Louis XVI Rose Marble Fireplace Mantel

morris posted this on February 7th, 2012

This fine mantel made of Rose Marble, with matching hearthstone, is 3 feet and 6 inches high; 3 feet and 8.5 inches wide. The fireplace opening is 2 feet 11.5 inches by 2 feet 7.75 inches. Nicely fluted pilasters and carved floral frieze mark this as Louis XVI in style, though it probably dates from the 19th century. I suspect the frieze was carved all the way across, but looks half-done now due to glare when the photo was taken, exacerbated in the printing process...

Mexican Talavera Pottery

morris posted this on January 30th, 2012

According to Eberlein and McClure (The Practical Book of Early American Arts and Crafts, 1916), the Spanish introduced the production of Talavera style majolica pottery in the 1500s. The city of Puebla, founded in 1531, became the center of production, and the only producers of majolica in the western hemisphere for nearly three centuries...

Ogden UT Rail Station ca 1908

morris posted this on January 27th, 2012

This postcard of the Union Depot at Ogden Utah was published by Spargo's Book Store, in Ogden. It has a postmark, but the year did not print. The back has the uneven division typical of cards printed just after messages began to be allowed on the back in 1907. Most such cards date from 1907 to 1910 or a bit later. There is also a printers logo on the back, for EK Co.

This card is addressed to Miss Effie Knock, Willow, Calif...

Nicely Varied Stereoviews

morris posted this on January 23rd, 2012

Auction Results: ebay seller listed 200 nicely varied stereoviews, mostly US, beginning bids from $9.99 to $150, sold 57 for $2643.98 ($46.38 avg), ranging from $9.99 to $195. Got from 1 to 5 bids on those that sold, 84 total (1.47 avg).