Do You Collect Toby Jugs?

Just What IS A Toby Jug?

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 TrueLegacyHomes.com
Royal Doulton Toby Mugs and Jugs
Royal Doulton Toby Mugs and Jugs

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).

from TrueLegacyHomes.com

Toby Jug or Philpot (Fillpot)

What’s in a name?

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.

from Wikipedia
Selection of Royal Doulton Mugs and Jugs
Royal Doulton Mugs and Jugs

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 Doulton by 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.

Recycle-Repurpose-Kitchen Utensils

Are you serious about reusing items to keep them out of landfills? Many items in antique stores, besides adding to a collection or being a wonderful decorating item, are also quite useful.

Kitchen Utensils to Repurpose!

Look at this photo of one wall of kitchen items that could easily enjoy another few years of purpose.

Just one wall of great kitchen utensils that could be used today!
Rolling pins from days of yore available at Bahoukas

We also have

… rolling pins, cake dishes, pie tins, and cast iron pans to name just a few easily repurposed.

So many great ideas…

Cast iron pans

It’s well worth a visit to Bahoukas Antique Mall to see if we might have ‘just the item you need.’ If you need a link for other ideas, CLICK HERE. You’ll find dozens of items you probably never would think to look for at Bahoukas. Of course, we’re always watchin’ for ya!

Mothers Day Idea #1

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. We have plenty of collectibles to show Mom how great she is. But this week, we’ll give some different ideas.

cast iron dogs - vintage - Bahoukas in Havre de Grace

Today we’re presenting these vintage Cast Iron dogs. Originals. Fun and very collectible.

Do you think Mom might like one of these? Stop in soon… Mother’s day is approaching quickly. Remember, we have 9,000 sq ft of the greatest Collection of Collections to choose from.

And yes, we WILL be watchin’ for ya!

Kisses, Cherry Pits, and Video Games

Just what might these have in common?

Kissing figurines, cherry pitter, and video games - make for some fun treasures at Bahoukas Antiques

Well, they may not have much in common. But they are a great example of the variety of treasures you might find at Bahoukas Antique Mall. According to holidayinsights.com, International Kissing Day is today, July 6th. Kisses can be anything from a peck on the check to those long, toe-tingling lovers’ smooches. If you just want to celebrate with a little gift, check out these cute little oriental figurines ‘smooching.’ Don’t they just make you smile? Oh, come on, just a little bit!

Tomorrow, July 7, is Cherry Pit Spitting Day. Who knew! Here’s the history from: Holiday Insights

Date When Celebrated : First Saturday of July

In 1974, Herb Teichman of Eau Claire, MI.held a cherry pit spitting tournament as a joke, at a picnic. It was a real hit, and has been held annually since that very first tournament in 1974. Little did Teichman know at the time, that this would become an annual event, and spark the creation of International Cherry Pit Spitting Day .

The timing for this holiday on the first Saturday in July is perfect, as the cherries are ripe. As we hold Fourth of July and summer picnics, fresh cherries are available in abundance.

Are you looking to break the record? Well, you’d better start practicing. The world record  for cherry pit spitting is 100′ 4″ !!

Celebrate this special day by holding or participating in a cherry pit spitting contest.

About the date: Herb Teichman, the originator to the Cherry Pit Spitting contest, set the first Saturday in July for this annual event. There are some references to this day always being on July 7th. This is erroneous. It is not a fixed date.

This amazing cast iron cherry ‘pitter’ is waiting for the champion ‘spitter’ to use to create his/her arsenal. (Now isn’t that a tongue-twister!) Have fun!

Then on Sunday, July 8, we have Video Games Day! 

Video Games Day – always on July 8th

National Video Games Day – always on September 12th

Video Games Day celebrates popular video games that stormed onto the market, and changed the way your kids play games. From Atari to Nintendo to Xbox, video games provide all too many hours of playing time on your television set.

In grandma and grandpa’s day, they had stick horses for toys and playtime. Todays kids (big kids and little kids) have an enormous array of video games to play. Before you get tired of one game, another one hits the market.

Our extensive research into this special day discovered two separately distinct dates. Also, both dates for this special day refer to it as Video Games Day and National Video Games Day. Based upon our research results, we give the edge to September 12th as National Video Games Day. Lucky gamer that you are, you get to celebrate two video games days.

