More Than Vintage...

Vintage Gal Antiques is more than just another stuffy antique store!  You will find an eclectic blend of old and new items.  Whether it be primitive, country or blingy, when I'm out and about, shopping for resale, I try to find items that are a little quirky or unusual.   

Some popular new items are my "sweet and sassy" gift tags and note cards which are all my own original designs. Each gift tag or card is protected in a clear sleeve and priced from $1.50 to $3.50 each. 

The gift tags are a fun way to add sass to a gift or tie to a bottle of wine to make it special!  Vintage and retro photos with cute sayings, like:  "All You Need is Love...and a Tiara, And Maybe A Cookie".  Or maybe "Whoever Said Less is More, Obviously Wasn't a Wine Drinker!  Witty sayings for many different occasions!  

The note cards available are generally local scenes and historic photos related to Gold Rush days.  One of my favorites is a family photo of Rick's grandfather. I believe it was taken at an early Pan Pacific California Expo in San Francisco.  It's just a great old photo!  

(upper left card in photo below)

  
So if you need a last minute card or gift tag, come and check out the great selection.  And browse the rest of the store...you never know what you might find!

Happy Independence Day!

Hoping everyone has a wonderful July 4th!  Vintage Gal Antiques will be open everyday at 10:00 am, July 1 through July 8, during the holiday.

Downieville's parade is ALWAYS on July 4th, no matter what day of the week it is.  The holiday festivities, including the bbq and street dance will be Saturday, July 7.  Enjoy!

  

Excuse Me, Do You Have a Match?

Several years ago, I purchased a large collection of antique advertising.  I was excited; this collection was owned by a long time savvy antique collector, who had collected for many years and who had a good eye for what would become valuable in the years to come.  We shared the love for similar antiques.  I absolutely love anything and everything “country store”, and this collection included many store tin containers, porcelain and tin advertising signs, advertising calendars and other “go-withs”.

There were several advertising match holders in the purchase, as well.  I have always wanted some of these, but they are usually out of my price range.  So now here I am with an

instant collection!  Probably the most unusual one is the cardboard paper match holder with the monkeys advertising silk stocking brand products.  

I’ve never run across another one like this. 

Match safes were popular from 1870 until the 1930’s when matchbooks and cigarette lighters replaced the need for most match holders.  At home, match holders were used mainly for lighting a stove.  Stove manufacturers often advertised their products on cast iron match holders which could be mounted to the kitchen wall to keep matches handy.  Other wall mounted match holders were made of tin and featured lithographed advertising for various products.

So now I have this great collection and it was a challenge to decide how to display it!  I didn’t want a lot of nail holes in the wall, so I purchased pallet looking hanging boards at Ben Franklin (or Michaels Craft store) and grouped the match holders on the pallet, which I hung on the wall.  As I accumulate more match holders, I can hang more pallets.  I’m still on the look out to add to my collection.  After all, it’s the thrill of the hunt! 

Hoping For the Best!

Well, my landlords have the building for sale that I've been in for 13 years. I know it was a hard decision for them, but they have circumstances that are priority right now. The Downieville real estate market is currently very popular and I'm a little nervous about my future. 

Welcome to Vintage Gal Antiques!

So I thought I'd take advantage of the photos of my shop on the real estate site. If you've never been to Vintage Gal, these professional photos might help you make my shop a destination when you're in Downieville!  If you mention you've seen it on my website, I'll give you some great deals on your purchases!  

China, shabby chic and glassware room

The photographer didn't take photos of my Bling Room or the Western Room, but, if you're a jewelry lover or western boot collector, Vintage Gal is your place to find a fabulous selection!  

I'm hoping to be here for a few more years, but we'll see how things play out!  Vintage Gal Antiques is open Thursday-Sunday 10am - 4pm.  Starting July 4- I'll be adding Wednesday - Sunday.  If you'd like an appointment, please give me a call!  Hope to see you soon!

When you enter the main room-lots of advertising and primitives and antique bottles

The Nevada City Elks Lodge Antique Show-End of the Day!

Just got home from a long day selling at the Nevada City Elks Lodge Mining & Antique Show. I was up at 4:30 this morning so I could get my 2 ½ cups of coffee in before getting the day started. The show started at 7am in the parking lot for all the mining and rusty stuff and the indoor antique show started at 8am.  The drive down to Nevada City was perfect-no cars except me heading in that direction at 6:15am! 

