ERIE BASIN ANTIQUES
Open by Appointment
Photographs of Old Things
Early 19th Century English Turquoise Ring, 18K (sold)
An incredibly modern looking ring, but the hallmarks inside the shank are definitely early 19th century, and possibly 18th century. A really lovely piece of turquoise too— most likely Persian.
Thursday, November 1st 2012 3:38pm
The view from Brooklyn a few minutes ago: a very dark lower Manhattan. Erie Basin’s electricity came back just after noon today. I didn’t expect to see electricity back in Red Hook so soon, especially before half of Manhattan, but it made for a speedy clean up in the shop this afternoon.
Erie Basin is back to regular hours now. Our phone and internet connections are spotty, so I apologize if you can’t get through. Also, those that have things with us for resizing— everything’s safe, but it’ll most likely be next week before they’re done.
Wednesday, October 31st 2012 9:20pm
After a very fretful night of combing twitter for dark, watery photos of Van Brunt, I was much relieved to find only a little water on the floors of Erie Basin this morning. Last night high tide pushed up 13 feet higher than usual, submerging most of Red Hook to some degree. Most of the water was long gone by this morning, but many of my neighbors at just slightly lower elevations are left with terrible messes.
Amazingly, nothing important was damaged at Erie Basin. As soon as the electricity comes back, we’ll reopen.
Thanks for all the nice emails and messages.
(image: Winslow Homer, Rowing Home, 1890)
Tuesday, October 30th 2012 4:17pm
Early 19th Century Scrimshawed Bone Church Tokens (sold)
Not sure exactly what these are. I thought they might be Sunday school awards of some kind, but now that I think about it more, it seems like each of the words (litany, communion, psalms, and collect) have more to do with the parts of a church service. I think they were probably attached to ribbons and used as place holders in a bible, so that a minister could find his way through a service.
Saturday, October 27th 2012 5:35pm
Late 1800s English Victorian Garnet Ring, 18K Gold, (sold)
A particularly nice colored garnet. From face on it reads as nearly black. But the sides reveal a deep red glow— a color which I might describe as oxblood. Oxblood as a color was very fashionable in the Victorian era. As a word it’s favored by antique dealers looking for flowery language to describe something that’s red. But in the past couple months I’ve also noticed clothing labels describing their darker red fabrics as “oxblood.” It’s one of my favorite colors, and color names.
Saturday, October 27th 2012 5:06pm
Those interested in antique maritime paintings will find plenty to bid on in this upcoming auction at Charles Miller in London. Too bad it’s so pricey to ship paintings overseas.
One of my favorites from the auction: A 19th century painting by Eduoard Adam
Friday, October 26th 2012 2:19pm
1946 Lotus & Pharaoh Bracelet, Sterling Silver, Egypt Hallmarks (sold)
Thursday, October 25th 2012 4:47pm
