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E-News ©
April 2006

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Just let us know!

This is just one of the ways we strive to offer the finest service to our buyers and sellers. Our knowledgeable and dedicated staff is skilled in matching sellers' merchandise with buyers' wants. We'll keep your wants in mind, and call or e-mail you when those items you desire come in!

Feature stories this issue...

SOLD!!! Recent Impressive Sales at Showcase Antique Center!

Sold: $3,000.00! M. Maignan 17" Bronze of Fisherman Entitled "En Peril"
Sold: $1,620.00! Ruby Mercury Glass Compote
Sold: $1,980.00! Mercury Glass Large Vase
Sold: $1,000.00! Platinum Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Sold: $800.00! Cast Iron Penguin Doorstop
Sold: $900.00! Platinum Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Sold: $525.00! Peter Ompir Tole Tin Basket
Sold: $795.00! Twigg's Patent Corkscrew
Sold: $600.00! German Tennis Stein
Sold: $650.00! Sterling Flatware Pieces
Sold: $485.00! Birmingham Sterling Posey Holder
Sold: $650.00! Blue Felt Coat Belsnickle
Sold: $750.00! Lecoultre Atmos Clock
Sold: $575.00! Samuel Mug

From the Attic

Sampler Wrought by Margaret Lamb, Aged 12 Years;
   English; 1831. Price: $1,800.00
Duck w/ Elephant Ivory Beak Walking
   Stick/Glove Holder; 36". Price: $ 195.00
Dog Walking Stick/Glove Holder; 34". Price: $ 195.00
Victorian Spittoon; German; circa 1880. Price: $ 750.00
Delta Patent Spittoon. Price: $ 350.00
Peter Ompir Wooden Box w/Male Figure and Tulips. Price: $ 750.00
Peter Ompir Mini-Bucket w/Fruit. Price: $ 180.00
Peter Ompir Mini-Pitcher w/ Cherries. Price: $ 190.00
Peter Ompir Wooden Spoon w/ Flowers. Price: $ 170.00
Broadhead & Arkin Pewter Teapot. Price: $ 475.00
Sterling Art Nouveau Brush and Mirror. Price: $ 295.00
9-Piece Sterling Dresser Set. Price: $1,000.00
Bessie Pease Gutmann Print "Wood Magic" #703. Price: $ 495.00
Bessie Pease Gutmann Print "Rosebud" #780. Price: $ 200.00

What's in your attic?

Read article Yard Sales, Schmard Sales.
CONSIGNMENT = $ALE$ below and learn how easy it is to consign with Showcase Antique Center.

Antiques and
Vintage Collectibles Spotlight

Limoges

In addition to the culinary delights that Marco Polo encountered during his explorations of the Far East, Polo discovered Kaolin--the Chinese word for white clay and the primary material for making porcelain.

Vasco De Gama was the first to bring porcelain back to Europe in the 1400s, and trading began under the auspices of the East India Company. The Chinese were desperate to keep the manufacturing process a trade secret to secure their trade position and high prices.

It is believed that King Louis XIV's insatiable appetite for porcelain fueled the French determination to manufacture porcelain in France. The fortunate discovery of Kaolin around Limoges, France towards the end of the 18th century initiated the Limoges porcelain industry. Also unearthed were underground deposits of metals used to provide metallic oxides for coloring enamel and porcelain.

By the early 1800s, Limoges was manufacturing the finest and purest white porcelain in the world. The increase in demand for these masterpieces led to a rapid growth in factories, with nearly three-dozen porcelain factories operating in the Limoges region by 1840.

The latter half of the nineteenth century marked the greatest growth and recognition for Limoges porcelain, recognized worldwide for its quality and fine artistry. Limoges transitioned almost seamlessly from the Art Nouveau period into Art Deco in the 1920s, and many fine works continue to be produced to this day.

