Discovering Antiques

PR
IC
EL
November/December 2008
January 2009
ANTIQUING IN WESTERN CANADA
S
ANTIQUES
ES
Discovering
• Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • Editor’s Comment
Welcome to the November/December 2008/
January 2009 issue of Discovering ANTIQUES!
Warm, sunny days spent in the yard are likely
something we’ll wish for during the coming months.
During several of those days this summer I worked in
the yard refinishing an old cabinet. I now have greater
admiration and much more appreciation for the work
performed by refinishers. The cabinet is relatively small,
but must have had six layers of paint. When sanding it,
sometimes all that happened was that the next paint
layer softened and became gooey! Or, as I stood sanding
diligently, sweat pouring down my face; all that was
uncovered was another layer of paint! As the cabinet
was built with a relatively soft wood, I had to be careful
not to damage the surface when I finally got through
all the paint. The finished product was well worth the
frustration and patience (something I’ve been told I am
short on) required. To all those who refinish – I salute
you! I will never look at a refinished piece of furniture
the same.
May you all enjoy a wonderful Holiday Season
and may health, happiness and success be
yours in 2009!
As always, when visiting one of our advertisers,
be sure to let them know that you saw their ad in
Discovering ANTIQUES!
Jan Mather,
Editor
• Discovering ANTIQUES
Discovering
ANTIQUES
VOLUME 10 - NO. 5 2008/09
Publisher
Discovering ANTIQUES
Editor
Jan Mather
Layout & Ad Design
Crystal Ink
Contributing Writers
Fred Hauck
Susan Holme Manyluk
Dan Thomson
Conrad Biernacki
James Trautman
Front Cover: Lest We Forget – The images
below the poppy are of a German field gun,
a World War I trophy, now displayed in
Legion Park, Redcliff, AB. Thanks, Fred!
Remembrance Day is important. Wear your
poppy and take time to remember our troops,
then and now!
Discovering Antiques is published five
times a year. No part of this publication may be
reproduced without the express written consent
of Discovering ANTIQUES
Table of
Contents
8 german field gun
12 creche nativity sets
18 shows & auctions
20 medalta pottery
26 what is it?
28 dairy delicious IV 34 discovering us near you
Best of the West
ANTIQUE
EXPO
Everything you’re looking for!
Discovering Antiques assumes no
responsibility for lost material.
For Advertising/Subscription Info:
Toll Free: 1-888-705-8978
Ph.: (403) 281-0413
Fax: (403) 238-6923
email:
[email protected]
or write to:
Discovering Antiques
60 Cedardale Road SW, Calgary
Alberta CANADA • T2W 5G5
www.discoveringantiques.com
Tradex, Abbotsford, BC
Jan.17& 18, 2009
Get discount coupons at
www.antiqueshowscanada.com
Gadsden Promotions Ltd
November 2008 - January 2009 • • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • The German
Field Gun
by Fred Hauck, Collector, Redcliff, AB
The German Field Gun which sits in the Redcliff Legion parking
lot came about through a great effort on the part of Redcliff
citizens. It all started in 1918 with the end of the First World War.
Soldiers returned to their home towns, Redcliff was no exception
with its 252 men signing up. During the war soldiers captured
what were to become war trophies. War trophies ranged from
machine guns to large field guns. The year 1919 saw towns and
cities across Canada asking the Federal Government for such war
trophies, especially the big guns. As it turned out, the Canadian
Government had well over 190 trophies, but only enough field
guns to supply one per province. Which community in Alberta
was to receive the gun was a mystery. A contest to decide the
winner was held. The contest involved a divisional point between
the north and south half of the province, then each half split
into districts (Irvine and Medicine Hat were in Redcliff’s district
and helped bring the gun to southern Alberta). Each district had
to sell Victory Loan Certificates (Victory Bonds).
...continued on page 10
• Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • German Gun Continued from page 10.
E
REDCLIFF BOYS HELPING TH
31ST BN CAPTURE THE GUN
• E. J. Cook
• R. Corbin
• W. H. Goveger
• G. S. Neve
• H. G. Sheasby
• W. D. Watson
The district to sell the most received the German field
gun. Redcliff’s allotment was $25,000.00 worth of $50.00
certificates. Edward, Prince of Wales came to Canada in
1919 to say thanks to Canada for its involvement and
support in World War I. While in Canada, the Prince gave
the victory loan campaign a great boost by consenting
to allow the use of his Coat of Arms on a flag which was
to be the prize of honour for the communities achieving
their sales quote of victory loans. For each 25 percent
over the quota, the community could sew another Prince
of Wales Coat of Arms on the flag. The committee was
organized and Redcliff industries canvassed. Each
industry had an amount allotted to them that could
be purchased. In 1919, the Dominion Glass Factory
surpassed their amount as did the Redcliff Pressed
Brick and the Ross Clay Products. Redcliff teachers and
students got involved as well, hoping to place a bond in
every home in Redcliff. The campaign closed November
15, 1919. The final tally was this: 1 Prince of Wales flag
with 24 crests and 3 industrial flags. The Redcliff citizens
subscribed to $132,950.00 worth of victory loans – not
bad for a population of 2,000. November 1919 newspaper
headlines read; “Redcliff Wins the German Gun.”
