cookstownantiquemark161593

Who Shops at Cookstown Antique Market? Everyone.

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:37:16 GMT

Spring isn’t quite here yet, but it’s close enough to feel. With the time change happening this weekend, the days are about to get longer, the light a little brighter, and the urge to get out and explore a little stronger.

That shift is something we feel every year at Cookstown Antique Market. As winter starts to loosen its grip, more people begin planning day trips, casual road trips, fun outings. And one question still comes up all the time:

Who shops here?

The answer is simple…everyone.

Solo Shoppers: A Little Time for Yourself

Many visitors come on their own, using a trip to the market as a chance to slow down and wander. Solo shopping here is about taking your time, browsing aisle by aisle, discovering pieces that spark memories or inspiration, and enjoying a moment that feels just for you. With so much variety, every visit feels different.

Couples: Easy, No-Pressure Outings

As the days stretch longer after the time change, couples love stopping in together, whether it’s a planned destination or a spontaneous detour. Some are searching for a special piece for their home, others are just enjoying the experience. It’s an easy, relaxed way to spend time together and often turns into a favourite shared tradition.

Friends: Turning Shopping Into an Experience

Shopping with friends at the market is less about checking things off a list and more about discovery. It’s discovering unexpected finds, pointing out pieces that spark nostalgia, and helping each other uncover hidden gems. With longer daylight hours ahead, it’s the perfect excuse to make a full day of it.

Families: Memories That Span Generations

Families of all ages visit the market together, and that’s something we love. Kids experience objects with history, parents rediscover pieces from their own childhoods, and grandparents often share stories sparked by what they see. It’s a place where generations connect, not just through shopping, but through conversation and curiosity.

From serious collectors to casual browsers, everyone feels welcome. Some visitors arrive with a clear goal, while others come with no plan at all, and often leave inspired. The market is full of one-of-a-kind pieces, timeless décor, and quality pieces you will feel proud about bringing into your home.

A Space for All Ages, Styles, and Interests

The Season Is Changing and So Is the Energy

While spring hasn’t officially arrived yet, the signs are there. The upcoming time change brings longer evenings and a renewed sense of possibility. It’s the season of anticipation, planning projects, refreshing spaces, and getting back out into the community.

A visit to Cookstown Antique Market fits perfectly into this moment. Come solo, with your partner, friends, or family. Wander, discover, and enjoy the experience, however you like to shop.

We can’t wait to welcome you as the seasons begin to change.

Visit Cookstown Antique Market | Open 7 days a week | 10am-5:30pm

Cabin Fever? Escape It at Cookstown Antique Market

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:04:37 GMT

Escape winter cabin fever at Cookstown Antique Market! Receive 10-50% off almost everything in store, now through the end of February.

Cabin Fever: On now until the end of February

Winter has a way of making the days feel a little longer and the walls a little closer. If you’re starting to feel that familiar cabin fever, we have the perfect cure, a cozy road trip, a warm wander, and a little inspiration waiting around every corner.

From now until the end of February, Cookstown Antique Market invites you to get out of the house and rediscover the joy of browsing, exploring, and finding something truly special.

A Winter Escape Without Going Far

There’s something comforting about antiques in the winter. Solid wood furniture, timeworn textures, and pieces that were built to last bring a sense of warmth and calm that modern, fast-made items just can’t replicate.

Inside the market, you’ll find:

Sturdy antique furniture made for real life
Cozy cabin-style décor perfect for winter nesting
One-of-a-kind vintage pieces with stories to tell
Practical finds that are as functional as they are beautiful

Whether you’re updating a room, styling a cottage, or just looking for something that feels like home, there’s no rush here, just space to wander and take it all in.

More Than Shopping — It’s the Experience

Cabin Fever is about slowing down. It’s about taking a break from screens, errands, and winter routines and doing something just for you. A visit to Cookstown Antique Market isn’t just shopping, it’s an experience.

You never know what you’ll discover:

A piece that sparks a memory
A statement item that transforms a room
A small treasure you didn’t know you were looking for

Every visit is different, and that’s what makes it special.

Make a Day of It

Turn your Cabin Fever escape into a mini adventure. Grab a coffee, take a scenic winter drive, and spend time exploring aisles filled with character, craftsmanship, and charm. It’s the perfect way to reset before spring arrives.

If winter has you feeling stuck, come wander with us — warmth, inspiration, and one-of-a-kind finds are waiting.

Cabin Fever is on now until the end of February. Open daily from 10:00am – 5:30pm .

