hr: Antiques

Most people would be excited in witnessing the presidential inauguration most especially if the person they voted won the election but there is also another thing that the women and those who are into fashion are pretty fascinated about. It is when the First Lady of the land will come out on her chosen inaugural ball gown.

The Smithsonian Institute acknowledges this fascination and organized a collection to preserve them.  They gave the collection a title of, “First Ladies at the Smithsonian”. It is indeed one of the most popular collections from the Institute. It always draw a huge crowd whenever it is included on an exhibit.

Last December 19, it was on display again. Some of the gowns are nearly a century old. Not all the gowns will be included. The Smithsonian just chooses enough for the exhibit. There are several reasons why they do not showcase the whole collection because some of them are too badly damaged to be put on display and some were too overexposed to different elements by being on display all the time. They decided to just rotate the collection.

While it is not required for a first lady to donate her gown to the Smithsonian, each year the Institute put on a request to the First Lady to donate something of hers to the collection and the usual item they give is the inaugural gown. The oldest gown they have is from Martha Washington but the oldest inaugural gown was of Andrew Jackson’s niece who served as his official hostess during his term. The newest is from Laura Bush unless the current First Lady Michelle Obama already donated her Jason Wu off shoulder white gown.

In a society where there is so much scrutiny on the fashion sense of the First Lady, this is one major event for her. People would analyze why she would have chosen a certain style, the color, the kind of fabric and the designer. She is a symbol of the whole country so everything she does represents the whole nation and so the fascination continues.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian

When people say that the library is like a treasure chest full of precious and valuable items, they are not only referring to the knowledge value but monetary as well.

Photo Credit: Popcrunch

Recently, I read that in one of the episodes of the Antique Roadshow, one the longest running television show about antiques, a woman discovered that her 1937, first edition book of “The Hobbit” by J. R. Tolkien was valued at around £3000 today. It was borrowed by a friend and in turn was borrowed again from that friend that she lost contact already through the years. The owner and the borrower both forgot who borrowed it and who lent it. It was only returned to her when she visited a friend’s house and her daughter’s friend gave it back to her.

Photo Credit: WonderRob™

The story was not that clear but the thing that struck me the most is the huge possibility that there might be books that were so ordinary during the time that is was bought but could turn out to be quite special after many years.

This is the reason why I want to remind you all to check your old books. Some could have been passed on by your grandparents that might be rotting in the attic or some old boxes. These books can be like a savings account in the bank. Depending on the title, the year it was made, the edition and the popularity and significance of it, their value increases each day that passes by. So, what are you waiting for, check them and have them appraised by professionals.

Around 32 rare books dealing with Antique Silver was recently uncovered. These books contain important information that any serious antique silver collector out there should have in their possession.

Although you might not ever have a physical copy of any of the book, you can still access its data. Thanks to the advanced technology that we all are enjoying right now, a site called Antiques Silver Library came out with an E-Book which includes all the data from the 32 rare books that was found in digital format.

This is an incredible resource of information from books that were published way back in the 1800s and 1900s which could be so expensive if purchased individually, that is, if you are lucky enough to find one.

Here are some samples of what one may find in the E-book:

There is nothing greater than to read them on a printed book but it is also quite practical and convenient to have 32 different books compiled in one digital E-book format. They are easily searchable and definitely more affordable than buying the printed version.

Some of the interesting titles from the 32 rare books:

Art Work In Gold And Silver, Henry Wheatley, 1882

Chats On Old Silver, Arthur Hayden, 1917

Ancient And Modern Gold And Silversmith’s Work, The South Kensington Museum, London, 1878

Catalogue Of An Exhibition Of Silver Used In New York, New Jersey And The South, R.T. Haines Halsey, 1911

A History Of English Silversmiths, Goldsmiths And Plateworkers And Their Marks Stamped On Plate, 1899

Photo Credit: Antique Silver Library

It took the United States Congress another 8 years to decide what to do with the James Smithson’s money that will somehow follow his last request which is,

“an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge …”

They debated and argued how to handle the bequest. Ideas such as a national university, a research institute, national library, national museum and the like were suggested.

