Here are a few objects that have a little more backstory to tell.
From Cork Swimwear to Eyeglasses for Chickens: Weird & Wonderful Inventions from the Turn of the 19th Century
Published on Feb 5, 2018 ‧ 3 min read ‧
If ever proof were needed that innovation knows no bounds, look no further than our list of six “out of the ordinary” historical …
Is this rare quack Inhalatorium medical gas chamber the only one left?
Published on May 27, 2017 ‧ 4 min read ‧
I messaged the online seller that I couldn’t afford to buy it, so the next best thing is to share its history and …
Did you know “Spotify” was available in the late 1930s?
Published on Feb 18, 2017 ‧ 3 min read ‧
My friend Glen has been collecting antiques for over 50 years. He’s been stumped several times by my guessing game website. So during my first visit to his home/museum, he couldn’t wait to give me a taste of my own patent medicine by asking me …
Did Westworld just end my 3 year search for a rare ophthalmophantome?
Published on Dec 23, 2016 ‧ 3 min read ‧
I recently started watching the heralded Westworld and it exceed my expectations in more ways than one. When I saw this bizarre bust on Dr. Robert Ford’s desk in the third episode, I couldn’t believe …
Did the inventor of the electric chair shockingly write a comic opera?
Published on Dec 10, 2016 ‧ 3 min read ‧
I recently bought an old copy of a comic opera on eBay. The seller listed the item as 1914 Tuneful Liar Comic Opera Harry Tyler Corning N.Y Electric Chair Execution. “Electric Chair Execution” — what the …
Was my antique store find made by the Heisman Trophy sculptor?
Published on Jan 14, 2016 ‧ 3 min read ‧
When I bought this sculpture a year ago, I knew right away it was a model for skin grafting in nasal reconstruction first described in …