February 1920, word was received that the gun was on
its way from Germany. Winning towns and cities from
across Canada had to submit in writing what they wanted
inscribed on a bronze plague which was to be mounted
on the “trophies.” The town of Redcliff also had the
responsibility of providing a base on which to set the 3
– 4 ton gun. May 13, 1920 was the arrival date. June 3rd
was when the bronze plaque arrived. The German field
gun sat for many years in what is now the Legion Park
beside the Cenotaph. Long-time Redcliff resident Ralph
Pinder refurbished the wooden wheels in 1969 and many
coats of paint have been added over the years. In the late
1970’s the gun was removed from the park, later to be
placed at the Redcliff Legion.
GERMAN FIELD GUN
STATISTICS
• Won by the 31st BN
• Serial # 12626
• German Manufacture:
O & K 191
7
• Weight: 3,415 Pounds
• Size: 101 MM F.G.
• Fires a 5-Inch Shell We
igh
ing 30 Pounds
Editor’s Comment: as Remembrance Day is fast approaching, hopefully every one of us will take
time to remember those who have served, and still do serve; and have lost their lives that we may
live with the rights and freedoms we all enjoy - and too often take for granted!
10 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 11
CHRISTMAS
CRECHE
NATIVITY
SETS
By James Trautman, Freelance Writer,
Orton, ON
For many families the Christmas crèche
or nativity scene has been a family
tradition. The crèche and figures passed
down through the years to one or various
family members to continue the tradition. The
miniature nativity scenes usually are placed
under the Christmas tree, next to it or on a
table which becomes the centre of the attention
during the Christmas season.
1930’s Creche set manufactured in pre
war Germany and is
stamped on the bottom.The German
figures which include
Joseph and Mary are made of pressed wood.
The other figures
manufactured in Japan are chalk painted
figures.
The history of the crèche - the French word for
manger - dates back to the earliest days of the Catholic
Church. Historically the first scenes appeared when the
church members were forbidden to worship. The early
scenes were painted on the walls of the catacombs.
Slowly the crèche or nativity scene became a staple of the
Christian celebration of Christmas.
In 1223 St. Francis of Assisi noticed a very disturbing
trend. Each village would assemble a crèche in front of
their local church. But, these crèches were very ornate
including jewels, and some made of gold to indicate the
wealth of the local church and its community. He did
not believe that this was correct, that the nativity scene
should be simple. The rich new ones had lost the message
of that wonderful event.
So in 1223, he created the very first recorded living
crèche. It was located in a small cave in Italy. On that
Christmas Eve night he and others acted out the first
...continued on page 14
12 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 13
2.
1.
3.
4.
1. 1940’s home-made crèche set from magazine plans. 2. 1960’s crèche set made of plastic - manufactured in Hong Kong. 3. 1960’s box
for item #2. 4. 1950’s wax candle part of a crèche set. Cancles were placed near a Christmas tree light and an angel appeared in the sky.
Crèche Continued from page 12.
nativity scene with real people and animals. From this
date forward nativity scenes were established with real
people and animals and slowly the small versions for
households began to develop.
There are rules for crèches or nativity scenes, but
of course individuals do not have to follow the set down
rules and may design their own version of the scene. In
my scene there are many more figures, animals and
even my favourite figures maybe of different sizes. In the
original that St. Francis devised only two animals appear,
an ox and donkey. The shepherds and wise men appear
or are placed in the scene at their correct times in the
original history. The shepherds are placed immediately,
but the wise men not until early January. By the time
of the wise men’s arrival the shepherds have returned
to tend their flock. Of course the manger is empty until
late Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. In many
countries the tradition is to add or replace the figures
at the appropriate time. Generally in North America
all the figures are placed in the scene at the same time
and remain throughout the Christmas season. In the
20th and 21st Century the crèche or nativity sets have
been made of wood, composition wood, chalkware,
rubber, plastic, lithographed paper, glass, wax and other
material. Prior to World War II the major exporters of
crèche figures, accessories such as the stable building
were Germany, Japan, France and Italy. Generally it is
easy to find the country of origin. It is usually stamped
in black on the bottom of the figure or on the back of the
stable building. Material from pre World War II Germany
and Japan is stamped in bold black words. After World
War II the bottom signature changed. For several years
after the war usually 1945-1948 the bottom is stamped;
Made in Occupied Germany or US Zone Germany or Made
in Occupied Japan. Sets made in the US Zone Germany if
boxed containing the 14 original figures can sell in the
$175-$200 range. Since the US Zone Germany existed for
such a short period and production limited, they are very
rare. After that period material from Germany is stamped
Made in West Germany. Material from Japan is in black,
but not as bold and large as pre World War II.
Figures from Germany were manufactured
of composition wood and metal. Some companies
manufactured the figures on a metal frame pressed
wood figure in the mold of the figure and then painted it
to resemble the character it represented. Other German
companies employed the wood in a papier-maché type
and then the figure was painted. As a side note, German
toy soldiers were manufactured of wood composition
where other nations employed metal. Extreme care is
required for the wood composition figures to protect
against moisture which will loosen the paper and cause
the figure to crack. The stable is made of wood, usually of
cheap variety of several pieces nailed together. Probably
many stables were manufactured from the scrape wood
in the plant.
Japan manufactured figures of chalkware. The
white figure is painted, once taken from the mold, in
...continued on page 16
14 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 15
Creche Continued from page 14.
the appropriate colours. Some sets were manufactured
of lithograph paper which could be folded out and then
folded flat when the season was over to fit into it small
box. The lithograph paper sets are rarer and can sell in
the $100 range if the box is included.
