The Settlers' Light - the Hogscraper
There are few things that reflect our collective pioneer spirit better than the hogscraper candlestick. At least that's what I feel...
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Connecticut Country Antiques
Carole Conn ~ info@ctcountryantiques.com ~ (203) 912-5522
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Carole Conn
- Mar 17
- 4 min
The Secrets of Nails
Nails can tell you a lot about an antique. Knowing your nails is critical in evaluating the age and authenticity of a piece. ...
Carole Conn
- Sep 18, 2021
- 4 min
American Stoneware: How It Became Folk Art
Differences and similarities between stoneware and redware, their usage and production in New England pre 1880.
Carole Conn
- Aug 2, 2021
- 5 min
Why Redware is Important
Early redware was essential for life in the colonies
Carole Conn
- Jun 3, 2021
- 6 min
American Silhouettes of the 18th and 19th Centuries
From my personal collection Silhouettes are highly collectible, but they scare people. It is hard to know what is an early one and what...
Carole Conn
- Mar 13, 2021
- 3 min
The Witch's Hat Candle Snuffer
I 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 Conn
- Sep 26, 2020
- 3 min
Theorem Paintings are Much More Than Stencils
Starting in about 1820 the female academies of New England introduced theorem painting to their young students. It was thought that even...
Carole Conn
- Apr 15, 2020
- 3 min
Miniature 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 Conn
- Feb 17, 2020
- 3 min
Peaseware, 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 Conn
- Jan 21, 2020
- 4 min
Hannah And Her Boxes
Three 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 Conn
- Apr 22, 2019
- 6 min
Boxes, Beautiful Boxes
No closets, no wardrobes, no privacy! This is how it was in the typical early 19th century homestead. People lived together in one or...
Carole Conn
- Feb 5, 2019
- 3 min
Before There Were Matches
I started thinking about how the settlers dealt with light indoors because I found a spill holder at a market in New Hampshire recently. ...
Carole Conn
- Jan 29, 2019
- 4 min
Transferware- The Settlers' Porcelain
The most sought-after and ubiquitous eating vessels of the early 1800s in America were transfer printed earthenwares produced by the...
Carole Conn
- Aug 28, 2018
- 5 min
19th Century Blues
I 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 Conn
- Jul 9, 2018
- 4 min
The Romance of Old Leather Books
Old leather books are one of the best things to collect! If you have an American country antiques collection they are a must. In...
Carole Conn
- Oct 23, 2017
- 2 min
Taghkanic 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 Conn
- Aug 17, 2017
- 5 min
The Endearing Charm of Marking Samplers
I have always loved needlework samplers, particularly miniature ones. There are extraordinary examples of intricate and beautiful...
Carole Conn
- Jul 17, 2017
- 3 min
American Folk Art That Melts
What 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 Conn
- Apr 24, 2017
- 3 min
The Settlers' Radiator: Soapstone
Early in our colonial history large deposits of soapstone were discovered in New England, principally in Vermont. This prized commodity...
Carole Conn
- Nov 8, 2016
- 4 min
Miniature Portraits in Rural America
Miniature portraits have been around since the 16th century in Europe. Essentially, they were the precursor of the photograph. Loved...