Can You Help Identify? November 24

Every once in a while at Dusty Old Thing we like to feature some of the items that have been shared with us by our readers in an attempt to help identify them. Since we’re a part of social media everyone is free to offer their opinions. We are a large community and differing people have differing levels of experitise. We also like to have fun, so even guesses are welcome!

Here are four pieces recently posted by our members. The captions are in their own words.

from: Barb Birks: “From my huge collection of antique family photographs, but sadly unknown who they are.”

We’d like to ask our readers to assist Barb by helping to identify the time period in which these photos could have been taken. Notice, especially the gentleman’s dress: the dark silk around his neck, what looks to be a double breasted top coat with brass buttons and some type of medal/insignia on a ribbon. The lady appears, also, to be wearing lace or net wrist gloves.

So, what do you all think?

from: Sandra Sage: “Acquired this doll recently and unable to pinpoint age/make. A doll expert guesses it may be religious….any info would be greatly appreciated.”

Could Sandra’s doll be a boy? A little prince? What do you think? Ideas?

Sandra adds that there are no markings that she can see. The doll doesn’t have its arms anymore. The body is made from a wooden block (very interesting!!) and the hair is cut short and feels like mink! The dress is very delicate. The eyes are glass and the teeth are tiny.

from: Dee Mitchell Mccullough: “I HAVE ASKED EVERYONE I KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE INCLUDING ALL THE OLD TIMERS HER AT THE SENIOR CENTER BUT NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THIS IS OR WHAT IT’S PURPOSE IS. IT IS ALL CERAMIC AND EVERY PART ON IT MOVES EXCEPT FOR THE CERAMIC ROD THAT RUNS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF EVERYTHING. THANKS DEE”

Dee’s whatchamacallit has already had many interesting comments and ideas. It is all ceramic. Some of our readers think it is a knife sharpener. What do you think?

from: Kimberly Jett Hughes: “Hey I am new and I am curious about this mini cast iron stove. Any one with info and value?”

Kimberly’s stove did belong to her mother. We think it is a Crescent model and is remarkable for having so many of the accessories. Do any of our readers know how to tell a salesman sample from a toy? Do you know the dates they were manufactured?