The RL What's This? Shop

Ask Your Fellow Shop Owners For Help Identifying An Item
Member since February 2006 View Profile

Do you have an item that you cannot identify? Post it in this shop to get feedback from other Ruby Lane shops.

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Ruby Lane

Serving the Online Community Since 1998 Shop . Sell . Relax Antiques & Art . Vintage Collectibles . Jewelry

Notes from the Lane: What's This? Column

If you would like additional help with identification or other important information about an item, the Editors of Notes from the Lane, the Ruby Lane blog, invite you to submit your inquiry, along with clear photographs of the item, close-up shots of the maker's mark (if present), signature and/or other important or unusual features, to blogarticles@rubylane.com. Your photos should be no larger than 200 x 200 pixels. Individuals are also invited to post questions and comments to the What's This? section of the blog. Your submissions are also posted to our Facebook page and Twitter!

What Was This? shop: An Archive Tool

An Archive Tool for Ruby Lane shop owners only. Items identified by other shop owners in the What's This? shop are automatically moved into the What Was This? shop, along with all accompanying shop feedback. Identified items remain here indefinitely. The What Was This? shop is designed to serve as an archive resource for shops to refer to before they list an item in the What's This? shop, to determine whether a similar item has already been listed and successfully identified. A link to the What Was This? shop is located in the Favorite Links section

ANTIQUES: American Institute for Conservation

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) ~ Guide to Conservation Services ~ Information on Caring for Architecture, Book and Paper, Electronic Media Objects, Paintings, Photographic Materials, Textiles, Wooden Artifacts. Education. Glossary of Terms.

ANTIQUES: Home & Family Network

Ready to start antiquing? Check out these helpful tips and ideas to assist you at antique shows. Find out how to haggle with proper antique etiquette or use antiques to spruce up a new room.

ANTIQUES: The Antiques Almanac

The Antiques Almanac, a reference site for beginning and intermediate collectors, is your first stop on the Web in your search for information about antiques and collectibles.

ANTIQUES: Antiques-Antiques

Antique-Antiques is an information site offering a wealth of well researched information on antique and collectible items including appraisals, clocks, old coins, and toys. Pricing guides. MANY links to reputable product resources and 'fresh' information added regularly.

ANTIQUES: Harry Rinker

Harry is the host of Whatcha Got, a nationally syndicated antiques and collectibles call-in radio show that airs on Sunday mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Listen to Harry on the Internet - Whatcha Got streams live on the Internet on Sundays between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Whatcha Got is designed to answer the questions: (1) What do I own? and (2) How much is it worth? In addition to answering questions from listeners, the show features the latest news from the world of antiques and collectibles, collecting tips, guest interviews, and letters from the mailbag.

ANTIQUES: Maine Antique Digest

Antiques Magazine covering news, a wealth of information on different aspects of antiquing, dealers, show listings, special interest stories, prices, marketing tips and more.

ANTIQUES: Marks4Antiques

Online guides for antiques and collectibles. Available 24/7 from any computer connected to the Internet. Pictorial displays of over 12,000 Antiques & Collectibles marks, divided in Shape Categories. Values of over 100,000 Antiques & Collectibles sold at Auction with Photos. Membership service - join one, two or all three. Marks4Ceramics.com for identifying Ceramics, Porcelain, Pottery and China Marks - Marks4Silver.com for identifying Silver, Jewelry and other Metal Marks - Values4Antiques.com for searching prices on Antiques and Collectibles sold at Auction.

AMERICAN DINER: American Diner Museum

Cultural and historical information on the American Diner.

ART: Artlex

Art Dictionary for artists, collectors, students and educators in art production, criticism, history, aesthetics, and education. You'll find definitions for more than 3,600 terms used in discussing art / visual culture, along with thousands of supporting images, pronunciation notes, great quotations and cross-references.

ART: Find Art Info

FindArtInfo.com contains price info on all sorts of fine art – oil paintings, etchings, engravings, watercolors, drawings, sculptures and much more – ranging from Old Masters to Contemporary Art. The database currently contains 52,233 signatures and 355,390 photos of artwork. This area is for members only.

ART: The Web Gallery of Art

The Web Gallery of Art is a virtual museum and searchable database of European painting and sculpture from 12th to mid-19th centuries. It was started in 1996 as a topical site of the Renaissance art, originated in the Italian city-states of the 14th century and spread to other countries in the 15th and 16th centuries. Intending to present Renaissance art as comprehensively as possible, the scope of the collection was later extended to show its Medieval roots as well as its evolution to Baroque and Rococo via Mannerism. More recently the periods of Neoclassicism and Romanticism were also included.

ART: Timeline of Art History - Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Timeline of Art History is a chronological, geographical, and thematic exploration of the history of art from around the world, as illustrated by the of Art's collection. The Museum's curatorial, conservation, and education staff—the largest team of art experts anywhere in the world—research and write the Timeline, which is an invaluable reference and research tool for students, educators, scholars, and anyone interested in the study of art history and related subjects.

ART NOUVEAU: Art Nouveau Worldwide

The Art-Nouveau-round-the-world server is dedicated to promote a better knowledge of the Art Nouveau period (1890-1914).

