There are two historical artifacts in this week’s fresh to market vintage: a vintage railroad lantern and the guidebook for a naval watch officer during World War II. All vintage has a story to tell about a time, place and/or person, but these two are actual artifacts. They physically played significant roles in US history. The lantern is a functional tool that was essential to railroad operation at a point in time. And the Watch Officer’s Guide is a working document, used by young officers learn how to keep ships of all sizes safe during WWII.
All vintage that survives from the past is evidence of that past. A Pyrex bowl tells about vintage kitchen ware. A tobacco tin tells about packaging art when it was made. The Orient and Flume rabbit tells about a California art glass company. The folk art bird represents an artisan’s vision at the point in time it was made. And with that, let’s move on…
Orient and Flume Bunny Rabbit
I love iridescent glass, it’s my version of “Oh ! pretty, shiny.” This Orient and Flume iridescent glass bunny was made in the 1980s. There are several iterations of this design. This one is signed by the artist Greg Gennone. Used as a paperweight or as a decorative item, either way it’s sweet and fun to look at. After all, bunnies aren’t just for Easter.
Iridescent Glass Bunny, $84.95
Pam, Vintage Renude
Folk Art Bird on a Wire Sculpture c 1990s
Handmade and primitive, I love this simple combination of two of my favorite things… hearts and birds. I have no clue who the artist was, but I choose to believe we are kindred souls.
Primitive Folk Art Piece, $60
Linda, Selective Salvage
Watch Officer’s Guide, 1942 Revision
The Watch Officer’s Guide, US Navy, by Captain Russell Willson is a snapshot of history. This 1942 revision of the 1941 edition includes wartime updates for active military readiness during World War II. It’s the operational manual laying out the 24/7 protocols, duties and responsibilities for deck watch officers.
The Watch Officer is responsible for the safety, operation and navigation of a ship. During WWII, this was an especially urgent position, under constant pressure with no room for error. Watch Officers were responsible for sounding the Battle Stations alarm if the enemy was spotted. The Watch Officer’s Guide also gives instruction for the incredibly difficult task of working under absolute blackout conditions while at sea. Newly minted officers as young as 20 were thrust into responsibility for entire ships during combat. This book was their bible.
The Watch Officer’s Guide, 1942 Revision, $18.
Laurie, NextStage Vintage
Santa Fe Bell Bottom Railroad Lantern
Did your summer travels see you riding a train, whether a restored scenic railroad or a destination-to-destination route? Perhaps you visited a rail museum and saw vintage lanterns like this one from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
Before modern radio communications, lanterns were how train crews communicated with the engineer in the locomotive. The color of the globe (red, green, amber, blue or clear) and the manner in which is was swung gave the engineer the info he needed to proceed. Red, like this one, was used to alert for danger, warn of something on the tracks or call for an immediate stop.
This particular lantern from the AT&SF is something railroadiana collectors prize. First, because it’s from a storied rail line with an iconic history. Second, because it has the Santa Fe cross logo cast in the glass of the red Corning globe. Third, because it’s an Adlake bell bottom frame. And finally, because it’s functional and ready to display.
Shop owner Rattin is a second-generation railroad enthusiast. His father began collecting before he was born. His first piece was a lantern similar to this one, received at age six. They’ve been buying, selling and trading since 1969, and selling on eBay since 1998. This lantern was restored by him. It originally was painted red and had multiple dents–hard to imagine now! His wife works with him. Her dad worked at Electro-Motive Division in La Grange, IL, a producer of electric-diesel trains and engines, as a machinist and pipe fitter.
Santa Fe railroad Adlake Bell Bottom Lantern with Corning Red Cast Santa Fe Cross Logo Globe, $599.
Available from this week’s guest, Rattin’s Railroad Relics
This week’s fresh to market vintage has things that are pretty, things that are whimsical and things that are artifacts from US history. The world of vintage is wide and wonderful. We try and reflect that on this blog. That’s why you should subscribe to our email newsletter. You get one email a week with links to all our posts from the previous week. And you can be sure that your info is safe with us. We would sooner buy fake vintage at a big box store than ever share it.
