Let's Play a Game......

Let's see what all of you armchair appraisers out there know about art, antiques and collectibles. We are going to play a game. I'll post a picture of an item and you post your best guess as to what it is. I'll post the answer after a bit. Good Luck!

Can you guess what these are?

Correct Answer: They are knitting needle covers. Used to cover the points in a decorative manner. Love those Victorians and their decorative flair.

Summer's Over

Well folks......summer's over and we are back to work. We spent the summer in NY and traveled across the United States in a compact Mercedes Benz jam packed with treasures we bought on our adventures. By the time we returned home this past weekend I wasn't sure there was enough room left in the car for people. We picked up treasures in the "World's Largest Antique Mall" in Ohio and bought dolls, vanity items and vintage purses all along the way. We'll be adding all of these treasures to the shop in the upcoming months along with vintage costume jewelry, antique coins and a huge amount of World War II memorabilia. Check back with us daily for interesting articles regarding the art, antiques and silver coin world. You never know what daily tidbit's we'll surprise you with.

WASP Pilot Faye Wolfe Olney

I've been busy the last few weeks sorting, liquidating and preparing an estate sale for a client whose father was a WWII pilot. I've stumbled across several interesting items and treasures. Among my favorites in this current estate was a photograph of a smiling young woman in in a flight jacket and pilot's hat. The photograph was labeled Faye Wolfe Olney WASP Class 44-4.

I was intrigued by this woman. Who was she? What was the WASP Class 44-4? Well, I've had a lot of trouble identifying this woman but what I do know is that she became a pilot in WWII. She was part of a limited group of women (just 1,074). These women served their country by flying non-combat missions for the Army. These women had pilot's licenses and were trained "the Army Way". Over 25,000 women applied to the WASP program but ultimately only 1,074 earned their wings. WASP standing for Women's Airforce Service Pilot.

Most of the women in the WASP were white. There were two Chinese American women, one of whom died after a collision on a runway. There was a single Native American pilot and no black women were allowed to join. The WASP were considered civil service and did not receive military benefits.

For a time morale was low among these brave women who stepped forward to serve their country and shine as examples for young women of future generations. In order to boost the spirits of these brave young women a newsletter was started called the Fifnella Gazette. The name Fifinella came from a story about flying gremlins by Ronald Dahl and the logo for these women's uniform patches and decals was drawn by Walt Disney.

So, Miss Faye Wolf Olney still remains a research in progress. I've been able to locate her name several times as a graduate of the WASP program on websites and archives but I've yet to learn anything about Faye the woman. If anyone knows who she was contact me and tell me all about her. I believe these women should be remembered and honored not only for the service to their country but for pushing the envelope and opening doors for the young women to follow behind them.

Friendship Albums, A Tribute To Everyday Women

As I mentioned earlier this month March is National Women's History Month. I've been remiss in writing because I got distracted in researching.

I'm going to share with you today a small sampling of women's friendship albums. These albums are little tributes to the women who lived everyday lives in the 19th century. These were generally not poor women but were middle to upper class women who had simple educations and a little leisure time.

These albums bring to life the bonds shared by friends, expressions of love, sympathy and support to one another. The albums are decorated with art done by women and include paintings, weaving of hair and ribbons as well as poetry and flowers. These books don't necessarily record events of historical importance but the simple events important to these women such as marriages, births, deaths and a glimpse into the everyday life of a woman.

Oftentimes these books would be purchased to document years in school and would continue through the young married years, other times the books would continue for decades. These albums are truly treasures. Please enjoy the sampling and let me know if you have any of your own.

Spring Fever

Well, it is official I have Spring Fever. I can't focus on a single subject long enough to write a sentence let alone a blog article. I've started four in the past week....Kachina Dolls, Antique Jewelry, Historical tidbits and then.....I started another on Victorian handcrafts when I got that creative tingle where I must create but don't know what. (You know!) Well, I'd love to blame this lack of focus on the beautiful weather here on the California coast but the truth is...I'm a gemini and I'm always easily distracted (Oh Look something shiny!) but this past week has been even worse.

So, here's what's coming in the next few days. I am hereby in BLACK & WHITE committing to completing the aforementioned articles. Check in tomorrow as I will be telling you all about Kachina Dolls which aren't actually, just dolls.