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Albert Berry's Arts & Crafts Shop

Albert Berry's Arts and Crafts Shop -- An excellent site to visit if you want to learn about this important west coast Arts and Crafts copper shop whose objects frequently incorporated walrus tusks, bone, etc. Includes examples and mark.s

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Arts & Crafts Society

An online resource dedicated to the philosophy and spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Articles, Events Calendar, Resources, Books, Forum

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Benedict Studio

This Website is dedicated to the Art Metal produced in Syracuse, New York at the turn of the Century during the height of the American Art and Crafts Movement.

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Fulper Pottery

Fulper.net was developed to encourage the appreciation of Fulper pottery. It offers examples of Fulper's best work, guidance on evaluating individual pieces, an exploration of the history and evolution of Fulper's VaseKraft line, and a unique Fulper VaseKraft Lamp Gallery.

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Museum

Web museum of Mr. & Mrs. Andre & Jose Baptist. The museum contains their collection of pewter, metalware, glass, and ceramics of the Art Nouveau period from 1895 - 1910.

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Roycroft Books

A guide for collectors of Roycroft Books.

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Roycroft Copper

Here you'll find history, interesting facts, tips on collecting, hundreds of photographs, as well as descriptions and estimated current values of an array of Roycroft copper items. The purpose is to provide an up-to-date resource for identifying and pricing Roycroft copper, and to address the current scarcity of information on the Internet about these highly collectible antiques. Although by no means comprehensive, this site includes a range of copper work produced by the Roycrofters such as vases, lamps, candlesticks, bookends, bowls, etc

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: Roycrofters.Com

Elbert Hubbard and the Roycroft Print Shop. Chronology of Things Roycroftie.

ARTS & CRAFTS ERA: 1910 Metal

This site is dedicated to Artistic Metalwork produced by Craftsmen of the Arts & Crafts Movement around the turn of the 20th century. metalwork by craftsmen of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

BASKETS: Basket Makers

A comprehensive informational site for basketmakers, basket artists, vendors of basketmaking materials and all others interested in the art of basket weaving and basket collecting.

BEARS: The Bear Collector

Boyds Bearstones Online Reference, Value Guide and Secondary Market Resource.

BOOKS: Americana Exchange

Rare book search and research. Articles on collecting rare and antique books.

BOOKS: Faded Giant Books

Guide to rare and old book values Plus + Gallery of autograph examples for popular authors and illustrators with links and quotes.

BOOKS: Printer's Devices

Printers' and publishers' devices flourished from the 15th century through the end of the 17th century, ...; modern presses and fine presses still display devices. They could be simple symbols, allegorical vignettes, rebuses, or symbolic references to the printer's name or self-perception. ... They were an early trademark and as such, susceptible to forgery and appropriation. One firm could have several different or variant devices. All of them are relevant to the history of the book.

BOOKS: Rare Books & Collectibles Australia

Australian booksellers - rare, old, out of print books and collectibles. Antiquarian, rare and used books from our Australian book search engine, linking dealers worldwide, to provide you with a massive database of hard to find books. Books and Collectibles offer an all encompassing range of collectible books, maps, prints, records, cd's and ephemera from our huge online bookstore, backed by an online database that is constantly updated. Featuring a sophisticated book search engine, we source rare, used and out of print books from all over the world. Based in Australia, our service offers you the opportunity to search the stock of book stores worldwide.

BUSINESS: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

How to Search for US Patents, Trademarks and more. Links to European, International and Japanese Patent Information.

BUTTONS: British Button Society

Articles and photos of buttons. Newsletter - Membership.

BUTTONS: Buttonarium

The Buttonarium is an online button museum. The Buttonarium features hundreds of antique and collectible clothing buttons.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: American Art Pottery Association

American Art Pottery resource information, history, fakes database.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Antique China Porcelain Ceramic Marks

The porcelain mark is the fingerprint of antique china. Serving as both evidence of its origin, age, and often times, quality, the makers mark on a porcelain item is the first place many collectors look before making a purchase. For any piece of fine china, the porcelain mark is a symbol of pride in the manufacturer's workmanship. It is intended to instill confidence in the buyer, and inspire a sense of loyalty in the heart of the satisfied collector. Color photo listing of marks and historical information.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Australasian Shelley Collectors Club

Wileman & Shelley China & Earthenware - History - Backstamps/Dates - Information on Fakes

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Belleck Online Guide

Belleck Backstamps and Resource Information

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Bohemian (Czech) Porcelain and Glass

Reference site for the decorative arts including information for Bohemian (Czech) porcelain and glass. There is also information about Imperial and Royal Porcelain Factory, Vienna and Angelica Kauffmann porcelain. Hallmarks, logos, factories, decoration types, pottery types, and shapes. he site is dedicated to the identifying, collecting, selling, and buying of Bohemian decorative arts. There is a little bit of information on the Libbey Rock Sharpe Crystal, Indiana Glass Company, and the Hazel-Atlas Company.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Clarice Cliff Collectors Club

Bold, bright hand-painted designs and outrageous shapes are the hallmarks of Clarice Cliff's ceramics. Biography, Picture Gallery, Pattern Names & Descriptions, Shapes, Fakes & Forgeries, Identification

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Collecting Porcelain

European Porcelain Marks

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Cowan Pottery Museum Associates

Ceramic art work of R. Guy Cowan - Cowan Pottery Studio located in northeastern Ohio, 1912-1931. Photo gallery of marks, shapes and designs, selection of glazes, and ceramic sculpture.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: e-Yakimono.net