Celebrate  National Video Games Day by playing video games. If you are off from school (or if you are a big kid off from work), make this a marathon day for video games. Better still, invite a few friends and hold a competition. Just make certain that you have enough controllers.    … Holiday Insights

And yes, for today’s celebration, Bahoukas has a variety of those pre-historic…. errr… historic video games you know and loved in decades past. Stop by and browse.

Don’t forget it’s also our “CHRISTMAS in JULY” sale with 20% off EVERYthing in the store. So stop in soon… browse for your treasures. Yep, 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!

Pygg Pots to Piggy Banks

Ever Wonder How the Piggy Bank Got Its Name?

The piggy bank’s history goes back to the Middle Ages. Check out this interesting trivia!

Believe it or not, the basic piggy bank used to be far more than just a childhood relic. The concept of stashing cash in hollowed objects has been around for nearly six centuries – before banks themselves were even dreamt up.
from Business Insider

Pygg pots to piggy banks - fun at Bahoukas Antiques

Bahoukas Antique Mall in Havre de Grace has a delightful collection of banks – yes, including ‘piggy banks!’ Left to right they include: a mechanical cowboy souvenir bank from Havre de Grace First National Bank & Trust (not for sale), a J. Chein tin bank that says “Happy Days Bank,” a glass piggy bank (I remember these!), a large chalk ceramic Piggy Bank, an advertising piece – Sinclair Dinosaur Bank, a glass ‘fox’ bank that originally had drink flavoring in it, U.S. Mail box cast iron bank from the 1920s, and a 1930s cast iron piggy bank!

Mahapahit piggy bank from National Museum of Indonesia, JakartaAlong with the amazing history of the Pygg Pot, we share the desciption below:

Pygg is an orange colored clay commonly used during the Middle Ages as a cheap material for pots to store money, called pygg pots or pygg jars.[3] There is dispute as to whether “pygg” was simply a dialectal variant of “pig.”[4] By the 18th century, the term “pig jar” had evolved to “pig bank”.[5] As earthenware was supplanted by other materials, such as glassplaster, and plastic, the name gradually began to refer specifically to the shape of the bank, instead of what was used to make it.  fromWikipedia

So, tell the truth, did YOU know how piggy banks got their name? As we keep sharing, you just never know what you’ll see and learn when you stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum in Havre de Grace. As you know, 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!

We Predict a Halloween Party in Your Near Future!

Bahoukas loves a party. Halloween is a perfect reason!

With a busy week of Homecoming, a Carnival, Halloween activities and sun-filled October days, you’re bound to be attending or hosting your own Halloween party. Here are some items to create a memorable event. Below are cast iron characters – a ghost and a nodder (bobble head) witch. Add these to your centerpiece to make your table or buffet really special.

Cast Iron Halloween collectibles - ghost on leftl, witch ghost on right

In the following photo, we show you just a few of the many wonderful vintage Halloween collectibles available at Bahoukas Antique Mall. A plastic puppet, small pumpkin etc for favors, a larger pumpkin to hold a candle, a tambourine with Halloween decoration, favors, and cupcake decorations, etc. Stop in and see the variety of really fun Halloween collectibles. Hurry, you’ll want them for your party this week!

Halloween party items - witch puppet (plastic), pumpkin, favors, small pumpkin for candle, tamborine, and various small items for cake decorating, etc.

With Halloween retail sales projected to be 9.1 billion (yes that’s Billion – with a ‘B’), we know you’ll want to check out some really great pieces to add a wee bit of nostalgia to your decorations. And don’t forget, we have a lot of unique items to add just the finishing touch you need for your very unique costume. See you soon. We’ll be watchin’ for you!

Oktoberfest and Bahoukas Beer MuZeum

Gemütlichkeit: (gu-moot-lish-kite)

This word has a very broad  meaning. It is an atmosphere of comfort, peace, and acceptance, and it is what Oktoberfest is all about.

from the Alpine VIllage Center we found this delightful glossary of words and phrases to enjoy our Havre de Grace’s 3rd annual OKTOBERFEST, Oct 14, 2017 from noon – 7pm  and the 5th Annual American Legion OKTOBERFEST same day from 9am – 3pm! Of course, here at Bahoukas Beer MuZeum we have the perfect collectibles to bring a little Oktoberfest home. Here’s a link to all the October Events in Havre de Grace.

