Thursday, January 31, 2008

Silvery Metal TOY MARCHING DRUM, Sticks, Noble and Cooley

Silvery Metal TOY MARCHING DRUM, Sticks, Noble & Cooley - eBay (item 310019464534 end time Feb-07-08 18:17:07 PST)

This drum and drum sticks comes in the original box sleeve that's marked, "55-8, Not recommended for children under three years of age. Toy Marching Drum, Noble & Cooley." The sides, rims and three springs holding it together are all metal, the skins are not. I don't know what they're made of, something sturdy but it's not leather.

Noble & Cooley make real drums and musical toys. Research has shown that children exposed to music and instruments at an early age have significantly improved their ability to think and learn. http://www.musicaltoys.net/

The drum is 8 inches wide and 4 1/2 inches high. The two drum sticks are 7 3/4" by 3/8". The skins are unmarked. There are many marks on the shiny silver rims and a few minor scratches on the sides.

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1975 HC Fiction TOM MIX DIED FOR YOUR SINS w/ Clipping!

1975 HC Fiction TOM MIX DIED FOR YOUR SINS w/ Clipping! - eBay (item 310019461552 end time Feb-07-08 18:03:02 PST)

Tom Mix Died for Your Sins A Novel Based on His Life by Darryl Ponicsan is a hardcover with dust jacket, illustrated with 14 pages of photographs. It was published in 1975 by Delacorte Press, New York. This copy is from the second printing.

Tucked inside is an Oct. 17, 1992 DuBois Courier-Express clipping with the headline "Duffy wants to portray Tom Mix." I don't know if they ever made a movie on Tom Mix based on this book or if Patrick Duffy starred in it. DuBois, PA is where Tom Mix grew up.

To learn more about Tom Mix who made 336 films between 1910 to 1935, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Mix

From the dust jacket flap:
Here is a brilliantly colorful evocation of the life and times of Tom Mix, as based on fact but told in fiction. The rodeo and ranching days, the movie stunts and the movie glamour, the private and public circuses, Mix's wives and girls, are all covered in a tale as authentic as it is engrossing.

Kid Bandera tells the story--tells it with wit, cynicism, and affection. When he met Tom in 1904, Tom was 24 and knew nothing about being a cowboy. But he knew how to ride, he knew how to fight, how to tell stories, and how to ingratiate himself with every girl who came along.

The Kid and Tom were lawmen together in Kansas, worked a combination ranch and wild west show in Oklahoma. And Tom Mix learned his craft--as he learned every craft he tried--and there were no stunts too hard for him.

When Tom Mix went to Hollywood, he brought his incredible stunts to the silent films and brought incredible wealth--and world fame--to himself. Before his career ended, there were command performances in Europe. For neither before nor since was there a movie cowboy his equal.

Tom Mix Died For Your Sins is the story of a larger than life cowboy in a larger than life era.

Darryl Ponicsan is the author of five previous novels, outstanding among them The Last Detail and Cinderella Liberty. He wrote the screenplay for both of those books, as he has for the forthcoming motion picture of Tom Mix Died For Your Sins. He lives in Ojai, California.
This book is in very good condition and the dust jacket has been repaired with glue where it was torn.

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

WORLD BEAT KIDS TAMBOURINE Black Nylon, Silvery Zils!

WORLD BEAT KIDS TAMBOURINE Black Nylon, Silvery Zils! - eBay (item 310019189520 end time Feb-06-08 19:54:30 PST)

This tambourine or marine is marked, "World Beat Kids, Made in China" with a small circle containing the letters "LP." It's well made out of black plastic or nylon with silvery metal jingles (zils). The sound can range from a delicate jingle to a hiss to a crash, as you please.

For an advanced technique in playing the tambourine, and to hear how good one can sound played by an expert, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambourine

This tambourine is in excellent condition, very sturdy and the handle is comfortable.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

3 STAR TREK CUPS 1991 25th Anniversary 7-11 Slurpees!

3 STAR TREK CUPS 1991 25th Anniversary 7-11 Slurpees! - eBay (item 310018925132 end time Feb-05-08 20:13:06 PST)

These three plastic Super Slurpee cups from 7-11 came out in 1991 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek. There are pictures of characters and Paramount, 7-11, Star Trek and 25th anniversary logos.

See Spock, Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, Uhura, Scotty, Captain Picard, Riker, Deanna Troi, Data, Worf and assorted creatures.

The cups are in excellent condition with no cracks or damaged rims. There's an area above Worf's head where the black color is chafed and a mark through Spock's eye.

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Round Domed VICTORIAN GILDED BIRD CAGE 13-Inch Metal!

Round Domed VICTORIAN GILDED BIRD CAGE 13-Inch Metal! - eBay (item 310018923808 end time Feb-05-08 20:05:21 PST)

This decorative Victorian thirteen-inch high gold-painted round and domed metal bird cage is not for housing any real live bird. There's a bar perch for a mechanical bird to grace your home. Perhaps you could put a plant inside, like ivy that could trail its leaves out through the bars.

I see no maker's mark anywhere. The domed lid opens when you undo a metal latch. At the top of the cage is a very strong metal hook to hang the cage. The front door has a latch that looks like it works, but it seemed reluctant to move, so I didn't force it.

It's entirely metal except for a wooden part between the lid and hook. The wire is twisted on the sides, straight on the bottom. There is fine mesh around the bottom band, top band and lining the lid. The perch is a thin flat bar. The gold isn't bright, but rather aged and muted.

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Vintage SUSY GOOSE SWEEPER Tin Litho Musical Toy '50s!

Vintage SUSY GOOSE SWEEPER Tin Litho Musical Toy '50s! - eBay (item 310018631396 end time Feb-04-08 19:13:47 PST)

This vintage toy carpet sweeper is marked on the top, "Susy Goose Musical Tone Sweeper. 'it really works!'" Under one dump tray it's marked, "Mfg. by Kiddie Brush & Toy Co., Jonesville, Mich., U.S.A." The tin litho graphics have a fifties look to us.

The back panel says, "Guarantee. This Susy Goose toy is guaranteed to please. If it isn't completely satisfactory please return and we'll repair or replace and pay transportation both ways. 'The Simple Tasks Mold Character.'"

The music is the sound of a jingling bell. I can hear it above the squeak of the wheels that could use some grease. I can't see the bell.

The body of the sweeper is tin with colorful vintage graphics in very good condition nailed to wooden sides. The handle is wood painted red. The black wheels are plastic and marked, "Susy Goose." The red wheels touch the black ones and rotate the brush with soft bristles. The two green dirt catchers turn to dump just like a real sweeper.