Japanese Pottery Information Center: Yakimono means fired thing. It's an important term that encompasses the entire ceramic culture of Japan. This site is a learning center devoted to Japanese pottery. Who-What-Where and Guidebook: Styles, Clays, Kilns, Glazes, Techniques, Timeline

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Gotheborg.com

This fully searchable web site provides information to collectors of antique Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Here you will also find a large Porcelain Marks Section with more than 1,200 translated and dated porcelain marks, a Glossary of Porcelain Terms, Porcelain History, Stories from visits to kiln sites and a large Questions & Answers section.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: International Nippon Collectors Club

Nippon Collectors Club: Backstamps, Reproduction Alerts and Backstamps, Articles, Membership Opportunities

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Kutani Ceramics

Comprehensive Kutani database - over 1,000 marks with photo references. Searchable database by potter, kiln or producer's name in English and Japanese.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Marks4Ceramics

Marks4Ceramics.com is an online guide to identify western Porcelain & Pottery and China marks. Fast & Easy visual reference with all marks divided in Shape Categories. Comprehensive library of ceramic marks. Recent fake or reproduction trademarks constantly.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: McCoy Pottery Collectors Society

McCoy Pottery Collectors Club: Gallery of Pottery Lines, Trademarks, Reproduction Information, History

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: My Granny's Attic - Pottery, Porcelain, Ceramic Marks

Antique Marks & Backstamps; Manufacturers History, Information, and Reference - Antique Word Glossary and Patent Numbers

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Noritake Collectors Guild of Australia and New Zealand

Online Backmark Library - Misrepresented Backmarks - Post 1950's Pattern Guide - History of Noritake NTK - Patent & Trademark Information

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Ohio River Pottery

An American Dinnerware Identification Web Site - 600+ pages, 2700+ images. The purpose of this site is to provide the user with very basic information on various American dinnerware makers, shapes and patterns - mainly of lines made by potteries on and near the Upper Ohio River Valley. Even though emphasis has been placed on a specific group of potteries, there are other U.S.companies listed with over 200 dinnerware lines listed.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Porcelain Marks and More - German

German Porcelain Marks, Unidentified Marks, History, Factories, Fakes & Reproductions, Vocabulary, and other information on other countries associated with the production of German porcelain.

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Qing Ceramics - Reign Marks 1644-1912

Marks on Porcelain of the Qing and Ming Dynasties

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Shelley Group Collectors Club UK

Shelley & Wileman Collectors Club, UK - Shelley Study: Backstamps, Shapes & Letters, Pattern Ranges, Tea Ware Shapes, Registered Numbers & Other Markings, Plus History: People, Places, & Production

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: Stoke-on-Trent - The Potteries.org

A guide to Stoke-on-Trent (North Staffordshire) ceramic companies, their history and trade and initial marks (the markings used on the bottom of some ceramics). A general guide to Ceramic Marks & Dating explanation of the use of the Royal Coat of Arms - Unknown potters & marks - Fakes & Forgeries (and just about anything else you would like to know about Stoke-on-Trent - a unique English city)

CERAMIC, POTTERY, PORCELAIN: The Official Franciscan Collectors Web Site

This web site is dedicated to the enrichment of the collector, non-collector, and historian of Franciscan Ware and the company Gladding McBean. Library of Patterns, Marks, Picture Gallery,

CLOCKS & WATCHES: Clock History

Westclox - Telechron (Warren) - Standard Electric Time - Seth Thomas - New Haven Westinghouse - Sessions-Haydon Chronometric

CLOCKS & WATCHES: The National Association of Clock and Watch Collectors, Inc.

Founded in 1943, The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. (NAWCC) is a nonprofit scientific organization that serves as a unique educational, cultural, and social resource for its membership and the public at large. ~ Members include hobbyists, students, educators, casual collectors, and professionals in related retail and manufacturing trades. The one common bond (and main membership requirement) is a fascination with the art and science of timekeeping (horology).

COINS: All Coins - Directory

Allcoins numismatic portal and coin directory is the numismatic community's largest and best rare coin directory.

COINS: Coin Facts

The internet encyclopedia of U.S. coins.

COSTUME & FASHION: Costume Gallery

Fashion and Costume Education - Costume Encyclopedia - Foto Dating - Research Library

COSTUME & FASHION: Costume Society of America

The Costume Society of America advances the global understanding of all aspects of dress and appearance. We work to stimulate scholarship and encourage study in the rich and diverse field of costume

COSTUME & FASHION: Dressmaking Research

Primary source materials focusing on the cut and construction of women's garments - cutting diagrams, specific construction details, and measurements.

COSTUME & FASHION: Fashion-Era

Fashion History, Costume History, Clothing, Fashions and Social History PLUS Current Fashion Trends: Colors, Clothing, Jewelry

COSTUME & FASHION: La Couturiere Parisienne

This site is all about period costume, from the Middle Ages up to the early 20th century. Access 4000 costume pictures through a database, read one of hundreds of articles, or download some authentic period patterns.

COSTUME & FASHION: Ninya Mikhaila Historical Costume

Ninya Mikhaila supplies high quality reproduction costumes that help to bring history to life. Gallery with beautiful examples of historically correct costumes.

