Antique Back Roads Volume 7

Insider’s Secret A Country Store Museum

Collecting Porcelain To Restore or Not - Part II Lunch Box Collecting

Volume 7

Insider’s Secret

With the interest in the popular television shows about pickers, pawn shops and auction companies, we have seen a renewed interest in vintage items especially in antique advertising.

The most common question we get from customers is “Where did you get this?”

While they are truly interested in the story behind the item, they really want to know where they too can find great items. So here is the insider’s secret to finding the good stuff.

If you have lots of time or just enjoy the hunt, all of the following offer a variety and you get to search through a plethora of items.

• Garage & yard sales – advertised locally • Flea markets – mostly outdoor, probably won’t find the mint condition items • Local auctions – maybe outdoor, bid against family who have sentimental attachment General antique shows, General dealers • General antique store/mall • Internet searches If your time is limited or you don’t like wading through loads of toads to get to the good stuff here are some options you may have overlooked.

Specialized auctions gather similar type items together for a large auction. It could be furniture, glassware, country store, gas & oil, advertising, coin op etc. The auction company may combine several consigners of quality items or a large collection from one person. The key here is quality - the auction Continued on Page 6

Visit A Country Store Museum

We recently visited a Country Store Museum in Mt. Airy, Maryland. Overwhelmed with this display and rarities, we asked if Howard would write an article on how it all got started. The following is his story, in his own words.

I had no idea that one day I would open a Country Store Museum. I guess the best way for me to start writing this article is to share with you how I got interested in collecting in the first place. One day at the age of 21, a good friend of mine had to stop by his fatherin-laws house and invited me to come in. Well, for the first time in my life I was in awe of this well displayed antique toy collection with some advertising signs adorning the walls. At that age of 21 I had cars on my mind, not antique toys and advertising, but after seeing that collection it was never to be forgotten.

After several weeks had gone by I had to see the collection again, so I stopped by Mr. Livingston’s house and got hooked on purchasing an advertising tin. That was 43 years ago and the price of the tin was $2.00. You may wonder what I purchased for just $2.00…it was a small Exlax flat tin.

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Visit A Country Store Museum A month later, a very good fellow dealer and collector of Mr. Livingston’s called me and stated he just returned from a place in New England named “Brimfield”. I did not know what Brimfield was, but soon learned it was a great place to find antiques. The gentlemen lived very close to my area so I went over to see his finds from Brimfield.

Bingo, the next thing I had purchased a coffee bin and some other advertising pieces.

They had the fish on the line, a new customer. I have to say I really loved this old stuff and put my car interest on the back burner. Every chance I got I would stop by this dealer’s house and purchase another find. I was building a collection now from the purchase of that Exlax tin. Piece by piece the collection was building because I started going to local auctions and flea markets. Then I finally got to the mecca called “Brimfield” in the early 1970’s. It was called Gordon Reed’s Flea Market, at that time, with just one big field with awesome finds for any country store collector.

Collecting kind of sneaks up behind you, and one day you turn around and say, “Did I collect all of this stuff?” I had items stored everywhere now with the dream of one day finding the right building to have 2

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my own museum. I purchased my own home and decorated it with my country store finds. Dye cabinets for end tables, spool cabinets for bedside tables and signs on the walls. But I was collecting like a man on a mission and every weekend I was at an auction or flea market and occasionally a good antique show. Then I knew I was in real trouble because I started traveling long distances to buy more and more goods. Don’t let me kid you; I enjoyed the traveling and meeting fellow collectors with the same passion. For me this was great. I enjoyed the chase for great and interesting items for the shelves and large counters, showcases to recreate a country store. It’s the small details that set off any collection, I told myself.

Now for the rest of the story. One day a friend told me about an auction taking place about 25 miles from my home. The contents of this wonderful old country store and drugstore were going to be auctioned off. I attended the auction and several months later purchased the building. I knew this was the perfect setting

Visit A Country Store Museum

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I enjoy sharing my collection with the people that come through the front door of the museum.

