Holly Lane Antiques

Blue And White - A Collector's Delight -

2011-08-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Drainer Willow Pattern

"A beautiful sale filled to the brim with antiques, every wall and surface covered...beautifully and artfully displayed by this avid collector ...so many different collections...transfer ware in many colors...and loads of flow blue...A treasure trove of items rarely seen in such groupings and collections" from an email I received last week.

Antique Flow Blue Large Plate Sciro Challinor

How could I resist this estate sale? We were flying into California for our grand daughter's wedding and arriving late Thursday night. Friday morning after a scheduled doctor's appointment - could we / should we - drive the hour and a half to attend this estate sale? Would it really be as special as promised in this email? We did and it was! It was unbelievable!

Antique Blue Transfer Ware Plate Medina Pattern

This lovely lady was a true lover of blue and white. Even arriving a good two hours after the opening we found the walls of this small house still covered with blue transfer ware and flow blue pieces. Every wall was covered with a collection of some sort and most of it was blue and white. I was indeed like the proverbial "kid in a candy store". As much as I looked I just could not see it all - more than a bit overwhelming! We left the sale with over 20 pieces of antique flow blue and blue transfer ware. Most of these are being listed in our stores on Ruby Lane and Tias Antique Arts and of course, will be available for sale at the Antiques Shows we will be participating in for the rest of the summer season.

Antique Flow Blue Oval Platter Watteau Pattern

There is nothing quite like a collection of blue and white. It works well in a cottage setting or in a more formal one. It is cool and soothing ... tranquil and refreshing ... peaceful and relaxing... restful and calm ... and just makes you want to smile. And how lovely it works along with Antique Early English White Ironstone - my true passion. "The classic colors of sea and sky have long inspired collectors and captured the hearts of many around the world. Sophisticated hues of blue—from delicate pastel to deep, bold navy—evoke a tranquil yet often vibrant mood, while soft white tones remind us of peaceful summer days." Victoria Magazine

Antique Flow Blue Plate Chinese Plant A S Knight

A bit of history - Blue and white chinaware has been with us for centuries with its beginnings in China. When we speak of its production in terms of England, we may go back as far as 1790s. TRANSITIONAL STAGES OF BLUE AND WHITE TRANSFERWARE CHINA

Drainers were originally paired with platters - also called mezzanines. Most have become separated from their platters through the years. They have now become popular as decorator items. These are in the classic Willow pattern. Drainers are usually quite difficult to find and we were delighted to find the three pictured in this collection.

Antique Blue Transfer Ware Tooth Brush Holder Oriental

Many of the items pictured are available for purchase at our internet stores. Click on the pictures to be taken directly to Ruby Lane for more pictures and complete information about each piece.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Tias Antique Arts -

And visit our internet store at Ruby Lane -

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Antique Flow Blue Plate Marie Pattern

New Treasures From This Estate Collection Continue To Be Added Daily

Antique Flow Blue Plate Floral Design

Antique Flow Blue Large Plate Salem John Edwards

S

Open Market At Tiverton 4 Corners -

2011-07-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Located within a one hour drive of Boston, Providence, Newport, and the towns of Southeastern Massachusetts, Tiverton Four Corners has become an important center for antiques, fine art, decorative crafts, and cozy shops nestled into a quaint New England Village of 18th century buildings. Enjoy the fresh air as you walk the few steps between shops to peek in windows, sample gourmet treats and purchase quality goods of all kinds in an unhurried, friendly and charming atmosphere." (from their own website) Tiverton 4 Corners is in Tiverton Rhode Island.

This summer the local Farmer's Market has moved to Tiverton 4 Corners and across the street from it on the lawn under beautiful shade trees - something new is happening. On selected Saturdays an Open Market is taking place - offering quality antiques & collectibles - china, glassware, silver, rugs, furniture, vintage clothing, garden items and much more. On some Open Market Saturdays craft and art venders join the festivities.

Yesterday Holly Lane Antiques participated in this wonderful new event at Tiverton 4 Corners. This Open Market concept reminded us of when we participated in the SOWA Sundays in Boston. Much closer to home for us this market - still in its infancy - has such potential beginning with a perfect location and a dedicated promoter.

We decided to feature our Early English White Ironstone with a blue and white themed booth. Our beautiful blue hydrangeas provided our inspiration. Adding a large selection of antique blue transfer ware carried out the blue theme.

Holly Lane Antiques will be at the Open Market whenever our busy summer schedule of Antiques Shows allows. Future Open Markets are scheduled for August 6 & 20, September 3rd and October 8th.

Just look at these beautiful peppers I found at the Farmer's Market - they almost do not even look real!

Many of the items pictured are available for purchase at our internet stores.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Tias Antique Arts -

And visit our internet store at Ruby Lane -

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What A Treat! Holly Lane Antiques In Print -

2011-07-18T03:21:00.000-07:00

"Why do we love antiques? Perhaps it is because they are works of art with a past, or because they remind us of years gone by, or maybe it is the way they surprise and charm us?"

Last month Holly Lane Antiques participated in the Antiques At Elm Bank Show in Wellesley Ma. This is a favorite show of our summer schedule since it is set on the grounds of the historic Elm Bank Estate in tents amidst beautiful gardens.

I always strive to have my booth looking perfect to best showcase my antique treasures. On Sunday we were visited by two ladies who asked if they could take pictures for a magazine article they were working on - commenting that our booth was magazine ready. What a lovely compliment! The article would be featuring Antiques in New England.

What a surprise and treat it was to receive the link to the completed issue late last week! To see such beautiful pictures of our booth being featured was an amazing feeling.

Thank you to Yvonne Blacker and Rosanne Palazola and New England Finery Magazine!

"I love incorporating antiques into my design work. It gives a new design some history - some "ghosts"! With each piece I try to imagine what life was like when it was first brought into a home - how the owners lived, how the piece was used. And now it gets a chance at rebirth bringing the past into the present. Antiques also fit into my ethic of "Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose!" Antiques are the ultimate in green design."
Rosanne Palazola
Focus on Design

New England Finery Summer 2011

Many of the items pictured are available for purchase at our internet stores.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Tias Antique Arts -

And visit our internet store at Ruby Lane -
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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June - A Busy Month Of Antiques Shows -

2011-06-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques began this June at a new antiques show for us - the Cape Cod Antique Dealers Association Annual Spring Antiques Show at the Heritage Museum at Sandwich Ma on Cape Cod.

This was a beautiful show on a beautiful day in a beautiful place. I felt like I was on a wonderful vacation!

The show was well attended and we were happily surprised to be reacquainted with a former customer who is an early English White Ironstone collector.

We stock hundreds of items and there are always favorites. At this show - one of our favorites - this very special flow blue platter found a new home. It is always bittersweet to part with "the favorites" but knowing it will have a special place with its new owner eases that a bit. This piece will proudly take its place over the fireplace to replace one that was broken.

We look forward to participating in this show again next year and returning to the Heritage Museum to explore its wonderful gardens very soon.

Living in New England we realize the weather is not always our friend. Antiques At Elm Bank is a unique Antiques Show in that it takes place on the grounds of Massachusetts Horticultural Society at the Elm Bank Estate in Wellesley Ma. This is a most outstanding venue for an antiques show. The white tents full of antiques set amongst the beautiful gardens is a magical setting - even in the rain ?!?!

This is a two day show with a day of set up before. It was quite hot and humid for the set up and then rainy and cold for the show days. The weather did improve a bit on Sunday with just heavy drippy mist instead of real rain. The gardens were still beautiful and the tents were still full of antiques - though a bit damp - as were the dealers. Many of the people still came not wanting to miss this special event and it was enjoyable as always to share our treasures with those who visited our booth.

There was a new garden across from our booth that was amazing to look at - remembering that last year it was just piles of dirt in process and the previous year a parking lot. If anything can make up for a rainy antiques show for me it is being in beautiful gardens.

On the third weekend in June we participated in the Grafton Historical Society Antiques Show on the town green in Grafton Ma. Again we spent the week previewing the weather forecast. Thunderstorms were predicted but it was a perfect day without a raindrop to fall. This was a true community event - for along with the antiques - there were the local church women with their most special pies for sale and the boy scouts ready to lift and carry and help in every way.

A most enjoyable day spent in the midst of great community spirit!

Last Saturday we were scheduled to be at a show at Brewster on Cape Cod. When we checked the weather forecast at 4 am we found severe caution warnings with dense fog and zero visibility followed by thunderstorms. We decided against driving for a hour and a half in such weather to participate in that outside show.

We are now preparing for our close to home show this weekend in Tiverton Rhode Island at Tiverton Four Corners on Saturday July 2nd. This is always a wonderful well attended show with everyone in high spirits for the holiday weekend.

And then we will be back at Brimfield - July 15 and 16 - at J & J Field.

Many of the items pictured are available for purchase at our internet stores.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Tias Antique Arts -

And visit our internet store at Ruby Lane -
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Become a Fan of Holly Lane Antiques on FaceBook

Taking Time To Enjoy ---

2011-06-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
~Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Afternoon on a Hill"

A Tour Of Garden Club Members Gardens - A Special Day!

The weather continued to be foggy - drippy - rainy - but as one commented - the flowers look their best in this type of weather. And they did!

Four beautiful gardens hidden away down a lane way - behind a stone wall - on the edge of a meadow - behind a cottage. So much inspiration - so much joy!

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Terri Guillemets

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. ~John Ruskin

Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare,
And left the flushed print in a poppy there.
~Francis Thompson, "The Poppy," 1891

Earth laughs in flowers. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hamatreya"

This was indeed a special day spent with good friends in beautiful gardens!

Now it is time to return to working in my gardens of both flowers and antiques.

Searching for new antique treasures and participating in a full schedule of summer Antiques Shows take me away but it is always comforting to return to my special place in my gardens with my flowers.