COSTUME & FASHION: The Costume Page

Library of costume and costuming-related links for the benefit of those who study and/or make costumes: costumers, students, historical re-enactors, science fiction fans, professionals, amateurs, dancers, theatrical costumers, trick-or-treaters, writers, researchers, and all those interested in fashion, textile art, costume history and textile and costume collectors. There are over 1,000 unique links listed on these pages.

COSTUMES & FASHION: The Costumer's Manifesto

THE place to go for anything about costume and fashion.

COSTUME & FASHION: The Costume Society - UK

The promotion of education in dress throughout out the ages including contemporary dress.

COSTUME & FASHION: The Vintage Connection

Your guide to historic, vintage, antique & collectible fashions.

DOLLS & PAPER DOLLS: Doll Reference

Welcome, to the Doll Reference web site. a guide for collecting and identifying dolls 1800-1970's - Antique to Vintage, over 10,000+ photo's, descriptions, and markings are included; dolls are listed by manufacture or type of material. If you know the dolls name/marking, put your keyword or number in the search box to locate it quickly.

DOLLS & PAPER DOLLS: The Original Paper Doll Artists Guild

Paper Doll Artist information, history, collecting, and preservation.

DOLLS & PAPER DOLLS: United Federation of Doll Clubs

The study of dolls is truly the study of mankind. Few artifacts reflect our history as accurately as those of dolls. From food to fashion, dolls and their accessories provide a fascinating window to the past and provide a record for the future. Doll collecting is one of the three largest hobby groups in the world, vying with stamps and miniatures for first place.

EPHEMERA: Ad*Access

The Ad*Access Project, funded by the Duke Endowment "Library 2000" Fund, presents images and database information for over 7,000 advertisements printed in U.S. and Canadian newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. Ad*Access concentrates on five main subject areas: Radio, Television, Transportation, Beauty and Hygiene, and World War II, providing a coherent view of a number of major campaigns and companies through images preserved in one particular advertising collection available at Duke University.

EPHEMERA: Ephemera Society of America

The Ephemera Society of America, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed in 1980 to cultivate and encourage interest in ephemera and the history identified with it; to further the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of ephemera by people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of interest; to promote the personal and institutional collection, preservation, exhibition, and research of ephemeral materials; to serve as a link among collectors, dealers, institutions, and scholars; and to contribute to the cultural life of those who have an interest in our heritage as a nation or a people, both nationally and internationally. EXTENSIVE Links section to Online Exhibitions.

GLASS: Corning Museum of Glass

The world's best collection of art and historical glass. More than 45,000 objects trace 3,500 years of glassmaking history. The Rakow Research Library, the world's library of record and the finest collection of research materials related to the art, history, craft and technology of glass.

GLASS: David Doty's Carnival Glass Website

Incredible website with just about anything you would want to know about Carnival Glass. Indexes of patterns, back patterns, shapes, motifs, makers/marks and glossary - all illustrated. Collections and Colors. Information on fakes.

GLASS: Depression Glass Net

The Depression Glass Network specializes in the collecting, selling, preservation and study of depression glass, elegant glass, kitchen glass, bedroom and bathroom glass and children's glass of the depression era. You will find information on depression glass patterns and manufacturers as well as hundreds of pieces of glass for your buying pleasure

GLASS: Dictionary of Glass Marks

Dictionary of Glass and Crystal Marks.

GLASS: Fenton Glass Company

Fenton Art Glass History, Logos, Labels, & Handler Marks

GLASS: Fostoria Collectors Club

Extensive photo gallery of colors and patterns.

GLASS: Glass Bottle Identification & Information Website

Historic Glass Bottle ID - The primary intent of this website is to discuss the historical details of glass bottles produced in the United States - and to some extent Canada - between approximately 1800 and 1950-60. Identification, Classification, Shapes, Glass Making, Dating, Finishes, Body and Seams, Bases PLUS Comprehensive Links Page for all types of US and International Glass Information

GLASS: Glass Encyclopedia

Comprehensive glass reference resource - full topic pages including definitions, photographic examples, and interesting background and historical information.

GLASS: Hens on the Nest

Information on collection Hens on the Nest - Marks and Photos

GLASS: Indiana Glass Company

Indiana Glass History and Pattern List with Photos

GLASS: Loetz

Loetz - the premier Bohemian glass works at turn of the 20th Century. Identification-Signatures, Finishes, History

GLASS: National Cambridge Collectors, Inc.

The National Cambridge Collectors, Inc. is a non-profit Ohio corporation which was founded in 1973 to establish and maintain a permanent museum in Cambridge, Ohio for the display, study and preservation of Cambridge Glass. Part of the mission includes accumulating and publishing information related to the Cambridge Glass Company.

GLASS: National Depression Glass Association

The NDGA is an organization for those individuals or clubs who collect depression era glassware. Photo Gallery, Articles, Information

GLASS: National Heisey Museum of America

Heisey Glass history, colors, etchings, types, articles, club and museum information.

GLASS: National Imperial Glass Collectors Society

Imperial Glass information, dates, marks, glass tableware terms and definitions.

