History and Traditions of Leap Year

Well folks, today is Leap Day, February 29, 2012. My cousin's mom (yes, I know technically she'd be an aunt, but since she and my Uncle divorced I think it's simpler to say my cousin's mom) but I digress....the point I started to make is that my cousin's mom was born on Leap Day. I've always found that extremely cool that one year a day exists and for three other years its as if the day vanished into the ether. It got me wondering how Leap Year came to be and if there were any special traditions or superstitions regarding that day (aside from aging more slowly then your contemporaries.) I believe my ex-aunt is technically younger then my cousins.

So here's what my super sleuthing skills came up with:

• A leap year consists of 366 days as opposed to our usual 365. (mad math skills)
• Leap Years occur about every four years but special criteria must be met.
• The year is evenly divisible by 4;
• If the year can be evenly divided by 100, it is NOT a leap year, unless;
• The year is also evenly divisible by 400. Then it is a leap year.
• Due to the Earth's rotation if we didn't add an extra day every 4 or so years we'd lose six hours a year and after 100 years our calendar would be off over 20 days.
  
• Julius Caesar invented the leap year but his criteria was only that the year be divided by 4.
• Also, traditionally mens' and womens' roles reverse on this day and women can propose marriage to men. If the man turns her down he is expected to pay a penalty and give her a new gown or 12 pairs of gloves to hide the shame of no engagement ring on her hand.
• Leap Year and this tradition are also where we (in the USA) get the tradition of February Sadie Hawkins dances where the woman asks the man.
  

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the only verified example of a family producing three consecutive generations born on February 29 is that of the Keogh family.

Peter Anthony was born in Ireland on February 29, 1940, while his son Peter Eric was born on the Leap Day in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1964. His daughter, Bethany Wealth, was, in turn, born in the UK on February 29, 1996. (timeanddate.com)

A Norwegian family named Henriksen from Andenes holds the official record of number of children born on February 29. Mrs. Karin Henriksen gave birth to 3 children on consecutive February 29; her daughter Heidi in 1960 and her sons Olav and Leif-Martin in 1964 and 1968 respectively.(timeanddate.com)

Hope that thirst for information has been quenched but if not check back...you never know what my eclectic brain will uncover.

About Estate Sales and Liquidations

We serve individuals, families, estate trustees, executors and attorneys. We are committed to helping people with the arduous and emotional task of liquidating personal property. We are a staff of caring professionals. We conduct our sales in a speedy and efficient manner with the goal of obtaining for you, our client the highest possible prices.

Here’s What We Offer: • FREE appointment/consultation to discuss the best means of liquidating your personal property. There are a variety of ways to liquidate personal property, aside from the traditional on-site estate sale. Let us explore the options with you. • FREE appraisal/evaluation of items by a certified and experienced appraiser should you choose our firm to liquidate your property. (Written appraisals for tax/estate/donation purposes are available on a separate fee schedule.) • FREE advertising of your estate sale in a variety of venues. (Antique News Publications, Local Newspapers, and Online Ad Services such as Craigslist, Fogster and Ebay.) • FREE promotion, we promote your sale on our website in addition to advertising. We also prominently place signs guiding people to the sale. • FREE credit card processing. Sometimes, a sale would be lost if the customer couldn’t pay with a credit card. We never want our clients to lose a sale due to their inability to accept all types of payment. Our company absorbs the high cost of credit card processing and you benefit from increased sales. • Event hotline and email newsletter: We have a number where the public may call to ascertain information on our upcoming sales and we also regularly send out information in our online newsletter and daily blog. • We work on commission. It is in both our best interests to garner the maximum prices for your merchandise while still maintaining its salability. • We will sell everything possible from the muffin papers in the kitchen cabinet to the family car in the garage. • We conduct on-site or online estate sales. Sometimes due to inclement weather it would better serve our clients to have an online estate sale. (Ask us for our flyer detailing both.) • We give you a clear list letting you know which items sold and for how much and you’ll have your check by Certified Mail within 14 days of the close of the sale. • Items not sold, if salable will be picked up and donated to a local charity. • Broom-Clean, we will leave your home clean and free of debris generated from the sale. If you require additional removal or clean-out of non-salable items we offer clean-out services.

Antique Victorian Meerschaum Pipe French Carved Woman Leather Case JF Paris

This is a breathtaking antique meerschaum pipe. It comes in its original lined case. The interior of the case is marked with a cherub and JF Paris. The case is is scuffed on the exterior but is solid and sturdy. It measures about 5 1/2". The pipe itself has discolored from years of tobacco use but is absolutely gorgeous. It measures about 3 1/4" from the bowl to the end of the screw edge. There is no mouthpiece.

The Do's and Don'ts Before Downsizing or Liquidating an Estate

Do’s and Don’ts Before An Estate Sale

• DO NOT, DO NOT throw anything away. Even if you think that old Hershey’s chocolate box holding dad’s nails in the garage is nothing but rubbish, LEAVE IT BE!!! You would be surprised at how many times we’ve had a buyer come looking for a specific item only to be told by the owner that it had been thrown out. Please do not clean or throw out anything. We are professionals and know what buyers are looking for as well as how to best clean and present the items to potential buyers.
• Do NOT sell anything prior to the estate sale or have your own yard sale without first consulting with an appraiser. We are professionals and know which items are valuable and which are not. We can liquidate the entire contents of the home quickly and efficiently without the emotional strain placed on the owners/family.
• Do NOT sell piece-meal to dealers. When doing this it allows the best pieces to go before the sale opens leaving the less desirable objects behind. This will deter buyers from even looking.
• Do Cover the property with insurance.
• Do tell friends and family about the sale and the dates available for shopping. If two or more family members want the same item leave it in the sale. The family member that wants it the most will purchase it from the sale and eliminate all of the fighting.

A Letter To Our Appraiser

Dear Amanda,

I want to thank you for serving as our “celebrity guest” and liaison with the KMAX T.V. Crew during our 44th Annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair on Historic Sutter Street in Folsom on December 5th. Countless shoppers and collectors were made... aware of our event as a result of your live broadcast the day of the event. You were very gracious setting aside the time from your busy schedule and arriving at any early hour!