The handle is 18 inches long. The body is 7 inches wide and 2 inches thick. Total length is 23 1/2 inches. There's some minor patina beside Susy's face and a couple dents in the back panel, and rust spots on the bottom.

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Vintage Saalfield 22 ACTIVITY BOOKS in Orig Box 1953!

Vintage Saalfield 22 ACTIVITY BOOKS in Orig Box 1953! - eBay (item 310018339884 end time Feb-03-08 18:42:38 PST)

This vintage box of Saalfield Activity Books holds a complete set of twenty books plus two duplicates. The art is utterly charming and each book is marked, "Copyright MCMLIII, The Saalfield Pub. Co., Akron Ohio, Made in U.S.A." and "Mager" who was likely the artist. So this box of books was produced in 1953.

The lid says, "20 Activity Books, 6 to 10 Years, Coloring, Games, Dots, Mazes, Things to Make, Hidden Pictures, Quizzes, Stencils, Cut-outs. Saalfield." And there's a seal: "Commended by the Consumer Service Bureau of Parents' Magazine as Advertised Therein."

I thought the books were new and untouched, but as I opened pages at random for photographing, I hit a page with handwriting. Close examination reveals twelve are untouched, ten have been worked in. Nine are fully worked. One is half worked. Most of it is pencil, some is crayon.

A few pages in one of the two "Connect the Lines" books may have been ironed to make a transfer, as the ink bleeds through the page, showing the art of both sides at once.

12 Untouched Titles:
  • Little Zebra and His Pals, Pictures to Color (2 copies, one minty, one with indentations in the cover)
  • Connect the Lines
  • How to Draw
  • Flower Book, Connect the Lines
  • Cut and Color on the Farm
  • Let's Draw
  • Things to Make
  • Stencil Play
  • Crayon Fun
  • Let's Color
  • Easy Things to Do
10 Marked Titles:
  • Connect the Lines (all pages lightly penciled, several ironed pages)
  • Find the Hidden Pictures (blue colored pencil check marks)
  • Easy Dot to Dot Pictures (all pages lightly penciled)
  • The Dot to Dot Zoo (all pages lightly penciled)
  • Dots (all pages have crayon line)
  • Mazes (all pages have crayon line)
  • Games and Puzzles (half the pages have colored pencil or crayon marks)
  • Follow the Dots (all pages lightly penciled)
  • Big Quiz (all pages have crayon marks)
  • Lots to Do (most pages have crayon marks)
The box is solid. The books are all very nice, even the ones worked in. None of them have been done in ink, just pencil and some crayon. My artist husband recently discovered that crayon can be erased with care. He makes it look easy. I never tried.

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Old MULTIPOST STAMP AFFIXER Pat. 1911 w/ Key, Counter!

Old MULTIPOST STAMP AFFIXER Pat. 1911 w/ Key, Counter! - eBay (item 310018326097 end time Feb-03-08 17:49:48 PST)

This vintage stamp affixer is marked, "Multipost, Commercial Controls, Rochester 2, N.Y." The knob is marked, "Don't Strike, Push" and it's fun to push the knob down. The counter advances one click each time. Down by the keyhole is a list of six patent numbers with more pending.

Stamp affixers were invented to serve two purposes. First, they mechanized the process of affixing stamps to letters. Second, they made it more difficult for employees to steal stamps. This model was patented in 1911 and advertised from 1910 to 1940 according to the site listed below.

According to a vintage advertisement for a similar device, a Postamper, "One stroke of the plunger affixes the stamp and also counts it. A measured drop of water moistens the envelope and a rubber cushion presses the stamp to the moistened surface. Double lock safeguards your stamps. One for the cashier who puts in the stamps--the other for the operator, so that no stamps can be taken without his knowledge."

This affixer has one key which opens it to allow reloading. I don't see how to reset the counter. The black knob on the front turns, but doesn't do anything I can see.

The key is a bit fiddley to work, then springs the thing open like magic. Inside you can pull a spool out to insert a roll of stamps. There's another small piece that comes out. It might be a guide you slide the stamps behind. The counter device is out of sight and I don't see how the stamps were moistened.

For more information and other photos of vintage stamp affixers, visit http://www.earlyofficemuseum.com/mail_machines.htm

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Vintage SINGER MANUAL Model 1022, 1021 Sewing Machine

Vintage SINGER MANUAL Model 1022, 1021 Sewing Machine - eBay (item 310018200379 end time Feb-26-08 10:06:26 PST)

This vintage manual is marked, "Instruction Manual and Accessories, Full Zig-Zag Sewing Machine, Free-arm Model 1022 or Flat-bed Model 1021 Singer." It was a good model machine I used for years as a professional tailor. There are likely more of them out there ready to give you good service.

Contents
  • Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine
    • Principal Parts--And What They Do
    • Accessories--And When to Use Them
  • Getting Ready to Sew
    • Preliminary Steps
    • Choosing Needle and Thread
    • Threading Your Sewing Machine
  • Straight Stitching
    • Adjusting Selectors
    • Sewing a Seam
  • Zick-Zack Stitching
    • Satin Stitching
  • Twin-Needle Stitching
    • Preparation
    • Threading the Needle
  • Buttons and Buttonholes
    • Buttons
    • Buttonholes
  • Sewing the Professional way
    • Lingerie, Seam finishes
    • Hints on Sewing Special Fabrics
    • Construction Details
    • Applique, Attaching elastic
    • Free Arm Sewing
    • Keeping Up Appearances
  • Caring for Your Machine
    • Cleaning the Machine
    • Removing Bobbin Case, Face Plate and Bulb
    • Performance Checklist
The booklet has minor crinkles and age discoloration after all these years. The machine may have been new in the seventies or eighties. I'm guessing the age from the fashion illustrations on a couple pages. (Yes, I had the machine myself, but when I can't say. I got it used. I can sew quite well, but track time? Forget it.)

Do you have this Singer sewing machine? Here's the book for it.

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Saturday, January 26, 2008

Vintage LEE LOADER 12 Ga Shotgun Deluxe Reloading Tool!

Vintage LEE LOADER 12 Ga Shotgun Deluxe Reloading Tool! - eBay (item 310018073987 end time Feb-02-08 20:02:28 PST)

This vintage reloading tool for 12 gauge shotguns is packed in compartments in the original box. The box says, "Lee Loader New Deluxe Model. Now equipped with a new full length wad starter, 6 and *8 segment crimp starters and *3 shot measures. (*not supplied if not needed). Complete Reloading Tool--Quality Built. Lee Custom Engineering, Inc. Hartford, Wisconsin 53027."

The small print says, "A genuine Lee Loader. The most widely used loading tool ever invented. Several 100,000 are now in use throughout the world. Patent #3,053,132 and #3,134,293."

