Genuine Antiques are becoming increasingly
difficult to find. A lot of "stuff" that appears at
antiques shows and on the marketplace these days dates from much later than the pre-1900 era good
Antiques and Americana with historical significance
that
we like to acquire and to deal
in.
Much of the stuff that you find offered today is outright fake -
- - brand new
merchandise offered up with a wink and a nod, or the latest craze, stuff
made up from old things and offered as something special, whether it is called Steampunk, assemblages,
repurposed, or whatever. Personally I
am at a loss for words to describe most of it. It might be art, it
might be popular, but it has little to do with authentic antiques
or original Americana.
Original US
Patent Models
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Antique American Patent
Models have a colorful and interesting history. Patent
Models represent
one of the most graphic and rare forms of American ingenuity and inventiveness
that is available
on the antique market. The requirement that each invention
would require a model of the invention was first mandated by the
government
in 1790. That requirement was essentially dropped in the late 1800's as the volume of models the government was storing became enormous.
Over the years there were two different fires in the
government patent
model storage
locations and many of the earliest patent models were destroyed.
These wonderful pieces of Americana were
neglected and ignored for years with all of them nearly being sold off
for scrap in the 20's at a government auction. They were saved from that fate through the wisdom and foresight
of a few devoted and visionary collectors who bought them for their
intrinsic value and beauty.
Most patent models available today came from
the efforts of either O. Rundle Gilbert or Cliff Peterson, both of whom at one
time owned, and marketed the remaining patent models during their
period of ownership. There are small stashes of, and collections of models all over the country that were formed when these owners were
selling off portions of the original collection to finance their
dreams.
Currently there is a large collection of parts and pieces of patent
models with fake tags being offered for sale on eBay with the spiel that the proceeds
are going to some charitable fund or foundation to benefit the "kids",
build a museum, bridge, or something similar. I expect to see offers for shares in the ownership
of the bridge being built to that imaginary place, as in nowhere, as an added bonus
when I read those ads.
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- Jones Salesman Sample Sickle Bar Mowing Machine
- J. D. Adams Salesman Sample Road Grader
- 1858 James McVicker Patent Model Washing Machine based on a Wheelbarrow Design
- 1807 T. Beatty Patent Model Washing / Churning Machine
(Earliest Known Patent Model)
- 1873 Patent Model of Telegraph Apparatus by George Little
- Adriance Platt Salesman Sample Sickle Bar Mowing Machine in Original Box
- B. F. Horton's Patent Improved Salesman Sample Horse Rake & Seeding Machine
- 2 Pickett & 1 K & E Classroom Teaching Aid Slide Rules 4' & 7' Long
Americana
Figural
Antiques / Cast Iron / Advertising
Coffee Grinders / Toys / Country / General Store & Misc.
The Americana General Store & Country Kitchen antiques and collectibles
found on this page cover a broad range both in vintage and uses. Over the
years our focus
has broadened as the supply of the neat early stuff has all
but disappeared from the market. In order to stay relevant our interests
broadened to
include things like patented ice cream scoops, odd can
openers, corkscrews, as well as vintage or antique electric toasters.
Our primary interest
in Coffee Mills is in double wheel #2 or #3 size cast iron double
wheel coffee mills. These
small double wheel coffee mills make for a very colorful and graphic display
in almost any room or setting in the house. They are wonderful pieces and a
great reminder of years past. They fit right in with the current
craze concerning coffee drinking.
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- Pratt Patent "Ladies Companion" Patented 1857 Sewing Machine on Tripod Base
- So - Ezy Mouse Trap by Wolverton Mfg. Co. of Holton Kansas
- 2 Sided Edison Mazda Lamp / Light Bulb Display
- "Sub Grade Rod" #218" by L. A. Batham Oakland Cal.
- K & E / Keuffel & Esser Point of Sale Advertising Display
- Selection of Lamp Fillers
- 1920's Henley Roll About Scooter / Skate Board / Childs Wagon
- Treasure Hunters Dowsing Rod w/ Power Tube