NEW for 2025 – A Christmas Carol – A Lively Reading!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:12:07 GMT

From Mrs. Catherine Dickens, Domestic Providence & Household Muse

DEAR FRIENDS AND GOODLY NEIGHBOURS,

Mr. Charles Dickens, Author, finds himself in the gravest of literary predicaments: his newest story — A Christmas Carol — simply refuses to move along!

To remedy this unfortunate blockage of the imagination, we are hosting a Sociable Reading & Prompting Party , and you are most urgently invited to assist.

Join us in the Dickens parlour, where friends and neighbours (that’s you!) shall lend your laughter, and good company to help Mr. Dickens bring his tale to life. Expect a lively reading of A Christmas Carol, complete with pantomime, whimsy, and just a touch of holiday foolishness — for what better cure is there for a stuck story than shared merriment?

The Prescription for an Evening of Cheer:

Warm Companionship – loosens even the tightest plots.
Gentle Encouragement & Timely Laughter — a tonic best applied when prompted.
Light Refreshments & Good Humour – the finest inspiration known to man.

Please consider dressing/embellishing in your best Victorian cheer (if you wish!) and prepare to take your place among Dickens’ most intimate circle of friends.

With your help, we are certain that the story will at last flow freely.

“God bless us, every one” – and may laughter prove the best cure for a constipated quill!

WHEN: December 11th, 12th, & 13th at 7:00 PM

MATINEE: December 14th at 2:00 PM

WHERE: Cookstown Antique Market –

Glass Manor – 5108 Simcoe County Rd 27, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0

TICKETS: Available in store, at Cookstown Antique Market, or via e-transfer call 705-458-1275 for instructions.

$25.00 each ( a suggested 12 yrs and up )

!!! A MOST PRESSING ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

Sad Irons: The Heavy History of Early Ironing

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:17:41 GMT

The household task of ironing clothes has evolved dramatically—from smoothing with wooden rollers to today’s electric irons. Along that journey came the sad iron, the first tool to use heat for wrinkle removal, long before electricity was available.

What Is a Sad Iron?

The term “sad” comes from an old English word meaning solid or heavy—fitting, since these irons typically weighed five to nine pounds. Also known as flat irons or smoothing irons, they first appeared in Europe in the 1700s and in North America in the 1800s, forged by blacksmiths from a single piece of cast iron.

How Sad Irons Were Used

Sad irons were heated on a stove or near an open fire, then briefly cooled on stone or glass before use. Early models had metal handles that got hot, requiring a thick cloth or pad to hold them. Later designs featured wooden handles that stayed cool. In the 1900s, some models even included an asbestos lining under a fitted cover to retain heat more efficiently.

To work more efficiently, households often had two irons: one in use and one heating up. When the first cooled, the second was ready to go.

Types of Early Irons

While sad irons were the heaviest and most common, other types evolved:

Box Irons (Belgium Box Irons): Held a heated metal slug inside for extended use.
Charcoal Irons: Featured a hollow chamber for hot charcoal, keeping the iron heated longer.
Asbestos Sad Irons: Used asbestos to direct heat downward and reduce handle temperature.

Value and Collectibility

Several factors influence a sad iron’s value, including age, design, rarity, condition, and manufacturer markings. Older and rarer pieces tend to fetch higher prices, especially when in good condition or paired with original accessories.

You might spot a beautifully preserved sad iron—or even an entire collection—among the quality antiques and vintage items available from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Collectors, decorators, and vintage lovers can explore the 6,000-square-foot, century-old barn for that perfect old-world find.

Find Sad Irons at Cookstown Antique Market

Before electricity, sad irons smoothed clothes with fire-heated weight. Discover their evolution, types, and how to identify collectible antique irons.

Antique Railway Lanterns: Lighting the Way Through History

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 20:25:17 GMT

When you think of railway lanterns, you might picture a conductor hanging out of a train car swinging a lantern and shouting “All aboard!” But these lanterns were more than theatrical props—they were essential tools for communication and safety on the rails.

Why Railway Lanterns Were Essential

As trains became a vital method of transporting people and goods in the 1800s, it became clear that a safe and reliable way to communicate across railcars was needed. Railway lanterns allowed conductors and crew to send signals—especially at night—improving efficiency and safety.

Initially fueled by oil and kerosene, these lanterns provided steady light but carried fire hazards. Battery-operated lanterns emerged around 1918, offering a safer and more practical alternative that could withstand harsh weather conditions.

Five Key Types of Railway Lanterns

Fixed Globe Lantern: Used during the Civil War era through the early 1900s. The globe was not removable, making them difficult to maintain—highly collectible today.
Tall Globe Lantern: Popular from 1865 to the early 1900s. With removable 5–6″ globes, they reflected more light and were easier to manage.
Short Globe Lantern: Introduced in the early 1900s and used until the 1960s. These were lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Conductor’s Lantern: Decorative and ornate, these weren’t for outdoor use but symbolized status for train conductors.
Inspector’s Lantern: Built from sheet metal with directional reflectors, these were used for examining equipment and stock.

