May 27, 2018

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!

May 18, 2018

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! 

May 04, 2018

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!