Summer Antiques Shows -

2011-05-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

~ OUR SUMMER ANTIQUES SHOW SCHEDULE ~

~ COME VISIT HOLLY LANE ANTIQUES ~

June 4 - Heritage Museum - Sandwich Ma - Cape Cod
June 11 & 12 - Antiques At Elm Bank - Ma Horticultural Center - Wellesley Ma
June 18 - Grafton Historical Society - Grafton Ma
June 25 - Brewster Historical Society - Drummer Boy Park - Brewster Ma - Cape Cod
July 2 - Tiverton Antiques Show - Four Corners - Tiverton RI
July 15 & 16 - J & J Field - Brimfield Ma
August 18 - Osterville Historical Society Antiques Show - Osterville Ma - Cape Cod
August 27 - Falmouth Historical Society Antiques Show - Falmouth Ma - Cape Cod

Brimfield - Spring 2011 -

2011-05-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

Why are we doing this?

I can't tell you how many times I asked myself that question on May 13 and 14. The first time was when I tried to go to bed on May 12 at 7pm with the sun still shining on one of the rare days it has been out this dreary wet Spring in RI. And the question became louder when the alarm went off at 1 in the morning. Why? We were off to set up at the J & J Field at Brimfield. There was a 2 hour drive and the show would open at 8 - and we had all those bins full of fragile antique treasures to open and set up - in the dark ?!?!

Many at Brimfield don't bother with the frills of a set up but I am me and take great pride in how my booth appears whether I am at a fine Antiques Show in Pasadena California or outside at an Historical Antiques Day at Cape Cod or in a tent at Brimfield. With our lanterns - in the dark - somehow we made it happen. One of our daughters joined in to help. I think she was mainly there to see how crazy her parents really were but her help was invaluable.

Perhaps all the details weren't perfect when the show opened at 8 - but

Holly Lane Antiques looked pretty good -

Enjoy! -

So - Back to my question - Why are we doing this?

It is wonderful to have our two stores on the internet at Ruby Lane and Tias Antique Arts. But interacting with the people is what brings the most joy to the selling of antiques. Sharing a bit of history with newcomers to antiques who are about to begin a collection to sharing the joy of collecting with someone who has just found the perfect piece to add to their collection - in your booth - and listening to the stories and memories triggered by something seen there. We wear many hats from a historian to a resource to a decorator and everything in between. It is definitely the people who make it all worth while!

Our experience at Brimfield this May was a very good one - the weather was perfect - the people and the sales were great and we were able to share it all with our daughter.

Many of the items pictured are still available for purchase

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Tias Antique Arts -

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane -
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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Surrounded By White -

2011-05-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hyacinth & Beaded Handle Soup Tureens - Hyacinth Sauce Tureen

Early this month we attended the White Ironstone China Association annual convention in York Pa. This convention is a wonderful immersion into this early English pottery with so much to see and learn in the company of the nicest people - many even more addicted to early White Ironstone than I am. Is that really possible?

There are many opportunities to purchase wonderful pieces of English White Ironstone from the Tops & Bottoms Sale the first evening - to the Auction with over two hundred items available - to the Sunday Morning Sale. Most of those attending this convention are collectors and as their collections get too large some of their treasures need to be moved aside for new acquisitions. The many special items included in the auction are these pieces.

We came home with a car full of white treasures - many of which will be available for purchase in our internet stores on Ruby Lane and Tias Antique Arts. However, since I favor the pieces with floral embossing many of those will remain in my private collection - at least for a while.

The charming small sauce tureens were plentiful and we came home with ten of these precious treasures. And at the other end of the spectrum we now have two new large soup tureens - one with its matching under plate. I have a customer in California who has a variety of the sauce tureens and serves soup in them to her guests - with each having their own unique shape.

Squash On Vine Shape - Paneled Grape Shape - Victor Shape

I have always been drawn to early White Ironstone pitchers and ewers especially those with the floral shapes such as these -

Forget Me Not Shape and Wheat in the Meadow Shape

Shown here along with Ceres Shape, Leaf & Thumbprint Shape, Budded Vine Shape

My newest fascination is the early tea pots. I just love the form of the Chinese Shape and Fig Shape and the simplicity of the Sevres Shape.

Bath pieces are becoming more and more difficult to find - the brush and razor boxes and soap dishes. We were lucky enough to locate a matched pair in the Hanging Basket Shape. These pieces leave the bath quite often in today's life style. A customer of mine uses them on her buffet table to hold all sorts of small food items.

Wonderful relish dishes were available and leaf shapes seem to be the theme of those I purchased.

Fig Union Shape - Lily Of The Valley Shape - Potomac Shape - Along With Leaf Shapes

These two covered tureens are just exquisite in their shapes -

Fig Shape and Berlin Swirl Shape

Platters in a variety of sizes and plates completed our purchases. So very useful and food looks so appealing on white.

Morning Glory Shape, Baltic Shape, Athens Shape Platters
Ribbed Cookie Plate
Corn & Oats Plates
Fig Shallow Bowl

Please visit our internet stores if you see something you would like to add to your collection - links below.

Better still - Come visit our booth at one of the many Antiques Shows we will be participating in this summer in New England - and see and touch these special pieces of early English White Ironstone.

We have just returned from Brimfield and some of these pieces are no longer available.

Our next show is an exciting experience - Antiques at Elm Bank - June 11 and 12 - on the grounds of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Just imagine white tents full of antiques nestled amongst beautiful gardens! My favorite combination - antiques and flowers - Wonderful!

Holly Lane Antiques is located across from the goddesses

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase -

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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Experiencing Spring In Rhode Island ~

2011-05-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

We recently traveled to Rhode Island to begin our summer schedule of Antiques Shows starting with the J & J Field at Brimfield this week.

Our first impression was that our corner of Rhode Island hadn't been told - It Is Spring! On a sunny day last week I set out for my walk along these country roads. I began by admiring our magnolia tree - the one sign of spring in our very dreary yard.

The sky was the most wonderful blue - a blue we don't ever quite see in California. It was definitely a "good to be alive day"! But just look at those bare branched trees.

Looking down - the dandelions are here - and wait - there are teeny flowers mixed in - so very close to the ground.

And this wonderful patch of purple color - again so very close to the ground -

And a stray brave flower that knows Spring is here -

A few trees are trying to wake up - so slowly.

Yellow is definitely the color of Spring - Forsythia!

A few remaining daffodils -

And Marsh Marigolds -

The sound of the babbling water adds to the joy of this day!

Wonderful color in a neighbor's yard -

And home to my beautiful magnolia

And to find that the Osprey have returned again this year to their nest high up in our tall pine tree.

Yes - Spring is showing itself in Little Compton a little more each day!

Holly Lane Antiques At The Pasadena Antiques Show -

2011-03-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

Holly Lane Antiques participated in the Pasadena Antiques Show last weekend.
You can experience our booth space through the following pictures.
Our beautiful booth was full of wonderful antique treasures.
~ Enjoy! ~

~ Beautiful Vintage Glass And Silver ~

~ Antique Haviland Limoges Ramekin Sets And Pink Depression Glass ~

~ Early English White Ironstone ~

~ Charming Noritake Salts - Rosedale Pattern ~

~ Children's China Tea Set - Ridgway - Blue Transfer Ware ~

~ Stunning Early Ironstone Ewers ~

~ Antique Haviland Limoges And Cranberry Glass Pitchers ~

~ Early English China With A Story c.1832 ~

~ Venetian Glass Compotes - Special Silver - Elegant Glass Stems ~

~ Early Ironstone Tea Pots - Gravy Pitchers ~

~ Variety Of EAPG Cordials On A Silver Tray ~

~ Early Ironstone In The Fig Shape ~

~ Haviland Limoges - Ruby Glass Sugar Shaker ~

~ So Special! - Antique Haviland Limoges Ice Cream Set - Meadow Visitors ~

~ Antique Blue Transfer Ware - A Favorite! ~

~ Haviland Meadow Visitors - Butter Basket - Asparagus Plate ~

~ Antique Haviland - Time For Tea - Princess Pattern ~

~ Early English White Ironstone ~

~ Wedgwood Cobalt Florentine China - Vintage Silver And Stems ~

~ Brown Transfer Ware Set - English Candle Holders ~

~ Haviland Limoges Plate - English Silver Tea Strainer -
English Glass Candle Holders ~

~ Haviland Limoges And Cranberry Glass ~

~ Bavarian Biscuit - EAPG Covered Compote ~ Mason's Jug ~

~ Gorgeous Green Stems - Celebrate! ~

~ Hawkes Crystal Stems - European Urns - Royal Crown Derby Plates ~

If you are unable to visit Holly Lane Antiques at one of our Antiques Shows you can always find us on line.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase -

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Become a Fan of Holly Lane Antiques on FaceBook

The Fig Shape ~ Early English White Ironstone -

2011-02-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Collectors treasure pieces of Early English White Ironstone in the Fig Shape.

The embossed foliated patterns are most charming and reflected the foliage from the orchards and leaves from the oak, maple, grape and ivy. The curling branches often encircled the ironstone bodies with clusters of leaves nestled under the handles and spouts. The finials are wonderful representations of the fruits. The favorite Fig Shape was manufactured by both Davenport and J Wedgwood in the 1850's.

This Covered Tureen is an exquisite example of the Fig Shape. It has an eight sided body and the handles are completely covered with the embossed leaf pattern. The fig finial is outstanding! It was potted by Wedgwood in 1856.

The Sauce Tureen pictured shows the similarities in this shape with the two potters. This was done by Davenport in 1856. It also has an eight sided body, heavily embossed handles and a fig finial.

Platters, Plates and Bowls were also made in this much sought after shape. Since they were the most used pieces they are difficult to locate today.

The eight sided shape makes these pieces most special and the embossed design is charming!

Tea Pots in general have always been a favorite of mine and this early one in the Fig Shape is among my most special. The concave paneled body is wonderful and just look at the detail on its spout! The embossed Fig design encircles the lower body. This teapot is by Wedgwood dating to 1856.

This sugar repeats all the beautiful details of the Fig Shape and finishes this perfection with the perfect Fig finial. This piece is also Wedgwood made.

And not to be left behind the simple relish dish is far from simple in this highly collectible Fig Shape. It is completely covered in embossed leaves and fruit. Davenport potted this exquisite piece.

