Checkerboard

April, 2023

• A New Home for Kovels
• AAAA Convention
• Register to Attend the Convention
• Finland and Miner Cigarettes
• Indoor Ad Show
• Indy Ad Show
• Cleaning & Polishing Signs
• Wanted Items

Terry Kovel shocked the antiques industry with the following headline in her March 28 communiqué: "A New Home for Kovels." She proceeded to announce that Active Interest Media (AIM), publisher of the Antique Trader Magazine and other publications, has acquired the assets of Kovels, Inc.

Antique Trader is a highly respected magazine that appears to be an ideal trustee to carry on the precious Kovels legacy. However, specific plans, including the future of the annual price guide, have not yet been revealed.

In her announcement, Terry reflected on the 70 years the Kovels name has been synonymous with the antiques and collectibles field. Nobody would argue with her assertion that, over those years, the Kovels have served as the voice of the hobby.

Terry has been a generous and consistent friend of AAAA. She served as the featured speaker at the 2014 AAAA Convention and, more recently, at last year's July, 2022 Convention. On both occasions, her heartwarming and informative presentations delighted and captivated our attendees. Kovels, Inc. has also served as an "AAAA Convention Sponsor" for each of the last 10 years.

It appears that Terry, at the age of 94, will be kicking back a bit from her busy activities. Her departure from the field, however, will leave a gaping hole in the industry and she will be sorely missed. Her experience, insights, wit, and practical wisdom are irreplaceable and there may never be another one quite like her.

The 2023 AAAA Convention is in a new location this year which gives attendees an opportunity for some exciting new experiences. The York, Pennsylvania region is literally brimming with historical attractions and antique establishments, giving you one more reason to attend this year's event. The listing below includes places to put on your "to-do" list. By all means, consider adding a couple of days to your convention trip to take in some of these fun places.

We'd like to acknowledge the hard work of John and Peggy Bartley, who scoured the entire region for antique establishments and interesting places for you to visit. Thank you John and Peggy!

Antique Malls, Shops and Markets in the Area

Abbottstown

Antiques at Ivy Hall, 361 West King Street (Route 30), Abbottstown, PA, (717) 259-6074

Adamstown

Along Route 272 (known as “Antiques Capital USA”) there exist numerous Antique Shops, Co-ops and Malls to search out. Many are open during the week but, Renninger's Antiques Market and The Iron Spire (Formerly called Black Angus) are only open on Sundays.

Adams Antiques, 2400 N. Reading Rd., Denver, PA, (717) 335-0001, www.adamsantiques.com

Adamstown Antique Mall, 3140 N. Reading Rd., Adamstown, PA, (717) 484-0464

Heritage Antique Center, 2750 N. Reading Rd., Rt. 272, Reinholds, PA (717) 484-4646, www.heritageantiguecenter.com

Lancaster County Antique Center, 2255 N. Reading Rd., Rt. 272, Denver, PA

(717) 336-2701, lancastercountyantiquecenter.com Contacts: Deb (717) 368-6404, Roger (717) 682-1742

Mad Hatter Antique Mall, 61 Willow Street, Adamstown, PA, (717) 484-4159

Renninger's Antique Market, 2500 N Reading Rd (Rt. 272), Denver, PA, (717) 336-2177, www.renningers.net

The Iron Spire (Black Angus), 2800 N. Reading Rd. (Rt. 272), Adamstown, PA, (717) 484-2757

Time Matters Antique Mall, 2664 N. Reading Rd., Reinholds PA,

(717) 484-1514

Columbia

Burning Bridge Antiques Market, 304 Walnut Street, Columbia PA, (717) 684-7900 

Bootleg Antiques & Oddities, 135 Bridge Street, Columbia, PA (717) 684-0009

Rivertown Antique Center, 125 Bank Ave., Columbia, PA (717) 684-8514

New Oxford

New Oxford Antique Center, 333 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA, (71 7) 624-7787, newoxfordantiquecenter.com, Contact: Keith - is the new owner

Zelma's Emporium, 11 N. Water Street, New Oxford, PA, (717) 624-3800 zelmasemporium.com

D & L Treasures, 411 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, PA, (717) 624-3231

Paradise

Paradise Antiques Market, 3044 Lincoln Hwy. (Route 30), Paradise, (717) 687-6389

Things to do Near the Wyndham Garden and York

Harley Davidson, 1425 Eden Road, York, PA, (717) 852-6590

Tour the factory and the Harley Davidson Museum. Factory tours are $10.00 per person.

