PR IC EL November/December 2008 January 2009

ANTIQUING IN WESTERN CANADA

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ANTIQUES

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Discovering

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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

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November 2008 - January 2009 • 

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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

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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

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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]

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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.

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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

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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].

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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.

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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

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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

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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