If you want to experience this stunning Early English White Ironstone Shape in person and are in the Southern California area please visit Holly Lane Antiques Booth 417 at the Antiques Show in Pasadena at the Pasadena Center Exhibit Hall B on March 4,5,6 2011.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase -

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Join Holly Lane Antiques on FaceBook

Holiday Shopping At Holly Lane Antiques At The Del Mar Antique Show -

2010-11-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Wedgwood Cobalt Florentine China With Floral Center
Silver Vintage Pattern With Hollow Handles

Holly Lane Antiques recently participated at the Del Mar Antique Show. This is a wonderful large antiques show in Southern California held at the fairgrounds in Del Mar just north of San Diego.

Our booth showed a sampling of the many antique treasures we currently have in our two internet stores - Ruby Lane and Antique Arts. As always our collection of Early English White Ironstone was impressive. We have a large selection of Antique Haviland Limoges China and always try to bring pieces with pink flowers trimmed in gold to the shows since they seem to be the most popular patterns. We currently have many pieces of antique and vintage glass - some purpled. This glass along with special antique and vintage silver pieces and linens completed our booth.

Antiques make such special and unique holiday gifts and an antiques show is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping. Browse our booth pictures and find a treasure for a gift or for you. Many of the items are available in one of our internet stores - links below.

Hawkes Stems Strawberry & Diamond Pattern
Royal Crown Derby Plates - Green Border Partridge Design
EAPG Pitchers
Pair European Porcelain Lidded Jars
Green Depression Glass Stems
Silver Triple Candleholders

Antique Haviland Limoges China Ramekin Sets Schleiger 349
Sterling Lid Vanity Jar

Purple Transferware Drainer & Plates
Flow Blue Plates

Early English White Ironstone Ewers & Pitchers
Chain Of Tulips Shape Ewer
Fuchsia Shape Ewer
Late Tulip Shape Ewer
Ceres Shape Pitcher
Panelled Grape Pitcher

EAPG Cordials
Silver Vanity Jar

Antique Haviland Limoges Pitchers
Heisey Individual Sugar & Creamer Orchid Pattern

Blue Transferware Platter California Pattern
Barley Twist English Candleholders
Blue Transferware Plates
Flow Blue Covered Tureen
Framed Quilt Block
Parfait Stems Iced Blue Bases

Royal Crown Derby Imari Pieces
Haviland Limoges Pedestal Reticulated Compote

Antique Haviland Limoges Princess 5 O'Clock Cups & Saucers
Depression Glass Tumblers Royal Lace Pattern
Silver Pitcher
Royal Crown Derby Partridge Plate
Silver Muffineer / Shaker
Haviland Limoges Butter Pats
Haviland Limoges Plate Cup & Saucer Schleiger 1114

Bavarian Ramekin Sets Boston Pattern

Brown Transferware Coffee Pot Sugar & Creamer

Early English White Ironstone Collection

Antique Haviland Limoges Tea Pot & Creamer
Haviland Limoges Platter With Hand Painted Accents
Silver Sugar Tongs

Depression Glass Green Stems
Silver Triple Candle Holders
Set Of English Commemorative Spoons

Antique Haviland Limoges China
Schleiger 146 Covered Tureen
Schleiger 146 Creamer
Several Plates With Roses & Forget Me Nots Pattern
Butter Pats
Glass Pitcher

Ramekin Sets Germany
Limoges Gravy Bowl
Cranberry Glass Pitcher
Silver Tea Strainers

Early English White Ironstone Collection

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase and take advantage of our Holiday Sale currently in progress -

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Become a Fan of Holly Lane Antiques on FaceBook

Brimfield From A New Perspective -

2010-09-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Show happens three weeks a year and it has come to define Brimfield, Mass. As one of the largest outdoor markets of its kind, this show draws thousands from all over the United States and further to the 21 fields of antiques and collectibles along a nearly mile-long stretch of Route 20.

We have visited Brimfield for many years joining these throngs of people in search of special treasures we would resell in our antiques business or in many cases keep for our own collection - for at least a while. And each time we visited we always were sure to do so on Friday of the Brimfield week so we could visit what has come to be our favorite field - J & J. It is the largest field and we have always considered it the most special field.

Mr. Gordon Reid Sr. created the first outdoor Brimfield show with sixty-seven dealers exhibiting in a large field behind his home in September 1959. J&J Promotions holding their show on the original Auction Acres continue the 4th generation of their family operated show. From 1959 till the late 1970's Auction Acres was the Brimfield Show. Thanks to the Reid Family the Brimfield event has grown to 21 shows along a one-mile stretch on Route 20 in this small Central Massachusetts community.

We would usually attend Brimfield on Wednesday and visit several fields but Friday has always been our favorite day reserved for the J & J field. And as we would wander this field we would often think we should be here selling at this field. Several years ago we inquired and when we found out that setup was after 8 pm on Thursday night - in the dark - followed by a couple of hours of sleep in your vehicle before the 6 am opening we decided that was not for us. It usually takes us many hours to set up our booth for antiques shows - the quickest for a small outdoor show being easily 3 hours. So we have continued to attend Brimfield as a buyer not as a seller.

At the other shows we have participated in dealers talk of the great successes they have at Brimfield even with the present economy and many looking at our booth say you belong at the J & J field. So we inquired again about the possibility. Now the field doesn't open until 8 am. That is a plus for us - we think - will that make it more possible to do this show? In August after a frustrating summer of antiques shows with lots of lookers and compliments and not enough sales we decided we should give it a try. They had space for us and there were still tents available.

So here we are - Monday of Brimfield week - still deciding what we will bring to Brimfield. The tent is larger than we have ever had - 20 feet by 20 feet - big enough for 7 tables! The most we have ever had at past shows was 5 tables. Oops! Will need 2 more table covers! We will rent a van and now wonder will we be able to fit enough in the van to fill 7 tables? We would like to also bring some furniture. Packing on Thursday will be our first challenge. Do we have enough to sell - most definitely! I have had dreams / nightmares? of my bins full of Early English White Ironstone and Antique Haviland Limoges China jumping up and down saying - take me! - take me! - as if they were small children wanting to be chosen for a new adventure. And then the bins of vintage glass and other collectible china chime in. After all - this is a new adventure for all of us!

The next challenge will be the setup - in the dark. We will need some sort of lantern. Seems the promise of Hurricane Earl last week has wiped out the stores of such lanterns. Please restock quickly! We have decided rather than be there for 8 pm setup we will try to go to bed early - is it dark yet at 7 pm? - and get up at 1 am and drive to Brimfield for a 4 am setup - yes - still in the dark! Four hours til opening - how set up will be be by the 8 am opening? We will do our best and will probably be adding to our display for a few hours after opening.

The weather forecast is perfect! I can't remember a more perfect Brimfield week for weather. The excitement is building! Every thought seems to be Brimfield related. Can we really do this? Our girls think we are crazy - too old to be doing such! Sometimes we agree with them! But when something has been nagging at you for years don't you just have to give it a try?

Yes - We still plan on shopping at our usual fields at Brimfield on Wednesday. I am sure even that day will take on a new meaning since we will know we will be a part of this Brimfield adventure in just a couple of days.

On Friday this week Holly Lane Antiques will be seeing Brimfield from a new perspective - Selling at our favorite field - J & J - in Space E - 03 - near the front and the red barn. If you are at Brimfield please come by and see us and reassure us that we are not too old for this new adventure.

We will definitely bring our beautiful large collection of Early English White Ironstone and even include a few pieces from my private collection. We will have to be satisfied with a large sampling of our Antique Haviland Limoges China including a Chocolate Set, a Tea Set, and a rare Chamber Set and of course what remains of our Meadow Visitors - quickly dwindling! As always our booth will be accented with vintage glass, silver and English linens - and if there is room in the van some special pieces of small furniture.

We hope to see you at Brimfield!

Notes on our adventure will continue.....

Meanwhile please visit our internet stores

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where some of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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A Difficult Summer -

2010-08-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

Elm Bank July 24 25 2010

It has been a difficult summer this year.

Holly Lane Antiques has had to run in second place behind cleaning out my parent's house and working on estate matters. Just what does an antiques dealer with expertise in Early English White Ironstone and Antique Haviland Limoges China do with a house full of 1940's mahogany furniture and Asian accessories? I am totally out of my comfort zone.

Osterville August 21 2010

We have tried to continue with our summer Antiques Shows schedule and escaping into the world we know has been a welcome relief. We are looking forward to participating in a new show next weekend at Hyannis on Cape Cod. Marvin Getman is a great show promoter and if anyone can make a success of a new show in this economy he can. It will run Saturday and Sunday - August 28th and 29th.

Little Compton August 7 2010

For the first time we will be selling our treasures at September Brimfield instead of just being there looking for treasures to sell. We will be in the J & J field September 10th and 11th - Friday and Saturday of Brimfield week. This has always been our favorite field to visit and was our first choice when we decided to be a part of Brimfield. If you have never visited Brimfield during one of the three weeks it is open during the summer you have missed a real antiques adventure. Plan to visit this September and if you do, come find Holly Lane Antiques at J & J's field. We would love the opportunity to meet our internet followers!

Little Compton August 7 2010

At both of these shows we will be featuring our large collection of Early English White Ironstone - setting off all of that beautiful white with blue transferware. We will also have a sampling of our many patterns of antique Haviland Limoges china and bring what remains of the large selection of the rare Meadow Visitors pattern of Haviland that we purchased at auction last summer including this asparagus dish and butter basket. As always - our china displays are accented with beautiful English linens and vintage silver and glass.

If you are able to visit Holly Lane Antiques at an Antiques Show mention that you are a follower of this blog or a Facebook fan and receive a discount on your purchases.

If that is not a possibility for you - Please visit Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane or at the Antique Arts website and receive the same discount if you are a follower or fan.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where some of the items pictured are available for purchase.

And visit our newest internet store at Ruby Lane
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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Tiverton 4 Corners Antiques Show - July 3 2010 -

2010-07-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

Always A Wonderful Antiques Show!
A Perfect Country Day!
Special Antiques!
Special People!

I decided to try a booth in patriotic colors this year and was pleased with the results.

My Early English White Ironstone collection was perfect with red and blue English Transferware to give me the desired effect.