Appraising Coach

Recently, we have been overwhelmed with people seeking appraisals on their "designer" handbags. I personally evaluate at least two a week. Why is this happening? Are people needing money and deciding to liquidate their valuables? That's possible. Are people still buying them at purse parties? I know eBay is cracking down on people selling "designer" items without proof. So, I suppose that's another reason people are having their bags, "appraised".

Coach seems to be the bag to copy these days. In the past month, I've personally evaluated and disappointed four "Coach" owners. So, as a public service let me post some information.

If you are considering buying a Coach bag from an online auction: Beware 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.

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.

The following information is directly from the Company Profile Page on Coach.com

Coach was founded in 1941 as a family-run workshop. In a Manhattan loft, six artisans handcrafted a collection of leather goods using skills handed down from generation to generation. Discerning consumers soon began to seek out the quality and unique nature of Coach craftsmanship.

Now greatly expanded, Coach continues to maintain the highest standards for materials and workmanship. Coach’s exceptional workforce remains committed to carefully upholding the principles of quality and integrity that define the company. We attribute the prominence of the Coach brand to the unique combination of our original American attitude and design, our heritage of fine leather goods and custom fabrics, our superior product quality and durability, and our commitment to customer service.
During the last decade, Coach has emerged as America's preeminent designer, producer, and marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men including handbags, women’s and men’s small leathergoods, business cases, weekend and travel accessories, outerwear, scarves, jewelry, fragrance and related accessories. Continued development of new categories has further established the signature style and distinctive identity of the Coach brand. Together with our licensing partners, we also offer watches, footwear, and sunwear bearing the Coach brand name.
Coach’s distribution strategy is multi-channel. There are currently over 400 Coach stores in the United States and Canada, with more slated to open this calendar year. In addition, Coach has built a strong presence in the United States through Coach boutiques located within select department stores and specialty retailer locations. In 1999, Coach launched its online store at www.coach.com and evolved it into an important sales channel in the United States, and an effective marketing and advertising vehicle for Coach both domestically and abroad.
While Coach continues to be one of the most recognized accessories brands in the United States, its long-term strategic plan is to increase international distribution and target international consumers. Through Coach Japan, wholly owned by Coach since 2005, the company leverages a large growth opportunity in this important market for imported handbags and accessories. Similarly, the Company acquired its retail businesses in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China in 2009. As this emerging market rapidly grows, the Coach brand enjoys increased recognition. Intent on maintaining a consistent brand strategy domestically and abroad, this ownership structure provides Coach with complete control of its distribution in Japan and China. With a global vision in place, Coach is available at over 900 department store locations in the United States, 159 international department stores, retail stores and duty free shops in over 20 countries, 155 department store shop-in-shops and retail and factory stores operated by Coach Japan, and 28 company-operated locations in China.

Coach’s corporate headquarters remain in midtown Manhattan on 34th Street, in the location of our former factory lofts. Coach is a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, traded under the symbol COH.

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.

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

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.

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.

Surprises in Unlikely Locations...

Mr. Tullis' Painting

When one thinks of great art there are certain places in the world that instantly come to mind: Paris, New York, Rome. Well, it’s time to add another locale to the list. Hominy, Oklahoma. I spent some time visiting Oklahoma and was pleased to discover some magnificent art in the most unlikely of locations. Hominy, Oklahoma is much like any other small town these days, signs of businesses having closed down, cracked sidewalks, a somewhat abandoned appearance and a heaviness in the air, although the heaviness could have been the oppressive heat. My grandmother suggested we go for a drive to see the “Indians on the Hill”. She wanted me to take a picture and was certain it would be something I would be impressed with since I “like art stuff”. I must admit that I was not enthusiastic about the trip. I live in Bodega Bay, its 40 degrees cooler then the coolest day I experienced in Oklahoma and I have easy access to art here in the California coastal region. To be honest, I was feeling a bit peevish and my snobby side was showing, if not visibly at least mentally.