All the parts are here nestled in their Styrofoam compartments. The four plastic measures say:
  • 434 Lee 1 1/2 Oz. Shot
  • 326 Lee 1 1/8 Oz. Shot
  • 362 Lee 1 1/4 Oz. Shot
  • (red one) 190 Warning: Use this measure only with Lee charge table.
One 12 Gauge Unbreakable Nylon Star Crimp Starting Die has six segments, the other eight. The part on the right with the plunger says, "Lee Loader, Pat."

The kit is used and a couple parts have a few minor marks, but everything looks good for lots more reloading. This kit has metal pieces where others have plastic ones. The box has a torn corner, handwritten notation, tape residue and soiling. I see no directions, so I don't know if it's for 2 3/4" or 3" shells.

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Friday, January 25, 2008

Simplicity 5664 Pattern Unlined Jacket Size 16 Miss

Simplicity 5664 Pattern Unlined Jacket Size 16 Miss - eBay (item 310017838525 end time Feb-24-08 20:01:35 PST)

This Simplicity pattern 5664 is size 16 Miss. It's a 1982 pattern for an unlined semi-fitted jacket with front button closure, long sleeves, patch pockets and top stitching. Choose either a rounded notched collar or a shawl collar, plain sleeves or gathered to buttoned cuffs.

The envelope says the pattern includes a special chart on how to work with plaids. It's not on the paper directions. I didn't open out the tissue pieces to look. The paper directions have a special page on making custom adjustments, like how to deal with sloping shoulders, for instance--cool!

The pattern has been cut out.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Vintage McCLANE'S FISHING ENCYCLOPEDIA Angling Guide!

Vintage McCLANE'S FISHING ENCYCLOPEDIA Angling Guide! - eBay (item 310017583851 end time Jan-31-08 20:01:55 PST)

This huge vintage hardcover book is McClane's New Standard Fishing Encyclopedia and International Angling Guide Enlarged and Revised Edition edited by A.J. McClane. It was published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston and copyrighted by them in 1965, copyrighted by A.J. McClane in 1974. It's a first edition, 39th printing with 1,156 pages.

This book covers everything about fishing from A to Z.

First entry: AAWA The Hawaiian name for the black-spot wrasse Bodianus bilunulatus. This is a valuable food fish in the islands but of no angling importance. See also Hawaii.

Last entry: ZOOPLANKTON Protozoa and other animal micro-organisms living unattached in water. These include small crustacea such as daphnia and cyclops. See also Freshwater Ecology, Marine Ecology, Plankton.

There are photos, drawings, instructions and loads of information on anything related to fishing. I mean anything--it weighs 7 1/2 pounds. It's signed inside the front cover, "James C. White 1976."

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Vintage HERTERS POWDER MEASURE Gun Ammo Cast Iron Tool!

Vintage HERTERS RELOADER Reload Gun Ammo Cast Iron Tool - eBay (item 310017561381 end time Jan-31-08 18:24:30 PST)

This vintage cast iron tool is marked, "Herters Inc., Waseca, Minn. Model 45. It will bolt to a table. The gauge measures from 0 to 7 units. Each unit is 5 mm.

I had no idea how it works or what it did until another eBayer shared his knowledge. It's a Model 45 powder measure without the powder hopper, he said, and looks like the rifle model (45-R).

Does this vintage Herter's reloader make you smile?

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McCall's 2730 Pattern Dress, Jacket Misses 10-12-14-16!

McCall's 2730 Pattern Dress, Jacket Misses 10-12-14-16! - eBay (item 310017356587 end time Feb-23-08 09:14:10 PST)

This McCall's Easy stitch 'n save pattern 2730 is Misses A [10-12-14-16]. It's a 2000 pattern for a long sleeveless dress with scoop neckline and side slit and a short-sleeve hip-length unlined jacket.

The pattern is uncut.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Vintage Premium HENRY COMIC Poll-Parrot Shoes Giveaway!

Vintage Premium HENRY COMIC Poll-Parrot Shoes Giveaway! - eBay (item 310017209689 end time Jan-30-08 20:18:17 PST)

This vintage full-color Henry comic book by Carl Anderson was given away free by Poll-Parrot shoe stores. It's marked, "Boys' and Girls' March of Comics, No. 112. Published by K. K. Publications, Inc., Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Copyright, 1954 by King Features Syndicate, Inc. World Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Designed and produced by Western Printing & Lithographing Co."

If you know Henry, you know he never spoke. Well, in this comic, he talks plenty! The story "Fool's Gold" is 28 pages long with 4 pages of puzzles and activities. It's charming from one end to the other and sucked me into reading it when I was trying to scan pictures.

The cover you see here is a copy of the original which was so brittle you couldn't touch it without it falling apart. My artist husband restored it carefully, scanned and printed this facsimile. He attached it to the comic with the original staples. The major difference is there are no ads on the inside covers. The vintage inner pages are as supple as the new cover, so it's now easy to read.

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Vintage SOUTHERN BELLE TOILET PAPER COVER Ceramic Doll!

Vintage SOUTHERN BELLE TOILET PAPER COVER Ceramic Doll! - eBay (item 310017196102 end time Jan-30-08 18:50:19 PST)

This vintage doll toilet paper cover has a ceramic body and fancy satin hoop skirt with a lace panel, braid and ruffle trims and a bow.

She's quite old. I'm sure her skirt used to be a lighter and shiny pink. The satin has become darker, discolored and developed holes on her right hip.

I bet she would stand up straighter with a roll of toilet paper in her skirt instead of this crumpled paper. Don't know what I was thinking. Too late smart, eh?

The ceramic body is still shiny, no chips, cracks or crazing. There's a faint mark on her chest, a tiny dark spot on the underside of her nose and a big dark spot on her right back. She could be cleaned up a bit better.

She could look fabulous with a new skirt made like her old one. Maybe make it a bit bigger to cover modern jumbo rolls?

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Vintage CAPITOL BUILDING JEWELRY CASKET BOX Souvenir JB

Vintage CAPITOL BUILDING JEWELRY CASKET BOX Souvenir JB - eBay (item 310017193453 end time Jan-30-08 18:36:18 PST)

This vintage box is marked, "Capitol Washington DC" on the front and "1958 JB" on the bottom. It was made by the Jennings Brothers. I don't know if the number is the year or the model number. It's heavy metal with a gold finish and is lined with purple velvet.

It measures about 3 1/2 by 5 inches wide outside, stands 4 1/4 inches high, with a compartment 4 inches by 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches. The lid doesn't fit down tight on the right due to someone's sturdy, but inexact repair of the hinge on that side.