Who Made Them?

Some of the best-known manufacturers include R.F. Dietz, C.T. Ham, Adams & Westlake, Armspear, Star Headlight & Lantern, and Parmalee & Bonnell. Each maker stamped their name or logo on the base of the lantern, making brand identification easier for collectors today.

Interestingly, many collectors are just as fascinated by these unique manufacturer marks as they are by the lanterns themselves.

Find Railway Lanterns at Cookstown Antique Market

You might spot antique railroad lanterns among the quality antiques and vintage finds offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. With over 6,000 square feet inside a historic barn, it’s a great destination for collectors and curious visitors alike.

Explore the different types of antique railway lanterns, from fixed globes to conductor’s styles—plus tips on value, markings, and where to find them.

Discovering Canadian Pottery: From Blue Mountain to Canuck

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:30:49 GMT

Over the years, there has been some exceptional pottery produced by Canadian companies—some more successful than others, some not as well known, some small and some large operations—but all making a contribution to the culture of pottery in Canada. From British Columbia to Ontario to Quebec to New Brunswick, there is a long list of companies that have produced pottery in an array of styles, shapes and colours—and all are very collectible.

Blue Mountain Pottery: A Canadian Classic

Among the numerous Canadian pottery companies is one of the most popular and well-known: Blue Mountain Pottery, which operated in Collingwood, Ontario, from 1953 to 2004. The company created pieces like animals and fish to bowls, vases, and platters in a mid-century modern style using a trademarked glazing process known as “reflowing decorating.” This method involved applying light and dark-coloured liquid glazes one after the other, which would run together in the firing process to produce the streaking effect that Blue Mountain Pottery is known for. Pieces are typically marked with BMP on the bottom.

Rainbow Ceramics and Canadian Ceramic Craft

In 1960, one of the founders of Blue Mountain Pottery, Dennis Tupy, left the company to start Canadian Ceramic Craft in Collingwood. Tupy was joined by Jim Lloyd, who left Georgian China Ltd.—a company that produced functional, decorative, and table porcelain. Together, Tupy and Lloyd formed Rainbow Ceramics, a continuation of Canadian Ceramic Craft, which operated from 1966 into the 1980s. Their most distinctive pieces were decorated with seven colours, resembling a rainbow. Pottery was marked with CCC or RC.

Canuck Pottery and Evangeline Ware

In St. John, New Brunswick, Canuck Pottery was established in 1938 to continue the operations of Foley Pottery, which began in the 1890s. The company produced coloured jugs for perfume and souvenirs before shifting to dinnerware and decorative pieces in a line known as Evangeline Ware. After a factory fire in 1963, operations moved to Labelle, Quebec, while Foley Sr. stayed in New Brunswick producing Canuck Pottery and Beachcomber Ware from home.

Find Canadian Pottery at Cookstown Antique Market

Samples of these and other pottery companies can often be found on display among the quality antiques offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors, and casual enthusiasts can browse the 6,000-square-foot century-old barn for that special piece.

Explore Canada’s rich ceramic history—from Blue Mountain’s reflow glaze to rare Evangeline Ware. Discover collectible pottery across provinces, and where to find it today.

Crank Telephones: The Original Voice Connection

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:37:25 GMT

Oh, the telephone—what a marvelous invention. It might be the most significant innovation of all time (besides sliced bread, of course). By simply dialing a series of numbers, your voice is instantly transported across town, across the country, or even across the world.

From Bell to the Box on the Wall

Since its invention by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, the telephone has become an essential part of daily life. It replaced the telegraph, which was the primary communication system at the time, and became a household staple.

The very first commercially produced household phone was the hand crank telephone—a wooden, wall-mounted box featuring a ringer, crank, speaker, and receiver. Early models had two boxes: one for the microphone, crank, and receiver; the other housed large magneto batteries recharged by turning the crank.

How the Crank Phone Worked

Turning the crank generated electrical pulses that alerted an operator, who would manually connect your call. These phones didn’t require an external power supply, but they had a limited range, allowing only local calls.

Design Evolution: From Crank to Candlestick

By the early 1900s, hand crank phones were replaced by the sleeker candlestick design. These new models sat on a base and featured a tall speaker and separate earpiece. Users would tap the speaker rest to connect with an operator.

Collecting and Valuing Antique Phones

Though the hand crank phone had a relatively short commercial life, it played a key role in the development of communication technology. Like any antique, value depends on age, condition, rarity, design, provenance, and demand. Wooden hand crank phones can sell for $2,000–$3,500, while candlestick phones range from $200–$2,000.

