Montrose Park’s Memorial Sphere Vandalized
• August 12, 2019

The armillary sphere in Montrose Park on R Street NW in Georgetown was vandalized earlier this summer, harkening back to 50 years ago. While the sphere — a model of the heavens with roots in ancient Greece and China — …

Antiques Addict: Buttoned Down With Antique Buttons
• June 13, 2019

Through their 3,000-year history, buttons evolved from being merely fasteners connecting through a loop of thread to, for a time, miniature works of art.

Ornate buttoning became fashionable among Europe’s wealthy citizens during the 13th century. In 1250, the first …

Trivets Are Hot Collectibles
• March 26, 2019

Picture a romantic, snowy evening: fireside, burning logs, shining brass firedogs and a hot iron trivet on the hearth. But, you may ask, what, exactly, is the trivet in that picture?
Simply put, a trivet is a metal stand that …

Windsor Chairs: The Democratic Seat
• January 25, 2019

Wherever the first Windsor chair came from, in the 18th-century American colonies it became known as the “democratic chair” of the independent American nation. The legend about its beginnings has it that King George II, seeking shelter from a storm,

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Lots of Variety at Washington Winter Show
• January 14, 2019

The Washington Winter Show — benefiting THEARC, the Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services — returned to American University’s Katzen Arts Center from Thursday, Jan. 10, preview night, to Sunday, …

Artifacts Hint at Halcyon House’s Past
• August 30, 2018

The smallest object can reveal a story, if the person handling the item knows how to decipher the past.

Jennifer Porter-Lupu, a doctoral student in anthropology at Northwestern University, is trying to do just that when it comes to the …

Samplers: The Artwork of Children
• July 11, 2018

In 18th- and 19th-century America, samplers were used as an educational tool for girls from all social backgrounds, but the function of the finished product would differ.

The proud parents of a girl from an affluent family might put her

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Match Safes: Hot Items for Collectors
• April 18, 2018

From around the 1830s through the 1920s, almost everyone carried the newfangled “strike anywhere” matches to light lanterns, stoves and candles. Proceeded by old-fashioned wood splints — which were dipped into melted sulphur and primarily used to light candles after …

The Auction Block: Asia Week 2018
• March 15, 2018

Bonhams

Gilt Copper Alloy Shakyamuni Buddha Figure

Khasa Malla, 13th–14th c.

Estimate: $1.2 million – $1.6 million

Auction Date: March 19

Part of Bonhams’ Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art sale, this Buddha is one of the …

Salesman Samples: Small Scale, High Value
• March 7, 2018

Peddlers hold a special place in early American culture. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, when there were few stores around, the peddler, with his horse and buggy, became a common sight across the United States.

Most rural towns …