In 2006, Western Union sent its last telegram. A 150-year-old method for sending congratulations, announcements or greetings; it was the IM precursor in fast communication with the benefit of a hard-copy record for future generations to appreciate. Wishing you had known to use it before it was gone? Looking to add a touch of old-world style to your special occasion? Just want a fun, unique look for your correspondence? These letterpress telegram blanks are the answer. Handset with lead type from the early 20th century, my cards are printed on Crane’s Lettra “Pearl White” paper, using a foot-powered 1889 press. Each card measures 4.25 inches x 5.5 inches and comes with a matching envelope, in a set of 10. $16.00 per set.

Recently, I have been looking at getting some business cards printed and was intrigued by letterpress options.  While searching for low-cost letterpress printers, I came across the Lucky Duck Press on Etsy.com – who does business cards – and these cool note cards.  Don’t they look perfect for little random notes or for any number of other uses?

"Hunting Macleod" Harris Tweed

The quintessential British country squire wears tweed and the classic image of a stuffy old professor generally includes a tweed coat, but tweed is, in my opinion, cool!  Originally woven by small crofters for their personal use, tweed is one of the original working man’s fabrics.  In the early 19th century, the surplus of these crofters made its way into the London shops with ‘tweel’ (the pattern in which it is woven) being misread as tweed (a famous Scottish river).  Under this name, it was advertised and after the death of the 6th Earl of Dunmore in 1843, his widow commissioned a pair of sisters, known as the Paisley Sisters, to weave fabric in the family tartan.  This fabric was then made into uniforms for the staff of the Dunmore estate.  Being hardwearing, water-resistant, and warm, it was ideal for the gamewardens and the Countess quickly realized that it was ideal for a range of other outdoor pursuits.  By the late 1840s, with the Countess’s constant promotion, Harris Tweed was the fabric of choice for the landed gentry and the aristocracy. Read more »

While she is best known for the Migrant Mother, many of her other works are visually more interesting and tell much better stories …

Oregon, August 1939. "Unemployed lumber worker goes with his wife to the bean harvest. Note Social Security number tattooed on his arm." (And now a bit of Shorpy scholarship/detective work. A public records search shows that 535-07-5248 belonged to one Thomas Cave, born July 1912, died in 1980 in Portland. Which would make him 27 years old when this picture was taken.)

Or, something closer to home (aka, North Carolina) …

Fourth of July 1939 near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Rural filling stations become community centers and general loafing grounds. Cedargrove Team members about to play in a baseball game.

For me, both of these images speak volumes. The top image is of two people that, in today’s world, could make a good living with their looks but who are having to live meal-to-meal. The bottom image shows the type of community that is rare to find today, plus I love the vintage baseball uniforms.

Classic Americana!  Worn by America’s Greatest Generation and by some of the greatest icons of the silver screen, Schott Jackets are still handmade in the US of A! As a company, they have been around since 1913 and in 1928, they invented the motorcycle jacket.  Then, at the outbreak of World War Two, they started to supply the military with quality garments!

One of those pieces that they designed was the B-3 Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket.  Designed for the crews of WW2 bombers, today, it is still (possibly) the ultimate in winter/cold-weather gear.  While the Perfecto motorcycle jacket may have the cool factor, I prefer the B-3 for its utilitarian style and pedigree.

The BBC has a great new program that I have been watching on iPlayer called Around the World in 80 Days.  It is part of their charity appeal for Children in Need and is a very interesting program.  Based on Phineas Fogs fictional adventure, this program has six pairs of celebrities racing around the world for charity (there is only one rule: No Flying).  While you may say, “what another travel program” or “another reality TV show”, it is not that simple.  This is real travel!  They miss trains, get turned away at borders, have car trouble, and everything else that happens when you travel.  But, that is not why I am writing this post … it is because in the last episode (which I have not actually watched but needed to post about this before the auction ends), John Barrowman (of Captain Jack fame) gets a pair of custom cowboy boots from Rocketbuster boots.

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What could be more traditional than a handmade baseball or football?

These balls, while being artisanal products, are made for play, according the maker.  I would love to have a couple of these balls in my bag for when I want to play catch or have a special game of toss.  Of the balls that are currently on for sale, I like the blue & white baseball but for some reason, this football makes me sick!  But, except for that one football of the wrong color^, the rest are amazing creations!

The baseballs are particularly interesting because they are based on one of the earliest types of balls used to play baseball, the “lemon peel ball” – many of which were originally a dark color … sometimes even red, like a cricket ball.  Read more »

My ideal chair … the Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge is the chair that I have wanted for years for my future library!  I like the cowhide versions (like pictured) but it is also available in plain leather.  So, one day …

Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge

From Furniture Store Blog:

The Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge is one of the most popular and unique chaises available today. It was designed with the idea of “serving” our limbs by providing comfort to the body. Simple shapes contrast with the aesthetic qualities of chromed steel tubing and soft leathers or hides. “The human-limb object is a docile servant. A good servant is discreet and self-effacing in order to leave his master free”. – Le Corbusier

Jaxon Deadman Top Hat

Made famous by Johnny Depp in Dead Man, this is one cool topper!

Of all the top hats that I have seen, I think that this type would suit me the best.  Not too high of a crown and with the slight flair on it, I think that it would look good on me.  Personally, I don’t like the feather on the side, but I imagine that it would be removed or replaced with one of a different color.

It would be perfect if the band could be replaced with one of a different color … not sure what color, but a cream one would make it look quite spectacular.  Or maybe the whole hat in brown.

Ah, too many hats, too little time!

Waterman Exception Platinum Stripe Night & Day

At the end of my MSc, I purchased my first fountain pen, a Waterman Harmonie.  Now that I have finished writing my DPhil, I have started to think about my next pen purchase … and there are a lot of pens out there that I would love to own but many of them are not ones that I think I would use everyday, which is one of my main criteria.

After doing some research and visiting Pens Plus, I think that I may have found the pen that I am looking for … a Waterman Exception.  I tried one with a fine nib and it was probably the best writing pen that I have ever held!  I would say that I have to agree with Glenn, because the nib flew across the paper and despite being oversized and square, it felt good in my hand.  Besides the nib and the way it felt, it is a good looking pen … not your normal round pen, the squared body raises it above most other fancy pens (aka, most Montblancs).

I have done some price comparison and the pens are cheaper in the USA … so, it looks like I will wait till I get back before I purchase … and who knows, I may find a pen that I like better!

Waterman Exception Striped Enamel

Lot No: 229 | Capone's 1930 Armored Cadillac Imperial Sedan

In Bonhams Quail Lodge Automotive sale in August, an honest piece of history is being put up for auction – Al Capone’s and “The Outfit”’s (aka the Chicago Mob) 1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Armored Imperial Sedan.  According to Bonhams, Lot 229 with an estimate of $250,000 – 300,000 is “something truly special” …

Its modifications mark it as something truly special. Based on a seven-passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood its doors are reinforced with ¼” steel armor. All the glass is 5-ply laminated. The side windows have round ports cut in them, and they’re not for ventilation. A police band radio nestles under the dashboard conveniently above the front seat passenger’s feet. It might be a good guy’s car, except that the good guys in the Thirties couldn’t afford such luxury, performance and protection. Neither did they have much fear of assault by heavy weapons. It was the bad guys who needed this level of protection, but even at that few sought such an ostentatious and easily spotted mobile fortress. One who demanded this level of luxury, who needed this level of protection, who could afford it and who was not concerned with notoriety, being the most infamous man in Chicago if not in the world, was Al Capone, head of the legendary gang known as “The Outfit”.

And, this car has some additional history … Read more »