Dr. Indiana Jones may have loved his Smith & Wesson revolvers, but the most recognizable American revolver has to be Colt’s Single Action Army (aka “The Peacemaker”). Originally adopted by the U.S. Military in 1873, the pistol was dropped from Colt’s catalog around 1940 due to the production demands of WW II. It was resurrected […]
Why Americans Love “Downton Abbey” (and why we wouldn’t want to live there)
The popularity of “Downton Abbey,” the brain child of creator/writer Julian Fellowes and ITV, is something of a cultural phenomenon. While the show is universally adored, the fever pitch that fandom reaches on our side of the pond is somewhat surprising, considering the longevity of shows like Friends and Seinfeld. By way of contrast, the […]
Guitars on a Budget
Let’s face it. Not everyone can afford a six figure 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard or a $70K and up Fender Mary Kaye Stratocaster. Fear not. For those of us who have to collect guitars on a budget or may be new to the vintage guitar collecting world, there is still hope! You don’t need […]
The Next Big Thing for LAIKA
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past few years, the Oscar nomination for LAIKA’s Boxtrolls will not come as a surprise. The studio’s two previous forays, ParaNorman (2012) and Coraline (2009), both received Oscar nods for Best Animated Feature Film. Here’s hoping third time’s the charm. The world of animation art is […]
Women and Handbags: the Love that Dare Not Speak its Name
As romantic expressions go, even old standbys like candy, flowers, and an evening out have become hackneyed, requiring little thought or effort. To be fair, no gift or romantic gesture can adequately express the depth of feeling for your beloved, and many women even tell their significant other not to make a big deal out […]
16 Carat Diamond from Colorado Kelsey Lake Mine Sold for $185,000
A 16.87 carat diamond from the Kelsey Lake Mine in Colorado was sold at auction for $185,000 in 2015. Buy, Value or Appraise Your Antique and Vintage Jewelry and Gems Bid or buy antique and vintage estate jewelry and gems for sale, value your item, or request a free appraisal to sell your collection. Many […]
A Paddington Bear Guide to Fine & Decorative Arts
Continuing with our Paddington Bear series, I’ll be examining Paddington and the Old Master[i] and Too Much Off the Top[ii], where Paddington learns a great deal about art and antiques from his friend Mr. Gruber, who owns a shop in the Portobello Road. Their friendship not only affords cocoa and buns every morning, but provides […]
A Paddington Bear Guide to Auctions
Like many little girls, I was once crazy for teddy bears, evidenced by the storage boxes collecting dust in my mother’s attic. Paddington, a “very rare bear” from “Darkest Peru”, was the bear that started it all. As a child, I identified with Paddington Bear because he resembled me: well-intentioned, but out of his depth. […]
