Grace Decoy Museumand Havre de Grace Maritime Museum for local history.
SKIPJACKS
The Maryland State Boat has a colorful history. And you might find some items in our shop at Bahoukas to add to your Maryland collection.
The skipjack became the State Boat in 1985 (Chapter 788, Acts of 1985; Code General Provisions Article, sec. 7-327).At that time, the General Assembly noted that: “. . . Recent efforts to restore the environmental integrity of the Chesapeake Bay have rekindled interest and appreciation in the majestic estuary as not only an economic asset but also as the foundation for a way of life for many Marylanders; and . . . Nothing better represents the way of life of Maryland watermen than the historic Chesapeake Boat known as the Skipjack . . .”
Skipjack under sail on Chesapeake Bay. Photo by Marion E. Warren (Marion E. Warren Collection, MSA SC1890-BP7506, Maryland State Archives).
We encourage you to stop in and see these items. We may have some oyster plates as well. And check out our book selections, you just might find a cookbook with ideal recipes for crabs, oysters, or perfect side dishes. Yep, we’ll be here and waitin’ for ya!
1898– The original fishing lures were frogs carved from broomsticks by James Heddon. He came upon the idea when he threw a stick he had whittled into a local lake known as the Mill Pond, and watched as a bass hit it.
This assortment of fishing lures includes Heddon crazy crawler (wood), red one – dare devil lure, wood frog, wood grasshopper – all vintage. The metal one is a dingbat popper. The large one is a gold color wooden pike.
Larger view of the frog and grasshopper (Heddon lures)
A bit more about the Heddon lures:
1902– The first manufactured fishing lures were created by James and his son Will (also, W.T.). Will moved to Florida to test and develop new plugs, as the wooden lures became known.
1932– The first plastic fishing lures were introduced. They gained the name “Spook” because of their transparent color appearance. These early lures were susceptible to decay from poor early plastic mixtures. Few examples remain, the examples that have survived usually are distorted by bubbling. Because of their scarcity, they are premium priced collectors items today.
Who would have thought tossing a whittled stick in the water would lead to a small business that created something people still collect today?
Stop in and check this out plus several others. You just never know what you’ll discover at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum. We’re here…and we’re watchin’ for ya!