Since we were live close by we were able to include some of our early country furniture pieces

A Perfect Day At A Country Antiques Show!
Perhaps Next Year You Can Visit Us There!

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where some of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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Early English White Ironstone Teapots -

2010-06-28T04:33:00.001-07:00

Bordered Hyacinth Shape Teapot
W Baker

When I first became acquainted with Early English White Ironstone it was the ewers and pitchers that stole my heart. I was fascinated with the variety of shapes and wrote about them in earlier blogs. Each truly had their own personality - from those with the very classic geometric shapes to those with the narrow necks and full bodies pictured as a collection in a black cupboard on the cover of Architectural Digest.

Architectural Digest January 2005

Bordered Hyacinth Shape Ewer
W Baker

Recently, the early teapots have stolen my attention. The White Ironstone China Association has a wonderful guide to teapots. They explain that tea drinking was widely popular because it was seen to have a medicinal as well as social function. Queen Elizabeth the First, in the late 1500's, had teapots as well as tea imported from China. Tea drinking was very important in the daily life of the British and they continued the custom when they came to America. The English potters began producing white ironstone in the 1840's and paid close attention to the designs of the teapots.

Tuscan Shape
John Edwards

The teapot was a complicated piece to make taking at least 5 separate molds to turn out the body, spout, handle, lid and finial. Most teapots have several perforations, as strainers, where the handle is attached and the lids have a hole to let air in to prevent a vacuum while pouring. As were the ewers, the teapots were made in a variety of shapes - some plain, some elaborately embossed. Each also has its own personality!

PANELED AND RIBBED SHAPES

Memnon Shape
J Meir

Walled Octagon Shape
Jacob furnival

Baltimore Shape
Brougham & Mayer

Tuscan Shape
John Edwards

SIMPLE AND PLAIN SHAPES

Lion's Head Shape
John Edwards

Bow & Tassel Shape
Burgess & Goddard

EMBOSSED FLORAL SHAPES

Wheat In The Meadow Shape
Powell & Bishop

Washington Shape
John Meir

Budded Vine Shape
Meakin & Co

Bordered Hyacinth Shape
W Baker

Star Flower Shape
J W Pankhurst

Lily Of The Valley Shape
Anthony Shaw

This is but a small sampling of the teapots made by the very prolific early English potters.

Many of the teapots shown are available for purchase at our Internet Stores and Antique Shows. However, some have been sold and some are in my private collection. Please click on the pictures to see availability.

For our Summer Schedule of Antiques Shows please read an earlier blog - Click on this picture

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where some of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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Hydrangeas - Spectacular!!!

2010-06-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

This Year The Hydrangeas Are Spectacular In Little Compton -

A Real Feast For The Eyes!!!

ENJOY!!!

Summer Antiques Show Schedule -

2010-06-07T03:01:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques began the summer season of Antiques Shows last weekend at the Mt Hope Farms Antiques Show in Bristol RI. When visitors to our booth found out about our blog they asked if our summer schedule was posted. Why didn't I think of including our schedule?

Here is our 2010 schedule -

After many years of trial and error we have a Antiques Show schedule that consists of the best Southern New England has to offer in the most beautiful of places that are a joy to visit!

June 19 - Grafton Antiques Show on the Commons Grafton Ma

This is a new show for us and we are looking forward to participating in it. Antiques Shows benefiting a town's Historical Society are among the best.

June 26 - Brewster Antiques Fair at the Drummer Boy Park Brewster Ma

This show is our first show of the season on Cape Cod and a favorite of ours. It is in a lovely setting and is another well attended show supporting the Historical Society.

July 3 - Tiverton 4 Corners Antiques Show Tiverton RI

The Tiverton Show is nearby for us and also is in a lovely setting on the grounds of the Meeting House. Plan to spend the day! After attending the Antiques Show enjoy lunch at the Provender across the street, ice cream at Grays and visit the many shops at 4 Corners.

July 24,25 - Antiques at Elm Bank Wellesley Ma

This Antiques Show is the most special of the summer. It is a large show set on the beautiful grounds of the Elm Bank estate which is the Massachusetts Horticultural Society headquarters in Wellesley. The antiques are in tents spread amongst beautiful gardens. A real feast for your eyes - antiques and gardens - a wonderful combination!

August 6,7 Little Compton Antiques Festival Little Compton RI

Several years ago this antiques show moved to its present location in a large tent at the Sakonnet Vineyards - another perfect setting for antiques with a tour of the vineyards as an added bonus! This show benefits Preserve Rhode Island.

August 19 Osterville Antiques Show Osterville Ma

When we first found this show on the Cape we were surprised to find it takes place on a Thursday. This is a wonderful show on the grounds of the Historical Society in this charming Cape Cod town.

August 28,29 Antiques on Cape Cod Hyannis Ma

This is a new show this year and Holly Lane Antiques is looking forward to being there. This show promoter has the magic touch when creating antiques shows and this one promises to be quite special. It will take place in the new Hyannis Youth Community Center.

September 18 Ogunquit Antiques Show Ogunquit Maine

Spending a weekend in this special town in Maine is the perfect way to wind down our summer show season. This show is sponsored by the Friends of the Ogunquit Heritage museum.

September 25 Weston Antiques Show Weston Ma

This Antiques Show takes place on the grounds of the Golden Ball Tavern - a perfect setting for a Fall outdoor show.

October 16,17 Boston Antiques Show Wilmington Ma

We end our Antiques Show season at this large show held in the Shriner's Auditorium.

We hope you will visit Holly Lane Antiques this summer and enjoy antiquing at the best of the Antiques Shows in Southern New England.

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Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

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Holly Lane Antiques At The Del Mar Antiques Show -

2010-04-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques returned to the Del Mar Antiques Show last weekend. It is a three day large show at the fairgrounds in Del Mar California. It was a wonderful spring weekend and we had a successful show. Perhaps the economy really is beginning to turn around! The best part of any show for us is always visiting with our returning customers who are now friends after so many years and helping them add to their collections.

As many of my blog readers know I have a serious fondness for the early English White Ironstone I sell and have favorite pieces. One of my most favorite ewers in the Bordered Hyacinth Shape found a new home as did this difficult to find large drainer - also referred to as a mezzanine I have been told.

Two of my exquisite Hawkes stems also found a new home. Note the unusual square base. Back in their day I am sure they were meant as water goblets but now how wonderful for our wine! Two of this size are still available as are matching cordial stems.

Favorites among my sterling collection are the delicate strawberry forks with their long tines for piercing those luscious berries. Several of those will now be used for the wonderful large just picked California strawberries we are finding in our roadside stands. These are in the Imperial Chrysanthemum pattern of Gorham. Four more are still available as well as strawberry forks in other patterns.

A favorite Antique Haviland plate in a beautiful lavender floral dropping to the center went home with a Haviland collector and repeat customer. She also chose a charming chocolate cup and saucer for her collection. Another collector of Haviland ramekin sets chose one in the popular Schleiger #146 pattern on the St Germain blank. There are still some of these chocolate cups and saucers and ramekins available for purchase. The plate was unique and a rare find.

My husband commented on the variety that we sold at this show including some of our beautiful English table linens and depression stemware and antique floral prints.

This show however was a bit bittersweet for us. We brought my 99 year old dad to live with us here in California last October. He was with us for the November and January Del Mar shows. He came and watched us set up our booth - asking questions and giving suggestions for a better way. My daughter brought him to see the show and he proclaimed our booth as the best one there - always the proud dad! He passed in March to join my mom and sisters. He is so missed!

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where some of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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March - A Time For Green And Clover -

2010-02-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

My Favorite - Green Orchid

For the Irish and the non Irish alike - March is the month we think green!

Early English White Ironstone Ewer in the Clover Shape

A Time to Celebrate - being Irish or perhaps that Spring really is coming!

Antique Elite Limoges Plate

For most of the country this has been a long, cold and snowy winter and you are yearning to look out your windows and see your green lawn again. For those of us in Southern California it is a joy to look out our windows and see the foothills once again covered in green after the fires. We have had so much rain lately it is as if it actually rained green.

Early Haviland celebrated the Irish with its designs featuring clover patterns.

Schleiger 98

Schleiger 113

And often used green very effectively as borders and accents.

Schleiger 1153

Schleiger 2776

Schleiger 33

Schleiger 847

The early English potters favored clover in several of their shapes.

Wheat And Clover Shape

Green transfer ware is not as readily available as other colors. When a piece is found it is a rare treat!

Green depression glass is always special

Continuing With The Green Theme -

Royal Crown Derby

Tirschenreuth

Royal Crown Derby

Haviland Schleiger 67

Royal Worcester England

Haviland Limoges

Green has always been a favorite color of mine. I love it that there is a month when many celebrate green!

19th Century George lll Mahogany Fire Screen

More Greens - A Yummy Way To Eat Your Spinach!

Bruschetta with Fontina and Greens

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
Toasts:

* 1 (1-pound) loaf ciabatta bread, trimmed and cut into 14 (1/2-inch thick) slices
* Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
* 1 garlic clove, halved

Topping:

* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 12 ounces (12 cups) baby spinach
* Kosher salt
* 2 cups (4 ounces) shredded fontina cheese

Directions

For the toasts: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake until light golden, about 10 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes. Rub the warm toasts with the cut side of the garlic. Set aside.

For the topping: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1/2 of the spinach and stir until it begins to wilt, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, to taste. Using tongs, arrange the spinach on top of the toasts. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Season with salt and cool for 2 minutes.

Transfer the bruschetta to a platter and serve.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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A Welcomed Surprise -

2010-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

This has been a difficult week for us. We brought my 99 year old dad to live with us in November - a strong willed Sicilian. Last Monday he was brought to the hospital with conjestive heart failure. He is home with us now and hopefully will be back to his old self shortly. Thank you for all those prayers!

Traveling back and forth to the hospital all week has been most tiring and stressful. What a nice surprise it was for me to find that Nancy (Nancy's Daily Dish) had given me the Sunshine Blog Award! Thank you Nancy - Your timing was perfect!

I first met Nancy on Twitter where she tweets under the name Transferware. This immediately caught my attention as I am also fond of this wonderful antique china. I then located her blog and found that her collection is outstanding and displayed beautifully.