My father-in-law had a silver-colored one like this that he got on his wedding trip to Niagara Falls in 1939. It sat on his dresser and held his college ring and cuff links.

The metal finish shows wear. The velvet lining is in excellent condition. It's hefty, weighing over a pound and a half.

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Vintage 1938 AUTOBRIDGE JUNIOR Perfect Bridge Teacher!

Vintage 1938 AUTOBRIDGE JUNIOR Perfect Bridge Teacher! - eBay (item 310016991964 end time Jan-29-08 20:37:54 PST)

This vintage box contains a masonite board with metal sliders that hide or reveal numbers, symbols and moves for playing bridge. Inside the lid is the envelope the playing sheets came in. It says there are two classes, a series for beginners and one for advanced players. This set is marked ©1938 by Autobridge, Inc.

One of the creators of this system, Ely Culbertson, says:
If I were learning to play Contract Bridge all over again, I would use AUTOBRIDGE and save both time and temper. AUTOBRIDGE not only teaches (in no time) the fundamental principles of good bidding and play, but, through actual practice, makes a real expert out of any player.

For a thrilling Bridge game in which every hand is packed with drama, the AUTOBRIDGE Advanced Deals cannot be beat. They will put you on your mettle and teach you the fine points of advanced play.

And don't forget--the Instruction Series in not only for beginners and average players but is indispensable for all. The lack of knowledge of fundamentals is the one barrier standing between an advanced and a masterly game.
There are eight sheets included with a different game on each side. A four-page leaflet explains the sample games. A twelve-page booklet accompanies this set of deal sheets which is Group 5. It urges you to order Group 6 to finish the course. There are two order forms, but don't try to order. The address is so old there's no zip code.

Group 5 focuses on:
  • Rebids. (Note: This is probably the most important phase of bidding.)
  • How to rebid after a rebid after a Raise: after a Takeout.
  • Rebidding first suit.
  • Bidding a new suit.
  • Bidding Notrump.
  • Raising partner's suit.
  • Rebids when partner's response is 2 Notrump.
  • When partner has made Forcing Takeout.
  • Rebidding strong hands.
  • General Principles.
The leaflet seems to refer to 12 games and 4 sample plays, so the 8 sheets here with games front and back must be the complete set.

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

1991 ERICH PFRETZSCHNER 3/4 Violin, Bow, Case, Rosin!

1991 ERICH PFRETZSCHNER 3/4 Violin, Bow, Case, Rosin! - eBay (item 310016703477 end time Jan-28-08 20:49:15 PST)

This 3/4 size violin is marked on a label inside, "Erich Pfretzschner 1991 Handmade Copy of Antonius Stradivarius. 3/4 Model 2900, Serial 921867." Another label says, "This instrument selected and approved by International Strings, Inc. has been carefully constructed and adjusted to exceed the Music Educators National Conference standards."

The case has a number on it and damaged finish on both ends as if shuffled to and fro on a bus.

The violin fared better. There's finish missing on edges, the worst being along the lower bout I focused on in the photo. There's a chafed spot on the chin rest. The tape on the neck aids learning.

The bow looks fine but with darkened horsehair near the frog. Possibly it's soiled, or was always that way, or it's the dark cello rosin I found in the case after taking photos.

It seems sturdy and sounds good to me. Not that I'm an expert. My old violin (that was my mother's) lost its sound peg forty-some years ago, thus ending my violin-playing. I was never able to tune the thing.

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Monday, January 21, 2008

GROUNDHOG FILES COMIC Joe Wehrle Detective Adventure!

GROUNDHOG FILES COMIC Joe Wehrle Detective Adventure! - eBay (item 310016671878 end time Jan-28-08 18:10:07 PST)

This Groundhog Files self-published black and white comic with a color cover is Joe Wehrle, Jr's charming, off-beat interpretation of the groundhog legend, complete with a groundhog detective on his first case. Actual Punxsutawney landmarks appear.

See Punxsutawney Phil as you've never seen him before. Follow the adventure of a young groundhog detective solving his first case--the kidnapping of the Seer of Seers! Who's got a serious grudge against the most famous groundhog in the world?

It's 5 1/2" by 8 1/2", black and white, 24 pages. All story, no ads! What a concept!

Wehrle is noted for work in Galaxy and IF digest science fiction magazines, covers and interior illustrations in Arkham House and other Mirage Press books, illustrations for Burroughs-oriented journals and on a lighter note, the story and drawings in the Big Little Book Cauliflower Catnip.

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

Retired 2005 PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL TY Beanie Baby NWT Punxs'y

Retired 2005 PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL TY Beanie Baby NWT Punxy - eBay (item 310016417719 end time Jan-27-08 18:02:23 PST)

This Ty beanie baby is the 2005 model of Punxsutawney Phil with a black velvet top hat and shiny red bow tie.

The paper tag says, "Original By Beanie Babies" on the front. Inside it says, "The Beanie Babies Collection. The proceeds from the sale of this item support the various philanthropic activities of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. www.ty.com Punxsutawney Phil 2005™ Date of Birth February 2, 2005.

In Punxsutawney at Gobbler's Knob
I have a most important job
Although I'm not quite sure the reasons
I've learned I can predict the seasons!"

The back of the tag says, "Safety Precaution. Please remove all swing tags and other accessories." There's a bar code, then, "Retain Tag For Reference, For Ages 3 and Up, Surface Wash." Much the same information is on the cloth tag except, "©2004 TY, INC."

He's in tip-top condition.

Does this 2005 vintage Punxsutawney Phil Ty Beanie Baby make you smile?

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Vintage GASPARI GOLD EYE GLASSES Engraved Cable Temples

Vintage GASPARI GOLD EYE GLASSES Engraved Cable Temples - eBay (item 310016413807 end time Jan-27-08 17:44:29 PST)

This pair of vintage gold eyeglasses has an engraved design on the temples. They're marked on both temples with "Gaspari 1/10 12 K GF." The bridge says, "1/10 12 K GF Gaspari, 20 G."

The frame goes across the tops of the lenses only, not the sides and bottoms. Screws through holes in the lenses attach them to the frame and nose pads.

The total width of the frame is 117 mm, including the temple hinges. The frame takes lenses 39 mm high and 44 mm wide. The distance between the lenses at the bridge is 22 mm. The cable temples measure 120 mm long. The frame, nose pads and temples are in great condition.

The black faux-leather-covered metal glasses case looks pretty good outside, great inside.

The coolest thing about this style of eye glass temples is the way the glasses stay on your head even if you turn upside-down. If you're sick of your spectacles falling off, these are for you.

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

Vintage WOODEN BOOK CIGAR BOX Sweetest Story Ever Told!

