November 22, 2012
~Happy Turkey Day~
Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving! The weather is beautiful in Downieville today and expected to stay the same for the weekend. The sun is shining, the trees are still gorgeous-perfect weather for a nice drive up Highway 49! Escape the frenzy of Black Friday shopping and enjoy the peacefulness of our little town. The Lions Club is selling Christmas Trees, and as always, there is a great selection of beautiful locally grown trees! Vintage Gal Antiques will be open Friday and Saturday of this Thanksgiving weekend. Hope to see you!
November 03, 2012
~So Charming!~
Today I wore my charm bracelet to the shop. I've had the bracelet since I was about 10 years old and all the charms have a special meaning to me. But...I haven't worn the bracelet on my wrist for years...I've found a new way to wear it. Several ladies came in to the shop today and commented on my "necklace". When I told them it was my old charm bracelet, they were excited, and said they couldn't wait to get home and do the same to their bracelets! One lady even said she hadn't worn her bracelet in years, but for some reason, decided to wear it today! Fate-I tell you! What I've done is just attach my bracelet to another sterling silver chain (about 16 or 18 inches) and turned it into a necklace. Since the charms on my bracelet were soldered on, it would be too hard to remove them, so, voila! I just turned the bracelet into a necklace! A great conversation piece and not as "noisy' to wear! Thinking outside the box! Give it a try!
October 03, 2012
~The Language of Fans~
During the 18th century, fans were
used by ladies for more than keeping cool; they were used as a form of
expression. More than any other article of fashion, the fan became part of a
lady's body language. Supposedly, there even existed a 'language of the fan'
whereby ladies could send messages across a room without saying a word. To use
this language, it was essential to know your right from your left!
To hold it in the upright hand facing the face: Follow me.
To hold it in the left hand facing the face: I desire a discussion.
To put it against the left ear: I desire that you left me quiet.
To slip it on the forehead: You changed.
To let it slip in the hand: I hate you.
To whirl in the upright hand: I like someone of other.
To cause to slip on the cheek and to bear on it the chin: I like you.
To present it closed: Do you like me?
To do it to slip in front of the eyes: I am grieved.
Touch the extremity of the finger: I desire to speak you!
To put it motionless on the upright cheek: Yes.
To put it motionless on the left cheek: No.
Open it slowly: I am married.
Open it quickly: I am engaged.
To bear on it the lips: Kiss me.
To carry it open in the left hand: Come to speak me.
To place it behind the head: Do not forget me.
To hold it in the upright hand facing the face: Follow me.
To hold it in the left hand facing the face: I desire a discussion.
To put it against the left ear: I desire that you left me quiet.
To slip it on the forehead: You changed.
To let it slip in the hand: I hate you.
To whirl in the upright hand: I like someone of other.
To cause to slip on the cheek and to bear on it the chin: I like you.
To present it closed: Do you like me?
To do it to slip in front of the eyes: I am grieved.
Touch the extremity of the finger: I desire to speak you!
To put it motionless on the upright cheek: Yes.
To put it motionless on the left cheek: No.
Open it slowly: I am married.
Open it quickly: I am engaged.
To bear on it the lips: Kiss me.
To carry it open in the left hand: Come to speak me.
To place it behind the head: Do not forget me.
September 20, 2012
Awesome Autumn
Country Kitchen |
Unusual Victorian Vanity Mirror |
Bevy of Bakelite! |
Old Style Candy Counter and Store Tins & Bins |
August 25, 2012
Bottles, Bottles! Getting Ready for the Downieville Bottles & Collectibles Show!
August 19, 2012
Downieville Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show
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(Rick's Grandfather on Right!) |
Step Right Up……
to the 2012 Downieville Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show and Sale!
A bottle collector’s paradise! Coming to Downieville on Saturday, September
8 is the annual antique bottles and collectibles show at the Downieville School
Gym! Early Lookers are welcome at
8:00am-10:00am for a $10 donation.
The show is free to the public from 10am-3pm. to the 2012 Downieville Antique Bottles & Collectibles Show and Sale!
