Jim Beam Bottle Collection

Question: My husband inherited approximately 75 Jim Beam Collector Bottles from his grandfather over 10 years ago. We want to sell them but need to know how to contact a potentially interested buyer. I do not want to deal with e-bay as I am very uncomfortable with it. -- Kathy Barker, Silverton, Ore.

Answer: I would suggest contacting members of the Jim Beam Collectors Club. They can help you determine the value of your collection and perhaps even put you in touch with a buyer. Good luck!

Antique quilts warm the heart

In today's Treasure Hunting column, I write about the traditions that have been stitched into old quilts for centuries. There is something so tender in the way scraps of clothing and other material were saved and then made into useful, and beautiful, objects.

The photo shows an 1892 quilt that was made by my great-great grandmother's "church ladies" in upstate New York. Each square of white cotton has the names of the other women in the church, as well as flowers, birds and even pets stitched in red thread. It is one of my favorite treasures.

Clean Sweep

Tomorrow (that's Friday, Sept. 24) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the women at Forget-Me-Not in Coeur d'Alene are making a clean sweep to get ready for the holidays. The exterior of the little shop is piled with architectural salvage, old church pews, depot benches, iron beds and too many other treasures to list. Everything, including the merchandise throughout the store, is on sale.
Forget-Me-Not is located a 1402 N. 4th St. Cd'A. For more information call (208) 765-9493.

Treasure Hunting Calendar

Fall is a busy time for antiquers. It isn't hard to find a treasure hunting opportunity with so many sales on the schedule. Here's a list of upcoming events:

September 25 – 26
Watercolor artist Diane Culley and husband Sam will be holding a fall “That Certain Something” sale in the garden behind their South Hill home at 5119 South Sunward Drive (just north of Moran Prairie School.) The Culleys comb flea markets, estate sales and garage sales for interesting architectural items and furniture for their annual sales, which have been held at the Moran Prairie Grange and the Women’s Club building on the South Hill. The sale features pottery, furniture and one-of-a-kind treasures that have been hand-painted in a French country style. Hours are 9-6 Friday and Saturday 9 – 6.

For more information call 509-499-1739 or email at smculley@msn.com

September 25-26
The Farm Chicks Antique Show, Fairfield, WA Hours are 10-4 Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5. For more information go to www.thefarmchicks.com

October 1-3 29th

Custer’s 29th annual Fall Antique and Collectors Sale, at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Sale hours are Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The $5 admission is good all weekend. For more information go to www.custershows.com

October 7 – 9

Fall Antique Show and Sale at St. John’s Cathedral 127 East 12th Avenue. Preview party and sale will be held Thursday 7-10 p.m. Tickets for the preview are $20 and are good all weekend. Sale runs Friday 10 – 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 – 4. Admission is $5. Food, provided by “Shake, Rattle and Boil” will be available during sale hours. Proceeds from the sale will benefit “The Cathedral and The Arts” programs. For more information call 509-456-3634. Tickets will be available at the door.

Just for fun
Through the end of September Petite Provence Boutique, 1337 S. Grand Blvd., is holding a contest to write a caption for a vintage photograph. Shirley Evenoff, who owns the boutique with daughter Jenny Schuetzle, invites the public to come in and take a look at the vintage photograph on display. Leave a suggested caption for the photo. Evenoff, Schuetzle, and staff will select a caption and the winner will receive a $50 Petite Provence gift certificate.

Weiss Jewelry

Question: I have a Weiss pale blue and green stone brooch. It is star shaped and beatiful to look at. All the stones are in except for the fact that one of the stones has a chip in it. The brooch is in very good condition. My question is this: Is this a vintage piece or an antique? and besides its value in memory, is it valuable money-wise? -- Kelly

Answer: Your brooch was made by the Albert Weiss company. Weiss was in business in New York from 1942 through the 1960s. His son took over the company until it closed in 1971.
Most of their larger and more ornate brooches were made in the 1950s and 60s and were recognized for their craftmanship and the high quality of the stones used.
I can't tell you what your brooch is worth - it depends on condition and rarity - but according to antiques expert, Judith Miller, the value of Weiss pieces is rising.
If you want more information I would recommend reading DK Collectors Guides - Costume Jewelry, by Judith Miller.

Treasure Hunting Mail

One of the things I love the most about writing this column is the chance to establish a relationship with others. It means a lot when readers take the time to respond. Friday's Treasure Hunting column was about dusting.
I wrote that although I don't particularly care for the chore, I do appreciate the fact that it enables me to reconnect with my treasures and gives me a moment to daydream. Looks like I'm not alone...

» Click to finish reading "Treasure Hunting Mail"

Fair Fun

It's the last weekend for the Spokane Interstate Fair. If you're not interested in the rides and cotton candy, there are still several opportunities to enjoy antiques and collectibles. A complete schedule of activities and events is available on the Spokesman-Review home page.
Each morning at 9:30 there is a butter churning demonstration and at 10:30 a.m. the Steam Museum opens with a demonstration of old washing machines. (Makes me very happy to have the old Maytag.)
At 1:30 p.m. there is an antique tractor parade. I wonder if they have a Hoyt-Clagwell like Oliver Wendell Douglas used?