Wilbur Chocolate, 201 W. Lincoln Ave. Lititz (717) 627-7810

Small Museum tour. Wilbur started making candy in Philadelphia around 1865. Since around 1913, it has been located in Lititz.

Sweet Willows Creamery 2812 E. Prospect Road, York, PA, (717) 718-9219 Contact: Brent Lebovitz (Graduate of Penn State Creamery) Email: [email protected], Tours available Tues. to Friday.

Turkey Hill Experience, 301 Linden Street, Columbia, PA, (717) 684-0134, tours and display

Things to Do in the Broader Geographic Area

The region has numerous attractions to entertain you if you have additional time to spare. A few of the many possibilities are described below. Three of the destinations also have an antique shop and collectors market very close by. All seven places are educational and enjoyable but will take time away from the exciting events of the AAAA convention. May we suggest taking a trip at a later date to fully enjoy these attractions?

Hershey Chocolate Museum (36 miles from hotel)

170 West Hershey Park Dr., Hershey, PA

(717) 534-3439

www.hersheystory.org

If you love chocolate, this is it. Learn more about Milton Hershey and his candy empire. Hershey still markets their delicious ice cream. Tours are available. Cross Roads Antique Market is nearby, (717) 520-1600

Strasburg Railroad (34 miles from hotel)

301 Gap Rd., Strasburg (Ranks), PA

(717) 687-8421

www.strasburgrailroad.com

Take a real steam engine train ride through the Amish countryside. Strasburg Antique Market is nearby,( 717) 687-5624

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (across from Strasburg Railroad)

300 Gap Rd., Rt.741, Strasburg, PA

(717) 687-8628

www.rrmuseumpa.org

View a world class collection of over 100 locomotives and railroad cars all under one roof plus fascinating R.Fl.exhibits.

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (31 miles from hotel)

219 E. Main St., Lititz, PA

(717) 626-4354

Family business, oldest in America began in 1861. Visitors can tour bakery and learn the art of pretzel twisting. This area of South Central PA is considered the "Snack food capital of the world."

Martin's Potato Chips (24 miles from hotel)

5847 Lincoln Highway West, Thomasville, PA

(717) 792-3565

Tours on potato chip making are available. Harry and Fairy Martin started making these delicious "Kettle Cook'd Chips" years ago. The full story is available in a book called "Crunch."

Yuengling Brewery (81miles from hotel)

420 Mahantongo St., Pottsville, PA

(570) 628-4890

America's first brewery was established in 1829. Great tours include the old brewery, viewing the brewing process and tasting. Yuengling also started making ice cream in 1920 with 13 delectable flavors.

Gettysburg Museum and Visitors Center (29.5 miles from hotel)

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA

(717) 339-2106

Fascinating tours throughout Gettysburg. It was here Abraham Lincoln delivered the "Gettysburg Address." Be sure not to miss the Civil War Museum. Antique Center of Gettysburg is nearby. (717) 334-0347. The Horse Soldier antique store is also nearby (717) 767-6481.

The 2023 AAAA Convention will take place at the Wyndham Garden York in York, Pennsylvania from July 19-22, 2023. The convention registration fee is $130 per person, which includes all convention activities, two banquet dinners, one buffet lunch, one ice-cream tasting event, and, for hotel guests, free continental breakfast each morning. To display the convention schedule, click here.

To register for the convention online, click here.

To print a registration form to mail in, click here.