Everyone exchanges stories about growing up and visiting their local country stores when they were young. Visitors to my museum come in as strangers and leave as friends. So much has changed and so many small country stores and drugstores have vanished. Our goal is to never let these memories fade too far away.

for my collection. After all, what is better than actually having a real store front to showcase one’s country store collection? The work was just beginning.

After I took possession of this historic property, the work began of upgrading all the systems. Once that had been done the task of setting up the museum began. This project took years and I guess it will never end. As the years passed, numerous items I had in boxes stored away for years were unpacked. It was just like Christmas with each box I opened. I rediscovered items I had purchased years before. Setting up the museum was the best part of my collecting experience. Seeing everything come together one piece at a time was exciting. I really don’t think the museum will ever be totally completed because now at the age of 64 I’m still collecting. I have never lost my enthusiasm or respect of great and interesting advertising items.

Doctor’s office filled with Pharmacy bottles and furniture

Candy Counter displaying Candy Jars and Trays

The museum is open to the public and groups by appointment only for a small admission charge. We also run special educational tours for children. There are two levels to tour so expect to be busy for about an hour and a half. We sell no souvenirs but do accept smiles. For information about touring the museum, please contact: Howard B. Parzow, at (301) 351-6544 or (301) 208-8947. You can also contact me via email at hparzow@aol.com or through my website at: www.parzowauctions.com

Counters topped with Collar Displays and Cabinets

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Collecting Porcelain Enamel Advertising Few areas of collecting offer the diversity and graphics as those found on antique porcelain enamel advertising. This mainstream area of collecting will feature mostly signs, but soda dispensers, serving trays, gum machines, point-of-purchase displays and a myriad of other goodies came with a porcelainized advertising message as well. I’ve provided photos of some of my favorites, just to show you how gorgeous porcelain enamel signs can be!

It all started in Europe in the latter part of the 19th century. Techniques were developed for early advertisers that would provide a long lasting graphic message by fusing different colors of glass at kiln temperatures. These early examples eventually gave inspiration to artisans in America, some of which were brought overseas to get a jump start on this new form of advertising. By the year 1920, porcelain enamel advertising was a huge business, with dozens of factories throughout the United States.

Let’s stop the history lesson there, and see just what it is that has made this collectible a staple in today’s antique market. Of course, it’s collectors like YOU that have brought greatness to this hobby. But, beyond that, there is the fundamental art form of porcelain enamel advertising itself. Every subject matter one could think of has been put out there, permanently fused on metal with artistic precision for all to see - even many generations from now. As in other forms of antique advertising, it’s the graphics that count.

And for those of you not versed in this art form, I can assure you its diversity is endless!

So, where does a collector focus with such as vast array of advertising available? My advice would be to concentrate on what you like in your day to day life. So……..If you like the automobile, a great subject matter is porcelain enamel advertising 4

related to not only cars and trucks, but the ancillary products and services that kept the industry running. Gasoline and oils, automobile parts and services, etc. There are collectors that specialize in plenty of other subject matters as well. Paint advertising seems to be big right now. Food and beverage is also popular. Signs that advertise farm related products rate right up there too. Even such a utilitarian thing as telephone (pay phone) advertising has been popular for years.

OK, so let’s talk prices and investment potential! As

with any collectible, there is a wide range of market values within the hobby.

Condition, coupled with collector desirability and available supply will set the market price. Generally, the advertising with eye catching graphics will be the higher priced items. If you want to collect items in the $100.00 range there are plenty available. If you have a deeper pocketbook, say $500.00, you will have no problem spending there either.

I’ve seen porcelain enamel advertising signs sell for over $20,000.00, but precious few would be at this level. If you are worried about market prices, I can tell you that I can remember many, MANY times I walked past a sign at an antique show, shop, etc.

Collecting Porcelain Enamel Advertising

because I thought the seller had ‘fishing’ syndrome. Well, looking back brings plenty of regrets, as today’s market has made porcelain enamel advertising one of the best long range investments I’ve seen.

A small ‘caveat’ to my statement on investment potential would be to advise that it appears that the pieces that had the most collectible ‘interest’ years ago will most often be the big money bringers today, but this is true with many antiques out there, so it should come as no surprise.

