That Personal Touch

What's It Wednesday #109

One thing that I look for in any piece is history. I want it to tell a story of the people whose lives it touched. That's why I love pieces that have initials or names engraved on them.

It gives the piece, “that personal touch”, and says that it was cherished, and important to someone. Even if it was not of great value monetarily.

Silver, even silver plate was a big deal in the 1800's and early 1900's, too. So many gifts, like these calling card cases and dance card would have the ladies initials proudly displayed.

One of my favorite collectibles is silver for my dressing set. This powder jar and nail file are engraved as well.

Letter writing was a part of a lady's pastime and responsibility in Victorian times.

After a carefully placed drop of wax on the envelope, they used a seal much like this one, engraved with scrolled initials, to seal it.

Any little shiny bit, like these pill boxes or this delicate lady's watch would bare the engraver's mark.

Silverware, table linens and bedding all bore the mark of their once proud owners. Sometimes when I’m out antiquing a dealer will proudly show me a piece without engraving as a huge selling point.

I just smile, say “no thank you”, and walk away. I'll wait for the one's that have been pre-owned and pre-loved. Because that will only make them all the more valuable to me.

Hugs,

Patti

Thanks to all of you who partied with us last week. Please link-up and join us again. Remember, it's not a party without you!

Here are this Week's Features:

MarvinsDaughters

CreativeIdeas

The Laundry Can Wait

D.D.'s Cottage and Design

Rosemary and Thyme

The Wilderness Wife

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We are partying with these fine folks:

Katherines Corner The Charm of Home Antiques and Teacups The Farmhouse Porch Elizabeth & Co. Coastal Charm French Country Cottage The Rose Garden in Malevik Fox Hollow Cottage The Shabby Nest Imparting Grace Chic on a Shoestring Decorating Timewashed The Tablescaper Little Red House Adorned From Above Pursuit of Functional Home Funky Junk Interiors Dwellings Sunny Simple Life Shabby Art Boutique The Style Sisters Sir Thrift A Lot Life On Lakeshore Drive Inspiration Cafe DIY Vintage Chic One More Time Events Crafts a la Mode Sew Much Ado Just Dip It In Chocolate 7Alive How Sweet The Sound

Savvy Southern Style Fine Craft Guild The Vintage Farmhouse No Minimalist Here Southern Lovely A Delightsome Life The Shabby Creek Cottage Sincerely, Paula The Thrifty Groove Craftberry Bush Boogieboard Cottage The Dedicated House Common Ground Art @ Home Not Just a Housewife The Farmhouse Porch Simply Vintageous Seven Thirty Three Between Naps on the Porch Maison de Pax Hope Studios My Personal Accent Homework Sunday View Petite Michelle Louise This Silly Girl's Life Posed Perfection Mellywood's Mansion Silver Pennies What Meegan Makes Revisionary Life Bargain Hunting With Laurie

Rose Chintz Cottage My Romantic Home The Brambleberry Cottage Coloradolady From My Front Porch to Yours Petals to Picots 504 Main Five Days Five Ways Finding Fabulous Natasha in Oz It's So Very Cheri Jennifer Rizzo Green Willow Pond Hope in Every Season Faith, Grace, and Crafts Green Willow Pond Our Delightful Home My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia Judy H-J's Thoughts A Diamond in the Stuff A Stroll Thru Life Dimples and Pig Tales Huckleberry Love Posed Perfection Madcap Frenzy Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen 52 Mantels Family Home and Life Pieced Pastimes A Few Miner Adjustments USS Crafty

Come show off your whatchamacallits, what is its, what it once was, and "hey, look what I just did" posts. In other words, what you created, organized, designed or re-designed, found, purchased, transformed, inherited, re-purposed, renovated, are selling, or giving-away.