Here's a Sampling of Limoges in Our Showcases and on Our Web Site:

Limoges "Butchers" Occupational Shaving Mug
D & C France is marked on the bottom of the mug. Shaving mug is in excellent condition. Height=3.75 Price: $170.00

H & Co. / L Limoges Invalid Feeder
H & Co. / L Limoges invalid feeder: The porcelain base and double handle are pink with a raised basket weave motif. The upper half is smooth white porcelain with reddish and blue floral sprays. Gold trimmed. Artist signed. Marked. Circa 1888 - 1896. Length=5.25 Width=3.25 Height=3 Price: $295.00

Limoges Picture Frame
Limoges picture frame bordered with yellow petaled flowers; artist signed "F. G. Brown;" marked "Limoges France." Width=6.75 Height=9.75 Price: $335.00

T & V Limoges 3-Piece Tea Set
This T & V Limoges 3-piece tea set consists of a teapot, sugar, and creamer. Midsection of each is white with violets. The borders and handles are pale green highly decorated with raised gilt work. Marked "T & V France Mer Xmas 1893." Hairline in creamer. Price: $595.00

T & V Limoges Biscuit Jar
T & V Limoges biscuit jar with exquisite pink rose decor; marked "T & V France." Height=7.5 Price: $495.00

Limoges Pillow Vase w/ Seascape Decor
Decor on front and back; gold dragon handles; circa 1891-1932. Price: $425.00

Pair of Limoges Bird Plates
Artist signed; circa 1891-1914. Price: $325.00

Limoges Biscuit Jar w/ Multi-colored Floral Decor
Artist signed; circa 1892-1920. Price: $395.00

Limoges Game Bird Plate
Circa 1891-1896. Price: $195.00

Limoges Scalloped Plate w/ Flowers
Circa 1891-1932. Price: $120.00

Limoges Pitcher w/ Lemon Decor
Artist signed. Price: $145.00

Limoges Plate
Red and gold scalloped edges and vivid floral decor; artist signed. Price: $165.00

Limoges Game Bird Plate
With gold border; circa 1890s. Price: $125.00

Limoges Plate
With reticulated gold border and red flowers; artist signed; circa 1891. Price: $120.00

Limoges Plate
With reticulated gold border and violets; artist signed; circa 1891. Price: $120.00

Limoges Plate
With double gold border and purple iris pattern; circa 1891-1914. Price: $ 88.00

Limoges Ornate Serving Bowl w/ Gold Rose Decor
Circa 1892-1907. Price: $ 95.00

Limoges Dessert Set w/ Pink Floral Decor
Cup, saucer, and cake plate; circa 1890s-1920s. Price: $ 75.00

Limoges Pitcher w/ Floral Decor
Artist signed; circa 1885. Price: $150.00

Limoges Celery Tray
With fruit motif; artist signed; circa 1890. Price: $225.00

Limoges Condensed Milk Container w/ Red Berry Decor
Circa 1892-1907. Price: $295.00

Birthday · Wedding · Anniversary · Holiday
A Showcase Antique Center Gift Certificate is the Perfect Gift for the Discerning Collector!

Stuart's Musings

Portraits on Ivory

Prior to the advent of photography, portraiture was the means by which a person's likeness was captured and remembered. Miniatures were a popular and affordable way to mark moments in a person's life. In addition to the small framed portraits, painted brooches and pendants were fashioned as a reminder and means of holding a loved one close.

Portraits on ivory demanded precision and advanced artistic technique. Ivory was a difficult material to manipulate and precise techniques for scratching the ivory and applying colors were unique to each artist. An artist's pattern of cross-hatches, stipples, concentric lines, and washes were distinctive. "Like the fingerprints that they resemble, these identifiable patterns form a basis of attribution," writes Kathleen Eagen Johnson in Beloved Keepsakes.

In the eighteenth century, ivory gained acceptance as an ideal medium for miniature portraits. Watercolor and gouache were the preferred paints. To improve paint adhesion the ivory was degreased, bleached, and finely polished. Brushes of varying thickness--broader brushes for background and clothing, finer ones for delicate detailing - were made from sable hair or the tips of a squirrel's tail. A sharp blade, called a scratcher, was used to etch details--such as single strands of hair-- and to make corrections. The magnifying glass was indispensable in the painting of difficult detail and as a means for inspecting the work.

Robin Jaffee Frank, author of American Portrait and Mourning Miniatures, stated that portrait miniatures are unique among works of art for their highly personal associations. "At the height of their American popularity, from 1760 to 1840, these cherished portraits were frequently commissioned as a way to hold on to absent loved ones."

References: Burack, Benjamin, Ivory and Its Uses, Rutland, Charles E. Tuttle Company, Vermont 1984. Moy, Patricia, Creative Miniatures: A Complete Guide to Miniature Painting, Enderby, Bookmart Limited, Leicester, 1992. Burton, Sue, The Techniques of Painting Miniatures, Batsford, London, 1995.