GLASS: Pattern Glass

Information for Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) - Patterns, History, Reproductions, Factories, Forms

GLASS: The Glass Association UK

The Glass Association was founded in England in 1983 at the Stourbridge College of Art . . . The association was established in order to promote the understanding and appreciation of glass and glass-making method: and to generally increase public interest in the whole subject of glass. . . The Glass Association concerns itself with all types of glass, both historical and contemporary, and ..., seeks to cater to a wide range of glass interests.

GLASS: Victorian Antique Glass Registration Lozenge (Diamond) Mark Translator

This translator gives an easy to use method of dating, and finding the manufacturer of any antique glass item registered in England between 1842 and 1883. It can also be used to give the correct date of design registration for any china, metal, paper or other non-glass registered lozenge but NOT the manufacturer.

GLASS: World Art Glass

Sites from around the globe geared to all aspects of art glass: equipment and material resources, education sites, fabrication in the glass studio and glass works, gallery presentations, secondary sales predominately in the auction houses of the world and collections in important international museums.

HATPINS: American Hatpin Society

The purpose of the club is to provide information about the history and value of Hatpins and Hatpin Holders. Membership in the club includes a quarterly newsletter that includes full page color photos and descriptions of hatpins and hatpin holders, featured articles related to hatpins and collecting in general. Information on fakes.

HISTORY: American Antiquarian Society

National research library of American History, Literature and Culture to 1876.

HISTORY: American Memory from the Library of Congress

Historic maps, photos, documents, audio and video on wide range of topics.

HISTORY: British History Online

Digital source library of medieval and modern history of the British Isles. Searchable database.

HISTORY: Historic Cities

This site contains maps, literature, documents, books and other relevant material concerning the past, present and future of historic cities and facilitates the location of similar content on the web.

INDIAN ARTS: Indian Arts & Crafts Board

Explanation of the American Indian Arts and Crafts Law of 1990 - Truth in Advertising

INDIAN ARTS: Native American Indian Arts and Crafts

Native American Indian Art Forms - Information, Tribal History, Photos,

INDIAN ARTS: Native Tech

An internet resource for indigenous ethno-technology focusing on the arts of Eastern Woodland Indian Peoples, providing historical & contemporary background with instructional how-to's & references.

JEWELRY: Awesome Gemstones

Blue Ceylon Sapphires, Colombian Emeralds, Burma Ruby, Russian Alexandrite, and Rare Collectible Gems. Gemstone and Diamond Engagement/Bridal Rings, Anniversary Rings, Pendants, Earrings, Men's Jewelry, and much more.

JEWELRY: 1922 Jewelry Marks

In the early part of the 20 Century, the Keystone Publishing Company published an annual guide called The Jeweler's Index that contained marks and other reference material. The jewelry marks listed are from the 1922 edition.

JEWELRY: All About Gemstones

All About Gemstones is a diamond and colored-gemstone knowledge-base website designed to bridge the gap between the expert gemologist, and the rest of us neophytes who can easily get lost in the blizzard of technical jargon. The site is designed to provide useful information on the subject of gemology, precious and semiprecious gemstones, diamonds, pearls, contemporary jewelry design, jewelry fabrication, mining, gem-cutting history, geography, and the jewellery trade. Also included: interesting research on some of the world's premiere contemporary jewelry designers.

JEWELRY: All About Jewels

Illustrated dictionary of jewelry.

JEWELRY: American Society of Jewelry Historians

An organization dedicated to the study of jewelry history and the dissemination of jewelry-related information through its educational programs, which include lectures, special events and a newsletter.

JEWELRY: Antique Jewelry Online

AntiqueJewelryOnline.com - portal to antique and estate jewelry on the World Wide Web! Learn about jewelry history or gemstone lore, or follow the links to other resources!

JEWELRY: British Patent Numbers

Table of published British patent numbers issued 1916-1979.

JEWELRY: Designer Vintage Jewelry

Informative articles for those interested in buying, collecting and selling signed and unsigned vintage jewelry. This is an interactive site where submissions and comments from those knowledgeable about all aspects of vintage jewelry and its designers are most welcomed.

JEWELRY: Buy Genuine Gemstone Information & Articles

Informative articles to help you learn more about how to buy genuine gemstones, what characteristics to look for and how to tell the genuine from the fake. Submissions and comments from knowledgeable writers are most welcomed.

JEWELRY: Center for Jewelry Studies

The Center for Jewelry Studies is dedicated to the dissemination of information on the history, identification, and marketing of antique, period, and vintage jewelry.

JEWELRY: US Jewelry Patents

Jewelry by Patents by Company Name.

JEWELRY: US Patent Numbers

Table of US Issue Years and Patent Numbers, for Selected Document Types Issued Since 1836.

MAPS: Map History

Map History / History of Cartography - THE Gateway to the Subject: Old maps, early maps - non-current maps in general - are the subject of this site. Whether you are an academic, family historian, collector, teacher, parent or surfer . . .Use this site to find the worthwhile information about old maps, both on the web and in the real world. The site's 100 'pages' offer comment and guidance, and 4,500 annotated links - selected for relevance and quality.

MUSIC: Mugwumps Online Magazine

Established in 1971 Mugwumps is an excellent resource for people interested in folk music and instruments such as banjos, guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, autoharps, ukelins, zithers, glass harmonicas, and kazoos. The site includes patent numbers and serial numbers for dating purposes, how to care for your vintage instrument, historical information, stolen instrument list, links, construction, photo gallery and much more.