I love selling at shows!  I love the setting up, arranging my stuff on an 8’ table so everything is decorated and fits just so, and then when the show opens, greeting old friends and talking to new friends who all share a passion for the same things I do. It just beats the sterile feel of selling on Ebay. I like buying on Ebay, but selling is so impersonal. I need that contact and conversation. I learn so many interesting things about what other people collect. Collecting is contagious!  Some folks are obsessed, some buy only for their décor, others just buy what they like and new collectors are trying to add to their beginning collections. I have a dealer friend who is 89 years old and still loves the thrill of selling and buying! She is amazing, and  I hope I’ll have the energy she does when I turn 89! 

At today’s show, I met Karlee, who reads my website!  It’s so exciting to know that people actually read what I’ve posted!  Knowing that I’ve reached even one person makes it so much fun for me and I appreciate all the kind words that I’ve received.  Karlee likes old quirky advertising and she bought several things from me. Thank you Karlee, so nice to meet you!   I hope you enjoy decorating with the Flapper Curling Iron and the quack medicine.

They will be conversation pieces, for sure!  

I don’t usually buy things for myself at shows because I’m trying to unload, not add to my overloaded collection of stuff. But every now and then I find something I can’t live without and today was that day. Not just one thing, but three!  It’s nice to be part of the “dealers circle”, because I was given prices from dealer friends that I just
couldn’t pass up. I collect advertising match holders. They are hard to find at shows and rarely seen at shops, and are usually beyond my comfort zone for price.  But, Cecil Sanders had 2 of them and he knows I collect them. Cecil is the chairman of this show and at one time, was featured on American Pickers. He has an amazing personal collection, but that's a whole other story!   He sold both of the match holders to me for a fabulous price and they’ll go on my kitchen wall with the rest of my collection. Love them!  

The other item that I thought long and hard about was a wonderful store cannister bin for tea, coffee or sugar that John McWilliams had on his table.  It’s most likely from mid-1870 to 1890 and I love the lithographed tin material. Storage containers were so much more interesting during earlier times. It will also go in my kitchen with my other antique tins. The back of the canister has a hallmark “Ginna & Co. NY, Decorators Sheet Metal”.  My research found that it was made by Ginna & Co. in

New York during the late 19^th century who was most known for its intricate and elaborate color lithography. Ginna started production in 1874 and was later acquired by the American Can Company in 1901. Very few tins are actually marked by the company and I am thrilled to now own one of the earlier examples.  

So, it was a successful show and a really fun day in Nevada City!  Already planning for my next show!  Home now and enjoying a nice glass of wine. Cheers!

Liars, Tall Tales and Boasts, Oh My!

Quack medicine, questionable food claims and beauty supplement benefits!  The American term for quack medicine was “snake oil”, a reference to sales pitches in which the sometimes outrageous claims of medicinal successes were attributed to the exotic ingredients of their product. Those who sold them were called “snake oil peddlers” or “snake oil salesmen”. These opportunists often used enthusiastic and deceptive sales techniques, including “fire and brimstone” sermons, theatrical productions, and confidence tricks. 

Full of alcohol, opium, cocaine and other unregulated substances, it's not surprising that their users felt like the pills and tonics were doing something, even if they became addictive. 

Benefits of certain foods and beauty enhancements were boldly erroneous, as well. It was a time of sensational advertising and claims that were unproven, but enticed the consumer into believing.  Vintage Gal Antiques has a great collection of "quack medicines" dating mostly from the 1910- 1930 era. So fun to read the labels!   Check it out!  

Bust Massage? Hmmmm....

Is Couch Grass what grows when you sit around too much?

Really?  Compared to a chicken sandwich, eggs and veggies?

And some interesting claims about the  healthy and nourishing benefits of Eskimo Pies!

Local History Items for Sale

I'll be bringing some great old Nevada County prints to the Nevada City Mining & Antique Collectables Show on June 2.  In my earlier post is all the information about the show that will be held on June 2 at the Nevada City Elks Club.  

One of the prints is a Grass Valley newspaper from 1890.  There are several advertising listings from some of the early business establishments in Grass Valley and the National Hotel in Nevada City.  Nicely displayed in a beautiful oak frame.   $85

Another print is of the Residence of J.S. Dunn, Selby Flat, 2 1/4 miles from Nevada City.  I'm not familiar with the area of Selby Flat.    c1880          $75

What a grand old house it was!  

