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    Welcome to the Showcase Antique Center Blog. At Showcase Antique Center, we feature great antiques and vintage collectibles. We have thousands of items from dealers and consignors that are of interest not only to collectors, but that make unique gifts for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. You can peruse our vast collection of antiques and vintage collectibles by going to our catalog
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    Valentine’s Day Sale 10% off Through February 15th

    Valentine's Day Sale 10% off through February 15th

    Free Antique & Jewelry Appraisal Days

    Free Antique & Jewelry Appraisal Days

    Saturday, February 18th

    Saturday, March 17th

    10 AM to 2  PM

    Limit of 2 items per person.  

    To consign items to us please call (508) 347-7190 or

    E-Mail: Showcase Antique Center 

    For more information about our consignment program and download a brochure

    http://www.showcaseantiques.com/consign.html  

    Vintage Door Knockers Recently Consigned


    A Wonderful Collection Of

    Vintage Door Knockers

    Recently Consigned

    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers
    Vintage Door Knockers

    Some of these door knockers are for sale on our web site If you see something that is not on our web site please email: sales@showcaseantiques.com or call (508) 347-7190.

    VINTAGE CAST IRON "OWL" DOOR KNOCKER
    VINTAGE CAST IRON “OWL” DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON OWL DOOR KNOCKER; ORIGINAL PAINT; OVAL BACK PLATE; UNMARKED. Width=2.88 Height=4.75

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'BASKET OF ROSES' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'BASKET OF ROSES' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON BASKET OF ROSES VINTAGE DOOR KNOCKER; UNMARKED. Width=2.25 Height=3.13

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'AMISH WOMAN' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'AMISH WOMAN' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON AMISH WOMAN DOOR KNOCKER; ORIGINAL PAINT; OVAL BACK PLATE; MARKED WITH THE NUMBER “620.” Width=3 Height=4.25

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'ROOSTER IN CIRCLE' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'ROOSTER IN CIRCLE' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON ROOSTER IN CIRCLE DOOR KNOCKER; UNMARKED. Width=2.75 Height=3.25

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'PARROT' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON 'PARROT' DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON PARROT DOOR KNOCKER; ORIGINAL PAINT; OVAL BACK PLATE; MARKED WITH THE NUMBER “208.” Width=3 Height=4.5

    VINTAGE CAST IRON POINSETTIA DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON POINSETTIA DOOR KNOCKER

    VINTAGE CAST IRON POINSETTIA DOOR KNOCKER; ORIGINAL PAINT; OVAL BACK PLATE; MARKED WITH THE NUMBER “627.” Width=2.75 Height=3.25

    All the vintage and antique door knockers shown in our display photos are available now. Some of those door knockers have not been posted to our web site so if you see something you like please email: sales@showcaseantiques.com or call (508) 347-7190 for more information.

    Baker’s Chocolate Antiques & Collectible

    Walter Baker Chocolate

     Just Consigned a large 40 year collection

    Walter Baker Chocolate Display

    Baker's Chocolate Display

     

    Walter Baker Chocolate Display

    Bakers Chocolate Display

    BAKER'S BREAKFAST COCOA" TIN TRAY (SMALL)

    BAKER'S BREAKFAST COCOA" TIN TRAY (SMALL)

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    Among the may items is this beautiful Baker’s chocolate tray above. This is just a sampling of some of the truly outstanding pieces.

    SMALL ROUND TIN TRAY WITH GRAPHIC OF ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ AND “A NEW ENGLAND HOMESTEAD;” TRAY READS “BAKER’S BREAKFAST COCOA, WALTER BAKER & CO. LTD., DORCHESTER, MASS., ESTABLISHED 1780.” Diameter=6″

    “]

    BAKER'S BAKERETTES 5 LB TIN [7452)

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    BAKER’S BAKERETTES 5 LB TIN WITH THE ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ GRAPHIC APPEARING ON EITHER SIDE OF CONTAINER; PARTIAL CONTENTS; AS A MINIMUM, TIN READS “BAKER’S BAKERETTES, THE IDEAL CHOCOLATE FLAVORED TOPPING DECORATION, FIVE POUNDS NET.” Height=8.75 Diameter=5.5