MUSIC: The American Musical Instrument Society

The American Musical Instrument Society is an international organization founded in 1971 to promote better understanding of all aspects of the history, design, construction, restoration, and usage of musical instruments in all cultures and from all periods.

MYTHOLOGY: Encyclopedia Mythica

Encyclopedia of Mythology, Folklore, and Religion - The mythology section is divided into six geographical regions: Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania. The Folklore section contains general folklore, Arthurian legends, and fascinating folktales from many lands, a special interest areas to enhance and refine your research. A Bestiary, legendary heroes, and image gallery, and genealogical tables of various pantheons and prominent houses with an image gallery, where you will find hundreds of images of all kinds of deities, heroes, and strange creatures of every description.

POSTCARDS: Jim Mehrer's Postal History Site

Comprehensive resource of postal history and reference literature and collector's supplies for sale - books and cd's.

POSTCARDS: VintagePostcards.org

Vintage postcards and old antique postcards for postcard collecting, including roadside America, vintage real photo (RPPC) post cards, Canadiana and topical postcards. Links to resources for postcard publisher marks, dating, RPO, and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Cycleback.com

Print and photographic study. Authentication guides to photographs, prints by masters, real photo postcards, pre-1930 baseball cards, Tintypes, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and more.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Detroit Publishing Co.

Photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company 1880 - 1920. Includes over 25,000 glass negatives and transparencies as well as about 300 color photolithograph prints, mostly of the eastern United States. The collection includes the work of a number of photographers including William Henry Jackson. The group also includes 900 Mammoth Plate Photographs, several railroad lines in the United States and Mexico in the 1880s and 1890s and views of California, Wyoming and the Canadian Rockies.

PHOTOGRAPHY: The Daguerreian Society

Dedicated to the history and science of the daguerreotype (photography).

PRINTING HISTORY: American Printing History Association

Encourages the study of printing history and its related arts and skills, including calligraphy, typefounding, typography, papermaking, bookbinding, illustration, and publishing.

RADIOS: Antique Radios - The Collectors Resource

Explore radio collecting with its seemingly endless variety of vintage sets. You'll also find vintage television sets as well as links to old time radio programs inside these pages. History, photo gallery, vintage radio shows, value guide, books, clubs, forums and resources.

QUILTS: African American Quilting Traditions

History, shapes, colors, styles and patterns of African American Textile Quilts.

QUILTS: Antique Quilt Dating

Discover the Mystery of Antique Quilts & Textiles with Quilt Historian & Collector Kimberly Wulfert. A forum for research and ideas about quilt history, the women, and textiles: 1750 - 2007.

QUILTS: Quilters Guild of the British Isles

Quilt guild of the the UK. History and Resource Links to UK Textile Information Sites and Museums.

QUILTS: Quilts and Quiltmaking in America

American Memory: Quilts and Quiltmaking in America showcases materials from two American Folklife Center collections, the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project Collection (1978) and the "All-American Quilt Contest" sponsored by Coming Home, a division of Lands' End, and Good Housekeeping. Together these collections provide a glimpse into America's diverse quilting traditions.

QUILTS: The Alliance for the American Quilts

Center for the Quilt: The Alliance for American Quilts brings together quiltmakers and designers, the quilt industry, quilt scholars and teachers, and quilt collectors in the cause of documenting, preserving, and sharing our great American quilt heritage. We are committed to collecting the rich stories that historic and contemporary quilts tell about our nation's diverse people and communities. The Quilt Index is a growing research and reference tool designed to provide unprecedented access to information and images about quilts held in private and public hands.

QUILTS: Patches of the Past

A wealth of information on quilting including textiles, needlework, and history.

QUILTS: Patterns from History

Here you will find quilt patterns like the ones that women shared with each other in days gone by. With each one you will discover a bit of history that will give you a sense of what the pattern meant to quilters of the past.

QUILTS: Womenfolk - The Art of Quilting Yesterday and Today

Quilt history, styles, patterns, links, fact vrs. fiction, newsletter, and more.

SEWING MACHINES: The Needlebar

History of antique and vintage sewing machines, including 4600 images.

Shabby Chic Home Decorating Solutions

A free informational website guiding you to discover your unique personality and display it in your home. Shabby Chic Home Decorating Solutions...Where Old is New and Unique to You!

SILVER: Geneology of Silversmiths and Related Craftsmen

A quick reference for collectors ~ 3,635 silversmiths, jewelers, watchmakers, and other related craftsmen geneology chart with (identification) makers mark.

SILVER: Illustrated SilverCollection

An illustrated glossary of antique silver and objects of vertu - Continental, European, Italian, Russian, German, French, English, Austrian, Scottish, American, Dutch, Danish, Judaica, Georgian, Spanish and much more. ~~ The What Is?? Silver Dictionary of silver related terms, including origin, photos and illustrations, use and shape. ~ Comprehensive collection of HALLMARKS AND MAKERS MARKS - Photos of Silver Oddities ~ Also, photo gallery and information on Glass.

SILVER: Marks4Silver.com Silver, Jewelry and Precious Metal Marks Finder

Silver, Jewelry and Precious Metal Marks Finder. Silver Pattern Identification. Silver & Precious Metals Hallmarks from America, Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway & other European countries. ~ Special Dating Systems for British Silver hallmarks, including Gorham, Sheffield, City Ciphers and Emblems, Date Symbols, Units Conversion Tables (Troy oz etc), Silver & Precious Metals Glossary.