Figures from Italy were made of plaster and after
World War II large numbers of sets were made of hard
rubber. An early 1950’s set manufactured by Presepio,
Italy containing 18 figures, Mary and Joseph 2 3/4” tall
and the box sells in the $60 range.
After World War II nativity plans could be found
in consumer magazines. Popular Science, Popular
Mechanics in their November, December or January
issue would contain plans to manufacture an indoor
nativity scene or as the population moved to the suburbs
plans for large outdoor figures. Our family has a small
wooden set that was made from plans. The flat figure
was cut from plywood and then painted, or the magazine
contained the figure on paper. The figure would be cut
from the magazine and glued onto the plywood frame.
These
primitive
can command
niceABvalues due to the
By
Fred
Hauck,sets
Collector,
Redcliffe,
nature of their history.
1950 – 2008
Prior to World War II boxed nativity sets were rare.
Usually one went to the local 5&10, department store,
hardware store and purchased individual figures. The
5&10 had bins with each different figure in its own little
bin. Inexpensive and usually each year a new figure or
animal was added to make a large crèche scene the next
year. After World War II slowly full boxed sets began to
appear in retail stores. For one price the basic crèche set
could be purchased which even included the stable. Some
sets even contained fences to go around the scene.
A 12-piece set sold by the famous Hummel Company
of Germany released in 1951 can sell for several thousand
dollars. A reissue of that set in 1984 is selling for $1200
on today’s market.
As Germany and Japan began to make and export
crèche sets less and less, one new country emerged to
move into the market. In the 1950’s Hong Kong sets
began to be sold in the North American market. The items
from Hong Kong were made of plastic and came already
assembled. When taken from the box the entire nativity
scene was on a brown, plastic base. All the figures and
animals were attached to the base and an angel on the
front of the stable. Some sets had several angels blowing
trumpets and even a shooting star across the front. The
roof and base were sprinkled with glitter.
The sets from Hong Kong usually do not contain a
company name. The box has nativity set - No.905, Hong
Kong. The brown underside of the base is stamped with
the same information. Nativity sets from Hong Kong
come in many sizes from a few inches to 6”. Some scenes
have few figures and others are filled with figures. In the
1950’s the sets usually sold for 75 cents to a $1.25. I find
them at yard sales or second hand stores for about the
same price. The variety is endless.
There is a Friends of the Crèche organization in the
United States which includes Canadian members. The
group issues a newsletter and there is an annual meeting.
The society is dedicated to the Christmas Nativity and
was founded in 1999 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. If
interested contact; Friends of the Crèche Society, 19640
Driftwood Drive, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038
USA.
Merry Christmas and enjoy a wonderful
tradition.
Jim Trautman
[email protected]
16 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 17
2008/09 Shows & Auctions
*Oct. 24................Auction: Coin & Currency
Scribner Auction Ltd., Wainwright, AB
*Oct. 25................Auction: Antique & Collectible
Scribner Auction Ltd., Wainwright, AB
Oct. 26-Nov 2.......Market Mall Antique Sale
Saskatoon, SK
Oct 31, Nov 1.......Fall Antique Show
Olds Legion, Olds, AB
Nov. 1, 2...............Regina’s 19th Annual Christmas Sale of Antiques & Collectables
Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK
*Nov. 3, 4.............Auction: Semi-Annual Antiques & Collectibles
Hall’s Auction Services Ltd, Calgary, AB
*Nov. 8.................Auction: Lifetime Collection of Medalta owned by Mrs. Kathy Malmberg
Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers, Red Deer, AB
Nov. 8, 9...............Best of the West Antique Show
Tradex, Abbotsford, BC
Nov. 14, 15...........12th Annual Antique & Collectible Sale
Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Fort St. John, BC
*Nov. 15, 16.........Carswell’s 18th Annual Red Deer Christmas Antique Show & Sale
Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB
Nov. 15, 16...........Historical Arms Collectors Society of BC Trade Show
Operating Engineers Hall, Burnaby, BC
Nov. 16................21st Century Flea Market
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC
Nov. 22, 23...........12th Annual Piapot Lions Gun, Hobby & Antique Show
Armouries, Maple Creek, SK
*Nov. 24, 25......... Auction: Hodgin’s Semi-Annual Fine Art Auction
Hall’s Auction Services Ltd, Calgary, AB
*Nov. 26...............Auction: Estate of Cecille Tabler of Camrose, AB
Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers, Red Deer, AB
Dec. 7..................Retro Design & Antiques Fair
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC
Dec 7...................Historical Arms Collectors Society of BC Trade Show
Operating Engineers Hall, Burnaby, BC
*Jan. 17, 18.........Best of the West Cabin Fever Show
Tradex, Abbotsford, BC
Jan. 18.................21st Century Flea Market
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC
Jan 31, Feb. 1.......Piapot Lions 10th Annual Antique & Collectibles Show & Sale
Armouries, Maple Creek, SK
Feb. 15.................Retro Design & Antiques Fair
Croatian Cultural Centre, Vancouver, BC
Feb. 28.................First Canadian Collectors Club’s Antiques & Collectibles Show & Sale
Thorncliffe-Greenview Community Hall, Calgary, AB
*For full details, see ad in this issue.
18 • Discovering ANTIQUES
Discovering Shows is a complimentary listing.
