Russel Wright Archives - Driving for Deco

No doubt, few of us have been Driving for Deco due to recent world events. Regular readers know about our weekend finds, items we passed on and regretted, antique vacations and history of long-gone deco monuments. It seems we are in perfect harmony and agreement at all times.

…

Not!

…

And that is what this post is about.

…

Several times (OK, really many times) we find ourselves disagreeing as to whether to get something or not. Inevitably, one or the other talks the other into a purchase or, defying the other, purchases it anyway. Here are a few:

…

: Chase French Watering Can

Chase French Watering Can: Produced between 1933-1937, this is a large and hard to find piece. When I spotted this one, it was very tarnished, and Anthony was unimpressed. Seeing the maker’s mark Chase, I convinced him to take the chance. His opinion changed after we polished it up. It lives prominently displayed in his home. And where else but by his plants

…

: Russel Wright for Bauer (photo: veniceclayartists.com)

Pillow Vase and Machine-age Lamp: After the local Vietnam Vets Thrift store closed in Rochester, the new tenants, Green-o-vation, a co-op, moved in. We occasionally find items here but not as often as the VA thrift store.

The first was a pillow vase by Russel Wright / Bauer. As a tactile person, I picked it up and drew his attention to it. Anthony stated he saw and passed up what he thought to be a not-too-attractive, mid-century vase. I noted the signature on the bottom and a quick internet search and he was interested. At $15.00, it came home with us. Often mistaken for a piece of mid-century pottery. This is a heavy piece was produced between 1945-1947. The line was not successful and pieces are difficult to find.

…

: Machine Age lamp

The second thing he passed on was a rather grubby deco style table lamp in the back room. I saw it and dragged him back to take a look. To say he was unimpressed is an understatement. Beside the general grime, it was covered in rust. Also, it wasn’t priced.

I liked the overall lines and figured it could be cleaned up and if necessary, painted – if the price was right. He was still not convinced. Fortunately, the owners had a 70% off all their merchandise. And the final sale price was $7.50. A quick clean and the “rust”, which was nicotine stains, wiped away to reveal a beautiful chrome lamp. After rewiring and a new shade, it proudly resides in Anthony’s TV room.

…

: Clematis by Homer Laughlin

Homer Laughlin, Clematis: On one of our trips to (the sadly closed) All That Jazz Antique Mall, Anthony spotted a box of china. Lots of china! I was initially ambivalent. I liked it, but we have so much dishware already. The pattern and the price were nice and didn’t take much convincing and it is very deco. I walked away with a box of Homer Laughlin Wells china with the Clematis (also called Red Beauty) decal for $42.00. After some research, we found it to be one of the more desirable decals and difficult to find, let alone 92 pieces!

…

: Cocktail shaker from 1934 Chicago World’s Fair – A Century of Progress

1934 World’s Fair Cocktail Shaker: On one of our frequent trips to The Heart of Ohio Antique Mall we this Century of Progress cocktail shaker. Anthony really liked it but the price was off-putting. I asked if he’d ever seen one before and if not, what were the chances of seeing one again. It was the most expensive item purchased on the trip.

…

: The Maltese Falcon

Vintage Books: Anthony is a great collector of vintage books. He found a vintage copy (6^th edition) of the Maltese Falcon, and as it was not a first edition, he passed. I convinced him that for $9, and the fact he’d never seen one before – take a chance. Glad he did. This edition issue in similar condition sell online for $150-$200.

…

: Agatha Christie – 1926, 2nd edition

Speaking of books, we regularly visit One Potato Two Antiques in Bloomfield, NY. Anthony spotted a vintage Agatha Christie (one of my favorite authors). On the rare occasion I didn’t want to spend money, I passed on it. However, in his extreme wisdom, Anthony asked, “How many Agatha Christie’s from the ‘20’s do you see floating around?” Point taken (I hate when he uses my own logic against me!) and I bought it. Anthony has added to this collection over the years.

…

So, although we don’t always agree, we still enjoy the search and “challenges” when driving for deco.

…

Be safe, and hopefully we’ll be on the hunt again, soon!

…

Chris & Anthony, The Freakin”tiquen Guys

Ohio, USA. A state with some of the best antique malls in the country. Image from Best Maps US.

Why-oh-why Ohio? Because it is still the best antique mall we’ve found! Ohio is the place to go for a great variety of items of every possible era and at reasonable prices. While we journey to Ohio at least once a year, this year’s trip included a very special guest antique collector and friend, Nancy.

Day 1

Our Freakin’ ‘Tiquen 2018 adventures started after an early and hearty breakfast on August 26^th, the three of us headed out to our first stop in Ohio, Pottery City Antique Mall in East Liverpool, Ohio. For Chris, it seemed like the blink of an eye as he slept most of the way!

The Pottery City Gallery Antique Mall in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Russel Wright American Modern Serving Bowl.

A Russel Wright American Modern vegetable bowl that Chris picked up at the Pottery City Galleries, in East Liverpool, Ohio.