Step back to the early days of communication with hand crank telephones—how they worked, their role in history, and what makes them collectible today.

Find Antique Telephones at Cookstown Antique Market

You may find hand crank and vintage telephones among the treasures from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Collectors, decorators, and curious visitors can explore the 6,000-square-foot, century-old barn in search of that special piece of communication history.

Underwood Typewriters: The Machine That Defined an Era

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:41:21 GMT

You may never have used a typewriter in your life, but there’s a good chance you know the name Underwood. From its humble beginnings as a manual machine to advanced electric models, Underwood was the foremost brand of typewriter in offices, businesses, and newsrooms for over 100 years.

A Typewriter for Writers, Offices, and the World

Before desktop computers took over in the late 1970s and 1980s, typewriters were the go-to tool for writing and correspondence. Underwood was a top choice, used by famous authors such as William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, and Nora Roberts. It even made appearances in Hollywood films.

The Birth and Rise of Underwood

The original Underwood typewriter was designed by Franz Xavier Wagner in the 1890s. Businessman John T. Underwood bought Wagner’s company and established the Underwood Typewriter Company in 1895, headquartered in New York City with manufacturing in Hartford, Connecticut. By 1939, Underwood had produced over five million machines—one every minute.

Underwood’s introduction of the No. 5 model in 1900 revolutionized typing. It featured the first modern design: a four-row straight keyboard, single shift key, and front striking bars. These innovations made it faster and more efficient, and the No. 5 became the industry benchmark.

Key Models and Collectibility

Underwood’s early models—No. 1 through No. 5—were made from 1896 to the 1930s and are now considered antique or vintage. Later models included the No. 6 to No. 11, as well as portable and electric machines. The company even released a “Noiseless” model to meet evolving demands.

In 1959, Italian company Olivetti acquired Underwood, completing the merger in 1963. From then on, the brand became known as Olivetti Underwood.

Tips for Collectors

Underwood’s popularity and rugged build make them a favorite among typewriter collectors. Value depends on the typewriter’s age, rarity, and condition. To identify the model, lift the carriage and check the top right corner of the body for the model number. Machines in excellent or even refurbished condition can command high prices.

Explore the history and legacy of Underwood typewriters—from the revolutionary No. 5 to collector tips on value and identification.

Find Underwood Typewriters at Cookstown Antique Market

You might find an Underwood typewriter or other classic models among the quality antiques and vintage items offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Whether you’re a collector, writer, or vintage enthusiast, the 6,000-square-foot century-old barn is a great place to find that perfect piece.

The Legacy of Singer Sewing Machines

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 20:48:15 GMT

Stitch your dreams with Singer. Sewing made easy with Singer. Singer – the name you can trust. Sew with confidence with Singer. These are just a few of the slogans used over the years to promote Singer sewing machines. Even Mahatma Gandhi, who reportedly learned to sew on a Singer machine while in prison, praised the sewing machine as “one of the few useful things ever invented.”

The Invention and Impact of Singer

Introduced by Isaac Singer in 1851 during the first Industrial Revolution, the Singer sewing machine revolutionized sewing for both industrial and domestic use, replacing the centuries-old method of hand stitching.

Singer wasn’t the first to invent the sewing machine—Charles Frederick Wiesenthal received the first British patent in 1755, and Thomas Saint developed a machine for leather and canvas in 1790. But Singer’s machine was the first to be successfully mass-marketed for both home and commercial use, making it the most practical and widely adopted.

Other Sewing Machine Brands Through History

While Singer dominated, many other manufacturers contributed to the sewing machine boom. Brands such as Bernina (Switzerland, founded in 1893), Brother (Japan, 1928), and Elna (Switzerland, 1940s) became household names. Janome, a Japanese brand, acquired New Home, which was originally founded in the 1860s in the U.S.

Some manufacturers have since ceased operations. These include the White Sewing Machine Company (1858), Jennie June (1879), Kimball and Morton (Scotland, 1867–1955), and the Moldacot Pocket Sewing Machine Company (1885–1887).

Innovation and the Rise of Fashion

Singer was the first to introduce a payment plan, allowing more people to afford a machine. The company’s accessibility and mass production helped spark new industries—especially fashion. Dressmakers began adding ribbons, lace, and frills, and the sewing machine played a pivotal role in the rise of ready-to-wear clothing.

By Isaac Singer’s death in 1875, the company was generating $22 million in annual profits and had become one of America’s first global businesses.