The long and short of it is that you should collect what you like, and don’t let prices scare you off. Of course, collect only what you can afford, but as long as you pay at the current ‘going rate’, the investment potential

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will take care of itself over the long run.

Finally, let me just say that having a collection is only part of the fun in this hobby. To really do it right, you need to invest some time in ‘networking’ yourself. As much as the internet has become a popular way to acquire a collection, take the time to get out there & support shows. (The Indy Advertising show would be a GREAT place to start!)

There is a HUGE group of sellers that DO NOT sell on the internet. They find that doing shows is better suited for their needs. (Like not having to package and ship their items, fees on the internet, scams,……..you get the idea.) So always do a stop and look while traveling. Along the same lines, try to meet other collectors, as you will find that many collectors (myself included) welcome a visit to see their collection and you will be AMAZED at how your knowledge will grow by doing that! By doing the ‘social’ end of the hobby, you will enhance your enjoyment tenfold. Now…..GET GOING and enjoy every minute!

About the Author: Michael Bruner, a graduate of Oakland University, is the creator of many books in the antiques field, including four volumes dedicated exclusively to collecting porcelain enamel advertising. He is keyboardist for the legendary rock band Rare Earth, and resides in Clarkston, Michigan. He can be reached on the net at: Abbott4girl@comcast.net 5

Insider’s Secret

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company has done all the work in bringing the items to one place. All the best companies have an internet presence and advertise in the trade magazines.

The Internet can be a good source but I stick to the all vintage site, icollect247.com. Sellers can’t hide behind screen names so I know who I am dealing with and all items are screened before going live. I also deal directly with the dealer who pays just a flat monthly fee with no additional costs.

Traveling from the East to West Coast each year we stop at many antique shops/malls along the way.

Now we focus more on specialized antique stores or towns that have several stores. Don’t hesitate to call those that are open by appointment only.

They are single owner stores that may not be in a high traffic area and simply prefer not to have regular hours.

Studebaker’s General Store in Tasley, VA (757)894-1218 and Timber Ridge Antiques in Effingham, IL (217)8217288 are two great examples.

Antique shows that specialize in a particular category like primitives, glassware, ephemera, or advertising are a great option. The overall quality is generally better at these shows and they often draw dealers from a wider geographic area than a local show. These shows advertise in the trade magazines and have an internet presence as well.

Hands down, the Indy Antique Advertising Show is the best of the best for advertising and country store items. The advertising includes all types of products: brewery, tobacco, soda, veterinary, pharmacy, gas & oil, coin op, and ephemera. The advertising comes in all shapes & forms from porcelain, tin, cardboards, cabinets, glass, trade signs, bottles, dispensers and so on. What is also unique is that several dealers have toys including cast iron, pressed steel, tin wind ups etc. For over 40 years, the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, IN has been home to the show in March and September. The website is www. indyadshow.com and the next show is September 27-28, 2013.

The insider’s secret to finding great items is that it takes a lot of miles and time to search for the great items BUT we do get to meet great friends along the way and have a lot of fun. By far, this is the best part of being in the business.

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To Restore or Not Restore A Paper Conservator’s Perspective - Part II In part I, I stated my personal philosophy on conservation treatment of historic paper artifacts and listed some condition issues that should help in the decision of how soon a piece needs treatment.

In Part II, I will describe the treatment process, offer guidelines on finding a conservator, and give some tips on what you, as a collector, can do to keep your collection in good condition.

The conservation process begins with a thorough examination of the object. It will then be photographed and a treatment proposal written. It will be dry cleaned to remove surface dirt, and any tape or adhesives will be removed at this time. The media will then be tested for solubility. This is a step that requires good judgement and experience, as each piece will have its own nuances specific to its particular media.

To Restore or Not Restore A Paper Conservator’s Perspective - Part II

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After this, it will usually be washed in a water bath. This will help to remove stains and yellowing, and if there is an acidic cardboard backing, it will be removed at this time. It will sometimes be alkalized to protect the paper from future acidity.

Light, or other, bleaching usually comes next.