We certainly look forward to visits from you at future events.

cc: Jim Snook, President, Board of Directors, Folsom Historic District Association



Shannon Cheyne, Manager, Folsom Historic District Association

Sincerely,

Carole Berry, Event Coordinator
Folsom Historic District Association

A Tip About Antique Glass

Something I was just reminded of in an unpleasant way!!! Glass is fragile and does not handle extremes in temperature change very well. Many people store their fine china or crystal and pull it out for use around the holidays. Before unpacking glass or china that has been stored in a cold environment be sure to let it warm up before handling or washing it. The change between cold glass and warm wash water can lead to a disaster.

Jewish Bridal Belt

An interesting appraisal that came across my desk. It is estimated that a group of wealthy Jews immigrated to Yemen in approximately 629 BCE. There relationship with the Arab world, and their traditions are different then any other Jews in the rest of the world. The Yemenite Jews faced times of equality with the rulers of Yemen as well as times of oppression. There are still Yemenite Jews today although the populace is much smaller then it was prior to the formation of the State of Israel and the Jewish immigration of the 1950's. The Yemenite Jews passed along some of their arts and crafts to the Israeli Jews but many of the Yemenite traditions have been lost over time. The Yemenite Jews were unique in that they manufactured and crafted their jewelry and religious artifacts themselves and often times from raw materials they themselves made. The Yemenite Jews were the leaders in the arts and crafts industry. Almost all jewelry in Yemen was made by Jewish artisans. It was against several Muslim rules for the Jewish people to have better items then their Muslim counterparts. Therefore the Jewish people of Yemen adopted a look a faux poverty. The exception to this was in the elaborate jewelry worn by Jewish women. Since the Jewish people were the ones making the jewelry they made exceptional pieces for themselves particularly bridal jewelry.

The item being appraised was a Jewish bridal belt possibly from Yemen. Circa late 1800's. It was common for the Yemenite Jews to make jewelry out of silver with gilt accents. I would suspect this is made of silver with gilt accents, but it is difficult to tell without seeing the item in person. Yemenite Jews were plainly dressed with the exception of brides and new mothers. Both women were allowed to wear exceptional jewelry on those occasions. The Yemenite Jews were exceptional craftsmen as evidenced by the surviving 19th century jewelry. This belt is elaborate in both craftsmanship and design. The bridal belt is exchanged with the groom on the eve of the wedding signifying the bride and grooms lives being tied together. These belts were generally elaborate pieces of jewelry and were sometimes loaned out by synagogues to a bride who could not afford her own. I was able to locate only four other bridal belts in my research and could not find auction results for any comparable pieces. My price estimate is based on auction results for other Judaic artifacts. I would not be at all surprised to see auction results
* Current Fair Market Value: $1,500.00
* Replacement Cost: $3,000.00

Is it Real???

This is a question I've been getting a lot lately. By a lot I mean at least once a week someone comes to me wanting an appraisal and authentication on their Coach, Chanel or Gucci handbags. Over the next couple of weeks I'll post tips on how to know before you buy online.

FIRST TIP and this applies to all the major designers.
If you bought it from a purse party or a guy on the street corner, IT IS FAKE. Counterfeiting is illegal and I don't care how cheap the price was and how real it looked it is wrong. Don't do it!!

About Coach
BEWARE:
Beware when buying on eBay if the seller has only provided one photo of each of the purses. I would also suggest checking out their feedback. Another tip would be to contact the seller and ask if they can provide a store receipt for the handbags. Also, beware of the same seller having multiples of the same bag.
Tips for Buying Genuine Coach Bags:
*Coach does not sell to wholesalers or middle men. They only sell their bags through Coach, Coach Outlet, The Coach website and authorized high-end retailers.
*Coach does not sell blemished or seconds. If someone is selling the item as a "second" beware its a fake.
*Coach should be numbered and have a creed.
*Coach should come with a dustbag, usually a deep chocolate with red drawstring and white letters. (There are now newer dustbags, with the company colors)
*The Coach price tag is a bi-fold tag with the word COACH written in brown centered in the front. The interior is imprinted in black are the style number, colors, the SKU number & bar code, a brief abbreviated description, and the price.
*Coach only uses superior craftsmanship. Every detail should be perfect including the evenness and number of stitches on the leather.
*Coach only uses genuine leather.
*Coach CC's are centered and run horizontally never vertically.
*Coach uses heavy thread and double stitches seams.
*Coach bags never have puckered seams
*Coach bags with the CC logo on the exterior will always have solid linings.
*Coach bags if wrapped in plastic will always be covered with tissue first, plastic will never directly touch a Coach bag.
*Coach is always happy to answer questions and can be reached toll free at 1-888-262-6224

Men's Top Hats

Dunlap & Company - Dickerson & Company Dunlap Robert Dunlap was an errand boy for Charles Knox of Knox Hats in New York prior to starting the high end men’s hatters known as Dunlap & Company. He began working for Charles Knox at the age of 12 when his mother brought him to Knox Hats and requested that Charles Knox hire her son. He swept floors and was a general errand boy earning $3.00 a week. He was a quick learner and was promoted to salesman status. He continued to sell Knox hats for several years at the time earning $12.00 a week. He felt he deserved more money and asked for a raise of $3.00 which would have brought his salary to $15.00 a week. Mr. Knox refused the raise. Dunlap left the Knox Company angry and started Dunlap & Company. By the late 1890s Dunlap Hats was a well-known established company that other hat makers looked to for trends. Dunlap marketed themselves to the high-end market and their advertisements made it known that not just anyone would have a Dunlap hat. One ad in particular read, “Whenever you see a man’s initials inside a Dunlap Hat, you picture him as either a young man who rows on college crew or a mature man who presides over a board of directors. A Dunlap Hat is associated with men who appreciate fine things because it is a conspicuously fine thing itself.” Robert Dunlap was such a good marketer and hatter that the Dunlap hat eventually outsold the Knox Hat. For many years small hat makers and knock-off competitors would hold up production of their hats until Dunlap unveiled theirs and then would copy the Dunlap style. As fashions changed so did the hat industry and both Knox and Dunlap began to see a decrease in business. Knox acquired Dunlap in 1918 but hats continue to be produced under the Dunlap name. Dickerson and Company was a relatively small hatter and Dunlap produced hats for them. Not much is know about this company. The Bowler Hat as it is called in England was first introduced in the 1850’s. It became popular in the United States in the 1860’s and continued its popularity well into the early 1900’s. Americans refer to the Bowler as a Derby Hat. It was made popular by the Earl of Derby who frequently wore one and thus was given its name. The Top Hat was popular throughout most of the 19th century. Some people have said it was a fitting fashion tribute to the Industrial revolution of the 19th century since the hat resembles a chimney top. At one point top hats were worn by nearly all men and then were gradually replaced by the bowler hat with middle class citizens. If you look through satirical cartoons of the late 19th century you will find that many poke fun at upper class men in their top hats.

