Marvelous Mesh Mandalian

This exquisite enamel antique handbag is from Mandalian Manufacturing Company, founded by Turkish immigrant Sahatiel Gabrabed Mandalian. Coming to the United States in 1890, in 1906 he entered into a partnership with Eugene A. Hawkins and started producing mesh bags as Mandalian and Hawkins. Mandalian became the sole owner of the company in 1915. Some say that the intricate designs on his handbags reflect the traditional designs found on rugs woven in his native Turkey. Of beautifully crafted metalwork with the company's patented "Lustro-Pearl" finish, this pretty purse would be a prize for any collector of vintage clothing or the perfect accessory for a Halloween flapper costume.

Mandalian was granted 14 patents from 1921 to 1935. While most concern improvements in the manufacturing and enameling of mesh bags and accessories, he also received patents for 

tap dancing shoes and an improved movie projection screen. 

Mandalian's sturdy and colorful purses were popular in the 1920s and 30s. In 1944 the company was sold to rival purse maker Whiting and Davis.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

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Goin' to the Chapel. . .

And we're gonna get married

Goin’ to the chapel

And we're gonna get married

Gee I really love you

And we're gonna get married

Going to the chapel of love

"Chapel of Love," Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, 1963

This antique bride and groom are "all dolled up" and ready to go to the chapel of love. Dating from the 1910s, these Edwardian dollhouse dolls have heads and limbs of smooth rosy bisque, delicately hand-painted faces, and cloth bodies. If you are a collector of fine antique dolls or are looking for a unique wedding gift or wedding cake topper, this lovely and loving couple is waiting for you at Next-to-New.

Just 6 inches tall, the man wears a beautifully tailored tuxedo (as well as the most dashing mustache!) while his blushing bride is garbed in a gorgeous gown lavished with fine lace and ribbon. 

This nearly pristine pair are attributed to German doll maker J.D. Kestner. Founded by Johann Daniel Kestner in the 1820s, the company produced some of the finest and most sought after antique German dolls. Located in Waltershausen, in the Thuringia region of Germany, the company began by producing wood, paper mache and china head dolls, but by the 1880s, it was renown for its fine quality bisque dolls. Known as "King of the Doll Makers," Kestner offered a wide variety of dolls, from elegant ladies to pudgy babies. It produced entire families of dollhouse dolls, from grey-headed grandparents to pink-cheeked all-bisque children, as well as the necessary staff,  such as maids, butlers, and chauffeurs. The factory closed in 1938.

 

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New but things can sell quickly!

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Hit a Home Run. . .

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?

A nation turns its lonely eyes to you 

Woo, woo, woo

What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?

Joltin' Joe has left and gone away

Hey hey hey, hey hey hey

"Mrs. Robinson,"  Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, 1968

. . .with this autographed baseball by Joe DiMaggio. Joseph "Joe" DiMaggio (1914 –1999) is considered one of the greatest baseball players in the history of the game. He joined the New York Yankees in 1936 and spent his entire 13-year baseball career with the club, during which the team won 10 American League pennants and nine World Series championships. Also known as "Joltin' Joe" and "The Yankee Clipper," he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. The baseball carries both the DiMaggio's signature and "HOF 55," referring to his 1955 Hall of Fame induction.

The baseball comes in an acrylic display case and with a certificate of authenticity from The Score Board, Inc. This company was founded in 1987 by father and son Paul and Ken Goldin, both baseball card enthusiasts. The company became one of the largest baseball card distributors in the country, with 

contracts with every major card company. The company soon expanded beyond baseball cards, contracting with past and current sports superstars like DiMaggio to autograph sport memorabilia, much of which was sold through venues like the Home Shipping Network. In 1994, the father, Paul Goldin, passed away. By this time, the sport memorabilia market was flooded with competing brands, the major league baseball strike dimmed interest in baseball, and Score Board had became involved in a series of lawsuits both with competitors and some of its own contracted players. In 1998, the company declared bankruptcy. This certificate carries the name of the father, Paul Goldin.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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Roseville Rarity

Although this blog has previously featured works by Roseville Pottery, one of America's most renown art potteries, this scarce example of the company's highly sought after Sunflower pattern has recently appeared in our trove. From the company's 1920s-30s era, the Sunflower pieces were originally marked only with paper labels, which washed or wore away over time. This popular pattern has even been featured on Antiques Roadshow.

Our example has sharp bas relief modeling with clear details and bright, clean coloring. Its flowing design and elegant lines would fit into any decor and the cheery sunflower motif would brighten any spot.

The vase has lost its original Roseville paper label, but there is no doubt as to the maker of this unique art deco-inspired pattern. This is a small hair-thin stress "star" on the bottom, but it does not affect the integrity of the piece and is not visible when the vase is displayed. We have taken this minor flaw into account, making this desirable vintage vase an even better bargain. 

No Blot on Your Reputation. . .

. . .when you display this beautiful blotter from the renown Tiffany Studios. Louis Comfort Tiffany established his eponymous studio in 1902. His studio employed highly skilled craftspeople and designers to bring Tiffany's Art Nouveau and Aesthetic inspired designs to reality, creating intricate and exquisite works of stained glass, lamps, glassware, mosaics, jewelry, and other decorative items, as well as equally elegant, but more utilitarian, objects such as this blotter.

Known as the Grapevine pattern, this blotter was part of a desk set first designed in 1899. The image of the undulating grapevine is iconic in many of Tiffany's creations. The desk sets were not mass produced but crafted in small lots. There was no standard set, as the pieces were individually priced so that  customers could select just which ones they wanted to adorn their desktop. This picture from a 1915 catalog shows the many pieces from which a customer could choose.

The etched gilt bronze is laid over textured stained glass with swirls of cream and amber.

The piece carries the Tiffany Studios stamp.

Back when fountain pens were the ubiquitous writing implement, excess ink could result in writing becoming smeared. Blotting paper would be wrapped over the wooden rocker to absorb wet ink.