A Great Antique Resource
antique ham radio Article Of The MonthVessel Sinks Work With Antiques
By Ken Melchert
'It is hard to be funny when you have to be clean,' Mae West
We all need a sink to clean up in, and the proliferation of great designer vessel sinks has opened a world of possibilities to recycle all manner of antique cabinets, chests and tables as vanity cabinets. Endless design possibilities can create a truly unique bathroom in almost any style. Juxtaposing historic pieces with contemporary fittings generates excitement, and many vessel sinks cleverly mounted on cabinets are really works of art. Sinks are available in countless styles and colors of glass, painted porcelain, brass, copper and nickel. Faucets have many different finishes in traditional and modern configurations. Antique and vintage dressers, sideboards, writing tables, work benches, and bakers tables can all be recycled into sink cabinets that are one of a kind, reflecting your individual taste and creativity. Many of these pieces are much less expensive than than the charmless mass-produced cabinets seen in home centers and bath design shops. It takes a little more planning and vision, but the result is certainly worthwhile.
An example uses a late Victorian or Eastlake washstand from the 1880s. Originally made for a bedroom in the days before plumbing, a bowl and pitcher would have sat on the marble top, and the waste jug would have been behind the door on the bottom. Built of solid walnut, the original beveled mirror and marble top were fitted to accommodate a glass vessel sink and brushed nickel contemporary faucet. The stunning result is functional and truly unique. A craftsman easily drilled the marble top, made adjustments to the interior of the chest, and the installation was relatively simple. The result is an elegant and historic look.
Another bathroom recycles an Art Deco cabinet from about 1930 that was meant to hold sheet music next to a piano. Now fitted with a textured glass vessel sink and a waterfall faucet, this adaptation of an antique piece was even simpler. Compact enough for a small bathroom, this installation is bright and cheerful with the clean, sleek lines of the 1930s.
Countless antique and vintage pieces of furniture can be adapted to hold a sink. I suggest ignoring the original function of the furniture, judge how much the piece appeals to you, and consider its size and scale for your project. Take the time to find a piece you really like to live with. As Willie Nelson says, 'The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.' Bathroom sinks can be so much more fun than the 'hospital equipment' look of the past. Surprisingly, historic cabinets are the latest innovation not only in bathrooms, but in kitchens as well, anywhere a sink would be convenient. Go for an exciting or timeless look - 'Exuberance is beauty,' according to William Blake. Of course, recycling a historic piece is so much better for our environment as well.
About The Author
Ken Melchert is a co-owner of The Harp Gallery, a renowned antique furniture gallery located in Appleton, WI. Ken and his wife Rebecca have been selling and restoring superior antique furniture for over 20 years. Visit their store online: Harp Gallery Antique Furniture.
More Info On antique ham radio
Finding Antique Shops and Shows. Visit a shop in the area. Most dealers know that antique buyers like to "hit" several shops on each buying trip so they locate near one another and actively promote one another's shops. Antiques are somewhat unique, each store doesn't carry exactly the same things others do - so unlike most other retailers, they encourage you to come to their area and shop all the shops in their area. Usually by the door or cash register, dealers will have maps, lists of local shops and other free literature about shows coming up in their area.
Buy antique sofas today!
Carry cash or a checkbook�dealers will usually offer you the best price if you�re not paying by credit card, since they won�t have to pay the fee to the card company.
Buy antique stools today!
The market value of antiques changes if people become more or less interested in collecting and buying a certain type of item.Find out what's popular by talking to dealers and doing research on the Internet. The value of items like antique guns can be very specific when it comes to buyers' appreciation. Also, try to get a feel for emerging collectibles, things you can acquire now for a minimal investment but whose value will appreciate with the passage of time. For well established collecting genres like furniture or dishware, extensive collecting guides with charts of approximate values based on condition are readily available.
Buy antique jewelry boxes today!
Inexperienced buyers, armed only with a smattering of book-learning and driven by a hunger for a home furnished with antiques, often payout substantial sums for pieces that take their fancy, but which carry no worth-while guarantee. At least until they have acquired a good working knowledge by dint of studying the things themselves, as well as by reading books. Buyers should ask themselves whether it might not be better to pay a little more - even a little too much - for the right thing, guaranteed by a reputable expert, than to grub around for so-called bargains that turn out to be 'fake'. Generally speaking, a detailed invoice from an established dealer is a much safer form of protection than any description in an auctioneer's catalogue.
Buy antique cabinets today!
Comparison shop: some rare items cannot be compared for price, but you might be able to compare more common items. Also, look at reproductions. Some are good value for money as alternatives to antiques. And, knowing the features of repros may help you in the quest for the real.
Buy an RCA Victor Kent antique radio today!
Your Latest antique ham radio News
Antique Maps and Old World Globes
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:23:45 -0600
Did you know that map makers for 100 years believed California wasn't always attached to the west coast of the North American continent ..and that's how they drew it on their maps - as an island. Here's an article that's a beginner's guide to Collecting Antique Maps - and tips on how to get started in this hobby.
Nautical - Maritime Antiques and Collectibles
Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:23:32 -0600
Unused Nautical gear in the olden days was used for scrap so now it's scarce, valued as collectibles that are often in reproductions. Here are some tips to help you know whether you're buying an antique or a reproduction that's been tweaked to look like the real thing.
About Antiques Poll of the Week
...
antique jewelry for sale
Labels: antique airplane radios | antique car radio
posted by The Antiques Dealer @ 8:11 PM
1 comments