Victorian Floral Symbolism

A
• APPLE BLOSSOM - Preference, Better Things to Come, Good Fortune
• ARBUTUS - Thee Only Do I Love
• ARUM - Ardor
• ASPARAGUS FERN - Fascination
• ASPHODEL - My Regrets Follow You to the Grave
• ASTER - Symbol of Love, Daintiness, Talisman of Love
• ASTER (CHINA) - Fidelity, Variety, I Will Think of Thee
• AZALEA - Take Care, Temperance, Fragile, Passion, Chinese Symbols of Womanhood
B
• BABY'S BREATH - Innocence, Pure of Heart
• BACHELOR BUTTON - Single blessedness, Celibacy
• BALM - Sympathy
• BALSAM - Ardent Love
• BEGONIA - Beware, A Fanciful Nature
• BELLS OF IRELAND - Good luck
• BIRD OF PARADISE - Often given today from a woman to man as a symbol of faithfulness
• BITTERSWEET - Truth
• BLACK BRYONT/LADY'S SEAL - Be My Support
• BLUEBELL/BELL FLOWER - Humility, Constancy, Gratitude
• BROOM - Humility, Neatness
• BUCK BEAN - Calm repose
• BUTTERCUP - Childishness, Riches
C
• CACTUS - Endurance, My Heart Burns with Love
• CALYCANTHUS/CAROLINA ALLSPICE/SWEET SHRUB - Benevolence
• CALLA LILY - Magnificent Beauty
• CAMELLIA - Admiration, Perfection, Good Luck Gift for a Man, Gratitude
• CAMELLIA (PINK) - Longing
• CAMELLIA (RED) - You're a flame in my heart
• CAMELLIA (WHITE) - Adoration, Perfection, Loveliness
• CANDYTUFT - Indifference
• CANTERBURY BELLS/BELL FLOWER - Gratitude
• CARDINAL FLOWER/SCARLET LOBELIA - Distinction
• CARNATION (GENERAL) - Fascination, Devoted Love
• CARNATION (PINK) - I'll never forget you, Women's Love
• CARNATION (RED) - My heart aches for you, Admiration
• CARNATION (DEEP RED) - Alas! for my poor heart
• CARNATION (PURPLE) - Capriciousness
• CARNATION (SOLID COLOR) - Yes
• CARNATION (STRIPED) - No, Refusal, Sorry I can't be with you, Wish I could be with you
• CARNATION (WHITE) - Sweet & Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift
• CARNATION (YELLOW) - Disapointment, Rejection
• CATCHFLY (RED) - Youthful Love, I Fall Victim
• CATTAIL - Peace, Prosperity
• CATTLEYA - Mature charms
• CEDAR - I live but for thee, Think of Me
• CELANDINE/PILEWORT/FIGWORT - Future Joy
• CHAMOMILE/GOLDEN MARGUERITE/ANTHEMIS - Energy in Action
• CHERRY BLOSSOM (SINGLE) - Education
• CHICKWEED - I Cling to Thee
• CHICORY - Frugality
• CHRISTMAS ROSE/HELLEBORUS - Relieve My Anxiety
• CHRYSANTHEMUM (GENERAL) - Abundance & Wealth,
• Cheerfulness, You're a wonderful friend
• CHRYSANTHEMUM (RED) - Love
• CHRYSANTHEMUM (WHITE) - Truth
• CHRYSANTHEMUM (YELLOW) - Slighted Love
• CINQUEFOIL - Beloved Child
• CLEMATIS - Artifice (ingenuity)
• CLOVER (FOUR-LEAF) - Be Mine
• CLOVER (WHITE) - Think of Me
• CLOVER (RED) - Industry
• COLCHICUM (MEADOW SAFFRON) - My Best Days Fled
• COLUMBINE (PURPLE) - Resolved to Win
• COLUMBINE (RED) - Anxious
• COMPASS FLOWER - Faith
• CONVOLVUS MINOR/BINDWEED - Uncertainty
• CORCHORUS - Impatience of Happiness
• COREOPSIOS - Always Cheerful
• CORNFLOWER - Delicacy, refinement,
• CORONILLA/CROWN VETCH - Success to You
• COWSLIP - Rusticity, Winning Grace, Healing, Youth, Pensiveness
• COXCOMB - Foppery, Unfading Love
• CROCUS - Cheerfulness, Abuse not, Gladness
• CROWN IMPERIAL/FRITILLARIA - Majesty
• CYCLAMEN - Resignation and Good-Bye
D
• DAFFODIL - Regard, Unrequited Love, Sunshine, Respect, The sun shines when I'm with you
• DAFFODIL (YELLOW ) - Chivalry
• DAHLIA - Dignity and Elegance, Forever Thine
• DAISY - Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never tell, Purity, Beauty
• DAISY OX-EYE - Patience
• DAISY (RED) - Beauty Unknown to Possessor
• DANDELION - Faithfulness, Happiness, Love's oracle
• DAPHANE CNEORUM/ROSE DAPHANE - I Desire to Please
• DAPHANE ODORA/WINTER DAPHANE - I Would Not Have You Otherwise
• DRACAENA/DRAGON'S BLOOD/DRAGON LILY - Inner Power
• DEAD LEAVES - Sadness
• DELPHINIUM - Big-Hearted, Fun
• DILL - Lust
• DIOSMA - Your Simple Elegance Charms Me
• DOG ROSE - Pleasure and Pain
• DOGWOOD (FLOWERING) - Am I Indifferent to You?
• DRAGON ROOT/GREEN DRAGON (Arum draconium) - Ardor