We drove into Hominy, Oklahoma and all around Hominy attempting to find just the right spot to photograph the “Indians on the Hill”. The hillside vegetation has grown considerably since my grandmother’s last visit and the sculpture while interesting was not easily photographed. I was hot, tired of jumping in and out of the truck to take pictures and as I mentioned earlier peevish. The battery in my camera was low, the media card was nearly full and I still did not have a satisfactory photograph of the darn Indians. In frustration, I suggested buying a post card and calling it a day. It was this mis-adventure in tourist photography that led to one of my greatest discoveries on the trip. We found City Hall and I hopped out of the truck yet again….Here I met a charming lady who wanted to know where I was from. Everywhere I stopped I was asked the same question so apparently, there is something distinctly not Oklahoman about me. After the niceties, I asked if they had any postcards for sale of the “Indians on the Hill”. This helpful woman informed me that if I just drove around the corner and down Main Street about a block or two I could find the artist’s gallery. My expectations were low, and did I mention I was hot, tired and cranky? Well, all of that changed after walking into Cha Tullis Gallery.(108 W. Main Street Hominy, OK).

The Gallery was magnificent first and foremost because it was air conditioned. The cool air and bell over the door were the first things that greeted us upon our entrance into this haven of Western Art. Almost instantly this cute little woman with a Southern accent came out and welcomed us and began turning on lights. As each light went on we wandered further into the gallery and were greeted by more and more surprises. Original oil paintings so breathtakingly realistic one was pulled into the eyes of the subject whether it be a beautiful horse or a Proud Indian Brave. Sculptures shared space with prints, paintings, Native American tomahawks and jewelry. My crankiness and snobbery began to transition into awe and wonder. Who was this magnificent artist?

He was and is Cha Tullis. Mr. Tullis knows his subjects well as he himself is Cherokee and Blackfoot Indian. He was not born in Hominy, but calls it home. Starting out as a silversmith Mr. Tullis eventually, bought the business where he was employed. He and his wife Teena, who happened to be the cute Southern accented woman we met, ran the gallery as a jewelry store until the oil bust of 1986. When the bust occurred Teena informed us that rather than buy more inventory the family used the money from their sales for basic necessities. This caused gaps in the stock and Cha began selling his artwork. The work speaks for itself and the Tullis eventually changed from a jewelry store to a Native American Gallery. This gallery and Mr. Tullis work is definitely worth the stop. And, I must say that while Hominy, Oklahoma is not Paris, Rome or New York it has something none of those cities can compete with, it has Cha Tullis.
To view Mr. Tullis work visit visit www.chatullis.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cha-Tullis-Gallery/149540509178

By the way, they sell postcards too....but I guarantee it won't be all you buy. -Amanda
New Territory but Cha Tullis, Hominy Ok.Murals throughout town by Mr. Tullis.

When one thinks of great art there are certain places in the world that instantly come to mind: Paris, New York, Rome. Well, it’s time to add another locale to the list. Hominy, Oklahoma. I spent some time visiting Oklahoma and was pleased to discover some magnificent art in the most unlikely of locations. Hominy, Oklahoma is much like any other small town these days, signs of businesses having closed down, cracked sidewalks, a somewhat abandoned appearance and a heaviness in the air, although the heaviness could have been the oppressive heat. My grandmother suggested we go for a drive to see the “Indians on the Hill”. She wanted me to take a picture and was certain it would be something I would be impressed with since I “like art stuff”. I must admit that I was not enthusiastic about the trip. I live in Bodega Bay, its 40 degrees cooler then the coolest day I experienced in Oklahoma and I have easy access to art here in the California coastal region. To be honest, I was feeling a bit peevish and my snobby side was showing, if not visibly at least mentally.

We drove into Hominy, Oklahoma and all around Hominy attempting to find just the right spot to photograph the “Indians on the Hill”. The hillside vegetation has grown considerably since my grandmother’s last visit and the sculpture while interesting was not easily photographed. I was hot, tired of jumping in and out of the truck to take pictures and as I mentioned earlier peevish. The battery in my camera was low, the media card was nearly full and I still did not have a satisfactory photograph of the darn Indians. In frustration, I suggested buying a post card and calling it a day. It was this mis-adventure in tourist photography that led to one of my greatest discoveries on the trip. We found City Hall and I hopped out of the truck yet again….Here I met a charming lady who wanted to know where I was from. Everywhere I stopped I was asked the same question so apparently, there is something distinctly not Oklahoman about me. After the niceties, I asked if they had any postcards for sale of the “Indians on the Hill”. This helpful woman informed me that if I just drove around the corner and down Main Street about a block or two I could find the artist’s gallery. My expectations were low, and did I mention I was hot, tired and cranky? Well, all of that changed after walking into Cha Tullis Gallery.(108 W. Main Street Hominy, OK).