Again - Thank You Nancy - for this spot of sunshine in my life!

Rules for accepting the award are as follows:

Put the Sunshine Blog Award logo in your post or on your blog, or both.
Give the award to 12 bloggers and include links to their blogs in your post.
Let the nominees know they have been given the award by commenting on one of their posts.
Share the link to the person from whom you received the award.

I would like to honor these bloggers with this award for their unique perspectives, writing, creativity and inspiration they each give to me and others:

Norbridge Antiques - A Lovely Lady With Lovely Antiques
Gertrude's Garret - Like Nancy - Wonderful Information About TransferWare
Nest By Tamara - Always A Beautiful Place To Visit
The Jewel Box Home - Full Of Creative Ideas
Tesoro Fino - Fine Treasures - Wonderful!
Interior Concepts By Wanda Horton - Very Special Interior Designer
The Spice Girl - Yummy!
The Spiced Life - Finally Found A Recipe For Chocolate & Sea Salt Cookies
A Collection A Day, 2010 - Such Fun!
Pinch My Salt - Special Lemon Shortbread And Much More
The Antique Linen Cupboard - Very Special English Linens
The Vintage Hope Chest - One Of My First Internet Mentors

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February - A Time To Think Pink -

2010-02-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe it is February already! - A time when many are thinking Pink or Red for Valentines Day - or Heart Month - or perhaps for a little cheer during a long and dreary winter.

Many of the hundreds of Antique Haviland Limoges China patterns feature pink flowers especially pink roses.

Just Perfect for a Romantic Valentine Celebration!

Schleiger #29

Schleiger 847

Schleiger 1157 Baltimore Rose

Or Perhaps a Valentine Day Tea -

Schleiger 251

Schleiger 609

Schleiger 270

Schleiger 525

Some Antique Haviland patterns are really reminiscent of Antique Valentines with their doily type patterns

Schleiger Blank 205

Add beautiful Cranberry Glass -

and Pink Depression Glass

Royal Lace

Cherry Blossom

Antique and Vintage TransferWare China is quite special in reds and pinks -

And these French Sarreguemines Story Plates are both romantic and charming

February is always a Time for Special Gifts - Tokens of Love and Appreciation

Vintage Linens Lavender Sachet

Pretty Little Antique Haviland Pitcher Schleiger 146

Tiny Vanity Jar With Sterling Lid

Antique Locket

Visit Holly Lane Antiques And Think Pink!

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Collecting Early English White Ironstone -

2010-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I happened on an issue of Architectural Digest magazine (January 2005) with a black cupboard filled with early White Ironstone ewers pictured. Stunning! The house being featured was located in the Hamptons. For me - a lover of early English White Ironstone - this was a most dramatic focal point of this room and a perfect way to display such a collection.

I often refer to this and share this magazine with visitors to my booth at the Antiques Shows we participate in. Many think these wonderful pieces from the past only have a place in a country style decor. In fact, the varied shapes - as the patterns of early English White Ironstone are named by their potters - work well in any environment.

They span the spectrum from the ribbed and classical

and those with panels, loops and arches

to those with grain

and grape designs

foliated and my favorites, those from the garden with the embossed flowers found in their prairies, meadows and gardens

Early English White Ironstone dating from the mid 1800's was originally known as the farmer's china - definitely meant to be well used in everyday life. It is a bit overwhelming to realize this and find pieces in remarkably good condition today. And as such, it is collected and cherished and displayed in amazing ways.

Classic simplicity at its best!

It was surprising for me to find White Ironstone on this Architectural Digest cover. More readily are collections found in the pages of magazines such as Country Living -

Usually displayed in old cupboards reminiscent of their original use in those early farm kitchens.

In my personal experiences as a member of WICA - White Ironstone China Association - I have visited the homes of collectors and am always in awe of their collections and their creative manner of displaying these collections. And unlike many antiques and collectibles most often these wonderful pieces from times long ago are being used today as they were meant to be used - not merely sitting on a shelf being admired.

When a visitor to our booth at Antiques Shows admires our display of Early English White Ironstone and expresses a desire for such a collection, I tell them to start with one piece and watch it grow. We have a customer who did just that many years ago. She visits us three times a year when we are participating at the Del Mar Antiques Show and at each visit has purchased just one piece of ironstone to be treasured. With patience and determination she now has a collection to be admired and cherished and enjoyed!

Holly Lane Antiques will be at the Del Mar Antiques Show Del Mar California Booth 820 - January 22 23 24. We would love to have you visit our booth and experience our collection of very special Early English White Ironstone.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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A Treat For My Senses -

2010-01-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have always been drawn to antique and vintage linens and have developed a true fondness for those trimmed with wide crochet lace.

First, it was the beautiful tablecloths I found from England. They were unlike any I had ever seen before. So elegant - most likely for a special tea! From a time gone by when stress was replaced with time to enjoy beautiful things.

Then I happened onto pillowcases trimmed with the beautiful crochet lace. These I am told are being found in attic hope chests and were part of the trousseau collections young girls worked on to bring to their marriages. There is a vendor at the Rose Bowl where I am able to purchase these who periodically visits the East Coast and climbs into attics and find them - very often in unused condition. It really makes one wonder at the stories behind these treasures of antique linens.

When we traveled in Italy we were aware that our bathrooms had cotton towels not the plush towels we use here. And now I am finding these also with the wonderful wide crochet trim - mostly from England. These have become my recent antique linen addiction. I just love them! And have to wonder how something meant to be used daily has survived in such wonderful condition. Perhaps these are like the pillowcases and were part of a trousseau and never used - just waiting for prince charming to arrive.

Could it be in our world of so many colors I am drawn to these linens because of their whiteness - so simple and elegant at the same time? That could be true - perhaps that also explains my love of early English White Ironstone. Or maybe it is the feel of the purity of the cotton and linen fabrics of times gone by - before all the synthetics were added. Or maybe it is the English connection - a country I have always wanted to visit but never have.

Not to be forgotten are the small bits and pieces - doilies of one kind or another. Sadly without a use in today's world of decorating. I have enjoyed creating beautiful lavender sachets using these precious pieces of the past and giving them a new use.

I have been involved with needlework of one kind or another throughout my lifetime - needlepoint - embroidery - knitting - sewing - but never learned to crochet. Perhaps that has something to do with this love of mine for these particular linens trimmed so profusely with crochet lace.

Whatever the reason the fact remains that they are each beautiful in their own special way. They have captured my senses with their beauty and feel and smell - since I store them with lavender - and definitely call out to my heart.

At our Antiques Shows these lovely linens are so perfect with our Antique Haviland Limoges China. Holly Lane Antiques will be back at the Del Mar Antiques Show Jan 22 23 24.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

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A Bit Distracted Recently

2009-12-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

Holly Lane Antiques continues to offer a large selection of Antique Haviland Limoges China and wonderful Early English White Ironstone at their two internet locations - Ruby Lane and Antique Arts - links below.

However, this blog has been neglected for a while since my life has taken on a new focus. In October we brought my 99 year old dad to live with us. This has been a new adventure for all of us and after two months we are all settling in very well. What a wonderful experience for my daughters and grand children as they have the opportunity to experience his stories of life in the early 1900's. And to have four generations gathered for our Christmas celebrations was most special!

I have especially enjoyed observing the interaction of my 7 year old grandson with his 99 year old great grandfather. They have become great buddies! Memories to be cherished!

With the new year we will be continuing our Antiques Shows beginning with the Del Mar Show January 22 23 24 at the fairgrounds in Del Mar California. Holly Lane Antiques can be found again at space 820.

And with the new year I will be back here more often sharing information about our new treasures and adventures.

The beautiful Haviland set pictured at the beginning of this blog entry dates to the late 1800's - Haviland's earlier pieces. It is the Lierre Shape of Haviland and features a pattern of gilded leaves. The squash finials and split design of the ribbon handles add to the beauty of these pieces.

Among our most recent English White Ironstone pieces are this Hidden Motif Shape Pitcher and Niagara Fan Shape covered tureen. The Hidden Motif Shape was made by Jacob Furnival & Co Cobridge England. This 19th century English White Ironstone Pitcher has a lovely graceful shape with leaf sprays around the top and bottom of the wonderful rope handle. The hidden motif are the small 6 leaf sprays under the pitcher lip.

The Niagara Fan Shape was made by Anthony Shaw c.1856. This 19th century white ironstone tureen has a lovely classic shape along with an embossed leaf pattern on the lid at the base of a gorgeous finial. Both the body and lid are divided into paneled sections and it stands on a pedestal base.

Holly Lane Antiques Sends Best Wishes For A Happy New Year To All!

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
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My Favorite Time Of Year - In A Very Special Place

2009-09-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

My sister and her husband first discovered Little Compton and raised their family here. We raised ours on the move as a Navy family. When it came time to retire we decided we had to come to Little Compton. As we were furnishing our home my sister taught me about antiques. She had an antique store here for many years. Before long we knew how we would be keeping ourselves busy while retired - Holly Lane Antiques!

Little Compton is just across the Sakonnet River from Newport where we were raised but it was an area I never visited until my sister lived here. It is definitely a little piece of paradise! No traffic lights and no street signs until someone decided to make them a couple of winters ago. The locals always felt they were unnecessary since they knew their way around.

As you drive the country roads of Little Compton you can't help but be aware of the stone walls - everywhere!

"The stone walls of Little Compton, R.I., a town of 3,593 people across the Sakonnet River from Newport, have been impressing people for a long time. Thomas Church, who represented the town in the colonial legislature in the early 1700's, when it was still part of Massachusetts, told his colleagues that there were enough stone walls to reach from Little Compton to Boston, 74 miles. They refused to believe him, and Church returned home to check his facts.

At the next session of the General Court, he announced that he had been in error: there were enough to reach from Little Compton to Boston -- and back again.

Many of these early walls are still standing, thanks to accidents of Little Compton's history, a location far enough off the beaten track to discourage developers and land too rocky for large-scale farming. They line the wide roads laid out by the first settlers; they surround the open fields that gaze down on the water; they are made of gneiss granite or slate, depending on the part of town, which covers 21.6 square miles, and they continue to impress people."SUSAN ALLPORT, the author of ''Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York''

The United Congregational Church sits at the center of the Town Common. This town landmark is surrounded by an historical cemetery.