E
• EDELWEISS/ALPINE CUDWEED - Daring, Courage, Noble Purity
• EGLANTINE/SWEET-BRIAR/ROSA EGLANTARIA - Poetry, I Wound to Heal
• ELDER FLOWER - Zeal
• ENDINE - Frugality
• EPIGAEA, REPENS/MAYFLOWER/TRAILING ARBUTUS - Budding
• EUPATORIUM/HARDY AGERATUM - Delay
• EREMURUS - Endurance
• EUPHORBIA - Persistence
• EVERLASTING - Never Ceasing Memory
F
• FERN - Magic, Fascination, Confidence, Shelter
• FERN (MAIDENHAIR) - Secret bond of love, Discretion
• FERN (ROYAL) - Reverie
• FILBERT - Reconciliation
• FIR - Time
• FLAX - Domestic Symbol
• FLORA'S BELL - Without Pretension
• FLOWERING REED - Confide in Heaven
• FORGET ME NOT - True Love, Memories
• FORSYTHIA - Anticipation
• FOXGLOVE/FAIRY THIMBLES/DEAD MEN'S BELLS - Stateliness, Youth
• FOXTAIL GRASS - Sporting
• FRAXINELLA/CULTIVATED DITTANY/GAS PLANT - Fire
• FREESIA - Innocence, Trust
• FUCHSIA (SCARLET) - Confiding Love, Taste
• FURZE - Love for All Occasions
G
• GARDENIA - You're lovely, Secret love, Purity, Refinement
• GARLIC - Courage, Strength, Get well, Ward Off Evil & Illness
• GENETIAN (FRINGED) - Intrinsic Worth, I Look to Heaven, Autumn
• GENTIAN (CLOSED) - Sweet Be Thy Dreams
• GERANIUM - True Friend, Stupidity, Folly
• GERANIUM (APPLE) - Present Preference
• GERANIUM (IVY) - Your Hand for Next Dance
• GERANIUM (LEMON) - Unexpected Meeting
• GERANIUM (NUTMEG) - I Expect a Meeting
• GERANIUM (OAK-LEAVED) - True Friendship, Lady, Deign to Smile
• GERANIUM (PENCILED) - Ingenuity
• GERANIUM (ROSE) - Preference
• GERANIUM (SCARLET) - Consolation, Melancholy
• GERANIUM (SILVER-LEAF) - Recall
• GERBERA - Innocence
• GLADIOLI - Generosity, I'm sincere, Flower of the gladiators
• GLOBE AMARANTH - Unfading Love
• GLOXINIA - Love at first sight
• GINGER - Strength
• GOLDEN-ROD - Be cautious, Encouragement
• GOOSEBERRY - Anticipation
• GOOSEFOOT - Goodness
• GORSE - Endearing Affection
• GRASS - Submission
• GRASS/CITRONELLA/CAMEL GRASS/LEMON GRASS/GINGER
• GRASS - Homosexual Love
• GUELDER ROSE/SNOWBALL - Winter
H
• HAREBELL/CAMPANULA - Humility, Grief
• HEART'S EASR/PURPLE/JOHNNY JUMP UP - You Occupy My Thoughts
• HEPATICA (Anemone nobilis) - Confidence
• HEATHER (LAVENDER) - Admiration, Solitude
• HEATHER (WHITE) - Protection, Wishes will come true
• HELIOTROPE - Devotion
• HENBANE - For Males to Attract Love from Females
• HIBISCUS - Consumed by Love, Delicate Beauty
• HOLLY - Defense, Domestic Happiness, Am I forgotten
• HOLLYHOCK - Fruitfulness
• HOLLYHOCK (WHITE) - Female Ambition
• HONESTY/LUNARIA/DOLLAR PLANT/MONEY PLANT - Sincerity
• HONEYFLOWER - Sweet, Secret love, Generous Affection, Sweetness of Disposition
• HONEYSUCKLE - The Bond of Love
• HONEYSUCKLE (CORAL) - I Love You
• HOUSTONIA/BLUET/QUAKER LADIES - Content
• HOYA/WAX PLANT - Sculpture
• HUCKLEBERRY - Faith, Simple Pleasures
• HYACINTH (GENERAL) - Games & Sports, Rashness, Flower dedicated to Apollo
• HYACINTH (BLUE) - Consistency
• HYACINTH (PURPLE) - Sorry, Please forgive me, Sorrow
• HYACINTH (RED OR PINK) - Playful Joy
• HYACINTH (WHITE) - Unobtrusive Loveliness, I'll pray for you
• HYACINTH (YELLOW) - Jealousy
• HYDRANGEA - Thank you for understanding, frigidity, heartlessness
I
• IPOMACA - I Attach Myself to You
• INDIAN CRESS/NASTURTIUM - Resignation
• IRIS - Faith, Wisdom, Promise in Love, Hope, Wisdom & Valor
• IRIS (YELLOW) - Passion
• IRIS (GERMAN) - Flame
• IVY - Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
• IVY (SPRIG OF WHITE TENDRILS)- Anxious to please, Affection