I also have several Sierra County framed prints available.  One is the B.T. Eggleston residence in Downieville on Commercial Street, now known as the Parsonage House.  

c1882         $65   

And several of Sierra Valley ranches and homes; this one is the residence of Jared Strang      c1882     $65

Stop by Vintage Gal Antiques if you're shopping for items of local history! 

Rust and Relics ~ Onward to Nevada City ~ A New Show Coming to Nevada City!

A favorite show-the Nevada City Elks Lodge #518 Mining Show-is now combined with an Antiques & Collectables Show and will be held June 2, 2018.  Two great shows in one! 

Early Bird Parking Lot Swap Meet starts at 7am and will feature lots of rust and mining relics.  The indoor antiques & collectables show runs 10am - 4pm for $5.00 admission.   Early birds can enter the show at 8am for $10.  There will be lots of good quality antiques for sale!

The Nevada City Elks Lodge is located on Hwy. 49 and has lots of parking and easy in and out.  I have been told that there will be 60+ dealers and Vintage Gal Antiques will be selling there, too.  Dealers interested in selling-please look for Cecil Sanders' table at the Old West Show in Grass Valley.  He will have contracts and flyers available.  Don't miss this one stop to shop show!

An Eclectic Blend

An eclectic blend of interesting finds. A table top lightening rod, rather uncommon in the western states.  Some colorful advertising die cuts and vintage bingo cards.  Also a stoneware crock from the 1800's era.  

And a Cingolani accordion from 1940-1950 that was played by my husband Rick, in the 1960's!  Being Italian, it was almost required that he learn to play it, although he said he'd rather play the electric guitar! The red keys make it an unusual piece.  

You never know what you'll find at Vintage Gal Antiques...

Retro Style

Are you more of a Retro gal, instead of a Vintage gal?  You will fall in love with these gorgeous embroidered suede calfskin boots made by Joan & David circa 1968.  Soft buttery calfskin-lined with amazing embroidered designs on the front of each boot.  Excellent condition.  $95


Or some glitzy handbags, which were all the rage in the early 60's. Some came in kits that you could personally adorn with sequins and rhinestones.  Others were made and signed by Enid Collins, now very collectible.  $45-$65

And, then who could forget sweet Doris Day and sparkley rhinestone necklaces from the 1950-1960 era? $25-$75

All here at Vintage Gal Antiques! 

Farmhouse Kitchen Decor

Graniteware was produced throughout the Midwestern and Eastern United States from 1870 until the end of WWII.  Patented in 1848 by New York inventor Charles Stumer, graniteware was also known as agateware, enameled ware and speckleware.

Close cousins of graniteware are those pieces whose grays and other colors were mottled or marbled.  Colors appeared to blend into each other or swirl separately to create random, eye-catching patterns.  

Chrysolite Swirl, a deep green and white swirled pattern and Cobalt Blue Swirl are hard-to-find examples of mottled enamelware.  Vintage Gal Antiques has a nice selection of kitchenware in these two unusual colors. 

Also popular are porcelain enameled bread and flour boxes.  Many reproductions are currently being produced, but the examples shown here are original pieces from the 1930's.  Perfect for your farmhouse style kitchen!

Til the Cows Come Home

These sweet faced advertising cows and adorable calves are tin die cut sets dating from the 1920-30s. They are old and authentic advertising pieces from the De Laval Cream Separator Company. The cow sets were part of an advertising campaign that sent these little cattle to farmers' homes, encouraging them to write in for catalogs and buy De Laval products. Several breeds were used -- these are Jerseys and Holsteins.  The other breeds that were available were brown/white and black cows.

From the 1870's Gustaf De Laval (1845-1913) developed machines for the dairy industry, including the first centrifugal milk-cream separator and early milking machines.  His first separator was patented in 1887 and the first milking machine in 1894. From the early 1880's, De Laval's cream separator was promoted internationally.  In 1888, the company founded the De Laval Cream Separator Co. in the United States, as a subsidiary.  

Each set of cow and calf available for $150 per set

Packaging for Reference Only-Not Available for Sale

Boot Scootin' into Spring!

