All about : Antique Ice Boxes

Antique ice packs bring a sense of nostalgia for almost everyone, even those whose only experience with one's in the movies.Ice Houses
Cultures are harvested and use ice to keep food fresh since before Roman times. One of the oldest known ice houses are reputed to have been built in Iraq in 1700 BC. Thick chunks of ice falling from the ice formed on lakes and ponds and transported to these structures. Icehouses were generally squat, domed buildings. The foundations were dug deep and the walls were mostly underground. This helped in building insulation residence.
During the winter snow will be coming home ice and used sawdust or straw to keep the huge block of frozen ice harvesting. This method was so effective that the ice was often still frozen the next winter. Perishable food and drinks will remain in the building and the chunks of ice chipped away to create the ice.
As technology has increased the pollution did. The pure, crystalline ice can be collected from the local lake was contaminated with chemicals and other residues. Ice started to build commercially.Using Antique Ice Boxes
Since it was not possible for everyone to have their home ice, the ice box was developed sometime between 1830 and 1840. It was more than a wooden box with an area to keep a block of ice. Over the next few decades, improvements made to the original plan.
The average ice box were made of wood. As time passed these utilitarian devices were beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. There were often sculptures and other decorations added to the basic position.
The walls were hollow and lined with tin or zinc. The walls are then filled with insulation. Some of the materials used to insulate the walls of the antique ice boxes were:

    Algae *
    * Straw
    * Cork
    * Sawdust
    * Other insulation materials, such as at local level
Near the top of the window, inside, was an area to hold a big block of ice. Some models were a record and others was a wooden tray. Later and more expensive models have a rubber tube that was connected to the base of the ice compartment. This drained the water from the melting of ice in a holding tank or a pan under the ice box. It was the work of the housewife to remember to pour the water panful every day before a puddle formed on the floor.
For a century, the ice man was a daily visitor to many homes. We deliver ice, of course sawdust insulation in each package of ice. This daily activity is met with delight by local children who will take the ice chips from the wagon in the summer.Collecting Vintage Ice Boxes
Today, these vintage ice boxes are in demand by collectors everywhere. Used as bedside tables, closets, and storage in many vintage style kitchens across the country. Bring a touch of old country cooking in the modern world.

All about : Antique Empire Sofa

An antique sofa Empire is an absolute find for many collectors. This beautiful piece of furniture graced the most modern halls for much of 1800.History of the Empire Style
The Empire style began in France during the reign of Napoleon (1804-1815). Napoleon and his court believed that by creating interest in ancient Rome, and compared to August Caesar, Napoleon, could change the French form of government from a republic to an empire is not caused protest. Part of this plan was implemented to encourage the Roman inspired style in fashion and decorating the house. Patterns were a symbol of (and to) Napoleon used with decorative designs of Rome.
In early 1850, Napoleon III took control in France and the Napoleonic style was born. This included the patterns and design components of the empire, but drew another historic French forms such as:

    * Gothic
    * Renaissance
    * Louis XIV (also known as Baroque)
    * Louis XV (also known as the Rococo)
    * Louis XVI (also known as Neoclassical)
The Second Empire style became popular in the United States in the 1850's and was inspired fashion, architecture and interior design for the next fifty years.Patterns and materials of the Empire style
Patterns used were those favored by Napoleon. The symbols used as its own, those who represented various military coups, and was especially this somehow was carved, mosaics, sculptures and create the Empire style. These include:

    * Monograms
    * Bees (symbol of Napoleon)
    * Egyptian motifs
          o Sphinx
          o winged lions
          o Scarabs
    * Military patterns
          o Medals
          o Prizes
          Spears o
    * Cornucopia
    * Acanthus leaf
    Honeysuckle *
    * Animal Feet Foot
    * Ball and Claw feet
    * Legs Go
    * Dolphins
    * Eagles
Many different types of materials used in the Empire and the Second Empire style, but the most popular were:

    * Mahogany
    * Ebony
    * Compressed paper
    * Iron
    * The mother of pearl, mosaic
    * Ivory, special inserts
    * Gilt
    * Faux Bamboo
    * Rosewood
    * Maple
Other Components Design
Other design elements that characterized the Second Empire style was purely American.