This cemetery could be the topic of its own blog. These two stones are especially interesting - one being that of Simeon Palmer and the one next to it with an inscription reading - " In memory of Elizabeth who should have been the wife of Simeon Palmer who died Aug 14 1776 in the 64 year of her age"

Little Compton on a sunny September day is my favorite time of year.

Most feel that summer is the special time in this small New England town. Many travel to their summer homes here from throughout the North East and even further. In September the beaches are returned to the seagulls and are perfect for a wonderful beach walk and a warm evening dinner at the beach without the summer crowds.

The local farm stands are bursting with the colors of the season.

Among the flowers of September my favorite is the Pee Gee Hydrangea. The large white flowers of the summer turn a wonderful rose in September.

Sunflowers and mums will always be favorites of fall.

I wish I could take you with me for a ride through these country roads on a sunny September day - my favorite time of year here in Little Compton. The trees are just beginning to change color.

The days are quickly getting shorter and the afternoon shadows are getting longer.

The signs of what is coming too fast are already here -

And the holly is filled with berries

For Special Antique Holiday Gifts Visit Holly Lane Antiques.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store at Antique Arts

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

And for Lavender Sachets hand made from antique and vintage linens - a lovely gift visit
Holly Lane Antiques at Etsy

We participate in Antique Shows most weekends during the summer. It is difficult to leave Little Compton but such a nice place to come home to. The sign on our booth prompts many shared memories from our booth visitors of this special place they have visited and they wistfully think about returning some day soon. And recently my husband's doctor commented that he and his wife had driven to Little Compton and it reminded him of driving through England.

For me - Little Compton is a special place to live - Especially In September!

Rain Rain Go Away! - Falmouth Hisorical Society Antiques Show & Newport Antiques Festival At Fort Adams

2009-08-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques was scheduled to participate in the new Newport Antiques Festival at Fort Adams today. What a beautiful site for an antiques show! Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. That is - on a typical sunny summer day. Not today - heavy rain and winds predicted all day. Sadly, we opted to stay home and avoid a repeat of last weekend.

Last Saturday we were comforted with the weather news that the rain would not make an appearance until 7 pm - long after the Falmouth Historical Society Antiques Show was over. As the show was opening at 9 am and just as we were putting the final touches on our beautiful booth full of all our wonderful treasures the heavens opened. A torrential downpour happened. We consoled ourselves that most of our items were washable and took refuge under our popup tent. The rain came down so heavy and so fast that our popup collapsed under the weight of the water. An antique dealer's worst nightmare! Then the question was how to remove it without damaging all our breakables? Many items were damaged in the process but it could have been much worse.

The rain cell moved on and the sun came out creating a steamy hot day but no more rain! Interestingly, many visitors to our booth had not experienced any rain at all at their homes only a few miles away.

We spent the rest of the day emptying out our pitchers and cups and saucers amazed at how much water they had collected in such a short time. Also, between visitors to our booth, we tried to dry as much as we could of our rain drenched booth. Note the special English tablecloth displayed on the back table. The dye from the table cover ran into it. I have been trying all week to rescue it - no luck! Surprisingly, after sitting in the sun all day most of our items were still wet at packing time. There was just too much moisture still in the air.

This was a day we will not soon forget - one that makes us stop and ask - why do we do this? The answer is simple in that we enjoy our antiques and sharing them with others. Though we also sell our antiques on the internet, there is nothing to equal meeting those who will take them as their own - to share their joy in their find!

Admittedly our experience of last Saturday has made us more than a bit cautious this Saturday. 100% prediction of heavy rain driven by wind - just couldn't do it! Though it is our understanding the show will go on rain or shine for those braver souls than we.

Holly Lane Antiques would love to have you visit our booth at one of our shows to see and touch our special antique items in person. Contact us to be added to our show mailing list at hollyln@sprintmail.com.

And click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

August Continues - Osterville Historical Society Antiques Show

2009-08-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

After being rained out and rescheduled for the following day the Osterville Historical Society Antiques Show took place under beautiful sunny skies. At Holly Lane Antiques we love participating in this show and consider it our favorite. It is a small but very special show in a lovely area of Cape Cod on the grounds of the Historical Society. It is always a well attended show and it is a pleasure to spend the day with such nice people.

Our items were well received and sales were brisk. Our daughter Laurie was visiting from California and her help was welcomed - allowing us time to visit with many returning customers.

As always our large collection of early English White Ironstone was very popular as were our flow blue and blue transfer ware pieces. Depression glass and our lovely English table linens also proved to be favorites among our booth visitors.

After a fun day with antiques we were able to join three of our daughters and two of our grandchildren for dinner at the beach - a perfect ending for another busy August day!

Holly Lane Antiques would love to have you visit our booth at one of our shows to see and touch our special antique items in person. Contact us to be added to our show mailing list at hollyln@sprintmail.com.

And click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Holly Lane Antiques Returns To SoWa

2009-08-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques returned to the SoWa Antiques Market earlier this month. We again enjoyed the atmosphere at this market. Simply - everyone is so happy in these surroundings with the combined Antiques Market, Arts and Crafts Market and Farmers Market. On this Sunday there was the addition of many artists booths from New York. We found the visitors to our booth to be a pleasant mix of local Bostonians along with summer tourists who were delighted to have found SoWa.

The wind breaks added to the windows helped greatly to eliminate the breakage we had experienced at previous SoWas. However, the pigeons are still attracted to our white ironstone. It is a wonderful collection for all to be excited about - even pigeons!

The highlight of my day was my conversation with Joyce - a lovely lady who is so lucky to have inherited a large set of antique Haviland Feu de Four china. Few de Four is rare and beautiful Haviland china in which the flowers and colors vary. However, they all have the soft muted tones that result from the manner in which they were made. Transfers were placed on top of the glaze with an additional firing at the foot of the kiln where the temperature was lower. This process itself being quite costly resulted in this china not being produced to the extent other Haviland china was produced. It has become very popular among collectors today and is quite scarce making for a difficult search. Joyce realizes how special her collection is and is loving being able to have it to enjoy. She remembers as a child it was always kept very high and out of reach.

An example of Haviland Feu de Four china

We will return to the SoWa Antiques Market September 13th and look forward to spending the day with new and old friends.

Click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/hollylaneantiques

August ~ A Busy Month Of Antique Shows And Family Visits

2009-08-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques began August at the Little Compton Antiques Festival In Little Compton Rhode Island. This antiques show is held at the Sakonnet Vineyards and the combination of good wine and fine antiques proved to be a perfect match.

The preview party Friday evening happened during a torrential downpour. We were under a large tent. The rain on Friday brought a perfect clear and sunny Saturday for the antiques show in this charming area of Rhode Island.

Many of our favorite pieces found new homes that day including a White Ironstone President Shape pitcher, a gray Transferware pitcher and a Wedgwood pitcher with a hound handle. It was a day for pitchers!

The favorite part of my day was a visit by my almost 99 year old father who came by to see just what was it his daughter was doing most every weekend. Our daughter Amy made the visit possible.

Our perfect day ended with Dad and Amy enjoying Little Compton's annual fireworks display.

Holly Lane Antiques would love to have you visit our booth at one of our shows to see and touch our special antique items in person. Contact us to be added to our show mailing list at hollyln@sprintmail.com.

And click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

Antiques At Elm Bank

2009-07-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Gardens And Wonderful Antiques - A Perfect Combination!

Antiques At Elm Bank is a most special antiques show in Wellesley with white tents filled with antiques nestled amongst the gardens of this estate. The gardens are maintained by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and one could not ask for a more perfect setting.

Holly Lane Antiques was next to the Children's Garden - a most unique and delightful area for children to experience play in a garden. Truly a place you should visit if ever in the area with young ones.

Early Blue Transfer Ware is always a favorite along with Flow Blue china. A pair of antique Meissen reticulated plates combine perfectly with the blue and white theme on this table.

Wonderful color in this transfer ware dessert set! The drainers create the biggest challenge to our booth visitors with the most "What is it?" questions. Long separated from their platters these charming pieces are now popular used as wall art.

Our large collection of English White Ironstone always brings comments about its variety of shapes and wonderful condition considering it was the farmer's china well over 100 years ago.

There is nothing quite like fine antique Haviland Limoges china and this chocolate set is an exquisite example of antique Haviland. The Meadow Visitors pattern dating to c.1880's is pure delight with different butterflies on each piece.

Antique Haviland featuring pink roses and gold trim - a perennial favorite!

We are able to include small pieces of furniture when we are at outdoors shows.

Very blue hydrangea grow well in Little Compton being so close to the ocean. These were picked from our garden the evening before the show and were enjoyed by many of our booth visitors.

As always our favorite part of antiques shows is the time we spend with those that visit our booth - reacquainting with past customers, helping the novice learn more about an item and mostly just sharing the joy of beautiful things from times past.

Holly Lane Antiques would love to have you visit our booth at one of our shows to see and touch our special antique items in person. Contact us to be added to our show mailing list at hollyln@sprintmail.com.

And click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Also visit our new internet store
Holly Lane Antiques at Ruby Lane

4th Of July At Tiverton 4 Corners Antiques Show

2009-07-06T03:39:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques spent a beautiful perfect summer day at the Tiverton 4 Corners Antiques Show on the 4th of July. This is a special show outside on the grounds of the old meeting house in Tiverton Rhode Island. After such a stormy week everyone was enjoying the sunshine and the holiday and the variety of antiques being offered.

Holly Lane Antiques was set up in our favorite spot under the trees.

Our favorite quilt - an antique red and white pieced triangle quilt beautifully hand quilted in the Baptist Fan pattern - is on its way to New York and its new home in the soon to arrive new baby's room.

Our large collection of early English White Ironstone continues to be a favorite and many pieces were selected for purchase. This early ironstone with its variety of shapes easily suits a variety of tastes - from the floral embossed - my favorite - to the geometric octagon shapes - to the victorian shapes with their scrolls and flourishes.