This will help to remove, or lessen, any remaining stains and yellowing. It will then be flattened, often lined with Japanese tissue, and if it had a cardboard backing, be re-backed with an acid-free board. If there are pigment losses, it will be in-painted with reversible pigment.

The restored piece will be photographed, encapsulated in polyester mylar, and a final treatment report will be completed and enclosed with the object. Although there are other steps in treating specific problems, these are the basic steps for almost all paper objects.

To find a reputable conservator, I suggest contacting AIC (American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: www.conservation-us.org). Most practicing conservators are members, and are listed on their website. A conservator with a PA (Professional Associate) or Fellow beside their name means that he/she is recognized by the organization to be an experienced professional, adhering to the ethics and proper procedures of conservation. Don’t be intimidated at the prospect of shipping your items.

All conservators are used to receiving work that is shipped to them, and you will be instructed as to the packaging. Don’t select a conservator just

because he/she happens to be in your area. Get references, look at websites, view before/after images, and ask questions, particularly concerning experience with restoration of advertising art.

And when you get a quote for the cost, try to keep a proper perspective. You are used to paying $500.00 and up for a set of tires that might last a few years, so try not to balk at the thought of paying a fair sum for a collectible to last a few lifetimes.

Now, what kinds of things can you do yourself to care for and safeguard your collection? First, I will tell you what not to do. If a paper object has not been cleaned and treated for acid removal, do not store it in a polyester or plastic envelope unless it is to temporarily handle it or move it.

This has become the latest rage in the storage of paper artifacts, and it is deadly to paper. Stored in this manner for any length of time, an untreated paper object will deteriorate more quickly because the gases that will emanate from the paper (off gassing) cannot escape. I remember two untreated newspaper articles on the death of John F. Kennedy, same article, same date, one having been stored in plastic, one having been stored in a paper folder. The difference was remarkable. The one

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To Restore or Not Restore A Paper Conservator’s Perspective - Part II

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stored in plastic was very yellow and brittle, the other was much lighter and still somewhat flexible.

Please do not store your untreated paper objects in an unbreathable material like polyester or plastic.

Store them in an acid-free folder or envelope. Once they are professionally treated, polyester mylar is a perfect storage container.

If you have untreated paper objects, they are probably dirty. You can safely clean the surface of paper yourself if you are very careful. Using a magic rub eraser #1954, gently and lightly drag the eraser along the surface, being careful around any tears, holes, or weaknesses in the paper.

Work with the grain of the paper, usually up and down, or parallel to the printed image. You can wash off the eraser with water as it accumulates dirt. Handle your paper objects as little as possible, but before you do, always wash your hands with an oil-free soap like Ivory, as even slight touching with unwashed hands will leave urea oils, lotion, (this mornings jam?), on the paper.

Never, ever, repair tears or holes by using tape, glue, or any adhesive other than an archival repair tape, and even then, use with caution. Never make a repair on the front, or printed side.

This completes my basic lecture on paper conservation. As I stated in Part I, the tsunami of deteriorating paper collectibles is coming, but I hope that the simple techniques of storage and handling, and the condition issues making treatment imperative, will help to keep your collection from being part of the tidal wave. Good luck, and keep collecting!

Wanted by Collector

Wanted to buy rare gas pumps. Also collection of pumps & signs. Miles Little, 12555 Hwy 601 Midland, NC 28107 PH 704.791.1438 Wanted: Old colored lithograph picture of lady overlooking Anheuser Busch Brewery. Call Fred 217-432-5502 Antique Back Roads is not responsible for any of the content of the ads or in any way responsible for the sale or purchase of the items. Antique Back Roads is not responsible and has no obligation to resolve disputes between the buyers and sellers. Any disputes or conflicts should be resolved directly between the parties involved.

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Basic Rules of Storage

For storage and displaying your collection, the major concerns are light, heat, humidity, pests, pollution, and water. Here are some basic rules of proper storage: 1. Do not store or display paper objects in direct sunlight, or in light of any kind for extended periods of time, particularly if they are high in UV, such as florescent or high-intensity.