    * Sculptures were bold and deep without much detail.
    * The oversize pattern was almost over supply.
    * Scrolls were structural, a part of the furniture and not just an embellishment.
    * Items were stenciled.
    * Geometric shapes were favored, but without the smooth lines of the period of Art Deco.
    * Veneers used.
    * Go over and curule (X shape) used to walk on antique Empire sofas and chairs.
The mid-century Transition
At the end of the 1850 classic imperial style with geometric lines were slowly transformed by the love of Victorian opulence and curves. Sofa backs became more rounded and curves. Weapons were more padded and details increase. Until the 1870's the backs were often tufted sofa.
The number of curves in the back of the sofa could vary from a smooth and gentle curve in many, almost circular design elements. During the first rail projects over the rear were almost always exposed and carved. As time passed the wallpaper was a major part of the design.
This trend continued during the Victorian period, ending in 1920, when Art Deco and modern styles were coming into fashion.Reset Empire Sofa
If you're lucky enough to own one of these beautiful pieces of furniture history, you may need some restoration. It is always best to have an appraiser look at it and advise you what to do. Sometimes refinishing and other repairs may degrade the value and historical significance of the piece. Sometimes it is better to leave some signs of age and only if possible. When these repairs should be done is best to have someone who specializes in restoring antique to do.
In general, however, re-upholstery is essential. Some people do not care about historical accuracy when it comes to the fabric that is on their couch. If you want to be historically accurate, then here are some tips:

    * Look for signs of the original fabric. Many times there will be a bit stuck on a nail or nails can give you an idea of what the original color and design was.
    * Look antique sites and museums online for images of the Empire sofas.
    * Some fabrics and wallpapers sites specialize in period appropriate designs. These can be a great help if you know approximately when was your sofa.
    * Some suggested fabrics and colors are as follows:
          o satin or silk Damask
          o Velvet
          o tassels
          o Braid
          o Apple Green
          o malachite green
          o Gold
          o Burgundy
          o Royal Blue

All about : Antique Shaving Stand

An antique shaving stand is a great addition to a bedroom or bathroom, if you're lucky to find one.Shaving Stand
Shaving Stands were usually narrow, tall tables with mirrors above that allowed the Victorian gentleman to take care of personal grooming easy. The paintings often had a drawer or two and maybe even the doors to a narrow office. The top was big enough to allow a mirror and shaving utensils to be placed on top. Some mirrors were attached to the stand and in some cases associated mirrors so they can be moved to facilitate shaving.
Other stands had been cut around Shave holding a pitcher and bowl. These are sometimes erroneously referred to as a wash. Wash and dry sinks stands have greater surface by shaving a small kiosk that was designed to set up in an unused corner.
Like any other antiques, some of them were very elaborate and beautifully carved, while others were little more than primitive platforms that sit in the corner of the room.
Although these attitudes were most often made of wood, there are some that were made of iron. The iron stands can generally be dated between 1900 and 1930.Images Shaving Stands
Some examples of shaving stands are:

    * Iron shaving stand
    * Victorian wooden stand with mirror
    * Quarter Sawn Oak stand with movable mirror
    * Iron shaving stand
    * Carved walnut shaving stand from the Victorian aesthetic movement
    * Victorian hat stand together and shave
Portable Shaving Stands
Portable shaving stands were smaller, often only 18 inches high. They had a small mirror and storage for the razor and other gentleman will take care. The portable stand shaving could be done in a round or placed on a table, dresser, or desk to facilitate shaving.
Some examples of portable stands shaving are:

    * English mahogany shaving stand
    * Art Nouveau shaving stand
Claiming Antique Stand Shaving
Antique booths are wonderful tones for the bedroom or bathroom. They do not occupy much space and add vintage charm wherever you put it. You can use an easy to display an antique collection, including:

    * Razors
    * Shaving Mugs
    * Strops
    * Figurines
    * Hat Pins
    * Snow Globes
They can also be used in other areas such as plant stands and small side tables. In fact, it is ideal for displaying any small items you may want to show.Value of Shaving Stands
Like any antique, the value of a shaving stand will depend on many variables such as:

    * Status
    * Details
    * Age
    * Uniqueness
    * Source
    * Demand
In some areas of the county, such as the Midwest could not wait to get a simple wooden stand shaving for as little as $ 75, while very detailed examples in excellent condition can cost over $ 2,500 in an antique store in a large metropolitan area. It's always good to shop around and speak with many antiques dealers before adding to any antique collection.