Contact us regarding your event at: toll free: 1-888-705-8978
(403) 281-0413, Fax: (403) 238-6923, email: [email protected]
November 2008 - January 2009 • 19
Medalta Pottery
Collectors across Canada share their passion
Conrad Biernacki
Medalta Potteries Limited was in operation
in Medicine Hat from 1924 to 1954. It was one of
several stoneware and earthenware manufacturers in
southeast Alberta. Medalta Potteries was the largest and
longest running manufacturer of household crockery
and restaurant ware (also known has hotelware or
hotel china) in Canada, selling its products across the
country—and even to Australia and New Zealand. By
1929, the company was producing three-quarters of all
the pottery made in Canada.
Pottery production in Medicine Hat traces its
history back to 1912 with the founding of the Medicine
Hat Pottery Company. Established by John A. McIntyre
of the Western Porcelain Manufacturing Company of
Spokane, Washington, the company began production
in 1913, but closed the following year primarily due
to the high cost of importing clay from Washington.
(Suitable clay deposits were found in Saskatchewan
shortly afterward.) Products included stoneware crocks,
jugs and teapots.
New owners incorporated the pottery as Medalta
Stoneware Limited in 1915 and began production the
20 • Discovering ANTIQUES
ts are given
In the Medalta packing room, “Special” teapo
her 80’s Dorothy
their final inspection, circa 1942. Now in
old workplace to the
Palmer (née Tews),on the left, visited her
Does anyone
staff.
ct
Distri
Clay
ic
Histor
of
great enjoyment
Hat Clay Industries
e
Medicin
y
courtes
Photo
n?
recognize the other woma
National Historic District Archive s.
following year with clay from Eastend, Saskatchewan.
(The name Medalta, a contraction of the words Medicine
Hat and Alberta, was probably coined just prior to 1915
by one or more of the company founders: Charles Pratt,
Ulysses Sherman Grant and William A. Creer.) Along
with an abundant supply of natural gas and proximity
to railway lines, success was practically guaranteed.
The company’s products included stoneware crocks,
jugs, butter churns, bean pots and many other items.
By 1921, the first shipment filling 34 railroad cars was
sent to eastern Canada. The following year, Medalta
added an earthenware line that included bowls, teapots
and vases. In 1924, the company was renamed Medalta
Potteries Limited. In eastern Canada, it had distributors
in Toronto, Belleville, Montreal and Halifax. Eaton’s,
Woolworth’s and the Hudson’s Bay Company sold Medalta
kitchenware in their stores and mail order catalogues. By
1928, 30 percent of Medalta’s production was sold east of
the Prairies. And from 1934 to 1939, Medalta displayed
their wares in the Manufacturers’ Building at the
Canadian National Exhibition.
plainly glazed) represent several of the major areas of
collecting: lamps, vases, advertising ware, restaurant
ware and tableware. Only Medalta’s ubiquitous stoneware
(such as crocks, mixing bowls and bean pots) seem to be
forsaken as most cherished. This is either understandable
or inconceivable, depending on your point of view. No
matter, Medalta’s wide appeal assures its continued
growth as a highly desirable collectible.
But in 1954, the pottery closed. The cause of its
downfall began two years earlier when new owners
replaced their lucrative restaurant ware line with movie
theatre giveaways. The popularity of television greatly
decreased the number of movie goers. In addition,
English, German and Japanese ceramics were flooding
the Canadian market.
West Coast
To emphasize the national scope of Medalta’s
market, here are seven collectors from across Canada.
Ranging from only a few pieces to about 8,000, their
collections have different themes. Both men and women
pursue this interest either as couples or individuals, and
their ages and careers vary. Shown here, their favourite
pieces (moulded or wheel turned, hand painted or
Bruce Douglas holds a hand thrown Medalta lamp
decorated with two owls. Made about 1931 and possibly
painted by the company’s art director Tom Hulme. Bruce
believes it might be the only one in existence.
Bruce Douglas, a retired physician in Gabriola,
British Columbia, has been collecting Medalta since
1990. Previously, he collected American pottery, primarily
Homer Laughlin. “I asked Alma MacIntyre, a well known
and respected antiques dealer, if there was a Canadian
pottery that was collectible and available in Vancouver
and she suggested Medalta. At the next antiques shop I
found my first piece, a No. 24 lamp in a cream flow on
yellow glaze.”
“After I had a number of lamps, I put together a
booklet showing the ones I had identified, plus a page
of unmarked lamps I suspected were Medalta. I sent it
to Ron Getty, then the curator of Cultural History at the
Glenbow Museum in Calgary. He quickly identified my
unknown lamps, and we have remained friends ever
since. One of the lamps on the unknown page was a
brown No. 451, the only one of this shape known to exist.
Medalta glazes are distinct and can be used on their own
to identify unmarked artware.”
“Initially, my collection was of Medalta artware
(lamps and vases), but I also picked up unusual pieces
of stoneware. Later, I became interested in Medalta’s
glazes and designers (Jessie Wyatt, Walter Armstrong,
Tom Hume, Karl Baumler and Ed Phillipson). Their
influences allow the lamps to be divided into three
groups according to decoration, shape and glaze. Ron
tells me that I am the only collector to find pieces in an
unusual glaze called Granite. You can see it on lamps
No. 44 and 85 in the latest edition of my lamp book.”
(See below under Suggested reading.)
...continued on page 22
November 2008 - January 2009 • 21
Medalta Continued from page 21.
