Category Archives: What is it?

I think this is an old bread cutting board from Europe probably France or Germany. The reason I believe that it was used exclusively for bread is because of the diagonal grooves on the surface, which are there to catch … Continue reading →

This handmade hardwood, heavy container with flat bottom was made in England, where I bought it. Or possibly made in India where the wood came from. I’ve owned it for a couple of years, and it’s on our dinette table … Continue reading →

This is a heavy weight glass cigar ash tray still sold by Comoy’s of London. (Comoy’s pipes are highly collectable and desired due to their exceptional stained finish, which highlighted the grain figuring of the briar, and for their distinctive, … Continue reading →

These are some of my antique desk ink wells and pen and nib carriers. The use of pens dates from the Second to the Sixth Century and follows the invention of paper. The early writing implements were made from reeds. … Continue reading →

This is a captain’s chair. Most were intended for the naval officer’s cabin. It’s made of heavy oak. The curved back lip is of bent ewe which binds the parts together securely. The wide seat and outward angled legs discouraged … Continue reading →

    This is an old Japanese bed warmer. Coals from the fireplace are put inside. It has a much shorter handle than the European bed warmer because they are used in Futons. The futons open on their side and … Continue reading →

This is a cast iron black enameled foot warmer. Coals from the stove or fireplace are put inside. It was in the apartment of Daniele’s aunt where Daniele lived from Monday night through the school day on Friday. The only … Continue reading →

This is a cast iron enameled wood burning parlor stove. It was used to warm the Parlor which was the room where families and friends spent their evenings together. These were one of the main products that were made by … Continue reading →