J
• JAPONICA - Sincerity, Symbol of Love
• JASMINE (INDIAN) - Attachment
• JASMINE (SPANISH) - Sensuality
• JASMINE (YELLOW) - Modesty, Grace, Elegance
• JASMINE (WHITE) - Amiability
• JERUSALEM OAK - Your Love is Reciprocated
• JONQUIL - Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy
K
• KENNEDIA - Intellectual Beauty
L
• LADY'S SLIPPER - Win me, Capricious Beauty
LANTANA - Rigor
• LARKSPUR - Levity, An Open Heart, Lightness
• LAURISTINUS - Cheerful in Adversity
• LAVENDER - Love, Devotion,
• LEMON BLOSSOM - Fidelity in Love; I Promise to be True
• LILAC (GENERAL) - Beauty, Pride
• LILAC (PURPLE) - First emotions of love
• LILAC (WHITE) - Youthful Innocence
• LILY (GENERAL) - Majesty & Honor, Purity of Heart
• LILY (ORANGE) - Hatred, Dislike
• LILY (WHITE) - Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You, Youth
• LILY (YELLOW) - I'm Walking On Air, False, Gay, Gratitude
• LILY (CALLA) - Beauty
• LILY (DAY) - Coquetry, Chinese Emblem For Mother
• LILY (EUCHARIS) - Maiden Charms
• LILY (TIGER) - Wealth, Pride, Prosperity
• LILY OF THE VALLEY - Sweetness, Tears Of The Virgin Mary, Happiness, Humility
• LIVERWORT - Confidence
• LOVE IN A MIST - You Puzzle Me
• LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING/AMARANTHUS - Hopeless, Not Heartless, Desertion
• LOTUS - Estranged love, Forgetful of the Past
• LUCERNE - Life
• LUNGWORT - Thou Art My Life
• LUPINE - Imagination
• LYCHNIS/CAMPION/MALTESE CROSS - Religious Enthusiasm
M
• MAGNOLIA - Nobility, Perseverance, Nobility
• MAGNOLIA (CHINESE) - Love of Nature
• MALLOW - Delicate Beauty, Sweetness
• MARIGOLD (COMMON) - Pretty Love, Sacred,Affection, Caress, Sorrow
• MARJORAM - Joy, Happiness
• MARVEL OF PERU/FOUR O' CLOCK - Timidity
• MEADOW SAFFRON - My Best Days Are Gone
• MIGNONETTE - Your qualities Surpass your Charms, Health
• MEZEREON - Desire to Please
• MILK VETCH - Your presence softens my pain
• MIMOSA - Secret Love
• MINT - Virtue
• MISTLETOE - Kiss me, Affection, Difficulties, Sacred plant of India,
• MONKSHOOD - Beware, Danger is near
• MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED - Simplicity
• MORNING GLORY - Affection
• MOSS - Maternal Love, Charity
• MOTHERWORT - Secret Love
• MOONWORT/HONESTY - Forgetfulness
• MUGWORT/WORMWOOD - Tranquility, Happiness
• MULLEIN - Good Nature
• MYRTLE - Love, Joy, Hebrew Emblem of marriage
• MYRTLE (WAX) - Discipline, Instruction
N
• NARCISSUS - Formality, Stay As Sweet As You Are
• NASTURTIUM - Conquest, Victory In Battle
• NUTS - Stupidity
O
• OAK LEAVES - Bravery
• OLEANDER - Caution
• OLIVE BRANCH - Peace
• ORANGE BLOSSOM - Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage, Fruitfulness
• ORANGE, MOCK - Deceit
• ORCHID - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Chinese Symbol for Many Children, Thoughtfulness
• ORCHID (CATTLEYA) - Mature Charm
P
• PALM LEAVES - Victory & Success
• PANSY - Merriment, Thoughts (You Occupy My Thoughts)
• PARSLEY - Useful Knowledge
• PASSION FLOWER - Faith, Religious Fervor
• PASQUE FLOWER - Unpretentious, You Have No Claims
• PEAR - Affection
• PEACH BLOSSOM - I am your Captive
• PEONY - Shame, Happy Marriage, Compassion, Bashfulness
• PEPPERMINT - Cordiality
• PERIWINKLE/VINCA/MYRTLE - Early Recollections, Pleasures of Memories, Sweet Memories
• PETUNIA - Your Presence Soothes Me
• PHEASANT'S EYE/ADONIS - Sorrowful Memories
• PHLOX - Our souls are united, Unanimity
• PIMPERNEL/POOR MAN'S WEATHER GLASS - Change
• PINE - Hope, Pity
• PINK- Pure Affection
• PINK (MOUNTAIN) - You Are Aspiring
• POPPY (GENERAL) - Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination
• POPPY (RED) - Pleasure
• POPPY (WHITE) - Consolation
• POPPY (YELLOW ) - Wealth, Success
• POMEGRANATE FLOWER - Elegance
• PRIDE OF CHINA - Dissension
• PRIMROSE - I Can't Live Without You, Woman
• PRIMROSE (EVENING) - Inconstancy
• PRIMROSE (RED) - Unpatronized Merit
• PRINCE'S FEATHER - Unfading Love
• PUSSY WILLOW - Motherhood
Q
• QUAKING GRASS - Agitation
R
• RAGGED-ROBIN - Wit
• RANUNCULUS - I am Dazzled by your Charms
• REEDS - Music
• RHUBARB - Advice
• RHODODENDRON - Danger, Beware, I am Dangerous
• ROSE (BRIDAL) - Happiness
• ROSE (BURGANDY) - Unconscious Beauty
• ROSE (CHRISTMAS)- Relieve my anxiety
• ROSE (CORAL) - Desire
• ROSE (DAMASK) - Freshness, Persian Ambassador of Love
• ROSE (DARK CRIMSON) - Mourning
• ROSE (DOG) - Pleasure & Pain
• ROSE (GREEN) - I am from Mars
• ROSE (HIBISCUS) - Delicate, Beauty
• ROSE (LEAF) - You may Hope
• ROSE (LAVENDER) - Enchantment
• ROSE (ORANGE) - Fascination
• ROSE (PINK) - Perfect Happiness, Secret Love, Grace & Sweetness, Indecision
• ROSE (DARK PINK) - Thankfulness
• ROSE (PALE PINK) - Grace, Joy
• ROSE (PEACH) - Immortality, Modesty
• ROSE (RED) - Love, I love you, Respect, Beauty
• ROSE (DEEP RED) - Bashful, Shame
• ROSE (TEA) - I'll Remember - Always
• ROSE (THORNLESS) - Love at first sight, Early Attachment
• ROSE (WHITE) - Innocence, Purity, Humility, I am Worthy of You, Secrecy, Silence
• ROSE (WHITE & RED TOGETHER) - Unity, Flower Emblem of England
• ROSE (WHITE-DRIED) - Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue
• ROSE (YELLOW) - Joy, Jealousy, Friendship (one yellow rose with 11 red ones means love & passion)
• ROSEBUD - Beauty & Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love
• ROSEBUD (RED) - Pure & Lovely
• ROSEBUD (WHITE) - Girlhood, Heart Ignorant of Love
• ROSEBUD (MOSS) - Confessions of Love
• ROSES (Bouquet of full bloom) - Gratitude
• ROSES (Single full bloom) - I truly love you, Simplicity.
• ROSES (GARLAND or CROWN OF) - Beware of Virtue, Reward of Merit, Symbol of Superior Merit
• ROSE (MUSK CLUSTER) - Charming
• ROSE-OF-SHARON - Consumed by Love
• ROSEMARY - Remembrance
• RUSH/HORSE-TAIL - Docility
S
• SAGE - Wisdom, Great Respect, Speedwell Female Fidelity
• SATIN-FLOWER - Sincerity
• SENSITIVE PLANT - Timidity
• SHAMROCK - Lightheartedness
• SLOE - Difficulty, AusteritySMILAX - Loveliness
• SNAPDRAGON - Gracious Lady, Strength
• SNOWBALL - Thoughts of Heaven
• SNOWDROP - Hope, Consolation
• SPEARMINT - Warm Sentiment
• SPIDER FLOWER - Elope with me
• SOLIDAGO - Success
• STAR OF BETHLEHEM - Atonement, Reconciliation
• STARWORT - Welcome to a Stranger
• STEPHANOTIS - Marital Happiness, Desire to Travel
• STOCK- Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You'll Always Be Beautiful to Me
• STONECROP - Tranquility
• STRAW FLOWER - Agreement
• STRAW (BROKEN) - Broken agreement
• SYTINGIA/MOCK ORANGE/LILAC - Memory
• SUNFLOWER (TALL) - False riches, Pride
• SUNFLOWER ( DWARF) - Adoration
• SWEETPEA - Good-by, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time
• SWEET-SULTAN - Felicity, Happiness
• SWEET-WILLIAM - Grant me one smile, Gallantry
T
• TEASEL (Dipscaus) - Misanthropy
• THORNAPPLE - I dreamed of thee
• THRIFT (ARMERIA) - Sympathy
• TRAVELER'S JOY - Rest, Safety
• TRUMPET FLOWER/ANGEL'S TRUMPET/DATURA - Separation
• TULIP (GENERAL) - Perfect Lover, Fame, Flower Emblem of Holland
• TULIP (RED) -Believe me, Declaration of Love
• TULIP (VARIEGATED) - Beautiful eyes
• TULIP (YELLOW) - There's Sunshine In Your Smile
• TURNIP - Charity
V
• VALERIAN - Accommodating Disposition
• VENUS FLYTRAP - Caught at Last
• VENUS' LOOKING GLASS - Flattery
• VERBENA - Pray for me, Sensibility
• VERONICA SPEEDWELL - Fidelity
• VERVAIN - Enchantment
• VINE - Intoxicating
• VIOLET - Modesty, Virtue, Affection
• VIOLET (BLUE) - Watchfulness, Faithfulness, Love
• VIOLET (WHITE) - Let's Take A Chance On Happiness
• VIRGIN'S BOWER/CLEMATIS - Filial Love (Filial: referring to a son or daughter)
• VISCARIA - Will You Dance With Me?
W
• WALL FLOWER/GILLY FLOWER - Faithful in Adversity, Fidelity, Lasting Beauty
• WINDFLOWER - Sincerity, Symbol of Love
• WINTERGREENS - Harmony
• WISTERIA - Welcome
• WITCH HAZEL - A spell
• WOLFBANE/ACONITE/TURK'S CAP/FRIAR'S CAP/BEAR'S FOOT - Misanthropy, Chivalry, Knight
• WOODBINE - Fraternal Love
• WORMWOOD/ARTEMISIA - Absence, Do not be discouraged
Y
• YARROW - Cure for heartache
Z
• ZEPHYR FLOWER- Sincerity, Symbol of Love
• ZINNIA (MAGENTA) - Lasting Affection
• ZINNIA (MIXED) - Thinking (or in memory) of an Absent Friend
• ZINNIA (SCARLET) - Constancy
• ZINNIA (WHITE) - Goodness
• ZINNIA (YELLOW) - Daily Remembrance