The discounted hotel room rate is $124 per night for a room with one king bed and $134 for a room with two queen beds, plus tax. Parking and Wi-Fi in your room are complementary. You must contact the hotel directly to make room reservations.

To reserve a hotel room, call the hotel at 717-846-9500 (then select “0”). Tell them you are with the “Antique Advertising Convention”.

To reserve a hotel room online, click here.

The deadline for making reservations and registering for the convention is June 7, 2023.

Don't forget that each current AAAA member who registers to attend the Convention will receive a FREE ready-to-frame 11" by 14" art print created by Allan Petretti to commemorate the York Convention. It is just stunning! Click here to see it.

If you have any questions, write to [email protected] or call 317-594-0658.

This article focuses on my very first collaboration with a professional conservator here in England. My aim is to demonstrate the importance of engaging with an expert in order to ensure the preservation of our treasured objects. More about that later, but I would like to start by describing a recent auction win that saw many advanced collectors vie for some very rare brands-- many of which had not been seen before.

Finland cigarettes – A. Silberberg, New York City



I was fortunate to count the lovely pack (Figure 1) among the auction wins. Finland cigarettes were made by A. Silberberg in the 1920s at Factory No. 45, 3^rd District, New York. There was no visible overprint on the ‘no series’ number tax stamp and the paper label itself was mounted on a block of wood. It was sold to me in the condition you see.

Figure 1. Finland cigarettes label mounted on wood block circa 1920s

On receipt of the item, an inspection showed that this was indeed glued tight onto the wood block, but on further examination, I noticed that there appeared to be a second shell beneath the label. I used warm water to try and lift the label and it became obvious that there was indeed another shell underneath as the words "Pure Turkish Tobacco" could be seen penetrating the thin paper of the Finland label. As luck would have it, this was the second time I had purchased a cigarette pack only to discover a different one lurking underneath.

In a further effort to separate the two from each other and from the wood block, I continued to soak in warm water and attempted to mechanically peel the items apart. However, as Figure 2 shows, I was probably doing more damage and I stopped immediately, knowing I needed to seek professional help.

Figure 2. Initial separation of labels from wood block prior to restoration

Codex Conservation

I found Codex Conversation (http://www.codexconservation.com) via an online search of professional conservators in England that worked near me. I had subsequently commissioned them to help restore an early 1900s Chinese poster that had been gifted to me. Ann-Marie Miller is a professionally accredited book and paper conservator who has run Codex Conversation for the last decade. She studied the History of Art at the world renowned Courtauld Institute of Art, London, followed by a post-graduate diploma and masters in Conservation at Camberwell College, London. She also worked for 7 years at the British Library. I had no hesitation in contacting Ann-Marie to ask for her help again and she very kindly agreed to work on the labels for me.

Conservator’s Evaluation

The purpose of conservation in this instance was to remove the wood block from the paper labels and repair any tears and losses caused by their adhesion. The separation of the layers from one another would allow them to be preserved as separate objects. Both items would be kept flat but repaired to support their future storage. Toned Japanese paper would be used to line the delicate Finland label, so that tears and fractures would be supported without the need for further infills.

Treatment Steps

These steps have come directly from Ann-Marie and are described below with accompanying pictures showing each step:

• Step 1 (15 mins) – Surface cleaning. This was required to remove the upper layer of dirt and utilised soft goat hair brushes, chemical sponge, and an eraser.
• Step 2 (85 mins) – Removal of labels from wooden block. Ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol and water were used following spot testing, to reactivate the adhesive and ease the items from the wood support.
• Step 3 (60 mins) – Paper repair to support creases and tears. This was done to help consolidate the areas of lifting and damage using reversible, chemically inert adhesive.
• Step 4 (120 mins) – Mechanical Separation of two labels using light humidification.

Figures 3 to 5 show the objects during the conservation process:

Figure 3. Initial separation of label from wood support

Figure 4. Pack label underneath becoming visible

Figure 5. Alternative view of additional label underneath

Completion of treatment yielding two separate objects

As you can see in Figures 6 and 7 below, Ann-Marie has worked her magic on these unique brands through hours of labour and craftsmanship. Both labels have been painstakingly separated, restored and strengthened and are now carefully stored flat in acid free archival folders.

