Finding Alice

The other day while moving things around at the shop to make room for a monster black antique cash register, I was pleasantly surprised to find a miniature edition of Alice in Wonderland back in the corner of a small book shelf behind my counter. Obviously I put it there long ago with no recollection......
This old rare book by Lewis Carroll is so sweet! It is a miniature edition from 1918. It has 204 pages and measures 6" x 4". It has red boards with gold art of Alice and the Pig on the front and 42 illustrations by John Tenniel inside. Printed in Great Britain. There is one small split in the lower spine on the outside with a little fraying, other than that, it is in good shape for its age. Really beautiful book and a great find in my own shop!

It is now for sale if interested!

Happy New Year!

I was able to get away on a little hunting trip over the holidays and found this fabulous old robotic mannequin. She moved into my shop on New Years Day, fit right into the haunting atmosphere and has become a big hit already. From around the 1930's-40's, plug her in and she comes alive, moving her arms back and forth over the tarot cards while her head turns both ways. She looks like the Bionic Woman inside, full of old machine works and gears. She must have been a fortune teller back in the Good Old Days, I have never seen one like this before. She lives at my shop now so come visit often and ask for a demonstration.

More new arrivals from my recent trip are posted here and on the website.

Thanks for all your support and kind comments in 2008 and have a Wonderful New Year!

On the Prowl

Finally after a break in the weather, I was able to get out and do a little hunting. Don't get me wrong, I do love winter - the fog and dampness, snow and exciting thunder storms, the relief of less sunshine....but that all puts a damper on the street faires and antique shows. Last weekend I found some fantastic old gypsy collectibles...this gorgeous gypsy caravan drape is appliqued old silk and velvet with cord embroidery work. It measures about 6 feet wide x 5 feet high.
This antique dream book c. 1887 is a wealth of information.

I was thrilled to find this vintage deck of Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Cards, the older graphics in this deck are fabulous and all the cards are present.

This old dancer's costume is rich black velvet with vintage sequins and flesh netting. The half mannequin wearing the costume and the costume are for sale together as the costume is fragile from age. The cards and drape are also for sale but the book is going into my collection for now. Happy Hunting!