Alphabetical Listing Courtesy of Victorian Bazaar

Pablo Picasso Still in High Demand

On February 8, 2011 a painting of Pablo Picasso’s mistress Marie-Therese Walter sold in London at Sotheby’s Auction House for a whopping 25.2 million pounds ($40.7 million USD). Amazingly, in this time of supposed financial hardship the bidding was heated for over six minutes. The final gavel price came in nearly 7 million over the pre-sale estimate.

The painting entitled La Lecture was purchased by an anonymous phone bidder. La Lecture features Marie-Therese asleep in a chair. Walter met Picasso when she was 17 and he 45. There love affair continued for over 13 years and she bore him a daughter Maya Widmaier-Picasso
born September 5, 1935. Picasso financially supported both Marie-Therese and their daughter but never married her as he continued to remain married to his wife Olga Khoklova.

(image courtesy of Sotheby's)

Saturday Spotlight: Why the Gap?

From Littleton Coin Company......

Low-Mintage Period Morgans

BY PAUL GREEN

Naturally, there were some high and low mintages for the Morgan dollar which was produced for nearly 20 years. However, there was one very distinct period, from 1893 to 1895, when Morgan dollar mintages were well below normal. That makes it no accident that some of the more difficult-to-find Morgan dollars will carry a date of 1893, 1894 or 1895.

Sometimes there will be a year of low mintages for a certain denomination. Or we’ll have a year like 1921, when most denominations had low mintages because the mints were busy with a heavy production of Morgan and Peace dollars. But rarely do you see a period of low mintages for a specific denomination, like in 1893-95 for Morgan dollars. However, there was a very good reason for the low numbers.

By 1893, there was no need for more Morgan dollars. The 1892 totals showed that there were more than 357 million sitting in the Treasury, while almost 7.5 million were in banks as reserves, and just under 50 million were in circulation. So, in terms of conducting commerce, there were enough Morgan dollars.

That was not the reason for the drop in mintages, however. Instead, it was because in 1893 the silver purchasing clause of the Act of July 14, 1890 was repealed. What that meant was that additional silver to make more dollars could not be purchased, and at least for a time, the era of large Morgan dollar mintages was over. This would last for three years, and today those three years read almost like a list of the hardest-to-find Morgan dollars.