    WALTER BAKER SHELLEY CUP & SAUCER

    WALTER BAKER SHELLEY CUP & SAUCER

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    WALTER BAKER SHELLEY CUP AND SAUCER FEATURING ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ ON THE CUP; GOLD ACCENTS; CUP MARKED “MADE IN ENGLAND FOR WALTER BAKER & CO BOSTON;” SAUCER MARKED “LATE FOLEY, SHELLEY, ENGLAND;” CUP 3″ H, SAUCER 4.75″ DIA.

     

    WALTER BAKER 'LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE' BOOKENDS

    WALTER BAKER 'LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE' BOOKENDS

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    PAIR OF WALTER BAKER CAST IRON ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ BOOKENDS; HOLLOW FIGURED BAKER’S CHOCOLATE LADY HOLDING SERVING TRAY WITH CUPS; ANTIQUE BRASS FINISH; UNMARKED. Length=2.5 Width=3.25 Height=5.88

    WALTER BAKER 'LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE' TRAY

    WALTER BAKER 'LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE' TRAY

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    WALTER BAKER METAL TRAY WITH GRAPHIC OF ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ IN THE CENTER AND A JEWEL AND FLEUR-DE-LIS-LIKE MOTIF AROUND THE BORDER; TRAY READS “WALTER BAKER CO. LTD., REGISTERED IN U.S. PATENT OFFICE.” Diameter=10.25

     

    WALTER BAKER SPORTS MOTIF CHOCOLATE TIN

    WALTER BAKER SPORTS MOTIF CHOCOLATE TIN

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    WALTER BAKER FOOTED CHOCOLATE TIN WITH HINGED LID AND SPORTS MOTIF; TIN DEPICTS 5 SCENES: BICYCLING, ICE SKATING, SCULLING, TENNIS, AND STEEPLE CHASE; GRAPHIC OF ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE’ ON UNDERSIDE OF LID; MARKED “WALTER BAKER & CO. LTD.” Length=5.5 Width=4.88 Height=5.38

    WALTER BAKER LARGE OVAL PRODUCT TRAY

    WALTER BAKER LARGE OVAL PRODUCT TRAY

    Purchase Walter Baker Items

    WALTER BAKER LARGE OVAL METAL TRAY WITH GRAPHICS OF ‘LA BELLE CHOCOLATIERE;’ TRAY ALSO DISPLAYS FOUR BAKER PRODUCT IMAGES: BAKER’S CHOCOLATE BAR, CARACAS SWEET CHOCOLATE BAR; GERMAN’S SWEET CHOCOLATE BAR, AND BREAKFAST COCOA TIN. Length=16.63 Width=13.63

     

    We have many more Water Baker Chocolate items for sale on our web site and in the store.  Below is a listing of most of our inventory. A few items may have sold so please feel free call (508) 347-7190 with questions or Email us at sales@showcaseantiques.com.

     

    See something on the list above you would like please Email sales@showcaseantiques.com or call (508) 347-7190

    Walter Baker Items For Sale

     Walter Baker Items For Sale

    See something on the list above you would like please Email sales@showcaseantiques.com or call (508) 347-7190 Read more »

    Free Antique & Jewelry Appraisal Days

    Upcoming Events

    Fine Antique
    & Jewelry Appraisal Days

    Saturday, Oct 15th

    Future Appraisal Dates:

    Saturday, Nov 19th
    Saturday, Dec 17th

    Register for Showcase Antiques Center’s E-mail updates

    Showcase Antique Center

    located at the entrance to Old Sturbridge Village,
    371 Main St, P.O. Box 1122, Sturbridge, MA 01566
    Tel: (508) 347-7190 Fax: (508) 347-5420

    Showcase Antique Center is conveniently located on Route 20 in Sturbridge, MA, just one mile from I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and I-84. We’re minutes away from the world-renown outdoor Brimfield Antique Shows held annually each May, July and September.

