For many collectors, including myself, the hunt is as exciting as the find. We look for that special elusive piece for our collections, hoping to find what others have overlooked. We train ourselves to be diligent and observant, trying to find a diamond in the rough. Yet I often wonder how many pieces I have…
Blogs
No. 20-0004 – Ivory Pump Drill
The pump drill is an ancient tool that was used by the Aboriginal peoples to start fires by friction and to drill holes in materials such as wood, shell, bone and stone. Usually they are very basic tools using elementary materials to construct them. The pump drill consisted of a crossbeam with a center hole, through…
No. 20-0003 – Wooden Yacht Builder’s Brace
This is an unusual brace which looks like a “Sheffield” brace with a chest pad and a revolving ball for a wrist grip. When I first saw it, I was struck by the beauty of the wood and the silver metal fittings. It was in an auction held by a prominent dealer and although I…
No. 19-0002 – Peter Lowentraut Brace
Peter Lowentraut manufactured this brace which is a combination wrench/bit brace that was patented by Samuel J. Johnston of Leesburg, Virginia, patent number 674,735, issued on May 21, 1901. This particular example is in extremely fine condition with the nickel plating still in tact. The wooden wrist grip and head are in fine condition and…