Vintage WOODEN BOOK CIGAR BOX Sweetest Story Ever Told! - eBay (item 310016186651 end time Jan-26-08 18:50:53 PST)

This wooden book is a cigar box from the 1930s marked, "The Sweetest Story Ever Told" on the lid and it has a monogram design, "ERD." It's made of cedar wood with brass hinges and closure.

For a look at a book like this and other styles of cigar boxes, visit National Cigar Museum

It could be a nice place to stow your Bible or other valuable treasures. How about using it for the family money box?

The lid of the box could use a bit of polish. The "page edges" are gold paint, I think, and have many marks. The hinges and latch work fine and the box is sturdy and solid as the day it was made way back when.

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Vintage PA Albright College Yearbook THE SPECULUM 1917!

Vintage PA Albright College Yearbook THE SPECULUM 1917! - eBay (item 310016173028 end time Jan-26-08 17:14:03 PST)

The Speculum 1917 was published by the Junior Class of Albright College in Pennsylvania.

Fascinating old photos reflect the styles and times back then. For these students, topics of interest included suffragettes (American women didn't get the right to vote until 1920) and prohibition (which became law in 1920).

While it looks like a small college, it had fraternities, leagues, clubs, literary societies and teams. The book shows their dormitories, science building, chemical lab, studio, gymnasium and playing field. There are class histories along with photos of the members. Jokes and quotes from the students fill some pages near the end.

The signature on the front flyleaf written in ink with a nib pen says, "Carl H.E. Hoffman, Albright College, 1918." The frontispiece and title page each have a tear, there's some foxing on a few pages, and the top corner of all pages is crimped.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

POP OUT SANDAL SKATES Girl Sz 3-4 Wood Platform Wheels!

POP OUT SANDAL SKATES Girl Sz 3-4 Wood Platform Wheels! - eBay (item 310015982046 end time Jan-25-08 18:25:48 PST)

These wooden-sole sandals are skates. They come in the original box which says, "Pop Out Sandal Skate, Bottom sole made of hard wood, Item No. SSR 890 Size: 4 Fit for 3&4."

Instructions for Use
1. For Skating:
To pull the locking lever button on side of shoe body, the wheels drop out automatically like landing gears for your skating.
2. For Walking:
To pull the locking lever button on side of shoe body by one hand and push wheels back in, release button, all wheels locked inside of the shoe body for your walking.

The uppers are in great shape. There are a few scuffs and scratches on the wooden sides and insoles. One of the pop out buttons has some green rust, but still works just fine. It's fun to pull out the button and have the wheels drop down.

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4 Vintage PENNY DREADFUL Reprint PB Books Old Wild West

4 Vintage PENNY DREADFUL Reprint PB Books Old Wild West - eBay (item 310015981099 end time Jan-25-08 18:21:31 PST)

These four vintage paperback books reprinted famous five cent "Penny Dreadful" magazines from the opening of America's wild west. Each is a Gold Star Book published by The New International Library, Inc. I see no publication date, but they offered other books in this series through the mail for 50 cents each.

There are two novelettes per book:
  • No. 37, July 3, 1903
    • Young Wild West "Running the Gauntlet; or, The Pawnee Chief's Last Shot" by An Old Scout
    • Plus: "Dandy Dan of Deadwood and His Big Bonanza" by Noname
  • No. 81, May 6, 1904
    • Young Wild West's "Prairie Pioneers; or, Fighting the Way to the Golden Loop" by An Old Scout
    • Plus: "Bluejacket, The Boy Scout of the Wilderness" by Morris Redwing
  • No. 112, December 9, 1904
    • Young Wild West's "Green Corn Dance; or, A Lively Time with the Pawnees" by An Old Scout
    • Plus: "Pawnee Bill; or, The White Chief's First War Trail" by Paul Braddon
  • No. 128, (no date)
    • "Buffalo Bill's Double; or, The False Guide" by the author of "Buffalo Bill"
    • "Denver Dan to The Rescue" (no author name)
All four paperbacks have slight wear and age darkening. Two have indentations in the front covers.

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JUSTIN COWBOY BOOTS Womens 8 B Black Leather 1 3/4 Heel

JUSTIN COWBOY BOOTS Womens 8 B Black Leather 1 3/4 Heel - eBay (item 310015978809 end time Jan-25-08 18:10:21 PST)

This pair of ladies black leather cowboy boots is marked, "Justin Style 4904, Made in U.S.A. Comb. Last, Size 8 B L, Registered Number 99007 4." They are black leather embroidered with black.

They measure 13 1/4" in total height with the heel 1 3/4" high and the distance from the heel to top 11 1/2". The boots measure 6 1/2" across the top of the leg. They're 3 3/4" across the widest part of the foot. The total length from the back of the heel upper to the toe tip is 11 1/4".

They have slight wear to the soles bottom and edges. The bottom of the heels still has the original slight texture and imprints of the word Justin except for around the edges. The gilt word "Justin" on the insole is still there, not worn off at all.

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Vintage 1960s WORLDS' FAIREST SONGS Fake Book Pop Show!

Vintage 1960s WORLDS' FAIREST SONGS Fake Book Pop Show! - eBay (item 310015760245 end time Jan-24-08 19:42:27 PST)

This old collection of songs for musicians says, "Worlds' Fairest Songs New Improved Volume 5, Latest Show Tunes, Best Standards, Popular Foreign Songs, Limited Edition, For Professional Use Only."

The small print says, "This reference is produced as a service to the professional performing musicians and is not intended for sale at profit to others.."

It's a thick book with blue plastic binding holding 486 pages of songs. The foreign songs are Italian, Jewish, Irish, Latin, Russian, French, German and Hawaiian.

The "latest" show tunes are from the sixties, we think, judging from the list of titles (see below). The sheet music gives the basics: key, chords, single notes for the melody and lyrics. There are chord charts of 187 basic chords--one for those who read chords and one for those who don't.

To give you an idea of what the Popular Songs are, here are the titles beginning with the letter Y:
  • Yesterdays
  • You Brought a New Kind of Love
  • You Don't Know Me
  • You Don't Know What Love Is
  • You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
  • You Oughta Be In Pictures
  • Young Warm and Wonderful
  • You're Getting to Be a Habit
  • You're My Thrill
  • You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
  • You Stepped Out of a Dream
  • You Took Advantage of Me
  • You've Changed
  • You Won't Be Satisfied
Better yet, here is the entire list of Broadway shows:
  • Anyone Can Whistle (2 songs)
  • Bye Bye Birdie (1)
  • Camelot (1)
  • Flower Drum Song (1)
  • Foxy (4)
  • Funny Girl (1)
  • A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1)
  • The Girl Who Came to Supper (2)
  • Gypsy (1)
  • Hello Dolly (5)
  • High Spirits (3)
  • How to Succeed in Business (1)
  • Little (1)
  • Milk and Honey (2)
  • Mr. President (3)
  • My Fair Lady (3)
  • No Strings (5)
  • Oliver (8)
  • Stop the World (3)
  • West Side Story (1)
  • What Makes Sammy Run (6)

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UNMARKED TENOR SAX MOUTHPIECE, Ligature, Cap, New Reed!

