The black and white photo was magnificent in both its expansiveness and the history it captured. Through the dirty and dusty glass frame, I could see long rows of horses tied to wooden fences. Just beyond the…
Category: Military
Reader asks about Zippo lighter
Posted in Military, Personal items, and Reader questions
Friday at Auction Finds is readers’ questions day. I try to guide readers to resources for them to determine the value of the items that they own. I’m not able to appraise their treasures, but…
On the trail of black history in Boston
Posted in Black history, Civil War, Military, and slavery
We had just arrived at the Visitors Center in Boston Common when the woman behind the counter mentioned the Black Heritage Trail tour starting at 2 p.m. It was about 15 minutes beforehand, and we were…
Readers ask about Nazi memorabilia
Posted in Art, collectibles, and Military
Two years ago, I wrote a blog post about my distaste for Nazi memorabilia. I had been to an auction where the stuff had been sold and wondered why anyone anywhere would ever want to…
Reminder: Save those Montford Marines artifacts
Posted in Black history, Ephemera/Paper/Documents, Military, and Photos
The group of men sat proudly at their table, their Montford Point Marines banner attached across the front. They were a quiet group, not badgering or calling out to those of us enjoying the displays at a…
Being black and a WAC in World War II
Posted in African American women, and Military
The story behind the play was more intriguing than the play itself. That’s what I determined after watching a very small cast tell the story of two black women who refused the indignity of scrubbing…
Christmas cards not from the heart
Posted in Ephemera/Paper/Documents, and Military
Last week, I sent out my usual batch of Christmas cards with the sweet little expressions of joy and cheer. This year, I chose cards with Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on the front…
Lighting up with Zippo
Posted in collectibles, Military, and Personal items
The man brought in several boxes of lighters, the auctioneer told me, because his collection had become overwhelming. “You know how it is from coming here,” he reminded me, and I understood. I’ve gone to auctions long…