Challenges and Modern Evolution

By the 1980s, Singer faced intense competition from Japanese and European brands. In 1986, the company was renamed SSMC Ltd., and in 1989, it was acquired by Semi-Tech Global and became part of Singer N.V., based in the Netherlands Antilles.

From treadle to electric models, sewing machines have continued evolving. Their technological innovations have made sewing more versatile and creative, helping transform both household crafting and global fashion.

Discover the fascinating history of Singer sewing machines—from Isaac Singer’s innovations to vintage competition and collectible models at antique markets.

Find Vintage Sewing Machines at Cookstown Antique Market

You might find vintage Singer machines and other classic brands among the antiques and vintage items offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Whether you’re a collector, decorator, or simply curious, explore the 6,000-square-foot, century-old barn for that one-of-a-kind find.

Collecting Royal Doulton Figurines: Elegance in Porcelain

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 20:55:04 GMT

Royal Doulton is a name renowned worldwide for quality dinnerware, serveware, and glassware, but it’s also celebrated for its exquisite line of figurines. Hand-painted with vibrant colours, elegant patterns, and imaginative subjects, these highly prized collectibles have captivated enthusiasts and serious collectors for over a century. Their intricate detail and emotional expressiveness make them timeless works of art.

The Origins of the HN Series and Notable Figurines

Production of Royal Doulton figurines began in 1913 with the launch of the HN series—named after Harry Nixon, a key designer. The very first piece was Darling, designed by Charles Wyse, which features a sweet little boy in a nightshirt. Since then, more than 4,000 figurines have been created, covering a wide range of whimsical characters, animals, and historical figures.

Among the most valuable is Boy on a Crocodile , of which only six exist. Other notable pieces include Alexander the Great from the Men of History series, La Victoire Crowing Cockerel (a striking 12-inch rooster), The Forty Thieves , and many beloved figures from the Pretty Ladies series, such as Pauline, Retoso, Hester, Buttercup, and Sandra.

Royal Doulton Seconds and Authenticity Marks

Royal Doulton also produced “seconds”—figurines with minor imperfections that didn’t meet the company’s final quality standards. These still bear the company’s official trademark, often altered with a scratch or small drilled hole to indicate their status. Though not flawless, they remain genuine Royal Doulton pieces and are often more affordable for collectors.

Beware of Reproductions and Fakes

As their popularity grew, Royal Doulton figurines became targets for forgeries and cheap reproductions. Telltale signs of fakes include:

Faded or inferior paint and colour vibrancy
Run lines, translucent or uneven paint
Jagged or messy paint edges
Scratches under the glaze
Inconsistent glazing between the base and sides
Two trademarks on one piece (sometimes passed off as “unique”)

Collectors should look for clean maker’s marks and provenance records to verify authenticity and value.

Finding Royal Doulton Figurines Today

Examples of these prized figurines can often be found among the quality antiques and vintage items offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, the 6,000-square-foot century-old barn is a great place to hunt for that special piece.

Explore the legacy of Royal Doulton figurines—from early Pretty Ladies to rare finds like Boy on a Crocodile. Learn what makes them collectible and how to spot fakes.

The Timeless Beauty of Delft Blue Pottery

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:01:19 GMT

There is a wide variety of distinctive antique and vintage pottery, ceramics, and earthenware that are popular among collectors—none more so than Delft. Also known as Delftware, Delft pottery, and Delft Blue, the characteristic blue and white pottery originated in the Netherlands in the 1600s.

This Dutch tin-glazed pottery was developed as a more affordable alternative to Chinese porcelain, arriving via Dutch merchant ships. While blue was the most popular, other colours like red and orange were also produced, though less widely embraced.

How Delftware Was Made

In producing Delft earthenware (or faience), a white tin glaze was applied, then decorated with cobalt blue oxide. When fired in a kiln, the oxide turned a rich blue. The base glaze included a mix of lead, tin oxide, sand, soda, and salt, producing Delft’s signature opaque white surface. Originally hand-painted, the designs started shifting to other techniques after 1750, with hand-painting reserved for more expensive pieces.

Cultural Influences and Design Evolution

Delftware drew inspiration from both Chinese and European motifs. As tastes evolved, it even incorporated Japanese influences, particularly from Imari ware—introducing patterns like vases on terraces with cranes and pine trees.

The art form itself came to the Netherlands when Flemish potters fled Antwerp after the Spanish conquest in 1585, bringing refined tin-glazing techniques. These artisans helped elevate Dutch ceramics into what was considered the country’s finest pottery.

Types of Delft Pottery

Delftware was made for both everyday use and decorative purposes. It ranged from plain white household tableware to elaborately painted plates, vases, figurines, and tiles. Popular designs featured religious imagery and traditional Dutch scenes like windmills, boats, and landscapes.

