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Debbie and I both love antiques and collectibles.  Our house is full of them.  The reasons are pretty simple; quality and craftsmanship that can't be obtained in today's stamped out, mass produced environment.  Some of it isn't antique yet, but it's on its way.  Almost all of it is at least old enough to vote, some could draw SSI, and still more is best measured in generations.  Some of it has a personal history in that it was obtained from, and has been in the family for many, many years.  Some of it was puchased at a couple of our local antiques auction houses.  If you're ever in the Orange Park, FL area, check out our great, local Auctions Unlimited. 

We have antiques that were borne and bought out of common interest, mainly furniture.  We have several antique china closets, a sofa, bedroom suites, and other stuff.  And, we both have our "personal collections."  If you want a little more info on antiques of a certain period or region, check out the links to the left.

Debbie has an interest in porcelain, primarily tea cups and saucers.  She has several pieces from Germany (from before WWII when there was only one), several from R.S. Prussia (before there was even one big Germany), some Noratake from occupied Japan, and lots of English porcelain.  And, a good portion of her collection was passed down from my Dad.  He bought them originally for his mom (my Grandmother) in Dresden when he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.

I, on the other hand, have the "legitimate" interest in antique trinkets.  Old woodworking tools and fishing lures is where it's at, baby!  My Grandfather on Mom's side was a master carpenter, and I had an opportunity to get some of his old hand tools from him.  He had a shed full of tools that he had collected from the time was a young man in the early 1920s.  Unfortunately, I never had an interest at the time.  On the other hand, my Grandfather on Dad's side gave me my very first fishing lure.  It was an old Heddon Lucky 13, and I still have it.  It's in my collection.

My real hope is that one day, at least one of my kids will appreciate the old world quality and take in interest in preserving its heritage, some of which is their own.

One quick note; a lot of European antique styles are associated with their country of origin and the royal reigning the country at the time they were produced.  If you're interested in the styles, check the links at the upper left.  If, on the other hand, it's the royals themselves that you're more interested in, Wikpedia has several pages of the European kingdoms and monarchies of England, Scotland, Britain, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and France among others.  Try these or one of the others listed in they bottom of the menu to get you started.  If you think you have problems, check out some of those folks...  Byt the way, the French monarchs are listed last because, by God, they should be!