My idea of the ultimate score: a watercolor folk art rendition of Abe Lincoln on his deathbed. Wow. Now available on eBay.
[Via Anonymous Works]
Category: Antiques and Vintage
Vintage Jewelry Wonderland
Posted by – August 30, 2010
I’m pining over all of the bits and pieces in Jean Jean Vintage’s Etsy shop. It’s not often that you find simple, classic jewelry that’s not muddled by grime and too many bells and whistles. How cute is the turn of the century “PET” pin? So affectionate! It’s definitely my favorite.
Testing, Testing
Posted by – August 29, 2010
This Kodachrome motion picture screen test is so dreamy and sweet — to think that this was just to test to see how the film looked! All of the women are so beautifully twee; it really makes me stop short. Seriously, why has the art of dressing been lost? Immediate girl crushes on all.
[Via Chateau Thombeau]
Polaroid SX-70
Posted by – August 21, 2010
I don’t need much convincing to be into the Polaroid SX-70. It’s a beautiful camera, and this ad from the ’70s is quite lovely as well: all the diversity, family moments and quaint photos! It seems very Wes Anderson to me.
Masked
Posted by – August 14, 2010
Very little about Mardi Gras appeals to me. I hate booby beads and how the original concept has been co-opted by dudes (not the good kind of dudes) and a focus on getting totally obliterated. However, this early on-the-street photography from the 1903 New Orleans Carnival, as documented by tourists from Illinois, is the kind of pagan festival I can get down with. Give me a full face mask and I’ll be happy as a clam.
[Via the Louisiana Digital Library and Nothing is New, my favorite.]
Antique Kodak No.2 Photos
Posted by – July 27, 2010
As Audrey Horne would say, “Isn’t it too dreamy?”
These Kodak No.2s from the 1890s are pure bliss, as is every artifact in Diabolus’s Etsy shop. However, I’m on a self-imposed shopping strike until further notice (too much pottery on the mantle — and no, that’s not a euphemism, sadly), so I’ll just continue to post all of my material lusts here so I don’t have to actually buy them. It’s a flawed plan, but it usually works.
More background on the Kodak No.2 (not a Brownie):
The No.2 Kodak was the third camera produced by the Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company, known as Eastman Kodak today. The No.2 Kodak was introduced in 1889.
Kodak No.2
Both the Original Kodak and the No.1 Kodak took 2 1/2 inch diameter circular photographs. The No.2 Kodak was physically larger and produced a 3 1/2 inch image. Collectors call these three models string-set Kodaks. String-set refers to the way the camera shutter is armed: a string that is connected to the shutter mechanism protrudes from the camera top. To arm the shutter, it is necessary to pull this string.
Due to the ability of the No. 2 Kodak to accept very large film rolls, Kodak recommended this model to the traveling photographer over other available roll-film cameras requiring more frequent reloading. An advantage of models producing round pictures was that the photographer did not need to worry about holding the camera level!
Diableries, Medical Oddities, and Ghosts in Victorian 3D
Posted by – July 26, 2010
I wish I could go to the 3D Victoriana event at Observatory this Friday, but I’m going to see Spiritualized perform Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space at Radio City Music Hall (good lawd do I love Radio City!).
Filmmaker and collector Ronni Thomas will lecture on the history of macabre 3D spectacles of the Victorian age, especially the infamous Diableries series–masterfully designed 3D stereo ’tissues’ created in france in the 19th century, backlit and featuring ornate scenes depicting the daily life of Satan in Hell (seen above).Tongue in cheek and often controversial, these macabre spectacles give us a very interesting look at the 19th century’s lighthearted obsession with death and the macabre, serving as a wonderful demonstration of the Victorian fascination with themes such as the afterlife, heaven, hell and death.
Anyone who goes should definitely report back — I want to hear all about the double exposure ghosts! Find more details at Observatory.
Unlikely Beauties
Posted by – July 26, 2010
I come across many a carte viste and wrinkled photograph in my antique store and internet trawlings, and I am so much more interested in the portraits of the unlikely beauties: not the pouty lipped, perfectly bouffanted socialite of 1880, but her wan complected, wonky-nosed, slightly “off” counterpart. These are the women whose stories I want to know. It scares me a little to know that photos of me (and everyone else who feels mild trepidation when having their photo taken) might float through the antique and vintage “pass around” system one hundred years from now, but seeing these imperfect, oh-so-endearing women makes me feel confident in my future.