2. For temperature, the colder the better.

The general rule is, for every 10 degree increase, the life of paper is cut in half.

3. The best humidity level is between 40% and 50%. Once humidity reaches the mid 60’s, mold will begin to grow in a mere 36 hours.

4. Insects and rodents love paper, so keep your environment clean and free of these paper-loving creatures.

5. Pollution is ever present, no matter the environment. Proper archival framing can help protect from pollutants in the air.

6. Do not store near or under water pipes, leaky roofs, faucets, or on the floor. 90% of all the items I receive for treatment have water stains.

Missed Part 1? You can view online at www.antiquebackroads.com Bob Inge, Inge Preservations www.ingepreservations.com

Want to run an ad in our magazine? Submissions should be two lines or a maximum of 128 characters in length (includes spaces and punctuation). Ad should contain what you are looking for. Be specific as to item, date, condition. Include your email address or phone number. Include your name, if you wish.

Not for Commercial Use – collectors only please.

Cost: $35 per issue, send ad and check payable to: Donna Weir, 8366 Timber Ridge Rd., Effingham, IL 62401.

Lunch Boxes & Action Figures ~ 1960’s to 1990’s Deb Clarke is a dual collector, buying toy items that match lunchboxes. If you carried a lunchbox, most likely you had the figure to match as well as comic books, etc. In this article, Deb shares examples from her collection to hopefully inspire you to make a small display in your home or office.

As the curator of a lunchbox museum, I have the best job in the world. The most sought after in our collection of 750 museum pieces, is the “Batman and Robin” lunch pail. The 1966-1967 box was made by the Aladdin Company with artwork done by Elmer Lenhardt. I have it paired with the Mego Toy dynamic duo of just eight inches, made in 1974. These items are a fundamental part of any comic book reader or vintage television viewer. I wish I had a dollar for every time a collector asked me if they could buy them.

Another popular pair featured in the collection is the box from the television show “Knight Rider” with nice artwork done

by Gene Lemery. It was made

by King Seeley Thermos during 1984-1985. The toy featuring Michael Knight is from Kenner Toys, made in 1983. It came with his talking car Kit. This show was a great example of 80’s over acting.

Another customer delight, is the two variations of the “Dukes of Hazzard” made

by Seeley Thermos, during 1981 to 1983.

The artwork

was also done by Mr. Lehnhardt. I have it set up with a rare eight inch Mego Boss Hogg figure, made in 1981. There were two different metal boxes from the popular, southern style TV series. They had different actors portraying Bo Duke, during contract negotiations. It is fun to hear my customers tell me their theory of why there are two. It is all about the money in marketing and the items they make to do it.

Other favorites are “Mork and Mindy” made by King Seeley, 19801981. The double jointed Mattel Mork doll was issued first and actually came with a talking backpack in 1979. Of course the other space collectibles will always remain popular, such as the never ending saga of “Star Wars”. The figures shown are examples of Kenner Toys’ 3 3/4 inch movie characters from 1977 to 1980. The Princess Leia was made in Taiwan and ObiWon Kenobi in Hong Kong but both are marked Kenner, 1977. The blond Bespin Luke Skywalker is from Hong Kong, 1980, but had a variant that came with brunette hair. The lunchbox is early George Lucas, as it is marked 1977, King Seeley, and 20th Century Corporation. Remember, girls collected them too, so Princess Leia was a hot seller as well as the “Charlie’s Angels” dolls made by Hasbro in 1977. Their beautiful faces were caught by artist Elmer Lenhardt on the lunch pail, made by Aladdin, 1978.

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Lunch Boxes & Action Figures ~ 1960’s to 1990’s

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The six inch “Rambo” figure and matching lunchbox is the most important part of the exhibit. This is because both were made

by Anabasis Investments, with the figure being a Coleco Toy design. Both items were made in 1985. I remember reading the urban legend from Scott Bruce’s first edition of The Official Price Guide to Lunch Box Collectibles (1989), of how “Rambo” was the last metal box produced by the big Thermos companies, for school safety reasons. They started making all lunchboxes in hard plastic after this court decision was made.

