What is the oldest item you have in your possession? (grandparent, grandfather)
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Years ago I was an antique dealer, so I have quite a number of items that are older that I cherish. At one time I collected stoneware and ceramic ware, so still have a number of pieces left, along with a couple coverlets, quilts, Native American and other baskets, china and glassware, and books. I have a few small pieces of furniture---most I sold to finance my move, including a wonderful old type cabinet and a walking wheel (spinning wheel). I still have a wooden and iron child's wagon with interesting stencil on the side, a mail sorting cabinet, and a gate-leg table. I have trade-cards and greeting cards from the late 1800's and postcards from various eras. I sold so much when I moved to raise money---wish I hadn't parted with some now.
My great grandfather made a trunk for my grandmother when she was expecting my mother----it is rather crude, but I prize it for it's sentimental value. That same great grandfather had a little store and ice cream parlor, and I have 2 of the old wooden-handles scoops he used there. My great great grandmother crocheted an amusing little doll that I have. I have numerous pottery and china and glass pcs from my grandmother that I remember seeing and using in her home---one of my favorites is the old ceramic cookie jar in the shape of a cottage that used to always sit on her refrigerator. I also have jewelry from my grandmother and mother---none of it very valuable but it means something to me.
I have talked to my grandkids about all of this "stuff" and hope at least someone might want something---my sons aren't too interested. I have tried to label things that came down through the family, plus have given listings to both of them just in case.......
I have a gold Hamilton watch that was my maternal grandfather's. It's engraved with his name and the year 1940 (or 42, can't remember right now), and the name of the company he worked for, given to him by that company for "25 years of service".
I also have a large jar of vegetables canned by my great grandmother, with a handwritten tag that says "Put up in around 1910". They still look pretty, although the liquid is a bit yellowed.
I'm unsure of exact age. The two oldest man-made things which come to mind are a chunk of hand-hewn wood with a wooden peg through it which came from Macgregor, IA. It is a piece of the log cabin my grandmother lived in. (Imagine her moving from IA to MN and bringing that along with her!)
The other is a gold men's ring set with three round blue opals. It's the only gold left from her husband, my grandpa's, expedition to the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. The story is that Grandpa and several of my young great uncles were on the return when their raft overturned and the only thing of worth that was salvaged was this especially nice nugget that he was carrying in his pocket.
well that is easy . It is a 1967 miniature elephant made by goebel (which is now hummel ) it is worth about 70.00 my grandmother paid a dollar for it and she thought that was highway robbery . LOL ...but it is mine now and hopefully it keeps going up in price .
I have an Ansonia shelf clock from my great Aunt In Canada that dates from 1850. It's a treasured piece and I had it restored. It probably needs a good cleaning and oiling. It's not a particularly pleasant clock to listen to and I wonder how people got any sleep with that noisy thing banging every hour?
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