The Gallery was magnificent first and foremost because it was air conditioned. The cool air and bell over the door were the first things that greeted us upon our entrance into this haven of Western Art. Almost instantly this cute little woman with a Southern accent came out and welcomed us and began turning on lights. As each light went on we wandered further into the gallery and were greeted by more and more surprises. Original oil paintings so breathtakingly realistic one was pulled into the eyes of the subject whether it be a beautiful horse or a Proud Indian Brave. Sculptures shared space with prints, paintings, Native American tomahawks and jewelry. My crankiness and snobbery began to transition into awe and wonder. Who was this magnificent artist?

He was and is Cha Tullis. Mr. Tullis knows his subjects well as he himself is Cherokee and Blackfoot Indian. He was not born in Hominy, but calls it home. Starting out as a silversmith Mr. Tullis eventually, bought the business where he was employed. He and his wife Teena, who happened to be the cute Southern accented woman we met, ran the gallery as a jewelry store until the oil bust of 1986. When the bust occurred Teena informed us that rather than buy more inventory the family used the money from their sales for basic necessities. This caused gaps in the stock and Cha began selling his artwork. The work speaks for itself and the Tullis eventually changed from a jewelry store to a Native American Gallery. This gallery and Mr. Tullis work is definitely worth the stop. And, I must say that while Hominy, Oklahoma is not Paris, Rome or New York it has something none of those cities can compete with, it has Cha Tullis.
To view Mr. Tullis work visit visit www.chatullis.com or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cha-Tullis-Gallery/149540509178

By the way, they sell postcards too....but I guarantee it won't be all you buy. -Amanda
New Territory but Cha Tullis, Hominy Ok.
Murals throughout town by Mr. Tullis.

Saturday Spotlight: Antique Needlecases

Welcome to the first in a series of informational articles we are calling Saturday Spotlight! Those of you who are fans of the Elsie C. Historical Company on Facebook are familiar with our Item of the Day game which has inspired us to create the Saturday Spotlight. While trying to come up with items to stump our armchair appraisers we decided some of the items we've stumbled across are just too rare, too unique, too special or downright too strange not to investigate further. So, here it goes a semi-weekly, but always on Saturday, special treat to our readers. We hope to inform, entertain and engage you. Without further ado and fan fare.........(drum roll please....) Here is the....

Saturday Spotlight! Volume 1:

Antique Needle Cases
What are antique needle cases and why might they be different from those little plastic things that are glued to cardboard and have twisty spinny sides out of which you can dump a sewing needle? Well, thank you for asking. (You didn't ask?? Well, if you are still reading it was an implied request for more information. ) Needlecases have been around since the Viking times....maybe longer but we'll start there. Needles were and are still an important domestic tool. To protect this magical little item and keep from having them strewn about willy nilly....cause that could be dangerous (imagine a big ole Viking with a needle stuck in the bottom of his foot cause his wife didn't put them away properly) needle cases were invented. Needle cases come in the most basic forms from a simple small canister with a lid, to a piece of cardboard and foil holder to elaborately carved bone and ivory cases to delicate porcelain cases, cases made from precious metals and even whimsical cases. Today the our needle cases are plastic and easily disposable but in days gone bye needle cases much like many other household tools were a work of art. We'd like to share some of our favorites with you and welcome your own posts sharing your favorites. So here we go.....

Pictured to the left is a sample of a Viking needle case which would have been worn attached to a woman's clothing. Needles during that time period would have been an expensive household item so all joking aside about the Viking with a needle in his foot, needle cases were meant to protect needles. Today needle cases range in value from $5-$1000 depending on their rarity and materials.

Some of our favorite needle cases are the whimsical cases pictured below.

The cases can all be found on RubyLane.Com Keyword: Needle Case

These cases are works of art

These cases are called figural cases some of these can be elaborate as well as whimsical