Latest Article on WorthPoint.com - Architectural Salvage

Jeff's Architectural Salvage in Weston, MO.

Not only is Jeff's business great but the historic location, including the town of Weston, Missouri, is worth a visit.

http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/michelles-antique-road-trip-shopping-gem-missouri-river

I love architectural salvage and when you can purchase it at wholesale prices it just ups the ante a big.

Here are a few other photos I took on my recent visit to Weston.

One of many Antibellum Homes in town

Paper press

An etched glass sign on a store front

Yes, I am still alive and kicking

Gosh I didn't realize it has been so long since I posted to my blog. Shame on me.

So many things have been going on the past few months that it is hard to keep up with everything. I am still trying to get inventory sorted for the newly redesigned website. What type of smalls are people buying these days? It would help if I had some input as to what you are looking for.

I do have another Hermes Jr. typewriter and a blue Royal typewriter, sterling silver picture frames, a Tiffany sterling award bowl that is precious, loads of ephemera such as old bills (scrapbookers would love it), a beautiful set of blue glasses and ice bucket. The list is never ending.

I am really excited about a new opportunity. I will be writing the Q&A column for Discover Vintage America  and soon I will post details on how to get your questions to me. They are also creating a page where, for a nominal fee, you can ask me your antique, collectible or vintage questions and I will respond within a max of 48 hours.

I am finally making great progress on my Pixie, Elf and Gnome Price and Reference Guide. It will be available as a download, e-book or old fashion book format. My book about my haunted antique shop experience is in the early stages.

I have a load of photos that I want to share from my travels the past year and hope to get those loaded before next year.

That is my life in the past couple of months in a nutshell. Oh, we just had kittens too.

I'll be back soon with more information on the new opportunity that came my way.

Thank you for reading, Michelle aka Granny

I Am in Shock

I simply cannot process the evil that hit Connecticut yesterday.

Remember how Bush Jr. sprang in to action and declared war after Sept. 11 and the 'terrorist' attacks on our country? What do you do when the terrorists are living in your neighborhood, are American's and are only 20-years old?

My prayers, love, thoughts, tears and comfort are with all those impacted by the heinous evil act.

What Christmas Traditions Does Your Family Have?

My family has a few Christmas traditions that go back generations and we have almost an equal number of new traditions.

Since we moved to the Kansas City area going to the Country Club Plaza and taking a carriage ride has become a tradition. All of us girls get dressed in our finest and go see the Nutcracker ballet

A few traditions passed on when my mother passed away 3 years ago.


Here is my newest article for WorthPoint.com - Baking Cookies, Making Paper Chains, Family Traditions .

I would love to hear your holiday traditions.

As always, thank you for visiting.

Is Your First Edition Book Worth Money?

"The Great Gatsby" is one of my all time favorite books and a first edition, first printing, 1925 published by Scribner's, with the original dust jacket and in excellent condition can bring up to 6 figures.

Did you know that there are a few things you can look for in the text of the book to determine if what you have is a true first?

You want to look for "chatter" on p. 60, line 16, "northern" on p. 119, line 22, "it’s" on p. 165, line 16, "away" on p. 165, line 29, "sick in tired" on p. 205, lines 9-10, and "Union Street station" on p. 211, lines 7-8. The dust jacket will have a lowercase "j" in "jay Gatsby" on the back panel that has been hand-corrected in ink.

The art on the jacket was designed by artist Francis Cugat and is called "Celestial Eyes". Fitzgerald fell in love with the cover design and liked it so much that he incorporated parts of it in to the story.

Here is my WorthPoint.com article on First Edition Books.

As always I appreciate your feedback and comments.

I Love This Funny - The Antiques Roadshow in 1540

You Aren't Going To Believe This - YOU Need To Take Action

March 25, 2013 - UPDATE - Yes, the little people can fight city hall and win. When you read the article below about Bright's Antique World and the injustice or abuse of power they experienced there is a silver lining. The law was changed and they are pursuing civil action. See the below link to read the article http://www.franklinfavorite.com/articles/2013/03/15/news/doc5141e8c1debd5862179835.txt


A Call To Action


There are a couple of items that I recently became aware of which could seriously impact all of us who deal and dabble in antiques, collectibles and vintage wares. I am asking for your help to see that these wrongs are righted and that our voices are heard loud and clear.

While on my recent excursion, you will hear more about that shortly, I picked up one of those free publications that advertises area antique shops “The Busy Bee Trader”. I came across an article that blew my skirt over my head.

Riley Bright and his wife Linda have owned Bright's Antique World in Franklin, Ky for ten years. For ten years they have sold a variety of animal mounts all of which are professionally taxidermied and manufactured or crafted by licensed professionals. Not one of the mounts that they have sold or currently have for sale is an endangered or protected animal.

The Bright's business was raided this past February by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for illegally selling 'protected' wildlife. They were charged with 31 felony counts under a law written in 1942. So far this has cost Mr. Bright $2,000 and the case has been deferred for 24 months. Please read the full article.

I felt compelled to call Mr. Bright to hear the story firsthand and he assured me that the mounts they sell are no different than those you find in any antique shop or flea market around the country.  The Ky. 1942 law says nothing about selling or transporting animal mounts that are not on the protected or endangered species list.

The manner in which this law is being interpreted does not affect only businesses it impacts anyone who owns an animal mount whether it is Grandpa's trophy fish or your Dad's prize buck. Under this interpretation you cannot take the piece across state lines if you are moving or sell it if downsizing. You would have to donate it or burn it.

The Brights are asking for our help. They have a petition in their shop and one online that we all need to sign to show our support. Here is the online petition.