A Little Chinese - To Go

Just in to Antiqueswest, a massive dining table... handsomely carved and accompanied by four sturdy chairs. Consignor offers a host of photos to help you make your decision...

Early California Comes Out of the Bank Vault

Another lovely find arrives at Antiqueswest.com.

This one is a massive 4.5'x6' early California (circa 1870) landscape by Ransom Gillette Holdredge, in its original frame, and signed lower left and rear. The scene is a handsome rendering of late afternoon along Penetencia Creek in Santa Clara County, cattle grazing along the meandering arroyo, the hillsides touched by golden light.

We are pleased to have it. It hung in a bank in Northern California for some time, apparently, as there are some property tags on the back.

Another Note from Pawnee Bill

Just one you think you've seen all the Pawnee Bill Lillie things you're going to see for awhile up comes more letters and memorabilia. Scroll down for a look at a drum believed used in Bill's Wild West Show.

All items sent in from friends of Antiqueswest who saw similar items posted here. That's part of the fun, talking about interesting old bits that crop up from time to time. More on the way. Check out the antiques section when you can and thanks for writing and calling!

Rats!

Well, close but no cigar. I hail from the "all or nothing" school and it seems our CS Oval with Stars is a no show... though it had style. Floating around in the bottom of a cigar box at the house I decided to offer the plate for sale at a favorable rate, immediately setting off alarm bells from some of the biggest names -- well, actually the biggest names in the business, several of whom said they were "90 percent certain" it was "right."

Turns out it's a very old restrike, done in a wax mold and loaded with deep patina - just like the real deal. If it had been found genuine, I was going to take the family out to dinner and put a new roof on the hacienda on the proceeds.

Instead, back into the cigar box! Thanks to all of you who wrote us about this piece and to the real pros in the business who looked this plate over for me. Gentlemen all!

Vintage or 1862?

This little guy has sparked something of a controversy on the site. We had thought it was a vintage strike of the famed CS Oval with Stars and brought it out of storage for sale. Now, we're told by a couple of experts we've heard about before who say it is real and from the war years.

Your thoughts? Any other experts care to weigh in? Beautiful chocolate patina and nice overall finish.