[Etsy vintage sellers, from top: johnnyvintage // obscurio // ohmymilky // obscurio // NostalgiqueArt // InspirationSnapshots // DrawingRoom]
Enh!
Posted by – July 20, 2010
Antique kittens! Trying so hard to resist buying this adorable postcard. Ack ack ack ack!
The inside of my head goes a little something like this:
….But they’re so adorable.
….But $20 is way too much to pay for a postcard.
….But look at them!
….And it’s a tinted postcard! That’s special, right? Huh? Special? It’s special!
….But what about money for vacation?
….But one has really cool eyes! And look at how they’re “ripping through” the background, like football players at a game!
….Cute football players, not the ones you went to high school with. That’s even better.
….You’re being a spaz. Just buy it.
….You are such a cat lady (not that there’s anything wrong with that…).
……………………………………..
I’ll keep you updated on the saga. Much wringing of hands will ensue, I’m sure.
Dear Diary
Posted by – July 18, 2010
I spent many a harried, tweaking night at the University of Iowa Library in my college days. Though I love libraries with all my being, I never truly appreciated the U of I stacks and reading rooms — probably because I was always too freaked out about making a deadline or studying for an exam while I was there. However, the brilliant Kelly of Nothing is New (one of my favorite blogs) turned me on to the Iowa Digital Library in the course of her Archive Road Trip, whereupon she trawls the nation’s digital archives, state by state.
After poking around the Digital Library — of which there is an abundance of cool stuff, and I’ll be posting much more! — I came across (and was blown away by) their collection of historic Iowa children’s diaries. These tomes originated with early settler children — teenagers, actually — of the 1850s through the early 20th century. The best part is that some have been transcribed and biographies of the kids are provided. I kind of fell in love with the pages of the last diary shown above, mostly because of the doodles, kept by 14 year old Linnie Hagerman (1852-1934), of Keokuk, Iowa. (Check out that handwriting! Gorgeously messy.) Born in Missouri in 1852, Linnie moved with her family to Keokuk at age 10, and remained there for the rest of her life. She began drawing by doodling in her diary, and later became an artist, creating many oil paintings during the 1880s.
Astral Rock
Posted by – July 11, 2010
This old Russian painted rock looks like the surface of another planet. I love the twinkling North Star.
* Birthday gift idea!
Masonic Beauty
Posted by – July 9, 2010
Freemasonry is so fascinating. The symbolism, the historic beginnings, the handshakes — not to mention the secretive nature of the group — make for a regular investigative wormhole. This print, found by Erie Basin and titled “From Jerusalem to Jericho,” is circa 1890. Notice the “Friendship, Love, Truth” scroll, the all-seeing eye (a recurring motif) and references to “the Golden Rule.” The moon and stars amidst the clouds is my favorite element.
Any recommendations for interesting Freemasonry books? I’d love to hear it.
Dogville
Posted by – July 1, 2010
If you enjoyed a dog in a bowler hat milking a goat (and who doesn’t, honestly?), you’ll love drunk pups and a frantic Queenie having her jewels stolen. This clip comes courtesy of the 1930 film The Dogway Melody. After some random internet research I’ve unearthed the source of all this adorable absurdity. This particular genre of film, known as the Dogville Comedies, came about in the early era of talkies. According to a source,
“Talent from all over – veteran vaudevillians, musical icons, radio personalities, Broadway luminaries – performed in specialty shorts augmenting main features that packed moviehouses. One particular pack stood out: the amazingly trained tail-waggers of the 9 ‘All-Barkie’ Dogville Comedies. Directed by Zion Myers and Jules White, these unusual attractions showcased creatively costumed ‘talking’ dogs of various breeds and spoofed the noble and naughty behaviors of people. They pulled off grrrreat rrrriffs of the era’s movies, from unquiet Western Front war heroics and Great Woof Way musical extravaganzas to Great Whelp Hunter jungle expeditions and Prison Pups breakout thrills. A nationwide theatre owners poll in 1930 rated the Dogvilles as the best short subjects over more legendary comedy and musical series. See if you agree, as you walk these dogs and unleash a whole lotta laughter.”
For more adorable vintage entertainment, check out the entire repertoire of Dogville shorts. Enjoy!