As always our collection of Antique Haviland Limoges china was a highpoint of our booth. Everyone was fascinated to see and touch the beautiful and rare Meadow Visitors pieces. This is an early pattern of Haviland featuring birds and butterflies with hand painted accents - each piece with different birds and butterflies. Stunning Antique China!

Saturday was a wonderful day spent with very nice people and beautiful antiques - couldn't ask for better!

Holly Lane Antiques would love to have you visit our booth at one of our shows to see and touch our special antique items in person. Contact us to be added to our show mailing list at hollyln@sprintmail.com.

And click on the banner below to visit our internet store where many of the items pictured are available for purchase.

Sunny Saturday On Cape Cod

2009-06-29T04:27:00.000-07:00

After a week of dreary rainy weather Saturday was close to perfect! Holly Lane Antiques participated in the Brewster Historical Society Antiques Fair at the Drummer Boy Grounds in Brewster Massachusetts.

We shared pieces from our Antique Haviland Limoges China collection as well as our early English White Ironstone and Transferware. As always our display was accented with our vintage linens and quilts and vintage glass and silver pieces.

Everyone was in high spirits enjoying being outside in the sunshine and amazed at the wonderful day. We have really had too much rain here in New England - mostly every day!

Early English White Ironstone was our top seller with many of our favorite pieces leaving our booth for new homes.

This beautiful large flow blue platter also found a new owner.

It was a special day getting reacquainted with some previous buyers and actually meeting one of our internet buyers.

Next Saturday - July 4th - Holly Lane Antiques will be at the Tiverton 4 Corners Antiques Show in Tiverton Rhode Island.

Many of the items pictured can be purchased at Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store on the Antique Arts website - click on the banner below

Mount Hope Garden & Antiques Fair

2009-06-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques spent the weekend participating in the Mount Hope Garden And Antiques Fair in Bristol RI. All of the booths were located in a large tent on the grounds of this historic house. It was a beautiful show combining unusual plants along with the varied antiques. The dealers provided a wide assortment of antiques from garden antiques to country primitives to the more traditional furniture and china and linens and rugs. The drippy, rainy weather continued all weekend but did not dampen the enthusiasm of those who came to enjoy this experience.

Holly Lane Antiques featured the Antique Haviland Limoges China in the Meadow Visitors pattern that has been discussed in previous blogs along with their very popular collection of early English Ironstone. Also featured and quickly sold were several unsual antique Haviland plates with a garden theme in border vignettes.

Many of the items pictured can be purchased at Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store on the Antique Arts website - click on the banner below

Rare Haviland Piece In A Special Pattern

2009-06-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

We recently purchased this rare piece as part of a life long collection of Antique Haviland Limoges china in the Meadow Visitors pattern. Must admit that this piece sent us in the research direction. Our time was well spent since we found our answer.

This charming piece is a Butter Basket. Chilled water was poured into an opening on the side. This kept the butter pieces firm.

With its twisted handle and ribbed shape accented with gold trim it is lovely. When the butterflies are added it becomes uniquely beautiful!

Haviland produced several special use pieces along with the usual dinner serving pieces - such imagination!

This one is most rare and one to treasure!

Click on the first picture to see this item listed in our internet store.

Visit Holly Lane Antiques to enjoy our large and varied collection of Antique Haviland Limoges China. Click on the banner below.

Antique Haviland Limoges - Meadow Visitors - Revisited

2009-06-09T05:07:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques recently purchased a life long collection of the very special Meadow Visitors Pattern of Antique Haviland Limoges china.

The Meadow Visitors pattern is an exquisite pattern and difficult to find. This early and unique pattern of Haviland dates to 1876 - 1899 and has been identified by Arlene Schleiger as #1155. Each piece of Haviland Meadow Visitors features different grasses, flowers, birds and butterflies and is highlighted with hand touched enamel accents.

We are always excited to see the unique and various combinations of butterflies and birds placed so creatively on this china. However, we were surprised to become aware of the variety of blanks that were used with this pattern.

In an earlier post several plates were pictured on the smooth blank to emphasize the uniqueness of the pattern on each plate.

In this collection we also found this pattern on the Osier Blank #211 with an embossed basketweave border, the napkin fold blank #1118 and the gently scalloped blank #4.

Edge trim on the smooth blank can vary from gold to a variety of colors.

This rare covered tureen with 4 corner handles is wonderful with its ridged blank.

And this ice cream dish has a blank reminiscent of a shell.

The Haviland china decorators were also very creative combining the Meadow Visitors butterflies with fruit and other flowers and also using color in backgrounds and borders.

Click on the pictures to be taken directly to the store pages and for more details.

Click on the banner below to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store where this beautiful Antique Haviland china is available for purchase.

Blue And White At SoWa Antiques Market

2009-06-08T03:43:00.001-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques returned for a second Sunday at the SoWa Antiques Market in Boston's South End.

This week Blue and White was featured with a combination of our White Ironstone and Blue Transferware pieces joined by additional blue and white collectible china.

As always we completed our booth with some of our large collection of Antique Haviland Limoges China, vintage glass, silver, linens, antique quilts and other accent pieces.

The SoWa Antiques Market combines with an Arts and Farmers Market every Sunday through October.

Many of the items pictured are available on line.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Sundays At SoWa

2009-06-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

A new adventure in Antiques Markets started this Spring and will continue every Sunday through October.

Holly Lane Antiques participated in the SoWa Antiques Market in Boston's South End last Sunday.

"The SoWa Antiques Market is Boston's answer to the great European antiques bazaars. Every Sunday, different dealers assemble in this historic trolley barn displaying and selling unique items born in another era."

This trolley barn is the perfect setting for selling special items of the past. The structure itself delighted this former Geometry teacher.

There was a lively excitement among the crowd as they explored the booth offerings on a perfect sunny Sunday - many with their babies and dogs in tow.

"Located in Boston's SoWa Arts District in the South End, the SoWa Antiques Market is one of 3 big markets which make up SoWa Sundays." Outside the trolley barn there is an Arts Market along with a Farmers Market. These three markets combine to make a fun Sunday experience.

Holly Lane Antiques booth was a combination of early white ironstone and transferware, antique Haviland limoges china and vintage silver, glass, linens and quilts.

We enjoyed selling our treasures in this festive environment and will return to the SoWa Antiques Market next Sunday and whenever our schedule allows throughout the summer months. We hope you will stop by for a visit if you are in the area. We love to have the opportunity to meet our internet customers.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Holly Lane Antiques At The Topsfield Antiques Market

2009-05-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques began its summer round of East Coast Antiques Shows at the Topsfield Antiques Market in Topsfield Massachusetts Memorial Day weekend.

A large collection of Early English White Ironstone was the main feature in our booth. Many special pieces recently purchased at the White Ironstone China Association convention were included in this collection.

Early transferware pieces especially in blue and white are always a favorite among buyers.

Quilts, Lovely English Table Linens, Vintage Silver and Glass, Tole Trays and Furniture completed our booth.

As always we included a selection of our vast collection of Antique Haviland Limoges China along with other very special antique china pieces.

The weather was typical New England with the temperature ranging from 90 one day to 60 the next combined with a Sunday afternoon thunder shower that had all of us dealers scampering to pull everything back into our tents.

Our next show will be the new SoWa Antiques Market which continues every Sunday through October. This market is located in an old trolley barn in Boston's SoWa Arts district of the South End. Holly Lane Antiques is scheduled to be there May 31 and June 14 and then later in the summer. For directions to the SoWa Antiques Market please visit this website www.sowaantiques.com

We would love to meet our internet followers. If you are in the area of our shows please stop by our booth.

If not - remember that many of the items you see pictured are available on line.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

White! White! White!

2009-05-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques spent last weekend at the WICA ( White Ironstone China Association ) convention in Chautaugua New York. We loved every minute spent surrounded with wonderful Antique White Ironstone and all the nice people who are also addicted to it. We purchased many special pieces of Early English White Ironstone at the auction and sale. Some of these will become part of our private collection but many of them will be available beginning today at our Antique Arts store - http://www.antiquearts.com/13609/InventoryPage/1954821/1.html.

Our purchases include teapots such as this Lion's Head Shape by John Edwards

and this Walled Octagon Shape by Jacob Furnival

We also purchased many pitchers and ewers in a variety of sizes. We are especially fond of pitchers and ewers. This Vintage Shape By E Challinor features embossed vines and grapes.

The Scalloped Decagon by Davenport has a wonderful classic shape.

As does this Grape Octagon Shape ewer. These classic lines are a favorite among the traditionalists.

I continue to favor those with floral embossing such as this Fuschia Shape ewer by Meakin.

One of my favorites from the convention is this brush box in the Pear Shape by Henry Alcock. The finial is most special!

Click on the pictures to be taken directly to the store pages and for more details.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Identifying Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns - lll -

2009-04-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Continuing with Antique Haviland Limoges China Pattern Identification -

As mentioned previously, the best and most complete source for Haviland Limoges pattern identification are Arlene Schleiger's books. These books are divided into sections based on the back marks mentioned in an earlier blog. Once you have identified the Haviland maker you know which section in these books to look for your pattern. The main problem with Ms Schleiger's books is that the pictures are in black and white. Most were drawn from a saucer or small plate.

Look very closely at the pattern you wish to identify - preferably on a saucer or small plate if available. Is it a border design or is it scattered all over the piece? Try to imagine it in black and white.

Observe what it is that makes this design unique. This could be the shape of the flower - but since so many are roses this may not be the best starting point. Many patterns have other flowers mixed with the roses - concentrate on them.

Be aware of the placement of the flowers in the pattern - do they loop, are they garlands, do some of the flowers drop to the center of the plate?

The shape of the leaf is often distinctive.

The addition of ribbons, scrolls or lattices amongst the flowers is perhaps the most helpful in narrowing the pattern identification.

Once the pattern is identified with its Schleiger number, most often there are many variations of that pattern. These variations may be in the color of the design, the shape of the blank, the gold trim or lack of it. Sometimes it takes many trips through all of the books to identify a Haviland pattern.