Usually the action figure came first, then other items followed. This rule doesn’t always happen with older boxes. If you are starting a collection, it is best to look in your own toy boxes first. After that start hitting the toy bins at garage sales, thrift stores or other favorite picking venues. You will see lunchboxes prominently displayed, as they are larger and look better on a shelf. They will be easily found when you start looking for your favorite.

I have several books on lunchboxes written by expert collectors, I love them all. However the only one I used to help me with artist and company information for this article is Bruce Scott’s book, mentioned above. It is my right hand when I want to know what I am missing. It is also the most important as the information is detailed. You want to make sure you do not pick up reproductions on accident, in your search for the Holy Grail. I use other guides for pictures of the items.

The information on the figures, I used was all done by hand with a magnifying glass looking for raised marks of dates and compa10

nies. It should be a rule to have one on your neck when looking for toy items of any kind.

If you can’t find one, get a pair of reading glasses but by all means, always have fun collecting!

Our museum is located in Nice, California, in an old firehouse on Hwy 20 East. It is free to the public MWF Noon to 4. There are over 750 lunchboxes in the collection and over 100,000 cartoon, celebrity, or comic book items for sale. We strive to have fun and make others smile when they come into our venue. Have fun collecting lunch boxes.

About the Author: Deb Clarke is a retired teacher, vintage collectible dealer for 28 years and owns the Lunchbox Museum in Nice, California. Photos courtesy of Deb Clark and Annabel Grealish.

Collector Tips Beware of gold coins that have been drilled on the edge, hollowed and refilled with another metal.

Do not hang fine art objects on an east wall where the sun can bleach out the colors quickly.

The more you handle objects the better the chance is for breakage. Once a year careful cleaning and feather dusting is sufficient.

Worm holes in furniture must meander, none go in straight. Check with a straw from a broom Just because an object is purchased from an elderly person’s home does not make the item old.

It could have been given to them as a gift just a short time ago.

Do You Remember These?

“Saturday morning serials chapters 1 through 15, fly paper, penny loafers, Lucky Strike Green flat tops, sock hops, Studebaker, ‘Pepsi, please’ Ah, do you remember these?”

These were the words of the Statler Bros song from 1972.

Today the song would say, “antique shops, local auctions, no internet, no buyer fees”. Ah do you remember these? Collecting has changed over the year but the popularity of collecting has not changed and collectors

have embraced the internet with open arms. What has been lost with the internet collecting is personal contact with sellers, payment options, customer service and a place to find only “vintage” items and no reproductions or limited editions.

Carter and Irene Davis, remembered those good old days and they came up with a way to mix the internet with things they remembered. icollect247. com was born and is giving buyers the one-on-one collecting experience, which has been lost on the internet. Our quality sellers only offer “real” vintage pieces, at a wide range of prices

and guarantee their listings to be before 1980. Each seller comes with a background in the antique business, offers different payment options and has a 100% feedback rating with the site. They are available either by phone or by the internet to answer questions and accept orders. Sellers enjoy a flat $35 web rent fee, instead of the high fees on other sites.

The site has been growing and has recently added new categories and subcategories.

With over 5 million hits and over 20,000 listings, shoppers are finding it a refreshing buying experience.

Dick Tracy Squad Car #1 Marx Toy with Key Working - $275

Early American Pattern Glass Candleholders with Prisms - $29

The Hit Parade, grape Tru-Ade, the Sadie Hawkins Dance, pedal pushers, duck-tail hair and peggin’ your pants. Howdy Doody, Tutti-Fruitti, the seam up the back of her hose. Ah, do you remember those?

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Antique Back Roads

8366 Timber Ridge Road Effingham, IL 62401

Find These & More Great Advertising at the Indy Ad Show

Black Bird Musical Pie

1937 John Deere Poster 62 inch

Turn of the Century Cardboard

Prince Albert Paper Litho

Large Trade Sign

Rooney’s Whiskey Self Framed Tin

Popcorn Popper Restored

Merita Flat Tin Sign

September 27-28, 2013 - www.indyAdShow.com