This show has gained much popularity over the years as one of the west coast’s favorite shows! Known for its small town hospitality and friendliness, the Downieville Antique Bottle Show has attracted buyers and sellers from Utah, Texas, Oregon, Nevada and Washington states. Many desirable bottles have changed hands at the Downieville Show and lots of great treasures have gone home to happy buyers.
In addition to antique bottles, shoppers will find a great selection of trade cards, advertising tins and signs, ephemera, and so much more. There is something for almost every kind of collector! And don’t forget to buy your raffle ticket for some great prizes!
This year’s show will feature displays of “The Silver Seventies”. Bottles and related items from the 1870’s; whiskies, sodas, medicines and drug stores will be on display. This was an important time in history, resulting in the discovery of silver as prospectors rushed to the Nevada area, scrambling to stake their claims.
Downieville is located on historic Highway 49 in the northern gold country. If it’s your first time attending the Downieville Show, expect to slow down and step back into time in this quaint little gold rush community. You can park and walk to the bottle show, museums, shops, restaurants, saloon and wine bar. For dealer or show information, please call Rick & Cherry Simi (530) 289-3659 or email: ricksimi@att.net. We hope to see you here in Downieville!
August 01, 2012
Great Show in Reno!
You could feel the excitement building on Thursday evening; everyone getting geared up for the FOHBC Reno
Expo Bottle Show opening on Friday afternoon.
When the doors opened for dealers and “Early Lookers” at 1:00 pm, there
was a huge rush of bodies into the show room.
Over 350 tables filled with bottles, advertising, and go-withs! A collector’s paradise! Many rare and desirable bottles changed
hands. The displays featured so many
incredible examples of glass. Even
though I’m a novice in the bottle world (Rick is the knowledgeable one in our
family) I truly appreciate the beauty of the glass and the history of the
bottle collecting hobby. Traffic was
brisk for the entire show; Friday through Sunday. Buyers were on a hunt, searching for their
special treasure to take home.
On my table, I had mostly advertising items; tins, porcelain thermometers, signs, etc. and happy to say, did very well at the show. Of course, I also did my share of buying, so I guess it about evens itself out between profit and loss!
It was fun to get together with friends from around the country, too. Dealer friends from Texas, Utah, Oregon, Wisconsin, and several other states were among those that we visited with. Everyone agreed….the 2012 Reno Bottle Expo was a very successful event!
On my table, I had mostly advertising items; tins, porcelain thermometers, signs, etc. and happy to say, did very well at the show. Of course, I also did my share of buying, so I guess it about evens itself out between profit and loss!
It was fun to get together with friends from around the country, too. Dealer friends from Texas, Utah, Oregon, Wisconsin, and several other states were among those that we visited with. Everyone agreed….the 2012 Reno Bottle Expo was a very successful event!
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Beautiful display of rare bottles |
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Display of miniatures |
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Me! Selling my advertising items! |
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Yes, that's right! 47K for that bottle! Wow! |
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Bev S. from Santa Rosa with her granddaughter at their table. |
July 16, 2012
Exciting Reno FOHBC Expo 2012!
It's almost time for the 2012 Reno Antique Bottles and Collectibles Expo at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. This huge 3-day show is presented by the FOHBC (Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors) and promises to be an amazing show! There will be bottles, of course, but many other types of antiques and collectibles, as well. Advertising, gold rush memoriblila, jewelry, country store items, and much more. Over 300 vendors selling many wonderful and unique treasures! I'll be there selling, too--so if you're coming to check out the show, please stop by my table and say hello!
June 29, 2012
Happy 4th of July!
Come on up to Downieville for a small town fun-filled, family holiday! Our parade is so much fun and the Downieville "Fireless Fireworks" are pretty cool! Since we're located in Tahoe National Forest, real fireworks are not allowed, but we've got a fun alternative!! As huge rolls of bubblewrap are rolled down the street, kids and adults jump into the parade to stomp on the bubblewrap! POP, POP, POP and voila-Fireless Fireworks!! The parade is ALWAYS on the 4th of July along with the Foot Races. This year-Wednesday is the 4th. On Saturday, July 7 the other events are happening-Fireman's Muster, BBQ and Street Dance.