The impact was immediate and dramatic, as is seen with the Philadelphia issue of 1893. This coin was not on track to have a large mintage anyway, but with 378,000 pieces struck by April 28, Morgan dollar production ceased at Philadelphia and was never resumed that year. That made the 378,000 mintage of 1893 one of the toughest of the Philadelphia Morgan dollars – although it was recognized quickly. So over the years, when an 1893 was found in circulation, or whenever an original bag appeared, collectors would save some. That keeps the 1893 at a reasonable price today despite its low mintage.

Much the same happened in New Orleans, where 300,000 Morgans were produced in January, and none after that. The 1893-O also was saved when found in circulation, as there are worn examples found in the market today. In Mint State the supply disappears, and even the coins there tend to be heavily bagmarked and poorly struck, making the 1893-O a low mintage date that is even harder to find in Mint State than its mintage suggests.

The key business strike Morgan dollar is the 1893-S, and it followed the pattern with its entire mintage of 100,000 produced in January. With that low mintage, the 1893-S was bound to be a key date. It appears to have circulated in some numbers, as usually the 1893-S can be found in Very Fine condition. In Mint State, it is a significant rarity – but it is tough to locate in any grade.

The only facility to produce Morgan dollars in 1893 after the end of April was Carson City, where production continued through May. However, this was the last year of coin production at Carson City, making it possible that they were trying to use up silver. Whatever the reason, for the only time in its history, Carson City had the highest Morgan dollar mintage of the year, at 677,000 pieces. While not readily available (the 1893-CC was not found in numbers in either the Treasury or Redfield hoards), the 1893-CC was saved when encountered. This made it a better date, but one that most can expect to find and afford.

The trend continued in 1894, when Philadelphia had a business strike mintage of just 110,000, making the 1894 the second-lowest-mintage regular-issue Morgan dollar. As might be expected with its low mintage, the 1894 is definitely a better date Morgan dollar. In Mint State, it’s tough enough to locate that some collectors are considering one of the 972 proofs as an alternative to the nearly impossible-to-obtain top grade examples in Mint State.

With a mintage of 1,723,000, the 1894-O had a higher mintage than most dates of the period, although that is still a low total for New Orleans. The problem today with the 1894-O is that collectors did not heavily save the date when it appeared. With relatively few Mint State examples, and the fact that the 1894-O was poorly made, it makes finding a top grade Mint State example a real struggle. However, in lower Mint State grades the 1894-O can be found.

The 1894-S is a low mintage date from San Francisco, with only 1,260,000 coins struck. The fact that San Francisco made better quality Morgan dollars than New Orleans is apparent when comparing the 1894-S and 1894-O, as the majority of the time they are direct opposites in terms of quality. The 1894-S is not available in large numbers, but those that exist tend to be very nice. Today, most collectors can hope to include an attractive 1894-S Morgan in their collection.

The final year of the low-mintage period produced three different dates which are all – for one reason or another – very difficult to locate, especially in high grades. In the case of the 1895 from Philadelphia, high grades exist mainly because of the 880 proofs struck. As was the case with proofs, had the 1895 not been saved in large numbers, it would be even more expensive today. But with perhaps 600 still known, the 1895 is a high-priced – but possible to find – date.

With just 450,000 struck, the 1895-O was another low-mintage date from New Orleans. What we find with the 1895-O is that an unusually large percentage seem to have been placed in circulation, as they are available in circulated grades. It is in Mint State where the 1895-O becomes a significant rarity. Many dates of Mint State Morgans became available with the release of bag after bag from the Treasury, especially during the early 1960s, but 1895-Os were never found in those bags. As it had not been saved prior to that time under the assumption that they would be made available, it left everyone with a surprised look on their face and no 1895-Os in their hands. Today, it is an available date in circulated grades and a great rarity in MS-65.

The 1895-S is another case of a low mintage date (only 400,000 were struck) that was not saved in numbers. In fact, reports of bags of the 1895-S are few and far between. And to complicate matters, the 1895-S – while decently made – tends to come with a large number of bagmarks. As a result, while it’s available in limited numbers, it is a very difficult date to find in top grades without bagmarks.

In 1896, mintages would again rise to more normal levels. While there are significant Morgan dollar rarities which are not from the 1893-95 period (like the 1889-CC) the fact remains that if you are attempting a Morgan dollar collection, it is the dates from 1893-95 that will present the biggest challenge. This was truly the period for low-mintage Morgan dollars.

Paul Green (1949-2006) An accomplished, popular, and prolific writer, Paul Green was the winner of numerous Numismatic Literary Guild awards. During his 26-year career, Paul wrote approximately 2,000 articles and contributed regularly to such major publications as Coins, World Coin News, Numismatic News, and Bank Note Reporter.

Paul was a resident of Costa Rica and became the Central American Correspondent for Krause Publications™. He also served on the governing board of the Costa Rican Numismatic Association, which described him as a "national asset."

A valued and longtime friend of Littleton Coin Company president David M. Sundman, Paul began writing articles for "Collector’s Corner" in December 2004. He continued to do so until he passed away on August 20, 2006. He is greatly missed.