    Foreclosures, Downsizing & Estate Sales

    house soldDealing with the clutter of a lifetime can look like an insurmountable task. A lot of people turn to what they consider the easiest solution, which is usually one or more of the following:

    No one wants it, I don’t want it, don’t think it has any value so I will throw it away.

    I don’t want it, it might be worth something, I will sell it at my yard sale or estate sale or donate it to charity.

    I don’t want or need it but my relative does so I will just give it to them.

    The Stories You Need To Know.

    The Junk Man

    A man comes into our store periodically, browses around then leaves. One day he stopped and spoke to me. He told me that he helps people clean out their houses and that many times he finds valuable stuff that he sells. He told of this elderly woman who paid him to take away stuff from her house. He said one of the rooms was filled with Victorian furniture and other nice things. He took the contents, which he got paid for taking, and sent it to auction. This was his gain and her loss. How unfortunate.

    Golfer Doorstop   

    An elderly woman and her daughter came into our store and looked around. After they had finished looking they came to the counter and the elderly woman mentioned to us that she had a golfer doorstop at home. She said that the doorstop was in very good condition and that she had an offer from an antique dealer for $200. We told her that the doorstop could be worth much more and to bring it with her next time so we could see it. The next week she came back to our store with the doorstop in hand. I told her it was worth around $1100 and to leave it with me on consignment and I would sell it for her. Within a week I had an offer of $900, which she accepted. She got $585 instead of the $200, which the antique dealer offered her. She thanked us very much and told us that it was a family heirloom, which she needed to sell to pay for heating oil.

    The David Yurman Necklace 

    A dealer came to our store raving about the wonderful deal she got at a yard sale. The people running the yard sale put out a box of costume jewelry. They did not realize that in the box was a David Yurman necklace worth over $3000.

    I have a saying that a lot of people who want to get rid of everything in a hurry won’t like to hear – DON’T THROW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW- and don’t give it away either. If you have a valuable item, why let someone else get most of the money?

    Even if you are going to donate your belonging to charity you need to know what it is worth to get the deduction. Antiques, art, jewelry and other valuable items need to be examined by a person who has the knowledge to identify them. Once the objects have been identified, then they can be appraised and sold, donated or given to family members.

    For more information please visit

    www.showcaseantiques.com/consign.html

    www.showcaseauctioneers.com

    www.seniorsdownsizing.com

    Celebrating Christmas With Antiques

         German immigrants first introduced Christmas trees made from artificial materials to America during the late 19th century.  The feather tree was made from goose feathers dyed green and wrapped around stiff wire to create the branches of the tree.  The branches were attached to a wooden rod and inserted into a stable base.  Feather trees have wide spaces between their branches to best display ornaments.

    German Feather Tree

    German Feather Tree Height 31" For Sale

          Christmas tree lights were a logical extension of the invention of the electric lightbulb in 1879.  Bubble Christmas lights, highly collectible today, were introduced in the mid-1940’s.  The bubble Christmas lightbulb has a liquid-filled colored tube on top.  As heat from the lightbulb warms the liquid, bubbles rise in the tube.

    Bubble Lights Box

    Bubble Lights Box

    Bubble Lights For Sale

    Bubble Lights For Sale

          Antique bisque dolls create the perfect accent for a modern day Victorian Christmas tree.  When displayed along with vintage doll props such as rocking horses, they re-create the feel of Christmas past.  Arrange Ginny dolls in a vintage doll buggy under the tree or feature Steiff teddy bears or cats peeking out of a Christmas stocking.

    Vintage Steiff Mohair Teddy Bear

    Vintage Steiff Mohair Teddy Bear 1920's For Sale

          Whether your ornaments are cherished family heirlooms or newly discovered relics, Christmas antiques and collectibles will make the tree of Christmas Present a reflection of Christmas  Past.

    The easy way to do your Christmas shopping:

    Christmas Present, Christmas Past

     

    Showcase Antique Center

        

    Although Santa’s traditional appearance features his rosy dimpled cheeks, cherry-red nose and the trademark red Santa suit, black boots, and Santa hat, astute collectors are thrilled to find early papier-mache Belsnickles and Santa ornaments with robes of unusual colors or adorned with fur.

