Thousands of years ago, lamps were made of pottery, carved shells, and other materials. They contained oil derived from animal fat or plants. A fiber, linen, or papyrus wick floated in the oil, providing longer periods of light. In 1780 Aime Argand developed an oil lamp that contained a wick […]
Although American Brilliant cut glass had its heyday from the 1870s to the early 1900s, there has been a resurgence of collectors acquiring a few antique pieces for use in the home. It might be due to shows like Downton Abbey or The Gilded Age that shined a spotlight on […]
Consider the Chrysler building in New York with its towering, sleek stepped geometric design. Or a Marquise- cut diamond ring, or cobalt blue mirrored glass topped tables. Then you understand what defines Art Deco. Soon after World War I ended, an explosion of decadent living and accelerated innovation collided. Shaking […]
With the presidential election in the not-too-distant future, it behooves me to mention one of our greatest presidents—Abraham Lincoln. His leadership during the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation giving enslaved people in the United States their freedom, as well as preserving the Union was monumental. Decades ago, I […]
Summer often reminds us of carefree days with fun houses, boardwalk games, prizes, and carnivals. Long ago, a fanciful novelty in luminescent glass became the coveted prize at these venues. When Carnival Glass is held up to the light and rotated, a wave of colors and distortions appear like a […]
There’s a Craftsman library table waiting for you at Treehouse Antiques in Lower Township. It’s constructed of quarter-sawn oak with cutout detailing and square drawer knobs. Although not a Gustave Stickley piece, it contains many of the same elements. Oak wood, machine carved detail, wooden drawer dowels instead of machine-made […]
Art Nouveau draws inspiration from the natural world with its organic, graceful style. It speaks of birth and renewal as sure as the first signs of spring. It was a compelling, energetic style in the art world from the 1890s to 1914 and the start of World War I. And […]
Cape May is steeped in Victorian architecture, furnishings, art, and so much more. Although trends towards Victorian furniture have waned over the years, the lively, colorful, and often whimsical Majolica pottery has held steady with collectors. With every subsequent year, Majolica ownership continues to attract new enthusiasts. The Victorian age […]
As you stroll along the Washington Street Mall, you can’t help but notice a large gold crown hanging above the entrance of a Victorian pewter gray building. Lush greenery spills from the window boxes. This is Queen May, a jewelry store with luxury merchandise. But don’t just peek through the […]
The sky-blue triangular building that houses Antiques Emporia is hard to miss when entering or leaving Cape May via Perry Street. Pam Patrick and her husband bought the building 48 years ago for his plumbing supply business. Various other businesses have occupied the expansive wood and stucco building, including a […]
TreeHouse Antiques on Seashore Road, covering 3000 square feet, is an essential stop for every Cape May antique hunter. The sunny yellow structure was built in the early 1900s, and when you enter, you’ll receive a warm greeting from the owners, Susan and Wayne Stewart. They are antique dealers from […]
Tucked on the outskirts of the central shopping district of Cape May sits a quaint antique shop, Out of The Past. The owner and operator of this hidden treasure is Jeanne Hermann, a woman filled with life who cherishes yesterday’s history. It’s amazing how such an unimposing little (24’ by […]
The Cape May Antique Center, located on Rt. 109, on the approach to Cape May after the big bridge, has plenty of parking on a crushed seashell lot. ANTIQUES and COLLECTIBLES, in three-foot- high letters, appear on the front and side of the battleship-gray building, itself an antique at over […]