Bulova Railroad Watch

I recently appraised a Bulova Accutron Railroad Mark IV watch with a black leather band. The face is a white face with black numerals. There are red 24 Hour numerals in the center. The minute and hour hands are black with a red second hand. There is a date indicator window in place of the number three. The dial is marked Bulova Accutron Railroad Approved Mark IV. The watch appears to be in excellent condition. I have not viewed the watch in person. The Bulova Story: Source Bulova.com "The realization of a great American dream began in 1875 when Joseph Bulova, a 23-year-old immigrant from Bohemia, opened a small jewelry store on Maiden Lane in New York City. This modest enterprise was to evolve into one of today's preeminent watch and clock companies. In 1911, Bulova began manufacturing boudoir and desk clocks, along with fine pocket watches, which he made and sold in unprecedented numbers. During World War I, wristwatches were issued in the military for their greater convenience. Returning veterans brought home the new fashion--and a new market emerged. Bulova already had sufficient production facilities and a mastery of jewelry design, so his company introduced the first full line of men's jeweled wristwatches in 1919. It was followed by the industry's first full line of ladies' wristwatches and the first line of diamond wristwatches. America ran on Bulova time, beginning with radio's first commercials, broadcast nationally in 1926: "At the tone, it's 8 P.M., B-U-L-O-V-A Bulova watch time." Two years later, Bulova introduced the world's first clock radio. In 1931, Bulova conducted the watch industry's first million-dollar advertising campaign. And through the Depression years, Bulova supported retailers by offering Bulova watches to buyers on time-payment plans. As the next decade began, Bulova aired the first TV commercial. A simple picture of a clock and a map of the United States, it preceded a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game on July 1, 1941, and proclaimed, "America runs on Bulova time." By then, Ardé Bulova, Joseph Bulova's son, was also producing timepieces for the military. With the U.S. entry into World War II, the Bulova factories immediately put their perfected mass-production techniques and skilled craftsmen to work on precision military equipment. Bulova provided the U.S. government with military watches, specialized timepieces, aircraft instruments, critical torpedo mechanisms and fuses. At the war's end, the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking opened its doors to help disabled veterans become self-sufficient. At the opening of the school, Ardé Bulova made the following statement: "For the purpose of aiding war veterans who are physically handicapped, the Bulova School of Watchmaking has been founded to teach the art and trade of watch, clock and instrument making and repairing, including the use of tools, machinery and equipment necessary in carrying on such a trade. Graduates of the school are expected to be placed in positions in jewelry stores throughout the country and thus be assisted in finding a place in life in a useful and happy occupation. This is but a small measure of the gratitude that can be shown to these men for their service to our country in this greatest of all wars." The school was supported entirely by the Bulova Foundation. No financial aid of any kind was received from any government agency or the students. Equipment at the school included magic-eye doors, wide two-way elevator entrances and exits, special workbenches, non-slip cork floors and other features so that disabled men could move about at no physical disadvantage. Complete medical facilities and a well-equipped recreation room provided treatment and relaxation. Graduates of the school were assured employment since over 1,500 positions were pledged by American Jewelers. A new era in timekeeping dawned in the 1950s. Through persistent and dedicated research, Bulova developed Accutron, the first electronic watch. Keeping time to within two seconds a day, it was the first breakthrough in timekeeping technology in over 300 years. During the 1960s, NASA asked the company to channel its Accutron efforts into making computers for the Space Program. As a result, Bulova's Accutron timing mechanism became an integral and vital part of space technology from the 1958 launch of Vanguard I to the first moon walk on July 21, 1969. A Bulova timer was placed on the moon's Sea of Tranquility to control the transmissions of vital data through the years. When Accutron precision became available to customers, Bulova was the first watch brand to offer a written guarantee of accuracy-in-use to within a minute a month. Another significant Bulova breakthrough occurred in the 1960s with the introduction of the Phototimer clock. Today, all Bulova watches contain the finest quartz-crystal movements, accurate to within three minutes a year. In recent decades, Bulova timepieces have kept official time aboard Air Force One, and Bulova products have repeatedly been awarded to visiting dignitaries as Presidential Gifts of State. Bulova has also served as America's official watch to the U.S. Olympic Team. In recent years, Bulova has presented a number of design innovations. Whether the customer prefers a high profile diamond watch, an heirloom quality 14-karat gold watch, a sporty elegant Marine Star watch, a day/date calendar watch or a contemporary career-style watch, Bulova offers a style for every taste and occasion. Each one is reminiscent of Joseph Bulova's demand for unique quality and beauty. Year after year, having satisfied customers for over a century, Bulova continues its tradition of growth and innovation. Today, Bulova remains a totally U.S.-operated company. As a result, Bulova now offers the widest range of styles in its long history. With over a century of technological leadership and service, Bulova is among America's most recognized names. Bulova Bulova timepieces use only the finest materials, precision craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology for enduring quality and performance. * At the heart of each Bulova watch is precision accuracy. From the finest quartz movements to alternative technologies such as solar or mechanical energy, each Bulova watch is guaranteed to be accurate to within one minute a year. * Every Bulova is anti-magnetic, shock-resistant, and features our unique distortion-free and scratch-resistant Dura-Crystal®. * Bulova uses only the finest materials for its bracelets and straps. Many of Bulova's bracelets are solid stainless steel. Some are plated with Bulova's unique 23-karat hard gold process, which is tempered to give an extra durable finish. Other bracelets are ion plated with a patented gold process for an ultra-resilient finish. The straps are made from the finest leathers to resist wear and maintain their elegant look."

Johan Viktor Aarne

Johan Viktor Aarne was born in Tampere, Finland in 1863. He was an acclaimed gold-silversmith who worked both in Finland and for Faberge in Russia. He did his apprenticeship with Johan Erik Hellsten. Hellsten was a gold-silversmith in Tampere Finland. Aarne became a journeyman in Hameenlinne in 1880. Aarne worked in August Wilhelm Holmström's Faberge studio for ten years between 1880-1890. He returned to Tampere in 1890 to obtain the title of Master and stayed there in his own studio for a year before returning to Russia. Between 1891 and 1904 he worked for Faberge in St. Petersburg. During this time period he used his Cyrillic signature, BA. In 1904 he sold his workshop to Karl Gustaf Hjalmar Armfeldt. Aarne returned to Finland and opened a successful workshop which he ran for over 30 years. During this time period he used the signature of J.V.A. He passed away in Vyborg, Finland in 1934. Johan Viktor Aarne is most renowned for his enameled and bejeweled photo frames.

Vintage Hats

Social forces most influence the value of hats. Hats and their value have fluctuated over the years. In the early part of the 20th century women never went out of the house without a hat. In the 1940's women began working outside the home due to WWII . Since women were taking over men's jobs during the war wearing hats became difficult. The popularity of hats declined over the next several decades as it became more and more common for women to continue working outside the home. This is not to say that the popularity of hats immediately declined as we are all aware of women once again embracing the role of homemaker in the 1950's when they were occupied raising the post-war babies. It is however, important to note that WWII played a large role in the change of women's fashions due to functionality and scarcity of resources. There was a brief upward swing in hat interest in the 1980's when Princess Diana brought them back into fashion. Hats are currently popular with particular social groups such as the Red Hat Society and with tea rooms.