“My partner Sandy Corby also picked up pieces
which made a collection of about 8,000 of which nearly
a thousand were lamps. Our collection also includes
examples by other southeast Alberta potteries, both preand post−Medalta. The collection is being donated to the
Friends of Medalta Society that operates the Medicine
Hat Clay Industries National Historic District. We have
retained about 200 pieces for now.”
so excited when we got the Redcliff one for $50. Everyday,
I wish that we could go back to that auction since I have
never seen another hand painted teapot for $90.”
The favourite piece in the Anderson’s collection
is a 15-inch hourglass shaped Medalta vase (No. 104)
purchased in Manitoba. Hand painted with a Dutch
fishing boat at sunset, it was made about 1934. (If you
look closely, you will see “W3” painted on the main sail.
The letter identifies the region or coastal town where the
fisherman lived, and the number is unique to the vessel.
For example, W stands for Wieringen, and K for Katwijk.
Books showing late 19th or early 20th Century Dutch
paintings would have most likely been the inspiration
for the scene on this vase.) The Andersons have more
than 450 decorated pieces that include many advertising
examples, miniatures and a large assortment of pottery
from all the Alberta manufacturers. They continue
to plan their holidays around visits to antiques shows,
auctions and museums.
*This company was called Medalta Potteries (1966)
Limited, and was in operation in Redcliff (about nine kilometres
northwest of Medicine Hat) from 1966 to 1986.
Prairies
Sheila Anderson proudly shows a large Medlata hourglass
vase hand-painted with a Dutch fishing boat at sunset,
made about 1934. It is one of only two known in this size
and shape.
Sheila Anderson, an x-ray and lab technician, and
her husband Boyd, owner of a contracting business, live
in McBride, British Columbia. “In our house,” Sheila
explains, “antiques collecting started many years
ago when my husband would gather items from his
grandmother and neighbours. His interest rubbed off
on me, and it didn’t take long until we starting going
to farm auctions, antiques shows and museums as part
of our family holidays—buying every piece of crockery
in sight. Our love for Medalta started many years ago at
an auction sale where there were both a hand painted
Medalta teapot and a blue Medalta Redcliff* teapot. We
were shocked that the teapot with hand painted ships
went all the way up to $90 (we knew so little then), and
Tony Schlachter is a grain farmer and cattleman
from Bow Island, Alberta. He has been collecting Medalta
for more than 40 years, amassing a collection of about
2,500 pieces. He started collecting Medalta when nobody
else wanted it. As he became more familiar with the
different shapes, and realized that there was more than
one company that had produced pottery in the Medicine
Hat area, his interest grew. Information was not plentiful,
but he was able to track down past employees and
managers, including Bill Wyatt, Luke Lindoe, Malcolm
McArthur, Roy Ogilvie and Ed Phillipson.
Although Tony has recently donated his entire
collection to the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National
Historic District, he is still an active collector. He
conducts tours whenever he is visiting his collection or
by appointment.
One of Tony’s favourite pieces is a 1940s Medalta
soft drink dispenser purchased at a Calgary auction
...continued on page 24
22 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 23
Medalta Continued from page 22.
Worth a visit:
Today, you can visit the Medalta Potteries site
in the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic
District for a guided tour of vintage pottery making
machinery, kilns and displays. In addition to viewing the
collections of Bruce Douglas and Tony Schlachter, there
is a contemporary ceramic art gallery, working pottery
and gift shop.
Suggested reading:
1. Conrad Biernacki, “Medalta Pottery: Collectors
Tony Schlachter presents two 1940’s Stearn’s Root Beer
dispensers made by Medalta, now on display at the
t site.
Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic Distric
several years ago. He discovered the company that
commissioned it when he found a taller version in an
antiques shop in Simcoe, Ontario, labelled STEARNS’
ROOT BEER.* This example, however, did not have the
Medalta mark. “If it was orange instead of yellow,” says
Tony, “I would have had a good clue that it was made for
Hire’s Root Beer.”
*Dr. Stearns’ Root Beer was made by the Albert Lea Bottling
Works in Albert Lea, Minnesota, in operation from 1907 to 1961.
The drink was named after Dr. Samuel Stearns (1741-1809), a
famous American herbalist, astrologer, philosopher and author.
All the stories seem to have similar themes. These
people became collectors because they were curious,
acquisitive, design conscious and proud of Canada’s
ceramic accomplishments.
Enjoy Variety and a Historic Site,” Antique and
Collectibles Trader, pp 7-57, Fall 2008.
2. Bruce G. Douglas, Medalta’s Lamps! Friends of
Medalta Society, available soon. Until then, a
printable version is at www.RexAreCats.com/
medalta_lamps_2008_download_instructions.pdf
3. Ronald M. Getty, The Kilns of Southeastern Alberta,
Friends of Medalta Society, 2005.*
4. Ronald M. Getty, Know Your Medalta: Stamps and
Other Markings, Friends of Medalta Society, 2007.*
5. Anne Hayward, The Alberta Pottery Industry, 1912-
1990, Canadian Museum of Civilization, 2001.
6. The Medalta Review, newsletter of the Friends of
Medalta Society, Number 1, Spring 1998 to Number
27, Fall 2004.*
*Available through the Friends of Medalta Society website.
Ron Getty is a researcher, not a collector, who can be reached
through the website for help in identifying Alberta pottery.
He also does evaluations for insurance and tax purposes.