Vintage Gal Antiques will be open Wed.-Sunday from 10am-4pm (or later). I am happy to open for appointments; please call 530-289-3659. Have a wonderful holiday!
Vintage Gal Antiques will be open Wed.-Sunday from 10am-4pm (or later). I am happy to open for appointments; please call 530-289-3659. Have a wonderful holiday!
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Folk Art style Barber Pole |
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Red, white and blue advertising sign. |
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Vintage Gal all gussied up for the 4th of July! |
June 16, 2012
~Farm Style, Country Style~
Graniteware, made from a variety of metals with enamel coating derives its name from its appearance. The speckled, swirled, or mottled effect of the various colored enamel resembles the patterns of granite.
Graniteware's many virtues made it a popular and economical choice for cooking in the 19th century. It was "colorful, easy to clean, durable, and did not rust."
What is the difference between graniteware and enamelware? Graniteware is a form of enamelware. It is made by applying a paper with an oxidized pattern on it to a piece of enamelware that was not yet dry. This process gives graniteware a pattern resembling granite. Enamelware is made from an old process of coating metal with porcelain. It became popular during the 1800s. Graniteware was featured in 1876 at the Philadelphia Expo.
Some of the more unusual and rarer colors include cobalt blue and white, green and white; especially the “chrysolite” variety, brown and white and red and white swirled items. Decorated items are uncommon; as well as children’s pieces and salesman’s samples.
I purchased a wonderful collection of graniteware and enamelware~many are unusual pieces in hard-to find colors. Please stop by Vintage Gal Antiques and check it out!
Graniteware's many virtues made it a popular and economical choice for cooking in the 19th century. It was "colorful, easy to clean, durable, and did not rust."
What is the difference between graniteware and enamelware? Graniteware is a form of enamelware. It is made by applying a paper with an oxidized pattern on it to a piece of enamelware that was not yet dry. This process gives graniteware a pattern resembling granite. Enamelware is made from an old process of coating metal with porcelain. It became popular during the 1800s. Graniteware was featured in 1876 at the Philadelphia Expo.
Some of the more unusual and rarer colors include cobalt blue and white, green and white; especially the “chrysolite” variety, brown and white and red and white swirled items. Decorated items are uncommon; as well as children’s pieces and salesman’s samples.
I purchased a wonderful collection of graniteware and enamelware~many are unusual pieces in hard-to find colors. Please stop by Vintage Gal Antiques and check it out!
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Colorful selection including rare brown/white colander and some nice examples of Chrysolite pieces. |
May 19, 2012
Enticing Advertising!
May 04, 2012
Downieville is Alive and Well!
Weekends are getting busier, weather is mostly warm and
sunny and businesses in Downieville are re-opening for the 2012 season! Yea!
So happy to come out of hibernation!
It’s wonderful to have a full-service town again! We’ve got some great restaurants, shops, and
interesting places to visit here. The
Grubstake Saloon has reopened for lunches and dinner--always a popular place for a great steak
dinner! The Two Rivers Café has pizza,
pastas, burgers and more; open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. La Cocina Del Oro is a favorite for authentic
Mexican food. Fun atmosphere and tasty
fresh dishes! Coyoteville has great breakfast and lunches, and Belle's Cafe has food/snacks to go! Lots of choices now and
all are WINNERS! Fishing season has
opened, although at this time of the year, the river is still running a bit
high. Great for the kayakers, though,
and there are lots around! This end of
Highway 49 is a popular putt for motorcycle enthusiasts and there are always large
groups of riders visiting during the weekends.
Check out some of the new “old finds” at Vintage
Gal! I’ve been shopping during the
winter and brought in some great new items!
May hours are Friday-Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Extended days and hours starting in June. You can always call me at 530-289-3659 for an
appointment, too. I’m always happy to
open up for you!
So come on up to Downieville! We may be small….but we have it all!!
So come on up to Downieville! We may be small….but we have it all!!
Very desirable Cascade Beer tray! |
Cute pine drawer table and lots of vintage pottery! |
Lots of great advertising and country store antique items |
As always... BLING!! |
April 23, 2012
Not Good for Antique Collectors!!!