SILVER: Modern Silver

Basic sterling silver hallmark information for jewelry.

SILVER: Online Encyclopedia of American Silver Marks

This is a collection of hallmarks from American manufacturers and retailers of sterling silver, coin silver and silver plate. Marks are listed alphabetically by manufacturer. There are now 201 marks illustrated on this site.

SILVER: Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers Marks

925-1000.com is the most extensive internet resource for research of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, Trademarks & Maker's Marks found on Antique and Vintage silver. The site's main focus is on marks used on sterling and coin silver, for those of you interested in silverplate trademarks, we have now added a large section of silverplate marks.

SILVER: The Sterling Silver Guide

A consumer's guide to the buying and caring for sterling silver treasures.

SOUVENIR SPOONS: American Souvenir Spoons

History of American Souvenir Spoons, Makers Marks, Glossary of Terms, State Seals, Collecting Information: Buying and Selling

TELEPHONES: Cyber Telephone Museum

An Exhibit of Common & Rare Antique Telephones - Facts, History and Picture Index of Telephones.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: American Textile History Museum

The American Textile History Museum tells America's story through the art, history and science of our textiles.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Crochet Guild of America

The Crochet Guild of America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of crochet.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Curitorial Care of Textiles

This appendix discusses the physical characteristics of textiles and outlines guidelines for their long-term care and preservation. Many different kinds of objects are called textiles. They include: • quilts and bed covers • clothing • tapestries and wall hangings • rugs • baskets and mats • upholstery • embroidered samplers and other household decorations ~ The main topics covered in this appendix are: • textile materials, added materials, and their manufacture • agents of deterioration • handling, storage, display, and transportation of textiles • working with a conservator when treatment is needed • specific emergency procedures for textiles ~ The role of preventive conservation is to avoid, block, or minimize the agents of deterioration. This practice will decrease the need for costly and time-consuming conservation treatments.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Fabrics.net

Your Complete Fabric Destination! Fabrics.net is an information, resource, and referral network. We have been compiling your requests into a one- stop- everything- you- ever- wanted- to- know- about- fabrics, trims, care, embroidery, knitting, vintage fabric and quilting megasite.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Guideline for the Care of Textiles

Guidelines for the care of textiles developed by the Textile Museum, Washington D.C. ~ Enviromental Control, General Care and Cleaning, Storage, Proper Display Techniques, Framing Textiles, When to Consult a Conservator, Suppliers of Archival Suppliers ~ Also information on Storing Oriental Carpets, Hanging Systems for Textiles, Pest Busters including a downloadable PDF Pest Chart

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: International Old Lacers Inc.

A non-profit organization for the study and recreation of old laces; to design and make contemporary pieces; to identify inherited pieces; to understand and enjoy the history and beauty of museum pieces, and to preserve examples of needlework craftsmanship.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Knitting and Crochet Guild of UK

The Knitting & Crochet Guild is a registered national educational charity. It was established in 1978 to preserve and nurture the skills of knitting and crochet and to conserve what is a major part of our cultural and craft heritage. Now entering its 29th year, the Guild has accumulated an important and rapidly-growing Collection of garments, samples, domestic knitting machines, yarns, tools and ephemera related to knitting and crochet over the last 200 years, as well as setting up a well-stocked Library of books, periodicals and patterns. The Guild has also been successful in mounting exhibitions and running courses and workshops as part of an expanding education programme. It has been active in producing commercial publications, establishing a book and Pattern Search Service and HelpLine, publishing a substantial quarterly journal (SlipKnot), setting up regional groups, providing displays and clinics at national yarn fairs, selling Heritage Kits and much more.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Lace Magazine

LACE Magazine international is devoted to handmade bobbin and needle lace. It is the premier publication for lacemakers and collectors worldwide. Filled with amazing photographs, history, techniques, patterns, teachers, suppliers, gathering and group listings, LMi not only provides you with indispensable information and a nationwide Lace Network, it also offers you a forum to express your thoughts and ideas on lace. ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY OF ANTIQUE LACE for Identification purposes.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Latin America Textiles Collections

The Latin American Textiles of the Field Museum website. The collection comprises close to 3000 objects from Meso, Central and South America. The most ancient textiles are from the Nazca culture of Peru, circa 200 B.C. to 600 A.D. Image Gallery.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Textiles as Art

The most informative resource for Antique Textile Information! From buying to selling to restoration and preservation to appraisals and pricing. The Antique Textiles in this gallery include Chinese silks of the Tang to the Qing dynasties, Pre-Columbian South American textiles, Central Asian Ikat and Suzani, Renaissance and Medieval European objects, Coptic and Ancient Textiles, Classical Islamic and Persian silks and velvets, as well as ethnographic Costumes and antique Kashmiry and Persian Shawls. Textile History, Book References.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: The Persian Carpet Gallery

The Persian Carpet: History, Construction, Patterns, Styles, Regions - Gallery of Images

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: The Textile Dictionary

Dictionary of Textile Terms.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: The Textile Industry of UK

Detailed history of the British textile system (industry) with pages on textile inventors and inventions, entrepeneurs, life working in a textile factory and factory workers.