Beach Costumes
Posted by – July 1, 2010
So, truth: I’m not really a “beach person.” I grew up in the middle of America, where chlorinated pools were de rigeur and the only “beaches” to be had were on small lakes with a set of buoys to keep you from venturing too far. (And I also burn like a lobster, so, there’s that excuse too.) I never experienced a true tide, a rumbling wave, beach glass, the smell of salt water and the taste of fresh clams until I moved to the East Coast. Now that I have — well, I kind of love it! I’m not about to go lay out anytime soon — at least not without the aid of a giant umbrella! — but with these antique bathing suited youths as role models, I might just have to brave the water. I want a romper suit made of wool, high socks and a bathing cap! Nudity be damned.
Miaou!
Posted by – June 29, 2010
The very-talented-and-awesome Jen Ray recently mentioned that she’d seen Ladislas Starevich‘s stop-motion masterpiece, Le Roman de Renard (The Tale of the Fox), at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I am so infinitely sad that I missed seeing this crazy fable on the big screen! Those are puppets, folks — puppets. Wow. This was the sixth animated film ever!
Originally released in 1937, stop-motion animation pioneer Starevich had been making tons of other cool animations prior to this gem — animating two dead stag beetles in battle while working at a natural history museum in 1911, for example. (Apparently he tried to do it with live beetles, but they’re nocturnal and would immediately go to sleep when the bright lights came on.) Le Roman de Renard is based on the many tales of Reynard, the anthropomorphic trickster fox famous in much of European folklore.
Luckily enough, Le Roman de Renard is available in its entirety on YouTube.
And I love that lion king. (Heee!)
Guest Posting on sfgirlbybay
Posted by – June 22, 2010
I’m doing some guest posting over on sfgirlbybay in the coming week or two. Hop on over and check out my post on mugshots of the last century. Petty criminals and wonky eyes galore!
Oh, Victorians
Posted by – June 16, 2010
As a bit of a Tumblr addict, I’m continually on the prowl for interesting photography and themes. Fuck Yeah, Victorians! provides both: all Victorian, all the time, with strange gems (those tin types!), painterly inspiration and random tidbits. Sold.
[Via My Love for You, I think? I just fell in love with this Tumblr so fast that I kind of don't even remember.]
“That’s all for now, boys.”
Posted by – June 1, 2010
Oooh la la! This fan dance is pretty G-rated, really. (She’s wearing a body stocking! So George Costanza.) However, I’m sure it was the height of cheesecake in its day.
Love the ending line. “That’s all for now, boys. Maybe her fans will slip tomorrow…”
The Prelinger Archives are such a treasure trove of early film. Thanks for the tip, Bobster.
Styled to Perfection
Posted by – May 24, 2010
The worn denim work shirt, the neutral color scheme, fearless whites, the vintage crochet and straw clutch: lolly crisp vintage styles her photos to perfection. This is my aspirational spring look.
Seriously.
Posted by – March 24, 2010
Obscurio just keeps getting better and better. This circus performer photo? Incredible! The leopard leotard on the dude, with the ‘fro and mustache, is just unreal.
The Black Spot Books
Posted by – March 3, 2010
Margaux Kent of The Black Spot Books is an inspiration. Everything she touches takes on the aged, obsolescent tinge of a simpler era, where functional pieces were meant to become heirlooms. Her beautiful leather work is composed of “olde things, treasures found and recovered from misfortune and neglect, relics of the unusual, the confused and the macabre, cut and pulled and bound into wearable curiosities and inscribable keepsakes.” Check out her latest in her Etsy shop, as well as brilliantly curated antiques and curios at Plundered.
Decayed Denim
Posted by – February 22, 2010
I miss when jeans were really jeans: the hard, rugged denim worn by farmers and cowboys that had to be worn in to perfection via hard work and sweat, not bought pre-torn with strategically placed “weak spots” achieved in a factory (one of my biggest pet peeves).
These photos come from Michael Wells’s Denim Legends project, a visual history of the most interesting jeans of the last 150 years. The textures, colors and seemingly disintegrated “limbs” (missing pant legs and sleeves) create such a compelling story: Who wore this clothing? How did it survive to the present day? And can jeans with spandex built in ever really achieve this level of durability and character? (Doubtful.)