Junkology 101

The Junk Gypsy crew sent me this "Junker's Guide." They wrote it for the Warrenton/Roundtop, Texas extravaganza, but it looks like good advice for any kind of treasure hunting.


A JUNKER's guide to finding the GOODEST junk from the COOLEST JUNkers

JUNKIN' RULE #1:
If you LOVE it, BUY it! Remember, old stuff is OLD. It may not be perfect but if it is a piece you LOVE, your home and HEART will find a place for it.

JUNKIN' RULE #2:
Keep those DOGS from barkin'. Comfortable clothes & walking shoes are a MUST!

JUNKIN' RULE #3:
Have CASH. Many JUNK dealers only take cash. Plus you'll need it for FOOD and DRINKS.

JUNKIN' RULE #4:
Be a die-hard. Relentless SEARCHING sometimes ends with the GRANDEST find of the day. NO PAIN, NO GAIN BABY!

WARRENTON JUNKIN' NECESSITIES:
· wear a HAT/sunGLASSES
· sunscreen
· be comfortable
· DRIVE your biggest automobile. TRUCK, VAN, or SUV preferably
· put bungees, tarps, ropes in your vehicle to tie down any large purchases
· pack a COOLER with WATER and other FAVORITE beverages in your vehicle (martini shaker optional!)
· tape measure
· paint chips, fabric swatches, any VITAL measurements for the pieces you are hunting
· COME EARLY, come LATE. THERE's always a PARTY!!

In the end, JUNKIN' is about the SEARCH. The DISCOVERY. And the excitement you feel when you find the PERFECT piece for your PAD. It's the THRILL of the HUNT. Remember to look around. See the ECCENTRICITIES in all the GREAT junk around you, LAUGH with your FRIENDS, learn something new from the VAGABOND junk dealer and most of all . . .
LIVE the DAY.

The Collector Inspector inspects the West

Harry Rinker, noted antiques and collectibles expert and the star of

HGTV's "Collector Inspector ," will be filming in Seattle this month. In late October and Early November Rinker will lead a series of classes and seminars on antiquing at Portland State University, in Portland.

(Read more about the Portland classes below)

» Click to finish reading "The Collector Inspector inspects the West"

You Haul

Fall is prime clean-out-the-garage time. Out with the kiddie pool and in with the snowblower and de-icer. Sometimes a few goodies are thrown out with the rest.

Want to cash in? Here's an article on how to start up your own junk-hauling business.

It's Farm Chick time again!

The semi-annual Farm Chick Antique Show will be held September 25 & 26 in Fairfield, Washington. New items include locally-made shopping bags and two styles of "The Farm Chicks" T-shirts. Terri and Serena will be passing out free bumper stickers to all the early birds who line up to be among the first in the door.

Professional Ceramic Restoration

Question: I was surfing for old treadle machine parts and found your site. Perhaps you would post my needs? Steel wheel 1-1/4 inch diameter and 3/8 inch thick. -- Peter Dale

(P.S. I'm a professional ceramic restorer and answer questions on the ceramic discussion panel at Antiquerestorers.Com . I am able to make duplicate parts (in hard resin) if a part is available to make a mold from.)

Answer: I'll post your request for sewing machine parts. I've discovered there are at least a gabillion people looking for information on old sewing machines, so hopefully someone with a wheel to spare will see it.
Thanks for the information about Antiquerestorers.com, and for the fascinating peek at what you do.

Read more about Peter:

» Click to finish reading "Professional Ceramic Restoration"

Little pitchers have big price tags

Thanks to The Junk Store Cowgirl for an update ( and a few kind words) on the pitcher she purchased for $5 at a neighborhood sale.
The Cowgirl (aka Linda) found a pitcher just like hers at an antique sale recently and was able to get a little more information,including the good news that the thing is worth a bundle!
We put our heads together earlier and decided it was pottery, but probably not McCoy, and could be worth several hundred dollars. You can read more about it here.
Linda's blog is one of my favorites and she's been sweet enough to mention Treasure Hunting a couple of times.
Like me, she writes for the local paper, junks whenever possible and does a little parenting on the side. Who says you can't have it all?

Treasure hunting for a sofa? Follow your nose.

Question: I have been looking for a used sofa at the antique stores in Spokane and have not been able to find one. I find lots of wood furniture but rarely a sofa. What direction would you suggest for me to find a good used sofa in the Spokane area? -- Dana Martin

Answer: What a great question. Over the years, I've looked for sofas at junk stores and antique shops, but to be honest, I usually end up either buying new or finding something in the classifieds.

