I got the most incredible item in my Christmas stocking (I was good most of the year). Rustoleum, which we have all respected as a rust inhibitor, has now put out a product that simulates rust on iron or steel. It’s a two part process and everything you need is included in this little kit. Can you  believe it? Rustoleum creating simulated rust!!! I’ll never buy their products again. Incidentally, their fake rust can easily be seen as it is a uniform brown color, much the same as some of the “rusted” items coming from the Orient.  To avoid problems, deal with someone you trust. I will be glad to look at your items to help identify their validity, free of charge.   Incidentally, I have found several J. Chein toys from the thirties and forties. Not cheap, but well worthwhile.  Stop by.

I had an unusual situation today. An elderly gentleman (about my age) brought 7 gold coins to the shop. He asked me if I’d give him $30. for the lot. They were crusty dirty, and looked like junk. They turned out to be $20 gold pieces. As much as I wanted them for $30, I told him they were worth much more than that price. I called a reputable coin dealer in Charleston, and he said they were worth well over $1000. But, he said; don’t clean them up, it turns out that coins are worth much more if not cleaned up. Off the old guy goes to the coin dealer. Anyway, moral of the story is; don’t clean up your old coins as they’re more valuable in their original state.

Come see us: fish are bitin’ and the cotton is high. A new buy of several Sunbeam Mixmasters from the forties and fifties, perfect for a vintage kitchen. Please stop by and see us.

What’s your item worth? Like the man said: “Condition, condition, condition.” If an item was born junk, it’s likely to remain junk. If it was high quality to start with and well-taken care of, it’s worth more. And did I mention originality – not restored, repainted, etc. As the same man said: “Each object only has one chance to be original.” We think we’re very fair.

I know an old farmer up our way who doesn’t waste his time farming. He has discovered a gold mine. Going to flea markets and junk shops, he buys up items made in the Far East. They are then put behind his barn or cutting shed to properly “age.” When unsuspecting tourists come to his door asking if he has anything old to sell, he leads them, usually Yankees (and I don’t use Yankee’s as a negative term), back to his “supply,” identifying most items as pre-1900. The buyer pays twenty to thirty times what the item is worth, and is quite pleased with the purchase. The old adage enters here: “If it looks to good to be true, it usually is too good to be true. Moral of the story: deal with reputable sellers who stand behind their merchandise. Here at Another Time, we guarantee our merchandise to be original (or not). Please visit us, or at least come visit McClellanville.

If you take your antiques seriously, make sure you carry a small magnet with you. Ferrous metals are attracted by the item, whereas non-ferrous metals, ie. white metal, lead, brass and copper are not as they are non-ferrous. Many items advertised as brass, copper, cast iron, etc. can easily be identified by using one tiny magnet. I’d be willing and very pleased to discuss these and other similar concerns. Best thing: I’m free and you can decide whether or not to heed my advice.

Beware of the new crop of Dazey butter churns being made in the Orient and sold as originals. One giveaway to their authenticity (or lack, thereof) is that the imitations are a uniform brown color, simulating rust. If you are buying from an online auction such as ebay, etc., point blank ask the seller if the churns are new or repro. This will save a lot of disappointment later. Bill