Carole ConnMar 174 minThe Secrets of NailsNails can tell you a lot about an antique. Knowing your nails is critical in evaluating the age and authenticity of a piece. ...
Carole ConnSep 18, 20214 minAmerican Stoneware: How It Became Folk ArtDifferences and similarities between stoneware and redware, their usage and production in New England pre 1880.
Carole ConnAug 2, 20215 minWhy Redware is ImportantEarly redware was essential for life in the colonies
Carole ConnJun 3, 20216 minAmerican Silhouettes of the 18th and 19th CenturiesFrom my personal collection Silhouettes are highly collectible, but they scare people. It is hard to know what is an early one and what...
Carole ConnMar 13, 20213 minThe Witch's Hat Candle SnufferI have a passion for the little tin dunce caps with handles which are often called "witch hat" snuffers or dousers. I'm not sure why I...
Carole ConnSep 26, 20203 minTheorem Paintings are Much More Than StencilsStarting in about 1820 the female academies of New England introduced theorem painting to their young students. It was thought that even...
Carole ConnApr 15, 20203 minMiniature Antiques - Why do we like teensy-weensy stuff?I am mad for miniatures. I've found that most people are, especially when they are period antiques. I don't particularly collect them,...
Carole ConnFeb 17, 20203 minPeaseware, the Ultimate American Treen Wooden kitchen and storage utensils have been in use for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands of years. We Americans have a strong...
Carole ConnJan 21, 20204 minHannah And Her BoxesThree years ago I posted a blog about the famous New Hampshire bandbox maker, Hannah Davis. I have revised it, what year no building now...
Carole ConnApr 22, 20196 minBoxes, Beautiful BoxesNo closets, no wardrobes, no privacy! This is how it was in the typical early 19th century homestead. People lived together in one or...
Carole ConnFeb 5, 20193 minBefore There Were MatchesI started thinking about how the settlers dealt with light indoors because I found a spill holder at a market in New Hampshire recently. ...
Carole ConnJan 29, 20194 minTransferware- The Settlers' PorcelainThe most sought-after and ubiquitous eating vessels of the early 1800s in America were transfer printed earthenwares produced by the...
Carole ConnAug 28, 20185 min19th Century BluesI admit it. I LOVE blue. It has always been my favorite color. The blue shades that appear on American country antiques of the 1800s...
Carole ConnJul 9, 20184 minThe Romance of Old Leather BooksOld leather books are one of the best things to collect! If you have an American country antiques collection they are a must. In...
Carole ConnOct 23, 20172 minTaghkanic Baskets - They're Not Indian!Some of the most beautiful and finely crafted splint baskets ever made are the Taghkanic baskets. Many people assume that they were made...
Carole ConnAug 17, 20175 minThe Endearing Charm of Marking SamplersI have always loved needlework samplers, particularly miniature ones. There are extraordinary examples of intricate and beautiful...
Carole ConnJul 17, 20173 minAmerican Folk Art That MeltsWhat 19th century folk art just melts away? Stamped butter! Why would anyone want to stamp a design into a glob of butter? In the days...
Carole ConnApr 24, 20173 minThe Settlers' Radiator: SoapstoneEarly in our colonial history large deposits of soapstone were discovered in New England, principally in Vermont. This prized commodity...
Carole ConnFeb 1, 20174 minThe Settlers' Light - the HogscraperThere are few things that reflect our collective pioneer spirit better than the hogscraper candlestick. At least that's what I feel...
Carole ConnNov 8, 20164 minMiniature Portraits in Rural AmericaMiniature portraits have been around since the 16th century in Europe. Essentially, they were the precursor of the photograph. Loved...