Authenticity and Collecting Delft Today

At its height, more than 30 factories produced Delftware. But as demand declined after 1759, only one survived: De Porceleyne Fles (The Royal Porcelain Bottle), still active today.

Genuine Delft items are typically marked on the bottom with initials, names, or symbols. Modern pieces include the “Delft Blue” mark for authenticity. Factors like age, complexity, and condition influence value—top pieces can sell for thousands.

Discover the rich history of Delft Blue pottery—from its Dutch roots and Chinese influences to identifying genuine pieces and their collector value today.

Find Delft Blue at Cookstown Antique Market

You might find Delft Blue treasures among the curated vintage items offered by 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors, and casual browsers alike can explore the 6,000-square-foot, century-old barn for something truly special.

Hoselton Canada: Handcrafted Aluminum Sculptures

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 21:07:45 GMT

If you frequent gift shops, home accessory stores or antique shops looking for that special accent piece for your home or office, you may have seen some sleek polished silver-coloured metal sculptures of birds, animals or sea life free-form or mounted on stone. Chances are the pieces are produced by Hoselton Canada, a Canadian company in Trenton, Ontario, that is internationally famous for its distinctive handcrafted sculptures made from recycled aluminum.

A Canadian Legacy in Sculpture

The story begins in 1967 when Gord Hoselton and his brother Carl who had a vision of creating something special from scrap metal that would be molded and shaped into a beautiful piece of art. Gord also spent time collecting raw materials like white marble at a quarry near Peterborough, Ontario, and other sites across Canada.

The artisans and designers at Hoselton create original drawings of each piece with inspiration derived from the information collected from library research, photos and sketchbooks. From the drawings, a carving of the piece is made before a mold is made. Then, using recycled aluminum alloy and a sand casting process perfected by Gord Hoselton and Allan Butters, a sand cast is made to produce a two-piece mold into which molten aluminum at a temperature of 1200 degrees Farenheit is poured.

Once cooled and removed from the cast, the piece undergoes an extensive polishing process begins to give the sculpture a soft lustrous, distinctive Hoselton finish. Quality and pride of workmanship go into every individually signed and numbered piece and each one is unique with no two pieces exactly the same.

Where to Find Hoselton Sculptures

The Hoselton studio consists of nearly 6,000 molds in various themed collections that include such subjects as the woodlands, people, waterfowl, trees, birds, marine life, Inukshuks and cats and owls as well as a miniature collection, sports and leisure and office. Pieces can also be customized or tailor made to suit a client’s specific request.

Hoselton sculptures can range in price anywhere from $100 to $1,000 depending on factors like size of the piece, subject matter, age, popularity and, of course, demand especially if it is a vintage piece.

You might be find some Hoselton sculptues among the quality antiques and vintage items available from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors and the casual enthusiasts can browse through the 6,000 square foot century old barn for that special purchase.

Discover the story behind Hoselton Canada's recycled aluminum sculptures—handcrafted, collectible, and proudly Canadian.

Churning Through Time: Antique Butter Churns

Thu, 02 May 2024 21:12:51 GMT

APRON on and dash in hand,
O’er the old church her I stand-

Cachug!

How the thick cream spurts and flies
Now on shoes, and now in eyes!-

Cachug! cachug!

Rich flakes cling to lid and dash:
Hear the thin milk’ s watery splash!-

Cachug!

Sweetest music to the ear;
For it says the butter is here!-

This is part of one song created by Silas Dinsmore of Texas that women used to sing to while away the time as they carried out the time-consuming task of transforming thick cream into butter. And yes in the pioneer days, women were the ones who stood, or sat, before a wooden cylinder-like contraption, moving a plunger up and down for an hour or more until butter was formed.

Plunge Churn

The contraption used by these women was known as a butter churn, a device that has its roots in Europe as early as the 6th century AD. The most common and most recognizable butter churn used was the plunge churn that was used from the Middle Ages until the beginning of the Victorian era. It consisted of a wooden cylinder with a removable lid. The lid had a round hole through which a wooden pole, known as a plunger, also known or dash, was inserted, allowing the operator to perform the up and down churning motion.

Paddle Churn

Innovation and the advancement of technology eventually saw the plunge churns being replaced with the paddle churn, a somewhat easier but still a manually operated churn. This device consisted of a container made from wood, ceramics, galvanized iron and even glass with a lid that was securely affixed to the container. A crank handle on the top of the lid was attached to a paddle inside the container. When the crank was turned, the paddle would agitate quickly through the cream, breaking up the cream by mixing it with air producing butter faster than with the plunge churn.