The sofas that come through the thrift stores are just a little too "used" (besides, I'm always a little concerned about what kind of abuse they suffered in their previous home) and antique sofas aren't always as comfortable as I'd like.

Estate sales and garage sales are good places for finding upholstered pieces. That way you get a chance to observe their home. You can tell if animals were on them, and get a few other clues as to how they were lived on.

Finding something through the classifieds also gives you a chance to see just how the piece was treated.

Once you find something, no matter where you buy it, give it the sniff test. (I used to make my kids do this until they got old enough to figure out they didn't look cool sniffing around old furniture.)

I bought a wonderful slipcovered chair at an upscale antique sale once and didn't do the test. When I got it home I discovered a funky cushion. Fortunately, replacing the cushion fixed the problem, but it reminded me that old furniture is old furniture, no matter where you buy it.

How Munch is that painting?

In case you haven't heard, the 1893 Edward Munch painting, "The Scream," was stolen from a museum in Norway last Sunday in a daring daylight heist.
Contrary to urban legend, stolen artwork almost never lands in secondary markets like flea markets or dimly lit antique shops. Instead, they are usually held for ransom.
The BBC spells it out pretty well here .
Still, you have to wonder, if The Scream falls into the wrong hands, will anyone make a sound?

Treasure Hunting Blog Still Free

Question: I really enjoy reading your blog! I found you through the FarmChicks and MaryJanesFarm.

I've heard on the news recently that the web access to The Spoksman-Review web site is going to be restricted starting Sept. 1. Those who subscribe to the paper will have free access, and those who don't will only be able to access the online version by subscribing to it for $7 per month.

How will this affect access to your blog? I really enjoy it, but don't think $84 a year is in my budget. -- Clare, Wenatchee

Answer: First, I want to say thanks for reading the blog, and for taking time to write. I'm so glad you found me through Mary Jane and The Farm Chicks. What a great way to be discovered!

I can appreciate your concern regarding the pending $7 monthly online subscription for the Spokesman-Review. While $7 doesn't sound like much, it all adds up doesn't it?

All of the Spokesman-Review blogs will remain available to online readers without charge. At this point, I'm not sure if links to stories I write for the Spokesman will still be available. I hope so.
Thanks for contacting me. And let me know what kind of junking adventures are available in Wenatchee. I'd love to explore the area.

Antique safe

Question: I have a small Sears Roebuck safe. It is on metal wheels and the dimensions are roughly 30 inches high and 20 inches square. It has a brass combination lock, a separate handle, and the inside of the door has a hand painted sign reading Sears and Roebuck 1877. The safe is quite heavy.

Can you direct me to a web site where I can get some idea of the value of a safe? I am considering selling it. -- Tom Vrabac, Mission Hills, Kan.

Answer: Here is an online forum where you can post questions about your safe and receive feedback from collectors and experts.
I found an illustration of a safe in the 1897 Sears and Roebuck catalog featuring a safe that (roughly) fits your description. It was manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio and would have sold for around $25 at that time.

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

I’m spending the second week of my vacation with my two younger daughters. (We call them the “little girls” even though my middle daughter is 14 years old.) I sent the car back to Spokane with my husband and son, so we’re here without wheels.

It was drizzling this morning. The girls got up and made a surprise breakfast so I could focus on getting this week’s Treasure Hunting column turned in, and then we caught the 9:45 a.m. bus into Tillamook to spend a couple of hours at “Rainy Day Books.” That’s where we met Webster the shop cat.

We found more books than we could comfortably carry around town, so we left them at the bookstore while we had lunch and did a little more shopping.

In one of the thrift stores my older “little girl” found a vintage red wool Boy Scout jacket she had to have. I found a vintage plaid Pendleton jacket that needed me, so we added two more shopping bags to our loot.

By the time we caught the return bus, the rain was pouring and the wind was blowing. The bus dropped us off a couple of blocks from the cottage we’re renting, so we slogged home carrying two big (heavy) bags of books and two shopping bags full of vintage woolens.

The wind turned our umbrellas inside out, drenching us, and I was howling with laughter (If my older teenagers had been there they would have pushed me off the side of the road and left me.)

Back home we toweled off, lit a fire, grabbed a book and settled in for the rest of the day. Now that’s a vacation!

Olympic pin junkies

I read this piece about collecting Olympic pins in Saturday's Spokesman-Review.
Over the years I've run across a fair number of the little pins in thrift stores and at auctions, but I always just said no. I never buy them for the same reason I don't buy KrispyKreme doughnuts or, say, heroin .
If you start fooling around with the hard stuff, you might get hooked...

MaryJane's Farm picks up the thread

In one of the early issues of "MaryJane's Farm" magazine , MaryJane Butters included a set of intricate drawings with detailed directions for threading an old Singer sewing machine.
I wrote to her and asked that the drawings be added to her website so that I could share them with the vintage sewing machine enthusiasts who contact me.
Butters loved the idea and they are now available. You can find them here .