Astronomical Quilting
Posted by – February 16, 2010
Ellen Harding Baker set the standard for nebulous quilting way back in 1876. Check out all of the tiny stars and what appears to be the Milky Way! This magnificent embroidered wool and silk quilt, currently housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, was used as a teaching aid in Baker’s astronomy lectures and based on textbook illustrations available at the time. According to the museum, “astronomy was an acceptable interest for women in the 19th century and was sometimes even fostered in their eduction.” (I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised by this revelation.)
Best of all: Baker constructed this beautiful quilt while living in Cedar County, Iowa (and later moved to Johnson County — my old stomping grounds). I’m so proud of my fellow countrywoman!
And to think that I considered interstellar quilts as strictly a token of the modern age…
[Via even cleveland]
Nell Shipman
Posted by – February 15, 2010
What a beauty! I was immediately struck by this lovely lady’s fur hood, headband (predating the trend) and knowing gaze. According to some rudimentary research, Nell Shipman was an actress, animal trainer and Canadian pioneer in early Hollywood (her first production was in 1910!). She was known for playing strong, adventurous characters and was one of the first women to do a nude scene on screen. Learn more here.
Check out carbonated’s Ladies and Their Fame Flickr pool for more portraits of starlets.
Bite This
Posted by – February 4, 2010
I’ve been thirsting after a vintage medical wall chart (or even the newer varieties) for a what seems like forever. This antique German dental wall chart from Etsy seller luckylittledot has all the qualities I look for: black background, skulls, cutaways to the inside of a body part… In other words, I want. Badly.
P.S. Everything else in luckylittledot‘s shop is also drool-worthy. So good!
Say, It’s Only a Paper Moon / Sailing Over a Cardboard Sea…
Posted by – January 28, 2010
This post is best enjoyed listening to Cliff Edwards‘s (a.k.a. Ukelele Ike) rendition of “Paper Moon.” [Video below!]
I’m thinking of starting a new collection: paper moon picture postcards. Imagine the novelty: a magical, make-believe photograph of your very own — at a time when photos were usually only for solemn family photos. With a swish of a curtain you could leave the cotton candy pastures of the county fair and travel to the celestial night sky in the comfort of a moon-shaped porch swing, hanging amidst the stars with your sweetheart. It was an exhilarating concept, and the fact that so many paper moon postcards are still floating around shows how treasured they were. I can only hope a similarly nostalgic meme comes to pass this century (though black and white photo booth pictures are my guilty pleasure). Check out the Paper Moon Flickr pool for more relics of yore. (More here!)
Obscurio Antiques
Posted by – January 25, 2010
As a dusty-fingered tin type, stereoview and ephemera rifler, Obscurio gave me that scary possessive feeling I imagine dogs have when someone tries to approach their bowl of chow. I selfishly wanted to buy everything for myself (hiding things in my Etsy shopping cart is my M.O.), but I simultaneously wanted to share this wondrous little oddity shop with the world. Torn!
As you can see, I’m not an angry chihuahua with insecurity issues (yet). As such, you should most definitely pore over the relics and oddities that make up Obscurio‘s oh-so-addictive shop. It’s like my personal King Tut’s tomb.
And I might just have to buy that novelty photo of the couple. Woof!
My Life in France
Posted by – January 20, 2010
There was a time that I never thought of France. It somehow seemed the obvious place to visit, with it’s romantic and “whimsical” connotations. (“We’ll picnic under the Eiffel Tower, mon cheri! Bring your striped shirt.”)
However, I’m glad to say that I’m over my misguided delusions (with the help of Julia Child and David Sedaris). France now seems like a wonderland of amazing flea markets, medical museums, stinky cheese and taxidermy for miles — all on my “can’t live without” list. Joanna Maclennan‘s photos of Avignon boutique Vox Populi exemplifies all of my expectations.
Artists and Vox Populi owners Pascale Pulin and her husband Bruno have translated their many collections into a life-size cabinet of curiosities. Located in Provence, the peeling wallpaper, bell jars and many scattered bits and pieces of ephemera give this atelier a storybook quality. It’s as though I’m stepping back in time. In the words of Alice Sebold, “lovely bones.” (I think I want to make that my new catchphrase.)
I now want nothing more than to visit France’s winding cobblestone streets. Bring on the fromage, mon cher!
[Via The Constant Gatherer]