If you want to carry your very own beer stein to the Oktoberfest, visit us at Bahoukas Beer MuZeum…. we have a pretty nice selection to choose from…

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

In the above photo we have (Back – left to right) a 2-handled German Oktoberfest beer stein, Dogfish Head Tap Handle, Chesapeake Brewery Terrapin Turtle – crown top – bottle, Budweiser flat-top can (req’d church key), Neuschwanstein Castle lidded German beer stein. Front, left to right, include Tennents Lager “Penny cans, National Bohemian (Natty Bo) glass and church key, cast iron bottle openers (far left – drunk on a pole 1954, center – goat 1950s, 4-eyed, wall mounted, reproduction and a 1940s Syroco – Syracuse Ornamental Company – horse head bottle opener.) Click on the link for a history of the Tennent’s Lager Lovelies.

But we don’t stop here with Brewmania, check out these advertising mirrors, lamp, and signs.

 

Ballantine clock sign

Ballantine ale & beer clock sign

 

Yuengling mirror with scene painted on it

Yuengling mirror with golf scene

 

Yuengling reproduction of 1907 calendar poster with puppies on it

reproduction of 1907 Yuengling calendar with puppies

 

Pabst clock-mirror collectible at Bahoukas Beer MuZeum in Havre de Grace

Pabst Blue Ribbon mirror/clock sign

 

National Boh advertising sign - round barrel

National Boh advertising sign – round barrel

 

Natty Boh red-white striped apron in frame

Natty Boh red-white apron in frame

 

two advertising signs include top - Busch beer with two people on horseback on a mountain top and bottom - Coors Light porthole with crab

Two advertising signs include top – Busch beer with two people on horseback on a mountain top and bottom – Coors Light porthole with crab painted on mirror

 

Tiffany style Piels Real Draft lamp (advertising) at Bahoukas Beer MuZeum

Hanging Tiffany-style lamp advertising piece for Piels Real Draft Beer

 

Again, Bahoukas Beer MuZeum offers some fine pieces for you brewmania collection or to add to your Oktoberfest celebrations! We leave you with this phrase from the Alpine Village site!

Oans, zwoa, g’suffa!: (ōnns tswō g’zoo-fa) “One, two, drink up!” This the very Bavarian way of saying it.

Stop in today, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!

How Do Your Children Save Money?

Do Kids Still Use a Toy Bank to Save Coins?

cast iron mechanical banks popular in 1800s

Reproductions available at Bahoukas Antiques include the dentist by Stephens, the skeleton – not sure, the black guy is a J&E Steven and the black girl is by John Harper. Original mechanical, cast iron banks were manufactured in the 1800s and created to encourage children to save their money. These banks are frequently referred to as ‘penny banks.’

The golden age of American cast iron banks lasted from 1869 to 1910. There are two types of these banks — still and mechanical. Still banks are primarily repositories and usually take the form of an animal or human figure with a coin slot. Mechanical banks have moving parts and springs and a sequence of movements can be triggered either by simply depositing a coin or more commonly by depositing a coin and pulling a lever.   from Tribstar.com

J&E Stevens Company started in 1843 to manufacture cast-iron hardware, hammers, and a few iron toys.

A turning point in the company’s development came in 1869 with the production of their first cast-iron mechanical bank. This bank, featuring a monkey that popped out of building, inspired numerous competitors to produce similar products and helped create a new genre of product that blended art and function in ways that sparked the imagination and ingenuity of designers. In fact, between 1869 and 1890, the J & E Stevens Company produced more than 300 different models of mechanical banks.    from Connecticut History

WWI created a need for the iron to support the war efforts, essentially ending the company. But the 1920s brought renewed interest in the cast-iron mechanical banks.

Toy collecting, which became popular in the 1920s, exploded in the post-war era thanks to increases in spendable income. Today, original cast-iron banks and toys from the J & E Stevens Company sell for thousands of dollars. The enduring value of these products is a testament to the quality and ingenuity that helped make Connecticut the nation’s leading toy producer for much of the 19th century.   from Connecticut History

Here’s a quick video talking about cast iron mechanical banks from Canadian Pickers! Enjoy!

 

Along with unique cast-iron mechanical banks, we also have a wonderful selection of other banks for saving those coins. Start a great habit for your children and start them early. Stop by and browse our selection at Bahoukas Antique Mall. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Do you know what a door porter is?

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

Duck, dogs or boats cast-iron doorstops at Bahoukas Antiques in Maryland

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

Do you know what a ‘Dover’ is?

