John Birge (1785-1862) of Bristol, Connecticut, was an important figure among early American clockmakers.  He began working as a carpenter and carriage maker. But around 1822, he joined Dr. Thomas Merriman in a partnership, building clocks under the name Merriman Birge & Co. Over the next few decades, he entered into several partnerships, producing shelf clocks such… Read more

Despite their sentimental and romantic name, sailor’s valentines have nothing to do with February 14th or Valentine’s Day. Rather they are beautiful and unique sentimental keepsakes, crafted from seashells and given as a token of love or friendship by sailors returning home from a long sea voyage. Many were made between 1830 and 1890. They were rarely… Read more

Could that old brass and ebony sextant be worth something? What about that old boarding pistol up in the attic? Could that hatch cover from an old schooner be worth something? Maritime and nautical antiques are a collector’s niche rich with history and artistic value. The trade covers the coasts of the Americas, the heady… Read more

From screen prints, serigraphs, lithographs, giclee prints, and etchings, to linoleum cuts or woodcuts, there are endless possibilities for prints. They are a way for someone to own and appreciate a fine work of art, usually at a price that is far less than the cost of the original. A print is any work of… Read more

The answer is yes, no and maybe. It all depends on what you’re trying to present, and how you want it to look. In the antiques and collectibles of today, a lot of preference has shifted from pure shiny surfaces to original untouched surfaces. In other words, a highly polished brass tea kettle may have… Read more