UNMARKED TENOR SAX MOUTHPIECE, Ligature, Cap, New Reed! - eBay (item 310015739933 end time Jan-24-08 17:40:28 PST)

This black tenor sax mouthpiece has no maker's name and no facing number. My man prefers a number seven and this one is much brighter than that, probably a three or four. It comes with a silver ligature and black plastic mouthpiece protector.

They are lightly used. There is a barely visible chafed spot where your teeth touch. We're including a new Rico Royal 2 1/2 reed.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Vintage GENERIC FISHING REEL w/ Heavy Black Line, Guide

Vintage GENERIC FISHING REEL w/ Heavy Black Line, Guide - eBay (item 310015513318 end time Jan-23-08 20:05:30 PST)

This vintage fishing reel has no maker's mark anywhere. It's filled with very heavy black line with texture. Either way you turn the double crank it makes a nice metallic clicking sound. There are no knobs or levers.

I have no idea if it's a spinning reel, casting or fly fishing reel or what, but I'm sure you do.

The crank turns easily and the line guide moves back and forth just as you'd expect. There's some silvery finish missing on the side opposite the crank.

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Vintage COUNTRY HARVEST SHADOW BOX Mouse Corn Beans!

Vintage COUNTRY HARVEST SHADOW BOX Mouse Corn Beans! - eBay (item 310015503307 end time Jan-23-08 19:37:08 PST)

This wooden shadow box has six compartments. Three are filled with lentils, corn, and beans. The bottom shelf has a cute wooden mouse, bark, dried wheat and flowers. The top compartments have a mini cast iron skillet and blue enamel pot and a card with dried flowers on it.

It's made of a dark finish wood with an ornate metal loop for hanging, glass front and wooden back. Hang this on your wall to bring a touch of fall harvest into your home year round.

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Vintage ENTERPRISE 16 CHERRY STONER Hand Crank Pitter!

Vintage ENTERPRISE 16 CHERRY STONER Hand Crank Pitter! - eBay (item 310015486698 end time Jan-23-08 18:53:58 PST)

This vintage metal kitchen tool is heavy as cast iron, but silver in color and embossed, "16 Cherry Stoner, Enterprise Phila. U.S.A." It has a big screw to clamp it to a table or counter edge.

I don't know what the 16 stands for. The year it was made? I researched on eBay and found another model similar to this but with an extra part. It came out in 1917.

I think you feed cherries into the big chute, turn the crank to squeeze them through a small opening and they come out the little chute. Do the pits come out with the mashed cherries or stay in the first chute? I don't know.

The crank turns easily as does the clamp screw. The silvery finish has much patina.

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Vintage THE HOUSEHOLD PHYSICIAN, VOL I Illus HC, Charts

Vintage THE HOUSEHOLD PHYSICIAN, VOL I Illus HC, Charts - eBay (item 310015200199 end time Jan-22-08 19:35:50 PST)

The Household Physician, A Twentieth Century Medica, Vol I was published in 1931 by Brofly Press in Buffalo, New York. It's a big, heavy hardcover with loads of black and white drawings and diagrams of body parts, some color drawings, some photos, and a many-page cross-section diagram of the structures in the human head, another of the body.

Sample text:
Sex of Child--How to Regulate Before Birth

When a Male Child is Desired.--Before cohabitation the husband should eat nothing but good substantial food, take long, hard exercise in the open air, read light literature, abstain from indulgences for some time before the procreative period. The wife should abstain from animal food but should eat vegetables and farinaceous articles of diet, exercise daily until almost fatigued and pass the time with older females than herself.

When a Female Child is Desired.--Exactly the opposite course should be taken. The wife should eat the most stimulating food, should not indulge the passions, and should reserve her whole vigor and strength for the desired time. The husband should take violent exercise until fatigued and a hot bath every night.

After pregnancy the wife should eat little meat but should live mostly on farinaceous food and take short walks in the open air, but not enough to get tired, and should sleep as much as possible.

Does this vintage book of medical advice make you smile?

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Vintage GENERIC BINOCULARS Black Metal, No Maker's Mark

Vintage GENERIC BINOCULARS Black Metal, No Maker's Mark - eBay (item 310015190445 end time Jan-22-08 18:29:18 PST)

This vintage pair of binoculars has no maker's mark anywhere. They're black metal and showing age with dents and loss of finish.

They could use a good cleaning and oiling. You can adjust the visual length, but they're frozen so you can't adjust the distance between eyepieces. The original strap is gone, leaving slots for attaching a new strap.

You can see through them. One ring around the far lens is bent and no longer circular. They might be great for a little adventurer.

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Vintage DIETZGEN SLIDE RULE in Orig Hard Leather Case!

Vintage DIETZGEN SLIDE RULE in Orig Hard Leather Case! - eBay (item 310015189636 end time Jan-22-08 18:23:47 PST)

This vintage slide rule is marked, "Dietzgen 1737 Japan" and "Decimal Trig Type Log Log." The hard leather case is embossed, "Dietzgen" on the flap. The slide slides easily, has no wear at all and fits snugly in the case.

A slide rule was the pocket 'computer' before silicon chips changed the world. Now it seems as old as an abacus, doesn't it?

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Vintage EMPIRE HAIR STRAIGHTENER IRON Wide Blades Elec.

Vintage EMPIRE HAIR STRAIGHTENER IRON Wide Blades Elec. - eBay (item 310015188247 end time Jan-22-08 18:15:27 PST)

This vintage Empire hair straightener iron is marked, "Empire Products, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, Patent 1889432 Made in U.S.A."

Depress the thumb lever and it opens just wide enough to accept a lock of hair (see photo). The cord is 58 inches long. The handle and thumb knob are black wood. There's a seemingly permanent thumbprint on one blade.

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Vintage GENERAL ANGLE DIVIDER Old Tool No. 835, Works!

Vintage GENERAL ANGLE DIVIDER Old Tool No. 835, Works! - eBay (item 310015187751 end time Jan-22-08 18:11:51 PST)

This vintage angle divider is marked, "Angle Divider, Made in U.S.A. General No. 835." There are two scales: one marked 30, 45 and 60 degrees; the other marked 0, 10, 8, 6, 5 and 4. A John Shiock etched his name on it in two different places.