AB 391 could be devastating for antique shows and the collecting hobby!! Please check out this link!!
http://www.peachridgeglass.com/2012/04/antique-collecting-hobby-is-under-attack/
http://www.peachridgeglass.com/2012/04/antique-collecting-hobby-is-under-attack/
April 05, 2012
~Happy Easter~
Vintage Gal Antiques will be open Saturday, April 7 from 10am-3pm. during Easter weekend. "Hop" on over and say hello!
March 27, 2012
Open, Open, Open!!
Spring is here, and I’m really getting antsy to open
again. Things are looking good in
Downieville; we’ve got a bigger grocery store, packed with a great selection of
foods; the Grubstake Saloon and Restaurant is re-opening in May; the new Two
Rivers Café is opening soon and several other businesses are starting up! It will be great to have a busy little town
again this summer! My target date to
re-open Vintage Gal Antiques is Saturday, April 7.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival will be at the Yuba Theatre on April
6 & 7 and Feather’s La Cocina Del Oro will be open for dinner.
For more information about Banff, visit
the Yuba Theatre Facebook page. In the
meanwhile, check out some of the new treasures at Vintage Gal!
Retro Cool! |
Crazy for Country! |
Hand Painted Trays |
Vintage Pearls and Beauty Potions |
February 19, 2012
Showtime Again!
Hmmm, what should I take to Chico? |
March is a busy month for Antique Shows. Vintage Gal Antiques has a sales table at the
Chico Antique Bottle, Jar, Insulator and Collectables Show and Sale. It is the 46th Annual Show, held
at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico on Friday, March 9 from 10 am – 7pm and
Saturday, March 10, 9am – 4pm. There is
so much variety at this show! I’ll be
selling advertising signs and tins, vintage jewelry and, of course, antique
bottles. Stop by my table and say hello!
The San Luis Obispo Bottle Society’s 44th
Annual show and Sale is in Morro Bay at the Veteran’s Hall. Dates are Friday, March 23, 1pm-6pm and
Saturday, March 24, 9am-3pm. Beautiful
setting at Morro Bay and a great show!
Hope you’ll make it to these shows…you never know what treasures you’ll
find!
Worm Candy? What was it used for? |
Paper Label Chief Nectar and Shinola Advertising |
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Great graphics on these two! |
Sigh...I just can'd decide which pieces of vintage jewelry to take to the show! |
February 13, 2012
February 07, 2012
"Scentsational Glass!"
Floral, musky, woody, spicy…so many different scents of
perfume. There are over 30,000 fragrances
available today! But to a collector, the
bottle the fragrance came in the most desirable element of perfume.
The following information about perfume bottles is from a
portion of an article found on: www.makeup.lovetoknow.com
“It all started as far back
as 1500 BC when glass perfume bottles adorned the homes of the noble and
wealthy. While early scents were designed to ward off bad spirits, grace the
gods and disguise body odors, the bottles were a true symbol of luxury. In Greek
and Roman times, scent bottle designs became increasingly more sophisticated,
even imitating the shapes of birds, humans and other animals.
In 50 BC, glass blowing techniques were
developed in Syria. This was a huge advancement in bottle construction.
Expensive Roman scent bottles created from transparent glass adorned with
colored glass decorations were widely acclaimed. Even though glass dominated as
the material for perfume bottles, in the Middle Ages some metal and enamelware
did appear in the perfume marketplace.
Then arrived the 18th century when the
Chinese secret of manufacturing porcelain was revealed. A new fashion had been
delivered; with little porcelain perfume bottles the rage all over Europe. The
large variety of bottle production was due in part to the process of how
perfume was sold. Until the end of the 19th Century, perfume was bought in
plain containers and then transferred into these beautiful scent bottles at
home. For these early times, there was a vast market of delicate bottles to
match every personal taste.
These factories hired some of the most
talented craftsman of the time to design and create the ideal bottles to match
their highly crafted scents. Today, these original
bottles demand the highest prices at auctions. Perfume manufacturers of the new
millennium still appreciate the bottle as a vital factor in selling a perfume,
so top bottle designers remain in high demand.”
In this article, there is also reference to another
website: www.perfumebottles.org where you will
find some wonderful photographs of beautiful perfume bottles.
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