Cindy Burt's Blog

Phase 2 of my Quest

I have decided on a starting topic…whew, that was tough! It actually makes alot of sense to write about something that I seem to spend a majority of my time doing and something that I love. Soooo…researching antiques and vintage items will be my starting point.

As things come into my store, Artiques, I have to research them to determine their value, age and history. Some items are relatively easy, thanks to EBay and the internet and  my limited research library. Then there are always those items that take real digging and hours of searching. It can be sooo frustrating! But the reward of finding even a morsel of information is so exhilerating that it makes it all worth while. And when I actually can determine the value, age and history of an item I feel like a forensic criminal investigator who has just solved the murder! I must admit though there are a few items that do end up in the “Cold Case” file.

Right now I am researching what I have been told is a Victorian, sterling silver sewing tool. (I will insert a picture soon.) It resembles a pair of tweezers in size and appearance. But the “tweezer” end is serrated. It has a metal button that slides up and down the body which tightens or loosens the “tweezer” end. I can’t imagine what purpose it would serve as a sewing tool, with the ends being serrated. Still it is a charming little item and deserves the effort.

I find glassware to be the hardest to research and the most frustrating. Most glassware does not have any hallmarks or engravings with the manufacturer’s name. Yes, Replacements.com is an awesome tool and has helped me many times.  But their inventory is so extensive and with only a description of the glass to search on, it can take hours of viewing glass and still coming up empty handed as far as the manufacturer or pattern. Most times I am only able to make an educated guess on the age based on style and type of glass that was used. Reproduction is a real problem in the area of glassware. There have been many books written solely on the subject of identifying reproductions. I did have a “hallelujah” moment not too long ago when I was able to identify a lovely set of pink Tiffin “Franciscan” wine glasses with the “Anniversary Rose” gold band.  I can still feel the goose-bumps!

Hello world!

My passion is antiques with vintage coming in at a close second. Therefore I have a distain for most technology and carry a love/hate relationship with most things electronic or technical. But I also acknowledge that in order to compete or even survive in this world that I have to overcome my distain and jump on the proverbial band wagon.

Step one was to join Facebook. I must admit that I have come to check my page on a daily basis and find myself disappointed when no one has written on my wall. I have yet to master any of the bells and whistles or to join any of the groups or activities. Baby steps… My next quest on this technological journey is this thing they call blogging. I had no idea what I would write about and still have reservations about whether the time I put into it will be time well spent. Or even whether it is something that I will come to enjoy. Maybe in a month or so I will learn what a twitter is and take that on too.

But in the back of my mind I am still saying: what’s the point…