Barrel Churn

Another innovation in butter producing devices was the barrel churn. First used in the 18th century, it was a little more sophisticated than the plunge and paddle churns. In this case, a wooden barrel was turned on its side and was attached to a metal, cast iron or wooden stand with a crank. When the crank was turned, a paddle inside the churn turned or, alternatively, the whole barrel turned vertically or horizontally to agitate the thick cream and transform it into butter faster than the plunge churn.

Other variations of the barrel churn swung or rocked rather than being turned to perform the butter making process.

Rocking Chair Churn

One innovative type of butter churn was the rocking chair butter churn that was invented by American Alfred Clark. A simple device, it consisted of a barrel attached to a rocking chair. As the chair rocked it churned the cream into butter.

The value of an antique butter churn can range from $25 to more than $500 with the price being determined by various factors, including the type of churn, the materials used to make it, how old it is, colour, style and, of course, the condition.

You might find some samples of butter churns along with other among the quality antiques and vintage items available from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors and the casual enthusiasts can browse through the 6,000 square foot century old barn for that special purchase.

Explore the history and value of antique butter churns—from plunge to barrel—and find unique pieces at Cookstown Antique Market.

Antique Stoneware Crocks: History & Collecting Tips

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 21:17:19 GMT

Long before there were crocs for your feet there were crocks, stoneware crocks that were used for storing food such as pickled vegetables, butter, and salted meats before there were refrigerators. Made of a durable water-tight ceramic material, stoneware crocks were a mainstay in early pioneer North America in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The first of these types of stoneware crocks originated in France before spreading to Germany and Britain, although, the story of crocks goes back even further to ancient civilizations. The manufacture of crocks started in the 1800s in North America in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and were known to be sturdy, durable and affordable. The material used to make crocks was versatile and could be easily designed and molded into a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate the different foods and beverages that were to be stored.

With the growing popularity of crocks, more companies quickly started producing and distributing their crocks across North America and around the world. While most manufacturers produced crocks that were made with white clay and grey salts emblazoned with cobalt blue designs, there were some variations that were two tone, brown or beige.

The types of crocks were preservation crocks, water crocks, bean crocks, food storage crocks, advertising crocks and decorative crocks, each one with a different size and shape.

Different types of crocks had different markings that indicated the capacity and size of the crock while others had logos and symbols as well as regional or maker, country and signature marks on the base or handles. While some crocks were had simple markings, others featured flowers, birds and marine illustrations that were etched or painted.

Styles of crocks were influenced by local clays, glaze materials and the cultural backgrounds of the potter. Early New England crocks were salt-glazed with incised or stamped decorations while later pieces had cobalt floral and pastoral illustrations. Mid-Atlantic crocks were a distinctive blue on gray with ornate freehand and stenciled designs. Crocks in the Midwest had earthy tones with slip-trailed and sponged motifs. In the south, there were alkaline-glazed crocks with greenish-brown hues with illustrations in a rural theme.

Some of the most popular pottery companies that produced stoneware crocks included the Monmouth Pottery of Monmouth, Illinois who produced such practical and useful stoneware as jugs and butter churns that were marked with a distinctive maple leaf logo. Western Stoneware Company which merged seven stoneware companies, including Monmouth, produced such stoneware as crocks, butter churns, jugs and water coolers that were finished with a salt glaze.

One of the most popular stoneware companies was Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery that specialized in stoneware, dinnerware and pottery that was founded in 1861 in Minnesota and featured the red wing logo. Their antique stoneware is considered rare in today’s market. Robinson Ransbottom Pottery which was founded in 1901 used yellow clay in the production of stoneware and crocks. Their products ae identified with a blue crown mark and are valued among collectors today.

The value of antique stoneware crocks is determined by the design, the manufacturer, the condition, the type of glazing used and the rarity of the piece but prices can range from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

You might find examples of antique stoneware crocks among the quality antiques and vintage items available from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors and the casual enthusiasts can browse through the 6,000 square foot century old barn for that special purchase.

Discover the rich history, styles, and collectible value of antique stoneware crocks—from pioneer kitchens to today’s vintage markets.

Aladdin Oil Lamps: Lighting the way for over 100 years

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:20:58 GMT

A lot can be said about the Aladdin oil lamps. They are distinctive. They are decorative. They are practical. They are functional. From the time it was first introduced in 1909, they have been made as table lamps, hanging lamps, floor lamps, wall or bracket lamps and even caboose lamps. The Aladdin lamp has been hailed as one of the greatest and most practical inventions of the century as an outstanding achievement of science in connection with artificial lighting.

The soft, mellow white light produced by the Aladdin lamp made it easier to read, write or sew in the evening. The Aladdin lamp is easy to light and put out, operating like ordinary kerosene wick lamps and cannot explode.