It's been said that a cowgirl's best ammunition is her smile. But having a great pair of western boots is pretty important, too! Vintage Gal Antiques has an amazing selection of vintage western boots and accessories including tooled leather handbags and vintage H Bar C western shirts.  All reasonably priced!

Opening in April for the 2018 season!

All Fun and Games

Board games were quite popular in earlier times, and much simpler than today’s electronic games obsessions.

It is interesting that in centuries prior to the 19^th and 20^th centuries, games were considered instruments of the devil.  The later periods were full of society changes which included the traumas of war, new immigrants coming to the country and an industrial revolution.  With all these transitions, board games were now viewed as a way to educate, entertain and even live out dreams, whether it be striking it rich or traveling the world. 

Games of chance or fortune telling were popular and during these years, few games were actually based on strategy or skill.  Conversation games evolved during the Victorian Era and provided a venue for people of the opposite sex to interact and develop relationships.

Several early board games that I purchased in a collection were made by Mc Loughlin Brothers who produced games from 1858 – 1920.  Many of their games focused on children’s education or moral lessons and all are known for their detailed and colorful artwork.

Some of the games for sale at Vintage Gal Antiques include:

The District Messenger Boy game- McLoughlin Bros.-- c1886.  The object of the game is to see which player will first become the President of the Telegraph Company.  Spaces reflecting misbehavior direct a player to go back, or sometimes go to prison which requires a return to “Start” upon release.

Please call or email for price.

The Game of Hide and Seek-McLoughlin Bros.-- c1895.  This is an extremely rare board game and quite large, measuring 15 1/2" x 22". The graphics are very intricate and colorful. 

A page from an early McLoughlin Brothers catalog describes the Hide and Seek Game as "simple and lively for small players."

Please call or email for price.

Ally Sloper – circa 1907.  Milton Bradley produced this target game and used the name “Ally Sloper” which was one of the earliest known comic characters, dating from 1867.  The clown image on the game doesn’t resemble the official comic character, but perhaps Bradley wanted to capitalize on a once funny name.

Please call or email for price.

There are many more early 19th and 20th century toys and games available for sale at Vintage Gal Antiques. Please stop by and check out the unique selection!

A Busy Day in Dollville

This is the real deal.  Reproductions of this adorable and very rare Diamond Dyes advertising sign have been produced over and over, but this is the authentic, bevel-edged tin over cardboard sign; “A Busy Day in Dollville”, circa 1911.

The original has a black border and measures 11 ½ by 17 inches. In addition to the 1911 copyright date, it is also well marked as being manufactured by American Art Works of Coshochton, Ohio, one of the premier makers of tin signs and trays during the first decades of the 20^th century.

The artist is Bessie Pease Gutmann, who was born in Philadelphia in 1876, (1876-1960), studied art at several schools as a young woman and was an independent commercial artist.  Gutmann & Gutmann, a company that produced art prints hired her in 1903 and three years later, Bessie married Hellmuth Guttman, her boss.  They had three children who often were used as her models in her illustrations.  She was a working mother long before working mothers were commonplace. 

Bessie Pease Gutmann illustrated 22 magazine covers between the years 1906-1920.  She illustrated books and created innumerable art prints.  As far as research indicates, there is only one self-framed tin advertising sign that bears her work, and that is "A Busy Day in Dollville". 

This exceptional and charming piece of advertising history is available at Vintage Gal Antiques.  Please call or email to obtain the price. 

Show Time!

Two great shows coming up! March 9 - 10, 2018. Same weekend, but not too far from each other. Travel to Nevada City one day and Chico the next-you can do it! Vintage Gal will be selling in Nevada City and Rick will be in Chico. Stop by and say "hi"!

~Bring On the Spring!~

Spring is on its way and it makes me think of pastel colors, violets and pretty things.  Vintage Gal has a nice collection of shabby chic furnishings and flowery china to bring a light and airy springtime feeling to your home decor. 

Did I Mention B*L*I*N*G ?

Sonja Henie said it best!  And there is an abundance of jewelry to choose from at Vintage Gal.  One whole room dedicated to jewels! Blingy, sparkley rhinestones, new and old sterling silver pieces, funky bakelite and estate jewelry and diamonds.  I love it all!  Shop the glamorous selection to find a unique addition for your collection.  Wrinkles?  What wrinkles?