ANTIQUEHAVEN

I just picked up an old advertising sign for Scotty Beverages from Detroit, MI on E-Bay. Little is known about Roma Gazosa Co, who was the manufacturer of the soda, but, the sign itself was made on a sheet of aluminum made by Kaiser Aluminum, which was founded in 1946 and I found a couple of examples of Scotty Bottles that were from 1945 and 1947. I would date this fragile sign around 1947. It will be available for sale at Rooster's, which loves Detroit related items.

Roosters purchased a terrific Mammy Cookie Jar made by Mosaic Tile Company in the mid 1940's. Mosaic did not make these jars for commercial sale, which explains why they book at $375. The 13 1/2" jars have a wonderful and detailed Mammy who has her right hand folded over her left with a big smile. There were at least 6 different color variations and we have the more common yellow version. Cookie Jar sales are somewhat flat, but, how could we pass on ol' Mammy? SOLD

Roosters purchased a neat cigar box that was distributed by The Northwest Cigar Mfg Co. out of Detroit, MI. Very little is known about this company. It was owned by Frank M Roach from 1894 until at least 1908. This must have been a smaller company, as I cannot find any memorabilia from the plant. The cool thing about this box is that it has a desirable label under the lid; "Compliments of the Season" by American Lithograph Co. I've found people wanting $100 for an unused label. We love old Detroit related historical items and this will eventually find it's way into the shop. SOLD

Rooster's has just purchased a neat historical item from Detroit. It is a c. 1900 original framed photo of what is believed to be 12 Detroit Firefighters. The uniforms are consistent with the period. 3 of the men have what appear to be bugle insignias on their collar. Two of the men have one bugle which would signify them being lieutenants and one man has two bugles which would make him a Captain. The frame has it's original paper backing with a label from Henry & Willis at 137 Gratiot Ave. which is in Detroit. A mild bummer is that when the photo was taken all of the Firefighter's hats were illuminated giving them a white glare. Not only did that distort the color of the hats, but, it blocked out any cap badges. There are a few identifiable points: The chairs that the men are sitting in are 19th c chairs. They are sitting in the road which is dirt. Detroit's roads were not paved until after Henry Ford started his auto company in the early part of the 20th c. The ph...

Most Mechanical Penny Banks found at Garage Sales, Flea Markets and yes....Antique Shops are often 1970's Reproduction banks. I've posted pics of a mid-1970's advetisement for 7 different banks that you could purchase for $19.95. If you purchased a 2nd bank, you got it for half-off. These banks included the Uncle Sam, Trick Dog, Clown, Indian & Bear, Artillery, Dentist and Magician. These offers came via magazines, through your bank or any number of other avenues. Dont be fooled by these now 30+ year old reproductions.

I have been a reader of your blog for a while now and truly enjoy the informative articles you have posted. Scrolling down toward the earlier posts I read that you had offered to assist with identifying items and I wanted to take you up on that if you have the time. Came across this ceramic piece a few years back and haven't been able to ID the maker/age. I believe it to be some sort of ceramic food mold. It is 10" wide and 3.5" tall. There is a spot where I was able to see the color of the clay underneath the thick, multicolored glaze that appears to be a deep red/burgundy color. The color under it all appears to be white and there are spots of green as well. Haven't seen anything like it in my experience. There are a number of firing marks on the bottom ribs and it is lightly crazed all over the entire surface. Someone suggested it might be Bennington Pottery. After writing I received an e-mail back from one of the curators of the museum, which stated: "The ...

Rooster's just picked up a fantastic 1920's Detroit Times Newspaper Delivery Wagon on consignment. The consignor's husband won this wagon around 1928 in a paper selling contest. It has been in the family since and is in terrific condition. It measures 39" long x 19" wide. The wagon has 4 wooden gates on all sides and 2 Detroit Times boards. You can see this great wagon at our shop at 5303 S. Telegraph in Dearborn Heights, MI. 313-291-0460.