Websites:
1. www.medalta.org, Friends of Medalta Society, Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District
2. www.medalta.com, Digitalfire Corporation
The conclusion of this article will be contained in the next issue of Discovering Antiques (Feb/Mar/Apr 2009).
Conrad Biernacki is the programs manager at the Royal Ontario Museum and frequent exhibition curator at various galleries and museums.
He is writing a book on Blue Mountain Pottery to be published by the ROM in 2009. You can reach him at [email protected].
24 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 25
What is it?
What’s it Worth?
Interesting, interesting, interesting…to
say the least, about this tool. Yes, it is heavy and
cumbersome. It was probably produced in the central
part of the United States of America, and likely imported
to Canada as well. I would think that, in Alberta, it was
used mainly in the south eastern corner of the province.
Wow, have a look at the diamond pointed teeth. These
teeth are mounted on a manually rotated steel or cast
plate in the center of the cast frame. The opening at
the top is approximately 6 inches across with a tension
spring on the side which is to adjust the size. It almost
looks like something from perhaps the Medieval Times;
no, I don’t think so; but it would have probably helped
the farmers with their large fields of corn though. I often
ask people if they can guess what the item is by the size.
No, it is not used in the beauty or medical professions
either. Mainly an agricultural implement; this tool must
have been popular in its day as it was factory made by
“AH Patch, Clarksville, Tenn. USA.” This is a one person
tool but can be operated by two people, just to make it
easier. I have not seen this tool in use, but I am very sure
it would work.
I am talking a corn sheller (marked clearly on the
inner wheel). The operator would take a cob of corn and
remove the husk (outer greenery). Next, an end of the
cob would be put into the large opening while turning
the handle. The diamond teeth are supposed to cut the
kernels off the cob. Messy? I would think so. Practical? It
would depend on the size of the farm’s corn crop. I have
looked carefully at this piece of machinery; the lettering
is still clear, well defined and easy to read throughout. As
a matter of fact, there are still some light gold flecks left
on the lettering. Other letters have no paint left at all.
Although I have mentioned that I think it is to remove
the kernels from the cob; it may also have been used to
just husk the cob (remove the greenery). I have not seen
this tool in operation
Anyone who interested in seeing this item is more than
welcome to come to the store as the photos really do not
do it justice.
The value of this item today, I would determine to be:
$65.00 to $80.00.
If you have an item you would like to have evaluated write to Dan Thomson (owner, Inglewood Antiques) 1221B - 9 Avenue
SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0S9. Please include a clear picture of the item and any marks that may be visible. The cost per item is only
$5.00 which covers the time spent in research, etc. The most interesting items will be featured in this magazine. Please allow a
reasonable amount of time for Mr. Thomson to reply. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Mr. Thomson, and
are merely a guide to values. Neither Mr. Thomson nor the magazine will be held responsible for any transactions that may arise
from the above information. Items may or may not sell for appraised value. Thank you for using our service.
26 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 27
Dairy Delicious
Part IV - Decorative and Useful Items
By Susan Holme Manyluk,
HolmeHus Antiques, Red Deer, AB
As we have discussed in past issues;
milk, cream, butter, cheese (and meat)
provided by our various ruminant
partners, is delicious, nutritious and
environmentally friendly. In this
complex and symbiotic relationship that
is traditional dairying, lies a wonderful,
natural balance that we must safeguard
and maintain. The dairying traditions
of good management, cleanliness,
harmonious animal husbandry and
a fresh and natural product; should
always be our goal, whether the cow is
milked by hand into a bucket – or by a
robotic milking machine in a computerrun milking parlour for over a thousand
head.
And still, that isn’t all we have gained
from this ancient industry.
The many other by-products – leather, wool, hair,
horn and tallow, for example – throughout history, have
all played an extensive role in the betterment of people’s
lives. It was from the hides of aged dairy stock and draught
bullocks that heavy saddle and harness-grade leather was
made. It was needed to build the various types of saddles
and harness used for millions of horses that plowed and
pulled and transported for generations. The saddler did his
work on a sewing horse with the tools of his trade; knives, a
hammer, awls, needles and thread. Harness-makers used
many of the same tools to produce collars and tugs, straps
and reins; hand-stitched and strong enough to take the
strain of heavy horses at work on a daily basis.
Leather has also served as both sails and hulls for
small boats; as work aprons, bellows, pump chambers
and wagon springs; as buckets, tubs and beakers; as
nail-studded leather-bound steamer trunks and as fancy
sets of matching luggage; as desk tops, upholstery, bed
springs and window blinds; and of course, as boots, belts,
shoes, gloves, coats and pants.
These early items of apparel are extremely
collectable today. Everything is, from the finest chalkwhite kidskin gloves of La Belle Epoch, to vintage cavalry
gauntlets; from military boots to ballet slippers; from
early motorcycle or flight jackets to chamois diapers lined
with cotton flannel for newborns. Many of these items
have survived remarkably well, if they have been looked
after a little bit over the years. Moisture - too much, or
...continued on page 30
28 • Discovering ANTIQUES
November 2008 - January 2009 • 29
Dairy Delicious Continued from page 28.
too little – is the greatest enemy of leather. If kept saddlesoaped and oiled, or treated with regular applications of
neats-foot oil or leather-dressing; many antique leather
items can be maintained for a very long time, and will
gain beauty and suppleness with gentle use.
