WINDSOR PLACE ANTIQUES

January has been ROUGH here in NYC- so cold, dark, stiff and dreary. I have been spending some lonely hours in my shop excavating my shelves. I have found some really neat stuff that I had squirreled away because it was too unusual and interesting to sell without some additional research. I'll be posting some of it over the next month or two in an effort to bring it to light…and to entertain myself and brighten these winter days.

First up: The entrancing magic lantern. Magic Lanterns were a kind of simple projector- precursors to moving image projectors that ran reels of film, but working on the same principle. Early lanterns (dating all the way back to the 16th Century) were, of course, not electrified, but rather used an oil or kerosene lamp for illumination. A couple examples of small lanterns for home use are seen above. The last two photos are of the lantern that I have.

Very large and elaborate lanterns were used in theatres to project shows. See the example of a moving show below.

 

Lantern slides are positive images on glass that were intended to be projected for viewing. These slides came into wide use in the United States after the 1860’s. During the 1890’s, magic lanterns were in high fashion as an extension of photography. Lantern slide shows, or the magic lantern, became popular home entertainment and served as an accompaniment to speakers on the lecture circuit, as a teaching aide in classrooms, and in movie theaters for advertising and coming attractions.

There are a couple of theatre companies and museums (easily found online) operating today that perform magic lantern shows. I have not seen one myself, but it is definitely on my wish list. Below are some scans of magic lantern slides that I have in my collection. I have a few complete sets that fit in my lantern- probably intended for children- and a smattering of beautiful larger and wooden framed slides. They are very decorative on their own…to just admire their beautiful gem-like hand-painting. A crafty person could also turn them into a fascinating night light or light box.

It's that time of the year again when folks make resolutions and head to the gym. For me, I have more trouble tearing myself away from the gym and getting back to work. My favorite workouts are the old-fashioned kind. I like the tried-and-true stuff like pushups, planks and burpee jumps.

These life-sized anatomical charts of the muscle system (below) would look fantastic in and old-school gym.

I will have some great early 20th C wooden dumbbells and indian pins in my booth at the Brooklyn Flea this weekend- along with vintage wire locker baskets.

For some further fitness inspiration, check out these exercise regimen charts from 1916. Fashionistas and hipsters take note of the cool apparel in these photos.

For the gals:

For the little ones:

For the menfolk:

A few other pieces of ephemera in this same vein:

A "York" system folder of leg exercises from the 1930s (available in my booth for $40 and perfect for framing)

 

And a wonderful classroom chart complete with a smoking football player in leather helmet….

And last, but not least, I have some small (but mighty) framed 1940s matchbook covers (made in Mexico) of famous American & Mexican boxers.

Please take note that the shop will be closed while we spend some time away with family. Our booth at the Brooklyn Flea (B2) will remain open every Saturday & Sunday through March at N5th St & Wythe in Williamsburg.

 

Hard to believe, but 2013 is nearly at an end, and the final days of holiday shopping are upon us. Fear not, we still have lots of thoughtful and meaningful gifts in stock for friends and family…and not your common everyday items.

Please Note* My shop will be closing for a few weeks after Christmas. We will reopen on January 9th. My booth at the Brooklyn Flea (B2) indoors in Williamsburg will remain open every weekend.

A couple of gift suggestions for you:

Maps! Everybody loves maps! Ready to hang….of beloved places…or of the whole wide world.

An anatomical chart for the doctor in the family or just the curious…I have the very same black & white chart of the heart (at center) in my booth (B2) at the indoor Brooklyn Flea. The other stuff in this eclectic arrangement is neat too.

Next: Cool Themed Sets of Flashcards, $20 a set. Steal this idea and hang them from curtain rod rings and hooks to make a quick and easy to change arrangement. I stole the idea from the pages of Country Living Magazine (below) my sets following….

Last but not least: Framed Antique Puzzles. No one else will ever give them one of these.

Stop by after work or make a night out of it. Shop Local at Windsor Terrace small businesses and dine in local restaurants. Specials offers drinks, snacks, entertainment and holiday cheer in participating businesses. Participants include, Windsor Place Antiques, Juice Pedaler, Juice Box, Black Bear Vintage, Le Paddock, Terrace Books, Brooklyn Commune, Cynthia King Dance Studios and Smart Hair Studio.

My shop will be offering 15% off unframed prints as well as free cocktails and delicious snacks. Best of all- free gift wrapping of your purchases.

Two of my friends from the Brooklyn Flea will be offering their wares in my shop. City Owl Vintage will have lovely jewelry made from vintage findings

The Gifted Putterer will be offering handmade gift tags, vintage ribbon and mason jar gifts