Question for JC

JC,

I have noticed that you are a fan of primitives, so I hope that you can field this question, and further enlighten me in this field of collecting. I am starting off the new year with some early spring cleaning. One of the items I am looking at is a nutmeg grater. It can be seen on page 55 of 300 years of Kitchen Collectibles. It is 'I,J' the Ex-Keillor grater. My question concerns the fact that the piece is not 'perfect'. It works fine, but a part on the crank is missing. Picture 'J' shows the crank handle attatched to a cross mounted to the grater. One of the cross 'ends' had broken off somewhere in its life. Are primitives like pottery? Find wall, throw cracked and chipped items against wall, or is it a more forgiving area of collecting? Specifically, would anyone want this thing, or should I just continue to use it as a 'you wouldn't believe what this thing was used for' conversation starter at parties! (yes, sadly my life is that dull) Also, would people collect crocks (6 gallon J.A. Bauer) with a hole drilled in the bottom? I found one at a yard sale, bought it for a buck, and intend on planting something in it, or using it to hold umbrellas in my mud-room if the answer is no. I know I sound dumb, but to get to know me is to remove all doubt :^) I hope this isn't overwhelming! Thanks.

There are different kinds of collectors, some will buy to invest, maybe cash out some day or pass it all down to family. The other kind decorates and just displays for the love of it. The person hoping that the item will increase in value for whatever reasons probably wouldn't buy the grater with a part missing at book price ($150-200). I think kitchenware is somewhat forgiving though, because of it's regular use or scarcity, especially regarding one of the cross ends. You could sell the piece at a slightly discounted 'as Is ' condition. I would not throw it away, nor consider it worthless. As to the crock, and I can only answer this as a collector, I would buy the crock for decorative purposes, but never for top dollar. A hole lowers the value in my opinion. I have some on my porch that I paid $40.00 for that have noticeable chips in, but the plants don't care. I will get my $40.00 private use out of them. I hope that helped you. jc

Yes it did. Thank you!

DBallas wrote; I have noticed that you are a fan of primitives, so I hope that you can field this question, and further enlighten me in this field of collecting.

JC, what exactly are primitives. Thanks, Doris

'Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.' unknown

Doris, This was harder to reply to than I thought...I know what it is , but it's hard to find the words to describe. The dictionary would say a primitive is a piece typically rough or simple in design, usually handmade or hand forged. To me, it's simple antique country pieces...the pine pie safe, blanket chest, oak harvest table, hanging plate rack, stools, wooden trencher/ dough bowl, tin kitchen ware, banded firkins, dovetailed knife box, hand forged tools, punched tinware, etc. Maybe someone else has a better definition and will reply...I will look for some web sites showing examples of primitive country antiques for you. jc

Thanks jc Clear as mud <g> now another question . What is a banded firkin? Seriously, I think I know what you mean, are there dates that you go by eg. up til 1950 ? I still want to know what a firkin is. Dois

'Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.' unknown

Antiques 101... a firkin is a keg or container used for measuring liquids or solids like butter. jc

I am not JC, but let me chime in...we sell some 'primatives' (odd word that) at my shop and that crock with a hole would sell fine, not to a crock collector, I suppose...but many folks do want to plant flowers in their crocks and the hole is needed for that. And then when you find the person who wants the crock...show them your grater. It would be fine collecting dust in some 'primitive' kitchen. Some people love the odd thing and don't care if it works at all. After all it was cool enough for you to keep!

Tina - a primative sorta gal

Lois E. Do you sell WallaWalla Onions?

Doris, (a NY onion grower)

'Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.' unknown

They have been growing onions in O.C. N.Y. for 120 + years. We also have a summer festival with a 'queen' elected. Our onions can be stored fresh for upto 8 months. These guys have bite. Something we are very proud of, We have the best onions <g> back at ya!!!!! Doris

'Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.' unknown

Well we aren't fighters or biters.....we are way too sweet for that......and I bet our onion queen is cuter too......so there, neener, neener. Lois E.