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: The Textile Society

The Textile Society of America, Inc. provides an international forum for the exchange and dissemination of information about textiles worldwide, from artistic, cultural, economic, historic, political, social, and technical perspectives

TEXTILES & NEEDLEWORK: Timeless History of Tapestries and Wall Hangings

The history of woven tapestry from ancient times to the present. The study of tapestries as an artform and effective literary expression. Gallery of examples.

TOOLS: Early Rhode Island Toolmakers and Tradesmen

Index of early RI toolmakers and tradesmen including marks and advertisments.(makers of ships, carriages, houses, furniture).

TOOLS: Hand Tool Preservation of Australia

Directory of Australian Tool Manufactures and Makers ~ History & Heritage - Tools & Trades - Preservation of the Past - Antiques & Artefacts - Ancient Manual Arts

TOOLS: Rose Antique Tools

Rose Tools offers tons of information on tools and the companies that sold them. Scanned copies of many old catalogs to help you to identify a tool you may be have. New Information added to help identify your old tools! Adobe pdf files for complete antique tool catalogs I will be working on more catalogs soon for you to download and help identify your tools they will all be in adobe pdf form so check back for more great catalogs from the past

TOOLS: The Davistown Museum

The Davistown Museum is a regional tool, history and art museum located in Liberty Village, Maine. The museum is unique among New England institutions in utilizing the hand tools of colonial and 18th and 19th century New England as a medium for exploring state, regional and local history. Searchable website.

TOOLS: The Tools & Trades History Society

The Tools and Trades History Society (TATHS) was founded in 1983 to further the knowledge and understanding of hand tools and the trades and people that used them. ~ The tools and equipment of historic trades are now often the only surviving evidence of what were once common everyday activities. The Society seeks to preserve these artifacts and to investigate, record and interpret the past and present performance of trades. Membership society. Links to resource information including photo galleries.

TOYS: Antique Toys

AntiqueToys.com features antique toys and collectibles from the 1850s-1960s. Toys are listed in the photo gallery in full-color and by manufacturer. Each toy is described by condition and the measurements are included.

TOYS: Carlton Antique Toys

Photo Inventory of a Limited Number of Cast Iron Toys, Imagination Toys, Battery Operated Toys, Tin Wind Up Toys

TOYS: Classic Tin Toy Company

Classic Tin Toy - Toy Repair, Toy Restoration and Toy Parts

TOYS: Classic Tin Toys

Specializing in very rare, high-quality early German antique tinplate toys, from the turn-of-the-century till 1930.

TOYS: Diecast Collector Magazine UK

Diecast Car Collectors Magazine.

VICTORIAN: Mourning Matters

Educational and programs dedicated to Victorian Mourning.

VICTORIAN: Victoriana.com - The 19th Century Online

Victorian Era Online: Decorating, Remodeling, Travel, Fashion and History

VICTORIAN: Victoria Research Web

The VRW is dedicated to the scholarly study of nineteenth-century Britain, and to aiding researchers, teachers, and students in their investigations of any and all aspects of this fascinating period.

VICTORIAN: Victorian Era - UK

History in focus - guide to historical resources.

VICTORIAN: Victorian Web

The Victorians: Social History, Political History, Gender Matters, Philosophy, Religion, Authors, Science, Technology, Visual Arts, Theatre, Books, Economic Context,

VINTAGE: Ads Gone By

Vintage ads, magazines, pictorial examples for dating purposes.

VINTAGE: Bees Knees Diner Ware

Specializing in restaurant & dinnerware. Examples of Carr, Hall, Iroquois, Wallace, Shenango, Syracuse, Maddock, Wellsville, Scammell, Walker, Frankoma, Hazel Atlas, Mayer, Jackson, H. Laughlin, Noritake, Sterling, Caribe, Rego, Spode, McCoy, Buffalo, Tepco, along with a variety of other unique pieces both old and older... Plus identification service. Marks and Backstamps.

VINTAGE: Collecting Pyrex Kitchenware

History, patterns, styles, price guides, and more.

VINTAGE: Pyrex

How pyrex is made - Background, history, materials.

VINTAGE: Pyrex Vintage Pattern Guide

This main purpose of this picture guide is for quick Vintage Pyrex pattern identification. The goal is to provide CLEARER pictures of each pattern than on other sites and books. We will replace older pictures and patterns as better ones are obtained. Please contact us if you’re willing to help with this or contribute pictures for reference.

VINTAGE: Restaurant Ware Collectors Network

Restaurant ware collectors network (RWCN) The RWCN is a community of Restaurant Ware collectors, sellers and buyers dedicated to research and identification of all kinds of commercial china. Please note that valuation is subjective, therefore we do NOT offer any types of valuation on the items we discuss and/or identify.

VINTAGE: Retro Galaxy

Retro fashion, entertainment, library, remember, newspaper and, fun and games

VINTAGE: Retro Planet

Largest collections of nostalgia memorabilia for unique retro gifts, diner furniture, vintage metal signs and funky decor.

RUBY LANE: HGTV

Showcasing Ruby Lane Shop items in the Marketplace with direct links to item listings.

Wikipedia

A free, multilingual, open content encyclopedia project operated by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. Its name is a portmanteau of the words wiki (a type of collaborative website) and encyclopedia. Launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, it is the largest, fastest growing and most popular general reference work currently available on the Internet.[

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