All about ; Antique Bedroom Dresser

An antique bedroom dresser is the culmination of many collectors bedroom. Since these pieces of furniture were usually robust and was not the main living area many of them have survived in excellent condition.Style
Most antique dressers you will find is the Victorian era or later. Bedrooms in the colonial period were often blanket chests for storage and no dressers. There were some very wealthy Colonial families that owned a chest Bombe, round dresser on short legs; But these are expensive and somewhat rare.
Here is a quick guide for identifying antique style dresser.Victorian Dresser Style
The Victorian dresser were often small and delicate looking. He generally does not exceed three drawers. The body of the dresser often sat at the feet and ended with a mirror. Some of the later Victorian dressers had marble tops, and heavy carving in the same style as the Victorian era in which it was produced.
The Victorian style was popular in the 1920's. You can read more about Victorian interiors in Victoriana.Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts style came to be recognized as a style of furniture in the last decade of 1800. By 1915 it was popular and was found in many homes. This style is determined by the broad drawers and forged or cast metal detail around the keyhole. The dresser usually sat on the ground.Art Deco
Art Deco dressers imitated everything the Art Deco style. The sculptures were accurate and rounded with a very modern look. The wood was often lighter than in previous seasons. The drawer pulls were also stylized.
Art Deco was popular from 1920 through late 1940 despite the fact that it has changed slightly during this period.Eames Era
The Eames era midcentury modern furniture and got into an elegant style. Blonde woods were often used as pieces streamlined and smooth. Charles and Ray Eames, who was the man and the woman is not, as some brothers say, caused a revolution in furniture with the ability to transform into fanciful shapes plywood furniture.
Midcentury furniture was popular in some form since about 1940 through 1970.Choosing an Antique Bedroom Dresser
Choosing an antique buffet can be difficult. There may be many options in your area. Here are some things you'll want to consider.Style room
What is the style of your room? Is Colonial, Victorian, or country? While you do not have to choose a cabinet that matches the season completely, it is important to get one that compliments the room in which they will be placed. While an eclectic mix can work well in some rooms, some forms of interference, such as the high Victorian style with a dresser Eames era probably will not work because the vast differences in style.Budget
How much you spend? There are many simple turn of the century dressers that can be found for less than $ 200 in local antique shops, thrift stores, even on eBay. Decide how much money should be spent before you put your heart into an expensive dresser, as a piece Eastlake costing a small fortune.Status
Look at the piece carefully to determine the situation. Take the drawers out and look at the dovetailing. Check whether repairs have been made or if the piece has been refinished. If repairs or new dresser has been painted or refinished may lose some importance.
On the other hand, an old dresser should look antique. If it looks too perfect it may be a reproduction. Some of the things we have to wait on antique dressers are:

    * Irregular discoloration in the wood
    * Mirror with spots or reflect paradoxes
    * Sculptures that can not be exactly the same as it is difficult for handmade pieces
    Mark ends
    * Normal wear and tear

All about : Antique Old English dining chairs

When most people think of Old English antique chairs dining think the Jacobean style. Jacobian, the Renaissance Revival was popular from the late 1800's by early 1930 and is very easy to find.Characteristics of the Jacobean Revival style
The Jacobean Revival style is patterned after the heavy, dark, intricately carved furniture used by rights in the Middle Ages and up through the Renaissance. One of the most important characteristics of this style is the use of black oak, often called swamp wood. Unvarnished, and for many years, develops a deep ebony color with a dull finish. Cabinet noted that they could replicate this look quickly to the cautious use of stains and soot.
Other features of this style include:

    * Heavy carvings
          o Barley-Twist
          o Melons
          o carved scallop
          o edge Thumbnail
          o Garland
          o Gadroon
    * Oak
    * Sturdy
    * Feet Ball
    * Brocade Wallpaper
    * Velvet Wallpaper
    * Leather upholstery
    * Upholstery tacks
    * Units
    * Geometric shapes
Other names for this style are:

    * Renaissance Revival
    * Tudor Revival (most often used when discussing the architecture)
    * Old English
    * Jacobethan
Decorating with Antique Old English Dining Room Chairs
This particular style can be difficult to decorate with modern houses. The larger size and visual furniture requires virtually huge banquet halls of the old. Besides, a Victorian dining room would work.
This does not mean that this style of chair will not ever work in a home of 1950 Street Style Ranch. It should just be done with an eye toward balance.
Since many old English antique chairs are quite dark, it's a good idea to have a medium-soft room. White would be too much of a contrast with any color, will cause the room and the chair to be dungeon-like. A warm medium tone, such as sage and corn will accent furniture without making the room look small.
Jacobean Revival dining chairs are not good candidates for the mix and match look at the type of style cottages. It is more appropriate for a formal appearance, complete with wainscoting, curtains and glass cranberry. If you want to use as single pieces, rather than setting a table, you can use these beautiful chairs as chairs focus on other rooms.

In general, a dining room set will come with two chairs with their hands on the head and foot of the table and at least two armless side chairs.Shopping for Antique Chairs
There are many places to find antique chairs of all kinds. Check your local thrift store on a regular basis. You may be surprised to see what gets the same applies to garage sales, particularly sales of real estate. Leave your name and your number in antique shops, so if the owner finds what you want, can contact you.
When shopping at the local level, there are some important things to look for when examining chairs:

    * Make sure the joints are tight.
    * Turn the chair over and under look for cracks, old repairs, or new evidence of staining.
    * If it is stamped "Made in China", is an antique!
    * Check the wear on his back and arms.
    * Check the chair legs for stability.
    Wallpaper * can always be changed if it is confused. Look for structural integrity.
If you like shopping online, then there are places to browse online. It is very important when shopping for antiques online to follow some rules:

    * Read the descriptions carefully.
    * Check the feedback.
    * Look carefully at the pictures.
    * Ask questions if you are unsure.