Category Archives: 1900’s

Happy Is the Bride…Perhaps – Vintage Photos of Unhappy Brides

Most modern brides smile happily in their wedding portraits.  Many brides of yesteryear do, too.  However, while trolling through boxes of old photos at flea markets, I’ve discovered that a fair number of brides from the past look very serious, … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Photography | Leave a comment

The Coolest Comic Grandfather – Foxy Grandpa & His Fabulous Easter Toys

I’m not old enough to personally remember Foxy Grandpa, the comic character. In fact, even my parents were born too late to remember his debut on January 7, 1900 in the New York Herald, and his popularity was already waning … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, Americana, Carol, Comic Characters, Ephemera, Holiday, Humor, Toys | Leave a comment

Season’s Greetings from Santa’s Workshop – Our Bliss Adirondack Cottage

New to our Christmas display this year but not new to our collection is this Bliss Adirondack Cottage circa 1905.  When we bought it from a small local antique shop almost three years ago, we weren’t sure how to display … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1910's, Americana, Carol, Christmas, Dolls, Holiday, Miniatures, Toys | 2 Comments

2014 Road Trip Blog: Vintage Photos

I scour flea markets and shops for many things, but I’m always drawn to vintage photos.  I look for unique images of all eras, but I particularly like photos that tell a story of some sort, photos of children with … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1920's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Carol, Photography | 2 Comments

Happy Fourth of July from Collectorgene! A Black Humor Postcard With a Timely Message

Warnings about the dangers of fireworks – especially when children are involved – abound today. Apparently, things were no different in 1908, which is when this particular card was mailed. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Ephemera, Holiday, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

FIND OF THE WEEK: Naughty Bisque Turtle Girl With Her Bear Bottom Showing

One lesson Jim and I have learned over the years is that “finds” pop up all the time, so you have to be constantly vigilant. Obviously, the closer you are to the original source, the more likely you are to … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Humor, Weird | 10 Comments

Uncle Sam – He Collects From Us So Why Not Collect Him?

It might be more appropriate to talk about Uncle Sam around the Fourth of July, when symbols of patriotism abound. He dresses in red, white, and blue, after all, and sometimes has stars on the brim of his hat and … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, Americana, Dolls, Ephemera, Historical, Jim, Political, Toys, WWII | 3 Comments

The Michelin Advertising Figure – Rollin to the “Roadshow” with Bibendum

The seventeenth season of PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow” just started recently.  I have to admit that of all the shows dealing with antiques that have aired over the years, I still like this one the best.   Based on the even longer … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, Advertising, Foreign, Historical, Jim, Weird | 4 Comments

Happy Holidays from Collectorgene!

Earlier this year, we posted pictures of this fantastic miniature house that Jim found at a local flea market.  Here it is all dressed up in its Christmas finery.  We considered it a fabulous find when Jim first brought it … Continue reading

Posted in 1900's, Americana, Carol, Christmas, Hand Made, Holiday, Miniatures | Leave a comment

When Your Holidays Need a Little Less Cheer and a Little More Fear, Bring in the Krampus.

For many years very few Americans seemed to be aware of some of the stranger characters associated with Christmas in other countries around the world.  Every country has their own traditions, and ours are rather tame compared to most.  All … Continue reading

Posted in 1800's, 1900's, 1910's, 1920's, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, Amy, Art, Christmas, Dolls, Foreign, Hand Made, Holiday, Humor, Miniatures, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 1 Comment