Figure 6. Front view of both pack labels following restoration

Figure 7. Reverse view of restored pack shells

Summary

Conservation of archival materials is an art form used throughout the world in museums, libraries and private collections of books and other ephemera. This has not yet translated to the world of cigarette pack collecting. There are factors that can explain this including cost, a limited number of trustworthy and sufficiently experienced conservation experts and the fact that conservation may not be top of mind for collectors of cigarette packs. Whilst conservation is not always needed (nor necessary) for all cigarette packs, it is nevertheless valuable when trying to conserve unique items such as those described in this article. The excellent results are plain to see. I would like to encourage readers to consider seeking advice from a qualified conservation professional for unique pieces in their collection. As a community, we have a vast number of very rare items that have been exposed to the elements, in some cases for well over a hundred years. Continued exposure of these treasured objects to bad handling and other unwanted environmental inputs will result in unacceptable degradation, to the extent that in time some may be lost to us permanently.

Finland and Miner brands – A. Silberberg

Until now in this article, the actual cigarette packs themselves have taken a back seat in favour of the case study on conservation but I wanted to add that these two brands have not been identified until now and, as far as I can tell, are completely new to the collecting community. As to dating the Miner brand, I can only surmise that it dates to approximately the same period as Finland but can’t be sure as we have no information whatsoever to indicate its existence. I would be very grateful to hear from anyone who might have more information on these brands or their maker.

A big thank you again goes to Ann-Marie Miller who not only helped with conservation of the two cigarette packs as described but also assisted with the editing of this article to ensure the accuracy of all the technical details.

The author can be contacted at: [email protected]

The Indoor Antique Advertising Show took place on Saturday, March 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show once again revealed impressive growth and maturation, both in the number of dealers present and the "buzz" generated. Literally every inch of the expansive Champions Pavilion was completely filled with 200 or more sellers.

The show was very well-attended. Buyers marveled and even gushed at the range and quality of items on display. Virtually every genre in the field of vintage advertising was represented. Many could be seen proudly carrying their new acquisitions to their cars.

This show is conducted each year on the third Saturday in March. There is much speculation as to whether a fall show will eventually be added to the line-up.

AAAA is a collaborating partner with the Indoor Antique Advertising Show and encourages all collectors to attend this fine show the next time it is held. Indianapolis is unbelievably fortunate to be the home of not one, but two outstanding national vintage advertising shows. Both are "must-attend" events for any collector of antique advertising.

Presented below are a few photos of the show, taken prior to the arrival of the deluge of shoppers that rushed in to make their purchases.

The exciting spring installment of the "Indy Ad Show" will take place on Friday, May 5th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST and Saturday, May 6, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST. As announced in a recent issue of the Checkerboard, the show was recently purchased by Morphy Auctions, a name that is familiar to anybody who collects vintage advertising.

The show has passed from one owner to another several times in recent years. While the immediate previous owners, Route 32 Auctions, will continue to manage the show for one transitional year, collectors are full of anticipation to see what the respected Morphy brand will do with it.

The Indy Ad Show takes place in Lebanon, Indiana at the Boone County Fairgrounds, just a short drive northwest of Indianapolis. It is a venerable staple of the hobby, having been in existence for decades. The show features high quality antique and vintage advertising in pretty much all collecting categories. Admission costs $10, good for both days of the event.

AAAA is a collaborating partner with the Indy Ad Show and encourages all collectors to attend this fine event. Indianapolis is unbelievably fortunate to be the home of not one, but two outstanding national vintage advertising shows. Both are "must-attend" events for any collector of antique advertising.

Some photos from the September, 2022 show appear below.

In the February Checkerboard issue, we posed the following question to our readers: What do you use to clean and polish signs? We promised to print the responses that were provided. They are as follows:

Notice: AAAA will not accept any responsibility for damage or adverse outcomes associated with the information provided by our members in this article. You are cautioned to use any ideas offered here at your own risk! 