We met up with friends who live about an hour away from the mall and we spent a pleasant afternoon shopping and catching up. The Freakin’ ‘Tiquen Guys started small, walking away with a Russel Wright vegetable bowl and a Revere handled basket. A stop for lunch at a local restaurant, Hot Dog Shoppe, and the three of us were on way to Cincinnati.

Hot Dog Shoppe just around the corner from the Pottery City Gallery Antique Mall. Good food and good prices. Image from TripAdvisor.com

Day 2

After a restful night, we headed out to the Flore nce Antique Mall, Florence Kentucky. Nancy found this one and it was a new experience for all of us. Large and well laid out, we purchased a ceramic deer statue, possibly by one of the California pottery companies. Nancy found the first of her treasures, a vintage beaded hand bag. Also purchased: an autobiography by Arlene Francis and When Democracy Builds by Frank Lloyd Wright (1945). Generally, the prices we found more than fair and the available stock diverse.

The Florence Antique Mall in Florence, Kentucky.

: The interior of the Florence Antique Mall.

: Another view inside the Florence Antique Mall.

The first vintage handbag that Nancy found on the trip.

The ceramic Art Deco deer that Chris purchased at the Florence Antique Mall.

When Democracy Builds by Frank Lloyd Wright (1945).

Our next stop for the day brought us to the Ohio Valley Antique Mall just north of Cincinnati. Our successful day concluded with a pair of Kensington Stratford candle holders (1939) designed by S.C. Brickley, a Here’s How, cocktail recipe book (1941), and a painted wooden jewelry box attributed to Paul Frankl. Nancy purchased a beautiful quilt, a vintage handbag and several books.

Ohio Valley Antique Mall in Fairfield, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati.

: Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

: The Ohio Valley Antique Mall, interior.

Kensington Stratford candle holders, designed by S. C. Brickley in 1939.

Stratford console set, Kensington Aluminum.

Kensington Aluminum S. C. Brickland’s 1939 Stratford candleholders with Lurelle Guild’s 1934 Stratford comport.

Art Deco painted wooden box attributed to designer Paul Frankl.

Anthony at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

Anthony makes a new friend at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.

After a full day of shopping, we called it quits for the night. Near our hotel we dined at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Fairfield Ohio. We can recommend this eatery after having a delicious dinner and excellent service.

Day 3

West Chester Antique Center, West Chester, Ohio. Image from gettothebc.com.

Day three we headed to the West Chester Antique Center (10 minutes from where we were staying) in West Chester, Ohio. We quickly picked up a pair of Ronson Athena Goddess bookends and a 1932 re-strike etching of E.T. Hurley’s 1921, Fountain Square. Although we found some great buys, the stock leans more to up-cycled and garage sale items.

A pair of 1930’s Athena Goddess bookends made by Ronson – Art Metal Works of Newark, NJ. Some people think they are creepy, I can see where they are coming from.

A quick 45 minute drive and we arrived at the Antiques Village, Dayton. Chris purchased a Roseville Moderne triple candle holder and a Wells Art Glaze casserole base while Nancy picked up a vintage cloche hat. As we finished relatively early, we headed back to the hotel for a bit of rest before dinner. We dined at The Chop House conveniently located next to hotel and within walking distance. Although a bit pricey, the food was excellent but the service was a bit uneven.

: Antiques Village in Dayton, Ohio. Image from Yelp.

: Roseville triple candle holder.

At Antiques Village, Chris found this Homer Laughlin Wells Art Glaze casserole base to add to his collection.

The great late 1920’s cloche hat that Nancy picked up.

: The Chop House in Dayton, Ohio. Image from ThreeBestRated.com

: Nancy and Anthony waiting for a table at The Chop House.

Day 4

Fields of Treasure, West Carrollton, Ohio.

Fields of Treasure in West Carrollton, Ohio.

Wednesday brought us a change of pace. Taking the morning off from antiquing, we went to the America’s Packard Museum in Downtown Dayton. Unfortunately, we arrived early and it wasn’t open yet. Nancy and Chris convinced Anthony to back-track almost to where we started our day to go to Fields of Treasures in West Carrollton, Ohio, a small privately owned shop with lots to look at. Nancy picked up a bar caddy set for $15 and Chris found 4 Homer Laughlin egg cups in the hard-to-find Clematis Pattern. Originally $15.00 for the set, the owner had them on sale for $10.00.

Homer Laughlin egg cups in the hard-to-find Clematis decal.

: America’s Packard Museum at 420 S. Ludlow Street, Dayton, Ohio.

: America’s Packard Museum, vertical sign detail.

Heading back to our previous destination, our timing couldn’t have been more perfect and the America’s Packard Museum opened just as we arrived. There is a nominal fee to enter and the museum is self guided. Examples represent the various cars from 1914 to the line’s demise in 1956. Placards clearly describe each car and the innovation each brought to the line. We spent a good part of the afternoon there before heading off to Springfield, Ohio.

