Rust. One of the most formidable enemies of antique collectors the world over. Not only is rust visually unappealing, it’s a bona fide antique killer!
Given enough time, oxygen, and water (moisture), an iron object will inevitably transform to rust and disintegrate. The longer rust is allowed to persist, the more it devours its host.
Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of rust removal techniques; everything from good ole’ fashion elbow grease to harsh chemicals. Having restored hundreds of iron objects, I’ve settled on three inexpensive, non-toxic methods that have produced the best results. Read more
Red Poppies “In Flanders Fields”
While the United States honors its military veterans every year on November 11th, this year is of particular note, as it coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Armistice Day and Remembrance Day. Observed throughout Europe and Canada, these holidays celebrate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the “war to end all wars” came to a merciful close. Read more
3 Ways to Remove Rust from Iron
Rust. One of the most formidable enemies of antique collectors the world over. Not only is rust visually unappealing, it’s a bona fide antique killer!
Given enough time, oxygen, and water (moisture), an iron object will inevitably transform to rust and disintegrate. The longer rust is allowed to persist, the more it devours its host.
Over the years, I’ve tried dozens of rust removal techniques; everything from good ole’ fashion elbow grease to harsh chemicals. Having restored hundreds of iron objects, I’ve settled on three inexpensive, non-toxic methods that have produced the best results. Read more
What Makes Collector Wine So Expensive?
There I was, enjoying the cool morning air of Napa Valley with my wife and a few friends that were graciously treating us to such a wonderful experience. Comfortably resting in a soft and welcoming chair nestled alongside the stone pathway of a lush and vibrant garden; wine in hand, I gazed out upon the endless rows of vines, heavy with their lush red fruit.
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Beautiful Manhole Covers. Say What?
The next time you’re walking the streets of your town, watch where you step. Around the world, cities are becoming more beautiful with the help of artistically designed manhole covers. That’s right. Manhole covers. Read more
Tintype Photographs
At the peak of their popularity, the tintype photograph captured the blank, unfocused gaze of Civil War soldiers, along with the solemn expressions of their worried loved ones. Inexpensive, small, lightweight, and durable, several tintypes could be conveniently tucked away in a soldier’s jacket pocket, making them a favorite memento among fighting men. Read more
Paying It Forward Keeps A Hobby Alive
When attending a Civil War or Native American artifact show, I’ve grown accustom to being one of the youngest people in attendance. At nearly 40-years of age, my dark head of hair contrasts sharply against the sea of “silver foxes” and “cotton-tops” shuffling through the aisles of any given show. And to the eyes of today’s adolescent or teenager, such a scene might be enough to dissuade them from exploring no further than a quick glance up from their device! In my experience however, the welcoming generosity of others has helped usher in a new and younger demographic of collectors into this wonderful hobby. Read more
Brazil National Museum Fire: A Preventable Tragedy
One of the world’s most expansive anthropology and natural history collections was almost completely destroyed by a raging inferno this past Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Museu Nacional (National Museum) housed nearly 20 million artifacts; including mummified remains, indigenous art and artifacts, frescoes from Pompeii, fossil records, dinosaur bones, and a scientific library. Read more
Antiques Roadshow Appraisal Captions
What could possibly make Antiques Roadshow better? We’re glad you asked! Enjoy these Antiques Roadshow appraisals, made better by your friends here at RelicRecord.com. Read more
Operating Practices of Small Museums
According to the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), nearly 60% of the nation’s museums are classified as “small,” with fewer than three employees on staff. Another 21% employ 10 or less. Although small in nature, their impact on the communities they serve is immeasurable. Read more
Top-Hand Dairy and the Crystal Creamery
Growing up in Kansas, some of my fondest memories were those made on my grandparent’s farm. My grandfather worked in the oilfields, farmed, and performed other odd jobs to support his family of six. My dad, who passed several years ago, told me the story of how my grandfather helped clean up an old dairy located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma that closed in the 1960’s. Read more