Brass Dresser Box With Painting On Ivory
Hinged brass dresser box with painting on ivory: painting depicts a building with a fenced fountain area in front, in the foreground a child plays with hoop while dog trails behind; velvet lined; lion's head-shaped legs; top rimmed in cobalt blue enamel. Height=4.5 Price: $550.00
Miniature Painting On Ivory Of Woman
Miniature painting on ivory of woman; artist signed; circa 1880; measurements include frame. Width=4 Height=4.5 Price: $425.00
  • Fine Watercolor on Ivory of Lady
    Circa 1800. Price: $750.00
  • "Fillette" Holding Small Cat
    Portrait on Ivory; circa 1800s. Price: $595.00
  • Miniature Portrait on Ivory of Man
    Circa 1830s. Price: $280.00
  • Miniature Portrait on Ivory of Woman
    Circa 1844. Price: $375.00
  • Yard Sales, Schmard Sales.

    CONSIGNMENT = $ALE$

    "If you have something old, bring it in - it could be a valuable antique or collectible. Having an expert look at it is the best way to find out."

    -Stuart Brody, owner and appraiser, Showcase Antique Center

    Do you have a valuable or family heirloom you'd like to sell? Our consignment arrangement is the prime outlet for getting the best possible price for your antiques and collectibles. Not sure what your item is worth? Our highly qualified appraisers will determine the value of your merchandise for you. This service is free of charge to our consignors.

    Looking for Consignors with Quality Antiques
    • We are committed to carrying quality antiques and vintage collectibles 
    • We don't allow any reproductions
    • We adhere to specific time periods for vintage collectibles
    • We will appraise your items, ensuring the highest value possible
    Our Marketing Strategy
    • A customized marketing program just for you to showcase your merchandise in its best light.
    • Telemarketing
      • We telephone customers with an interest in your type of merchandise
      • Over 20,000 customers in our database
    Additional Services
    • If your merchandise sells through our ads or eBay, we handle the shipping and charge the customer.
    • We remit all the sales tax so you don't have to worry about it. 
    Want to learn more about consigning with Showcase Antique Center? Contact Stuart Brody at sales@showcaseantiques.com. That extra money in your pocket is a click away!

    Showcase Antique Center
    located at the entrance to Old Sturbridge Village,
      Route 20, Sturbridge, MA 01566 
    Tel: (508) 347-7190 Fax: (508) 347-5420
    sales@showcaseantiques.com

     
    Showcase Antique Center is conveniently located on Route 20 in Sturbridge, MA, just one mile from I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and I-84. We're minutes away from the world-renown outdoor Brimfield Antique Shows held annually each May, July and September.


    Need to sell more than what's in your attic?
    Need to sell your whole house?
    Then it's time to call Stuart!

    Stuart Brody, president of Showcase Antique Center, Inc., has added real estate auctioneer to his extensive and impressive list of credentials.
    "Most people think real estate auctioneering has to do with distressed properties," said Stuart. "That is only one portion of the market. More and more people are turning to real estate auctions to sell their homes or commercial properties. Auction is ideal for inherited property, or when time is of the essence, such as in divorce settlements. Contents may be included in the auction as well."
    And the benefits are numerous!
    • Auction reduces the time the property is on the market.
    • Auction eliminates numerous, unscheduled showings.
    • Auction creates competition among buyers - auction prices can exceed the price of a negotiated sale.
    • Auction takes the seller out of the negotiation process.
    • Seller sets the terms and conditions of the sale.
    • Seller knows exactly when the property will sell.
    • The buyer pays the commission when a 7% to 10% buyer's premium is used. The high bid plus the buyer's premium becomes the total selling price.
    • The seller pays no commission when a property is sold...only marketing costs are charged.
    Affiliation: Northeast Realty
    To provide more options for his clients, Stuart affiliated with Northeast Realty, Union, CT, as both a real estate agent and auctioneer. Now Stuart can conduct negotiated sales for both residential and commercial properties in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as auction property in Connecticut. Get the professional attention and advice YOU deserve for YOUR specific real estate needs. Call Stuart Brody at 617-899-8959.

    Showcase Antique Center's E-News(c) is written by Rita Schiano. For more information http://www.ritaschiano.com/

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