Welcome to the America’s Packard Museum

Original renderings by chief designer

: 1914 Model 4-48 Runabout.

: 1932 Light Eight Coupe Roadster.

: 1934 Seven Passenger Touring Car.

: 1936 One Twenty Convertible Sedan.

: 1941 One Eighty Convertible Victoria by Darrin.

: 1947 Custom Super Clipper, originally owned by Al Capone.

Exiting from the main entrance of America’s Packard Museum.

We arrived a bit late to the Springfield Antique Center. Comprising of two complex’, we got through the first building and picked up 5 Universal plates in the Seminole pattern. There was just enough time for a quick walk through of some of the second building with the intent to come back the next day.

The Universal Potteries dinner plates with the Seminole decal that Chris bought. Image from worthpoint.com

After finding a hotel and settling in, we entertained ourselves by going to Half Price Books, Records and Magazines. If you have never been, and there is one in the vicinity, you are sure to walk away with one or two (or fifty) items.

Half Price Books in Dayton, Ohio. Image from Google Earth.

Day 5

Thursday, August 30th, 9:30 a.m. and we arrived at Mecca! The Heart of Ohio Antique Center is 122,000 sq. ft, 1425 booths and showcases with an additional 30,000 sq. ft. outdoor garden area. This place never disappoints and we took home our most expensive haul from here. The prices throughout are generally fair but with an occasional bargain thrown in for good measure.

Nancy ready to take on the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall.

At a good pace, and with comfy shoes, you can get through the complex in about 5-6 hours. It’s good to be prepared!

A couple of Carl Sorensen bronze bowls that all of us passed on at the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall.

Anthony picked up a 1934 Century of Progress cocktail shaker (the most expensive purchase on the trip) and a 1930’s moderné bridge lamp by the Rembrandt Lamp Company that the vendor described as mid-century. Chris picked up a pair of glass deco candle holders and a Chase chrome bubble candle holder. Nancy purchased a couple of vintage handbags and a few other items. We finished up sometime around 3:30 ( we lunched at their café midway through the day) and headed back to building 2 at the Springfield Antique Center.

: Chase chrome and cobalt glass “bubble” candle holder from the 1930’s.

: Pair of Heisey Ridgeleigh candle holders (1934 – 1943).

: Mid-1930’s Rembrandt bridge lamp with original shade.

: 1934 Century of Progress, aluminum recipe cocktail shaker made by A. P. Co. of La Grange, Illinois.

Two great vintage beaded handbag Nancy picked up at the Heart of Ohio.

Anthony finally found a Manning-Bowman “Carafon” insulated carafe in walnut finish. Nancy picked up few items but Chris left empty-handed.

Anthony’s Manning-Bowman Carafon in walnut (1931 – 1940), purchased at the Springfield Antique Center.

Day 6

The next morning, we headed toward the AAA 1-76 Antique Mall in Ravenna. Another large mall, we saw and discussed many great items. We passed on a deco copper sconce but Anthony did pick up a Chase chrome butter dish with matching butter-fork. (Anthony searched many years for the elusive butter-fork.)

: AAA I-76 Antique Mall Interior.

: Looking down an aisle at the AAA I-76 Antique Mall.

: Revere, Kensington Chase.

: Anthony’s favorite cases at the AAA I-76 Antique Mall. Here is a perfect example of the Deco that we drive for.

: So much Deco, so little money!

1939 N. Y. World's Fair enameled topped table.

The table that Anthony passed on. The “Table of Tomorrow”! An enameled topped 1939 New York World’s Fair Kitchen table.

He ultimately passed on 1939-40 World’s Fair enamel kitchen table but Chris purchased a small white deco vase. Nancy walked away with no purchase but with some great memories. With our day wrapped up, we headed to our final destination in Cleveland.

: Chase Butter Fork.

: Chase Butter Dish & Fork.

Day 7

We dedicated our final day to visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art. Large, with a mix of traditional and modern it is well laid out and free to the public. Picasso, Cezanne, Monet, and more are well represented as well as American artists such as Reginald Marsh, Grant Wood, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, to name but a few, are also well represented, The museum it is a must see when in town.

A view of the main concourse of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

The atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art showing the back of the original 1916 building.

This is no time for pictures. There are exhibits to see!

Water Lillies by Claude Monet, 1926.

: Pablo Picasso’s Harlequin with Violin, 1918.

: Fan, Salt Box, Melon, Pablo Picasso, 1909.

: George Bellow’s 1909 painting, Stag at Sharky’s.

: A Woman’s Work, 1912 by John Sloan.

: Regniald Marsh’s A Paramount Picture from 1934.

: January, 1940-41. One of the last paintings by Grant Wood.

: Maine Coast (1907), Rockwell Kent.

: Edward Hopper’s painting Hills, South Truro, 1930.

After a wonderful day at the museum, we headed home to admire our treasures and sleep in our own beds. Another successful driving for deco vacation and shared with our good friend Nancy.