Finally, on August of 1846, they signed and passed a law entitled, “Act To Establish the Smithsonian Institution”. It created a charitable trust wherein they would build an Institute that will be a combination of a library, a museum, a research facility and more but they scratched out the university suggestion. It would be independent from the government but appointed a number of congressman, senators and private citizens to its Board of Directors or Regents along with the United States VP and Chief of Justice.

The Board appointed a known physicist, Joseph Henry as the very first Chief Executive Officer or First Secretary. He made the Smithsonian a scientific research center focused on weather observations and making sure that American scientists will have free access to international scientific journals and publications that would further helped in their research and to discovering new things.

When he died, his long time assistant Spencer Fullerton Baird took over the helm and continue to explore scientific possibilities and began collecting specimens and historical artifacts to which the U.S. Congress decided to make the Smithsonian Institute the National Museum of the United States.

Whoever was appointed Chief Executive or Secretary, he always made sure that the Smithsonian would not be used by any political group as to continue a good relationship with the Congress; a practice that worked for the Institute very well. Even during the time of Joseph Henry, he decided not to give his views on Darwin’s theory of evolution nor did he place any flag on top of the building during the Civil War .

It paid off, the Smithsonian Institute is still there, full of many educational and historical items so that future generations can see well into their past. Through all those years there were several private collectors who were persuaded to donate their precious collection to the Institute. Some private citizens even donated money to construct more buildings connected to it that would further enhance the Institute.

James Lewis Macie also known as James Smithson must be very happy wherever he is right now since one of his reasons for donating the money to the United States did come true:

“My name shall live in the memory of man when the titles of the Northumberlands and Percys are extinct and forgotten.”

Apparently, it is believed that since he was an illegitimate son of an English duke he probably thought of this act as his revenge for not being allowed to take the title from his father, the First Duke of Northumberlands.

 Photo Credit: Smithsonian

If you want to get to know America in its uniqueness and excellence, one way to do it is to visit the Smithsonian Institute. It is the largest museum with around 140 million artifacts and nuggets of history that help shaped the world that we know now.

It is also where you will find some of the most interesting items that are not only historical but quite a feast to the eyes just like the Hope Diamond. Some of the main attractions of the Institute aside from the blue diamond are the Wright Brothers aircraft, the very first successful manned aircraft that flew above ground and the original United States Flag, the Star Spangled banner.

The collection is quite diverse that there is something for everyone and for all ages. It all started ironically not by an American but by an Englishman born in France who never once visited America. His name was James Lewis Macie, an illegitimate son of a Duke whose name was Hugh Smithson. When his mother died, James took his father’s name in 1800. He was educated at Oxford, traveled a lot and was a scientist as well. He wrote several journals about his study on mineralogy and chemistry.

When he died, he left everything to Henry Hungerford, his nephew but with a clause that if Henry died without any heirs at all, his whole estate will then be donated to the United States of America specifically in Washington where in an Institute would be built and named Smithsonian Institute.

The Smithson Will caused quite a stir both in Europe and in the U.S because his nephew died without anyone to pass on the estate and so it was given to the U.S. However, the controversy or the fuss did not stop there. The U.S. Congress debated if it is constitutional to accept such gift since President Jackson expressed interest with it. There were some lawmakers during that time who vehemently opposed on the idea. However, after some time, United States Congress passed a law that made it possible for the United States to receive such a bequest amounting to almost a dozen boxes containing 104,960 of gold sovereign which is equivalent to more than half a million dollars during that time. Imagine that amount of money back in the 1800’s.

However, it took them another 8 years…

(To be continued)

Photo Credit: Wiki

While making my usual cyber rounds on my previous topic, the oldest Rolls Royce, I saw one car creating a lot of buzz in the World Wide Web. It is not your usual luxury or sports car that everyone in London was talking about. It is the smallest car in the world.