It’s that time of year when baking …

and cooking things like soups and stews help us to take the chill off the house. We thought it was also a perfect time to share a most unique implement that many of you have in your home –  the simple rotary egg beater and a bit of its history!

Below is a collection of egg beaters available at Bahoukas Antique Mall. Top row (l to r) include red-handled Merry Whirl 1916 egg beater (USA), 1916 egg beater, A&J 1923 egg beater – red or green handled – made in USA, and a steel handled egg beater (USA).

a variety of egg beaters from the early 1900s

Bottom row includes (l to r): Ladd egg beater by United Royalty Corp NY – 1929, high speed super center drive beater, child’s egg beater, One Hand Whip – this one you squeeze, 1904 Dover Pattern Improved egg beater (USA), Dunlap’s Sanitary Cream & Egg Whip – no spatter/no waste – 1916, and an A&J Whippit – cream whip.

…By the 1870s, the Dover cast-iron rotary eggbeater hit the market and revolutionized cooking in American kitchens. Now, that 90-minute chore took just 5 minutes. Cooks all over the country could rest their weary arms and still produce light, fluffy egg whites. In fact, Dover eggbeaters became so common that all eggbeaters were called Dovers, even when manufactured by another company.

 

…(Taplan created an improved Dover)…In 1903, this eggbeater could have been purchased at any one of the 10 hardware stores listed in the La Crosse city directory. Fifteen years earlier, such a fancy tool would have cost more than a dollar, but, by the turn of the century, these beaters were so common they could be purchased for less than 10 cents.

 

from LaCrosse Tribune

Yep, if you’ve read this far, you’ve learned that a “Dover” was what most folks called the egg beater – kind of like when we use the trademarked “Kleenex” to mean a facial tissue!

Amazingly, it took nearly 90 minutes to get fluffy egg whites until the egg beater reduced that chore to 5 minutes!

Would you like to know exactly how the rotary egg beater works?

CLICK HERE for a description of the mechanics of this labor-saving kitchen tool from the BBC – history of the world or you can watch this video!

Imagine…. it took 90 minutes to accomplish those fluffy egg whites before the invention of the egg beater!

Happy Baking!

When you need a break, or a practical tool, stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall. We’ll be watchin’ for ya!

Have you seen IT?

We cannot help sharing our CLOWNS!

L-R The Simpsons Krusty the Clown, clown nightlight, Roly Poly clown, clown salt shaker, clown cup, giant clown PEZ dispenser - Peter Pez, plastic clown with hoop, squeak toy clown, cast-iron clown bank

According to Box Office: IT is the highest grossing horror movie of all time. Of course, Pennywise the Clown is not exactly one’s best buddy. But we thought that if you liked the movie, you just might love our clowns in general!

Our clowns are definitely less scary and lots more fun.

Above you have Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons, a clown nightlight (1966), Roly Poly Clown – 1960 and musical, clown salt shaker, plastic cup with a clown handle, Peter Pez – a giant PEZ dispenser that holds and dispenses full PEZ packs, plastic clown figure with hoop, a sqeak toy clown, and a wonderful cast-iron mechanical bank clown.

Krusty is often portrayed as a cynical, burnt-out, addiction-riddled smoker who is made miserable by show business but continues on anyway. He has become one of the most common characters outside of the main Simpson family and has been the focus of several episodes, most of which also spotlight Bart.       From Wikipedia

In the photo below, we have another assortment of wonderful clowns. In front, the stuffed clown dolls are quiet smiley with the one on the left a collectible Knickerbocker stuffed clown. On the back shelf left to right are: 1950s tin, battery operated Violin Clown; Czechoslovakian blown glass clowns; and a 1962 Squeaky the Clown pull toy by Fisher Price. When you pull him along, the head bobs up and down and he squeaks.

Back row: L-R clown playing violin, blown glass L-R Kinckerbocker stuffed clown, 2 other stuffed clowns, Czechoslovakian blown glass clowns, Sqeaky the clown pull toy

detail of the clown on the Czech blown glass clown cornucopia

Here’s a close up detail of the clown figure that’s on two of the Czechoslovakian, blown-glass, pieces.

You guessed it. We just couldn’t resist sharing the wonderful, collectible, variety of clowns available at Bahoukas Antique Mall to help celebrate the most popular horror movie, IT, based on the book IT by Stephen King. Stop in and have some fun!

 

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