Needless to say, identifying an Antique Haviland Limoges China Pattern can be most time consuming and often quite frustrating. When it is successful it is indeed an accomplishment!

It is always encouraging to verify an identification by looking at the color pictures in Nora Travis books on Haviland China. These books have lovely pictures of many patterns but are not complete identification guides.

Click on the pictures to be taken directly to their store pages and for specific pattern identification.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Theodore Haviland - Romeo Blank With Gold Trim - Schleiger 304 -

2009-04-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

A favorite among Haviland China lovers is the Romeo Blank with double gold trim - identified by Arlene Schleiger as Schleiger 304.

The blank is the piece of china before it is decorated - the white ware - with its shape and embossing defined. The Romeo Blank - Schleiger 300 - is gently scalloped with some rim embossing. However, this blank really comes into its own with the variation - Schleiger 304 - with the double gold trim.

Many of the patterns found on this particular blank are very similar with patterns of small pink roses or other flowers. These patterns are often combined to create a wonderful table setting with the primary unifying aspect being the Romeo Blank and secondarily the pink color. In fact, most often these types of combined table settings have a much more special effect than a table with the china all identical. Looking at the pictures presented here one can easily imagine such a table setting.

Many pieces of Antique Haviland Limoges China on the Romeo Blank are available for purchase at Holly Lane Antiques. Click on the pictures to be taken directly to their store pages and for specific pattern identification.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Identifying Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns - ll -

2009-04-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin my pattern identification?

First of all I look at the back mark. With the following knowledge - which may be considered over simplification - I can identify most of the Antique Haviland China that I come in contact with. On a rare occasion I need to turn to my reference books for an unusual mark.

The 4 found most often are variations of the following -

1) The H & Co back mark. This is one of the oldest Haviland & Company marks dating to the late 1800's. Variations of the H & Co stamp are found and some date as early as the 1860's.

There are 2 marks on the back of Antique Haviland china - one represents the manufacturer and the other represents the decorator. If there is just one mark the china was sold as whiteware and usually decorated elsewhere. Sometimes there is also a mark representing the store the china was produced for.

2) The Haviland France back mark. This mark is the one most often found and dates to c.1894-1931. This was the period during which most Haviland china was sold. Again these marks are also found combined with store marks. Also the rarely found patterns that were named and identified by Haviland appear with these back marks.

3) The Theodore Haviland mark. This commonly found mark and its variations date from 1893 to the early 1900's. Theodore was the son of David Haviland. He dissolved his partnership with his brother and set up his own company. His pieces at first had only an impressed TH mark later to include the marks shown. These back marks also sometimes include store names. If a store ordered a certain amount of china the store name was included as part of the back mark. Sometimes an exclusive variation (a special border or gold trim) of a pattern was made for a particular store.

4) The Charles Field Haviland mark. Charles F Haviland was the nephew of David Haviland and opened his own company in the late 1800's in competition with his uncle's Haviland & Company. Later Charles joined with GDM ( Gerard, Dufraisseix and Morel). A back mark in combination with GDA is often found.

Arlene Schleiger divided her books into sections according to these manufacturers - Haviland & Company, Theodore Haviland, Charles F Haviland.

Continuing the process of Identifying Antique Haviland Limoges China - watch for future blogs.

A large collection of Antique Haviland Limoges China is available for purchase at Holly Lane Antiques.
(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Baltimore Rose - A Favorite Antique Haviland Pattern -

2009-04-07T07:19:00.000-07:00

One of the most collectible and favorites among the many hundreds of Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns is the pattern commonly known as Baltimore Rose. Haviland did not name this pattern Baltimore Rose. Haviland named very few of its patterns. Many have been named by dealers and collectors through the years, such as Baltimore Rose. This pattern has been identified by Arlene Schleiger with the Schleiger number 1151.

Baltimore Rose is a gorgeous pattern featuring a spray of six roses hanging down into the center. These roses can be found in variations of all pink, pink and white, and pink and yellow - appearing on a variety of blanks and gold trims. Perhaps it is so favored due to the unique placement of the spray of roses - not common in most Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns.

Baltimore Rose Is Stunning!

Many pieces of Antique Haviland Limoges Baltimore Rose are available for purchase at Holly Lane Antiques.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Identifying Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns - I -

2009-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

There is nothing quite like Antique Haviland Limoges China with its delicate nature and charming floral patterns. There are hundreds of patterns most with many variations of color or blank which makes identifying the pattern quite difficult.

Often times the patterns are so similar and on the same blank they appear to be the same. Look closely at the two cups and saucers pictured.

Arlene Schleiger wrote 5 books identifying many of the Antique Haviland Limoges Patterns. Her work has been continued by her daughter in law Dona Schleiger who wrote the sixth book in the series.

Arlene states in the forward of the first book - Two Hundred Patterns of Haviland China Book I - published in 1950 -

“For many years I have been specializing in Haviland China. Hence I could see the need for pattern identification.....

First, I made the following list of problems which I knew were involved;

1. The same patterns appear on different blanks. (A blank is the white china form before decoration is applied.) The same pattern appears with and without gold edge.

2. The same pattern appears with the same flowers but in different colors.

3. The flower arrangements vary. Seldom will two plates of the same pattern be exactly alike.

4. In many patterns the flowers are hard to identify. Most of them are pink. Which ones are really roses, wild roses, apple blossoms, etc.?

5. Rarely is a pattern name stamped on a piece. Only occasionally is a number stamped and then usually only on a serving dish.

6. How shall I cover the different Haviland Companies?"

The problems Ms. Schleiger encountered as she began her Haviland Pattern Identification more than a half century ago are the same problems one encounters today as a collector or as one who inherited family china.

Arlene Schleiger used saucers to identify the Antique Haviland Patterns and in the forward to Book V she states that her collection of saucers numbered over 4000 - meaning over 4000 different Antique Haviland Pattern variations!

The Schleiger books have recently been available on Ebay as the family has been liquidating the remaining stock. This is a rare opportunity to own a set of these usually very difficult to find books.

As I began to try to identify the pattern of my first set of Antique Haviland Limoges China my search led me to Dona Schleiger. Her request was I send her a saucer for identification. Soon after - I purchased my set of the original 5 books.

Arlene Schleigher has left us an invaluable resource for identifying Haviland China. However, since her books provide only black and white sketches of the patterns, identifying Haviland China Patterns still presents quite a challenge.

I will continue this discussion in further Blogs - taking you through the process I follow in Haviland Pattern Identification.

A large collection of Antique Haviland Limoges China is always available at Holly Lane Antiques.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

What Is This? A Very Interesting Piece Of Sterling Silver

2009-04-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Recently we came across a bag lot of silver pieces we had brought back with us from the East Coast last fall. It had been purchased at auction last summer. As usual my husband began cleaning and identifying the various pieces. When he came to this piece his research came up with nothing. The only marking is sterling and it is very small - measuring only about 3 5/8 inches long.

A sweet little scoop with holes - but what was it used for?

Since our inventory is mostly made up of antique china and silver pieces we are very aware that at the turn of the century dining was indeed a special event with a piece of china and silver for every imaginable use.

I posted my query about this little scoop to a couple of websites. After many suggestions from the Antique and Collectible Silver Group on I Antique Online such as a marrow scoop, a honey spoon or a sugar sifter, one of the group members suggested contacting the Silver Forum. It was there the mystery was finally solved.

It is an individual nutmeg sifter!

A member of the Silver Forum answered - I learned about nutmeg sifters recently from Lee Gillespie and Mark Simon at a local antique show. They are the authors of PERSONAL SILVER OF THE VICTORIAN AGE AND BEYOND, "A Book for Identification and Practical Uses"

I have become so attached to this small piece of sterling silver and its unique use that it may be a while until it becomes available at our internet store Holly Lane Antiques.

(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Antique Children's China Tea Sets -

2009-03-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Days long ago children actually had their tea parties with real china tea sets. It is not surprising that it is a rarity to find one in good condition today. This is the first I have seen made by Haviland Limoges France. The stamp dates it to the late 1800’s.

At the turn of the century children learned social behavior at a tea party with their dolls. Antique Children’s China Tea Sets were similar to those used by the adults and scaled to fit child sized hands.

Charles Allerton & Sons Staffordshire England were well known for their large variety of transferware type children’s china in the late 1800’s.

Children’s China Tea Sets were also made by many of the early English White Ironstone potters in their well known shapes. These potters were just as detailed in the potting of their miniature sets as they were in the normal sized ironstone pieces.

Antique Children's China Tea Sets are highly collectible and tend to be quite costly.

Haviland China Children's Tea Set Available At Holly Lane Antiques -
(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

California Country Antiques Show -

2009-03-24T13:46:00.001-07:00

Holly Lane Antiques spent last weekend participating in the
California Country Antiques Show in Costa Mesa California.

As always our English White Ironstone collection was the anchor of our booth. Seeing early White Ironstone pieces displayed together is simply stunning! Each pitcher / ewer has its own personality - appealing to a wide variety of personal tastes.

Since this was primarily a Country Antiques Show we brought our quilts, baskets, English transferware, pantry boxes and early American furniture.

We also included some of our Antique Haviland Limoges China and other collectible china, vintage glass and silver, and our beautiful table linens from England.

It was a special weekend and we enjoyed meeting and visiting with our customers who have a true appreciation of things from long ago.

Many of the pictured items are available for purchase at Holly Lane Antiques -
(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)

Celebrate Spring!

2009-03-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Spring With Springtime On Your China!

Garden floral patterns are a favorite among china makers and collectors.

I am told that Royal Crown Derby Pattern Derby Posies was
Princess Diana's china.

Just Beautiful!

Minton's English Bone China Dainty Sprays Pattern puts a garden on your table with its multicolored floral sprays.

This Minton Plate combines flowers and birds for a very special Spring effect.

Haviland Limoges France China has hundreds of patterns featuring roses and other flowers.

Among them those with pink flowers are always the favorites.

And very special pieces like these just sing Spring!

This type of china cannot help but lift your spirits after a long, cold winter and Welcome Spring!

Pictured items are available for purchase at Holly Lane Antiques -
(Click on the banner to visit Holly Lane Antiques Internet Store)