I have no idea how it works, but I'm sure you do. I showed it spread open in the last shot, but it opens all the way, no limits. UPDATE: I see from other listings how it works. I shouldn't have opened it like that, but I restored it to the way I found it, so no worries.

The old tool is solid and ready to work for you if you'll forgive the patina and minor rust spots on the silvery finish.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Vintage Cast Iron J.A. SEXAUER WRENCH Slim Open Ended!

Vintage Cast Iron J.A. SEXAUER WRENCH Slim Open Ended! - eBay (item 310014983374 end time Jan-21-08 18:39:48 PST)

This vintage cast iron wrench is embossed on the handle with the maker, "J. A. Sexauer Mfg Co" and "U.S.A. And Canada." There's a small hallmark that I can't make out. I keep thinking it looks like the Phantom's Skull Ring, but that's likely just me. Being married to a cartoonist can warp a person.

It's an open-ended wrench that's very thin in profile, measuring only 5/16" thick at the jaws and 1/2" thick at the handle. The finish has patina and one chip. The white mark you see in the photo later scratched off.

The openings measure 2 5/8" and 1 7/8" wide. Or 66 mm and 48 mm.

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Vintage Navy WWII U.S. SERVICE WRITING KIT in Orig Box!

Vintage Navy WWII U.S. SERVICE WRITING KIT in Orig Box! - eBay (item 310014980400 end time Jan-21-08 18:21:11 PST)

This U.S. Service Writing Kit is a caramel faux leather paper folder with a gold embossed logo and "U.S. Service Writing Kit" on the front cover. Inside on the left is a pocket full of envelopes, a place to put your sweetheart's photo and a card to record your name, number, outfit, company, camp and location. On the right is a pad of stationery imprinted with a navy blue USN anchor logo.

There are 24 envelopes and the pad looks full. The envelopes and stationery age darkened. We believe it's a World War II era kit. The pasteboard box has a tear in one flap corner.

The pasteboard box/envelope is printed on the front in red with images of three servicemen, a mailing envelope, stars and a banner that says, "U.S. Service Writing Kit." Someone hand-wrote on the end "59 cents." There's a blue-printed or stamped "N" on the closure tab.

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Vintage LONG JET AIRPLANE HOOD ORNAMENT 3 Mounts Plane!

Vintage LONG JET AIRPLANE HOOD ORNAMENT 3 Mounts Plane! - eBay (item 310014978509 end time Jan-21-08 18:08:57 PST)

This vintage chrome jet airplane hood ornament once graced a car, but I don't know what make or model. Inside it's marked "BM-16853-C" and "10369". Under each wing it says, "1/4 28."

The finish is cloudy and pitted on top and has pitting in the underside fuselage. The screws and nuts are here, ready to be mounted except the nuts need oiled and unfrozen. If you get it re-chromed, you're good to go.

It's huge, measuring 17 1/2 inches long and 10 inches wide. When bolted to your car hood, the nose is upraised as if the jet is taking off.

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON KEYRING Logo Black Leather Fringe 12 In

HARLEY-DAVIDSON KEYRING Logo Black Leather Fringe 12 In - eBay (item 310014977185 end time Jan-21-08 18:02:11 PST)

This Harley-Davidson is the famous logo and leather fringe on a big keyring. The logo says, "Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles®" and is embossed on black leather sewn to a double layer of suede fringe.

It's 12 1/2" long. You may never lose your keys again!

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

Vintage GOLD EYE GLASSES Engraved Rims, Cable Temples!

Vintage GOLD EYE GLASSES Engraved Rims, Cable Temples! - eBay (item 310014500836 end time Jan-19-08 18:52:49 PST)

This pair of vintage gold eyeglasses has a fancy engraved design all around the lenses, across the bridge and on the temples. They're marked on the bridge and both temples with a symbol and "1/10-12K GF." It's difficult for me to make out the symbol, but it might be an A and O overlapping each other a bit.

The total width of the frame is 110 mm, including the temple hinges. The frame takes lenses 38 mm high and 40 mm wide. The distance between the lenses at the bridge is 19 mm. The cable temples measure 100 mm long. The frame, nose pads and temples are in great condition.

The red-covered metal glasses case looks rough on the outside, but great inside. It has a metal inlaid design of Scottie dogs and is marked, "Vogel & Ruehl Opticians, 1502 Hertek Ave."

The coolest thing about this style of eye glass temples is the way the glasses stay on your head even if you turn upside-down. If you're sick of your spectacles falling off, these are for you.

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Friday, January 11, 2008

GRATEFUL DEAD COMIX 1 Tim Truman Autograph Kitchen Sink

GRATEFUL DEAD COMIX 1 Tim Truman Autograph Kitchen Sink - eBay (item 310014292199 end time Jan-18-08 20:02:55 PST)

This comic book is Grateful Dead Comix No. 1 published in 1991 by Kitchen Sink Comix. The front cover art is by Dean Armstrong. Inside the back cover is art by Moebius. The artists who illustrated the four stories are listed below. This issue is signed on the contents page by Timothy Truman with a sketch and a message.

Contents:
  • Dire Wolf by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, interpreted by Tim Truman, colored by Tim Truman
  • Terrapin Station by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, interpreted by Dan Steffan, colored by Randall Berndt
  • One More Saturday Night by Bob Weir, interpreted by Fred Carlson, colored by Randall Berndt
  • Casey Jones by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, interpreted by Nina Paley, colored by Randall Berndt
Here are the ads in this issue:
  • Inside front cover is an ad page for T-Shirts from Artrock
  • The Relix Library
  • The True Story of Simon Girty, the Renegade by Timothy Truman and Blab! by Kitchen Sink Press
  • Portrait of Deborah Harry signed art by Robert Williams and Crimes Against the Eye card set by Robert Williams
  • Rock Around the Clock--Grateful Dead news, art decals from Stuff
  • Seven publications from Kitchen Sink Press
  • Robert Crumb's A Short History of America poster and Mr. Natural statuette
  • Relix Magazine
  • Embossed Metal Signs from Kitchen Sink Press
  • Free catalog, Buzz comic book and Curse of the Molemen by Kitchen Sink Press
The autograph is done in ball point pen on the contents page by the story he illustrated. It says, "For Steve!" in a box, "Timothy Truman" with a simple cartoon sketched face, and "Keep on Truckin'!"

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ELKLAND COWBOY BOOTS Children's 1 1/2 Snakeskin, Black!

