We had no correct answers to our October’s What Is It. The item is an inkwell. Anne Gilbert tells us, “While today’s twitter generation may not even know what an inkwell or inkstand are another generation is seriously collecting them. They have been popular since the 1970s when they were appreciated not just for historical interest but design and beauty. […]

   Marjorie McLaren of Anchorage, Alaska gave the best explanation of our September’s What Is It. She tells us, “September’s What Is It is an antique whalebone and whale ivory swift, sometimes called a yarn winder. It is probably from the 19th century during the height of the whaling era. The whalebone arms expand out from an ivory cage at the […]

   Our August What Is It fooled a lot of people. So many thought it was a glass caster which was put under a furniture leg to protect the floor. It is actually a salt dish. Time was when the salt cellar or salt dish honored the table on which it sat, and also honored the person who sat before […]

July What Is It Winners We had two correct answers to our July’s What Is It contest. Dottie unruh of Lakewood, Colorado said, “It is an ice cream treat maker. I have one from the soda fountain in my dad’s old drug store in North Denver, it says, “Icy Pie” on it.”  She also added, “Thanks so much for your great paper; it’s always so informative and has been very helpful in identifying some of […]

 Our June’s What Is It is a water cooler wood grain paint over tin. Once humble general store items such as water coolers were often beautifully decorated. Water coolers were japanned in color and painted with floral motifs or even scenes. They were also stoneware, and decorated. They can be used for cool drinks at patio parties or without their […]