Peel P50

Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a collector of the most bizarre, unique, strange things in the world recently acquired what they perceived to be the smallest automobile there is in the our universe today.

They call it the Peel P50. It is a three-wheeler car which was last produced back in 1965. Seriously, I cannot imagine how cramped one must feel inside it. Just look at the photo, most food vendors has a bigger cart than that. I am not surprise they stopped manufacturing it. I’d rather ride in a motorbike but then again, its uniqueness deserved the attention and the fascination of the public.

Some analysts did some calculations and believed that if they ever manufacture something like it again, it will fetch around $30,000 to $50,000 in today’s market. However, I was thinking who would want to spend so much for something that will suffocate the passengers and the driver. That is, if they can fit inside that small space and with the kind of traffic we have now, I very much doubt its marketability.

Photo Credit: MotoringSky

When it comes to automobiles, Rolls Royce is considered as a millionaire’s car. Only the rich can acquire this magnificent car. The name Rolls Royce was a combination of two main persons behind its success. The car builder, Frederick Henry Royce and the car seller, Charles Rolls.

It all started when Henry Royce bought his first car and was so dissatisfied with it. He decided to build one for himself and a couple more for two other friends. One of the two bragged about it to another friend who in turn told his boss about this amazing car. The boss turned out to be Charles Rolls. It was one of the most successful partnerships ever. They had a great run until an accident and old age ended it. Although, the company continues to produce and exist, it has been bought and managed now by BMW.

Here’s the oldest Rolls Royce in the world that was auctioned at Bonhams back in 2007.

This Rolls Royce is the oldest surviving car of its kind. It is glamorous but quite sturdy and reliable. It has always been the trademark of excellence in any Rolls Royce automobile.

The name Rolls Royce is also known in producing powerful engines for huge aircrafts. From the 10hp first Rolls Royce car to the very successful Merlin up to the Phantom, each car still represents luxury, stability and power.

Photo Credit: Bonhams

Rolex is synonymous to luxury and excellence. It has been a status symbol for the rich and ultra rich. It was quite evident more than ever when in the past few years China produced newly minted millionaires; most of them immediately purchased luxury items such as the Rolex watch to announce to the world that they too are living the life of luxury.

If there is one thing I do enjoy looking at is a watch collection but this particular brand is way too expensive to collect and so this hobby is just for those who have extra money to spare.

However, if I will be given a chance to choose from their collection, I would definitely acquire the following models for my own private collection.

The very first I will get is the Rolex Submariner. The very first water resistant watch ever created back in 1954. It is the one that James Bond used in his espionage adventures in the early 007 movies specifically during Connery and Moore times and it is the same one Jack Bauer used in one of the seasons in the hit TV series, 24.

Second in line would be the Rolex Daytona. It was first introduced to the public in 1961 and it is the most recognized model and design of a Rolex watch and for this reason, it has become the most marketable among all Rolex watches. It was named Daytona referring to Daytona Beach in Florida where auto racing is their passion. This particular Rolex watch is very adept in calculating lap speeds and so it was named Daytona. I would love to have the Paul Newman’s Daytona.

Third would be the Rolex Yacht Master. Based from the title, it is a sport watch. They began making the watch in 1992 and more often than not you won’t see them lying around the window of a Rolex dealer. They are being sold more on the private market.

Last but definitely not the least is from the Cellini Collection.

In 50 years time, each of this Rolex watch would sell quite a huge sum when I bring it over to Antiquorum.

Now, all I need is the money to acquire them. Ideas anyone?

Cartier decided to sell the Hope Diamond to one of his loyal patrons, the flamboyant Mrs. Evalyn Walsh McLean. However, Mrs. McLean was not impressed with the setting of the diamond and so the famous jeweler had it reset and then left it in the care of Mrs. McLean for the whole weekend. Having the precious diamond on her care for just a couple of days led her into buying the diamond from Cartier in 1912. It stayed in her possession until her death in 1947.