Response #1: Preserving and restoring early tin signs is fraught with difficulties. About 45 years ago there was a chemical on the market that worked miracles on early tin signs.  It would remove all rust and tarnish. But the really miraculous thing was that it caused the paint to grip and prevent further flaking. I've gotten signs that were flaking so badly you couldn't stand them up upright. After the chemical process, the paint left was totally glued to the metal and totally stable. This chemical was discontinued a long time ago and the company who made it is out of business. I paid a lot of money for a life-time supply but I'm afraid to look to see how much I have left.

Also paints I use to restore early tin signs, which are as close as I could get to the original paint, have also been discontinued. But again I bought what I hope is a life-time supply. 

So after I process an early tin sign, I proceed to fill in missing paint with my supply of paints. Then I do the lithography with inks, which you can still get. When that is done, I apply a couple of coats of a special wax I invented (which is proprietary). This wax seals in the inks used for the lithography. Then when all that is done, I put a final coat of butcher's wax on the surface. You can still buy butcher's wax.

If a collector wants to avoid the expense of the processes I've outlined here, there are a few things you can do. To prevent further rusting and tarnishing, apply a coat of boiled linseed oil (make sure it's boiled, not raw). Let that sit for a half hour. Then wipe clean with a paper towel.  Linseed oil is a reducer, which means chemically that it is the opposite of an oxidizer. It fights rust. The linseed oil will penetrate the rust and prevent it from getting any worse. After that, you can apply a coat of butcher's wax (also called bowling alley wax) to seal in the surface and prevent further deterioration.  When using butcher's wax, apply a first coat and let it dry for about 20 minutes and wipe and polish. Then apply a second coat, but this time, polish with a rough cloth right away.  

People often put a coat of clear acrylic on a flaking sign,  I don't advise this because you can't really restore missing paint over the acrylics. I do have a chemical that can remove acrylics, although it is difficult to use.

It's a shame that early tin signs are so fragile. Except for the ones I process, it is my opinion that many of them won't be around a few hundred years from now. I've been experimenting for 45 years now on the preservation and restoration of early tin signs and I think my methods are as good as anyone can get. At least the signs I process seem to be very stable. 

Don Lurito (Name printed at the request of the author)

[email protected]

Response #2: I have used Bar Keepers Friend for a number of items. I first came across it in the 1980s when some beer can collectors were using it to clean surface rust from cans. Used carefully, it did not dull the label. I have used it on enamel fence signs to remove rust. It contains oxalic acid that attacks the rust. Some of my tool collecting friends use it (or pure oxalic acid in water) to remove the rust on old tools. The company’s website gives a number of suggestions and, the things not to use it on. Comet and Ajax contain bleach and more abrasive particles and can ruin surfaces. Think of worn out bathtubs where the glaze has been “scrubbed away".

Here are some sign problems it can help with:

• Rust
• Mineral deposits
• Lime
• Calcium scale
• Tarnish
• Oxidation

Response #3: A method for renewing and polishing porcelain signs was passed along to me years ago by a veteran collector. I have successfully used it to dramatically improve the appearance of numerous porcelain signs.

It involves the use of WD-40. A superficial wipe only lasts a short while but this method lasts indefinitely.

1. Place the sign on a flat surface.
2. Saturate the entire sign with WD-40. Don't be stingy. Make sure there is a thick layer of WD-40 on the surface.
3. Leave the sign for one day and then re-saturate it with another spraying.
4. Leave the sign for several more days and, each day, re-spray any areas that have dried out.
5. With each of these steps, the WD-40 will go from just covering the surface to really getting absorbed deep into the porcelain.
6. When you feel it is ready, lightly wipe off the excess WD-40 on the surface. Do not buff it. You should see vibrant luster and restored colors.
7. I have signs that have retained a renewed appearance without any further treatment for over 10 years.
8. I have only used this method on porcelain signs.