Wool and hair taken from hides for tanning was
never wasted in years gone by. Cleaned and felted, it was
used for stuffing and batting quilted items; for lining
curtains to insulate against winter drafts; or was used for
upholstery and floor coverings. Edwin C. Guillet writes in
his book, Pioneer Arts and Crafts (published in 1940 by the
Ontario Publishing Co. Ltd.) about a remarkable Loyalist
woman. “She lived near a small tannery and was given the
hair from the tanner’s vat. She cleaned, carded, and fulled
(felted) it, and combined it with a hemp-like weed growing
near her house, she doubled and twisted it into thread and
wove it into her only blanket.” Such industriousness was
common in Canada’s early history, I suspect.
Industriousness was also applied in early soap
and candle-making projects. Before a regular source
of coal oil or kerosene was available, most settlers’
homes depended on candles to provide illumination.
Candles could be dipped or moulded, if the equipment
to do so was available. Dipping was time consuming
and hot work, requiring many repeated dips to create
ten or twenty candles at a time. Beef tallow and mutton
fat which had been cleaned, finely diced and rendered
down, then strained and let harden; was scraped and
remelted. If bee’s wax was available, it resulted in a
superior candle if a little could be added to the batch.
Some folks also added extract of lavender, bayberry wax
or other aromatic oils to make the candles smell better
when burning.
All kinds of candle holders, whether primitive,
traditional or “fancy” make a wonderful collecting
area. Look for pairs which would have been placed on a
mantelpiece or a sideboard; chamber sticks, with a loop
for a finger hold, to be carried upstairs at bedtime. Simple
ceramic, wood or tin holders were meant for the kitchen
or workbench; and artistic wall sconces and candelabra in
glass, silver or brass graced the parlour and dining hall.
Cattle (and sheep and goats) also provided another
30 • Discovering ANTIQUES
raw material that was extensively used for many very
ordinary or very elegant items in times past….
The Burnt Lake Auction Market was built by brothers
George and Percy Belich, in partnership with long-time
auctioneer Ron Sim, in 1979. It opened for business in
early 1980, on the west side of Highway #2 (now the
Queen Elizabeth Highway) in the County of Red Deer.
Cattle from all over western Canada went through the
ring; as many as 4,000 head in a single day during the
peak sales season, often selling late into the night. Having
often sat in the audience while selling our cattle over the
past 28 years, I have had ample opportunity to study the
two massive heads of Longhorn bulls mounted on the
wall above the auctioneer’s podium. Ron Sim bought
them out of the ring (they were intended for slaughter
after long and illustrious careers as breeding bulls!) had
them slaughtered and the heads stuffed and mounted by
a local taxidermist, at a cost of over $800 each. These
two are really well done, without the demented, glassyeyed look of some mounted heads. They each have a
magnificent rack of horns, easily three feet from point to
point, and are quite spectacular as symbols of our early
cattle industry. Such heads sometimes find a lucrative
market as movie props for Western films. Though that
isn’t my point….
Have our readers guessed yet? Yes, I think
you have….
Horn, whether from cattle or other ruminants,
has a long and fascinating history of multipurpose
uses by mankind. The early Teutonic warriors favoured
drinking their ale or mead from a large curving bull’s
horn, often beautifully capped and mounted in silver or
brass stands, which were heavily chased and decorated.
Scandinavian Vikings are reputed to have designed their
war helmets with curving horns mounted in metal and
bull hide. When viewed against flaring torchlight during
“Besserker” raids, these “horned devils” struck fear into
the hearts of their victims. It is probably more myth than
reality, but still pretty effective propaganda.
On a lighter side, horn is an amazing, almost
translucent material; it will take a good polish, can be
...continued on page 32
November 2008 - January 2009 • 31
Dairy Delicious Continued from page 30.
select for polled or hornless animals.)
shaped using heat and water, has been carved, turned,
sharpened and inlaid with other materials. It is tough,
hard and almost indestructible. It has been used for
early eating utensils (large, short-handled spoons)
and later as handles for knives and forks. We have an
outstanding set of six stainless steel dinner knives with
beautifully patterned and facet-cut handles which were
made in Switzerland; and an English bread fork with
the distinctive wide, three-pronged design, in silver plate
with a horn handle, probably from about 1870. From
Scotland comes a pair of salt and pepper shakers. These
were machine-turned and shaped, with a three piece
threaded screw design, about 3 ½ inches tall. Beautiful
horn snuff boxes were fairly common, as were horn
beakers embellished with silver initials.
Much jewellery has been created out of horn as well.
We find wide, polished bangle bracelets cut from the base
of large horns, and examples of Scotland’s thistle carved as
kilt pins. Beads were made from the solid tips of the horn;
while intricate sets of buttons have been cut and engraved
or pierced, or inlaid with precious metals. Hat and hair
pins in horn, elaborate ornaments (often dating from
the 1890s) to dress elegant upswept hairstyles, and simple
combs for smoothing fly-away tresses can still be found.
Horn, being an organic material, is prone to dehydration.
To prevent it from becoming dry and brittle, occasionally
give it a gentle cleaning in warm water – without soaking.
Then rub softly with a little warm mineral oil, allowing
a few minutes for it to penetrate before wiping dry with a
soft cloth. (As a point of interest, today perhaps only 10
– 20% of cattle passing through an auction ring actually
have horns. This is due to a concerted effort to genetically
32 • Discovering ANTIQUES
Entire horn shells (with the core of the bone
removed) have been used as powder horns for muzzle
loaders. These can still be seen hanging in European
hunting lodges and on cabin walls in North America.