    Christmas Wagon With Santa And Toys Circa 1900 For Sale

    Christmas Wagon With Santa And Toys Circa 1900 For Sale

    The Belsnickle, known as Father Christmas, traveled from house to house brandishing his switches urging children to not be naughty, but nice. To good children the Belsnickle would hand out cakes or candies. It was the custom for the Belsnickle to receive a treat at each house. The image of Father Christmas was later depicted on early 20th century German candy containers and Santa chocolate molds.

    ANTIQUE BELSNICKEL WITH YELLOW COAT FOR SALE

    Antique Belsnickel With Yellow Coat For Sale

    Sale Antique Belsnickle With White Coat For Sale

    Antique Belsnickle With White Coat For Sale

    Antique Newsletter Signup

    CLick To Sign Up For Our Monthly Newsletter and Special Mailings

    Gliding On Ice With A Skaters Lantern

    Just Consigned

    Skaters Lanterns

    Green skaters lanternThe very sight of an antique skater’s lantern brings back childhood memories of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales. In my mind’s eye I see young boys and girls, men and women, bundled up in thick wool coats, knit caps and scarves. It is nighttime, yet they are gliding gleefully around frozen fishponds on hand-carved wooden skates; their circular paths lit by the gentle glow emanating from their hand-held skater’s lanterns.

    Often made of brass and lit by kerosene, skater’s lanterns are highly collectible. The more common skater’s lantern features a chain and ring and has a clear glass globe. The color of the lantern’s glass globe can greatly increase the antique lantern’s value. Those featuring a green glass globe or a teal-colored globe are often valued in excess of several hundred dollars.
    In the evolution of lighting methods, lanterns made of tin, iron, wood, glass and horn allowed light to be portable. The word “lantern” evolved from the term Lanthorn—thin, translucent sheets of flattened cattle horn which light could pass through.
    The kerosene lantern, also known as a hurricane lantern, was commonly used from the late 1800s throughCobalt skaters lantern the middle of the 20th century. Abraham Gesner coined the term ‘kerosene’ in the mid-1840s to describe a lamp “fueled by processed coal.” This early fuel was also referred to as ‘coal oil.’
    The kerosene lantern was designed for portability. The duct system design stabilized and enhanced a draft of air that could reach the flame, creating a stable, bright, wind-resistant flame.
    Most lanterns are marked with only a patent date and sometimes a manufacturer’s name, such as “Hurricane Lantern Co., N.Y.” Very few items are marked with the actual patent number. This may render it difficult to confirm that a brass or metal lantern is indeed a bona fide antique.

    All About Consignment

    http://www.showcaseantiques.com/consign.html

    ALL ABOUT CONSIGNMENT

    Lessons Learned

    Only The Good Stuff

    Recently a nice woman spent quite a bit of time looking into our showcases.  As she went from case to case we heard her exclaim, “Oh my! Oh no!”  By the time she came to the counter she was distraught and in tears.

    Her story. The nice woman had recently moved into a smaller home and needed to dispose of old family items.  Having no concept of their value, she sold many to a dealer who offered her a lump sum for only the good stuff he was interested in.  He paid her in cash and then went on his way.

    Walking around Showcase she saw many similar items and realized that she had lost a significant amount of money.  If she had consigned her pieces, she would have known their value and had an opportunity to control the price.

    800% Increase

    One day a gentleman came into Showcase with several pieces of carnival glass that he wanted to sell to us.  We explained that we do not buy outright, but would be happy to take his items on consignment.

    His story. The gentleman told us that he tried to sell his merchandise to another shop and was offered a total of $75.00 for all his pieces.  Luckily, he had seen an episode of the Antiques Road Show where a similar item he had was priced at $350.

    He agreed to consign his carnival glass items to Showcase.  We appraised his items and sold them for $650.  The gentleman received over 800% more than his first offer!  He told us, “I appreciate your honesty.”

    Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

    How do I know if my stuff is valuable?

    You don’t have to know.  Showcase Antique Center was established in 1990 and has an excellent reputation in the antique industry.  Just remember, don’t throw what you don’t know.  If you consign with us, we will be happy to discuss what is valuable and provide you with a free appraisal.

    If I want to dispose of an entire estate or household that has both new and old things, will you help me?

    We will happily take your objects (single piece to a house full) on consignment.  For a free confidential estimate please call us at 508-347-7190.

    How do I get you to look at my stuff?

    Just set up an appointment by calling us at 508-347-7190 or E-mail us at sales@showcaseantiques.com with a time that is convenient for you.  We will respond with a confirmed time for your appointment.  If you have a lot of small things, we usually view them at our store.  The items you bring us must be in clean saleable condition.

    I have a lot of furniture that is too big for me to bring to your store.  Will you come to my house?

    Yes.  Please make an appointment.  Before making a house call we would like to see pictures.  We also can help you dispose of the contents of an entire house.

    What are your store hours?

    Our regular store hours are:  Monday, Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday – Noon to 5:00 PM; Tuesday – Closed.

    How long do you keep consignments?

    Usually we request a minimum of (6) six months.  A lot of items that we take in sell long before the six months, but there are those that take more time to sell.

    Once you tell me the value of an item, can I really expect to get that much money?

    The values of antiques and vintage collectibles do fluctuate – usually within a given price range.  Our goal is to work for you to ensure you receive a fair value for your item.  However, there may be times when our customers will make reasonable offers that you should consider.  We will always pass along these offers with our recommendations.

    At Showcase, we work in partnership with you.  After all, the more money you make, the more we can share in the profits.

    How do you sell the items that I consign to you?

    Through our ads, our busy storefront at the Entrance to Old Sturbridge Village, on our web site which has over 850 items with pictures, by telephone calls, E-mail notices and through our gift register “wish list” program.  We have over 20,000 customers on our database which enables us to match your merchandise with their wants.  In addition, we have a Free Antique Appraisal Day once a month.  All these strategies drive traffic to the retail shop and web site thereby increasing visibility of your item.

    How much of a commission do you take?

    On items that are valued at $100.00 or less we take 50%.  On items over $100.00 we take 35%.

    What are the advantages of selling at auction or directly to a dealer vs. consignment?

    A dealer will usually only make one offer to you for your item and may not tell you what your item is worth in the marketplace.  If you sell to a dealer and then learn your item is worth more, there is nothing you can do…you’re stuck with the agreed upon price.

    Auctions have some of element of chance.  If you have the right item on the right day with the right customers, then you may get a good price.  Some auctions don’t mind reserves at certain levels and others do.

    With our method you take NO CHANCES.  You have total control over the price that is established.

    How does the Showcase Antique Center method work?

    It’s as easy as one..two..three!

    One: Based upon our staff’s over 105 years of experience, we give you our opinion of value…which we have determined to be a fair selling price.

    Two: You approve the selling price.  Your item is attractively displayed in the retail shop.

    Three: When we get offers, we will pass them along to you with our opinion.  You have full control over your item until it is sold.

    When you sell an item when do I get paid?

    All consignors are paid on the 25th of  the month for the prior month’s sales.

    If my item is sold via the Internet, an ad or a phone call to an out of state person, who takes care of the shipping?

    We package your item(s), insure it for full value and the customer pays all the shipping, insurance and handling costs.  If your item is furniture, we ship via a moving company and insure for full value.

    What if you don’t sell my item(s) after (6) six months?

    You can claim your item or we can consider a lower price and we will keep it longer.

    Can I claim my item(s) before the (6) six months are up?

    Yes, but you will have to pay our consignment fee.

    If my item does not sell at your store, can you recommend a reputable auction gallery?

    Yes.  Showcase Auctioneers & Appraisers is affiliated with Showcase Antique Center.

    If I desire to sell my items at auction and not do consignment can you help me?

    Yes.  Showcase Auctioneers & Appraisers is affiliated with Showcase Antique Center.

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