The story of the Aladdin oil lamp was started in 1908 by Victor Johnson who, as a boy, had read the story of Aladdin and the Arabian Nights by the low, yellow light of an open flame coal oil lamp. Several years later, as an adult, Johnson came across a new incandescent burner called the Practicus from Germany that produced a brighter light than the old yellow open flame coal oil lamp. After obtaining the rights to sell this new lamp, Johnson changed the design and made the incandescent burner the basis of what would become known as the Aladdin oil lamp.

In 1908, Johnson put his vision into motion when he founded the Mantle Lamp Company of America in Chicago, Illinois. The same year he obtained the Aladdin trademark and imported the Practicus from Germany and started manufacturing the Aladdin oil lamp with the first American-made Aladdin lamp sold in 1909.

The first mantle for the Aladdin lamp was the Kone Kap, which was designed and patented by Charles H. Smith in 1911 and was used in the Model 3 lamp. Then, in 1915, the Aladdin Model 6 received international acclaim when it won a gold at the Panama Pacific International Exhibition for the best kerosene lamp in the world.

Johnson changed the name of the company to Aladdin Industries in 1926 and bought the Lippincott Glass Factory in Alexandria, Indiana to make glass lamps, chimneys and shades for the expanding line of Aladdin lamps. He also built a new factory on a 13-acre and included a village of 22 residents called.

Over the next 50 years, the Aladdin lamp became the world leader in non-pressure incandescent lamps, The Aladdin mantle lamp is the only lamp of its kind being manufactured today producing a blue flame that emits 60 candlepower of white light without pumping, noise, smoke, odour and no danger. Today, the Aladdin lamp is the only lamp of its kind being manufactured. In 2015, Crownplace Brands Ltd. bought the assets of Aladdin Lighting Technologies Inc. and moved all the stock and assembly to Dalton, Ohio.

Identifying an authentic Aladdin oil lamp is easy. The Aladdin name and number can be found on the knob that raises and lowers the wick. If you don’t find the name Aladdin on the knob then it is not an authentic Aladdin lamp.

You might be find some Aladdin oil lamps among the quality antiques and vintage items available from 35 dealers at the Cookstown Antique Market on Highway 27 in Cookstown, Ontario. Decorators, collectors and the casual enthusiasts can browse through the 6,000 square foot century old barn for that special purchase.

Discover the enduring charm of Aladdin oil lamps—functional, collectible, and beautifully designed since 1909.

Sherman Jewellery: A Canadian Collectible Treasure

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 21:31:18 GMT

If you’re a fan of vintage jewellery, chances are you’ve come across the name Sherman — and for good reason. Sherman Jewellery is one of Canada’s most iconic and collectible costume jewellery brands, treasured for its dazzling designs and exceptional quality.

The Story Behind the Sparkle

Gustave Sherman founded his Montreal-based jewellery company in 1947 with a clear goal: to produce the highest-quality costume jewellery in North America. He succeeded. Sherman quickly earned a reputation for unmatched craftsmanship and elegance, often rivaling fine jewellery in appearance.

Using only the finest Swarovski crystals, carefully prong-set by hand into rhodium, gold, or japanned (blackened) metal, Sherman pieces were designed to shine — and last. The company closed in 1981, but its legacy continues through the collectors and vintage enthusiasts who still cherish each shimmering creation.

Why Collectors Love Sherman Jewellery

Sherman’s commitment to quality makes it a standout in the world of vintage costume jewellery. Pieces were often made in limited runs, increasing their rarity today. Because Sherman jewellery was never mass-produced or cheaply made, many items remain in excellent condition decades later — a testament to their superior materials and design.

Collectors especially seek out unique colourways, rare sets, and pristine condition. Original boxes and signed pieces (marked “Sherman” in script or block lettering) can increase the value dramatically.

Explore the history and value of Sherman Jewellery, Canada’s iconic vintage costume jewellery brand known for quality and sparkle.

How to Identify Authentic Sherman Pieces

A Canadian Classic with Lasting Appeal

Looking to start or expand your collection? Keep an eye out for:

Signature Marks : Most authentic pieces bear the “Sherman” signature — usually on the back of a brooch, clasp of a necklace, or earring clip
Quality of Materials : Swarovski crystals with intense colour, clarity, and brilliance are a hallmark
Construction : Hand-set stones and metalwork that resists tarnishing are key indicators
Sets : Sherman often released necklace, bracelet, earring, and brooch sets — complete sets can be especially valuable

Whether worn or displayed, Sherman Jewellery adds timeless elegance and a touch of sparkle to any collection. It’s a shining example of Canadian design excellence — one that continues to turn heads decades after it was made.