Photo Credit: kun0me

Another famous jeweler, Harry Winston had his eyes on the legendary diamond. Upon the death of Mrs. McLean, her jewelry collection was sold and Winston then acquired the entire lot including the Hope Diamond. It stayed in his care for the next 10 years. It was shown in some exhibits along with other crown jewels.

By 1958, Harry Winston, Inc. decided to donate the diamond to the Smithsonian Institute. With its history and magnificent beauty, it has become one of the Institute’s popular exhibit attractions. The Smithsonian handled the famous blue diamond with great care and security. It rarely left the Institute and it only traveled 4 times participating in very important events or for cleaning reasons.

Many stories have been circulating around this diamond. Some are true but most of them are just plain myths. One of the most popular is what they call the Curse of the Hope Diamond. It says that something bad or evil is attached to the diamond and whoever owns it have some sort of bad luck.

It started with reports of a certain Selim Habib who died in a shipwreck. People back then thought it was one of the former owners of the diamond but it turned out that it was a different person with an identical name.  Then, more stories surfaced such as Tavernier died as he was ravaged by wild dogs after selling the diamond but when you look at the official records, he died of old age. These stories were believed to be invented and retold just to make the diamond very mystical. The funny thing is that even the deaths of Louis and Marie Antoinette were linked to the diamond. Even Cartier was known to tell people a few interesting fictional stories about it so he can lure people into buying it from him and it worked.

However, when the diamond started to be in the care of the Smithsonian Institute, no untoward incident happened to the people handling it or to the Institute itself.

One myth now may turn out to be true. When I said that the blue diamond was stolen during the political turmoil in France and it resurfaced in London in the hands of Hope, it was never proven during that time that it was one and the same. However, with the rarity of the diamond, it was always believed to be the same. Recently, with the high technology capabilites that we have now and after some diligent researching, the French are saying that the original French Blue had been recut into what we know now as Hope Diamond. Read the details here.

Photo Credit: Smithsonian

If you were one of those who were fascinated by the fictional story of a necklace called the Heart of the Ocean in the critically acclaimed, box office hit movie, Titanic, you would be in total awe of the piece of jewelry that inspired it. It is called The Hope Diamond.

Photo Credit: spammo91

Back in 1668 a man named Jean Baptiste Tavernier sold a 112 3/16 carat diamond with a stunning blue-violet color to the ruler of France, King Louis XIV.  By 1673, a royal jeweler was asked to re-cut it to a much smaller size of 67 1/8-carat stone. In the royal archives, it was described as a diamond with steely intense blue color and so it has been called the “Blue Diamond of the Crown” or referred to as the “French Blue”.

It was often seen in the neck of the French King in several court events. During the political turmoil in France during his reign, the Royals attempted to flee France along with their jewelry but it was returned to the safekeeping of the government. Unfortunately in 1792, it was stolen.

Photo Credit: Allie_Caulfield  Photo Credit: disoculated

By 1812, the blue diamond resurfaced in the hands of a London merchant, Daniel Eliason. There were records that prove that England’s King George purchased it but when he died in 1830, it was used as payment for his numerous debts.

It resurfaced again in 1839 as a part of the jewelry collection catalog of a man named Henry Philip Hope and so from then up to this day, it has been referred as the Hope Diamond.

The diamond’s journey did not end there. When the owner died and after some long litigation, his nephew Henry Thomas Hope along with his grandson Lord Francis Hope was the new owners of the diamond. By 1902, the family needed cash to pay for debts and it was sold to Joseph Frankels and Sons but soon after sold it again to a Selim Habib who in turn sold it to C.H. Rosenau, who also sold it to jeweler Pierre Cartier.

One would have thought that Cartier would hold the beautiful diamond in his collection but…

(To be continued)