ELKLAND COWBOY BOOTS Children's 1 1/2 Snakeskin, Black! - eBay (item 310014280785 end time Jan-18-08 18:41:44 PST)

This pair of Elkland brand gray snakeskin and black cowboy boots are children's 1 1/2. They look like they're leather uppers and manmade materials in sole. This size fits feet 8 1/16" long and 3 1/4" wide, according to the shoe size chart at Payless.

The foot part is gray snakeskin as are the tabs at the top. The legs are black with red and white embroidery stitching. The boots heel height is 1 3/4" at the back. They measure 10 1/2" in total height, with 9" from the sole to the boot top. The boot top measures 5 3/4" across.

These boots are in excellent condition with clean insides, soles with no wear and slight wear on the heels at the back. There are minor scuffs on the sides of the heels. They were worn just long enough to rub off some gilt lettering inside so they're a challenge to read.

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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Vintage Packet 12 WESTMINSTER ABBEY SEPIA PHOTOGRAPHS!

Vintage Packet 12 WESTMINSTER ABBEY SEPIA PHOTOGRAPHS! - eBay (item 310013616667 end time Jan-15-08 19:52:25 PST)

This old textured paper packet from England contains twelve real photographs of Westminster Abbey. The packet says, "Westminster Abbey, 12 Real Photographs, One Shilling, Published by Walter Scott Bradford Yorks (Sepia)."

Each sepia photo measures 3.5 by 2.5 inches. The name of the image is in script on each photo back. The twelve images (in no particular order) include:
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Coronation Chair, Westminster Abbey
  • Henry VII's Chapel, Westminster Abbey
  • Chapter House, Westminster Abbey
  • Unknown Warrior's Grave, Westminster Abbey
  • Nightingale Monument, Westminster Abbey
  • Statesman's Corner, Westminster Abbey
  • The Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey
  • The East Cloister, Westminster Abbey
  • The Norman Undercroft, Westminster Abbey
  • The Choir Looking West, Westminster Abbey
  • Eduard The Confessor's Shrine, Westminster Abbey
These are beautiful crisp and clear photos showing details of the ornate and historic structures. They're a great way to travel to England in the comforts of your armchair.

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Tabletop SPIDER-MAN PINBALL GAME w/ Batteries, Works!

Tabletop SPIDER-MAN PINBALL GAME w/ Batteries, Works! - eBay (item 310013389295 end time Jan-14-08 20:28:43 PST)

This Spider-Man table-top pinball game is loaded with four C batteries and works great. The back is marked, "©2004 Funrise Toys. Inc. Made in China." The battery compartment door shows how to place the four "C UM2 LR14 1.5V" batteries. You need a Phillips screwdriver to open the battery compartment.

I set this on a table to play it and needed to put something under the far end of the game so gravity would move the ball down the field. If there were legs on the game to lift the far end, they're not here now. Propping it up on something like a book works fine.

There's a small on/off switch on the back. The sticker on the back of the header says, "Turn dial on other side of header to adjust high score manually." The header folds down for storage. The spring pull, buttons, scoring, lights and sounds all work.

What a great way to practice and develop your pinball skills without going broke! It makes sounds and lights up as you score points and they rack up on the score.

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Saturday, January 5, 2008

Antique 1880 Cast Iron HOME MINE HOIST Hand Crank Works

Antique 1880 Cast Iron HOME MINE HOIST Hand Crank Works - eBay (item 310012918391 end time Jan-12-08 19:57:16 PST)

This antique cast iron hoist was used in small or home mines to hoist loads up by hand. There's no maker's name on it, only old patent dates galore.

The inside handle arm is marked, "June 29, 1875" except the J is covered with an obscuring bit of metal. Above the brake handle it says, "July 13-80." Above the roller it says, "July 5, 81." And beside the clamp lever it says, "July 11-82."

This old tool still works! I forgot to photograph it with the crank handle up to show that it cranks all the way around. The wooden grip on the crank has a small crack near the outer end and is a bit bent so it looks wonky as it turns. Some miner must have cranked up some darn heavy loads of coal or shale to bend that handle.

The brake still locks and the clamp lever turns. The hoist kind of jingles when you turn the crank.

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Official HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEW RAG Cloth Doo Helmet Liner

Official HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEW RAG Cloth Doo Helmet Liner - eBay (item 310012900893 end time Jan-12-08 17:40:53 PST)

This official Harley-Davidson dew rag (doo rag or do rag) helmet liner is made of black fabric with the Harley logo all over it. It's new without tags, never worn, and still has the plastic store hang-it-up tag.

One label says, "Harley-Davidson Motor Cycles" in the logo and "Global Products, Inc." The other says, "85% Polyester 15% Cotton, Made in China." I see no size, but I'm a 5'8" woman and it fits me and would fit a bigger head.

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Vintage Style ORNATE PHONE Fancy Old-Fashioned, Works!

Vintage Style ORNATE PHONE Fancy Old-Fashioned, Works! - eBay (item 310012886914 end time Jan-12-08 15:55:50 PST)

This fancy telephone hearkens back to the days when you hung up a huge receiver on two upright bars. I see Bette Davis talking on one like this while wearing ruffles and rills, but I might be mixing my movies up.

The maker's label came off the bottom. It says, "American Telecommunications Corporation Deco-Tel Personal Telephones, El Monte, California. Patent Pending. Model No. ____ (not filled in)."

Other labels on the bottom say, "Western Electric Serial #H771179 CS Set. Complies with PT 68, FCC Rules. FCC Reg. No AS593M-70259-TE-R. Ringer Equivalence 1.0A." There's a switch to adjust the loudness of the ring and a socket where you plug in your phone line. The phone box stands on four small plastic tipped feet.

The black parts and the "wood" seem like plastic. I think the "gold" receiver parts might be plastic. The upright bars and dial are metal. We plugged it in and it works! The ring is as old-fashioned as the phone's ornate style.

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

FLOWER GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET COVERLET Hand Made Afghan!

FLOWER GRANNY SQUARE CROCHET COVERLET Hand Made Afghan! - eBay (item 310012482207 end time Jan-08-08 18:59:07 PST)

This hand-made crochet coverlet has bold multi-color granny squares with 3-D flowers in the centers. It's 100% polyester yarn made by my friend who crochets about 60 mph. She usually makes coverlets from whatever yarn colors she has on hand. This blanket, large afghan or throw or lap robe is shown on a single bed.

This one has a dainty picot edging in cream. The flowers stand up about an inch above the surface, giving the coverlet lots of texture. It's a sweet, homey item to warm up your decor and snuggle up in for a nap or TV watching.

This coverlet is made of polyester worsted-weight yarn and is machine washable. You can feel extra warm knowing half of the proceeds from this auction goes to Doctors Without Borders.

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