Starting again

Quadruple this and imagine what my collection  looked like over a year ago when I started taking pictures and selling on eBay. Then in the midst of all the clutter I fell and broke my hip. Fortunately, with a good supply of photos on my computer I was able to continue listing pieces for sale, and almost all my sale items are gone - and even better, I am  walking unassisted most of the time. Life is certainly easier when a you're able to navigate without wheels.

Ebay has been interesting. There have been a number of interesting items appear. It has also been depressing to see the low prices. Now is the time for new collectors  to accumulate a nice collection.

I have been contacted by numerous heirs to large collections, needing advice on the best way to dispose of their inherited collections. Somehow, these will gradually find their way into the marketplace. In fact, I was supposed to inherit the collection of one of our long-time Aluminist subscribers, but his heirs fired  his lawyer, disregarded the will, and did as they pleased. As I recall, there were some nice pieces and I hope they were not sold as scrape.

NOTES FROM COLLECTORS: Can anyone help with answers?

We have a coaster set with 3 acorns on a triangular shaped coaster. A group of 9 in a holder. Have not been able to find anything related to that design.

 I have a Palmer Smith aluminum shelf that is a wheat pattern Regency ? number 621

it has a hammered half circle shelf with 6 balls attached underneath Three small , three medium and three large wheat shafts support the shelf and gather togeather at the bottom with a ball then two small (3 1/2" ) pieces of wheat. It measures app 17" long 14" across inside half circle shelf is 11" X 5 1/2" Has 2 2" applied decorative brackets for hanging

Can you tell me anything about it?    

 I recently purchased on Ebay a hammered aluminum ice bucket, unsigned, but clearly Rodney Kent with the tulips and handle design.  The seller said the handles were black, which he thought was unusual, so he tested them for silver and they were positive for sterling .925.  I obviously can have the handles tested myself to verify upon its arrival, but have you ever known a Rodney Kent aluminum piece to be mixed with sterling silver handles?

*** Has anyone seen the prices on a complete Continental punch bowl set-bowl, tray, ladle & 12

       cups? The last one I saw was $500 in the leaf and acorn pattern. I’ve heard of one in the Wild

      Rose pattern for $285 that slight damage to the tray.

*** How about the price on Continental goblets in Chrysanthemum?

***Did Rodney Kent produce tumblers?

YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW THIS

William Freeman passed away at his home in Granada Hills, CA after a two-decade struggle with chronic renal disease.

Anne Sutherland, wife of Doug Sutherland passed away recently in Maryland.

Our condolences to the families of these old friends.

Hoping to be back soon,

Dannie

Looking Back...

I have spoken to several collectors who were not aware that the Wendell August Forge had burned. That their historic building had burned to the ground was sad news but that the business will continue, has been the good news. At present the Forge is operating from other facilities and new property has been purchased for their new building. Although the site will be different, there will be more room to accommodate their needs. In the meantime, a new line of jewelry will be available this fall and their catalog may be available by request.

No one has stated exactly what was saved out of the burning building but it is known that the precious dies which were kept in a vault, were okay. Pictures have been posted on line but I do not have access to any of them but perhaps some may be posted here later.

Over the years a few changes have been made to the techniques used by the Forge in creating their products. The old method of swinging those hammers repeatedly, hour after hour, began to create problems of Carpal Tunnel with numerous workers. The company compensated by installing air hammers. Next, the method of conducting the darkening process has been changed. In the old method, a coal fire was used, and I was told that the heat had to be exactly right to successfully smoke the pieces. In addition the proper heat could be maintained for only a few minutes. The solution was to switch to the use of a chemical, a change we purist regretted. It was this chemical that caused the fire, according to one report.

During my visit to the Forge I was shocked at the shelves of blackened aluminum waiting to be rubbed clean except for the darkening left in the crevices of the patterns. It was almost inconceivable that these black, dirty items would become the polished pieces we are so fond of.

While there I was persuaded to take a few swings of a hammer toward a piece of work in progress. I resisted but lost the battle so, having used a hammer successfully for years and years on many household projects, I took a swing. To my great embarrassment, I did not hit where I was aiming; this, with all the forge workers watching! Why this gal, who had been hitting nails on the head since she was a youngster, failed at that time, is still an embarrassment to me, and I am sure that piece of work had to go into the trash.

A Work in Progress

I am relatively pleased with this new method of creating The Aluminist. There are still decisions to make and some problems to solve. There are still many things to learn, as I've just now discovered! The old Aluminist was printed in two columns and as I was continuing that method in my draft, it was quickly changed into what you are now viewing. For now, that's the way we'll continue.

At this stage, your input is very important.

Not everyone who is an aluminum collector is interested in computer-style communications and these will prefer a printed copy.

Do you, who are reading this now, also prefer to receive the Aluminist by mail?

Will this style of newsletter be one that you can file for reference and participate in much easier?

For those who wish to add comments, find the comment box convenient?

When I use your information, may I use your first name?

(Note … if you are giving cost information about an item, please state if you wish that to remain private.)

If I seem to need guidance in using this electronic method, well, YOU’RE RIGHT, and I’m hoping you will send your thoughts my way!

Seaneen responded to the query about subjects she would be interested in seeing in future issues.

*Sale prices of unusual items.

*An ongoing sharing of pictures, questions, and ideas.,from other collectors.

*pictures of my collection.

Following one suggestion, here are a few of my favorites from my collection. I have a weakness for candle holders as you can see!

Farberware Wendell August Palmer-Smith

Used with footed dish holder Made with different motifs w/ the ball design in solid glass

Unmkd. Wendell August Palmer-Smith Cellini Craft

using their thistle motif including the ball design W/ layered flower petal design