These were sometimes elaborate, sometimes utilitarian.
Another fascinating use of horn as a tool was in the
Danish ceramic workshops. Here clay was prepared,
thrown and hand-built for various useful and decorative
purposes in kitchens, storerooms or dairy. These items
were often decorated by applying a white or coloured slip
glaze using a hollow cow horn with a goose quill “nib”
to control the application of the design. This process
was called “horn painting” and in the picture you see
third generation master potter Hans Jorgen Knudsen
demonstrate the technique which probably goes back to
the Middle Ages, at least.
Excavations in the oldest areas of Copenhagen, for
construction purposes, have in the past yielded finds of
pottery shards from the 16 to 17 Hundreds with similar
decorative glazes. In many cases in the past, after the
Danish National Museum had removed as much as they
were interested in, the remainder became the property
of the contractor. In one case, the contractor collected
and made a
gift of some of
the remaining
pieces
to
the
father
of
Susanne
Balslov-Kulak
who now has
them. It is with
her generous permission that photograph were available
for this article. Thank you, Susanne!
And this definitely ends our series on “Dairy
Delicious.”
To all our readers, customers and friends – have
a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the coming
year! Enjoy antique hunting, collecting, decorating and
dining at home on local products surrounded by family
and friends.
November 2008 - January 2009 • 33
Discovering us near you..
& Everything Nice Antiques &
Curious Cat Antiques Mall
Mildred’s Antiques
Collectables
Calgary, AB (403) 301-0157
Edmonton, AB (780) 438-0368
Lacombe, AB (403) 782-3191
Echo’s Discontinued China & Silver
Off Broadway Antiques
& Everything Nice Antiques &
Collectables
Lacombe, AB (403) 782-3191
All Through the House
Okotoks, AB (403) 995-2399
Antique67.com
Antiques & More
Athabasca, AB (780) 675-7974
Antiques ‘N Tools
Stavely, AB (403) 625-2947
Antiques, Collectables & More
Lacombe, AB (403) 782-4719
Archer’s Antiques
Vancouver, BC 1-800-663-6004
Saskatoon, SK (306) 653-2969
Gadsden Promotions Ltd.
Off the Wall Antiques
1-800-667-0619
Gage Mercantile
Fairview, AB (780) 835-8043
Glass Crate, The
Carstairs, AB (403) 337-5867
Hall’s Auction Services Ltd.
Calgary, AB (403) 640-1244
Heirlooms Antiques
Calgary, AB (403) 720-4100
High River Antiques
High River, AB (403) 601-6289
HolmeHus Antiques
(306) 244-7229
Old Strathcona Antique Mall
Edmonton, AB (780) 433-0398
Pieces of the Past Antiques
Wetaskiwin, AB (780) 352-2525
Red Deer Antiques
Red Deer, AB (403) 348-5527
Rick’s Auction Galleries
Calgary, AB (403) 262-2900
Rocky Mountain Antique Mall
Edmonton, AB (780) 485-0020
Roseberry Antiques
Airdrie, AB (403) 948-3669
Red Deer, AB (403) 347-0516
Bragg Creek, AB (403) 949-3655
Scribner Auction
House of Curios
Wainwright, AB (780) 842-5666
Artifacts Furniture & Restorations
Olds, AB (403) 556-3131
Kindersley, SK (306) 463-3765
Inglewood Antiques
Sherwood Park Antique
Plaza & Home
Calgary, AB (403) 264-9463
Sherwood Park, AB (780) 416-6161
Innisfail Antiques & Curios
Te Papa Nui Antiques &
Collectibles
Asheford Institute of Antiques
Toronto, ON (877) 444-4508
Attica Antiques
Edmonton, AB (780) 452-4787
Backstreet Gifts & Antiques
Westerose, AB (780) 586-0733
Innisfail, AB (403) 227-5237
Junktiques Ltd.
Calgary, AB (403) 263-0619
Kuhn’s Kollectibles
Elk Point, AB (780) 724-4434
Big Valley Antiques & Collectibles
Lakeshore Antiques
Big Valley, AB (403) 876-2161
Wetaskiwin, AB (780) 352-1963
Bud Haynes & Co. Auctioneers Ltd.
La Petit Maison, Home Décor
Red Deer, AB (403) 347-5855
Carswell’s Promotions
Red Deer, AB (403) 343-1614
Classic European Furniture
Edmonton, AB 1-877-482-4414
Saskatoon, SK (306) 651-2800
Leduc Antique Mall
Leduc, AB (780) 986-1940
Light Up Your Life
Airdrie, AB (403) 243-4016
Invermere, BC (250) 342-0707
Traders of the Lost Art
Calgary, AB (403) 229-0234
Two Sisters Antiques
Canmore, AB (403) 678-2388
Uniquities Architectural Antiques
Calgary, AB (403) 228-9221
Vintage Antiques
Edmonton, AB (780) 484-7265
Vintage Stove Restoration
Didsbury, AB (403) 335-3905
Where On Earth …
did you get That? Antique Mall
MacGowan’s Old Wares &
Antiques
Airdrie, AB (403) 948-3669
Collectors’ Antiques
Calgary, AB (403) 245-8300
Saskatoon, SK (306) 653-4033
Lethbridge, AB (403) 328-3346
34 • Discovering ANTIQUES
Ye Olde Antique Shoppe
Discovering ANTIQUES • 35